cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Moderation of chlorine coverage and ethylene epoxidation kinetics via ethane oxychlorination over promoted Ag/Α-Al2O3

Abstract Optimal ethylene oxide selectivity during steady-state ethylene oxidation over Cs and Re-promoted Ag/α-Al2O3 catalysts is attained only if co-fed alkyl chlorides deposit chlorine adatoms and co-fed alkanes moderate surface chlorine coverages. Surface chlorine coverage under reaction conditions was measured in chemical transient studies immediately after reaching steady-state by removing reactants in flowing helium and recirculating ethane and oxygen in a gas-phase batch reactor; this resulted in removal of chlorine from the catalyst as ethyl chloride and enabled assessment of the total number of moles of chlorine desorbed per surface silver atom, which varied from 0.10 to 0.45 depending on the process conditions employed. Batch recirculation experiments demonstrated that oxygen is required to remove chlorine from silver catalysts, suggesting molecular events akin to those involved in oxychlorination of alkanes moderate chlorine coverage during steady-state catalysis. The chlorine content was largely unperturbed by changes in ethylene (20–40 mol%), carbon dioxide (1–5%), or oxygen (2–7%) concentrations during steady-state catalysis. Increasing temperature resulted in a monotonic decrease in chlorine coverage. A power law model accurately describes trends in chlorine coverage as a function of steady-state ethane (0.1–15 mol%) or ethyl chloride (0.5–6.3 ppmv) concentrations. The carbon selectivity for ethylene oxide increases with chlorine coverage, in agreement with expectations from steady-state measurement of rates and selectivity as a function of co-fed alkyl chloride promoters. These results explicate the critical role of oxygen-containing species in moderating Cl coverage during ethylene epoxidation catalysis, include a model that describes chlorine coverage across a broad concentration range of alkyl chloride promoter and alkane moderators, and enable correlation between kinetic parameters measured as a function of process conditions and the predicted chlorine coverage.
Gearbox Fault Diagnostics Using Deep Learning with Simulated Data

Transmission components are prone to fatigue damage due to high and intermittent loading cycles, that cause premature failure of gearboxes. Recently, several vibration-based diagnostics approaches using Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) algorithms have been proposed to identify gearboxes faults. However, most of them rely on a large amount of training data collection from physical experiments, which is often associated with high costs. This paper offers an ML and DL classification performance comparison of several algorithms to diagnose faults in a gearbox based on realistic simulated vibration data. A dynamic model of a single-stage gearbox was developed to generate data for different health conditions. Generated datasets were fed to ML and DL algorithms and accuracy results were compared. Results revealed the superiority of Convolutional Neural Network compared to other classifiers. This research contributes to the prevention of catastrophic failures in gearboxes by early crack detection and maintenance schedule optimization.
The Photopathology and Nature of the Blue Light and Near-UV Retinal Lesions Produced by Lasers and Other Optical Sources

The literature prior to 1916 has been reviewed exhaustively by Walker (1916) in his systematic account of the effects of radiant energy upon the eye. Birch-Hirschfeld (1912) had postulated that the visible portion of the solar spectrum was responsible for solar retinitis and/or eclipse blindness and that the effects of sunlight on the retina were abiotic in nature. However, his opinions were contested by Verhoeff and Bell (1916), who produced what they considered incontrovertible evidence that solar retinitis and/or eclipse blindness resulted from thermal effects on the retina.
WTC^2: Impact-Aware Threat Analysis for Water Treatment Centers

A water treatment center (WTC) removes contaminants and unwanted components from the water and makes the water more acceptable to the end-users. A modern WTC is equipped with different water sensors and uses a combination of wired/wireless communication network. During the water treatment process, controllers periodically collect sensor measurements and make critical operational decisions. Since accuracy is vital, a WTC also uses different data validation mechanisms to validate the incoming sensor measurements. However, like any other cyber-physical system, water treatment facilities are prone to cyberattacks, and an intelligent adversary can alter the sensors measurements stealthily, and corrupt the water treatment process. In this work, we propose WTC Checker (WTC2), an impact-aware formal analysis framework that demonstrates the impact of stealthy false data injection attacks on the water treatment sensors. Through our work, we demonstrate that if an adversary has sufficient access to sensor measurements and can evade the data validation process, he/she can compromise the sensors measurements, change the water disinfectant contact time, and inflict damage to the clean water production process. We model this attack as a constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) and encode it using Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT). We evaluate the proposed framework for its threat analysis capability as well as its scalability by executing experiments on different synthetic test cases.
On the Report of Performance Analysis of Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers based Strain Sensor for Applications in Human Motion Monitoring

