cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reflections of Cross-Cultural Collaboration Science

The notion that effective collaboration benefits team and organizational performance has been around for many years. Interest in the construct of collaboration is a dominant area of research not only in the fields of industrial organizational psychology and organizational behavior but also in other areas of study such as sociology and medicine (Bedwell et al., 2012). Most recently, the prevalence and growth of global work, consisting of activities such as trade, off-shoring, and economic activity across national borders, has aroused the interest of cross-cultural psychologists in studying collaboration. The articles presented in this special issue provide evidence of this growing area of inquiry. Looking across this growing body of theoretical and empirical research, we observe that the use of a common definition of this construct could help future cross-cultural and multicultural research to be more fruitfully conducted. Hence, our goal here is to highlight several fundamental questions that exist regarding collaboration within and across national and cultural borders. We will not attempt to review or summarize the literature that has been amassed over the past few decades. Rather, we seek to provide an integrated view of the key questions, problems, and opportunities that pose a direct challenge to our field. By highlighting these areas, we seek to stimulate others to conduct needed research. We believe that several fundamental questions regarding the nature of collaboration within and across cultures still exist. These questions are as follows: (i) What can be gained by studying collaboration from a cross-cultural perspective? (ii) What do we know (and not know) about collaboration within and between cultures? (iii) What do we need to know in order to effectively manage multicultural collaborations? (iv) How should we advance scholarship about cross-cultural and multicultural collaborations? The remainder of this paper is organized around these focal questions. Prior to answering these questions, we start with the presentation of a unifying definition of collaboration and the value for studying collaboration from a cultural perspective in the first place. We conclude with recommendations for future directions.
Predicted net efflux of radiocarbon from the ocean and increase in atmospheric radiocarbon content

Prior to changes introduced by man, production of radiocarbon (14C) in the stratosphere nearly balanced the flux of 14C from the atmosphere to the ocean and land biosphere, which in turn nearly balanced radioactive decay in these 14C reservoirs. This balance has been altered by land-use changes, fossil-fuel burning, and atmospheric nuclear detonations. Here, we use a model of the global carbon cycle to quantify these radiocarbon fluxes and make predictions about their magnitude in the future. Atmospheric nuclear detonations increased atmospheric 14C content by about 80% by the mid-1960's. Since that time, the 14C content of the atmosphere has been diminishing as this bomb radiocarbon has been entering the oceans and terrestrial biosphere. However, we predict that atmospheric 14C content will reach a minimum and start to increase within the next few years if fossil-fuel burning continues according to a “business-as-usual” scenario, even though fossil fuels are devoid of 14C. This will happen because fossil-fuel carbon diminishes the net flux of 14C from the atmosphere to the oceans and land biosphere, forcing 14C to accumulate in the atmosphere. Furthermore, the net flux of both bomb and natural 14C into the ocean are predicted to continue to slow and then, in the middle of the next century, to reverse, so that there will be a net flux of 14C from the ocean to the atmosphere. The predicted reversal of net 14C fluxes into the ocean is a further example of human impacts on the global carbon cycle.
Computing standard deviations: accuracy

Four algorithms for the numerical computation of the standard deviation of (unweighted) sampled data are analyzed. Two of the algorithms are well-known in the statistical and computational literature; the other two are new algorithms specifically intended for automatic computation. Our discussion is expository, with emphasis on reaching a suitable definition of “accuracy.” Each of the four algorithms is analyzed for the conditions under which it will be accurate. We conclude that all four algorithms will provide accurate answers for many problems, but two of the algorithms, one new, one old, are substantially more accurate on difficult problems than are the other two.
Distribution of Circulation-Derived Endothelial Progenitors Following Systemic Delivery

Cells with an endothelial phenotype can be cultured from peripheral blood. These cells include cells of a monocytic origin with endothelial features (culture-modified mononuclear cells, CMMCs) and, at later time points, blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs). Both are promising candidates for systemic cell–based cardiovascular therapies and each may have unique capabilities. Indeed, the combined use of both cell types has been shown to have synergistic therapeutic features requiring simultaneous delivery. However, the majority of preclinical studies of cell delivery have used splenectomized animals to increase systemic distribution. The goal of this study was to directly compare the distribution of these two cell types following systemic delivery in an intact animal model. A similar pattern of delivery was seen following delivery of both cell types with detection in the lung, liver, bone marrow, and spleen. Taken together, the data suggest that strategies using systemic delivery of circulation-derived ...
Nonmuscle myosin light-chain kinase mediates neutrophil transmigration in sepsis-induced lung inflammation by activating β2 integrins

