cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Prolonged Hypoxia, Reoxygenation, and Shear Stress on Bovine Aortic Endothelial Cell Prostacyclin Production

Bovine aortic endothelial cell prostacyclin production was assessed under conditions of shear stress, hypoxia, and reoxygenation. Methods: Endothelial cell cultures (n = 8) grown on microcarrier beads were sequentially exposed to 2 h of normoxia (O2 = 20%), then 24 h of hypoxia (O2 = 2%) and 2 h of reoxygenation (O2 = 20%). Cell viability, levels of prostaglandin H2 synthase protein, and prostacyclin production were evaluated. Results: Prostacyclin production decreased significantly after 1 h of hypoxia, and became undetectable after 24 h. Reoxygenation did not result in recovery of normoxic levels of prostacyclin production. Immunoblots revealed no change in the levels of prostaglandin H2 synthase protein during hypoxia, and reoxygenation. Addition of arachidonic acid to cells (n = 5) during reoxygenation resulted in prompt recovery of prostacyclin synthesis. Conclusions: Endothelial cells exposed to sequential conditions of hypoxia and reoxygenation in the presence of shear stress decreased prostacyclin production. The decrease in prostacyclin production was not due to altered cell viability, levels of prostaglandin H2 synthase, or inactivation of prostaglandin H2 synthase.
The journal of school psychology's first twenty years: Contributions and contributors

Abstract This article reports a retrospective view of the first 20 years of the Journal of School Psychology ( JSP ). The principal purpose of the review is to determine the number of contributors to JSP and their characteristics, the number and types of citations, and the most frequently referred authors, books, tests, and journals. Nine hundred and ten persons authored or coauthored one or more articles for JSP during its first 20 years. Among these 910, 764 contributed one article, and 8 contributed seven or more articles. The characteristics of these 8 persons are examined in detail in the present study. Six thousand seven hundred twenty-two separate references are cited within the 709 articles. The most frequently cited reference is Wechler's WISC and WISC-R (51). Other frequently cited tests include the PPVT (18), Bender-Gestalt (18), and WRAT (17). Caplan's The Theory and Practice of Mental Health Consultation (24) is the most frequently referenced book. JSP is the most frequently referenced journal. An examination of the total number of separate references appearing in the 709 articles reveals 65 separate references to Cowen, 43 to Dunn, 41 to Koppitz, and 40 to Caplan.
Permeation Properties in Laminated Membranes

Abstract The response of laminated membranes to permeation was investigated using simple permeation equations. The intrinsic permeability constant of the membrane was shown to be between the maximum or minimum intrinsic permeability constant of all component membranes. Thus the separation factor of the laminated membrane for any type of permeating molecules will be between the values of maximum and minimum separation factors of the component membranes. Permeation through the laminated membrane for a given species will depend on the direction of permeation if the intrinsic permeability constant of any permeating molecule is dependent on the concentration. A simple example for the concentration dependence of permeability constant shows the limits of anisotropic flow ratio.
Lifting belts: a psychophysical analysis

The literature supporting the use of lifting belts has not demonstrated consistent trends. It was hypothesized that if lifting belts provide a biomechanical or motivational advantage then the participants in a psychophysical lift test should select a higher maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWL). Eleven male and five female subjects participated in one session with a lifting belt and one session without a belt. The order of the belt sessions was counterbalanced. Each session was comprised of two psychophysical lifting tests varying only in the initial weight of the box. Repeated measures ANOVA showed no difference between the MAWL between belt sessions or between the two tests within a given session. Following the test, subjective evaluations of the belt were measured via a questionnaire. The psychophysical test results showed no change as a function of the belt condition. Thus, these results do not support the hypothesis that lifting belts increase trunk strength or motivate individuals to select a gre...
Polymer miscibility, phase separation, morphological modifications and polymorphic transformations in dense fluids

This paper is a review of polymer solutions at high pressures with a focus on miscibility, phase separation and morphological modifications in supercritical or compressible dense fluids. The review is aimed at presenting an account of advances made over the past two decades while highlighting the challenges and opportunities for future developments. Even though a broad review is attempted, specific examples are selected mostly from those published in the Journal of Supercritical Fluids or from research conducted in the author's laboratory. How the miscibility and phase separation considerations come into play in polymer synthesis, polymer modification, and polymer processing are emphasized. Recent advances made in morphological modifications and polymorphic transformations of polymers achieved by pressure or solvent tuning are discussed in more detail.
Generalized Charney–Stern and Fjortoft Theorems for Rapidly Rotating Vortices

Abstract A generalized Charney–Stern theorem for rapidly rotating (large Rossby number) baroclinic vortices, such as hurricanes, is derived based on the asymmetric balance (AB) approximation. In the absence of dissipative processes, a symmetrically stable baroclinic vortex is shown to be exponentially stable to nonaxisymmetric perturbations if a generalized potential vorticity gradient on theta surfaces remains single signed throughout the vortex. The generalized potential vorticity gradient involves the sum of an interior potential vorticity gradient associated with the symmetric vortex and surface contributions associated with the vertical shear of the tangential wind. The AB stability formulation is then shown to yield Fjortoft's theorem as a corollary. In the modem view of shear instabilities the theorems admit simple interpretation. The Charney–Stern theorem represents a necessary condition for the existence of counterpropagating Rossby waves associated with the radial potential vorticity gradient, w...
Avoidance differences between rats and gerbils.