Flexible and wearable sensors are currently being extensively used in versatile applications including wireless body area network. Specifically, such sensors are mostly incorporated to yield a linear response within their range of operations. A recently developed flexible and wearable resistive strain sensor made of electrospun carbon nanofibers has been reported with a gauge factor up to 72. In this paper, the performance of the strain sensor embedded in a polyurethane matrix was studied at first. A linear region of operation of such sensor was defined from direct measurements for wireless body area network applications. The equivalent analytical expressions were established and reported.
Component-wise reduced order model lattice-type structure design

Abstract Lattice-type structures can provide a combination of stiffness with light weight that is desirable in a variety of applications. Design optimization of these structures must rely on approximations of the governing physics to render solution of a mathematical model feasible. In this paper, we propose a topology optimization (TO) formulation that approximates the governing physics using component-wise reduced order modeling as introduced in Huynh et al. (2013); Eftang and Patera (2013), which can reduce solution time by multiple orders of magnitude over a full-order finite element model while providing a relative error in the solution of 1%. In addition, the offline training data set from such component-wise models is reusable, allowing its application to many design problems for only the cost of a single offline training phase, and the component-wise method is nearly embarrassingly parallel. We also show how the parameterization chosen in our optimization allows a simplification of the component-wise reduced order model (CWROM) not noted in previous literature, for further speedup of the optimization process. The sensitivity of the compliance with respect to the particular parameterization is derived solely at the component level. In numerical examples, we demonstrate a 1000x speedup over a full-order FEM model with relative error of 1% and show minimum compliance designs for two different cantilever beam examples, one smaller and one larger. Finally, error bounds for the displacement field, compliance, and compliance sensitivity of the CWROM are derived.
Preparing Teacher Candidates for Trauma-Informed Practices:

Children who experience trauma may experience negative health and educational outcomes. Teachers are critical stakeholders in trauma-informed schools and are tasked with recognizing and responding ...
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: The Challenge of Preventing a Rare but Potentially Devastating Exposure

Abstract Although rare, patients with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) in their differential diagnosis of progressive dementia and movement disorder could continue to present to hospitals for care. However, U.S.-based infection control guidelines do not fully address the possibility of vCJD. After near-misses involving increasing numbers of patients with clinical findings and epidemiologic risks compatible with vCJD, or exposures to chronic wasting disease, we sought to improve recognition and prevention of iatrogenic spread of these prion-related diseases.
Infective Endocarditis Manifesting as Severe Elevation in Serum Aminotransferases in the Absence of Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation, Heart Failure, or Shock: A Diagnostic Challenge.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a challenging condition to diagnose, given its protean clinical signs and symptoms, Elevation in serum aminotransferases in IE is associated with valvular regurgitation, acute heart failure, or congestive hepatopathy. Studies show co-existing liver failure portends worsening outcomes in IE and poses a challenge for successful surgical management. Here we report a diagnostic challenge in a 35-year-old man with IE presenting predominantly with gastrointestinal symptoms and severe elevation in serum aminotransferase. The degree of aminotransferase elevation in our patient prompted consideration of alternative causes like acetaminophen toxicity. Severe elevation in aminotransferases as an initial presentation in the absence of significant valvular regurgitation, acute right heart failure, or shock is uncommon. A high degree of suspicion is required to diagnose IE when patients present with atypical signs and symptoms to avoid delay in initiation of antibiotics and improve overall morbidity and mortality.
Navigating Digital Turbulence

When navigating the uncertainties of digital technologies, vigilant firms gain an edge by paying close attention to what is happening on their periphery and fostering organizational agility, so they are ready to act when the time is right. George Day and Paul Schoemaker examine three key principles that underpin organizational vigilance and show how Adobe’s leaders used them to great effect.
Risk of Thrombotic Events after Exposure to Intravenous Immunoglobulin or Plasma Exchange for Treatment of Neurologic Disease (S27.002)

Objective: To determine if use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange (PLEX) for neurologic disease is associated with risk for thrombotic events. Background: Various neurologic diseases are treated with IVIG or PLEX. In practice, IVIG is avoided in patients at risk for thrombotic events. Data supporting this practice is limited. We hypothesized that treatment with IVIG would be associated with greater risk for subsequent thrombotic events compared to PLEX. Design/Methods: Using the State Inpatient Databases and Emergency Department Databases for New York, Florida, and California (2005–2014), we identified index admissions for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), venous thrombotic embolism (VTE), and myocardial infarction (MI) using validated ICD-9CM codes. To assess whether exposure to IVIG and PLEX during admission for neurologic disease (myasthenia gravis, Gullain-Barre Syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, or multiple sclerosis) was associated with subsequent thrombotic events, we performed a case-crossover analysis for each intervention and each thrombotic event in separate conditional logistic regression models (estimating odds ratios [OR] and 95% confidence intervals [CI]), with each individual serving as their own control. Results: We identified 495745 index admissions for VTE, 807117 for MI, and 626140 for AIS. There was an increased risk of VTE within a 30-day window after exposure to IVIG (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.34–8.30, p=0.0097) and PLEX (OR 4.29, 95% CI 1.88–9.76, p=0.0005). Within a 120-day window, the increased risk for VTE was greater with IVIG (OR 4.54, 95% CI 2.49–8.27, p Conclusions: Treatment of neurologic disease with both IVIG and PLEX was associated with increased risk for VTE. Our results do not support the clinical practice of avoiding IVIG to decrease risk for thrombotic events. Disclosure: Dr. Jin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stein has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dhamoon has nothing to disclose.
Static and moving vortices in Ginzburg-Landau theories

