cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infection with diatoms and other microorganisms in sea urchin spines (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus)

Abstract Naviculoid diatoms, red and green algae, and probable blue-green algae were found on the surface of the regenerating spine tips of an abnormally pale Strongylocentrotus franciscanus . Within the tissues of the tip were unidentified multicellular or plasmodial organisms, wormlike forms, fungi, and ciliates. Echinochrome-bearing material in granular and amorphous forms invested many of the internal organisms. These granules were also found in the actively regenerating area, and isolation of heavily infected areas by the echinochrome-bearing substance, with repair by leukocyte-like cells, was taking place. Evidence presented in this paper and elsewhere indicates that the repair cells were the same as the sclerocytes of the spine and possibly related to coelomic leukocytes. It is suggested that the echinochrome-bearing material that occurs in regenerating areas of normal spines as well as in infected ones, may act as a “general disinfectant.” Two other specimens of S. franciscanus , neither particularly pale, were found to have infected spines. In addition to organisms like those in the pale spines, the diatom Licmophora flabellata colonized the surface, and blue-green algae bearing a resemblance to Oscillatoria , and large numbers of diatoms, Navicula sp., occupied the internal tissues. The Navicula is related to a species found in a brown alga. This is the second report of diatoms inhabiting animal tissues.
A Survey of Linear Predictive Coding: Part I of Linear Predictive Coding and the Internet Protocol

Linear prediction has long played an important role in speech processing, especially in the development during the late 1960s of the first low bit rate speech compression/coding systems. The approach, which eventually became known as linear predictive coding (LPC), coincidentally came to fruition at the right time to be adopted as the speech compression technique in the first successful realtime packet speech communication through the nascent ARPAnet in December 1974 — the ancestor of voice over the Internet Protocol (IP) and, more generally, of realtime signal processing through the Internet. This first part of a two part monograph on LPC and the IP provides a tutorial overview of linear prediction and its application to speech coding. A variety of viewpoints provides background and context for the second part, which comprises a technical and personal history of LPC, its use in the first packet speech demonstrations, and many related stories of the early applications of LPC and the prehistory of the Internet.
CARNITINE METABOLISM IN RECURRENT REYE SYNDROME DUE TO DEFECTIVE ACETYL-CoA DISPOSAL

A ten month old infant with multiple Reye Syndrome-like attacks excreted during the illness β-hydroxybutrate,acetoacetate and large amounts of the following dicarboxylic acids: adipate, suberate,sebacate, ethylmalonate and glutarate.Production of CO2 from(1-14C) and(U-14C)palmitate and(1-14C)butyrate was 83%, 5% and 50%, respectively. Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase was normal. Riboflavin therapy eliminated the dicarboxylic aciduria under ordinary load conditions. Carnitine metabolism was studied because plasma carnitine was low (22.2 μmol/l)and continued to decrease despite the apparent beneficial effect of riboflavin.Urinary free and short chain acylcarnitines (SCAC) were initially 17.1 and 108.9 μmol/1 (N:24.2 and 38.9),suggesting that hypocarnitinemia was due to urinary SCAC-loss (86-96% of total) although absolute losses (227 μmol/g cr)were only mildly elevated. Urine values normalized during i.v. glucose. After recovery from the attack and from dicarboxylic aciduria under riboflavin therapy, oral carnitine was given. This unveiled the persistence of the underlying defect, because SCAC excretion increased to 994 μmol/g cr. On a beef broth supplemented diet, SCAC excretion was 791-825 μmol/g cr. On a low-fat,low-protein diet without beef broth SCAC was 140 μmol/g cr.Acetylcarnitine was consistently the major urinary carnitine ester:1052 nanomol/ml (N:18.9) or 620 μmol/g cr. This compares with the acetylcarnitine excretion of adults after 60hrs. starvation! and suggests a partial block in the disposal of acetyl-CoA.Reye Syndrome-like attacks may be precipitated by mitochondrial trapping of CoA-SH as acetyl-CoA viz. acylCoA.
ABUNDANCE AND NEIGHBORHOOD STRUCTURE FOR SPARSE AND COMMON GRASSES IN A MISSOURI PRAIRIE

Biomass abundance and distance from a random point to the nearest flowering culm were measured during two seasons for eight species of native perennial grasses on a continuum from locally rare to common in a Missouri tall prairie. Mean abundance from the most common to the most rare ranges over three orders of magnitude (nine octaves) from 73 to .25 g/m2. The means of the distance to a culm range over two orders of magnitude (four octaves) from 0.3 m to 5.0 m. The logarithm of distance to a culm is linearly correlated with the logarithm of abundance. Distance to an inflorescence is greater for sparse species than for common species.
FOODSERVICE DESIGN: TRENDS, SPACE ALLOCATION, AND FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE KITCHEN SIZE