Gerbils and rats learned equally well to discriminate the lighted, safe arm from the unsafe arm during Y-maze avoidance trials. Gerbils, however, were inferior to rats in initiating this response in time to avoid shock. Two subsequent experiments on passive avoidance did not support the interpretation of these data based on a greater incidence of shock-induced activity suppression in gerbils. In both experiments, gerbils required more shocks than rats to learn a staying response, indicating a pronounced locomotor response bias in gerbils that is not compatible with the required passive avoidance response. A fourth experiment, using a shuttlebox, found that the relative active avoidance performance by these species depends upon whether intertriai responses are permitted and punished. When they are, gerbils are inferior to rats, since their high level of locomotor responding is not compatible with the behavior required, i.e., staying during the intertrial interval and running during the CS-US interval. On the other hand, gerbils are not inferior when intertrial responses are prohibited, since their locomotor bias is not punished and is compatible with the required avoidance response.
Disposition and metabolism of the flavonoid chrysin in normal volunteers.

Aims To describe the oral disposition of the dietary flavonoid chrysin in healthy volunteers.
Telephone versus Internet samples for a national advisory referendum: are the underlying stated preferences the same?

Using telephone and Internet (web-based) survey samples for a national advisory referendum, this study investigates whether the underlying preferences across two survey modes are equivalent. Results from a structural test support the conclusion of common preferences.
The Impact of Dropwindsonde Data from the THORPEX Pacific Area Regional Campaign and the NOAA Hurricane Field Program on Tropical Cyclone Forecasts in the Global Forecast System

AbstractFour aircraft released dropwindsondes in and around tropical cyclones in the west Pacific during The Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment (THORPEX) Pacific Area Regional Campaign (T-PARC) in 2008 and the Dropwindsonde Observations for Typhoon Surveillance near the Taiwan Region (DOTSTAR); multiple aircraft concurrently participated in similar missions in the Atlantic. Previous studies have treated each region separately and have focused on the tropical cyclones whose environments were sampled. The large number of missions and tropical cyclones in both regions, and additional tropical cyclones in the east Pacific and Indian Oceans, allows for the global impact of these observations on tropical cyclone track forecasts to be studied.The study shows that there are unintended global consequences to local changes in initial conditions, in this case due to the assimilation of dropwindsonde data in tropical cyclone environments. These global impacts are mainly due to the spectral nature...
PharmGKB Submission Update: VII. PAT Submissions of Genetic Variation in KCND3 to the PharmGKB Network

Category: genotype Project: Pharmacogenetics of Arrhythmia Therapy [Table 1][1] provides the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) symbol, PharmGKB submission URLs, submission dates, and release dates. [Table 2][2] provides the HGNC symbol, HGNC names, synonyms, GenBank accession number, and
Thresholds of Danger: Perceived Risk in a New England Fishery

Building on previous research published in this journal (Pollnac et al. 1995), the paper examines individual and cultural factors that influence the thresholds of danger among North Atlantic fishers from New Bedford, Massachusetts. Refined measures of perceptions of the dangers of fishing are developed and examined in terms of their relationship to individual differences such as ethnicity, age, fishing experience, onboard position, type of fishing, vessel size, and prior experience with hazardous fishing incidents. Relationships uncovered are, in turn, examined in relation to aspects of the occupational subculture of fishing that adapt fishers to the dangers associated with the occupation. Implications of these adaptations with respect to fisher safety training are explored.
Surgical excision of the canine carotid bodies and denervation of the aortic bodies.

Abstract A method of obviating the carotid and aortic body chemoreceptor response has been presented consisting of excision of the carotid bodies and denervation of the aortic body or bodies. The physiological responses of these animals to high altitude acclimatization are characterized by a marked increase in erythrocyte volume, a decrease in plasma volume, and a minimal increase in total blood volume. The respiratory response to anoxia is markedly decreased and the sensitivity to inspired CO 2 at high altitude is unchanged from that at sea level.
A stochastic technique for on-line prediction and tracking of wireless packet networks

