cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunization with a Combination of Integral Chlamydial Antigens and a Defined Secreted Protein Induces Robust Immunity against Genital Chlamydial Challenge

We have previously demonstrated the efficacy of recombinant chlamydial protease-like activity factor (rCPAF; a secreted chlamydial protein) in inducing antigen-specific CD4 + T cell/gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-mediated but not antibody-mediated chlamydial clearance and reduction of upper genital tract (UGT) pathological sequelae. Since chlamydial integral antigens may induce neutralizing antibody protection, we further evaluated induction of protective immunity using a combination of rCPAF and UV-inactivated chlamydial elementary bodies (UV-EB) against vaginal chlamydial challenge in comparison to immunization with the individual components or live EB. The rCPAF-UV-EB immunization induced a significantly enhanced anti-UV-EB cellular and antibody response and a reduced anti-CPAF cellular and antibody response, compared to immunization with the respective individual components. Moreover, vaccination with UV-EB and rCPAF-UV-EB induced serum antibodies that neutralized chlamydial infectivity. The rCPAF-UV-EB immunization resulted in a significant reduction of vaginal chlamydial shedding and induced earlier bacterial clearance than vaccination of mice with the individual components. Importantly, the UGT sequelae were significantly reduced in mice immunized with rCPAF or rCPAF-UV-EB, but not in those immunized with UV-EB alone, and approached the levels of protection induced by live EB. These results collectively suggest that a combination of neutralizing antibodies induced by integral chlamydial antigens and cell-mediated responses induced by secreted proteins such as CPAF induces optimal protective immunity against genital chlamydial infections.
Inkjet Printing of DNA for Use in Bioelectronic Applications

Biopolymers have received much attention lately for use in electronic applications. Salmon DNA complexed with cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (DNA-CTMA) produces a material soluble in organic solvents, enhancing the ease of processing. DNA-CTMA has shown promise as an electron blocking layer in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and potential as a gate insulating material in field effect transistors (FETs). To realize an all bio-based FET, we are continuing to investigate the use of DNA as the semiconducting layer. In addition to tailoring the properties of the biomaterial to increase the conductivity, we are also trying to better characterize these materials and explore different deposition techniques. Inkjet printing offers an unique ability to reproducibly deposit materials in a spatially controlled fashion, using picoliter amounts with high throughput. This paper will present how parameters such as solvent evaporation rate and substrate influence film properties. The characterization of the resulting DNA films includes atomic force microscopy (AFM) and white light interferometry.
Fine-Grained Composition of Distributed Sensor System Infrastructure

An important current trend in distributed systems is toward (1) wireless networking of large numbers of resource-constrained sensors and other devices, and (2) increasing demands on those networks as new and more sophisticated distributed applications are conceived for them. This trend presents a key challenge to developers of reusable system infrastructure for those networks: how to balance (1) the heterogeneous requirements of different applications, (2) inherent or induced resource constraints on the networked devices and their wireless connectivity, and (3) reusability of software modules in the distributed system infrastructure that mediates interactions between each application and the network resources. This paper presents an approach to system infrastructure for these kinds of systems, which is based on principled fine-grained composition of primitive system software modules, guided by system resource constraints and application resource requirements. We describe how our approach has been used in the domain of distributed real-time embedded system middleware, and discuss its applicability to other forms of distributed system infrastructure.
Interaction between optical- and terahertz-frequency fields in χ^(3) materials

Asymptotic evolution equations are derived to describe the interaction between an optical field and a terahertz-frequency field copropagating in a χ(3) material. Second-order and fourth-order multiple-scale perturbation theory is utilized to derive a set of coupled equations for the optical and the terahertz fields. For the terahertz wave a modified Korteweg–de Vries equation is found; it is coupled to a nonlinear Schrodinger equation describing the dynamics of the optical field. This asymptotic regime is valid away from classical natural-oscillator-frequency or quantum-mechanical-transition resonances. Analytic solutions to the evolution equations are given that resemble solutions to coupled cross-phase-modulation equations usually obtained for two copropagating optical fields. The long- to short-wavelength resonance equations have distinctive features that enable the optical fields to respond to the low-frequency fields. Experimentally measurable quantities to detect these interactions are discussed.
Initial experience using a bipolar radiofrequency ablation device for hemostasis during thyroidectomy

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel bipolar radiofrequency ablation (BRFA) device using nanotechnology for division of all named vessels during thyroidectomy. Methods All thyroidectomies from January 2008 to July 2010 at a single institution used the BRFA device (EnSeal, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, OH) for hemostasis. Clinicopathologic data and complications were recorded and compared with existing literature using other energy devices. Results Fifty-eight thyroidectomies were performed. Mean age was 54.7 years, and mean operating room time was 81 minutes. The average estimated blood loss was 46 mL. Ninety percent of patients were discharged in <23 hours. There were no hemorrhages. There was 1 recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, and 1 case of transient hypocalcemia. Conclusion This first small series using the BRFA device reveals initial safety and effectiveness for thyroid hemostasis, and warrants further study. The minimal thermal spread inherent in this device may make it an attractive option when structures such as the RLN may be near the zone of hemostasis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Nutritional Epidemiology Issues in Chronic Disease at the Turn of the Century

