cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suicide gene approach using a dual-expression lentiviral vector to enhance the safety of ex vivo gene therapy for bone repair.

‘Ex vivo’ gene therapy using viral vectors to overexpress BMP-2 is shown to heal critical-sized bone defects in experimental animals. To increase its safety, we constructed a dual-expression lentiviral vector to overexpress BMP-2 or luciferase and an HSV1-tk analog, Δtk (LV-Δtk-T2A-BMP-2/Luc). We hypothesized that administering ganciclovir (GCV) will eliminate the transduced cells at the site of implantation. The vector-induced expression of BMP-2 and luciferase in a mouse stromal cell line (W-20-17 cells) and mouse bone marrow cells (MBMCs) was reduced by 50% compared with the single-gene vector. W-20-17 cells were more sensitive to GCV compared with MBMCs (90–95% cell death at 12 days with GCV at 1 μg ml−1 in MBMCs vs 90–95% cell death at 5 days by 0.1 μg ml−1 of GCV in W-20-17 cells). Implantation of LV-Δtk-T2A-BMP-2 transduced MBMCs healed a 2 mm femoral defect at 4 weeks. Early GCV treatment (days 0–14) postoperatively blocked bone formation confirming a biologic response. Delayed GCV treatment starting at day 14 for 2 or 4 weeks reduced the luciferase signal from LV-Δtk-T2A-Luc-transduced MBMCs, but the signal was not completely eliminated. These data suggest that this suicide gene strategy has potential for clinical use in the future, but will need to be optimized for increased efficiency.
TERAHERTZ PHONON-POLARITON IMAGING FOR THE APPLICATION OF CHEMICAL DETECTION

A combination of Terahertz (THz) polariton spectroscopy and polariton imaging technique for the application to chemical sensing is presented. We use phonon-polaritons, a coupled oscillation of the lattice vibration and radiation field, as an intense radiation source for THz spectroscopy. The propagation process of the polaritons generated in one of the two LiNbO3 transducer crystals through the sample sandwiched between the crystals is visualized using a polariton imaging technique. Partially reflected polaritons at the transducer-sample interface and polaritons partially transmitted through the sample are visualized simultaneously in a single frame of an image. The temporal profile of reflected and transmitted phonon-polaritons can be obtained without scanning the delay time between the pump and probe femtosecond laser pulses unlike THz time-domain spectroscopy which requires point-by-point acquisition of the temporal pulse profile using conventional pump-probe scheme. The results suggest possible application of this technique to the chemical sensing with fast acquisition rate. The technique has been successfully applied to the measurement of liquid and solid samples, and simultaneous measurement of multiple samples has also been achieved.
Relative vulnerabilities of natural rotifer and ciliate communities to cladocerans: laboratory and field experiments

SUMMARY. 1. Two experiments with plankton communities from Storrs Pond (NH), one conducted in the laboratory and one in field enclosures, assessed the impact of different cladocerans on rotifers and ciliated protozoa. 2. The smallest cladoceran, Bosmina longirostris, did not depress rotifer or ciliate growth rates while the intermediate sized dadoceran, Daphnia galeata mendotae, reduced ciliate growth rates in the enclosure experiment but had only a marginal effect in the jar experiment. D. galeata mendotae had no effect on any of the rotifers in either experiment. 3. In both experiments the largest cladoceran, Daphniapulex, depressed the growth rates of ciliates and those rotifers known to be vulnerable to interference competition. Polyarthra vulgaris, previously shown to be resistant to cladoceran interference, was the only rotifer unaffected by D. pulex in the field experiment but was depressed by the much higher densities of this cladoceran in the laboratory experiment. 4. Cladocerans did not affect phytoplankton or bacterioplankton abundance in either experiment. Therefore the mechanism most likely to be responsible for the suppressive effect of cladocerans on rotifers and ciliates in these experiments is direct mechanical interference or predation, rather than exploitative competition.
Thermal management of packages with 3D die stacking

The objective of thermal design requirement for 3D stacked die package is to maintain the junction temperatures of active devices in the package at or below specified limits. In this paper, die-to-die thermal resistance is identified as the key bottleneck in 3D thermal management, and two solution paths are proposed: fully-populated thermal bump array and thermally conductive underfill materials. The sensitivity of the thermal bump array design and the effective thermal conductivity of underfill materials will be discussed.
EFFECT OF PRESSURE ON THE TRANSITION TEMPERATURE OF Pb.

