cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary Fluid Flow Challenges for Experimental and Mathematical Modeling

Modeling the flow of fluid in the lungs, even under baseline healthy conditions, presents many challenges. The complex rheology of the fluids, interaction between fluids and structures, and complicated multi-scale geometry all add to the complexity of the problem. We provide a brief overview of approaches used to model three aspects of pulmonary fluid and flow: the surfactant layer in the deep branches of the lung, the mucus layer in the upper airway branches, and closure/reopening of the airway. We discuss models of each aspect, the potential to capture biological and therapeutic information, and open questions worthy of further investigation. We hope to promote multi-disciplinary collaboration by providing insights into mathematical descriptions of fluid-mechanics in the lung and the kinds of predictions these models can make.
Inflation and debt maturity

Abstract The maturity structure of private debt decreases with inflation. I argue that this occurs because of the relative price variability that tends to accompany inflation. Additional variability in relative prices aggravates the temptations of debtors to increase risk at the expense of expected returns. Specifically, it encourages debtors, particularly long-term debtors, to overexpose themselves to changes in relative prices by holding inventories which are too low and by engaging in too little forward-selling. Recognizing this, rational behavior by creditors causes the maturity structure of debt to decrease with inflation.
Sources and Resources: Importance of nutrients, resource allocation, and ecology in microalgal cultivation for lipid accumulation

Regardless of current market conditions and availability of conventional petroleum sources, alternatives are needed to circumvent future economic and environmental impacts from continued exploration and harvesting of conventional hydrocarbons. Diatoms and green algae (microalgae) are eukaryotic photoautotrophs that can utilize inorganic carbon (e.g., CO2) as a carbon source and sunlight as an energy source, and many microalgae can store carbon and energy in the form of neutral lipids. In addition to accumulating useful precursors for biofuels and chemical feed stocks, the use of autotrophic microorganisms can further contribute to reduced CO2 emissions through utilization of atmospheric CO2. Because of the inherent connection between carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in biological systems, macronutrient deprivation has been proven to significantly enhance lipid accumulation in different diatom and algae species. However, much work is needed to understand the link between carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in controlling resource allocation at different levels of biological resolution (cellular versus ecological). An improved understanding of the relationship between the effects of N, P, and micronutrient availability on carbon resource allocation (cell growth versus lipid storage) in microalgae is needed in conjunction with life cycle analysis. This mini-review will briefly discuss the current literature on the use of nutrient deprivation and other conditions to control and optimize microalgal growth in the context of cell and lipid accumulation for scale-up processes.
Reverse D4F, an apolipoprotein-AI mimetic peptide, inhibits atherosclerosis in ApoE-null mice

Objective:Synthetic class A amphipathic helical peptide analogs of apolipoprotein-AI (apoAI; with varied phenylalanine residues) are emerging therapeutic approaches under investigation for atherosclerosis. Utilizing retroinverso sequencing, we designed reverse-D4F (Rev-D4F) peptide with 18 d-amino acids containing 4 phenylalanine residues and reverse order that allows the side chain residues to be of exact alignment and superimposable to those of the parent l-amino acid peptide. This study examined the effect of Rev-D4F on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E (apoE)-null mice and the underlying mechanisms.Materials/Methods:ApoE-null mice were fed a chow diet and administered water (control), Rev-D4F, or L4F mimetic peptides (0.4 mg/mL, equivalent to 1.6 mg/d) orally in drinking water for 6 weeks. Aortic root atherosclerotic lesion area, lesion macrophage content, and the ability of plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to influence monocyte chemotaxis were measured.Results:Rev-D4F significantly decreased a...
Political Socialization and the High School Civics Curriculum in the United States