Nonmuscle myosin light-chain kinase (MYLK) mediates increased lung vascular endothelial permeability in lipopolysaccharide-induced lung inflammatory injury, the chief cause of the acute respiratory distress syndrome. In a lung injury model, we demonstrate here that MYLK was also essential for neutrophil transmigration, but that this function was mostly independent of myosin II regulatory light chain, the only known substrate of MYLK. Instead, MYLK in neutrophils was required for the recruitment and activation of the tyrosine kinase Pyk2, which mediated full activation of beta(2) integrins. Our results demonstrate that MYLK-mediated activation of beta(2) integrins through Pyk2 links beta(2) integrin signaling to the actin motile machinery of neutrophils.
Elastic moduli of a solid with spherical pores: New self-consistent method

It is well known that the elastic moduli of most rocks are much lower than the moduli of their constituent minerals. Adams and Williamson [1] accounted for this by conjecturing the presence of voids which serve to increase the compliance of the rock; the extent to which a particular void lowers the elastic moduli depends primarily on its shape. Brace [2] showed that the compressibilities of low-porosity rocks decreased with pressure and then levelled off to values consistent with those of their mineral components, implying that the porosity existed in the form of thin cracks which closed up under pressure. King [3] observed that a preferred orientation of open cracks had a marked effect on seismic velocities, with the major reduction in velocity being perpendicular to the plane of open fractures. For a higher porosity rock such as a sandstone, however, the compressibility can be quite high compared to its major constituent (quartz) even at high stresses, reflecting the presence of nonclosable 'equi-dimensional' pores. Although the actual shapes of voids in rocks are usually quite irregular, two prototypical voids, the spherical pore and the elliptical crack, have each been the subject of extensive mathematical treatment with regard to their precise effect on elastic moduli. The mathematical problem of predicting the elastic moduli of a material permeated with voids of a particular shape is in fact a special case of the more general problem of predicting the elastic moduli of multicomponent media. If a valid method of predicting the effect of inclusions on elastic moduli were found it might be possible, for example, to distinguish between oilsaturated and water-saturated rocks on the basis of their elastic moduli (as derived from seismic data). Possibly the most promising use of such a theory in the long-term would be the inversion of seismic data in order to determine details of the pore structure of a rock, such as crack density and aspect-ratio distribution, which could then be used to predict other rock properties such as fluid permeability, thermal conductivity or electrical resistivity.
Three-Phonon Process and the Propagation of Sound in Liquid Helium-4

The current theoretical formulations of the three-phonon mechanism for the velocity dispersion and for the attenuation of sound in liquid He-4 are shown to be incompatible with new experimental data presented here.
Outcomes following pancreatic resection: variability among high-volume providers.

Background A strong volume-outcome relationship has been demonstrated for pancreatic resection, and regionalization of care to high-volume centers (>11 resections/year) has been recommended. However, it is unclear if volume alone should be the sole criteria for regionalization. The objective of this study is to evaluate variability in outcomes among high-volume hospitals (>11 resections/year). Methods We used the Texas Hospital Inpatient Discharge Database from 1999 through 2005 to evaluate variability in outcomes after pancreatic resection among high-volume hospitals in Texas. The outcome variables of interest were mortality, length of stay, discharge to a skilled nursing facility, operation within 24 hours of hospital admission, and total hospital charges. Unadjusted and adjusted models were performed. Results A total of 12 high-volume hospitals were in Texas. The number of resections at each hospital ranged from 78–608 cases for the 7-year time period studied. In unadjusted models, there was significant variability in mortality (range, 0.7%–7.7%, P < .0001), duration of stay (range of medians, 9–21 days, P < .0001), the need for ongoing nursing care at discharge (range, 0.7%–41.4%, P < .0001), operation within 24 hours of admission (range, 41%–96%, P < .0001), and total hospital charges (median range, $38,318–$110,860, P < .0001). There were significant differences in the demographics, risks of mortality, and illness severity among the 12 high-volume hospitals. Therefore, multivariate models were used to control for age group, sex, race/ethnicity, risk of mortality, illness severity, admission status, diagnosis, procedure, and insurance status. In the multivariate models, the particular hospital at which the pancreatic surgery was performed was a significant independent predictor of every outcome variable except mortality. Conclusions For pancreatic resection, there is significant variability in outcomes even among high-volume providers. Individual hospitals likely account for much of the variability not explained by hospital volume. Although the structure measure of hospital volume is easy to measure, these data suggest that it is not a reliable single measure of quality or outcomes after pancreatic surgery.
Anorexia nervosa presenting as growth retardation in adolescents

Two adolescent males and one adolescent female were referred for evaluation of short stature. Extensive laboratory studies, often performed over several years, were unremarkable. After several years of observation, the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa was established. We emphasize the necessity to consider anorexia nervosa in the differential diagnosis of growth retardation in young adolescents.
Intramolecular Lewis-acid promoted (2+2) cycloadditions: An efficient total synthesis of (±)-coronafacic acid via an internal Diels-Alder reaction.☆