Although coronary heart disease was an extremely rare diagnosis in the early years of the twentieth century, by midcentury it had become the major cause of death in Western countries. Not surprisingly, the focus of nutritional epidemiology in the 1960s and 1970s was almost exclusively on coronary heart disease. There were a few exceptions, for example, the work of Dr. Denis Burkitt, who developed a hypothesis relating inadequate intake of dietary fiber to colon cancer on the basis of his observations in Africa. The dietary factors of interest to nutritional epidemiologists were also quite limited, with the main attention being given to saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, polyunsaturated fats, and salt. Nutritionists generally believed that micronutrient inadequacy was almost absent from Western populations because clinical signs of deficiency were rarely seen. Beliefs about diet and disease in the midcentury derived primarily from animal experiments and metabolic studies in humans by using surrogate endpoints, most notably serum total cholesterol. Although animal studies had been invaluable in establishing the function of essential nutrients, the validity of animal models for chronic disease in humans is open to question until the role of diet in human disease is known. In addition, the dose-response relation, which is potentially problematic to extrapolate from animals to humans, is usually the central issue in diet-disease associations. For these reasons, data from animal studies are not a sufficient basis for nutritional guidelines in humans. Nutritional epidemiology in the midcentury primarily consisted of ecologic correlations among countries and migrant studies. While these methodological approaches were severely limited by uncontrollable confounding, they did provide powerful evidence that
Biofilm formation by Pseudomonas fluorescens WCS365: a role for LapD.

A role for the outer-membrane-associated LapA protein in early biofilm formation by Pseudomonas fluorescens WCS365 has previously been shown. This paper reports that lapD, a gene located adjacent to the lapA gene, also plays a role in biofilm formation. A mutation in lapD results in a conditional biofilm defect in a static assay – this biofilm phenotype is exacerbated when biofilm formation is assayed in a flow-cell system. Furthermore, a lapD mutation shows a partial defect in the transition from reversible to irreversible attachment, consistent with an early role for the lapD gene product in biofilm formation. LapD is shown to be localized to the inner membrane of P. fluorescens. The data show decreased LapA associated with the cell surface, but no apparent change in cytoplasmic levels of this protein or lapA transcription, in a lapD mutant. A model is proposed wherein the role of LapD in biofilm formation is modulating the secretion of the LapA adhesin.
PRSS3/Mesotrypsin Is a Therapeutic Target for Metastatic Prostate Cancer

PRSS3/mesotrypsin is an atypical isoform of trypsin that has been associated with breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer cell malignancy. In analyses of open source transcriptional microarray data, we find that PRSS3 expression is upregulated in metastatic prostate cancer tissue, and that expression of PRSS3 in primary prostate tumors is prognostic of systemic progression following prostatectomy. Using a mouse orthotopic model with bioluminescent imaging, we show that PRSS3/mesotrypsin is critical for prostate cancer metastasis. Silencing of PRSS3 inhibits anchorage-independent growth of prostate cancer cells in soft agar assays, and suppresses invasiveness in Matrigel transwell assays and three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models. We further show that treatment with recombinant mesotrypsin directly promotes an invasive cellular phenotype in prostate cancer cells and find that these effects are specific and require the proteolytic activity of mesotrypsin, because neither cationic trypsin nor a mesotrypsin mutant lacking activity can drive the invasive phenotype. Finally, we show that a newly developed, potent inhibitor of mesotrypsin activity can suppress prostate cancer cell invasion to a similar extent as PRSS3 gene silencing. This study defines mesotrypsin as an important mediator of prostate cancer progression and metastasis, and suggests that inhibition of mesotrypsin activity may provide a novel modality for prostate cancer treatment.
Steroid Synthesis in Embryonic and Fetal Rat Adrenal Tissue

Fetal and embryonic rat adrenal tissue was examined during gestation, particularly during the period of adrenal organogenesis, fiom the 12th through the 16th day of development. From the 12th day onward, the adrenal or adrenal-containing tissue produced dichloromethane- soluble acid-fluorogens in vitro at the same rate as adult glands. Much smaller quantities of lipid-soluble fluorogens were found in some incubates of younger embryos, whose tissues contained no visible adrenal blastemata. Corticosterone was found in incubates of 13 through 15day tissue, but not in younger or older material (until the 19th day of development). The transitory period of corticosterone-secreting ability was marked by the presence of well-diiferentiated, polynucleolate adrenocortical cells, arranged in distinct nodules within the gland. Eachnodule was covered by a layer of epithelial cells continuous with the poorly developed capsule. Adrenomedullary and large vascular elements were absent. Rapid adrenal growth and histologica...
Colorimetric Method for the Quantitative Determination of Plasma Catalase Activity

A colorimetric method for the determination of plasma catalase activity has been presented. The assay is based on the reaction of undecomposed hydrogen peroxide with ferricyanide and ferric gum ghatti to give a Prussian Blue color. The plasma catalase activity of a group of normal individuals has been determined.
Two-year and lifetime toxicity and carcinogenicity studies of ozone in B6C3F1 mice.

