cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Field control and biology studies of a new pest species, Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera, Nitidulidae), attacking European honey bees in the Western Hemisphere

La forme adulte d'Aethina tumida, ou petit coleoptere de la ruche, a ete enregistree officiellement en 1998 dans les etats de Floride, Georgie, Caroline du Nord et Caroline du Sud. Nous avons lance des etudes sur le terrain et au laboratoire concernant la lutte et la biologie de ce nouvel ennemi des abeilles. Nous avons utilise un piege constitue d'un carre de carton ondule (15 cm x 15 cm), dont l'une des faces a ete otee. Des bandelettes en plastique impregnees d'une solution de coumaphos a 10 % ont ete agrafees sous la face ondulee et le tout a ete fixe sur le plancher des ruches. Les etudes de terrain ont montre que ce dispositif permettait de tuer jusqu'a 90,2% des adultes et jusqu'a 94,2 % des larves (tableau I). L'alimentation des adultes sur le couvain d'abeilles a ete etudiee au laboratoire. Sur une periode de 24 h les adultes ont consomme tous les oeufs d'abeilles presents, meme si du miel et du pollen leur etait fourni en exces. Dans les etudes de terrain sur l'attractivite des odeurs de la ruche vis-a-vis des adultes en vol, les odeurs combinees des produits de la ruche et des abeilles adultes se sont montrees les plus attractives (tableau III). Les produits de la ruche seuls et les abeilles adultes seules n'ont pas presente d'attraction significative. Des pistes de recherche sur la lutte biologique et les pheromones d'agregation sont proposees.
Nondestructive method to estimate moisture content in single nuts and grain from RF impedance measurements with a parallel-plate sensor

A method to determine the moisture content from the complex impedance measurements of a parallel-plate capacitor with a single shelled or in-shell peanut between the plates, at two frequencies 1 and 5 MHz, is described here. Capacitance (C), phase angle (θ) and dissipation factor (D) of the parallel-plate system at the two frequencies were measured. Using these values in a derived empirical equation, the moisture content (mc) of the peanuts was estimated to an accuracy of within 1% of the standard air-oven value. The moisture range of the peanuts tested was between 5 and 20%. The method is rapid and nondestructive and was found earlier to be applicable in certain types of grain such as corn. The study establishes a basis for the development of a practical instrument that could be useful in the grain and peanut industry.
Endocarditis due to Anaerobic Bacteria

This review describes the microbiology, diagnosis and management of endocarditis due to anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria are an uncommon but important cause of endocarditis. Most cases of anaerobic endocarditis are caused by anaerobic cocci, Propionibacterium acnes and Bacteroides fragilis group. Predisposing factors and signs and symptoms of endocarditis caused by anaerobic bacteria are similar to those seen in endocarditis with facultative anaerobic bacteria with the following exceptions: the gastrointestinal tract was the most common source for B. fragilis group endocarditis, the head and neck were the most common origin for Fusobacterium and Bacteroides spp., and the head and neck and genitourinary tract were the most common source for peptostreptococci. Complications with anaerobic endocarditis include valvular destruction, multiple mycotic aneurysms, aortic-ring abscess, aortitis, cardiogenic shock, dysrhythmias and septic shock. The mortality rate for patients with anaerobes endocarditis is 21-43%. Treatment of endocarditis involving anaerobic bacteria includes the use of antibiotic therapy effective against these organisms.
Systematic Prediction of cis-Regulatory Elements in the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Genome Using Comparative Genomics

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is one of the most important microalgae model organisms and has been widely studied toward the understanding of chloroplast functions and various cellular processes. Further exploitation of C. reinhardtii as a model system to elucidate various molecular mechanisms and pathways requires systematic study of gene regulation. However, there is a general lack of genome-scale gene regulation study, such as global cis-regulatory element (CRE) identification, in C. reinhardtii. Recently, large-scale genomic data in microalgae species have become available, which enable the development of efficient computational methods to systematically identify CREs and characterize their roles in microalgae gene regulation. Here, we performed in silico CRE identification at the whole genome level in C. reinhardtii using a comparative genomics-based method. We predicted a large number of CREs in C. reinhardtii that are consistent with experimentally verified CREs. We also discovered that a large percentage of these CREs form combinations and have the potential to work together for coordinated gene regulation in C. reinhardtii. Multiple lines of evidence from literature, gene transcriptional profiles, and gene annotation resources support our prediction. The predicted CREs will serve, to our knowledge, as the first large-scale collection of CREs in C. reinhardtii to facilitate further experimental study of microalgae gene regulation. The accompanying software tool and the predictions in C. reinhardtii are also made available through a Web-accessible database (http://hulab.ucf.edu/research/projects/Microalgae/sdcre/motifcomb.html).
Should pheochromocytoma size influence surgical approach? A comparison of 90 malignant and 60 benign pheochromocytomas