Abstract Internal (2+2) cycloaddition of the ester 7 gave the cyclobutene 8 in fair yield; cyclization of the readily derived trienone 4 and hydrolysis produced coronafacic acid in 7% overall yield.
Polydrug abuse: A review of opioid and benzodiazepine combination use

a b s t r a c t This paper reviews studies examining the pharmacological interactions and epidemiology of the combined use of opioids and benzodiazepines (BZDs). A search of English language publications from 1970 to 2012 was conducted using PubMed and PsycINFO®. Our search found approximately 200 articles appropriate for inclusion in this paper. While numerous reports indicate that the co-abuse of opioids and BZDs is ubiquitous around the world, the reasons for the co-abuse of these medications are not entirely clear. Though the possibility remains that opioid abusers are using BZDs therapeutically to self-medicate anxiety, mania or insomnia, the data reviewed in this paper suggest that BZD use is primarily recreational. For example, co-users report seeking BZD prescriptions for the purpose of enhancing opioid intoxication or “high,” and use doses that exceed the therapeutic range. Since there are few clinical studies investigating the pharmacological interaction and abuse liability of their combined use, this hypothesis has not been extensively evaluated in clinical settings. As such, our analysis encourages further systematic investigation of BZD abuse among opioid abusers. The co-abuse of BZDs and opioids is substantial and has negative consequences for general health, overdose lethality, and treatment outcome. Physicians should address this important and underappreciated problem with more cautious prescribing practices, and increased vigilance for abusive patterns of use.
Surf zone wave parameters from experimental data

Dimensionless radiation stress P, energy flux B, and energy dissipation D for surf zone waves are determined by analyzing published laboratory data for wave height and setup on plane beaches. The results show a significant variation across the surf zone and absolute values quite different from classical sine wave results. Sensitivity analysis of the predictions of wave height and setup indicate that particularly the setup which is closely related to the forcing of wave generated currents depends critically on the correct prediction of the dimensionless parameters P, B and D.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of New Hindered Aryl Phosphorus Centers (Aryl = 2,6-Dimesitylphenyl)

The new sterically encumbered dichlorophosphine ArPCl2 (Ar = 2,6-dimesitylphenyl = Dmp,1) has been prepared from the corresponding aryliodide, n-butyllithium, and phosphorus trichloride. DmpPCl2 served as a precursor for the phosphinic acid DmpP(O)(OH)H(2), primary phosphine DmpPH2 (3), and diphosphene DmpP = PDmp (4). Compounds 2 and 4 have been crystallographically characterized. The solid state structure of 2 reveals the existence of dimeric phosphinic acids associated by hydrogen bonding in a manner analogous to carboxylic acid dimers. The P‒O distances are 1.508(2) and 1.521(2) A, and the O‒H and O‒H…O distances are 1.06(4) and 1.46(4), consistent with localized hydrogen bonding. The structure of 4 features a trans configuration about the P = P bond and short P = P bond length of 1.985 (2) A. Crystal data for compound 2: a = 9.4552(8) A, b = 11.174(1) A, c = 11.711(1) A, α = 65.775(8) A, β = 75.735(7)°, γ = 69.621(7)°, triclinic, P—1,Z = 2. Crystal data for compound 4: a = 10.940(1) A, b = 22.323(2) ...
Frequency wavenumber design of spiral macro fiber composite directional transducers

This work is focused on design and testing of a novel class of transducers for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), able to perform directional interrogation of plate-like structures. These transducers leverage guided waves (GWs), and in particular Lamb waves, that have emerged as a very prominent option for assessing the state of a structure during operation. GW-SHM approaches greatly benefit from the use of transducers with controllable directional characteristics, so that selective scanning of a surface can be performed to locate damage, impacts, or cracks. In the concepts that we propose, continuous beam steering and directional actuation are achieved through proper selection of the excitation frequency. The design procedure takes advantage of the wavenumber representation of the device, and formulates the problem using a Fourier-based approach. The active layer of the transducer is made of piezoelectric fibers embedded into an epoxy matrix, allowing the device to be flexible, and thus suitable for application on non{ at surfaces. Proper shaping of the electrodes pattern through a compensation function allows taking into account the anisotropy level introduced by the active layer. The resulting spiral frequency steerable acoustic actuator is a configuration that features (i) enhanced performance, (ii) reduced complexity, and (iii) reduced hardware requirements of such devices.
“Fit-for-Purpose” Method Validation and Application of a Biomarker (C-terminal Telopeptides of Type 1 Collagen) in Denosumab Clinical Studies