Abstract The pressure dependent transition temperatures of Pb have been calculated using the empirical values of phonon spectrum and the Coulomb pseudopotential.
The amino acid residues 1–128 in the α subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor contain assembly signals

Abstract Expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) involves complex processes including assembly of different receptor subunits into hetero-oligomers. To identify the minimal N-terminal region involved in AChR subunit association, we used a dominant negative assay. Co-expression of fragments of the α subunit, containing the N-terminal extracellular domain and transmembrane domain 1 (TM 1), with the parental AChR subunits in Xenopus oocytes blocked functional expression of the receptor. In contrast, co-expression of N-terminal extracellular fragments without TM1 failed to inhibit functional expression of AChRs, but altered the functional properties of co-expressed parental AChRs. Furthermore, when these α subunit fragments were co-expressed with the β, γ, and δ subunits, they were co-immunoprecipitated with a mixture of β, γ, and δ subunit specific antibodies. These results suggest that ‘assembly signals’ are confined to a local structure in the N-terminal extracellular domain. Our findings also indicate that an assembly step may be a target for genetic intervention not only to block the expression of functional receptors, but also to alter the function of the receptor.
Game Dynamic Model for Yeast Development

Game theoretic models, along with replicator equations, have been applied successfully to the study of evolution of populations of competing species, including the growth of a population, the reaching of the population to an equilibrium state, and the evolutionary stability of the state. In this paper, we analyze a game model proposed by Gore et al. (Nature 456:253–256, 2009) in their recent study on the co-development of two mixed yeast strains. We examine the mathematical properties of this model with varying experimental parameters. We simulate the growths of the yeast strains and compare them with the experimental results. We also compute and analyze the equilibrium state of the system and prove that it is asymptotically and evolutionarily stable.
Reversible Fanconi syndrome associated with valproate therapy

Two children with developmental delay and seizure disorders had Fanconi syndrome associated with valproate therapy. Both recovered normal proximal tubular function within 4 months of discontinuing valproate therapy.
A role for negative reinforcement of response omission in punishment

This experiment attempted to disentangle response-rate reductions controlled by the direct suppressive effects of a punisher from those due to negative reinforcement of response omission. Key-peck responding of pigeons was maintained by a conjoint variable-interval 3-min schedule of food presentation variable-interval 30-s schedule of response-dependent electric shock presentation. Omission of responses for 5, 10, or 30 s resulted in the possibility of canceling a scheduled shock. Response rates were a function of required pause duration, with lower rates occurring when longer periods of response omission were required for shock cancellation. These results show that, with several parameters of punishment held constant, response rates were controlled by the negative reinforcement contingency. Such a finding argues for renewed consideration of the role of negative reinforcement in punishment contingencies.
Unlearning Aristotelian physics: a study of knowledge-based learning

A study of a group of elementary school students learning to control a computer-implemented Newtonian object reveals a surprisingly uniform and detailed collection of strategies, at the core of which is a robust “Aristotelian” expectation that things should move in the direction they are last pushed. A protocol of an undergraduate dealing with the same situation shows a large overlap with the set of strategies used by the elementary school children and thus a marked lack of influence of classroom physics training on this student's naive physics. The data from these two studies are pooled and elaborated into a “genetic task analysis” of how one might come to understand Newtonian dynamics as a more or less natural evolution from the naive state.
Mechanical property changes of amorphous alumina induced by ion implantation

Abstract The effect of ion implantation on mechanical properties of amorphous alumina has been examined. A 1 μm thick film was deposited on an unheated cemented carbide substrate by pulsed DC sputtering and 0.90 MeV Si and 0.65 MeV C ions at a dose of 3 × 10 16 ions/cm 2 were implanted. Changes of surface morphology and mechanical properties were measured using a surface profile meter and ultra-micro indentation (with three maximum loads of 1, 3 and 5 mN), respectively. A surface depression of 5–8 nm or densification of the film was observed after implantation. The hardness for 1 mN indentation (the top surface layer) increased with about 13% for C and Si + C implantation. An increase of the elastic modulus by ion implantation was very clear and Si and Si + C implantation led to an increase up to 14%. The increase of elastic modulus can be explained by a decrease of porosity of the film.
EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE AND CONTRACEPTION

The concept of evidence-based medicine involves formalizing the scientific approach to the practice of medicine to identify the evidence supporting clinical decisions. To understand the concept, clinicians must have knowledge of critical appraisal and the basic epidemiologic principles of study design, relative risk, odds ratios, point estimates, confidence intervals, bias, and confounding. Using this information, clinicians can categorize evidence, assess causality, and make evidence-based recommendations. Evidence-based medicine allows clinicians to analyze complicated material so that the best possible clinical decisions can be made for the population served.
Turning off signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT): The negative regulation of STAT signaling