To evaluate the toxicity and carcinogenic potential of long-term exposure to ozone, B6C3F1 mice were exposed by whole-body inhalation to 0, 0.12, 0.5, or 1.0 ppm and 0, 0.5, or 1.0 ppm ozone for 24 or 30 mo (lifetime), respectively. The incidence of alveolar/ bronchiolar adenomas and carcinomas (combined) increased (p 0.05) in male mice exposed to concentrations of 0.5 or 1.0 ppm. An increased incidence of nonneoplastic lesions were observed in the nasal cavities and in the centriacinar region of the lung of mice exposed to 0.5 or 1.0 ppm for 24 and 30 mo. Nasal cavity lesions were mild and included hyaline degeneration, hyperplasia, squamous metaplasia, fibrosis and suppurative inflammation of the transitional and respiratory epithelium of the lateral wall, and atrophy of the olfactory epithelium. Lung lesions included replacement of the epithelium of the alveolar ducts and adjacent alveolar septa with epithelium similar to that normally found in terminal bronchioles (metaplasia) and associated alveolar histiocytosis. Based on the results of these studies, we conclude that inhalation exposure of B6C3F1 mice to ozone for 24 or 30 mo (a) is carcinogenic in female B6C3F1 mice exposed to 1.0 ppm of ozone based on an increased incidence of alveolar/bronchiolar adenoma or carcinoma and (b) results in mild, site-specific, nonneoplastic lesions in the nasal cavity and centriacinar lung of male and female mice exposed to 0.5 or 1.0 ppm of ozone for 2 yrs, which persist with continued exposure to 30 mo. It is uncertain whether or not the marginal increase (p > 0.05) of alveolar/bronchiolar neoplasms in male B6C3F1 mice resulted from exposure to ozone.
Meniscal Allografts—Where Do We Stand?

Meniscal transplantation has been recommended for selected meniscus-deficient patients in an effort to forestall progressive joint degeneration. Meniscal allograft transplantation may be considered for patients with symptoms (pain and swelling) due to meniscal deficiency in an effort to prevent progressive articular cartilage degeneration. Medial meniscal transplantation may also be considered during concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, since absence of the medial meniscus results in increased forces in the anterior cruciate ligament graft. Contraindications for meniscal transplantation include advanced articular cartilage degeneration (especially on the flexion weightbearing zone of the condyle), axial malalignment, and flattening of the femoral condyle. Patient evaluation should include standing, long-leg radiographs for assessment of the mechanical axis and magnetic resonance imaging with appropriate pulse sequences for evaluation of hyaline cartilage thickness. Fresh-frozen and cryop...
Variations in End-Expiratory Pressure During Partial Liquid Ventilation: Impact on Gas Exchange, Lung Compliance, and End-Expiratory Lung Volume

Study objectives To determine the effects ofdifferent levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) duringpartial liquid ventilation (PLV) on gas exchange, lung compliance, andend-expiratory lung volume (EELV). Design Prospectiveanimal study. Setting Animal physiology researchlaboratory. Subjects Nine piglets. Interventions Animals underwent saline solution lavage toproduce lung injury. Perflubron was instilled via the endotracheal tubein a volume estimated to represent functional residual capacity. Theinitial PEEP setting was 4 cm H 2 O, and stepwise changes inPEEP were made. At 30-min intervals, the PEEP was increased to 8, then12, then decreased back down to 8, then 4 cm H 2 O. Measurements and results After 30 min at each level of PEEP, arterial blood gases, aortic and central venous pressures, heartrates, dynamic lung compliance, and changes in EELV were recorded.Paired t tests with Bonferroni correction were used toevaluate the data. There were no differences in heart rate or mean BPat the different PEEP levels. CO 2 elimination andoxygenation improved directly with the PEEP level and mean airwaypressure (Paw). Compliance did not change with increasing PEEP, but didincrease when PEEP was lowered. EELV changes correlated directly withthe level of PEEP. Conclusions As previously reportedduring gas ventilation, oxygenation and CO 2 eliminationvary directly with PEEP and proximal Paw during PLV. EELV also variesdirectly with PEEP. Dynamic lung compliance, however, improved onlywhen PEEP was lowered, suggesting an alteration in the distribution ofperflubron due to changes in pressure-volumerelationships.
Compositional Diversity in the Atmospheres of Hot Neptunes, with Application to GJ 436b