A number of factors including energy and labor costs have affected facility planning and space allocation in foodservice. Vast kitchens and unrestricted equipment usage may no longer be acceptable or feasible. The purpose of this study was to obtain a clearer understanding of current design schemes within this environment. In particular, to identify the amount of space that has recently been allocated to functional areas in kitchens in certain quantity food settings: to determine whether kitchen size and allocation were different by type of operation; and to identify current factors which most influence their size, and the methods used to achieve reduction. A mail questionnaire was developed and sent to members of the Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI) who were identified as foodservice consultants in the U.S. The respondents indicated that kitchens being built today were smaller than those that were built in the ‘60's and ‘70's but not the ‘80's. Moreover, the consultants expected that kitchens would continue to get smaller. In their most recent design projects, twice as much space (1.99:1) on average had been assigned to the dining area as to the kitchen area, but there were variations by type of foodservice. The most important factor when determining the size of a quantity food kitchen was the type of operation. The next most important factors were the number of meals per hour and the choice of menu items. This study is useful to foodservice operators in the preliminary stages of planning new facilities or remodeling existing sites.
Synthesis of a Feedback Queueing Discipline for Computer Operation

Considerable effort has been invested in devising and analyzing sequencing rules for multiprogrammed or time-shared systems. A much studied discipline of this kind is the so-called system with feedback to lower priority queues. This discipline contains many parameters, in general, which must be fixed in order to achieve the desired waiting-time performance of the discipline. In this paper the problem of synthesizing a system of the above type is solved, by setting parameter values so that prespecified waiting time criteria are satisfied, assuming Poisson arrival and general service time parameters are known.
Surface light-induced changes in thin polymer films

With the sensitivity of photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS), it is possible to detect features that cannot be observed by other means, such as singlet-triplet transitions, weak charge-transfer bands, and weak photo-chemical changes at the surface. The films studied were those commonly used as charge transport materials in organic photoconductors, and are comprised of a small organic molecule and a polymer binder. The PDS spectra indicate the formation of charge transfer complexes between the two components in the solid state. The strength depends on the various combinations and can be correlated to relative energy level offsets between the IIOMO of the small molecule and the LUMO of the polymer binder. Reversible photochemistry resulting from UV exposure can also be detected at the surface.
An integrated psychosocial-spiritual model for cancer pain management.

purpose: Cancer pain is known to be a multidimensional and complex experience that can cause severe suffering and can lessen quality of life. The psychosocial and spiritual aspects of cancer pain play an important role in this phenomenon. This article describes a multidisciplinary model for cancer pain management that focuses on the psychosocial and spiritual aspects of cancer pain and the needs of patients. description of program: This multidisciplinary model has been organized to provide the most effective pain management to a variety of patients within a comprehensive cancer center. Our model includes multiple oncology mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, spiritual care providers, and psychiatrists. Each discipline provides a unique assessment and an evaluation of the needs of patients with cancer pain and their support system that is integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan. Regular collaboration occurs between disciplines to ensure that the patients receive optimal pain management. clinical implications: This model provides a framework from which treatment interventions can be implemented. The emphasis on consistent collaboration between disciplines is a vital component in providing effective cancer pain management. This multidisciplinary psychosocial-spiritual model can be replicated, modified, or both, to become standard practice in other comprehensive cancer centers.
SU‐FF‐J‐102: Determining Residual Target Motion and Gating Window Width From Gated CT for Routine Gated Delivery

Purpose: Respiratory gating is widely used to reduce errors in target volume in planning CT and errors in treatment delivery. In selecting a patient‐specific gating window width for gated treatment, the planner needs to correlate the magnitude of external motion signal to that of the 3D target motion in order to determine the magnitude of residual motion. We report our experience in determining patient‐specific residual variation in routine clinics. Material and Methods: Amplitude‐gated CT scans were performed on 96 patients with lungcancer and 32 patients with livercancer using Varian RPM gating system. Two gated CT scans with gating windows at the end of expiration and end of inspiration were acquired. The two gated CTs were registered to determine the two extreme positions of the target. The amplitude of the external motion signals between end of expiration and inspiration was correlated to these two extreme positions. The magnitude of residual external motion during CT beam‐on time was converted to 3D target residual motion. Results: In 96 lungcancer patients, significant target motions were found in inferior (84 patients, 3–18 mm, median 7), anterior (57 patients, 3–20 mm, median 5 mm), posterior (23 patients, 3–15 mm, median 6 mm), left (30 patients, 3–15 mm, median 5 mm), right (28 patients, 3–15 mm, median 5 mm) direction. In 32 livercancer patients, significant target motion were found in inferior (32 patients, 5–20 mm, median 10), anterior (20 patients, 3–13 mm, median 7 mm), right (13 patients, 3–10 mm, median 7 mm) directions. Residual motion during CT beam‐on time ranged 14–32% of the excursion. This information was used to determine gating window width for delivery and motion margin. Conclusion: Intrafractional residual target motion is not negligible and can be routinely addressed with this method.
Use of designed metal-binding sites to study helix proximity in the lactose permease of Escherichia coli. 2. Proximity of helix IX (Arg302) with helix X (His322 and Glu325)