Attempts to map the political development of individuals inevitably become involved with the relative contribution of different socialization agencies throughout the life cycle. Research has focused to a large extent on the family and to a much lesser degree on other agents such as the educational system. At the secondary school level very little has been done to examine systematically the selected aspects of the total school environment. To gain some insight into the role of the formal school environment, this paper will explore the relationship between the civics curriculum and political attitudes and behavior in American high schools. A number of studies, recently fortified by data from Gabriel Almond and Sidney's Verba's five-nation study, stress the crucial role played by formal education in the political socialization process. [None of the other variables] compares with the educational variable in the extent to which it seems to determine political attitudes. The uneducated man or the man with limited education is a different political actor from the man who has achieved a high level of education.1 Such conclusions would not have greatly surprised the founders of the American republic, for they stressed the importance of education to the success of democratic and republican government. Starting from its early days the educational system incorporated civic training. Textbooks exposing threats to the new republic were being used in American schools by the 1790's. By 1915, the term “civics” became associated with high school courses which emphasized the study of political institutions and citizenship training.2
Fidel Castro. By Nick Caistor. (London, England: Reaktion Books, 2013. Pp. 154. $16.95.)

The author of this book offers readers a short, well‐written account of Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution. The work is journalistic in that references are lacking or sketchy; however, Fidel Cas...
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Inhibitor Wortmannin Blocks Mitogenic Activation of the Transferrin Receptor Gene Promoter in Late G1'

Expression of the transfemn receptor is necessary for cells to progress through S-phase. The transfemn receptor gene promoter is activated as a delayed event following growth factor stimulation of quiescent fibroblasts. Serum stimulation in the presence of vanadate leads to superactivation of the transfemn receptor promoter, suggesting a role for tyrosine phosphorylation. Wortmannin, a potent inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, a tyrosine kinaseregulated enzyme, blocks mitogen-dependent activation of the transfemn receptor promoter. Furthermore, wortmannin was able to block activation of this promoter when added several hours after serum stimulation of quiescent cells. This suggests that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase may be required in mid to late G1 and that it is directly involved in a pathway leading to activation of the transfemn receptor promoter. This is further supported by the finding that the transferrrin receptor promoter is much less responsive to mitogenic stimulation in cells that have been stably transfected with a dominant negative form of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit. Activation of S6 kinase, an event known to be downstream of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase
Youth development programs: risk, prevention and policy

Adolescence is a time of both great risk and opportunity. Buoyed by a belief that today’s adolescents face more obstacles on the way to adulthood, from time-crunched parents, dangerous substances and behaviors, overburdened schools, and a more demanding job market, we as a nation no longer believe adolescents should fend for themselves during nonschool hours. In some communities, an array of school-based extracurricular activities (e.g., sports, music, art, community service) as well as community-based youth programs provide young people with ample choices for supervised activities outside of school. This is far from the norm. Availability, cost, transportation, and interest limit many youths’ choices during nonschool hours. In a recent opinion poll, 62% of 14to 17-year-olds agreed with the statement “Adults criticize teens for wasting time but adults don’t realize there’s not much for teens to do after school” [1]. Over half wished for more after-school activities in their neighborhood or community. Growing public support, both ideological and financial, for more structured activities during nonschool hours stems, in part, from the view that these activities and programs do more than fill idle time and keep youth off the streets. They also can provide youth with enriching experiences that broaden their perspectives, improve their socialization, and enhance their skills. A shift in thinking about what youth need for successful (productive) adulthood is behind recent efforts to increase the supply of afterschool activities, such as the federal government’s funding of 21st Century Learning Centers. Over the past 10 years, the youth development movement’s call for a paradigm shift from deterrence to development, captured by the phrase problem free is not fully prepared, has led to an increase in the acceptance of youth preparation and development, not just problem prevention and deterrence, as desirable goals requiring strategic action [2]. With the maturing of the youth development field, a consensus has emerged on the endpoints of positive (successful) youth development and the experiences and supports youths’ need to get there [3]. Generally speaking, positive youth development encompasses all our hopes and aspirations for a nation of healthy, happy, and competent adolescents on their way to productive and satisfying adulthoods [3]. Lerner et al. [4] summarize the ingredients of positive youth development into the five Cs: (a) competence in academic, social, and vocational areas; (b) confidence or a positive self-identity; (c) connections to community, family, and peers; (d) From the National Center for Children and Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York. Portions of this paper were presented at the Society for Adolescent Medicine meetings, as the Gallagher Lecture, March 1999, in Los Angeles, California. Address correspondence to: Jodie Roth, Ph.D., National Center for Children and Families, 525 West 120th Street, Box 39, New York, NY 10027. E-mail: jr328@columbia.edu. Manuscript accepted May 31, 2002. JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2003;32:170–182
Testing Functional Performance in People With Parkinson Disease