Neptune-sized extrasolar planets that orbit relatively close to their host stars—often called "hot Neptunes"—are common within the known population of exoplanets and planetary candidates. Similar to our own Uranus and Neptune, inefficient accretion of nebular gas is expected produce hot Neptunes whose masses are dominated by elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. At high atmospheric metallicities of 10-10,000 times solar, hot Neptunes will exhibit an interesting continuum of atmospheric compositions, ranging from more Neptune-like, H_2-dominated atmospheres to more Venus-like, CO_2-dominated atmospheres. We explore the predicted equilibrium and disequilibrium chemistry of generic hot Neptunes and find that the atmospheric composition varies strongly as a function of temperature and bulk atmospheric properties such as metallicity and the C/O ratio. Relatively exotic H_2O, CO, CO_2, and even O_2-dominated atmospheres are possible for hot Neptunes. We apply our models to the case of GJ 436b, where we find that a CO-rich, CH_4-poor atmosphere can be a natural consequence of a very high atmospheric metallicity. From comparisons of our results with Spitzer eclipse data for GJ 436b, we conclude that although the spectral fit from the high-metallicity forward models is not quite as good as the best fit obtained from pure retrieval methods, the atmospheric composition predicted by these forward models is more physically and chemically plausible in terms of the relative abundance of major constituents. High-metallicity atmospheres (orders of magnitude in excess of solar) should therefore be considered as a possibility for GJ 436b and other hot Neptunes.
Unsupervised statistical neural networks for model-based object recognition

Statistical neural networks executing soft-decision algorithms have been shown to be very effective in many classification problems. A neural network architecture is developed here that can perform unsupervised joint segmentation and labeling of objects in images. We propose the semi-parametric hierarchical mixture density (HMD) model as a tool for capturing the diversity of real world images and pose the object recognition problem as a maximum likelihood (ML) estimation of the HMD parameters. We apply the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm for this purpose and utilize ideas and techniques from statistical physics to cast the problem as the minimization of a free energy function. We then proceed to regularize the solution thus obtained by adding smoothing terms to the objective function. The resulting recursive scheme for estimating the posterior probabilities of an object's presence in an image corresponds to an unsupervised feedback neural network architecture. We present here the results of experiments involving recognition of traffic signs in natural scenes using this technique.
Utility of a Perfluorochemical Liquid for Pulmonary Diagnostic Imaging

The use of neat perfluorochemical liquid (PFC) as an alternative respiratory medium has gained increasing attention for assessment and treatment of the immature or injured lung. In vitro and in vivo plain film and computed tomographic (CT) studies were performed on small and large animals to evaluate the use of perfluorooctylbromide (perflubron) as a bronchographic contrast agent and to quantitate the distribution and elimination of this fluid from the lung following total liquid ventilation or during gas breathing after tracheal instillation of small quantities of this liquid. The results demonstrate the utility of a highly radiopaque PFC liquid in combination with diagnostic imaging techniques to visualize small airways anatomy, identify regional and gravity dependent differences in distribution/elimination of the fluid, ventilation, and track PFC liquid following therapeutic application.
Necessary Conditions for Problems with Higher Derivative Bounded State Variables.

This paper combines the separate works of two authors. Tan proves a set of necessary conditions for a control problem with second-order state inequality constraints (see Ref. 1). Russak proves necessary conditions for an extended version of that problem. Specifically, the extended version augments the original problem by including state equality constraints, differential and isopermetric equality and inequality constraints, and endpoint constraints. In addition, Russak (i) relaxes the solvability assumption on the state constraints, (ii) extends the maximum principle to a larger set, (iii) obtains modified forms of the relationH =Ht and of the transversality relation usually obtained in problems of this type, and (iv) proves a condition concerning μα(t1), the derivative of the multiplier functions at the final time.
Closure on the single scattering albedo in the WRF-Chem framework using data from the MILAGRO campaign

Abstract. Data from the MILAGRO field campaign, which took place in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) during March 2006, is used to perform a closure experiment between aerosol chemical properties and aerosol optical properties. Measured aerosol chemical properties, obtained from the MILAGRO T1 site, are fed to two different "chemical to optical properties" modules. One module uses a sectional approach and is identical to that used in the WRF-Chem model, while the other is based on a modal approach. This modal code is employed as an independent check on the WRF-Chem module. Both modules compute aerosol optical properties and, in particular, the single-scattering albedo, ϖ 0 , as a function of time. The single-scattering albedos are compared to independent measurements obtained from a photoacoustic spectrometer (PAS). Because chemical measurements of the aerosol coarse mode were not available, and the inlet of the PAS could not ingest aerosols larger than about 2 to 3 μm, we focus here on the fine-mode ϖ 0 . At 870 nm, the wavelength of the PAS measurements, the agreement between the computed (modal and WRF-Chem) and observed fine-mode ϖ 0 , averaged over the course of the campaign, is reasonably good. The observed ϖ 0 value is 0.77, while for both modules, the calculated value was 0.75 resulting in a difference of 0.02 between observations and both computational approaches. This difference is less than the uncertainty of the observed ϖ 0 values (6%, or 0.05), and therefore "closure" is achieved, at least for mean values. After adjusting some properties of black carbon absorption and mass concentration within plausible uncertainty limits, the two modules simulate well the diurnal variation of ϖ 0 , and the absorption coefficient, B abs , but are less successful in calculating the variation of the scattering coefficient, B scat . This difficulty is probably caused by the presence of larger particles during the day when windblown dust is ubiquitous; this dust likely increases the proportion of large particles introduced into the PAS. The dust also contributes to a very large aerosol mass loading in the coarse mode, and neglect of the coarse mode may cause significant errors, estimated to be as large as 0.07, in the calculation and measurement of ambient ϖ 0 . Finally, the observed ϖ 0 is compared to the ϖ 0 computed by the full WRF-Chem model, which includes prognostic aerosol chemistry. Unlike the results discussed above, a comparison between observed and simulated ϖ 0 values reveals major differences. This large discrepancy is probably due, in part, to poor characterization of emissions near the T1 site, particularly black carbon emissions.
Morphology and grafting reactions in core/shell latexes