Engineering divalent metal-binding sites into the lactose permease of Escherichia coli by introducing bis-His residues has been utilized to confirm the proximity of helices VIII (Glu269 --> His) and X (His322) [Jung, K., Voss, J., He, M., Hubbell, W. L., & Kaback, H. R. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 6272] and helices VII (Asp237 --> His) and XI (Lys358 --> His) [He, M. M., Voss, J., Hubbell, W. L., & Kaback, H.R. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 00000--00000]. In this paper, the approach is used to confirm and extend the relationship between helices IX (Arg302) and X (His322 and Glu325) [Jung, K., Jung, H., Wu, J., Prive, G. G., l& Kaback, H. R. (1993) Biochemistry 32, 12273]. Thus, mutants Arg302 --> His, Glu325 --> His, and Arg302 --> His/Glu325 --> His were constructed, and Mn2+ binding was assayed by electron paramagnetic resonance. Mutant Arg302 --> His binds Mn2+ with a KD of about 24 microM and a stoichiometry approximating unity in all likelihood because the His residue at position 302 forms a metal-binding site in conjunction with the native His residue at position 322. Mutant Arg302 --> His/Glu325 --> His also binds Mn2+ with a 1:1 stoichiometry, but the KD is decreased to about 13 microM. The results suggest that Arg302 is sufficiently close to both Glu325 and His322 to form a tridentate metal-binding site in mutant Arg302 --> His/Glu325 --> His. In contrast, replacement of Glu325 with His in permease with a native His residue at position 322 does not lead to Mn2+ binding. The results provide strong support for the helix packing model proposed.
Induction of DNA polymerase α in senescent cultures of normal and Werner's syndrome cultured skin fibroblasts

DNA polymerase alpha activity was determined following serum stimulation of early and late passages of human diploid fibroblast-like (HDFL) cultures derived from apparently normal donors (two strains) and from a patient with Werner's syndrome (one strain). Induction of this enzyme was observed in both low passage, actively proliferating cultures and in postmitotic "senescent" cultures from all three strains. The maximal polymerase activity of early and late passage cells of each strain were nearly identical when normalized to the number of cells present. However, the activity of the enzyme was observed to be significantly lower in late passage cultures when normalized to total protein content apparently because of enlargement of the senescent cells. The behavior of Werner derived cells was similar to that of the normal cells. The induction of DNA polymerase alpha in senescent cultures indicates that they retain the capacity to carry out some complex metabolic responses to mitogen stimulation. In addition, these results suggest the possibility that dilution of DNA polymerase alpha and/or other DNA replication factors may play a role in the onset or maintenance of the postmitotic state in the enlarged senescent HDFL cells.
Marital conflict and fifth-graders' risk for injury.

Background Injuries are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for American children. Marital conflict has been associated with a range of negative health outcomes, but little is known about how marital conflict may influence risk of injury among children. We hypothesized marital conflict would be related to increased youth injury risk after controlling for relevant demographic and parenting covariates. Methods A community sample of 3218 fifth-graders recruited from three US locales was utilized. Ordinal logistic regression models were used to predict the frequency of unintentional injuries from marital conflict while adjusting for demographics, parenting factors (nurturance, communication, involvement with youth), and family cohesion. Results Higher levels of marital conflict were associated with higher rates of injury that required professional medical attention (OR=1.20, 95% CI 1.06, 1.35 per standard deviation). The same association held after inclusion of all covariates in a multivariate ordinal logistic regression model. Conclusions Parental marital conflict is associated with higher rates of injuries requiring professional medical attention in preadolescent children.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of calcium and calmodulin at the spine

Calcium levels in spines play a significant role in determining the sign and magnitude of synaptic plasticity. Recent experiments using calcium sensitive dyes have allowed measurements of calcium transients in whole spines, however experimental resolution does not allow imaging of the spatial distribution of calcium within the spine [1,2,5]. Calcium can activate Calcineurin or bind to CaM and consequently activate CaMKII which is key mediator of synaptic plasticity. A main source of calcium influx into the spine is from the NMDA receptors. There are four different subtypes of obligatory NR2 subunits of NMDA receptors, NR2A/B/C/D. In the mature cortex the majority of the synaptic NMDA receptors are constituted by NR1/NR2A and in the immature cortex by NR1/NR2B. Experiments have shown that the subunit composition of NMDA receptors has an influence on the sign of synaptic plasticity, but different experiments resulted in different and possibly conflicting results [3,4]. NR2B has slower kinetics and higher affinity for Glutamate than that of NR2A. In addition NR2B receptors have a binding site for CaMKII.
Field desorption mass spectrometry of the B vitamins: pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, their phosphates, and thiamine.