Background Diagnostic tests cannot reliably distinguish malignant from benign pheochromocytomas. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytomas >6 cm is controversial because of a perceived increased risk of malignancy that is based on anecdotal reports and small series. The aim of this study was to determine if pheochromocytoma size should affect the choice of surgical approach. Methods Malignant pheochromocytomas in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database (1988-2000) were compared to benign pheochromocytomas in our institutional database (1993-2003). The sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio for tumor size to predict malignancy were calculated for both groups. Results Ninety malignant and 60 benign pheochromocytomas were compared. Overall, malignant pheochromocytomas were larger than benign pheochromocytomas (7.6 ± 4.2 cm vs 5.3 ± 2.3 cm). However, tumor size was not significantly different between malignant pheochromocytomas without local invasion or metastases and benign pheochromocytomas (6.1 ± 3.1 cm vs 5.3 ± 2.3 cm). In pheochromocytomas with local disease only, maximum likelihood ratio to predict malignancy was at a tumor size of greater than 8 cm (2.84). Conclusions Although risk of malignancy increases with size for all pheochromocytomas, size does not reliably predict malignancy in pheochromocytomas with local disease only. Regardless of tumor size, laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma should be converted to open adrenalectomy for difficult dissection, invasion, adhesions, or surgeon inexperience.
Characterization of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) Earth Scene Radiances

Analyses of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) Earth Scene Radiances are presented, including comparisons to coincident broadband observations, comparisons to calculations based on global radiosonde and ARM site observations, and noise characterization using principle component analysis.
A TAXONOMIC STUDY OF THE GENUS TEGRODERA (COLEOPTERA: MELOIDAE)

Three allopatric species are recognized in the North American genus Tegrodera LeConte. Speciation was probably a relatively recent event in this genus as all species are closely related, and separable by minor but consistent differences of adult anatomy. The most distinctive species, T . aloga Skinner, ranges throughout much of the Sonoran Desert in western Arizona and northwestern Sonora. T . erosa LeConte, a species occurring in southern California and Baja California, is separated geographically from T . aloga by the arid Colorado Desert. T . erosa consists of two distinct subspecies, the nominate form occurring in southern California, and T . e . inornata Blaisdell distributed throughout much of Baja California. T . latecincta Horn, a species found in the Owens and Antelope valleys of California, is the closest relative of T . erosa . It is separated from the latter by the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains, and from T . aloga by the vast Mojave Desert. The species of Tegrodera are each associated with different plant communities, though the genus Eriastrum seems to be an important food source for all adults. The taxonomic analysis presented herein includes the study of both intra- and interspecific variation. The first instar larva of T . aloga and T . e . erosa are compared, and notes on seasonal distribution, habitat, and non-sexual behavior are included.
Combining Multi-Agent-System Methodologies for Organic Computing Systems

As the complexity of computing systems steadily increases, self-managing systems - as autonomic computing systems (ACS) proposed by IBM - are an adequate approach to minimize human effort spent on system administration. While ACS primarily are limited to servers and networks, organic computing systems (OCS) are intended for widespread applications in various domains. In addition to the self-x properties of ACS, OCS are adaptive and context-aware. Thus agent technology is particularly suitable for an implementation of OCS. Nevertheless a key prerequisite for a successful, industrial application remains in a systematical engineering of OCS according to accepted standards. However no single agent methodology is applicable to OCS as self-x properties are not supported directly. Therefore we have combined different proved agent concepts into a system architecture for OCS and developed an adequate, model-driven software engineering methodology based on the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and the model driven architecture (MDA)
Ion kinetics in low-pressure, electropositive, RF glow discharge sheaths

Ion kinetics in low-pressure (e.g., 1 mtorr), electropositive, RF glow discharge sheaths are studied using a Monte-Carlo-based computer simulation. The numerical model integrates particle trajectories using a spatially nonlinear, time-varying model of the electric field in the RF sheath. A scaling relationship is then discussed, relating the normalized ion energy spread to the ratio of ion sheath transit time to the RF period. The scaled numerical data shows good agreement with existing numerical and experimental data. >
Forest Age Influences Oak Insect Herbivore Community Structure, Richness, And Density