A stochastic learning technique to predict and track the states of a two state wireless packet network that changes according to a Markov process is proposed. The proposed technique does not use pilot symbols or training data for state estimation. Instead, prediction and tracking the network state information is performed in an on-line fashion using stochastic iterative control suitable for real-time/pseudo real-time applications. The proposed method is computationally simple making it a good candidate for low power wireless applications. The computational power consumption due to the predictor/tracker can be traded-off easily for accuracy and speed. Experimental results are promising for the speed and accuracy with which the time-varying network state is predicted and tracked. Theoretical convergence of the iterative control algorithm is also discussed.
An estimate of the size of the damage zone beneath an indenter on ice

Abstract A Vickers indenter loaded with a range of loads from 88 to 1189 N was used on fine grained columnar freshwater ice at −15°C. The length of the resulting cracks, contact diagonal, and the size of the smallest crushed pieces were recorded. The size of the microcrack damaged zone was estimated using these experimental results and a previously obtained arrest stress intensity factor of ice. The microcracked damaged zone is shown to be much smaller than a plastically damaged zone. The range of the lower limit to the piece size was consistent with calculated values. This is taken as evidence that an inelastic energy absorption mechanism other than pressure melting may be activated. Plasticity in the microcrack damaged zone is activated only in very small fragments. The extensive microcracking is the reason for the much smaller damage zone. This mechanism of plastic flow in only small fragments may be involved in the scale dependence of fragmentation processes indicated by a non-constant fractal ice capacity dimension.
Investigation of critical care unit utilization and mortality in patients infected with Clostridium difficile

Abstract Background A nationwide increase in the rate and severity of Clostridium difficile –associated disease may reflect infection with a virulent strain characterized by polymerase chain reaction as ribotype 027 (NAP1/B1). Hypothesis The high prevalence of ribotype 027 at our institution would allow investigation of the risk of mortality and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) associated with C difficile infection. Methods In a retrospective cohort study, we identified 108 patients with positive enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay tests for C difficile toxins over a 6-month period and compared them to 108 patients who were suspected to have C difficile but with negative toxin assays. Proportions of all-cause mortality and ICU admission were compared using χ 2 , and odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using logistic regression to adjust for potential confounders. Mean log lengths of stay were compared using t test. Results Comparing patients with C difficile to those without, mortality (20% vs 8%) and ICU admission (32% vs 17%) were significantly higher ( P = .02 for both), whereas log length of stay was not ( P = .29). Adjusting for potential confounders, the OR for mortality was 6.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.8-25.4; P = .01), whereas for ICU admission, the association was no longer observed (OR, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-2.5; P = .97). Conclusion C difficile infection was associated with increased all-cause mortality. An observed association with ICU admission and C difficile infection was identified through univariate analysis but was not significant in multivariate analysis. Although we did not strain-type isolates for patients infected with C difficile , the institutional prevalence of ribotype 027 C difficile infection was known to be high. These results document a strong association between ribotype 027 C difficile infection and mortality and underscore the need to identify effective C difficile preventive strategies.
Non-Markovian Dynamics of the Vibrations of Ions in Water from Femtosecond Infrared Three-Pulse Photon Echoes

The first femtosecond three-pulse photon echo experiment of a vibrational transition is presented. A mode of the azide ion ${\mathrm{N}}_{3}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ at $2043{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ is used to probe the impulsively excited vibrational energy distribution and hence the dynamics of the water around the ion. The vibrational frequency correlations decay on time scales of about 80 fs and 1.3 ps, while a small part remains for longer than about 10 ps. The 1.3 ps decay is the residence time for hydrogen bonds to the ion. Major differences between vibrational and optical three-pulse echoes are addressed.
Therapeutics targeting the innate immune system

Proteins that recognize the components and products of microorganisms have an important role in innate immunity. Here, I focus on recent advances in our understanding of the function of several such protein families. In particular, I consider how members of the TLR (Toll-like receptor), NOD (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain)-protein and MyD88 (myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88) families are providing emerging opportunities for the development of new therapeutics that modify innate immune responses in ways which benefit the host.
Isolation of Spectinomycin Resistance Mutations in the 16S rRNA of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Expression in Escherichia coli and Salmonella

Two single-base mutations in 16S rRNA conferring high-level resistance to spectinomycin were isolated on a plasmid-borne copy of the rrnD operon from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Neither of the mutations (C1066U and C1192U) had appreciable effects on cell growth, but each had differential effects on resistance to spectinomycin and fusidic acid. Both mutations also conferred resistance to spectinomycin in Escherichia coli strains containing deletions of all seven chromosomal rrn operons and expressing plasmid-encoded Salmonella rRNA exclusively. In contrast, when expressed in E. coli strains containing intact chromosomal rrn operons, the strains were sensitive to spectinomycin. However, chromosomal mutations arose that allowed expression of the rRNA-dependent spectinomycin resistance phenotype. It is proposed that in heterogeneous rRNA populations, the native E. coli rRNA out-competes the heterologous Salmonella rRNA for binding to ribosomal proteins, translation factors, or ribosome assembly, thus limiting entry of the antibiotic-resistant 30S subunits into the functioning ribosome pool.
Forever interesting disease: Kawasaki vasculitis – case series