Background and Purpose. Although the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) is the most common performance measure for people with Parkinson disease (PD), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Forward Functional Reach Test (FFR), Backward Functional Reach Test (BFR), Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG), and gait speed may be used to quantify some aspects of functional performance not measured by the UPDRS. The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship among a set of tests of balance, walking performance, and mobility in people with PD. Subjects. Twenty-five community-dwelling adults (11 female, 14 male) with a diagnosis of PD were recruited from PD support groups in southeastern Wisconsin and consented to participate in the study. The mean age of the participants was 76 years (SD=7). The average Hoehn and Yahr Stage Scale score was 2. Methods. Functional abilities of each subject were assessed with the UPDRS, BBS, FFR, BFR, TUG, and gait speed. Spearman and Pearson correlations were performed. Results. The UPDRS total score was correlated with the BBS ( r =−.64, P <.001), FFR ( r =−.52, P <.05), and TUG ( r =.50, P <.05) measurements. The BBS is the only test of functional performance where scores correlate with all other functional tests and the UPDRS. Discussion and Conclusions. The UPDRS total score may not reflect a comprehensive measure of mobility in people with PD. Because the BBS scores correlate both with UPDRS scores and with scores of all other tests of functional performance, the BBS appears to be a good overall measure of function in this population.
How did that get there? A population‐based analysis of nasal foreign bodies

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to calculate nationwide incidence of emergency department (ED) visits for nasal foreign bodies, identify the most frequently encountered consumer products, and evaluate outcomes and demographic trends. METHODS: The Nationwide Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was evaluated for ED visits related to nasal foreign bodies for the most recent 5-year span available. Nationwide incidence was calculated, and the most frequent foreign bodies were identified and organized by demographics including age and gender. RESULTS: A total of 6418 entries extrapolated to an estimated 198,566 ED visits nationwide were found. Out of individual case entries evaluated, median patient age was 3 years, and 42.7% of patients were male. Ninety-six percent (96.4%) of patients were released after examination/treatment. Jewelry beads comprised a plurality of nasal foreign bodies, followed by paper products and toys. Patients with nasal foreign bodies involving toys, building sets, pens/pencils, batteries, coins, and nails/screws were predominantly male, whereas patients with nasal foreign bodies involving jewelry, paper products, and buttons were predominantly female. Jewelry was the most common item for patients in most age groups; age-specific differences in the composition of remaining nasal foreign bodies were noted. CONCLUSION: A variety of consumer products carry inherent risks for becoming nasal foreign bodies, with nearly 200,000 ED visits over a 5-year period. Jewelry beads, paper products, and toys were the most common products noted. Speedy recognition and retrieval of these items and other objects noted is imperative for avoidance of deleterious sequelae. Demographic-specific trends noted and organized by age and gender may be an invaluable adjunct for patient history-taking and clinical examination. Language: en
Hodgkin's disease: complications of therapy and excess mortality.

Background: The long-term survival of patients treated for Hodgkin's disease permits careful evaluation of long-term complications and excess mortality. Patients and methods: Between 1960 and 1995, 2498 patients who were treated for Hodgkin's disease at Stanford University were evaluated. Survival, freedom from relapse, and important complications of therapy (cardiac disease and secondary cancers) were analyzed, and risk of mortality from all causes was calculated utilizing absolute excess risk calculations. Results: The risk of death from Hodgkin's disease is 17% at 15 years of follow-up and increases only slightly thereafter. The risk of death from other causes is also 17% at 15 years, but increases sharply thereafter. The major causes of mortality (other than Hodgkin's disease) are secondary cancers and cardiac disease. Second cancers with significant increase in risk include leukemia (acute nonlymphocytic), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, lung/pleural cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, soft tissue and bone sarcomas, stomach cancer, salivary gland tumors, thyroid cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The absolute excess risk of death from causes other than Hodgkin's disease increases during each five-year follow-up interval for at least 25 years. However, the absolute excess risk of death during similar follow-up periods is less for patients treated in more recent years (1980-1995) than in the prior treatment era (1962-1980). Conclusions: Mortality for causes other than Hodgkin's disease is important in the long-term follow-up of patients. Causes of death are often treatment related. Changes in treatment programs can reduce the long-term excess risk of death from complications of therapy.
Optimization of Amplify-and-Forward Multicarrier Two-Hop Transmission