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are a group of transcription factors that transmit signals from the extracellular milieu of cells to the nucleus. They are crucial for the signaling of many cytokines that are mediators of allergic inflammation. Considerable information is known about the activation of STATs and their role in gene transcription; comparably much less is known about how STAT signaling is regulated. Because STATs are critical for the induction of many genes crucial for the allergic cascade and immune host defense, understanding the regulation of these molecules will provide novel insights into allergic and immunodeficiency disorders and will likely identify new targets for therapeutic interventions. This review will summarize the current understanding of the regulation of STAT signaling, emphasizing recent observations.
A retrograde gradient for disruption of a conditioned aversion to drinking cold water by ECS administered during the CS-US interval

Rats were used to examine the effects, upon a conditioned aversion to cold drinking water, of electroconvulsive shock (ECS) delivered during the delay between cue and unconditioned stimulus. An injection of LiCl (US) 30 min after ingestion of novel cold water (CS) produced a reliable aversion to the cold water. ECS given immediately following the ingestion of cold water substantially attenuated this aversion. An orderly decrease in the attenuation of the aversion was observed when ECS was delayed 5, 10 or 20 min after offset of the cold water cue. The results indicate that ingestive cue aversions can be formed without electrochemical neural-transmission-based representation of the cue being maintained during the CS-US interval. The differential effectiveness of ECS suggests that this agent retroactively interferes with processing of the ingestive cue.
Operating system development with ATS: work in progress: (abstract only)

Typical operating system design is marked by trade-offs between speed and reliability, features and security. Most systems are written in a low-level untyped programming language to achieve optimal hardware usage and for other practical reasons. But, this often results in CPU, memory, and I/O protection flaws due to mistakes in unverified code. On the other hand, fully verified systems are exceedingly hard to construct on any industrial scale. A high-level programming language, with an expressive type system suitable for systems programming, can help alleviate many of these problems without requiring the enormous effort of full verification.
Strangeness Enhancement in the Parton Model

Strangeness enhancement in heavy-ion collisions is studied at the parton level by examining the partition of the new sea quarks generated by gluon conversion into the strange and non-strange sectors. The CTEQ parton distribution functions are used as a baseline for the quiescent sea before gluon conversion. By quark counting simple constraints are placed on the hadron yields in different channels. The experimental values of particle ratios are fitted to determine the strangeness enhancement factor. A quantitative measure of Pauli blocking is determined. Energy dependence between CERN-SPS and relativistic heavy-ion collider energies is well described. No thermal equilibrium or statistical model is assumed.
Type of dominance modification in schizophrenia

New family data on schizophrenia, gathered in Iceland, are evaluated in terms of different forms of modified dominant inheritance. In this material the risk of psychosis appears to be proportional to the likelihood of receiving a postulated major gene. Comparative rates in different groups can be adequately expressed by the formula 1.0 + 6.0(1/2)n where n represents the number of genetic steps from an affected relative. While older data on monozygotic cotwins and on children of two psychotic parents do not seem to fit this formulation, satisfactory explanations exist, so that the overall pattern of transmission appears to be consistent with dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance. In contradistinction to this conclusion, the family data reported by other authors actually agree better with a previously proposed two locus genetic hypothesis, but in view of the improved methodology employed in the Icelandic study, the new data are felt to have greater validity.
Polynomial interpolation and Marcinkiewicz-Zygmund inequalities on the unit circle

Abstract The objective of this paper is to derive an intimate relationship among three important mathematical tools, namely: polynomial interpolation, Marcinkiewicz-Zygmund inequalities, and A p -weights. In particular, it is shown that minimum separation of sample points on the unit circle together with certain uniform A p -weights generated by these sample points constitute a necessary and sufficient condition for the validity of the Marcinkiewicz-Zygmund inequality evaluated at these points, which in turn, is equivalent to the Jackson-type estimate, using the Popov-Andreev module of continuity, of polynomial interpolation, again at these sample points.
A study of depressive characteristics in behaviorally disordered children and adolescents

This study was conducted to determine whether depressive symptoms exist among behaviorally disordered (BD) pupils. Results indicate that the BD group exhibited symptoms of depression, as judged by themselves, teachers, and parents. Depressive symptoms increased with age, and those BD students in the self-contained special education program were significantly more depressed than those BD students who had been mainstreamed. Implications for assessment, intervention, and social work practice are drawn.
Autoxidation of polyunsaturated triacylglycerols. III. Synthetic triacylglycerols containing linoleate and linolenate