Lecture 1:After a brief introduction to the history of the theory of superconductivity, I shall describe the main mathematical result due to Bethuel-Brezis-Helein and recent improvements and simplifications. In particular the asymptotic behavior of distributions of vortices for static solutions or approximate solutions.
Purification of naturally occurring antibody to human placental lactogen by affinity chromatography.

Abstract Antibodies against human placental lactogen (HPL) were isolated from maternal postpartum sera and nonpregnant female sera by the technique of immunoadsorption (or affinity chromatography). HPL was linked to Sepharose gel by cyanogen bromide activation and the resultant chromatographic resin was used in a repetitive column procedure to absorb and fractionate naturally occurring antibodies to HPL. The antibody to HPL was concentrated after elution from the column with a chaotropic ion, and tested for immunologic activity. It was determined to be an IgG molecule, and only radioimmunoelectrophoresis was sensitive enough, among the several tests performed, to show specific anti-HPL activity after treatment.
What is the Effect of the Housing Prices and the REIT Index in Bulgaria on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange Index

This paper estimates the effect of real estate on the Bulgarian stock index over the period 2007-2008. Part II presents the theoretical basis for this research. Part III includes a description of the data and empirical model, as well as an explanation of the variables used in the model. Part IV presents the empirical results after running OLS regressions and Granger causality tests. Finally, Part V summarizes the main results. This article is available in The Park Place Economist: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/parkplace/vol18/iss1/11
Application of discriminant functions in perinatal death and survival

Abstract Three discriminant functions were used to determine which were the most effective in discriminating between death and survival of an infant, and to assess the importance of each independent variable in the analyses. Model A contained 28 variables which had been found significant or borderline in previous regression analyses upon birth weight, gestation, or crown-heel length. Model B consisted only of birth weight, gestation, and crown-heel length, while Model C contained the 25 variables of Model A not included in Model B. Model A was judged to be the most effective in discrimination. Model B, with only three variables, was almost as powerful. Model C, with 25 variables, was the least effective by far. The three variables of Model B were further analyzed to determine which of these three indices of prematurity, and which combinations of them were most important in discriminating between death and survival. Birth weight was the most powerful, gestation was next, and crown-heel length the least important. Considering the variables in pairs, birth weight and gestation was the most effective pair, followed by birth weight and crown-heel length. Gestation and crown-heel length was the least effective. Birth weight alone was a better discriminator than gestation and length combined. Furthermore, the addition of a third index to any given pair significantly increased the discriminating power of the function. Individual variables, other than the three discussed above, found significant in discrimination included race, sex, prepregnancy weight of the mother, obstetric complications, placenta and cord conditions, and congenital malformations.
Use of Difference Equation Methods for Predicting Sunspot Numbers

A new method is described for examining time series for multiple periodicities where the physics of the situation suggests forcing functions with a number of possible periods p1, p2, … p where the signals may not be additive but include effects of interactions or nonlinearities. Application of the method to the prediction of the monthly values of the Wolf relative sunspot number indicates that forecasts can be made for periods up to 100 mo in advance, with mean-square errors comparable to those previously obtained for predictions made for only one or two years ahead.
A continuously growing web-based interface structure databank

The macroscopic properties of materials can be significantly influenced by the presence of microscopic interfaces. The complexity of these interfaces coupled with the vast configurational space in which they reside has been a long-standing obstacle to the advancement of true bottom-up material behavior predictions. In this vein, atomistic simulations have proven to be a valuable tool for investigating interface behavior. However, before atomistic simulations can be utilized to model interface behavior, meaningful interface atomic structures must be generated. The generation of structures has historically been carried out disjointly by individual research groups, and thus, has constituted an overlap in effort across the broad research community. To address this overlap and to lower the barrier for new researchers to explore interface modeling, we introduce a web-based interface structure databank (www.isdb.cee.cornell.edu) where users can search, download and share interface structures. The databank is intended to grow via two mechanisms: (1) interface structure donations from individual research groups and (2) an automated structure generation algorithm which continuously creates equilibrium interface structures. In this paper, we describe the databank, the automated interface generation algorithm, and compare a subset of the autonomously generated structures to structures currently available in the literature. To date, the automated generation algorithm has been directed toward aluminum grain boundary structures, which can be compared with experimentally measured population densities of aluminum polycrystals.
Food Habits of Carp and White Suckers in the South Platte and St. Vrain Rivers and Goosequill Pond, Weld County, Colorado