In this paper, frequency-domain relay processing in a two-hop transmission system is investigated. The relay is constrained to be "non-regenerative"; that is, the relay is only allowed to perform a symbol-by-symbol memoryless transformation of its received signals. Multicarrier modulation, e.g., orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), is utilized to convert each hop into a collection of non-interfering parallel subcarriers. In contrast to conventional scalar amplify-and-forward (AF) relays that scale all the subcarriers uniformly, it is possible to suppress relay noise and to exploit frequency-domain diversity by optimizing the relay scaling coefficients of different subcarriers jointly with subcarrier power allocation at the source transmitter. This type of scheme is denoted by multicarrier amplify-and-forward (MCAF). Although the end-to-end achievable rate of MCAF is a non-concave function of the power allocation vectors, its optimization is accomplished with an algorithm (O-MCAF) whose computational complexity grows only quadratically with the number of subcarriers, by utilizing a structural property of the problem. Further motivated by the problem structure, a suboptimal algorithm (WF-MCAF) with a linear complexity is also proposed, in which each hop performs waterfilling separately over a selected subset of subcarriers. For hops with a frequency-flat channel response, the maximum achievable rate is explicitly derived from the associated optimization. For hops with Rayleigh fading frequency-domain channel responses, numerical results are presented and it is illustrated that the proposed low-complexity WF-MCAF algorithm usually achieves near-optimal performance.
Taxonomy of the Root-Associated Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterium Spirillum Lipoferum

For the past two years, Jeffrey Tarrand and I have been concerned with the classification of Spirillum lipoferum, a nitrogen-fixing bacterium first described by Beijerinck (2) in 1925. Except for a few scattered reports in the literature (1, 6, 12) this organism was largely forgotten until 1974 when Dobereiner and Day (4) showed that it was associated with the roots of tropical grasses. Because a large number of strains have now been isolated, and because precise communication between investigators is one of the goals of bacterial taxonomy, we began a comprehensive taxonom-ic study of the S. lipoferum group.
Comparison of sinking and floating gill nets for collecting shads (Dorosoma spp.) in shallow Florida lakes

Abstract We compared the catch rate and size structure of shads (Dorosoma spp.) collected in floating and sinking experimental gill nets to determine which net type would be more appropriate for the long-term monitoring of these species in Florida lakes. We sampled 3 lakes of varying trophic states. Sinking gill nets generally yielded higher catch rates of shads than did floating gill nets, although catches were low in the mesotrophic lake regardless of net type. Furthermore, sinking nets tended to capture a wider size range of target fish and more species overall. We recommend approximately 20 sinking gill nets to adequately assess abundance and size structure of shad populations in eutrophic systems. Insufficient numbers of fish collected in the mesotrophic system, presumably due to low abundances, precluded sample size estimation based on these criteria, but we recommend approximately 10 sinking gill nets to obtain presence–absence information. Although the study lakes were chosen to provide a cross-se...
Three-dimensional optical transformer - highly efficient nanofocusing device

Using electron-beam-induced deposition and focused-ion-beam milling, we have fabricated and demonstrated a nanofocusing optical transformer with a 3-dimensionally tapered tip. At the tip, the light is confined to 13-by-80-nm area with intensity enhancement exceeding 1500.
A Comparative Study Of Online Retailing: U.S. Vs. E.U. Consumer Attitudes Toward Product Country Of Origin