Biomarkers are used to study drug effects, exposure–response relationships, and facilitate early decision making during development. Denosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, profoundly inhibits bone resorption. C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (CTx), a bone resorption biomarker, provides early indications of denosumab effectiveness and informs protracted clinical outcomes (e.g., bone mineral density). Because of the dynamic relationship between denosumab and CTx, a precise and robust assay was desired. Thus, we adopted a fit-for-purpose approach to modify and validate a commercial CTx diagnostic kit to meet the intended applications of a quantitative pharmacodynamic biomarker for denosumab development. Seven standards were prepared to replace five calibrators provided in the kit. Three quality controls (QC) and two sample controls were used to characterize and monitor assay performance. Robotic workstations were used for standard and QC preparation and assay execution. Method validation experiments were conducted with rigor and procedures similar to those used for drug bioanalysis. The method demonstrated a linear range of 0.0490–2.34 ng/mL with four-parameter logistic regression. Inter-assay total error of validation samples in serum was ≤26.7%. Extensive tests were conducted on selectivity in sera from target populations, specificity, stability, parallelism, and dilutional linearity. Applications to samples from numerous clinical studies confirmed that the CTx method was reliable, robust, and fit for use as an early indicator of denosumab effectiveness. Refinement supported the confidence for use in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling, dose selections, correlation to clinical effects, and formulation bioequivalence work.
Visible light active carbon modified n-TiO2 for efficient hydrogen production by photoelectrochemical splitting of water

Abstract Carbon modified n-type titanium oxide ( CM - n - TiO 2 ) photoelectrodes were synthesized by flame oxidation of 0.2 mm thick Ti metal sheets for hydrogen production by photoelectrochemical splitting of water. The photocurrent density at optimized CM - n - TiO 2 photoelectrodes (synthesized using flame temperature of 825 ∘ C and oxidation time of 15 min) was found to be 6.38 mA cm - 2 at a minimal external applied potential of 0.24 V under illumination with light intensity of 70 mW cm - 2 from a 150 Watt Xenon Lamp. The same value of photocurrent density was found when the wavelength dependent photocurrent densities at the same applied potential of 0.24 V were integrated. This optimized CM - n - TiO 2 photoelectrode was found to split water with maximum photoconversion efficiency of 9.02% under white light illumination. Also, a very close value of photoconversion efficiency of 9.01% was obtained from the wavelength dependent photocurrent density, j p ( λ ) under monochromatic light illumination. Carbon modification lowered the original bandgap energy from 3.0 to 2.65 eV and generated a mid-gap band at 1.6 eV above the valence band of the optimized CM - n - TiO 2 . Photocurrent measurements, UV–Vis spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize CM - n - TiO 2 photoelectrodes.
Low energy electron diffraction and electron spectroscopy studies of the clean (110) and (100) titanium dioxide (rutile) crystal surfaces

Abstract Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), electron energy loss (ELS) and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopies (UPS) were used to study the structures, compositions and electron state distributions of clean single crystal faces of titanium dioxide (rutile). LEED showed that both the (110) and (100) surfaces are stable, the latter giving rise to three distinct surface structures, viz. (1 × 3), (1 × 5) and (1 × 7) that were obtained by annealing an argon ion-bombarded (100) surface at ~600,800 and 1200° C respectively. AES showed the decrease of the O(510 eV) Ti(380 eV) peak ratio from ~1.7 to ~1.3 in going from the (1 × 3) to the (1 × 7) surface structure. Electron energy loss spectra obtained from the (110) and (100)−(1 × 3) surfaces are similar, with surface-sensitive transitions at 8.2, 5.2 and 2.4 eV. The energy loss spectrum from an argon or oxygen ion bombarded surface is dominated by the transition at 1.6 eV. UPS indicated that the initial state for this ELS transition is peaked at −0.6 eV (referred to the Fermi level EF in the photoemission spectrum, and that the 2.4 eV surface-sensitive ELS transition probably arises from the band of occupied states between the bulk valence band maximum to the Fermi level. High energy electron beams (1.6 keV 20 μA) used in AES were found to disorder clean and initially well-ordered TiO2 surfaces. Argon ion bombardment of clean ordered TiO2 (110) and (100)−(1 × 3) surfaces caused the work function and surface band bending to decrease by almost 1 eV and such decrease is explained as due to the loss of oxygen from the surface.
Spectroscopic studies of a hydrophobic peptide in membranelike environments

A hydrophobic linear peptide has been synthesized and studied over a range of environments using several complementary spectroscopic approaches, including nmr, CD, and vibrational spectroscopies. The sequence of this model peptide, carbobenzoxy-L-Pro-D-Phe-D-Ala-L-Pro-NHCH3, was designed such that a small number of “folded” conformations, stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding, would be accessible to it. Additionally, the extremely hydrophobic character of the peptide favors its interactions with hydrophobic regions of a membrane. The conformational impact of the membrane environment on the peptide, and the effect of the peptide on lipid organization have been explored both in micellar media and in vesicles. To facilitate nmr analysis, the peptide has been synthesized with one of the prolines perdeuterated. Results of these studies reveal that the peptide experiences a microenvironment of moderate polarity in micellar media and causes changes in lipid structure in a vesicle that are indicative of a hydrophobic peptide–lipid interaction.
Internal performance prediction for advanced exhaust systems

The selection of exhaust systems for advanced tactical aircraft is an exercise in the art of compromise. In the last 30 years, the design function of the exhaust system has evolved from an engine control valve to a multifunctional system, which may include requirements for high performance, thrust vectoring, and signature reduction. General Electric employs a systematic approach to the selection and design of exhaust systems which requires accurate estimation of internal performance. This paper presents a summary of that approach and describes the development of prediction techniques by GE for nonaxisymmetric exhaust systems.
Local Elastic Constants for Epoxy-Nanotube Composites from Molecular Dynamics Simulation