Plant succession is one of many factors that may affect the composition and structure of herbivorous insect communities. However, few studies have examined the effect of forest age on the diversity and abundance of insect communities. If forest age influences insect diversity, then the schedule of timber harvest rotation may have consequent effects on biodiversity. The insect herbivore community on Quercus alba (white oak) in the Missouri Ozarks was sampled in a chronoseries, from recently harvested (2 yr) to old-growth (approximately 313 yr) forests. A total of nine sites and 39 stands within those sites were sampled in May and August 2003. Unique communities of plants and insects were found in the oldest forests (122-313 yr). Density and species richness of herbivores were positively correlated with increasing forest age in August but not in May. August insect density was negatively correlated with heat load index; in addition, insect density and richness increased over the chronoseries, but not on the sunniest slopes. Forest structural diversity (number of size classes) was positively correlated with forest age, but woody plant species richness was not. In sum, richness, density, and community structure of white oak insect herbivores are influenced by variation in forest age, forest structure, relative abundance of plant species, and abiotic conditions. These results suggest that time between harvests of large, long-lived, tree species such as white oak should be longer than current practice in order to maintain insect community diversity.
Electroabsorption of GaInNAs and GaInNAsSb quantum wells at 1300 and 1550 nm

Electroabsorption spectra were measured for GaInNAs and GaInNAsSb quantum wells around 1300 and 1550 nm, respectively, for use in modulators for telecommunication and optical interconnects. Fine structure of band edge transitions were further studied with photoluminescence and electroreflectance.
A Fault-Tolerant Three-Phase Adjustable Speed Drive Topology With Active Common-Mode Voltage Suppression

A fault-tolerant adjustable speed drive (ASD) topology is introduced in this paper. A conventional ASD topology is modified to address: 1) drive vulnerability to semiconductor device faults; 2) input voltage sags; 3) motor vulnerability to effects of long leads; and 4) minimization of common-mode (CM) voltage applied to the motor terminals. These objectives are attained by inclusion of an auxiliary IGBT inverter leg, three auxiliary diodes, and isolation-reconfiguration circuit. The design and operation of the proposed topology modifications are described for different modes: 1) fault mode, 2) active CM suppression mode, and 3) auxiliary sag compensation (ASC) mode. In case of fault and sag, the isolation and hardware reconfiguration are performed in a controlled manner using triacs/antiparallel thyristors. In normal operation, the auxiliary leg is controlled to actively suppress CM voltage. For inverter IGBT failures (short circuit and open circuit), the auxiliary leg is used as a redundant leg. During voltage sags, the auxiliary leg, along with auxiliary diodes, is operated as a boost converter. A current-shaping control strategy is proposed for the ASC mode. A detailed analysis of CM performance of the proposed topology is provided, and a new figure of merit, CM distortion ratio (CMDR), is introduced to compare the attenuation of CM voltage with that of a conventional ASD topology. The output filter design procedure is outlined. A design example is presented for an 80 kW ASD system, and simulation results validate the proposed auxiliary leg based fault-tolerant scheme. Experimental results from a scaled prototype rated at 1 hp are discussed in this paper.
Landscapes of Remembrance: Home and Memory in the Nineteenth-Century Bürgertum

This article examines the ways in which the nineteenth-century German middle class turned their homes into sites of family memory as part of a vibrant vernacular memory. The highly segmented organization of middle-class homes contributed to and grew out of this memory culture. The divisions of domestic space ascribed heightened meaning to particular zones, especially festive spaces like the “Christmas room.” Families filled domestic spaces with memory, putting family portraits and heirlooms on prominent display in the home. Middle-class Germans also filled the pages of personal memoirs with recollections of their childhood homes that almost always portrayed an idyllic environment. Ultimately, this article argues that family memory offers a window into the emotional universe of the nineteenth-century bourgeoisie and that the sanitizing narratives of family memory were used to impart a sense of stability and control.
Lifestyle, chronic diseases and self-rated health among Malaysian adults: results from the 2011 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS)

Background Self-rated health (SRH) has been demonstrated as a valid and appropriate predictor of incident mortality and chronic morbidity. Associations between lifestyle, chronic diseases, and SRH have been reported by various population studies but few have included data from developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of poor SRH in Malaysia and its association with lifestyle factors and chronic diseases among Malaysian adults.
Managing Flexibility in the Food Industry: A Cross-National Comparative Case Study in European Multinational Companies

Multinational companies are often seen as (potential) agencies for disseminating similar employment practices across countries and hence encouraging industrial relations convergence. The relationship between centre and periphery helps determine the extent to which they perform this role. This article reports findings from research in the Spanish and British subsidiaries of a multinational, which indicate that, despite the considerable formal autonomy of local management, there were many indirect methods by which the head office could ensure conformity with common industrial relations policies.
Time to recovery after a hemodialysis session: impact of selected variables.