The particle morphology and percent grafting were investigated as a function of the crosslink density of the seed latex in two systems of core/shell latexes of polybutadiene/polymethyl methacrylate (PB/PMMA) and styrene–butadiene rubber/polymethyl methacrylate (SBR/PMMA) prepared by seeded emulsion polymerization at 50°C. The thin layer chromatography/flame ionization detection (TLC/FID) technique was used to characterize the grafting efficiency of the core/shell latexes. The percent grafting of the shell polymer was found to decrease with increasing the crosslink density of the core material. The particle morphology and precent grafting were also investigated as a function of composition and structure of the core material in four core/shell latex systems: polybutadiene/styrene–acrylonitrile copolymer (PB/SAN), (styrene-butadiene) random copolymer/styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (S:B/SAN), polystyrene : polybutadiene/styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (PS:PB/SAN) and Kraton/styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (Kraton/SAN), which were prepared by direct emulsification for the seed followed by emulsion polymerization at 70°C for the shell polymer. Grafting and crosslinking of the core material were found to be competitive reactions depending on the microstructure of the seed latex.
Delay budgeting in sequential circuit with application on FPGA placement

Delay budgeting is a process of determining upper bounds for net delays to guide timing-driven placement. The existing approaches deal de facto only with combinational circuits. However, incorporating retiming into delay budgeting introduces more freedom to optimize sequential circuits. In this paper, we propose an approach for budgeting sequential circuits. We propose a new algorithm, T-SBGT, which uses an LP formulation to solve the budgeting problem in sequential circuits and guarantees that the clock period constraints are met. We then utilize the skew-retiming equivalence relation by S.S. Sapatnekar and R.B. Deokar (1996) and retime the circuit. We demonstrate usefulness of our approach in the context of FPGA placement flow. An effective algorithm to minimize flip-flops (FFs) number after placement using the net slack is also proposed. The results show the placement flow improves timing by 9%, and reduces budget violations by 16% compared to the traditional flow. The post-placement FF reduction algorithm decreases the FF count by 19% on average.
Measurements of velocity–acceleration statistics in turbulent boundary layers

Abstract An advanced laser Doppler velocimetry system is developed to acquire measurements of fluctuating velocity–acceleration statistics in turbulent boundary layers. These correlations are enabled by customized burst signal processing that estimates both the Doppler frequency and the rate-of-change of Doppler frequency, which are related to the particle velocity and acceleration by the interference fringe spacing. The measurements give important insight into the near-wall turbulence structure since the statistical correlations of interest, u i a j ¯ appear directly in the Reynolds stress transport equations as a sum of the velocity–pressure gradient correlation, - 1 ρ u i ∂ p ∂ x j + u j ∂ p ∂ x i ¯ , the dissipation rate, 2 ν ∂ u i ∂ x k ∂ u j ∂ x k ¯ , and the viscous diffusion, ν ∇ 2 u i u j ¯ . The immediate power of such measurements is that combinations of terms in the Reynolds stress transport equation may be characterized by a single statistical measurement at one location in the flow—no gradients need be computed. In the present paper, data are presented for a constant-pressure 2D turbulent boundary layer at Reθ = 6800. Near-wall results for the dominant term in the velocity–acceleration tensor, the streamwise correlation ua x ¯ , compare favorably with DNS for the same quantity at Reθ = 1410 and Reτ = 640; furthermore, the quantity exhibits no Reynolds number effects within experimental uncertainties. The balance of the velocity–acceleration equation in the streamwise direction is presented, giving the first measurements for the profile of the velocity–pressure gradient correlation with this technique. This study exhibits the potential of the technique to be applied to more complex flows, particularly those 3D separating flows in which the motions contributing to the velocity–acceleration correlations become dominant.
Autapomorphies of the endophragmal system in trichodactylid freshwater crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Eubrachyura).