Characterization of the B vitamins. pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, their phosphates and thiamine salts by electron impact mass spectrometry is difficult. A new technique, field desorption, is applied in ionizing these molecules for mass spectrometric analysis Characterization of these compounds by field desorption has the advantage that in each case the most intense peak in the spectrum is formed without fragmentation.
Clinical stage B prostate carcinoma: staging with MR imaging.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies were performed in 29 patients with clinical findings of stage B prostatic carcinoma with use of both T1 and T2-weighted spin echo sequences. MR imaging findings were correlated with surgical/pathologic results in 18 patients who underwent an operation. Periprostatic fat, periprostatic venous plexus, seminal vesicles, and lymph nodes were assessed from MR imaging studies. When each was assessed independently, the periprostatic fat signal had a sensitivity of 29%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 85% in detecting extracapsular tumor extension, whereas the periprostatic venous plexus had a sensitivity of 57%, specificity of 86%, and accuracy of 80%. MR imaging had a sensitivity of 50%, specificity of 97%, and accuracy of 89% for detecting seminal vesicular involvement. When all four anatomic features were taken into consideration, MR imaging had an accuracy of 89% (16 of 18 patients) in differentiating stage B from stage C or D disease (sensitivity 87%, specificity...
Analytic transient solution of general MOS circuit primitives

The exact analytic transient solution is presented for a general MOS circuit primitive. In the circuit primitive, I-V characteristics of transistors are modeled by quadratic equations and node voltages by piecewise-linear waveforms. The proposed MOS circuit primitive, of which an inverter is a special case, is shown to be more suitable for switch level and fast timing simulations than the commonly used inverter. For circuit simulation of medium-size digital circuits containing a few hundred transistors, the application of this analytic solution has resulted in two to three orders of speed improvement over the conventional circuit simulator. The speed improvement factor is expected to grow with the circuit size. It is also shown that the exact transient solution of a macromodel which models the charge sharing can be obtained in the same way. >
Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation Direct Write (MAPLE DW): A New Method to Rapidly Prototype Active and Passive Electronic Circuit Elements

We demonstrate a novel laser-based approach to perform rapid prototyping of active and passive circuit elements called MAPLE DW. This technique is similar in its implementation to laser induced forward transfer (LIFT), but different in terms of the fundamental transfer mechanism and materials used. In MAPLE DW, a focused pulsed laser beam interacts with a composite material on a laser transparent support transferring the composite material to the acceptor substrate. This process enables the formation of adherent and uniform coatings at room temperature and atmospheric pressure with minimal post-deposition modification required, i.e., ≤ 400°C thermal processing. The firing of the laser and the work piece (substrate) motion is computer automated and synchronized using software designs from an electromagnetic modeling program validating that this technique is fully CAD/CAM compatible. The final properties of the deposited materials depend on the deposition conditions and the materials used, but when optimized, the properties are competitive with other thick film techniques such as screenprinting. Specific electrical results for conductors are < 5X the resistivity of bulk Ag, for BaTiO3/TiO2 composite capacitors the k can be tuned between 4 and 100 and losses are < 1-4%, and for polymer thick film resistors the compositions cover 4 orders of magnitude in sheet resistivity. The surface profiles and fracture cross-section micrographs of the materials and devices deposited show that they are very uniform, densely packed and have minimum resolutions of ~10 ώm. A discussion of how these results were obtained, the materials used, and methods to improve them will be given.
Inference in regression problems based on order statistics

In the general linear model , the Best Linear Unbiased Estimates based on order statistics (O-BLUE) of the modelss parameters are given under general assumptions on the distribution F of , for complete and symmetrically censored samples. Large sample properties of the (O-BLUE) estimators of the parameters of the special cases of the simple linear regression model and the k-nsample situation are discussed. The estimators are found to be consistent, asymptotically efficient, and under mild conditions about the tails of the distribution F, are asymptotically normal. Approximate inference procedures concerning the model's parameters are proposed. Tables of the approximate critical values of the test statistics are given for complete and censored samples from six symmetric distributions including the normal distribution
Antenatal prediction of sex.

Current recommendations suggest that prospective parents be informed of the fetal sex following an amniocentesis—if the parents express a desire for that information. Genotype does not in all cases accurately predict the appropriate sex of rearing. A case is discussed involving an infant with ambiguous genitalia who prior to birth had been designated a male, based on genotype obtained following amniocentesis. Caution is urged in predicting sex antenatally.
Trust and Security in Peer-to-Peer System

The security and trust in P2P systems are quite complex mainly because of their heterogeneity. Conventional approaches for dealing with these issues are not satisfactory. In this paper the trust issue is investigated and an innovative approach is discussed.
Gene Families Encoding Phase- and Size-Variable Surface Lipoproteins of Mycoplasma hyorhinis