Abstract Gut contents of carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus) and white suckers (Catostomus commersoni [Lacepede]) collected by electrofishing from the South Platte and St. Vrain rivers, and Goosequill Pond near the Fort St. Vrain Nuclear Generating Station, Colorado, were analyzed by standard means to determine food habits. Chironomid larvae and pupae were the principle foods of both fish species in the streams. Carp and white suckers competed for this primary food source; both fish species fed primarily on chironomids and did not feed effectively on tubificid worms. White suckers supplemented their diets with species of Simulium, Hydropsyche, Hyalella and terrestrial invertebrates. Carp were more opportunistic and consumed more of the less-abundant food organisms than suckers did. Both streams supported limited numbers of benthic invertebrates. Consequently, large quantities of algae, sand, detritus, and terrestrial invertebrates were found in the gut contents of both fish species. Carp in Goosequill Pond fe...
Anti-tumor and Anti-ovarian Autoantibodies in Women with Ovarian Cancer

Problem There is a lack of validated marker(s) for the diagnosis of early-stage ovarian cancer (OVCA). The objective was to determine if women with OVCA had antibodies, to assess their potential as markers of ovarian cancer. The secondary objective was to compare the prevalence of antibodies to proteins from normal ovary and ovarian tumors to determine if antibodies primarily recognize tumor antigens, as many antigens are common to tumor and normal ovary. Method of Study Serum samples from patients with OVCA, borderline or benign ovarian tumors, endometrial cancer and healthy women were examined for anti-ovarian and anti-tumor antibodies by immunoassay. Immunoreactive proteins were characterized by one- and two-dimensional Western blot. Results Ovarian (81%, P 0.001) and anti-tumor (69%, P 0.001) autoantibodies in OVCA were significantly different from those of control sera. A majority of OVCA serum samples reacted with proteins at about 50 kDa from normal ovary or ovarian tumors in one-dimensional Western blot. While there were similar reactions in two-dimensional Western blots, there are differences between reactions to normal and tumor antigens and between reactions to autologous and allogeneic tumors. Conclusion Serum autoantibodies are significantly associated with OVCA. Anti-tumor antibodies may provide a useful marker for the detection of ovarian cancer.
Thermodynamics of ionization of benzoic acid in water at 298°K

The standard heat of ionization of aqueous benzoic acid has been determined by solution calorimetry. The value obtained for ΔH o of ionization, 0.11±0.04, is in good agreement with ΔH o from other calorimetric values; 0.10±0.05 kcal-mole −1 is suggested to be the “best” value for this ionization at 298° K.
Misconceptions and Conceptual Change in Undergraduate Students' Understanding of Psychology as a Science

American undergraduate psychology students' (N = 438) beliefs about the scientific nature of the discipline were assessed as a function of their year in college (first to fourth year) and academic status in psychology (a comprehensive, limited, or minimal program of study in psychology). Students completed the Psychology as a Science (PAS) questionnaire, in which they evaluated 15 Likert-type statements about scientific psychology. There was a main effect of year in college and academic status, suggesting that those who are academically advanced and committed to a comprehensive study of psychology had a stronger belief that psychology is a science. The results are discussed in terms of the process of conceptual change by which students overcome their misconceptions about psychology as a science.
Variations in the natural history and survival of patients with supratentorial low-grade astrocytomas

Data from 55 consecutive patients with low-grade astrocytomas treated between 1982 and 1990 were analyzed to determine specific outcome factors, including time to recurrence, incidence of anaplastic transformation, and survival. Gender, type of symptoms, contrast enhancement, and timing of radiation therapy were not significant in determining outcome. Patients who had symptoms for > 2 years and underwent gross-total resection of the tumor, with age as a continuous variable, were associated with significantly longer time to recurrence and survival. Within the population of patients with low-grade astrocytomas, patients with chronic epilepsy clearly had the best prognoses. There were no tumor recurrences or deaths in 27 patients with chronic epilepsy, regardless of the extent of surgery and without the use of radiotherapy. Ten-year survival was 100% for 31 patients who underwent gross-total tumor resection, regardless of the length of preoperative symptoms. Immediate postoperative radiotherapy did not prolong the time to recurrence, reduce the incidence of transition to more malignant tumors at recurrence, or increase the length of survival when compared with delayed radiotherapy. Because recurrence with a high-grade lesion caused 92% of the mortality in our series, the benefit in patients who underwent aggressive surgery seems to result from a significant decrease in the risk of recurrence when compared with patients who underwent anything less than gross-total resection. Our data also suggest that variability in the natural history of low-grade astrocytomas has a strong influence in determining survival and that tumors associated with chronic epilepsy are much less likely to become more malignant over time.
Diffuse parenchymal diseases associated with aluminum use and primary aluminum production.