An examination of the thoracic endophrag- mal system in trichodactylid freshwater crabs revealed several derived features that appear restricted to this family. Trichodactylids have a highly reduced sella turcica with a rim-like overall configuration; as a consequence of sella turcica reduction the median septum is dorsoven- trally diminished and exposed along its length. In addi- tion, interosternite 7/8 is medially erased with the rem- nants restricted to the lateral regions of the sternum. The configurations of the sella turcica and interosternite 7/8 in trichodactylids underscore the monophyly of this family. The Dilocarcininae is characterized by having interoster- nites 5/6 through 7/8 restricted to the lateral sectors of the sternum, the lateral remnants of interosternite 4/5 form- ing prominent, rib-like ridges oriented diagonally to the longitudinal axis of the crab, and the median septum forming with interosternite 4/5 a Y-shaped pattern. These autapomorphies of the endophragmal system separate the trichodactylids from all other eubrachyurans and empha- size the morphological distinctness of the group. A de- scription of the trichodactylid endophragmal junction plate is also provided. J. Morphol. 256:23-28, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An algorithm for reducing circuit equations in computer applications

Computer formulation of circuit equations using the modified nodal analysis is discussed. The modified nodal formulation gives rise to an unproportionately large number of circuit equations, even for small networks. An algorithm is presented to reduce these equations to a very small number, thereby reducing the memory requirement, as well as runtime, for the solution network responses. Though it is useful in any computer-aided analysis of networks, the algorithm is especially useful for microcomputers where memory size and run time are significant. It also eliminates the need to use sparse matrix techniques in solving the circuit equations. >
Study of solar cell fabrication using an electrostatic thick-film printing method

A novel thick-film circuit printing technique which is based on the electrostatic principle known as noncontact electrostatic thick-film printing was developed for the metallization of edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) solar cells. The conventional thick-film solar cell inks were modified by adding 10-20% terpineol solvent. The effects of ink viscosity, applied voltages, nozzle diameter, and nozzle-to-substrate distance on line definition and ink-flow rate were investigated. A simple theoretical model was derived for the electrostatic ink ejection. The minimum line width obtained was 3 mm. Multilayer printing was able to be used to raise the line film thickness. The maximum line width obtained was about 20-30 mm for a single run. The system is now completely computercontrolled and capable of printing films onto solar cell substrates reliably, with a high degree of accuracy. Multiple-layer prints can be made with food layer-to-layer registration. >
Coronary artery pattern and age impact exercise performance late after the arterial switch operation.

Objective The impact of coronary artery pattern on exercise performance after the arterial switch operation is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between coronary artery pattern and exercise performance late after the arterial switch operation. Methods Patients who underwent the arterial switch operation and were referred for exercise stress testing between January of 1996 and April of 2005 were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for lower maximum heart rate and percent of predicted peak oxygen consumption. Results Fifty-three patients were included; 72% were male. The median age at the arterial switch operation was 5 days (1 day to 3.6 years); 32% had concurrent ventricular septal defect repair. The time from the arterial switch operation to exercise stress testing was 14.1 years (7.7–20.6 years). There were 37 patients with the usual coronary artery pattern, and 16 patients (30%) with variant coronary artery patterns. At exercise stress testing, there was no difference in respiratory exchange ratio (1.16 ± 0.1 for both), indicating similar effort. Compared with patients with the usual coronary artery pattern, patients with variant coronary artery patterns had a significantly lower maximum heart rate (177 ± 16 beats/min [89% predicted] vs 186 ± 11 beats/min [93% predicted], respectively, P = .04). Percent of predicted peak oxygen consumption was not significantly different between patients with the usual coronary pattern and patients with variant coronary artery patterns (89% ± 20% vs 80% ± 17%, respectively, P = .12). In multivariate analysis, variant coronary artery patterns ( P = .03) and ventricular septal defect ( P = .004) were predictors of significantly lower maximum heart rate and were associated with a trend toward lower percent of predicted peak oxygen consumption ( P P Conclusions Variant coronary artery patterns are associated with chronotropic impairment, and longer follow-up time is the strongest predictor of diminished aerobic capacity late after arterial switch operation.
Current Trends in Retail Distribution

The organized efforts of retailers to keep retail prices under control in cooperation in the National Defense Program. The repercussions of the consumer movement on retailing. The effect of government regulations on advertising and selling practices. The retailer's increasing assumption of the role of "purchasing agent" for his clientele rather than that of distributing agent fqr his resources.
Frequency of Light Onset on Activation and Sensory Reinforcement in Domestic Chicks

100 chicks were exposed to 1 of 5 experimental conditions of differing frequencies of light onset with total light duration held constant during a 30-min. preconditioning phase. Within a subsequent 25-min. conditioning phase, light onset was response contingent. Exposure to different frequencies had significant behavioral effects in the preconditioning phase but not during the conditioning phase. The nonsignificant difference in conditioning suggests that Ss were in part satiated by the total duration of light. Frequency of light onset during preconditioning affects activation but not later sensory reinforced behavior.
Moringa olefiera: Could this be an Answer to our Need for an Alternative to Fighting Drug-Resistance and Chronic Infections?