As a first-mover into the use of the Internet for e-commerce, many U.S. retailers have found another tool that it has added to the plethora of methods it can use to reach customers. Although in an early stage of development, the growth of e-commerce is likely to mushroom. Trailing the U.S. in Internet marketing, retailers in the European Union (E.U.) are quickly realizing its potential to increase revenues and profits. This study focuses on two aspects of online retailing by contrasting the perceptions of U.S. and E.U. consumers on the use of the Internet for shopping, and contrasting their views with respect to where a product originates. The study surveyed 268 people from either the U.S., E.U., and from a handful of other locations. From the gathered data set findings and conclusions were made that should be of interest to professionals in academe or the commercial business sector.
pH regulation in single glomerular mesangial cells. I. Acid extrusion in absence and presence of HCO3

We have developed a technique to measure the fluorescence of a pH-sensitive dye (2,7-biscarboxyethyl-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein) in single glomerular mesangial cells in culture. The intracellular fluo...
Magnesium pyrophosphates in enzyme mimics of nucleotide synthases and kinases and in their prebiotic chemistry

Derivatives of ribosyl pyrophosphate have been synthesized, and examined with magnesium salts in the coupling of the ribose unit to various nucleophiles, including pyrazole and 2-chloroimidazole. Only with the magnesium salt present did they generate the ribosyl cation by binding to the leaving group and then couple the ribose derivative with nucleophiles. The role of magnesium salts in phosphorylation of methanol by ATP was also examined. Here a remarkable effect was seen: phosphorylation by ATP was slowed with low concentrations of Mg 2+ but accelerated by higher concentrations. Related effects were also seen in the effect of Mg 2+ on phosphorylation by ADP. The likely mechanisms explain these effects.
Small Businesses and Comparison Advertising Strategies: Is it Worth the Risk?

Research shows that comparison ads can be particularly effective for businesses with relatively small market shares. However, there are legal risks associated with such strategies. Therefore, in this article we overview constitutional law, common law, and statutory law as they relate to claims made about competitors in comparative advertising. We carefully explore First Amendment rights and then examine the various causes of action in deception suits and Section 43a of the Lanham Act. We conclude with suggestions for the small business owner using comparison advertising to gain market share.
Time to Surgery and Outcomes in Cauda Equina Syndrome: An Analysis of 45 Cases.

Objective The objective of this study is to analyze time to surgery as both a continuous and discrete variable to determine its association with outcomes in cauda equina syndrome (CES). Methods Patients at a single center whose medical record allowed precise calculation of time to surgery were included. CES was defined as at least four of the following: bladder dysfunction, saddle anesthesia, lower extremity weakness, lower extremity sensory disturbance, bowel dysfunction, or acute lower back or leg pain. Time to surgery was analyzed as a continuous variable using logistic and ordered logistic regression, and as a discrete variable by comparing patients treated before and after set thresholds. Results Forty-five patients were identified. Analysis of time as a continuous variable did not reveal any significant association with outcomes. A parsimonious model with adjustment for age, sex, race, acute onset of CES, saddle anesthesia, motor deficit, and bowel dysfunction at presentation was used to analyze the continuous influence of time to surgery on bladder dysfunction and an aggregate outcome of symptoms. Neither time to surgery nor any of the covariates were significantly associated with either outcome. Discrete analysis of outcomes across thresholds of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours did not reveal prognostic time points. Conclusion In this single-center CES series, time to surgery did not have a convincing continuous or discrete relationship with outcome. Future prospective studies are needed to determine the best timing for surgery in patients with CES.
Words matter: A call for responsible communication about asteroid impact hazards and plans for planetary defense

Abstract The global community of scientists involved in finding and tracking near-Earth asteroids (NEOs), identifying potentially hazardous NEOs, and characterizing the possible effects of asteroid impacts with Earth is developing an awareness of the need to improve and expand efforts to communicate with policy and decision makers about the work they do. This paper addresses the criticality of clear, concise, correct communications about asteroid impact risks and hazards, as well as proper distinctions among risks, hazards, and actual threats. It reviews recent progress in communication about NEO hazards and impact risks, including new recommendations from expert groups, guidelines for responsible communication about hazards and risks, communication issues raised in collaborations with disaster planners, and other relevant developments. The next significant asteroid impact with Earth could be 500 years from now, or next week. The need to be prepared for such an event is clear. Policy and decision makers will depend on the community of experts involved in NEO observations and planning for planetary defense for information on the risks and hazards of asteroid impacts with Earth.
A Dual-Ion Battery Cathode via Oxidative Insertion of Anions in a Metal-Organic Framework