Aluminum use and primary aluminum production results in the generation of various particles, fumes, gases, and airborne materials with the potential for inducing a wide range of lung pathology. Nevertheless, the presence of diffuse parenchymal or interstitial lung disease related to these processes remains controversial. The relatively uncommon occurrence of interstitial lung diseases in aluminum-exposed workers—despite the extensive industrial use of aluminum—the potential for concurrent exposure to other fibrogenic fibers, and the previous use of inhaled aluminum powder for the prevention of silicosis without apparent adverse respiratory effects are some of the reasons for this continuing controversy. Specific aluminum-induced parenchymal diseases described in the literature, including existing evidence of interstitial lung diseases, associated with primary aluminum production are reviewed.
Risk factors and adult body mass index among overweight children: the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Objective Compared with thinner children, overweight children (BMI for age between the 85th and 94th Centers for Disease Control and Prevention percentiles) have moderately elevated levels of lipids and blood pressure and are at increased risk for becoming obese adults. We examined the ability of BMI for age, the skinfold sum (subscapular + triceps), and the waist/height ratio to identify which overweight children are at greatest risk. Methods Cross-sectional (n = 2501) and longitudinal (n = 2124) analyses were performed among subjects who participated in the Bogalusa Heart Study. Results Levels of risk factors and adult BMI (median: 32 kg/m(2)) among overweight children were midway between those of thinner children and obese children (BMI for age >/= 95th percentile). Although there was a wide range of skinfold sums among the overweight children, levels of BMI for age and the skinfold sum provided relatively little information on adverse risk-factor levels and adult BMI. Overweight children with a relatively high (upper tertile) waist/height ratio, however, were approximately 2 to 3 times more likely to have adverse levels of most risk factors than were those with a low waist/height ratio. Conclusions Overweight children vary substantially in terms of body fatness and risk-factor levels. Among these overweight children, levels of waist/height ratio are more strongly associated with adverse risk-factor levels than are levels of BMI for age or skinfold thickness. Additional information is needed on the relation of childhood waist/height ratio to adult complications.
X-ray structure of simian immunodeficiency virus integrase containing the core and C-terminal domain (residues 50-293)--an initial glance of the viral DNA binding platform.

Abstract The crystal structure of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) integrase that contains in a single polypeptide the core and the C-terminal deoxyoligonucleotide binding domain has been determined at 3 A resolution with an R -value of 0.203 in the space group P 2 1 2 1 2 1 . Four integrase core domains and one C-terminal domain are found to be well defined in the asymmetric unit. The segment extending from residues 114 to 121 assumes the same position as seen in the integrase core domain of avian sarcoma virus as well as human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) crystallized in the absence of sodium cacodylate. The flexible loop in the active site, composed of residues 141-151, remains incompletely defined, but the location of the essential Glu152 residue is unambiguous. The residues from 210-218 that link the core and C-terminal domains can be traced as an extension from the core with a short gap at residues 214-215. The C α folding of the C-terminal domain is similar to the solution structure of this domain from HIV-1 integrase. However, the dimeric form seen in the NMR structure cannot exist as related by the non-crystallographic symmetry in the SIV integrase crystal. The two flexible loops of the C-terminal domain, residues 228-236 and residues 244-249, are much better fixed in the crystal structure than in the NMR structure with the former in the immediate vicinity of the flexible loop of the core domain. The interface between the two domains encompasses a solvent-exclusion area of 1500 A 2 . Residues from both domains purportedly involved in DNA binding are narrowly distributed on the same face of the molecule. They include Asp64, Asp116, Glu152 and Lys159 from the core and Arg231, Leu234, Arg262, Arg263 and Lys264 from the C-terminal domain. A model for DNA binding is proposed to bridge the two domains by tethering the 228-236 loop of the C-terminal domain and the flexible loop of the core.
Submicron alumina powder production by a turbulent flow aerosol process

Abstract Alumina powder production by condensation of aluminum—sec-butoxide vapor to form liquid droplets and subsequent chemical reaction of the droplets with water vapor was carried out in a turbulent flow system (Re = 5000). Particle size distributions were broader than those obtained in laminar flow systems. Turbulence led to increased redistribution of vapor among fluid elements relative to laminar flow systems and resulted in non-uniform particle growth. For unseeded operation, 90% of the vapor was deposited on the walls. Introducing seed particles before condensation reduced vapor wall deposition to as low as 10%. The product particles had a fairly narrow size distribution with a number average diameter of 0.5 μm, were of high purity (99.995%) and were spherical and porous. The experiments demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing large quantities of powders by vapor condensation and chemical reaction in turbulent flow.
Synaptic interactions of substance P immunoreactive nerve terminals in the baro- and chemoreceptor reflexes of the cat