Kawasaki disease (KD) typically presents in children younger then 5y as a febrile illness with mucocutaneous changes. If untreated, KD can result in coronary aneurisms in 25% patients.
senX3-independent contribution of regX3 to Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) must adapt to various stress conditions during host infection. The two-component regulatory system (2CRS) SenX3-RegX3 is required for Mtb virulence. We showed recently that the senX3-regX3 intergenic region contains promoter activity, driving senX3-independent regX3 expression. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that RegX3 has a SenX3-independent role in Mtb virulence. The gene expression patterns, growth, and survival of mutants containing transposon insertions in senX3 (senX3::Tn) and regX3 (regX3::Tn) were compared to those of their respective complemented strains and the isogenic wild-type parent strain during axenic growth in nutrient-rich broth, phosphate depletion, nutrient starvation, and in the lungs of BALB/c mice. regX3 expression was reduced in senX3::Tn during phosphate depletion and nutrient starvation, and expression of the phosphate-specific transport gene pstC2 was reduced similarly in senX3::Tn and regX3::Tn during phosphate depletion. Although senX3 and regX3 were each dispensable for Mtb growth in nutrient-rich broth, disruption of senX3 or regX3 caused a similar growth defect during phosphate depletion. Interestingly, senX3::Tn, in which monocistronic regX3 expression is preserved, showed significantly higher survival relative to regX3::Tn after 7days of nutrient starvation (p <0.01), and in mouse lungs at Day 31 (p < 0.01), Day 62 (p < 0.01), and Day 124 (p = 0.05) after aerosol infection. Our data demonstrate the specificity of the senX3-regX3 2CRS for sensing and responding to low ambient phosphate, but also raise the possibility that RegX3 may function independently of its cognate sensor histidine kinase.
Type A CCK receptors mediate satiety effects of intestinal nutrients

Previous work indicates that endogenous CCK mediates suppression of sham feeding by some intraintestinal nutrients. To test whether the mechanism involved is dependent upon action at type A or type B CCK receptors, we examined the ability of CCKA (devazepide) and CCKB (L-365,260) receptor antagonists to attenuate the suppression of sham feeding by intraintestinal oleic acid, maltotriose, or l-phenylalanine. Suppression by oleic acid or maltotriose was dose dependently attenuated by intraperitoneal administration of the CCKA receptor antagonist, as was suppression by exogenous CCK. The CCKB receptor antagonist failed to attenuate the suppression of sham feeding by these nutrients. Neither receptor antagonist attenuated the suppression of sham feeding induced by intraintestinal l-phenylalanine. These results suggest that suppression of sham feeding by intestinally infused oleic acid and maltotriose is mediated by endogenous CCK acting at CCKA receptors.
The Middle Class Throughout the World in the Mid-2000s

This paper updates and extends my earlier work on how the middle class fares throughout the world based on the microdata sets that comprise the Luxembourg Income Study (LIS). Wave #6 LIS data, recently released and centered around 2004, provides an opportunity to assess what has happened to the size of the middle class around the world in the early 2000s. In contrast to the 1980s and 1990s, there was no noticeable decline in the middle class during the early 2000s. The paper provides further evidence that the size of the middle class in each nation depends mainly on government tax and spending policies. In particular, it shows the key role played by family allowances and paid family leave in supporting a national middle class.
Numerical simulation of wall roughness on gaseous flow and heat transfer in a microchannel

A flow and heat transfer numerical simulation was performed for a 2D compressible gas flow through a microchannel in the slip regime to investigate the effects of wall roughness. The wall roughness is simulated by rectangular microelements. This effect is examined for gas flows under inlet Mach number ranging from 0.0055 to 0.202. The numerical results demonstrate that the roughness elements have a significant impact on the flow characteristics. For rarefied gases, it is found that roughness effect leads to an increase in the Poiseuille number with increasing roughness height and decreasing element spacing. The surface roughness has a more significant effect on the flow with a lower inlet Kn. Compressible gas flow is also sensitive to the height of the wall roughness elements. In addition, an increase of the relative roughness height leads to a pronounced decrease in the local heat flux for both rarefied and compressible flow. The average Nusselt numbers have a much more significant reduction for a rarefied flow than a compressible flow. The influence of wall roughness on the average heat transfer rate is smaller than that on the Poiseuille number.
INTERLEUKIN-1 STIMULATES RAPID RELEASE OF CYTOKINE-INDUCED NEUTROPHIL CHEMOATTRACTANT (CINC) IN RAT LUNGS

We found that intratracheal insufflation of interleukin-1α (IL-1) in rats rapidly increased lung lavage cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) concentrations, lung tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and lung lavage neutrophil counts, and that CINC elevation preceded the migration of neutrophils into the lung. Further, we found that bolus CINC insufflation increased CINC concentrations in plasma, and we found that alveolar macrophages (AM) in lung tissue selections or AM recovered by lavage from rats given IL-1 intratracheally stained positively for CINC by immunohistochemistry. In addition, incubating rat AM with increasing doses of IL-1 in vitro progressively increased CINC concentrations in the culture medium. Our results suggest that the potent neutrophil chemoattractant CINC is rapidly produced and released by rat AM following challenge with IL-1 in vivo or in vitro, and support the hypothesis that CINC is an important mediator in the development of pulmonary inflammation in the rat.
Framing and Group Decision-Making: Do Cognitive Changes Parallel Preference Changes?