Background. Patients maintained on hemodialysis (HD) have an impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). One factor that has been suggested to contribute to this impairment is the prolonged recovery time after completing a conventional HD session. The present study was designed to carefully examine the time to recovery (TTR) in patients maintained on three times/week conventional HD and evaluate the clinical and demographic features associated with the TTR. Methods. Two hundred and sixty-seven patients on conventional three times/week HD were studied during three successive HD treatments. Patients were asked how long it took them to recover from their previous session. Detailed demographic and clinical data as well as data involving the most recent HD session were reviewed. Results. The mean ± SD age was 66.4 ± 15.7 and the mean duration of renal replacement therapy was 40.1 ± 37.6 months. The mean time to recovery was 246 ± 451 min. A multivariate regression analysis including age, gender, number of comorbidities, months on renal replacement therapy, occurrence of hypotension during dialysis, amount of ultrafiltration and duration of dialysis session revealed that none of these covariates was significantly associated with TTR from HD. Conclusions. The present study is important since it clarifies that the TTR after an HD session is not related to various demographic and clinical factors that one might have expected would impact on this variable.
Nations or Sectors in the Age of Globalization: China's Policy Toward Foreign Direct Investment in Telecommunications

Scholars debate whether states or markets drive economic policy in the context of internationalization. Unpacking the market–state dichotomy, liberal pluralists and institutionalists alike conduct sectoral analysis to examine economic policies and outcomes. They debate the relative importance of sectors versus factors and the impact of sectoral coalitions, structural characteristics, and institutional trajectories. Building on previous scholarship, this article argues that state imperatives, such as national security and technological advancement, are an important guide to understanding dominant patterns of economic policy, defined as state goals, government–business relations, and state methods. Beyond that, the organization of institutions and structural sectoral attributes influence the ways in which actual policy outcomes vary across sectors and time. Case studies of the liberalization and subsequent reregulation of foreign direct investment across subsectors of telecommunications in China substantiate this argument. Evidence from other industries further validates this explanatory model.
Symptoms and Signs Associated with Postpartum Thyroiditis

Background. Postpartum thyroiditis (PPT) is a common triphasic autoimmune disease in women with thyroid peroxidase (TPO) autoantibodies. This study evaluated women's thyroid disease symptoms, physical findings, stress levels, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels across six postpartum months in three groups, TPO negative, TPO positive, and PPT positive women. Methods. Women were recruited in midpregnancy and TPO status was determined which then was used to form the three postpartum groups. The three groups were compared on TSH levels, thyroid symptoms, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, a thyroid exam, and stress scores. Results. Fifty-six percent of the TPO positive women developed PPT. Hypothyroid group (F (2, 742) = 5.8, ) and hyperthyroid group (F (2, 747) = 6.6, ) subscale scores differed by group. Several symptoms and stress scores were highest in the PPT group. Conclusions. The normal postpartum is associated with many symptoms that mimic thyroid disease symptoms, but severity is greater in women with either TPO or PPT positivity. While the most severe symptoms were generally seen in PPT positive women, even TPO positive women seem to have higher risk for these signs and symptoms.
Eigendecomposition-Based Clutter Filtering Technique for Optical Microangiography

In this paper, we propose eigendecposition (ED)-based clutter filtering technique for 3-D optical imaging of blood flow. Due to its best mean-square approximation of the clutter, eigenregression filters can theoretically provide maximum clutter suppression. Compared to the existing clutter rejection techniques in the literature used for optical imaging of blood flow, ED-based clutter filtering is less sensitive to tissue motion and can efficiently suppress the clutter while preserving the flow information. Therefore, it creates images with better contrast in the presence of bulk motion. The performance of the proposed ED-based technique is compared with that of phase-compensation method and static high-pass filtering. The quantitative and qualitative performances are compared with each other in phantom studies and in vivo imaging, respectively. Also, 3-D image of microvascular structures in mouse ear is presented, where the clutter has been suppressed with ED-based technique. This technique can be used in applications, where involuntary movements due to cardiac and respiratory cycles are inevitable (such as retinal imaging).
OPERATIONALIZING THE “BEHAVIORAL CONSISTENCY” APPROACH: SELECTION TEST DEVELOPMENT BASED ON A CONTENT‐ORIENTED STRATEGY

This paper delineates a systematic procedure for operationalizing the “behavioral consistency” notion, proposed by Wernimont and Campbell (1968), for a Civil Service job. The steps used in developing selection tests from a content-oriented strategy are illustrated, and the transformation of specific job behaviors into tests related to job content but modified so that inexperienced applicants can complete them is demonstrated. Test reliability and judged content validity of the examinations are presented.
Computational Simulation and PIV Measurements of the Laminar Vortical Flowfield for a Delta Wing at High Angle of Attack

The low-speed, laminar flowfield for a 70-sweep delta wing is investigated. Solutions to the unsteady, three-dimensional, compressible Navier-Stokes equations were obtained on an unstructured grid to match results from an experiment performed in a water tunnel. The experiment was conducted with the delta wing at an angle of attack of 35 and the freestream flow at a root-chord Reynolds number of 40,700. The computational results are analyzed and compared with the experimental results in order to show how computations and experiments can be conducted in a synergistic fashion. Details about the primary vortex location, vortex burst, secondary vortex, and shear layer interaction are shown and discussed.
Impact of graduated compression stockings on the prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome - results of a randomized controlled trial.