A prototype family of seven genes encoding the variable surface lipoproteins (Vlps) of Mycoplasma hyorhinis is characterized in the pathogenic SK76 strain, using long-range PCR to amplify and analyze the single chromosomal region containing expressed genes vlpA to -G, each of which is subject to phase and size variation. Smaller families of vlp genes in subclones of SK76 or in another strain of M. hyorhinis, GDL, can be attributed to deletions of specific vlp genes from the prototype array described here. Two genes, vlpA and the newly revealed vlpG, contain repeat motifs in their 3* coding regions that differ from the short tandem repeats in other vlp genes yet retain structural features common to all vlp gene products. SK76 and GDL vlp gene families are similarly organized and show sequence similarity between corresponding individual vlp genes. In light of the extensive potential for diversity within the vlp gene system, such conservation provides a provisional basis to hypothesize that vlp genes may exist in specific arrays that endow selected functions while retaining common structural features required during phase-variable expression of this set of gene products. Several species of the wall-less eubacteria Mycoplasma spp. contain in their small genomes sets of related genes encoding alternative surface lipoproteins (recently reviewed in reference 9). Studies of some mycoplasma gene families have revealed that these genes are subject to high-frequency, reversible mutations that generate alternate or composite expression patterns of corresponding gene products, as well as structural variation of the products reflecting changes in intragenic repetitive regions. Whereas specific functions associated with mycoplasmal systems of surface variation are not clear, conservation of such multigenic systems per se suggests that these variable arrays are pivotal elements in the adaptive strategies of mycoplasmas as chronic infectious pathogens of various host species. Determining the range of alternative genes in these families, and the degree and nature of structural variation in the corresponding gene products, can provide initial insight into possible functions. This study examines gene families encoding the variable lipoprotein (Vlp) system of Mycoplasma hyorhinis. M. hyorhinis chronically infects the swine host, where it
Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop Characteristics of Spirally Fluted Annuli: Part II—Heat Transfer

We present results of a comprehensive study of heat transfer and pressure drop in annuli with spirally fluted inner tubes for the laminar, transition, and turbulent flow regimes. Fourteen fluted tubes with varying geometries were studied, with up to three outer smooth tubes for each fluted tube. Flow patterns and transitions between flow regimes investigated through visualization tests, friction factor data (from Part I), and tube surface-temperature measurements were used to explain the enhancement phenomena. The fluted inner tubes induced a significant degree of swirl in the flow, and transition occurred in the 310<Re<1000 range. A Nusselt number correlation was developed in terms of the fluted annulus friction factor developed in Part I and geometric parameters. Nusselt numbers were between 4 and 20 times the smooth annulus values in the low Re range, while turbulent enhancements with between 1.1 and 4.0. The enhancement values can be used in conjunction with friction factor increase values reported in Part I to determine appropriate ranges of applicability for spirally enhanced annuli
EFFECTS OF DRINKING BY THE VICTIM OR OFFENDER ON VERDICTS IN A SIMULATED TRIAL OF AN ACQUAINTANCE RAPE

College students, 232 women and 151 men, read a simulated trial of rape by an acquaintance under one of four conditions: victim only drinking, offender only drinking, and both drinking or neither drinking before the alleged assault. How much students blamed the victim or offender for what happened and their verdict were unaffected by these conditions. Yet students rated alcohol consumption as having contributed to the alleged assault. Apparently, they simply did not attribute blame to consuming alcohol. How much students blamed the victim and the offender and having been or having known a rape victim predicted jurors' verdicts with 89% accuracy.
A Literature Review on Measuring Building Performance by Using Key performance Indicators

The lack of proper categorization of performance indicators hampers frequent and widespread use of performance metrics by the facility management industry. The purpose of this paper is to identify Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and categorize them into specific aspects of facility performance measurement. A qualitative approach, based on the literature, is adopted, which identified KPI’s based on a literature search. The KPI’s were, then, arranged into three major categories, based on their purpose and content: financial, physical, and functional. This categorization may offer a more practical use by facility management practitioners. Examples of the indicators identified, with their description, units of measurement, and literature sources are presented. Future research should focus on further analysis of KPI’s in order to generate a more concise list of indicators that exhibit wide applicability and valid categorization.
Barriers to Hospice for Children as Perceived by Hospice Organizations in North Carolina

Despite improving organization of hospice for children with life-limiting illnesses, services may be underutilized. We asked representatives of all 76 existing North Carolina hospice organizations about barriers to serving children. Representatives of 61 agencies responded (80%). Hospices serving children differed from hospices not serving children on perception of barriers: 1) Lack of pediatric trained staff (8% vs 42%, p = 0.01); 2) lack of pediatrician consultation (23% vs 50%, p = 0.03); 3) lack of pediatric pharmacy (4% vs 32%, p = 0.006), and inconsistent plan of care between pediatrician and hospice (12% vs 47%, p = 0.01). Lack of pediatric referrals (78%) and families wanting to continue curative therapies while receiving hospice care (77%) were felt to be the most important barriers overall. Enhanced training of pediatric providers and a model of care which blends disease-specific treatment with hospice may improve access to hospice services for children.
Bioavailability of Aminosalicylic Acid and Its Various Salts in Humans III: Absorption from Tablets