A method from molecular dynamics simulation is developed for determining local elastic constants of an epoxy/nanotube composite. The local values of C11, C33, K12, and K13 elastic constants are calculated for an epoxy/nanotube composite as a function of radial distance from the nanotube. While the results possess a significant amount of statistical uncertainty resulting from both the numerical analysis and the molecular fluctuations during the simulation, the following observations can be made. If the size of the region around the nanotube is increased from shells of 1 to 6 in thickness, then the scatter in the data reduces enough to observe trends. All the elastic constants determined are at a minimum 20 from the center of the nanotube. The C11, C33, and K12 follow similar trends as a function of radial distance from the nanotube. The K13 decreases greater distances from the nanotube and becomes negative which may be a symptom of the statistical averaging.
X-ray investigation of the lattice parameters of NpP at low temperature☆

Abstract A low-temperature X-ray investigation of the anti-ferromagnetic compound NpP shows that the cubic unit cell becomes tetragonal when the magnetic structure becomes commensurate with the chemical lattice at 74°K. No anomaly in the lattice parameter is observed at the Neel temperature of 125°K.
A Novel Technique for Fiber-Matrix Bond Strength Determination for Rupturing Fibers

Abstract In this paper a novel technique for determination of fiber-cement bond strength has been presented. The technique involves imaging and measurement of the protruding fiber length from a tensile fracture surface of the composite. The bond property is then inferred from this measured averaged protruding length. The analytic tool for such interpretations accounts for fiber orientation and length distributions. This technique can be applied to any composite system involving fibers that rupture after the matrix cracks under tensile loading. Composite tensile strengths have been predicted using the inferred bond strength and an analytic model developed elsewhere. Good correlations have been obtained between predictions and the experimental observations thus indicating that the bond strength determination technique is indeed accurate.
Synthesis and Electronic Characterization of Bipyridine Dithiolate Rhodium(III) Complexes

Five new mixed diimine 1,1‘-dithiolate or dithiocarbamate ligand complexes of the form [Rh(bpy)2(SS)][PF6]n, where bpy = 2,2‘-bipyridine and SS = various substituted dialkyldithiocarbamates or 1,1‘...
Multipurpose closed-circuit television teaching cart

We developed a mobile closed-circuit television cart for resident and staff presentations at rounds, and fluorescein angiography and pathology conferences. The system, operated without special training, permits presentation of x-rays, CT scans, visual fields, echographic and electrophysiologic tracings, fluorescein angiograms, color photographs, 35 mm slides, and printed text on standard closed-circuit television monitors. For pathology conferences, gross dissections, slides of whole eyes and standard high power microscopic fields may be shown. The cart can be assembled using readily available components for the same cost as a stand-alone glass slide projector. Mounted on wheels, the entire unit may be moved to any location equipped with closed circuit television monitors. Because the cart can be used to teach nearly every medical discipline, the cost of construction can be shared by a number of departments.
DNA Methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1): A Flow Cytometric Pharmacodynamic Assay for Azacitidine Hypomethylating Therapy after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AlloSCT)

s / Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 21 (2015) S266eS321 S318 (higher CT value), whereas the presence of an increased number of symptoms ( 3) was associated with a higher viral load. Lower viral load at initial surveillance testing correlated with an increased likelihood of being asymptomatic initially and remaining asymptomatic throughout the viral shedding episode. These results provide initial support for the use of viral load as a clinical endpoint in interventional trials.
NMDA-Receptor Antagonists in Neuropathic Pain: Experimental Methods to Clinical Trials

Recent clinical data suggest that chronic pain due to nerve or soft tissue injury may result in the sensitization of the central nervous system, mediated in part by the excitatory amino acids, glutamate and aspartate. Only a handful of N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists are clinically available. These include ketamine, dextromethorphan, memantine, and amantadine, as well as three clinically used opioids (methadone, dextropropoxyphene, and ketobemidone). This review summarizes the single-dose efficacy of the first two compounds in the treatment of experimental and neuropathic pain. In all examples presented here, NMDA-receptor antagonists with affinity at the phencyclidine site have been shown to modulate pain and hyperalgesia but are limited by dose-limiting side effects. Thus, provided their therapeutic ratio is favorable, NMDA-receptor antagonists may be effective in the treatment of some types of chronic pain.
Application of Holography to the Study of Tire Vibration

Abstract Tire vibrations were studied by applying an oscillatory load to bias, belted bias, and radial ply tires in the radial, lateral, and circumferential directions. Resonant frequencies were noted in each type of tire and the corresponding mode shapes observed with both real time and time average holography. The importance of tire vibrations in affecting vehicle ride is noted and the variables affecting these vibrations discussed.
A further note on the relationships of the European Linum hologynum and the Australian species of Linum ( Linaceae )