ObjectivePost-thrombotic syndrome is a chronic complication of acute deep venous thrombosis in the lower extremity. The role of graduated compression stockings in the prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome has been studied with opinion being divided on the beneficial effects. We aim to answer this question with a randomized controlled study that uses multiple scoring instruments to assess post-thrombotic syndrome.MethodsSixty-nine consecutive patients with acute deep venous thrombosis diagnosed by duplex ultrasonography were randomized to treatment with graduated compression stockings or no graduated compression stockings. Venous Clinical Severity Score and Villalta-Prandoni Score, commonly used scoring systems, were used to appraise post-thrombotic syndrome at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months following diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis. In both scoring systems, the individual either had post-thrombotic syndrome or no post-thrombotic syndrome. Cumulative incidence was computed using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Re...
Hypervascularity on cerebral radionuclide angiogram.

Anevrysme de la carotide interne comprimant les arteres adjacentes d'ou une hypoperfusion regionale
Gate drive for high-speed high-power I.G.B.T.s

A new gate drive for high-voltage, high-power IGBT has been developed for the SLAC NLC (Next Linear Collider) Solid State Induction Modulator. This paper describes the design and implementation of a driver that allows an IGBT module rated at 800 A/3300 V to switch up to 3000 A at 2200 V in 3 /spl mu/s with a rate of current rise of more than 10000 A//spl mu/s, while still being short circuit protected. Issues regarding fast turn on, high de-saturation voltage detection, and low short circuit peak current are presented. A novel approach is also used to counter the effect of unequal current sharing between parallel chips inside most high-power IGBT modules. It effectively reduces the collector-emitter peak currents and thus protects the IGBT from being destroyed during soft short circuit conditions at high di/dt.
Hair Growth Defects in Insig-Deficient Mice Caused by Cholesterol Precursor Accumulation and Reversed by Simvastatin

Insig-1 and Insig-2, two closely related proteins, are essential for feedback inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis. Here, we characterized a line of epidermal-specific, Insig-double knockout (Epi-Insig-DKO) mice lacking both Insigs in epidermis. At birth, Epi-Insig-DKO mice were indistinguishable from control littermates, but thereafter they failed to thrive and died before 6 weeks of age. By 14 days of age, 100% of Epi-Insig-DKO mice exhibited defects in hair growth along with other skin abnormalities, including hyperkeratosis. Hair follicles in Epi-Insig-DKO mice developed normally through postnatal day 7, but they failed to progress to later stages and thus exhibited defects in postnatal hair cycling. Insig deficiency caused a marked buildup of cholesterol precursors in skin associated with a marked increase in 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase protein. Topical treatment of Epi-Insig-DKO mice with simvastatin, an inhibitor of reductase, reduced sterol precursors in skin and corrected the hair and skin defects. We conclude that Insig deficiency in skin causes accumulation of cholesterol precursors, and this impairs normal hair development. These findings have implications for several human genetic diseases in which mutations in cholesterol biosynthetic enzymes lead to accumulation of sterol precursors and multiple cutaneous abnormalities.
Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Evidence for an Extended β Strand Conformation of the Membrane-Bound HIV-1 Fusion Peptide†

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was applied to the membrane-bound form of a synthetic peptide representing the 23-residue N-terminal fusion peptide domain of the HIV-1 gp41 envelope glycoprotein. 1D solid-state NMR line width measurements of singly 13C carbonyl labeled peptides showed that a significant population of the membrane-bound peptide is well-structured in its N-terminal and central regions while the C-terminus has more disorder. There was some dependence of line width on lipid composition, with narrower line widths and hence greater structural order observed for a lipid composition comparable to that found in the virus and its target T cells. In the more ordered N-terminal and central regions of the peptide, the 13C carbonyl chemical shifts are consistent with a nonhelical membrane-bound conformation. Additional evidence for a beta strand membrane-bound conformation was provided by analysis of 2D rotor-synchronized magic angle spinning NMR spectra of doubly 13C carbonyl labeled peptides. Lipid mixing and aqueous contents leakage assays were applied to demonstrate the fusogenicity of the peptide under conditions comparable to those used for the solid-state NMR sample preparation.
EXPLORING POTENTIAL SURFACE LANDSCAPES AND HOW THEY GOVERN DYNAMICS

The subject of multidimensional potential surfaces and the dynamics on those surfaces was just reviewed by this writer 1, and the closely related topic of the analytic representation of potential surfaces, largely of small systems, had been reviewed shortly before by Schatz2. Consequently we will here very tersely review some of the fundamentals, briefly survey aspects of the subject treated in those reviews and discuss some aspects not covered in those reviews.
Multi-beam free-space optical link using space-time coding