Abstract Subjects had their initial frames of reference concerning a decision problem (Asian Disease problem; Tversky & Kahneman, 1981, Science,211, 453–458) manipulated in order to compose four-person groups containing members with different frames of reference. Three different group compositions (number of members with "gain-oriented" vs "loss-oriented" frames) were used: three gain-oriented and one loss oriented (3–1), two gain-oriented and two loss-oriented (2–2), and one gain-oriented and three loss-oriented (1–3). Results indicated a postgroup discussion choice shift toward the risk alternative in the 2–2 and the 1–3 composition conditions. However, changes in members′ frames of reference were unrelated to preference changes. Group composition also affected group decision processes. Implications for future theory and research in small group decision-making are discussed.
Forecasting skill of model averages

Given a collection of science-based computational models that all estimate states of the same environmental system, we compare the forecast skill of the average of the collection to the skills of the individual members. We illustrate our results through an analysis of regional climate model data and give general criteria for the average to perform more or less skillfully than the most skillful individual model, the “best” model. The average will only be more skillful than the best model if the individual models in the collection produce very different forecasts; if the individual forecasts generally agree, the average will not be as skillful as the best model.
A new modality to evaluate the gastric remnant after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Abstract Background Gastric bypass surgery has become one of the most common operations performed in the United States. Exclusion of the gastric remnant has raised concerns about the difficulty for future evaluation of mucosal-based lesions. Current methods include retrograde endoscopy, which is technically challenging, or a surgically created gastrotomy. Both procedures are invasive. Virtual colonoscopy is becoming an accepted means of colonic mucosal evaluation. Hence, we used virtual three-dimensional computed tomograpy (3D-CT), also referred to as virtual gastroscopy, to evaluate the gastric mucosa in patients who have undergone laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Methods After institutional review board approval, 3 patients who had undergone LRYGB were consented for evaluation. Virtual gastroscopy was performed using a 16-channel multidetector CT scan, and 3D images were rendered using proprietary software (Vital Images, Inc.). Results Endoluminal views of the gastric remnant were generated using perspective volume rendering. Virtual fly-through images were obtained by manipulating data acquired from the 3D-CT. Out of the 3 patients evaluated, we were able to achieve remnant gastric distension in 2 patients with no adverse effects. Conclusion This is the first report of performing virtual gastroscopy to evaluate the remnant stomach after LRYGB. Variations of this technique may minimize the need for invasive and technically challenging studies in this patient population.
Infosphere project: system support for information flow applications

We describe the Infosphere project, which is building the systems software support for information-driven applications such as digital libraries and electronic commerce. The main technical contribution is the Infopipe abstraction to support information flow with quality of service. Using building blocks such as program specialization, software feedback, domain-specific languages, and personalized information filtering, the Infopipe software generates code and manages resources to provide the specified quality of service with support for composition and restructuring.
Natural SUSY with a bino- or wino-like LSP

In natural supersymmetry models, Higgsinos are always light because ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{2}$ cannot be much larger than ${M}_{Z}^{2}$, while squarks and gluinos may be very heavy. Unless gluinos are discovered at LHC13, the commonly assumed unification of gaugino mass parameters will imply correspondingly heavy winos and binos, resulting in a Higgsino-like lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP) and small inter-Higgsino mass splittings. The small visible energy release in Higgsino decays makes their pair production difficult to detect at the LHC. Relaxing gaugino mass universality allows for relatively light winos and binos without violating LHC gluino mass bounds and without affecting naturalness. In the case where the bino mass ${M}_{1}\ensuremath{\lesssim}\ensuremath{\mu}$, then one obtains a mixed bino-Higgsino LSP with instead sizable ${\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{W}}_{1}\ensuremath{-}{\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{Z}}_{1}$ and ${\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{Z}}_{2}\ensuremath{-}{\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{Z}}_{1}$ mass gaps. The thermal neutralino abundance can match the measured dark matter density in contrast to models with a Higgsino-like LSP where weakly interacting massive particles are underproduced by factors of 10--15. If instead ${M}_{2}\ensuremath{\lesssim}\ensuremath{\mu}$, then one obtains a mixed wino-Higgsino LSP with large ${\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{Z}}_{2}\ensuremath{-}{\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{Z}}_{1}$ but small ${\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{W}}_{1}\ensuremath{-}{\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{Z}}_{1}$ mass gaps with still an underabundance of thermally produced weakly interacting massive particles. We discuss dark matter detection in other direct and indirect detection experiments and caution that the bounds from these must be interpreted with care. Finally, we show that LHC13 experiments should be able to probe these nonuniversal mass scenarios via a variety of channels including $\text{multilepton}+{E}_{T}^{\text{miss}}$ events, $WZ+{E}_{T}^{\text{miss}}$ events, $Wh+{E}_{T}^{\text{miss}}$ events, and ${W}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}{W}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}+{E}_{T}^{\text{miss}}$ events from electroweak chargino and neutralino production.
Generalized priors in Bayesian inversion problems