Each year, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spend a substantial amount of time and resources to help fight the war on antibiotic resistance. This agency has focused a lot of its attention on education and reducing the use and unnecessary prescribing of these drugs. Over the past 25 years, the development of new antimicrobial drugs is dwindling, while the development of resistance to human or food animal therapeutic agents continue to double [1]. The use of subtherapeutic levels of antibiotics in animal feed in recent years has raised concern about the development of resistant pathogens in animals and their transfer through food to humans, and placed pressure on meat producers to eliminate the use of antibiotics in food animals. As such, there is increased interest in identifying substances that can reduce the use of in-feed sub-therapeutic antibiotics. Nutraceuticals, or natural supplement that promotes animals’ defense against infection and disease can serve as a suitable substitute for the antibiotics.
Decreasing the Length of Stay for Hospitalized Children with a Referral to Child Protective Services

A significant proportion of victims of child physical abuse require hospitalization. Often, these children stay in the hospital significantly longer than their medical situation would justify due to a complicated social disposition. Our primary goal was to decrease avoidable days in the hospital and waste for children awaiting Child Protective Services (CPS) disposition. We utilized the Institute for Health Care Improvement Model for Improvement. We created CPS rounds which involved discussing every hospitalized patient …
Syntheses and Characterization of Tantalum Alkyl Imides and Amide Imides. DFT Studies of Unusual α-SiMe3 Abstraction by an Amide Ligand

Reaction of TaCl2(═NSiMe3)[N(SiMe3)2] (1) with alkylating reagents form the alkyl amide imide complexes TaR2(═NSiMe3)[N(SiMe3)2] (R = Me (2), CH2Ph (3)) and mixed amide imide compounds Ta(NR′2)2(═NSiMe3)[N(SiMe3)2] (R′ = Me (4), Et (5)). The reaction of 2 and 0.5 equiv of O2 leads to preferential oxygen insertion into one Ta–Me bond, yielding the alkoxy-bridged alkyl dimer Ta2(μ-OMe)2Me2(═NSiMe3)2[N(SiMe3)2]2 (6) as cis and trans isomers. Crystallization of the cis-6 and trans-6 mixture gave only crystals of trans-6. When the crystals of trans-6 were dissolved in benzene-d6, conversion of trans-6 to cis-6 occurred until the trans-6 ⇌ cis-6 equilibrium was reached with Keq = 0.79(0.02) at 25.0(0.1) °C. Kinetic studies of the exchange gave the rate constants k = 0.018(0.002) min–1 for the trans-6 → cis-6 conversion and k′ = 0.022(0.002) min–1 for the reverse cis-6 → trans-6 conversion at 25.0(0.1) °C. Complex 6 reacts with additional O2, forming the dialkoxy dimer Ta2(μ-OMe)2(OMe)2(═NSiMe3)2[N(SiMe3)2]2 (7)...
Interactive visualization of large ontology matching results

We add to the widely used AgreementMaker system the capability to visualize the results of matching large ontologies with a user interface that supports navigation and search of the ontologies. The interface also supports user intervention when using a feedback loop strategy where users validate candidate mappings that have been computed automatically by matching algorithms. The interface further displays properties of the concepts to facilitate the decision process.
Red cell oxygen delivery. Effect of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate.

Changes in oxygen transport and delivery noted in many diseases are related to altered concentrations of organic phosphates in red blood cells, primarily 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. Elevated 2,3-DPG levels enhance delivery of oxygen to the tissues; lowered levels compromise oxygen delivery. Maintaining 2,3-DPG levels in stored blood is of particular concern.
Resolution analysis: A new approach to the gaps in the fossil record

Fine-scale sampling and analysis of fossiliferous sequences have been used in the debate over gradual vs. punctuated evolutionary transitions between species. The time scale and completeness of these studied sequences can be evaluated using criteria based on compilations of sedimentation rates over different time spans. A set of procedures, herein termed "resolution analysis," provides the means for estimating the time scale and quality of sequences from which evolutionary patterns are distilled. Seven such published studies are evaluated with these procedures. In general, most fossil sequences are too incomplete on fine time scales to show changes operating within a standing population. Short segments of some sequences have the potential to document nearly complete morphological histories on time scales approaching generation-to-generation processes. Resolution analysis is a necessary step in inferences regarding fossil evidence of evolutionary tempo and mode. Stratigraphic incompleteness necessarily results from the episodic nature of sedimentation. Many strati- graphic gaps result from minor, temporary shifts in sediment distribution, though other, more profound gaps result from changes in habitat conditions that must have had an effect on local biotic distribution. Analyzing paleontological patterns involves not only the positive evidence provided by fossiliferous strata, but also the negative evidence left as gaps by shifting habitat conditions. Thus, incomplete sequences may not be "flawed" records of continuous populations. Incomplete sequences may be a faithful, literal record of separate populations separated in time by local extinctions and re-invasions.
Targeting LncRNAs in Cardiovascular Disease: Options and Expeditions.