We demonstrate the performance advantage of multi-beam terrestrial free-space optical communication links over single-beam links in the presence of strong optical turbulence. We adapt a space-time block code proposed for RF wireless systems to be used with intensity-modulated optical signals, and find that significant signal-to-noise ratio gains are obtained by using a four-beam link over a single-beam link with the same total electrical power.
First-principles calculations of surfactant-assisted growth of polar CaO(111) oxide film: The case of water-based surfactant

Surfactant-assisted growth of polar CaO(111) oxide film in the presence of water-based surfactant is studied by first-principles calculations both from thermodynamic and kinetic points of view. We show that the water molecules not only supply a surfactant by depositing hydrogen on the surface throughout the growth process, but also supply oxygen atoms as an elemental constituent in the film growth with rather small energy barriers, i.e. water oxygen atoms are easily inserted in the top surface layer of the growth film during the wet oxidation process. Adding the water surfactants to conventional synthesis techniques leads to the continuous presence of hydrogen atoms in the surface region during the growth process, which efficiently quenches polarity and dynamically stabilizes the growth of the polar surface, and thus facilitates the growth of defect-free CaO(111) films with arbitrary thickness.
Bilateral cortical necrosis of kidneys in cortisone-treated rabbits following injection of bacterial toxins.

Summary1. Bilateral cortical necrosis of the kidneys was observed in rabbits which were treated with large doses of cortisone and then given a single intravenous injection of meningococcal or S. marcescens (P-25) toxin. This lesion did not occur when animals were given injections of cortisone alone, or toxin alone. 2. A similar renal lesion occurred in cortisone-treated Syrian Hamsters following an intraperitoneal injection of P-25 toxin.
Urban Housing Discrimination and Segregation of Urban Minority Communities

One can argue that discrimination still exist even after the civil rights movement. Many researchers have measured discrimination concerning housing, predatory lending and education. However, only few research studies were conducted based on credit score information, which showed gaps between whites and minorities within housing and lending. Credit score information is considered a vital instrument used by banks, employers, and property mangers.Research shows a connection between low credit scores and predatory lending. Does the credit reporting agencies impact the lives of minorities by supporting housing segregation and discrimination through credit scores? Minorities typically have lower credit scores, therefore the minority population continues to suffer from segregation and discrimination under the blanket of institutional or structural racism.
Actin-Activated ATPase in Human Red Cell Membranes

The ability of human RBC and their ghosts to undergo reversible shape changes as well as endocytosis and exocytosis raised the likelihood that contractile proteins like actomyosin might be present. Actin, a component of actomyosin, is a constituent of the red cell membrane. Two generally accepted criteria for identifying a myosin include the ability of purified preparations to form arrowhead complexes with F actin fibers visible in the electron microscope, and the presence of an unusual enzyme activity where a low level of Mg++-ATPase is markedly enhanced by addition of F actin, a reaction reflecting the physiologic interaction of actin and myosin. Our studies on a RBC myosin were therefore based on the use of the actin-activated ATPase (AA-ATPase) as a reliable marker of a myosin-like protein. RBC contain AA-ATPase, all of which was recoverable in the ghost or membrane fraction prepared by either hypotonic or isotonic lysis. AA-ATPase was optimally stimulated by human erythrocyte F actin as compared to rabbit muscle F actin or human erythrocyte G actin. In common with the myosin AA-ATPase of macrophages there was no saturation effect seen upon F actin addition. Myosin AA-ATPase of platelets and macrophages is inhibited when the protein is dephosphorylated. Dephosphorylation of the RBC membrane resulted in almost complete inhibition of AA-ATPase. Another myosin enzyme marker is a K+, EDTA-ATPase, which is also detectable in the red cell membrane. The AA-ATPase does not appear to be related to the other RBC membrane ATPases. Attempts to solubilize, isolate, and purify the AA-ATPase have thus far been unsuccessful; however, the AA-ATPase is not a peripheral membrane protein and no AA-ATPase is found in purified spectrin preparations. The presence of AA-ATPase and K+, EDTA-ATPase in the red cell membrane as well as several distinguishing characteristics of activation and inactivation of the AA-ATPase presumptively establishes the likelihood that there is a myosin-like protein (which is not spectrin) in the red cell membrane.
An Elongated Leading Edge Facilitates Rotation Flap Closure: In Vivo Demonstration.