Four triacylglycerols containing linoleate (L) and linolenate (Ln) in specific positions were synthesized to determine the effect of fatty acid position on their relative rates and products of autoxidation. Analyses by reversedphase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that autoxidation of L- and Ln-containing triacylglycerols form monohydroperoxides and hydroperoxy epidioxides as the main products. The peroxyl radicals of internal 12- and 13-mono-hydroperoxides of Ln triacylglycerol components cyclized rapidly and their relative triacylglycerol position had no influence on their rates of cyclization. A good linear relation was obtained between total HPLC peak areas (detected at 235 nm) of the main oxidation products and peroxide values. Reversed phase HPLC analyses thus provide a useful method to estimate oxidation of polyunsaturated triacylglycerols. The ratios of Ln to L mono-hydroperoxides were twice the ratios of Ln to L in the triacylglycerol substrates. Ln triacylglycerol components, therefore, oxidized twice as much as the L components. At 40°C, LnLnL oxidized slightly faster than LnLLn with respective induction periods of 45 and 47 hr. LLnL oxidized faster than LLLn with respective induction periods of 56 and 60 hr. Dilinolenoyl-linoleoylglycerols are, therefore, slightly less stable to oxidation when Ln is in the 1,2- than the 1,3-triacylglycerol position. Dilinoleoyl-linolenoylglycerols are less stable when L is in the 1,3- than the 1,2-triacylglycerol position.
Multistage Multiattribute Acceptance Sampling in Serial Production Systems

Abstract A multistage Bayesian acceptance sampling model for a serial production process, which incorporates multiple-type defects that may occur in each stage of the process is proposed. A subproblem heuristic to solve for near optimal multistage multiattribute acceptance sampling plans is also developed. The performance and sampling characteristics of the multistage model and the solution heuristic are illustrated and compared to a set of independent single stage plans and a final stage composite plan, showing considerable differences.
MELATONIN : A PEROXYL RADICAL SCAVENGER MORE EFFECTIVE THAN VITAMIN E

Abstract We have compared the peroxyl radical scavenger ability of melatonin with that of vitamin E, vitamin C and reduced glutathione (GSH). In the assay system, β-phycoerythrin (β-PE) was used as fluorescent indicator protein, 2-2′-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride as a peroxyl radical generator and the water soluble vitamin E analogue, Trolox, as reference standard. Results are expressed as oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORACperox) units, where 1 ORAC unit equals the net protection produced by 1 μM Trolox. A linear correlation of ORAC values with concentration (0.5–4 μM) of all the substances tested has been observed. However, on molar basis, the relative ORACperox of Trolox, vitamin C, GSH and melatonin was 1 : 1.12 : 0.68 : 2.04, respectively. Thus, melatonin, which is a lipid-soluble compound, was twice more active than vitamin E, believed to be the most effective lipophilic antioxidant.
Invasive pancreatic cancer presenting as gastrointestinal hemorrhage—a case report

Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage is not uncommonly seen by the surgical practitioner. We present a case of a patient who presented with melena and syncope, who was subsequently found to have invasive metastatic pancreatic cancer as his source of bleed.
Congenital Muscular Torticollis

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) refers to unilateral contracture of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle that restricts the infant9s range of motion at the neck, with the head tilted toward the shortened SCM and the chin rotated to point away from the affected side. Although a mass often is palpable in the inferior part of the affected SCM, in many cases this is not appreciated in the immediate newborn period; the condition may be recognized only as the infant develops better head control over the first few weeks of life, making the head tilt more obvious. Potential complications of CMT include facial asymmetry and plagiocephaly from the uneven tension produced by the contracted SCM as well as cervical scoliosis, with a compensatory thoracic scoliosis.
Using the experience sampling method to evaluate ubicomp applications

Ubiquitous computing's overarching goal is for technology to disappear into the background yet remain useful to users. A technique from the field of psychology - the experience sampling method - could help researchers improve ubiquitous computing's evaluation process.
STAGES AND SPATIAL SCALES OF RECRUITMENT LIMITATION IN SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN FORESTS

Recruitment limitation of tree population dynamics is poorly understood, because fecundity and dispersal are difficult to characterize in closed stands. We present an approach that estimates seed production and dispersal under closed canopies and four limitations on recruitment: tree density and location, fecundity, seed dispersal, and estab- lishment. Consistent estimates are obtained for 14 canopy species using 5 yr of census data from 100 seed traps and several thousand mapped trees and seedlings from five southern Appalachian forest stands that span gradients in elevation and moisture. Fecundity (seed production per square centimeter of basal area) ranged over four orders of magnitude, from 10 0 cm 2 basal area/yr (Carya, Cornus, Nyssa, Quercus )t o.10 3 cm 2 /yr (Betula). Mean dispersal distance ranged from , 5m( Cornus, Nyssa )t o.20 m (Acer, Betula, Liriodendron, Tsuga) and was positively correlated with fecundity. Species also differ in the degree of seed clumping at fine (1 m 2 ) spatial scales. Dispersal patterns can be classed in two groups based on dispersal vector: wind-dispersed taxa with high fecundities, long-distance dis- persal, and low clumping vs. animal-dispersal taxa with low fecundities, short-distance dispersal, and a high degree of clumping. ''Colonization'' limitations caused by sizes and locations of parent trees, fecundity, and dispersal were quantified as the fraction of sites receiving seed relative to that expected under null models that assume dispersal is nonlocal (i.e., long-distance) and not clumped (i.e., Poisson). Difference among species in coloni- zation levels ranged from those capable of saturating the forest floor with seed in most stands (Acer, Betula, Liriodendron) to ones that leave much of the forest floor without seed, despite presence of adults (Carya, Cornus, Nyssa, Oxydendrum ). Seedling establish- ment is one of the strongest filters on recruitment in our study area. Taken together, our results indicate (1) that fecundity and dispersal can be resolved, even under a closed canopy, and (2) that recruitment of many species is limited by the density and location of source, dispersal patterns, or both.
Effect of dobutamine on systemic capacity in the dog.