The relative bioavailability of commercially available preparations of aminosalicylic acid and its sodium, potassium, and calcium salts is presented. The doses administered were 4 g for aminosalicylic acid and 2.8, 2.6, and 2.6 g for the sodium, potassium, and calcium salts, respectively. Absorption from tablets of the salts was rapid and complete, but absorption of the free acid was only 77% of the dose. Dissolution of the relatively insoluble acid is a rate-limiting factor in absorption. Although the amount of free acid administered and the absolute amount absorbed were higher, the area under the plasma concentration curve of unmetabolized drug was less than for the salts. This is attributed to capacity-limited acetylation of drug, especially during the first pass. The amount of bioavailable drug is dependent on the rate of metabolism and, hence, the rate of absorption.
Response of the Shortgrass Steppe to Changes in Rainfall Seasonality

Studies in temperate grassland ecosystems have shown that differences in composition of C3 and C4 plant functional types can have important influences on ecosystem pools and processes. We used a plant community dynamics model (STEPPE) linked to a biogeochemical cycling model (CENTURY) to determine how ecosystem properties in shortgrass steppe are influenced by plant functional type composition. Because of phenological differences between C3 and C4 plants, we additionally simulated the effects of precipitation seasonality on plant communities and examined how C3 and C4 composition interacts with precipitation to affect ecosystems. The model output suggests that differences in C3 and C4 composition can lead to differences in soil organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) within 1000 simulation years. Soil organic C and N (g C and N m− 2 to 0.2-m depth) were least in a 100% C4 community compared with a 100% C3 community and a mixed C3–C4 community. A change in the time of maximum precipitation from summer to spring in a simulated shortgrass steppe slightly favored C3 plants over C4 plants. The proportion of total net primary production accounted for by C3 plants increased from 21% to 25% after 200 years, when 90 mm of precipitation was switched from summer to spring. Soil organic matter (SOM) was relatively stable in the C4-dominated communities with respect to changes in precipitation seasonality, whereasSOM in the C3 community was sensitive to precipitation seasonality changes. These results suggest an important interaction between plant community composition and precipitation seasonality on SOM, with phenology playing a key role.
Educational Gaming: An Effective Tool for Learning and Social Change in India

Despite the literacy rate in India going up to 74.04 per cent according to the 2011 census, significant challenges persist in providing quality education to the urban and rural masses in India. In this article, I argue that the substantial disparities in access to education as well as the delivery of cost-effective and quality education can be reduced to a great extent by involving the use of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) that rely on personal computers and databases, telecommunication networks, Internet and mobile phones, etc. for educating children and adults alike in an interactive, entertaining manner. Quality education cannot be merely achieved by the ‘chalk-and talk’ method anymore. Edutainment, a state-of-the-art concept of learning that combines education with entertain- ment, is rapidly gaining ground in India where the online gaming market is expected to reach $496 million by 2013. India is currently witnessing a revolution in edutainment. Even the government officials in...
Filtering and high-speed switching characteristics of a C-band tunable wavelength-selective MSM detector

We have developed an MSM based, electrically controlled, rapidly tunable photodetector in C-band with switching access time of 13.8 ns. We achieve 1 Gb/s error free transmission and show <±5 ps group delay ripple. (2 pages)
Challenge and response in the Mississippi River Basin

This paper discusses the historic and contemporary challenges in the management of the lower Mississippi River Basin, and describes the evolving role of the federal government in addressing these challenges. In the early eighteenth century, the federal government was responsible for maintaining a navigable channel. After repeated calls by states for federal assistance with flood control and a devastating flood in 1927, the federal government additionally became the primary body responsible for protecting the Delta from floods. Although the resulting flood control system provided greater protection, it also brought new challenges, such as an increasingly large hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico, land subsidence in southern Louisiana and water quality issues. The confluence of these environmental concerns and changing national values have once again broadened the scope of federal responsibility to include environmental management and ecosystem restoration, along with its original involvement in navigation and flood control. This triad of responsibility carries with it often-competing objectives that must be balanced within legal and institutional constraints, most notably a deficit of available funding for inland waterway projects and what appears to be a lack of political will for continued investment in the maintenance of existing and development of new projects.
Prophylactic Use of Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background The effect of prophylactic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on mortality and functional outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is uncertain. Methods We used data from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA) to evaluate the effect of prophylactic AEDs on ICH outcome. Univariate and multivariate logistic and Cox regression models were designed to determine the impact of prophylactic AEDs on mortality and disability, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) greater than 3 at 90 days following ICH. Results Of the 802 patients with ICH, 81 (10%) received prophylactic AEDs. Patients who received AED prophylaxis had higher ICH volume (median 23.2 cm 3 [IQR 10.5-38.0] versus 14.3 cm 3 [IQR 7.1-27.0], P = .001) and ICH score (median 1 cm 3 [IQR 0-2] versus 1 cm 3 [IQR 0-1], P = .03). In univariate analyses, AED prophylaxis was associated with higher probability of mRS greater than 3 at 90 days (62% versus 49%, P = .03) and a trend towards increased mortality (27% versus 18%, P = .06). Although seizure did not influence ICH outcome, any AED prophylaxis and phenytoin use in particular were both associated with mRS greater than 3 at 90 days (OR 1.66 [1.04-2.66], P = .03 for any AED; OR 1.97 [1.06-3.67], P = .03 for phenytoin prophylaxis) in univariate analyses. After adjustment for components of the ICH score, none of these associations remained significant. Conclusion Patients with higher ICH scores and larger hemorrhages are more likely to receive prophylactic AEDs. We found no independent effect of prophylactic AED treatment on outcome after ICH.
The happy survivor?: Effects of differential mortality on life satisfaction in older age