The neurochemical anatomy and synaptic interactions of morphologically identified chemoreceptor or baroreceptor afferents in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) are poorly understood. A substantial body of physiological and light microscopic evidence suggests that substance P (SP) may be a neurotransmitter contained in first order sensory chemo- or baroreceptor afferents, however ultrastructural support of this hypothesis is lacking. In the present report we have traced the central projections of the carotid sinus nerve (CSN) in the cat by utilizing the transganglionic transport of horseradish peroxidase. Medullary tissues including the commissural NTS (cNTS) were processed for the histochemical visualization of transganglionically labeled CSN afferents and for the immunocytochemical detection of SP by dual labeling light and electron microscopic methods. At the light microscopic level, dense bilateral labeling with TMB was found in the tractus solitarius (TS) and cNTS, caudal to the obex. Rostral to the obex, significant ipsilateral TMB labeling was detected in the dorsal, dorso-lateral, and medial subnuclei of the NTS, as well as in the TS. Significant staining of SP immunoreactive processes was detected in most subnuclei of the NTS. The cNTS was examined by electron microscopy. Either HRP or SP were readily identified in single labeled unmyelinated axons, myelinated axons, and nerve terminals in the cNTS. SP immunoreactivity was also identified in unmyelinated axons, myelinated axons, and nerve terminals in the cNTS which were simultaneously identified as CSN primary afferents. These ultrastructural data support the hypothesis that SP immunoreactive first order neurons are involved in the origination of the chemo- and baroreceptor reflexes. Axo-axonic synapses were observed between CSN primary afferent terminals and: (a) unlabeled nerve terminals; (b) other CSN primary afferent terminals; and (c) terminals containing SP. Axo-axonic synapses were also observed between CSN primary afferents which contained SP, and other SP terminals. These observations may mediate the morphological bases for multiple forms of presynaptic inhibition in the cNTS, including those involved in cardiorespiratory integration. In conclusion, our results indicate that SP immunoreactive nerve terminals may be important in both the origination and the modulation of the chemo- and/or baroreceptor reflexes.
Identification of a cis-2-butene-1,4-dial-derived glutathione conjugate in the urine of furan-treated rats

The hepatocarcinogen and toxicant furan requires metabolic activation to elicit its toxic effects. The available experimental evidence indicates that the overall metabolism of furan is initiated via cytochrome P450 catalyzed oxidation to cis-2-butene-1,4-dial. This α,β-unsaturated dialdehyde reacts in vitro with protein and DNA nucleophiles. To determine if this compound is an in vivo intermediate in the metabolism of furan, rats were treated with either [12C4]furan or [13C4]furan, and urine was collected for 24 h. Capillary LC/MS/MS analysis of the urine indicated that one of the metabolites was a monoglutathione conjugate of cis-2-butene-1,4-dial. These results indicate that glutathione conjugation of the reactive metabolite of furan occurs in vivo. This metabolite may serve as a useful marker for furan exposure and metabolism in risk assessment studies.
On the nature of two gamma bursts with spectral evolutions observed by the KONUS experiment

Several unique features of the evolving spectra of the April 2, 1979B, and November 11, 1979 gamma-ray bursts observed by the Konus experiment can be used to determine a number of critical parameters of the sources, within the context of the thermal synchrotron model, including their luminosity distance. These results shed much light on the origin of these events and possibly gamma bursts in general.
A chemical genetic screen for modulators of asymmetrical 2,2'-dimeric naphthoquinones cytotoxicity in yeast.

Background Dimeric naphthoquinones (BiQ) were originally synthesized as a new class of HIV integrase inhibitors but have shown integrase-independent cytotoxicity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines suggesting their use as potential anti-neoplastic agents. The mechanism of this cytotoxicity is unknown. In order to gain insight into the mode of action of binaphthoquinones we performed a systematic high-throughput screen in a yeast isogenic deletion mutant array for enhanced or suppressed growth in the presence of binaphthoquinones. Methodology/Principal findings Exposure of wild type yeast strains to various BiQs demonstrated inhibition of yeast growth with IC50s in the µM range. Drug sensitivity and resistance screens were performed by exposing arrays of a haploid yeast deletion mutant library to BiQs at concentrations near their IC50. Sensitivity screens identified yeast with deletions affecting mitochondrial function and cellular respiration as having increased sensitivity to BiQs. Corresponding to this, wild type yeast grown in the absence of a fermentable carbon source were particularly sensitive to BiQs, and treatment with BiQs was shown to disrupt the mitochondrial membrane potential and lead to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, baseline ROS production in BiQ sensitive mutant strains was increased compared to wild type and could be further augmented by the presence of BiQ. Screens for resistance to BiQ action identified the mitochondrial external NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, NDE1, as critical to BiQ toxicity and over-expression of this gene resulted in increased ROS production and increased sensitivity of wild type yeast to BiQ. Conclusions/Significance In yeast, binaphthoquinone cytotoxicity is likely mediated through NAD(P)H:quonine oxidoreductases leading to ROS production and dysfunctional mitochondria. Further studies are required to validate this mechanism in mammalian cells.
A reality check for tone-mapping operators