Dobutamine, a recently synthesized catecholamine, was developed as an agent which would produce increased inotropy in low cardiac output states without major changes in heart rate, cardiac rhythm, or peripheral vascular resistance. However, the effect of dobutamine on the capacitance vasculature is unknown. Since alterations of systemic vascular capacity influence venous return and hence cardiac output, we performed the present study. The muscular capsules of the canine spleen make them representative of the capacitance vasculature. We weighed exteriorized canine spleens continuously in 26 anesthetized dogs. Dobutamine infused for 15 minutes at 4 and 16 /ig/kg per min was associated with decreases in splenic weight of 15 ± 2% (SEM) (P < 0.0005) and 33 ± 2% (P < 0.0001) from controls of 249 ± 27 g and 313 ± 42 g. Dobutamine-induced splenic contraction was abolished by phenoxybenzamine but not by propranolol. Injections of dobutamine into the splenic artery produced significant decreases in splenic weight without any change in systemic hemodynamics. In six additional dogs with ganglionic blockade and supported by total cardiopulmonary bypass, decreases or increases in vascular volume were recorded as changes in oxygenator volume. Dobutamine infusion at 30 pg/kg per min for 10 to 24 minutes in these dogs was associated with decreases in vascular volume of 259 ± 28 ml (P < 0.0001). Selective blockade revealed the dobutamine effect to be mediated by a-adrenergic receptor stimulation alone. Thus, in the intact animal, the administration of dobutamine should increase venous return and hence cardiac output through an a-adrenergic-mediated decrease in systemic vascular capacity. Circ Res 46:133-138, 1980
The Differential Diagnosis of Eosinophilia in Neoplastic Hematopathology.

Eosinophilia in the peripheral blood is classified as primary (clonal) hematologic neoplasms or secondary (nonclonal) disorders, associated with hematologic or nonhematologic disorders. This review focuses on the categories of hematolymphoid neoplasms recognized by the 2008 World Health Organization Classification of Tumours and Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues that are characteristically associated with eosinophilia. We provide a systematic approach to the diagnosis of these neoplastic proliferations via morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular-based methodologies, and provide the clinical settings in which these hematolymphoid neoplasms occur. We discuss recommendations that eosinophilia working groups have published addressing some of the limitations of the current classification scheme.
Mistaken Identity Activating Conservative Political Identities Induces “Conservative” Financial Decisions

Four studies investigated whether activating a social identity can lead group members to choose options that are labeled in words associated with that identity. When political identities were made salient, Republicans (but not Democrats) became more likely to choose the gamble or investment option labeled "conservative." This shift did not occur in a condition in which the same options were unlabeled. Thus, the mechanism underlying the effect appears to be not activated identity-related values prioritizing low risk, but rather activated identity-related language (the group label "conservative"). Indeed, when political identities were salient, Republicans favored options labeled "conservative" regardless of whether the options were low or high risk. Finally, requiring participants to explain the label "conservative" before making their choice did not diminish the effect, which suggests that it does not merely reflect inattention to content or construct accessibility. We discuss the implications of these results for the literatures on identity, priming, choice, politics, and marketing.
Implementation aspects of the bridging scale method and application to intersonic crack propagation

The major purpose of this work is to investigate the performance of the bridging scale method (BSM), a multiscale simulation framework for the dynamic, concurrent coupling of atomistics to continua, in capturing shear-dominant failure. The shear-dominant failure process considered in this work is intersonic crack propagation along a weak plane in an elastic material, similar to the seminal molecular dynamics (MD) simulations by Abraham and Gao (Phys. Rev. Lett. 2000; 84(14):3113–3116). We show that the BSM simulations accurately capture the essential physics of the intersonic crack propagation, including the formation of a daughter crack and the sudden acceleration of the crack to a velocity exceeding the material shear wave speed. It is also demonstrated that the non-reflecting boundary condition can adequately dissipate the strongly localized wave formed by the Mach cone after the crack accelerates beyond the material shear wave speed. Finally, we provide the algorithm for our implementation of the BSM, as well as the code used to determine the damping kernels via a newly adopted technique which is less expensive than previous methods. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental deformation textures of OFE copper and 70:30 brass from wire drawing, compression, and torsion