The diploid chromosome number for the EuropeanLinum hologynum and the haploid number for the AustralianL. monogynum is 42 and appears to establish a new and distinctive base number for sect.Linum. The possession by these two species and by the AustralianL. marginale of multiporate pollen and united styles, a unique combination of features in sect.Linum, may warrant the establishment of a new subsection in that section to accommodate the three species.
Large asymptomatic pneumocephalus developing years after middle cranial fossa surgery—A case report

Whereas acute pneumocephalus has been well characterized in the literature: typically seen postoperatively after neurosurgical and neurotological procedures, a chronic pneumocele developing several years after surgery is highly unusual. Most otogenic pneumocephali develop in an acute or subacute fashion, presenting with focal neurological symptoms, headache or signs of meningitis secondary to translocation of bacteria into the cavity. We describe a patient with a supra-auricular soft-tissue swelling as the only presenting symptom of a large chronic epidural pneumocele with extension into the extracranial subcutaneous tissues. It presented several years after surgical resection of a meningioma that involved the temporal bone.
Impact of obesity in the setting of high-dose chemotherapy

Obesity is a common and increasing problem affecting the developed world. Chemotherapy pharmacokinetics in the context of obesity demonstrate prolonged elimination time for several agents, but there is no consensus regarding optimal dosing schemes. Retrospective studies suggest differences in toxicity for obese adult patients but these data may be greatly impacted by chemotherapy dose adjustments. Outcome data from several studies have suggested that obese adult patients suffer poorer disease-free survival and overall survival, although this is not a uniform conclusion in all studies. Prospective studies of chemotherapy pharmacokinetics are needed to address the issue of optimal chemotherapy dosing in the obese population.
Bidirectional reflectance distribution function measurement of molecular contaminants in the ultraviolet, vacuum ultraviolet, and visible ranges

Bidirectional reflectance distribution function measurements of optical surfaces both before and after molecular contamination have been done using UV, VUV, and visible light. Molecular contamination of optical surfaces from outgassed material has been shown in many cases to proceed from acclimation centers, and to produce many roughly hemispherical “islands” of contamination on the surface. The products of this outgassing will inevitably migrate throughout the surrounding area and adhere to any convenient surface, including optical elements in the system.
Chapter 2: Using Humor to Promote Learning in the Classroom

Summary Rationales for using humor in classroom teaching and normative patterns of teachers' humor usage are presented. Several questions are addressed using pertinent research findings as evidence: Does teaching with humor enhance students' attention? Does using humor improve the classroom environment and make learning more enjoyable? Does using humor in the classroom help children learn? Does using classroom humor improve students' creativity? Does using humor in testing lower students' anxiety and promote improved test performance? Should teachers avoid certain types of humor? Guidelines for using humor in classroom teaching are offered.
Inverse solvent isotope effects arising from substrate triggering in the factor inhibiting hypoxia inducible factor.

Oxygen homeostasis plays a critical role in angiogenesis, erythropoiesis, and cell metabolism. Oxygen homeostasis is set by the hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway, which is controlled by factor inhibiting HIF-1α (FIH). FIH is a non-heme Fe(II), α-ketoglutarate (αKG)-dependent dioxygenase that inhibits HIF-1α by hydroxylating the C-terminal transactivation domain (CTAD) of HIF-1α at HIF-Asn803. A tight coupling between CTAD binding and O2 activation is essential for hypoxia sensing, making changes in the coordination geometry of Fe(II) upon CTAD encounter a crucial feature of this enzyme. Although the consensus chemical mechanism for FIH proposes that CTAD binding triggers O2 activation by causing the Fe(II) cofactor to release an aquo ligand, experimental evidence of this has been absent. More broadly, this proposed coordination change at Fe(II) has not been observed during steady-state turnover in any αKG oxygenase to date. In this work, solvent isotope effects (SIEs) were used as a direct mech...
Binding actions and scenes in visual long-term memory.

How does visual long-term memory store representations of different entities (e.g., objects, actions, and scenes) that are present in the same visual event? Are the different entities stored as an integrated representation in memory, or are they stored separately? To address this question, we asked observers to view a large number of events; in each event, an action was performed within a scene. Afterward, the participants were shown pairs of action–scene sets and indicated which of the two they had seen. When the task required recognizing the individual actions and scenes, performance was high (80 %). Conversely, when the task required remembering which actions had occurred within which scenes, performance was significantly lower (59 %). We observed this dissociation between memory for individual entities and memory for entity bindings across multiple testing conditions and presentation durations. These experiments indicate that visual long-term memory stores information about actions and information about scenes separately from one another, even when an action and scene were observed together in the same visual event. These findings also highlight an important limitation of human memory: Situations that require remembering actions and scenes as integrated events (e.g., eyewitness testimony) may be particularly vulnerable to memory errors.
Global parameter optimization for cardiac potassium channel gating models