Abstract Inverse problems, when only hard data are considered, are mathematically ill-posed because they have multiple solutions and are sensitive to small changes in the data. An example is the determination of hydraulic conductivity from head data. Bayesian methods provide a general stochastic framework within which one can solve such problems. The approach allows one to combine hard data with other information in order to explore the range of possible solutions. We consider the role of generalized (also known as improper) probability distributions within this framework. These distributions are very useful because they represent information parsimoniously (with simple equations and few parameters) and are ideal in terms of representing situations with limited information. They are particularly useful in introducing prior information about the dependent variables of the inverse problem and structural parameters that describe the degree of continuity or smoothness of dependent variables. Additionally, they are very useful from a computational perspective because they can lead to formulations with special structure, such as with high degree of sparsity or structure that can be exploited through high performance computing algorithms. We examine in the context of a simple example some of the consequences of using different generalized priors.
The Poliovirus Replication Machinery Can Escape Inhibition by an Antiviral Drug That Targets a Host Cell Protein

Viral replication depends on specific interactions with host factors. For example, poliovirus RNA replication requires association with intracellular membranes. Brefeldin A (BFA), which induces a major rearrangement of the cellular secretory apparatus, is a potent inhibitor of poliovirus RNA replication. Most aspects governing the relationship between viral replication complex and the host membranes remain poorly defined. To explore these interactions, we used a genetic approach and isolated BFA-resistant poliovirus variants. Mutations within viral proteins 2C and 3A render poliovirus resistant to BFA. In the absence of BFA, viruses containing either or both of these mutations replicated similarly to wild type. In the presence of BFA, viruses carrying a single mutation in 2C or 3A exhibited an intermediate-growth phenotype, while the double mutant was fully resistant. The viral proteins 2C and 3A have critical roles in both RNA replication and vesicle formation. The identification of BFA resistant mutants may facilitate the identification of cellular membrane-associated proteins necessary for induction of vesicle formation and RNA replication. Importantly, our data underscore the dramatic plasticity of the host-virus interactions required for successful viral replication.
On the seasonal correlation of surface particle fields with wind stress and Mississippi discharge in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Spatio-temporal correlation analyses were performed on time series of daily freshwater discharge, wind fields, and SeaWiFS-derived surface particle concentrations in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The influences of discharge and winds on surface particle concentrations were investigated by mapping temporal correlation coefficients at each pixel for the whole time series (1997–2000) and for each season during 1999 and 2000. Maps of the correlation between suspended particulate matter concentration (SPM) and river discharge suggest regions that are fluvially influenced. The particulate matter may be sediments carried by the river plume or biogenic particles (e.g., detritus) stimulated by the river discharge. The algorithm used to estimate SPM concentrations does not differentiate between sediment and detritus. Maps of the correlation between wind stress and SPM suggest regions where wind mixing accounts for particulate resuspension and subsequent transport. Regions of significant positive wind-SPM correlation were independent, and often spatially separated, from regions of strong positive discharge-SPM correlation. Thus, the influences of winds and discharge on particle distributions can be investigated independently. Regions of high wind-SPM correlation were associated with shallow shelf areas, as correlation contours generally followed the bathymetric contours, and expanded in size under offshore wind regimes. These areas exhibited less spatial and temporal variability than the regions of high discharge-SPM correlation associated with the Mississippi-Atchafalaya river system. There was no apparent relationship between the magnitude of Mississippi- Atchafalaya discharge and the spatial extent of the region of high discharge-SPM correlation during seasonal analyses. Instead, the spatial extent and orientation of the discharge-SPM correlation field appeared to be a function of winds (both their direction and speed) and the buoyancy of the plume.
Two-dimensional adaptation in the auditory forebrain