Inverse pole figures have been made from OFE copper and 70:30 brass samples which were deformed to a von Mises equivalent strain of 1.5 in wiredrawing, compression, and torsion. Measurements were taken from the plane normal to the axis of maximum or minimum principal strain for the cases of tension and compression, respectively. We studied three sections for the specimens deformed in torsion, namely the planes normal to the three cylindrical coordinate axes (Z, R, and π). Our results were consistent with the literature data for both wiredwaring and compression. In wiredrawing we found a duplex fiber texture of [001] and [111] orientations. The amount of the [001] texture was much less for the 70:30 brass. A [011] fiber texture developed in both materials in compression. For the OFE copper, the [011] texture spread toward [113]. In the case of the 70:30 brass there was a spread toward [111]. The inverse pole figures we obtained from the torsion samples had similar trends for both copper and brass. Data from the section taken normal to theR axis showed no distinct preferred orientation. For both materials the Z-section had an increased concentration of [111] poles and a distinct absence of [011] poles. In the case of the copper there was also a slight [001] component. Finally, we found the [011] component in the π-section. This section was also characterized by a lack of [001] or [111] orientations.
Comparison of two ground-based active-optical sensors for in-season estimation of corn (Zea mays, L.) yield

ABSTRACTThirty field experiments were conducted in North Dakota during 2011 and 2012 to compare two ground-based active-optical sensors for their relationship between sensor readings and INSEY (in-season estimate of yield). The experimental design at each site was a randomized complete block with four replications and six nitrogen (N) rate treatments: control, 45, 90, 134, 179, and 224 kg ha−1 applied pre-plant as ammonium nitrate within five days of planting. The two sensors, GreenSeeker® (Trimble, Sunnydale, CA, USA) (GS) and Crop Circle ACS 470® sensor (Holland Scientific, Lincoln, NE, USA) (CC) were used to scan over the top of the corn at V6 and V12 growth stages. The GS INSEY and the CC INSEY were similarly related to corn yield at V6. The CC using the red-edge lens option improved the INSEY relationship to corn yield compared to the GS or the CC using the red lens option at V12.
Use of consomic rats for genomic insights into ventilator-associated lung injury.

Increasing evidence supports the contribution of genetic influences on susceptibility/severity in acute lung injury (ALI), a devastating syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation with subsequent ri...
Weak phylogeographic structure in the endemic western North American fairy shrimp Branchinecta lynchi (Eng, Belk and Erickson 1990)

The vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi) (Eng et al. in J Crustac Biol 10:247–277, 1990) is broadly distributed throughout California’s Central Valley with disjunct populations in southern California and southern Oregon. A survey of genetic variation at the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was conducted from individuals collected throughout the range of the species. Phylogenetic analysis of unique haplotypes could not resolve any significant genetic partitions below the species level. A detailed analysis of samples from two pools indicates that sample sizes underestimate overall variation, but that the general phylogeographic pattern still holds. Evidence was found for a putative long-distance dispersal event between Central Valley sites and the Oregon site. These results indicate that geographically limiting stochastic colonization followed by local diversification may be important in governing current genetic structure for this species. Future and current conservation/restoration efforts should recognize the geographic limitations to population structure for this species and focus on local endemic genetic variation.
Exotic wildland weeds serve as reservoirs for a newly introduced cole crop pest, Bagrada hilaris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

The role of wildland weeds that serve as alternate hosts for insect pests has not been directly examined for the potential to sustain pest populations or facilitate pest outbreaks. The development of weed biological control programmes is also complicated by weed species that are closely related to economically important or native plants, especially rare or special status species. In recent surveys in southern California, USA, we found a newly introduced insect pest of cole crops, Bagrada hilaris Burmeister (Bagrada bug), feeding on Brassicaceae weeds in riparian areas adjacent to agricultural fields where cole crops are routinely grown. Insect populations grew to levels well over action thresholds and caused severe damage to populations of the invasive weed, Lepidium latifolium (perennial pepperweed). The numerical response of B. hilaris on L. latifolium and other Brassicaceae weeds in natural areas may pose a significant challenge to effectively managing pest populations in crops. However, the accidental introduction of this insect provides the opportunity to examine plant–insect interactions with important implications for development of biologically based control methods for weeds.
Hospital-level resource use by the oldest-old for pancreaticoduodenectomy at high-volume hospitals