Older adults report higher psychological well-being than younger adults. Those highest in well-being also have the lowest risk of mortality. If those with lower well-being die earlier, it could affect the appearance of developmental change in well-being. In adults aged 50 and older (N = 4,458), we estimated effects of differential mortality on life satisfaction by imputing life satisfaction, adjusting for attrition due to death, or estimating life satisfaction using pattern-mixture modeling. There was an increase in life satisfaction with age; however, differential mortality affected the elevation of the curve. Observed life satisfaction, particularly above age 70, is affected by differential mortality. (PsycINFO Database Record
8 – Safety of integral pressurized-water reactors (iPWRs)

Abstract Potential for enhanced safety and amenability to inherent safety features is one of the hallmarks of SMRs designed with an integral primary circuit. The lower thermal power of SMRs facilitates decay heat removal and results in a lower source term than in large reactors. The integral primary circuit configuration of iPWRs is more conducive to implementation of inherent safety characteristics. Combined with passive safety systems, it may significantly increases the probability of maintaining the system in a safe state under different operating conditions, transient, and accidents, including the loss of off-site power that had been historically proven challenging. However, the limited experience database requires experimental efforts to address unique characteristics of iPWR SMRs. Integral test facilities are typically constructed to study new phenomena, validate analysis methods, and support design licensing. The enhanced safety characteristics of SMR, through PRA-driven design and risk-informed approach, may build a case to allow reducing the size of the emergency planning zone. The compact design improves the synergy of safety and security functions. With their unique characteristics, this class of reactors not only presents new and unique research challenges but also offers new and unique opportunities.
Introduction to Design Optimization

A general process of designing new systems or improving existing systems is explained in this chapter. Distinction is made between engineering analysis and engineering design activities. The idea of designing optimum systems is introduced. Differences between the conventional design process and the optimum design process are explained, and differences between the optimum design and optimal control of systems are delineated. The basic terminology and notation used throughout the book are presented and explained. The notations for sets and points are explained. The idea of a constraint and the notation used to represent it are presented. The use of superscripts and subscripts and the summation notation are explained. A function of n variables is defined, and notation for vector functions is presented. First and second partial derivatives of a function of several variables are defined. To facilitate the use of a consistent set of units for optimization problems, a conversion table between the US standard units and the International System of units (SI units) is included.
Increased cardiac output and maximal oxygen uptake in response to ten sessions of high intensity interval training.

BACKGROUND Increases in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) are widely reported in response to completion of high intensity interval training (HIIT), yet the mechanism explaining this result is poorly understood. This study examined changes in VO2max and cardiac output (CO) in response to 10 sessions of low-volume HIIT. METHODS Participants included 30 active men and women (mean age and VO2max=22.9±5.4 years and 39.6±5.6 mL/kg/min) who performed HIIT and 30 men and women (age and VO2max=25.7±4.5 years and 40.7±5.2 mL/kg/min) who served as non-exercising controls (CON). High intensity interval training consisted of 6-10 s bouts of cycling per session at 90-110 percent peak power output (PPO) interspersed with 75 s recovery. Before and after training, progressive cycling to exhaustion was completed during which CO, stroke volume (SV), and heart rate (HR) were estimated using thoracic impedance. To confirm VO2max attainment, a verification test was completed after progressive cycling at a work rate equal to 110%PPO. RESULTS Data demonstrated significant improvements in VO2max (2.71±0.63 L/min to 2.86±0.63 L/min, P<0.001) and COmax (20.0±3.1 L/min to 21.7±3.2 L/min, P=0.04) via HIIT that were not exhibited in CON. Maximal SV was increased in HIIT (P=0.04) although there was no change in maximal HR (P=0.57). CONCLUSIONS The increase in VO2max seen in response to ten sessions of HIIT is due to improvements in oxygen delivery.
Cancer in the Older Population

Advancing age comes bundled with increased cancer incidence and mortality. Indeed, the median age at diagnosis of all cancers combined is 69 years for men and 67 for women.3 Age-adjusted cancer incidence is 10 times higher in the 65+ population compared to their younger counterparts (2,151.2 versus 208.8/100,000 persons).2 Similarly, age-adjusted cancer mortality is 15-fold higher in the 65+ population (1,068.2 versus 67.3/100,000 persons). Figure 97.1 illustrates the proportions of the commonest cancers incidence and mortality in the 65+ population. As a result, although the total U.S. population is expected to grow by 9% between 1990 and 2010, the incidence of cancer is expected to increase by a disproportionate 32% in the same time frame. These trends are mirrored in countries across the globe.
Christian Exegesis of the Qur’ān: A Critical Analysis of the Apologetic Use of the Qur’ān in Select Medieval and Contemporary Arabic Texts

In this book, Scott Bridger writes primarily to Evangelical Christians living or working in Arabic-speaking contexts and argues that they are justified in their use of the Qur’an to create points o...
Cardiovascular outcomes in patients with intraventricular conduction blocks: A sixteen-year follow-up in a state-wide database.