Sensory neurons exhibit two universal properties: sensitivity to multiple stimulus dimensions, and adaptation to stimulus statistics. How adaptation affects encoding along primary dimensions is well characterized for most sensory pathways, but if and how it affects secondary dimensions is less clear. We studied these effects for neurons in the avian equivalent of primary auditory cortex, responding to temporally modulated sounds. We showed that the firing rate of single neurons in field L was affected by at least two components of the time-varying sound log-amplitude. When overall sound amplitude was low, neural responses were based on nonlinear combinations of the mean log-amplitude and its rate of change (first time differential). At high mean sound amplitude, the two relevant stimulus features became the first and second time derivatives of the sound log-amplitude. Thus a strikingly systematic relationship between dimensions was conserved across changes in stimulus intensity, whereby one of the relevant dimensions approximated the time differential of the other dimension. In contrast to stimulus mean, increases in stimulus variance did not change relevant dimensions, but selectively increased the contribution of the second dimension to neural firing, illustrating a new adaptive behavior enabled by multidimensional encoding. Finally, we demonstrated theoretically that inclusion of time differentials as additional stimulus features, as seen so prominently in the single-neuron responses studied here, is a useful strategy for encoding naturalistic stimuli, because it can lower the necessary sampling rate while maintaining the robustness of stimulus reconstruction to correlated noise.
Statistical Prediction of ENSO from Subsurface Sea Temperature Using a Nonlinear Dimensionality Reduction

Numerous statistical and dynamical models have been developed in recent years to forecast ENSO events. However, for most of these models predictability for lead times over 10 months is limited. It has been hypothesized that the tropical Pacific thermocline structure may have critical information to permit longer lead ENSO forecasts. Models that use subsurface sea temperature information have already been known to produce better long lead forecasts. Here, a two-stage statistical ENSO forecasting model is developed and demonstrated using the spatially distributed depth of the 208C isotherm (D20) as a proxy for the thermocline. In the first stage, a nonlinear dimension reduction method [maximum variance unfolding (MVU)] is used to
Responses of neurons in the caudal medullary lateral tegmental field to visceral inputs and vestibular stimulation in vertical planes

The dorsolateral reticular formation of the caudal medulla, or the lateral tegmental field (LTF), has been classified as the brain's “vomiting center”, as well as an important region in regulating sympathetic outflow. We examined the responses of LTF neurons in cats to rotations of the body that activate vestibular receptors, as well as to stimulation of baroreceptors (through mechanical stretch of the carotid sinus) and gastrointestinal receptors (through the intragastric administration of the emetic compound copper sulfate). Approximately half of the LTF neurons exhibited graviceptive responses to vestibular stimulation, similar to primary afferents innervating otolith organs. The other half of the neurons had complex responses, including spatiotemporal convergence behavior, suggesting that they received convergent inputs from a variety of vestibular receptors. Neurons that received gastrointestinal and baroreceptor inputs had similar complex responses to vestibular stimulation; such responses are expected for neurons that contribute to the generation of motion sickness. LTF units with convergent baroreceptor and vestibular inputs may participate in producing the cardiovascular system components of motion sickness, such as the changes in skin blood flow that result in pallor. The administration of copper sulfate often modulated the gain of responses of LTF neurons to vestibular stimulation, particularly for units whose spontaneous firing rate was altered by infusion of drug (median of 459%). The present results raise the prospect that emetic signals from the gastrointestinal tract modify the processing of vestibular inputs by LTF neurons, thereby affecting the probability that vomiting will occur as a consequence of motion sickness.
Synthesis and properties of ABA propylene-ethylene block copolymers

Experimental data, which includes catalyst lifetimes, thermal analyses, fractionation by urea complexation, x-ray diffraction, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, are presented to confirm the successful synthesis of ABA propylene-ethylene block copolymers. A dry catalyst system of DEAC-TiCl3(AA) and a gas-phase polymerization technique was used to prepare the copolymers. PRP-and ERE-type copolymers (P-isotactic polypropylene, E-polyethylene, and R-random propylene-ethylene copolymer block) were prepared. Some preliminary physical property data are given which indicate that PRP-type copolymers can behave as elastomeric fibers. The stress-strain behavior also indicates block copolymer formation.
Design and calibration of a high-frequency oscillatory ventilator

The essential features of an ideal high-frequency ventilation (HFV) system are described, including wide frequency range, control of tidal volume and mean airway pressure, minimal dead space, and high effective internal impedance. The design and performance of a high-frequency oscillatory ventilation system that approaches these requirements are described. The ventilator utilizes a linear motor regulated by a closed-loop controller and driving a novel frictionless double-diaphragm piston pump. The ventilator performance is tested using the impedance model of J.G. Venegas (1986). >
Depolymerization-Driven Flow in Nematode Spermatozoa Relates Crawling Speed to Size and Shape