Introduction Owing to limited data on hospital resources consumed in caring for the oldest-old, we examined the use of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD)-relevant hospital resources in patients of increasing age treated in high-volume hospitals participating in the University HealthSystem Consortium. Methods Perioperative outcomes, resource use, and direct costs were compared across increasing age groups in 12,766 PDs ( n = 8,564; 70–79 years, n = 3,302; ≥80 years, n = 900) performed in 79 high-volume hospitals between 2010 and 2014. Linear regression models with and without covariate adjustments were used to assess the impact of older age. Results The oldest-old experienced fewer readmissions and had equivalent intensive care unit use and mortality rates compared with both younger cohorts. However, those ≥80 years experienced more complications, blood transfusions, greater total parenteral nutrition (TPN) use, longer duration of stay, and higher direct hospital costs compared with those Conclusion Our findings suggest the ability to deliver quality pancreatic surgical care to an aging population without strong associations to increased resource utilization. As the number of octogenarians undergoing PD continues to grow, the impact of this technically complex procedure on other important cancer care metrics, including patient-reported outcomes and quality of life, requires further assessment.
A merged MEMS-CMOS process using silicon wafer bonding

A process for fabricating integrated silicon micromachined sensors is demonstrated. The process uses silicon wafer bonding to create a substrate that can be inserted into an existing IC fabrication line without perturbation of the line. After circuits are completed, micromachining steps are performed to release the silicon membranes and form the sensors. A variety of test structures including MOSFETs, piezoresistive pressure sensors and cantilever beams were successfully fabricated, and all were functional, indicating that the additional micromachining steps and CMOS thermal cycles caused no adverse effects to the devices.
Emerging cohort trends in housing debt and home equity

Abstract Financial and market conditions in the 1990s caused a sharp increase in the housing debt (in constant dollars) of households now approaching or just past normal retirement age. Households now in middle age have also set new records for housing debt and will likely continue to carry high housing debt when they reach old age in 10 or 20 years. In the future, this housing debt burden is likely to lead to financial and housing adjustments that suggest a qualitative change in behavior when these households reach the later stages of their working life. Many will need to work longer to service housing debt. When facing a life‐cycle downturn in annual income, households will be increasingly motivated to tap into their home equity, both by borrowing, for those who stay in their homes, or by downsizing and liquidating some equity, for those who choose to move.
The role of commercial LEOs in Global Grid

The authors describe the various low earth orbiting (LEO) systems, their strengths and DoD applicability. They also describe the concept of Global Grid and show how the future global mobile communications networks will enhance the connectivity and responsiveness of the DOD communications. The concept of a digital connection to anywhere at anytime is perfectly adaptable to the needs of a mobile military force. It is shown how the concepts of LEO satellite constellations are applicable to the global communications issues of today and tomorrow. Indeed, this concept will support the military needs of communications on the move. >
Successful Peritoneal Dialysis in an Infant Weighing Less Than 800 Grams

This paper describes the technical feasibility and successful outcome of peri toneal dialysis in the management of a 710-gram, 25-week-gestation infant.
Mechanisms of cerebellar gait ataxia.

The cerebellum is important for movement control and plays a critical role in balance and locomotion. As such, one of the most characteristic and sensitive signs of cerebellar damage is gait ataxia. How the cerebellum normally contributes to locomotor behavior is unknown, though recent work suggests that it helps generate appropriate patterns of limb movements, dynamically regulate upright posture and balance, and adjust the feedforward control of locomotor output through errorfeedback learning. The purpose of this review is to examine mechanisms of cerebellar control of locomotion, emphasizing studies of humans and other animals. Implications for rehabilitation are also considered.
Peripheral Vascular Disease Risk Factors among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is common among patients undergoing hemodialysis, but little is known regarding the risk factors for PVD in this population. Data from waves 1, 3, and 4 of the United States Renal Data System Dialysis Morbidity and Mortality Study were used to examine cross-sectional associations of a range of conventional cardiovascular risk factors and uremia- or dialysis-related variables with PVD. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were developed using wave 3 and 4 data. Odds ratios for the multivariate model derived using wave 3 and 4 data were then compared with those obtained with the wave 1 data set. For both data sets, PVD was positively associated with the duration of dialysis (vintage) and malnourished status and was negatively associated with serum albumin and parathyroid hormone levels and predialysis diastolic BP. Kt/V was negatively associated with PVD in waves 3 and 4 but not in wave 1. PVD was associated with increasing age, white (versus non-white) race, male gender, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, smoking, and left ventricular hypertrophy, as for the general population, but not with hypertension or hyperlipidemia. In conclusion, PVD among hemodialysis patients is associated with both dialysis-specific variables and most conventional cardiovascular risk factors other than hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Future studies should prospectively examine the association of these variables identified in cross-sectional analyses with the de novo development of PVD in this population.
On the theory of dynamic load balancing