Quantitative ion channel model evaluation requires the estimation of voltage dependent rate constants. We have tested whether a unique set of rate constants can be reliably extracted from nonstationary macroscopic voltage clamp potassium current data. For many models, the rate constants derived independently at different membrane potentials are not unique. Therefore, our approach has been to use the exponential voltage dependence predicted from reaction rate theory (Stevens, C. F. 1978. Biophys. J. 22:295–306; Eyring, H., S. H. Lin, and S. M. Lin. 1980. Basic Chemical Kinetics. Wiley and Sons, New York) to couple the rate constants derived at different membrane potentials. This constrained the solution set of rate constants to only those that also obeyed this additional set of equations, which was sufficient to obtain a unique solution. We have tested this approach with data obtained from macroscopic delayed rectifier potassium channel currents in voltage-clamped guinea pig ventricular myocyte membranes. This potassium channel has relatively simple kinetics without an inactivation process and provided a convenient system to determine a globally optimized set of voltage-dependent rate constants for a Markov kinetic model. The ability of the fitting algorithm to extract rate constants from the macroscopic current data was tested using "data" synthesized from known rate constants. The simulated data sets were analyzed with the global fitting procedure and the fitted rate constants were compared with the rate constants used to generate the data. Monte Carlo methods were used to examine the accuracy of the estimated kinetic parameters. This global fitting approach provided a useful and convenient method for reliably extracting Markov rate constants from macroscopic voltage clamp data over a broad range of membrane potentials. The limitations of the method and the dependence on initial guesses are described.
Participatory modeling in dairy farm systems: a method for building consensual environmental sustainability using seasonal climate forecasts

Dairy farmers face increasing pressure to decrease environmental impact while remaining economically viable. Adaptation of farm management practices in response to seasonal climate forecasts may be one means of achieving these objectives. This paper describes the interactive and iterative process by which farmers, researchers, extension agents, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders collaborated to create, calibrate, and validate the Dynamic North Florida Dairy Farm model (DyNoFlo), a whole-farm decision support system to decrease nitrogen leaching while maintaining profitability under variable climate conditions. Participatory modeling may enhance the creation of adoptable and adaptable user-friendly models that include environmental, economic and biophysical components. By providing farmers, policy makers, and other stakeholders with a more holistic view of current practices, common ground among them was more easily identified and collaboration was fostered. Farmer values included willingness to be good environmental stewards when they are profitable. The participatory research and development process enhanced understanding of and potential adaptation to seasonal climate variability conditioned to the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases in light of increasing environmental regulations and economic challenges. Adoption of the collaboratively-developed DyNoFlo is expected to be higher than usual because stakeholders feel greater ownership of the final product.
Evaluation of the impact of backscatter intensity variations on ultrasound attenuation estimation

Purpose: Quantitative ultrasound based approaches such as attenuation slope estimation can be used to determine underlying tissue properties and eventually used as a supplemental diagnostic technique to B-mode imaging. The authors investigate the impact of backscatter intensity and frequency dependence variations on the attenuation slope estimation accuracy. Methods: The authors compare three frequency domain based attenuation slope estimation algorithms, namely, a spectral difference method, the reference phantom method, and two spectral shift methods: a hybrid method and centroid downshift method. Both the reference phantom and hybrid method use a tissue-mimicking phantom with well-defined acoustic properties to reduce system dependencies and diffraction effects. The normalized power spectral ratio obtained is then filtered by a Gaussian filter centered at the transmit center frequency in the hybrid method. A spectral shift method is then used to estimate the attenuation coefficient from the normalized and filtered spectrum. The centroid downshift method utilizes the shift in power spectrum toward lower frequencies with depth. Numerical phantoms that incorporate variations in the backscatter intensity from − 3t o 3d B, by varying the scatterer number density and variations in the scatterer diameters ranging from 10 to 100 μm are simulated. Experimental tissue mimicking phantoms with three different scatterer diameter ranges (5‐40, 75‐90, and 125‐150 μm) are also used to evaluate the accuracy of the estimation methods. Results: The reference phantom method provided accurate results when the acoustical properties of the reference and the sample are well matched. Underestimation occurs when the reference phantom possessed a higher sound speed than the sample, and overestimation occurs when the reference phantom had a lower sound speed than the sample. The centroid downshift method depends significantly on the bandwidth of the power spectrum, which in turn depends on the frequency dependence of the backscattering. The hybrid method was the least susceptible to changes in the sample’s acoustic properties and provided the lowest standard deviation in the numerical simulations and experimental evaluations. Conclusions: No significant variations in the estimation accuracy of the attenuation coefficient were observed with an increase in the scatterer number density in the simulated numerical phantoms for the three methods. Changes in the scatterer diameters, which result in different frequency dependence of backscatter, do not significantly affect attenuation slope estimation with the reference phantom and hybrid approaches. The centroid method is sensitive to variations in the scatterer diameter due to the frequency shift introduced in the power spectrum. © 2013 American Association of Physicists in Medicine .[ http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.4816305]
Morphological conversion of cell cultures by avian myeloblastosis virus