BACKGROUND Variation in the design of a rotation flap may affect wound closure tension. Lengthening the leading edge of a rotation flap has been a method of reducing the tension of closure in the primary motion. An in vitro study negating this tenant has been published. OBJECTIVE The authors set out to design an in vivo experiment to determine if lengthening the leading edge of a rotation flap has the effect of reducing closure tension in the primary motion of the repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS An animal study approved by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee was undertaken in a pig model. A tension-measuring apparatus was designed using Teflon-coated wires and digital tensiometers. Rotation flaps of a standard design and with elongated leading edges were incised on the flanks of pigs under general anesthesia. Flap closure tensions were measured at points along the leading edge of the flap and in the secondary motion. RESULTS Elongating the leading edge of a flap led to a statistically significant reduction in closure tension in the primary motion of the flap and at the flap tip. The secondary motion closure tensions were essentially unaffected. CONCLUSION The authors confirm that elongating the leading edge of a standard rotation flap will reduce closure tension in the primary flap motion.
Early uses of legislation to build industry

This chapter discusses the use of legislation in creating industries. Mercantilists used almost the entire framework of the legislative rules and restrictions that are currently utilized today to control and encourage trade. Kameralists took the mercantilists' legislative policies, revised them and turned the revised policies into a state policy. In applying these policies to small city-state units, they found them to be impracticable. However, in applying these legislative policies to a nation-state, they found the attainment of an economically self-sufficient state plausible and possible. Through legislation, industry was encouraged in Germany until it was strong enough to support two world wars. The state was sufficiently self-contained that it could endure blockade during both of these wars for a considerable period of time. The mercantilists' policies, as refined and applied by the kameralists, resulted in a powerful, self-contained nation with a broad industrial base and a high standard of living. This chapter discusses in detail about how concepts of monopoly trade grants, bounties, tariffs, quotas, patents, taxes, and cartels evolved with time. The concepts of a completely state-guided economy and state self-sufficiency are also explained in detail.
Validation of Test Weighing Protocol to Estimate Enteral Feeding Volumes in Preterm Infants

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of pre- and postfeeding weights to estimate enteral feeding volumes in preterm infants. Study design Single-center prospective cohort study of infants 28-36 weeks' corrected age receiving gavage feedings. For each test weight, 3 pre- and 3 postgavage feeding weights were obtained by study personnel, blinded to feeding volume, via a specific protocol. The correlation between test weight difference and actual volume ingested was assessed by the use of summary statistics, Spearman rho, and graphical analyses. The relationship between categorical predictive variables and a predefined acceptable difference (±5 mL) was assessed with the χ 2 or Fisher exact test. Results A total of 101 test weights were performed in 68 infants. Estimated and actual feeding volumes were highly correlated (r = 0.94, P P = .04) when concerns about protocol adherence were noted (eg, difficulty securing oxygen tubing). Conclusions Via the use of a standard protocol, feeding volumes can be estimated accurately by pre- and postfeeding weights. Test weighing could be a valuable tool to support direct breastfeeding in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in Nonwhite Organ Transplant Recipients.

Importance Organ transplant recipients have a higher incidence of skin cancer. This risk is magnified over time and with continued exposure to immunosuppression. Skin cancer in nonwhite patients is associated with greater morbidity and mortality owing to diagnosis at a more advanced stage, which suggests that nonwhite organ transplant recipients are at even higher risk. Objective To describe demographic and clinical factors and the incidence of skin cancer in nonwhite organ transplant recipients. Design, Setting, and Participants We performed a retrospective medical record review of patients who were organ transplant recipients (154 were white and 259 nonwhite [black, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander]) seen from November 1, 2011, to April 18, 2016 at an academic referral center. Main Outcomes and Measures Variables were analyzed and compared between racial groups, including sex, age, race/ethnicity, Fitzpatrick type, type and location of skin cancer, type of organ transplanted, time to diagnosis of skin cancer after transplantation, and history of condyloma acuminata and/or verruca vulgaris. Results Most of the 413 patients (62.7%) evaluated were nonwhite organ transplant recipients; 264 were men, and 149 were women. Their mean (SD) age was 60.09 (13.59) years. Nineteen skin cancers were identified in 15 patients (5.8%) representing 3 racial/ethnic groups: black (6 patients), Asian (5), and Hispanic (4). All squamous cell carcinomas in blacks were diagnosed in the in situ stage, located on sun-protected sites, and occurred in patients whose lesions tested positive for human papilloma virus (HPV) and/or who endorsed a history of condyloma acuminata or verruca vulgaris. Most skin cancers in Asians were located on sun-exposed areas and occurred in individuals who emigrated from equatorial locations. Conclusions and Relevance Nonwhite organ transplant recipients are at risk for developing skin cancer posttransplantation. Follow-up in a specialized transplant dermatology center and baseline total-body skin examination should be part of posttransplantation care in all organ transplant recipients, including nonwhite patients. A thorough inspection of the groin and genitalia is imperative in black organ transplant recipients. History of HPV infection, particularly in black organ transplant recipients, and sun exposure/emigration history in Asian organ transplant recipients should be documented. Vigilant photoprotection may be of lesser importance in the prevention of skin cancer in black organ transplant recipients. Risk factors for nonwhite organ transplant recipients differ between races/ethnicities and warrant further study in efforts to better counsel and prevent skin cancer in these patients.
Study on Weld Fatigue Evaluation Incorporating Welding Induced Residual Stress Effect