A large number of high-quality tone-mapping operators is currently available. In addition to inherent practical value, comparing their performance is necessary to further advance the field and can provide better understanding of visual realism. In this paper, we show that it becomes very difficult to meaningfully judge relative performance of modern tone-mapping techniques with existing comparison methods and demonstrate that using real environments is crucial in such experiments. We report results of a new study comparing five recent tone-mapping techniques using this approach.
Temporal and spatial response properties of optic neuritis patients manifesting statokinetic dissociation

Statokinetic dissociation (SKD) refers to a greater reduction in sensitivity to stationary visual stimuli relative to similar targets in motion. We evaluated SKD perimetrically in nine optic neuritis (ON) patients and in nine normals by measuring the difference between static and 4°/s kinetic thresholds for a size I target (0.11°) along the four oblique meridians. To assess temporal response characteristics, we used flicker perimetry to measure the sensitivity to 2-, 8-, and 20-Hz sinusoidal flicker at 5° intervals along the oblique meridians. The ON patients’ sensitivity to all three flicker frequencies was reduced at all eccentricities. In a number of cases, flicker sensitivity was unmeasurable to one or more frequencies within the region where kinetic targets were detectable. This was particularly marked at 20–25°, where in half the cases there was no measurable sensitivity to a flickering target although a moving target could be seen. These results indicate that SKD in these patients may not be due to a selective loss of mechanisms sensitive to low frequency temporal modulation with a relative sparing of mechanisms sensitive to high-frequency temporal modulation as has been previously suggested [ A. Safran J. Glaser , “ Statokinetic Dissociation in Lesions of Anterior Visual Pathways,” Arch. Ophthalmol.98, 291– 295 ( 1980)]. We hypothesize that SKD may be due in part to differences in spatial summation in these patients, making a moving target, which has a greater spatial extent, more detectable than a stationary target. Thus ON patients exhibiting SKD should show great improvement in static perimetry thresholds as the target size is increased. We compared the results of standard 30-2 Humphrey perimetry for size III (0.43°) and size V (1.72°) targets for normals and ON patients and found that the patients showed a larger sensitivity difference between size III and size V targets than normals.
Influence of Starting Grade and School Organization on Enrollment and Retention in Beginning Instrumental Music.

The purpose of this study was to explore differences in enrollment and retention of instrumental music students between the initial grade level of instruction and Grade 7. Specifically, fifth- and ...
Patient-centered and practical application of new high cholesterol guidelines to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Video.Online Aid to Assist Patient Decisions About Use of Statins This video illustrates use of an online decision aid to help patients understand the benefits and harms of using statins to reduce their 10-year cardiovascular risk. In 2013, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) published new guidelines for assessing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk1 and for treatment of blood cholesterol to reduce CVD.2 These new guidelines replaced the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) guidelines for the detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol3 that guided clinical practice for more than a decade. The new guidelines divert focus from lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels to treating CVD risk and therefore are no longer pure cholesterol guidelines like the ATP III predecessor. The new guidelines also discourage the prescription of lipid-lowering medications, such as ezetimibe or niacin, that do not have proven effect on reducing CVD risk. These changes represent a major shift in preventive cardiology.
Angiography: From a Patient's Perspective

In critical care, nurses are expected to react quickly to urgent and emergent situations. It is imperative that nurses have the ability to recognize signs and symptoms in patients that require diagnostic intervention. This article begins with a brief description of angiography and its role in the critical care environment. This is followed by a description and comparison of several modalities used to evaluate the cerebral and carotid vessels. A related case study, from a patient's perspective, provides the context for this discussion.
Organic Matter Concentration of Creeping Bentgrass Putting Greens in the Continental U.S. and Resident Management Impact

Soil organic matter (SOM) accumulation in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.; CB) putting greens has been a concern for decades. Gaussoin et al. (2013) summarized the negative effects associated with excessive SOM (thatch-mat), including decreased water infiltration, localized dry spots, reduced high and low temperature tolerances, increased pest problems, and reduced pesticide effectiveness. The objective of this study was to survey SOM concentrations in CB greens throughout the continental U.S. to determine management practices, and/or their interactions, that significantly affect green OM content. Regression techniques were used to determine the significance of various management practices and site-specific characteristics on green OM content. Three hundred and eight putting greens on 104 golf courses in 15 states (AR-4, CA-3, CO-4, CO-8, IL-6, IA-6, MN-4, MT-9, NE-13, NJ-3, NM-6, SD-22, WA-5, WI-3, WY-8) were surveyed for management practices and SOM concentration from June 2006 thru June 2008. All golf greens surveyed were CB with varied levels of annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.). Three 0.75-inch diameter samples were collected per putting green to determine SOM concentration (three putting greens per golf course). Verdure was removed from the sample and discarded. Samples were cut to 3.0 inches below the verdure and the excess soil discarded. Samples were analyzed for SOM concentration (gravimetric concentration) using the loss-on-ignition method (Nelson and Sommers, 1996) at 750°F ± 5°F for 12 h. Survey data included: green age, annual precipitation, latitude, longitude, altitude, mean annual relative humidity, topdressing rate, material and frequency, course category (private vs. public), green construction method, CB cultivar, annual bluegrass (%, visual), mowing height, cultivation type and frequency, verticutting frequency, total nitrogen applied (yr -1 ), and plant growth regulator use. Golf courses that did not return surveys were eliminated from the regression analysis. Data analysis was performed using SAS version 9.2 (SAS Institute, 2008). Models were fitted by first examining bivariate
Time evolution of orbital polarization in slow ion-atom collisions