Nucleic acid-based therapeutics constitutes the next frontier in cardiovascular disease (CVD) management. Recent findings have shown a strong regulatory role of a new class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) known as long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), on biological pathways, cell function, and cardiovascular tissue homeostasis in health and disease. Accumulating studies demonstrate that lncRNAs may regulate protein-coding genes, RNAs, and epigenetic factors in a tight spatial and temporal manner. Herein, we discuss key technical hurdles, current limitations and challenges as well as advantages and disadvantages of emerging experimental methods in the lncRNA field.
The edTPA as an Occasion for Structuring Faculty Dialogue Across the Divide? A “Checklist Manifesto” for a More Inclusive Teacher Education:

Collaboration across teacher education in the service of a more inclusive preservice pedagogy is now taking place within a context of high intensity accountability that includes the widespread adop...
Acculturation Versus Cultural Retention: The Interactive Impact of Acculturation and Co-ethnic Ties on Substance Use Among Chinese Students in the United States

Acculturation is often found to increase substance use among immigrants in the U.S., but such effect may depend on how immigrants are attached to their co-ethnic community. Meanwhile, the high socioeconomic status of some new immigrant groups also challenges the classical assumption that ties to co-ethnic community are associated with deviance. With a sample (n = 960) collected from a population of Chinese students in a large public university in the U.S., we tested how do the interplays between acculturation and co-ethnic ties affect substance use. This study establishes that: (1) different dimensions of acculturation have opposite effects on substance use; (2) acculturative stress does not explain the association between acculturation and substance use; (3) acculturation increases the likelihood of substance use only when one has weak attachment to their co-ethnic community. The findings are consistent for three dependent variables: smoking, drinking, and drunkenness, and for the different constructs of acculturation and co-ethnic ties. Ties to co-ethnic community may provide important social support for immigrants, while acculturation may alleviate the insular subculture that promotes at-risk behaviors. We encourage policy makers to consider the cooperative nature of acculturation and cultural retention for the improvement of health among this growing population.
Review on solid-solid phase change materials for thermal energy storage: Molecular structure and thermal properties

Abstract Solid-solid phase change materials (SS-PCMs) for thermal energy storage have received increasing interest because of their high energy-storage density and inherent advantages over solid-liquid counterparts (e.g., leakage free, no need for encapsulation, less phase segregation and smaller volume variation). Four main SS-PCMs for thermal energy storage are reviewed, with a focus on their thermal properties and the relationship between molecular structure, processes involved during phase transition, and thermal properties. This review aims to provide guidance for selecting appropriate SS-PCMs for various applications and tailoring the synthesis of SS-PCMs with desired thermal, physical and mechanical properties. Challenges and opportunities to use of SS-PCMs for thermal storage and other applications are also discussed.
Theory of the development of alternans in the heart during controlled diastolic interval pacing

The beat-to-beat alternation in action potential durations (APDs) in the heart, called APD alternans, has been linked to the development of serious cardiac rhythm disorders, including ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. The length of the period between action potentials, called the diastolic interval (DI), is a key dynamical variable in the standard theory of alternans development. Thus, methods that control the DI may be useful in preventing dangerous cardiac rhythms. In this study, we examine the dynamics of alternans during controlled-DI pacing using a series of single-cell and one-dimensional (1D) fiber models of alternans dynamics. We find that a model that combines a so-called memory model with a calcium cycling model can reasonably explain two key experimental results: the possibility of alternans during constant-DI pacing and the phase lag of APDs behind DIs during sinusoidal-DI pacing. We also find that these results can be replicated by incorporating the memory model into an amplitude equation description of a 1D fiber. The 1D fiber result is potentially concerning because it seems to suggest that constant-DI control of alternans can only be effective over only a limited region in space.
A 47-Year-Old Man With Recurrent Unilateral Pleural Effusion.

Case Presentation A 47-year-old man with a medical history of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and OSA presented with a 7- to 10-day history of progressively worsening dyspnea on exertion, with a walking distance of 60 feet. He had bilateral lower-extremity swelling and was prescribed furosemide without clinical improvement. At baseline, he used three pillows for sleeping. The patient was noncompliant with his CPAP treatment. He had no smoking history and was retired from working in technology sales. On review of systems, he denied cough, chest pain, hemoptysis, fevers, chills, or weight loss.
The Importance of Information Technology: An Empirical and Longitudinal Study of the Annual Reports of the 50 Largest Companies in the United States

This study examines the relative importance of information technology through content analysis of annual reports. The annual reports of the Fortune 50 are reviewed for inclusion of both common and leading edge information technology terms. The analysis finds that leading edge information technology terms are rarely mentioned in current annual reports. Through a longitudinal study comparing annual reports of these large companies between 1998 and 2002, it is also determined that information technology terms are receiving less prominence and mentions in current reports. A t-Test of paired sample test of means and Wilcoxon signed rank test found statistically significant declines in both inclusion and mention of most common information technology firms. The author proposes three possible explanations for the poor showing for information technology. Further study is recommended to determine the reasons for these results.