Many interesting dynamic load balancing schemes have been proposed for efficient use of the available frequency spectrum, and, in particular, to increase the capacity of congested or hot cells in a cellular network. We provide a simple theoretical framework which leads to closed-form expressions for evaluating the performance of some of the most important dynamic load balancing strategies proposed in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first generalized theoretical framework that can be used to evaluate the performance of many different dynamic load balancing schemes with simple closed-form results. The accuracy of the developed expressions is checked and verified by comparing their results with simulation results provided in the literature. There is an excellent match between the predictions of our theoretical framework and the simulation results.
A new epigean species of the genus Anelpistina (Insecta: Zygentoma: Nicoletiidae) from Sierra de El Abra, Taninul, Mexico

Anelpistina taninuli sp. nov. (Insecta: Zygentoma: Nicoletiidae), a species from Taninul, Sierra de El Abra, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, is described. We also report the 16S rRNA sequence of this new species.
Surface characteristics of Wolinella recta ATCC 33238 and human clinical isolates: correlation of structure with function.

Selected characteristics of the surface of Wolinella recta ATCC 33238 and three W. recta clinical isolates (CI) were studied as well as the adherence of these strains to human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). W. recta ATCC 33238 and the CI were examined by electron microscopy, electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, and adherence to HGF. Electron microscopic examination of CI revealed the presence of a periodic paracrystalline layer external to and associated with the outer membrane. This surface layer (S layer) was not observed on ATCC 33238. Whole cells and outer envelope protein profiles of the CI revealed major bands of 159- to 138-kilodalton proteins which were barely detectable in ATCC 33238. Repeated in vitro subculturing of the CI on solid or liquid medium resulted in both the physical loss of this layer and the loss of the high-molecular-weight proteins. Low-passage-number CI demonstrated 40 to 60% less adherence to HGF than ATCC 33238. These observations suggest that short term in vitro-subcultured W. recta strains possess surface characteristics which are significantly different from those of their long-term in vitro-subcultured counterparts. These differences may have significant effects on host cell interactions. Images
Evaluation of Revised Diagnostic Definition of MS

Investigators at Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, evaluated the 2012 revised IPMSSG consensus definitions in a cohort of children with acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADS) prospectively followed for 2 years from Jan 2007.
Equity in environmental health: data collection and interpretation issues.

In order to assess the issue of inequity in exposure to environmental hazards, researchers must identify subgroups whose exposure is disproportionately greater than the average exposure experienced...
“To Corral and Control”: Stop, Frisk, and the Geography of Freedom

This article revisits the emergence of stop and frisk law in the 1960s to make three points. One, the impetus for formalizing police stops arose midst confusion generated by Mapp v. Ohio, the landmark Warren Court opinion incorporating the exclusionary rule to the states. Two, police over-reactions to Mapp intersected with fears of urban riots, leading to a formalization of stop and frisk rules that aimed at better containing inner-city minority populations. Three, the heightened control of urban streets coupled with the heightened protection of the private home bore geographic implications, interiorizing liberty in ways that perpetuated a national narrative of expanding freedoms even as it contributed to black incarceration.
Have Technological Advances Reduced Response Time of Trade Flows to Changes in the Exchange Rate and Relative Prices

ABSTRACTIn this article, we conjecture that the speed with which trade flows adjust to exchange rate and relative price changes are faster during post-1990 as compared to pre-1990. We attribute this to the Internet revolution and technological advances that took place during the 1990s. Our hypothesis is supported in 10 out of 16 import and export demand models that are estimated for eight countries. When the models are estimated for the entire sample period, we try to update Orcutt’s (1950) hypothesis that trade flows adjust to exchange rate changes faster than to changes in relative prices. Like previous studies, not much support is found for the later hypothesis and results are country specific.
Trailing Vortex Wake Encounters at Altitude - A Potential Flight Safety Issue?

The potential hazard of one aircraft encountering the trailing vortex wake of another aircraft during either take-off or landing is well known. The wake vortex hazard in the terminal area has been virtually eliminated using the operational procedures and aircraft separation criteria mandated by the air traffic authorities. This paper presents arguments that wake encounters at cruise altitude are a potential safety issue that needs to be examined. Wake vortex encounters at cruise altitudes are likely to increase due to three factors. These factors include; the reduction of the minimum vertical separation distances between aircraft, the increased air traffic allowed by the reduced vertical separations, and the large difference in the size of aircraft operating at the cruise altitudes. The arguments are supported by simple analysis and a review of simulation and flight test results obtained from earlier studies of wake encounters at low altitudes. Simple analysis techniques show that the rolling moment induced on a following aircraft is comparable in magnitude to that which could occur during take-off or landing. In addition reported wake encounters at cruise altitude are discussed.