Abstract Background To assess the adverse clinical effects of left anterior hemiblock alone or in combination with right bundle branch block and of complete left bundle branch block in comparison with isolated right bundle branch block and the relationship of these effects with altered mechanoelectric factors resulting in left ventricular dysfunction. Methods In a 16-year follow-up study using a statewide database, we studied the occurrence of mortal and morbid cardiovascular (CV) events among patients without apparent ischemic heart disease who had left anterior hemiblock (LAHB, n=4273, right bundle branch block (RBBB) with LAHB (BFBB, n=1857) and left bundle branch block (LBBB, n=9484 compared to isolated RBBB (n=25288). Results After adjustment for demographics, co-morbidities and insurance, LAHB was associated with a significant excess risk of all-cause death (HR 1.134, 95% CI 1.061-1.213, p=0.0002) and CV death (HR 1.329, 95% CI 1.174-1.501, p Conclusions In patients without apparent ischemic heart disease, the presence of LAHB alone or in combination with RBBB imparts increased risk of CV and all-cause death compared to isolated RBBB. BFBB is also associated with an increased risk of HF.
Abstract 286: Loss of Smad3 Exacerbates Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation With Enhanced Inflammation in an Experimental Mouse Model

Introduction Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a complex vascular disease that causes more than 10,000 deaths each year in the United States. Extensive studies have been performed in search of pharmaceutical treatment but surgical repair still remains the most effective treatment. TGF-β signaling is an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of aneurysms; however, there is debate as to whether its role is protective or destructive. Smad3 is a major intracellular mediator of the canonical pathway of TGF-β signaling. Hypothesis We hypothesize that Smad3-mediated TGF-β signal pathway plays important roles in the pathogenesis of AAA. Methods To test this hypothesis, we analyze the effects of loss of Smad3 on aneurysm formation in the calcium chloride induced AAA model using Smad3 knockout mice. Results Three weeks after calcium chloride treatment, the abdominal aorta displayed increased dilation, forming aneurysms. Histology and immunohistochemistry analyses show increased cell proliferation and enhanced inflammatory cell infiltration in the media and adventitia of the vessel wall. This was accompanied by elastic fibers degradation, increased MMPs expression and reduced expression of smooth muscle markers. Further analysis showed that the expression and nuclear localization of Smad2 and Smad4 was significantly increased. Conclusions These results demonstrate that Smad3-mediated TGF-β signaling plays a protective role in the pathogenesis of AAA and Smad2/Smad4 upregulation is not sufficient to compensate for the loss of Smad3 in this experimental model.
An Improved GLRT for Image-Based Point Source Detection and Estimation

This work revisits the problem of detecting and localizing point sources in a scene using an imaging array and suggests two improvements over traditional approaches. First, the importance of covariance matrix estimation is discussed and several estimators are compared. In particular, the so-called shrinkage estimator is shown to produce better estimates of the covariance matrix and consequently provides improved detection performance over the commonly used naive estimator. We also develop an iterative algorithm for obtaining maximum likelihood estimates of the point source parameters. By using these estimates in forming the detection statistic, further improvements are demonstrated over previously used estimators.
Structural modeling reveals microstructure-strength relationship for human ascending thoracic aorta

Abstract High lethality of aortic dissection necessitates accurate predictive metrics for dissection risk assessment. The not infrequent incidence of dissection at aortic diameters
Internal Factors Influence on Project Management Maturity Assessment

The study acts as a pilot research to investigate the influence of organizations internal dynamics on PMM assessment levels and to outline a methodology that can help us to quantify it. It aims to analyze the influence of organizations internal dynamics on project management maturity, (PMM), assessments and how they can change the assessment results. Specifically, it addresses the impact of internal organizational influences, like organization culture, leadership & leadership hierarchy, and emotional stability on the assessments of organization project management maturity. The methodological research approach for this study was a survey of 129 professionals. These professionals represent both manufacturing and service sectors industries that utilize project management extensively. Data were analyzed using multiple regression models with SPSS data processing results show that organization's internal factors significantly influence project management maturity assessments. The internal forces like organization culture and leadership/ leadership hierarchy significantly increase the PMM levels while emotional stability greatly reduces the PMM levels. These results can help upper management to better understand the PMM assessment results while academics can use it to amend maturity models and for conducting a more extensive longitudinal research.