For fatigue assessment of a welded structure, an important characteristic is the failure location. The fatigue crack begins from the pre-existing crack-like flaw which is an inherent feature of a weld toe or root. Residual stress in the welded joints is another important characteristic. It is also well known that tensile residual stress in welded structures can be as high as the material yield strength level and so the fatigue strength of the welded joint is governed by the applied stress range regardless of the applied load ratio. However, when the presumed conditions with high tensile residual stress in the weld regime are not satisfied, the fatigue behavior in welded structure deviates from the general weld fatigue behavior.In this paper, firstly the applied load ratio effect on fatigue behavior is investigated for two different residual stress levels of welds, i.e., as-welded and stress relieved. It has been observed that stress-relieving effect of welds is apparent when the applied loading introduces stress fluctuations in compressive loading. When the load ratio effect is considered in Battelle structural stress based fatigue parameter, the stress relieved weld fatigue data was consolidated within the master S-N curve.Based on this investigation, the Battelle structural stress based effective load ratio considering both applied loading and detailed residual stress is introduced for the weld fatigue behavior. The two-stage crack growth model is reformulated with the structural stress based effective load ratio, which is a function of crack length.Lastly, a fatigue life prediction procedure incorporating residual stress effect is proposed and validated using the existing fatigue test results. The proposed procedure clearly shows that the compressive residual stress distributions at the weld prone to crack provide great benefits for fatigue life improvement.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
BRD4 mediates NF-κB-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition and pulmonary fibrosis via transcriptional elongation

Chronic epithelial injury triggers a TGF-β-mediated cellular transition from normal epithelium into a mesenchymal-like state that produces subepithelial fibrosis and airway remodeling. Here we examined how TGF-β induces the mesenchymal cell state and determined its mechanism. We observed that TGF-β stimulation activates an inflammatory gene program controlled by the NF-κB/RelA signaling pathway. In the mesenchymal state, NF-κB-dependent immediate-early genes accumulate euchromatin marks and processive RNA polymerase. This program of immediate-early genes is activated by enhanced expression, nuclear translocation, and activating phosphorylation of the NF-κB/RelA transcription factor on Ser276, mediated by a paracrine signal. Phospho-Ser276 RelA binds to the BRD4/CDK9 transcriptional elongation complex, activating the paused RNA Pol II by phosphorylation on Ser2 in its carboxy-terminal domain. RelA-initiated transcriptional elongation is required for expression of the core epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcriptional regulators SNAI1, TWIST1, and ZEB1 and mesenchymal genes. Finally, we observed that pharmacological inhibition of BRD4 can attenuate experimental lung fibrosis induced by repetitive TGF-β challenge in a mouse model. These data provide a detailed mechanism for how activated NF-κB and BRD4 control epithelial-mesenchymal transition initiation and transcriptional elongation in model airway epithelial cells in vitro and in a murine pulmonary fibrosis model in vivo. Our data validate BRD4 as an in vivo target for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis associated with inflammation-coupled remodeling in chronic lung diseases.
Clinical Research Data: Characteristics, Representation, Storage, and Retrieval

Clinical data are the building blocks of clinical research. The ways in which data are captured and represented play important roles in how data can be used and interpreted. Care must be taken when designing studies that the data collection methods will be as free of bias as possible and that the true meaning of the data are made explicit. The subjective nature of data and the reproducibility of collection methods must be considered. Representational aspects include noting the degree of precision for quantitative data and the use of controlled terminologies for subjective data. The scope and scale of data storage systems also must be addressed. National collaborative efforts are under way to support the sharing of data and data analysis tools.
Robust Target Location Estimation for Possibly Unknown Signal Propagating Models

Abstract This paper considers a problem of target localization. No explicit signal propagation model, neither the structure nor the mathematical description, is assumed. The only assumption is monotonic of the received signal strength with the distance. It is shown that this mere knowledge of monotonicity suffices robustly in locating the unknown target.
Representation and analysis of electrical circuits in a deductive system

We have developed representations and analysis methods for electrical circuits in a deductive system called DUCK. Circuitsare represented as conjunctions of logical predicates. Circuit analysis is done as an iteration of proofs which determine the basic structures in the circuit. Electrical constraints for the circuit are produced from the results of the proofs. The constraints are then solved using propagation methods.