Abstract We examine the time evolution of orbital polarization in slow ion—atom collisions allowing for the coupling of electronic and nuclear motions in an eikonal/time-dependent Hartree—Fock approximation. Results of integral alignment parameters in collisions of a proton with the hydrogen atom agree with experiments and other theoretical treatments, and confirm the measured behaviour at low velocities. The time dependence of all the differential orientation and alignment parameters show oscillations of the target electronic density around the slowly rotating internuclear axis.
Defining a standard: the Military Scenario Definition Language version 1.0 standard

The Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) Military Scenario Definition Language standardization effort has successfully completed version 1.0. MSDL intends to provide a standardized structure to capture the contents of a military scenario that can then be ingested by a wide variety of computer-based simulations. This paper provides a review of the standardizations process; introduces the contents of the MSDL Version 1.0 specification; and provides a short summary of ongoing MSDL activities.
Arsenic vs. phosphorus emitters for radiation hardened power transistors

The intent of this work was to determine what type of emitter, either arsenic or phosphorus, would yield a superior radiation tolerance. This was accomplished by fabricating devices of each type with thin heavily doped base and collector regions. All devices were irradiated to a neutron fluence of 3 × 1014n/cm2, 1 MEV equivalent. The results of this investigation did not support the hypothesis that arsenic was superior to phosphorus.
Using an environmental studies capstone to solidify and assess the integration of interdisciplinary learning at Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University restructured the capstone course for its Environmental Studies Program explicitly to foster interdisciplinary integration. Assignments assess the effectiveness of programmatic learning objectives in keeping with the Program’s mission, “…to engage actively and critically the complex relationships between people and the environment, drawing upon integrated and interdisciplinary perspectives.” This final course in the curriculum focuses specifically on the development of integrated and interdisciplinary perspectives. It builds on previous courses in our curriculum by asking each student to explore an environmental issue through the perspectives of at least two disciplines. Students are expected to integrate the methods and content of these two academic perspectives to develop more complete approaches to complex environmental challenges. Final capstone products are a public oral presentation and a 25–50-page academic paper. To accommodate a range of capstone questions and goals, the faculty created three templates from which the students can choose: investigative, interpretive, and advocacy. Two sets of guiding questions facilitate conversations between students and their disciplinary faculty mentors and lead to integrative analyses. Five short writing assignments focus student attention on the issue, chosen disciplines, audience, methodology, and integrative analyses central to their capstones. These assignments catalyze class discussion about the elements of a capstone, evidenced-based arguments from different disciplinary perspectives, and the writing process. The final short writing assignment, which specifically addresses integration, is used as the key programmatic assessment instrument. These changes have increased the quality of student–faculty mentor conversations and enhanced the complexity of classroom discussions and student outcomes.
Charge defects glowing in the dark.

Abstract We investigate the effects of local charge defects in HREM imaging, using electron densities calculated by density functional methods. As a model of a planar interface with a local charge defect we use the polar MgO (1 1 1)− 3 × 3 R 30° surface, which has an additional hole per surface unit cell. A complimentary example, the non-polar MgO (1 0 0) surface that has no local charge defect is simulated for comparison. We show that the contrast due to local charge defects is rather high, and suggest that they should be directly observable.
City generator: GIS driven genetic evolution in urban simulation

This poster presents a range of urban simulation techniques and multidisciplinary research across Architecture design, urban design, interactive design and game design, as well as visual effects. Through a series of design experiments using City Generator, the 3D urban simulation tool, I explored an integrated set of design methods, such as genetic computation, and real time simulation with game engine. The complexity of 3D urban form is procedurally controlled by 2D GIS (Geography Information System) data input and digital elevation model (DEM), which allows designers to efficiently shape urban growth in a preferred direction.
Unsettling the contemporary: critical indigeneity and resources in art

Indigenous cultural activism that articulates around land rights and resource extraction is highly visible and long-standing in the unceded First Nations territories of British Columbia, Canada. Fo...