Cell crawling is an inherently physical process that includes protrusion of the leading edge, adhesion to the substrate, and advance of the trailing cell body. Research into advance of the cell body has focused on actomyosin contraction, with cytoskeletal disassembly regarded as incidental, rather than causative; however, extracts from nematode spermatozoa, which use Major Sperm Protein rather than actin, provide at least one example where cytoskeletal disassembly apparently generates force in the absence of molecular motors. To test whether depolymerization can explain force production during nematode sperm crawling, we constructed a mathematical model that simultaneously describes the dynamics of both the cytoskeleton and the cytosol. We also performed corresponding experiments using motile Caenorhabditis elegans spermatozoa. Our experiments reveal that crawling speed is an increasing function of both cell size and anterior-posterior elongation. The quantitative, depolymerization-driven model robustly predicts that cell speed should increase with cell size and yields a cytoskeletal disassembly rate that is consistent with previous measurements. Notably, the model requires anisotropic elasticity, with the cell being stiffer along the direction of motion, to accurately reproduce the dependence of speed on elongation. Our simulations also predict that speed should increase with cytoskeletal anisotropy and disassembly rate.
Toward international primary care reform.

Primary care reform is now a worldwide imperative. National health care systems with strong primary care infrastructures have healthier populations, fewer health-related disparities and lower overall costs for health care. [1][1] In the World Health Organization’s 2008 World Health Report, [2][2]
Erratum to “on the group of strong symplectic homeomorphisms”

banyaga@math.psu.edu, augustinbanyaga@gmail.comABSTRACTWe give a proof of the estimate (1.1) which is the main ingredient in the proof that theset SSympeo(M,ω) of strong symplectic homeomorphisms of a compact symplecticmanifold (M,ω)forms a group [1].RESUMENProbamos la estimaci´on (1.1) que es el principal elemento en la demostraci´on que elconjuntos SSympeo(M,ω) de homeomorﬁsmos simpl´ecticos fuertes de una variedadsimpl´ectica compacta (M,ω)genera un grupo [1].Keywords and Phrases: C
Environmental management systems (EMS) implementation at chemical demilitarization facilities

Adopting the Department of the Army (DA) “installation” EMS policy guidance to a key DA Acquisition Program, the Program Manager for Chemical Demilitarization (PMCD), in conjunction with the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (USACHPPM) undertook an initiative to use the ISO 14001 framework for the EMS at chemical demilitarization facilities. The Pine Bluff Chemical Agent Disposal Facility (PBCDF) was selected as the pilot facility for this EMS initiative. This paper presents a case study of the EMS implementation at the PBCDF; PMCD remote monitoring of the PBCDF EMS implementation effort using the Equation ASP software; and external ISO 14001 conformance validation of the PBCDF EMS by USACHPPM's Registrar Accreditation Board (RAB)-certified EMS auditors. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of Microscopic and Macroscopic Modeling Approaches for Subsurface Contaminant Transport

The practice of contaminant transport and remediation has shown significant progress in recent years. However, despite the significant progress made, remediation efforts are often delayed by extremely long breakthrough curve tails that render efforts to bring the level of contaminants below the regulatory standards inefficient. One hypothesis is that these long tails are due to the reservoir-like slow diffusive processes in soil micropore zones. This study compares the effects of micropores at macroscopic and microscopic levels and establishes a link between these approaches for validation and calibration purposes. The link between macroscopic and microscopic levels is established through comparisons and testing of the two models while incorporating appropriate scale and boundary effects. Despite the differences in conceptual approaches and simulation time, the two approaches rendered meaningful results. The link helps forecast the effects of micropore zone transport processes in the subsurface efficiently and thus allows development of numerical tools that could contribute towards more efficient remediation design.
Wetland change analysis of San Dieguito Lagoon, California, USA : 1928-1994

This study analyzed change of a coastal wetland using remote sensing, image processing, and GIS techniques. Aerial photographs from 1928, 1945, 1975, and 1994 were acquired for San Dieguito Lagoon, in San Diego County, California, USA. The photographs were scanned and the landscape classified as wetland or non-wetland. A GIS model quantified and indicated trends in wetland change. Results show that, in 1928, 50% (366 ha) of the study area was comprised of wetlands. By 1994, the total wetland area decreased to 15% (109 ha) of the study site area. The annualized loss reveals a continual decrease in the rate of loss over all three time periods, which corresponds to the national decline in the rate of wetland loss. The greatest loss rate occurred from 1928 to 1945 (3% per year), and the lowest rate of loss occurred from 1975 to 1994 (0.3% per year).
Teaching Wound Care Management: A Model for the Budget Conscious Educator

For me, the concept of wound care has always been a challenging topic to demonstrate. How do you teach the concept without having a student in need of wound care or without having to spend money to buy another simulation manikin/model? I have recently created a simulation to demonstrate and practice the cleaning, closing, and dressing(Table 1) of external wounds in a very cost effective manner using equipment we already owned in our human performance laboratory. The purpose of this column is to provide athletic training educators (ATEs) with an innovative and cost effi cient means to educate athletic training students as to how to clean, close, and dress external wounds.