Abstract There occurs a characteristic morphological conversion when certain cell cultures are infected with avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV). AMV induces the formation of at least two, new and stable, probably neoplastic types of cells—myeloblasts and osteoblasts. The converting effect of AMV upon cell cultures appears to be similar to the oncogenic effect of this virus in vivo . Conversion depends upon the presence of susceptible target cells. The presented evidence indicates that these target cells are some mesenchymal precursors of myeloblasts in the normal sequence of development. When cells, other than target cells, become infected by AMV they apparently retain their normal morphology but become virus producers; these cells multiply at least as well as noninfected cells. The formation of discrete foci of converted cells in monolayer cultures infected with AMV provides an in vitro assay system.
Accurate casts and positional relation records

Abstract A technical procedure has been described by which accurate casts and positional jaw relation records may be obtained at one appointment.
Impact of donor lung organisms on post-lung transplant pneumonia.

Background Fear of transmission of donor organisms that may result in recipient pneumonia has a negative impact on donor lung utilization. We reviewed our experience with routine donor bronchial aspiration and culture at the time of transplantation to study the impact of donor bronchial organisms on the development of recipient post–lung transplant pneumonia (PTP) and other outcomes. Methods We reviewed 80 consecutive single and bilateral lung transplants (SLTs and BLTs) from August 1998 to August 2001. Pediatric recipients and those not surviving >3 days were excluded. All donors met standard criteria for donor acceptance. All recipients received broad-spectrum antibiotics pending the results of final operating room cultures. PTP required clinical evidence (fever, leukocytosis and hypoxia), radiologic evidence (infiltrate), and culture confirmation during initial hospitalization or within 30 days. Results Sixty-four donors for 71 recipients (39 SLTs, 32 BLTs) comprised the study population. Organisms were grown from 57 (89%) donors and 46 were polymicrobial. A total of 149 organisms were cultured consisting of 21 different species, with Staphylococcus ( n = 35) and Streptococcus ( n = 33) being the most common. PTP was seen in 31 (41%) recipients, with Pseudomonas species ( n = 13) the most prevalent. Of the 71 donor–recipient pairs, 2 had both donor and recipient with no growth and PTP. The donor organisms had a sensitivity of 0.75 with a low specificity of 0.04 and were negatively correlated with development of PTP. PTP was an independent predictor of overall mortality. Conclusions The presence of donor organisms does not predict PTP. Therefore, donor acceptance criteria need to be re-examined.
Fingerprint recognition of wavelet-based compressed images by neuro-fuzzy clustering

Image compression plays a crucial role in many important and diverse applications requiring efficient storage and transmission. This work mainly focuses on a wavelet transform (WT) based compression of fingerprint images and the subsequent classification of the reconstructed images. The algorithm developed involves multiresolution wavelet decomposition, uniform scalar quantization, entropy and run- length encoder/decoder and K-means clustering of the invariant moments as fingerprint features. The performance of the WT-based compression algorithm has been compared with JPEG current image compression standard. Simulation results show that WT outperforms JPEG in high compression ratio region and the reconstructed fingerprint image yields proper classification.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
CONTINUOUS EXPLOSION‐PUFFING OF POTATOES

Scientists at Eastern Regional Research Center have successfully continuously explosion-puffed potatoes for dehydration. By using a newly designed and fabricated puffing unit, they demonstrated that this equipment can be used in a continuous explosion puffing system (CEPS). Equipment development was carried out to effect commercial reliability, acceptable products and a high output rate. Potato dice, 1.0 cm (3/8 in.), at 27% moisture were processed in CEPS at a maximum rate of 454 kg/hr (1000 1b/hr). With mechanical refinements largely complete, an optimization study was made. Using product rehydration and flavor as criteria, a puffing pressure of 345 kilo pascals (50 psig) at a moisture content of about 26% was optimal for the 1.0 cm dice.
The specification of glycinergic neurons and the role of glycinergic transmission in development

Glycine’s role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult vertebrate nervous system has been well characterized in a number of different model organisms. However, a full understanding of glycinergic transmission requires a knowledge of how glycinergic synapses emerge and the role of glycinergic signaling during development. Recent literature has provided a detailed picture of the developmental expression of many of the molecular components that comprise the glycinergic phenotype, namely the glycine transporters and the glycine receptor subunits; the transcriptional networks leading to the expression of this important neurotransmitter phenotype are also being elucidated. An equally important focus of research has revealed the critical role of glycinergic signaling in sculpting many different aspects of neural development. This review examines the current literature detailing the expression patterns of the components of the glycinergic phenotype in various vertebrate model organisms over the course of development and the molecular mechanisms governing the expression of the glycinergic phenotype. The review then surveys the recent work on the role of glycinergic signaling in the developing nervous system and concludes with an overview of areas for further research.