A redox-active metal-organic framework, Fe2(dobpdc) (dobpdc(4-) = 4,4'-dioxidobiphenyl-3,3'-dicarboxylate), is shown to undergo a topotactic oxidative insertion reaction with a variety of weakly coordinating anions, including BF4(-) and PF6(-). The reaction results in just a minor lattice contraction, and a broad intervalence charge-transfer band emerges, indicative of charge mobility. Although both metal- and ligand-based oxidations can be accessed, only the former were found to be fully reversible and, importantly, proceed stoichiometrically under both chemical and electrochemical conditions. Electrochemical measurements probing the effects of nanoconfinement on the insertion reaction revealed strong anion size and solvent dependences. Significantly, the anion insertion behavior of Fe2(dobpdc) enabled its use in the construction of a dual-ion battery prototype incorporating a sodium anode. As a cathode, the material displays a particularly high initial reduction potential and is further stable for at least 50 charge/discharge cycles, exhibiting a maximum specific energy of 316 Wh/kg.
Spitzer 24 μm survey of debris disks in the pleiades

We performed a 24 μm 2° × 1° survey of the Pleiades cluster, using the MIPS instrument on Spitzer. Fifty-four members ranging in spectral type from B8 to K6 show 24 μm fluxes consistent with bare photospheres. All Be stars show excesses attributed to free-free emission in their gaseous envelopes. Five early-type stars and four solar-type stars show excesses indicative of debris disks. We find a debris disk fraction of 25% for B-A members and 10% for F-K3 ones. These fractions appear intermediate between those for younger clusters and for the older field stars. They indicate a decay with age of the frequency of the dust production events inside the planetary zone, with similar timescales for solar-mass stars as have been found previously for A stars.
HPLC-mass spectrometry analysis of isoflavones

The current interest in the role of dietary isoflavonoids, particularly the soy isoflavone genistein, in lowering the risk of several chronic diseases, has led to the need for rapid, sensitive and precise assays for isoflavones and their metabolites in food matrices and in various physiological fluids and tissues. HPLC has the advantage over GC-based methods in that all the conjugated and unconjugated isoflavonoids and their metabolites can be separated and analyzed without the need for derivatization. An important advance in mass spectrometry has been the introduction of effective interfaces between the HPLC and the mass spectrometer, namely the electrospray ionization (ESI) and the heated nebulizer-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (HN-APCI) interfaces. Because of the isoflavonoid concentrations in fluids such as bile or urine, preliminary extraction, so essential for GC-MS and many other analytical methods, is not necessary. This immediately overcomes the thorny issue of finding an effective solid-phase extraction procedure. Using reversed-phase HPLC-ESI-MS, it is possible to obtain a mass/intensity map of all isoflavonoid metabolites in a single 20 min analysis. Analysis of isoflavonoid conjugates in serum/plasma samples requires initial extraction, but the conjugates can be measured intact either by capillary reversed-phase HPLC-ESI-MS or on regular reversed-phase columns by HPLC-HN-APCI-MS. In both cases, specificity is obtained by causing the parent isoflavonoid molecular ions to undergo collision-induced dissociation to form specific daughter ions in a triple quadrupole MS instrument. When it is only necessary to measure the total isoflavonoids and their metabolites in blood, hydrolysis can be performed directly in serum/plasma samples and isoflavonoids recovered by ether or ethyl acetate solvent extraction. The isoflavone aglucones can be analyzed by HPLC-MS under isocratic solvent conditions, thereby drastically shortening analysis time and opening up prospects for automation. Therefore, HPLC-MS is a technique that is broadly applicable to the major issues in phytoestrogen research.
Systemic Activity of UC-21149 Against the Citrus Red Mite Citrus Thrips, California Red Scale, and Spirea Aphid on Nonbearing Orange Trees

Union carbide UC-21149 (2-methyl-2-(methylthio) propionaldehyde O -(methylcarbamoyl) oxime) was applied as a 10% granular formulation to the soil under the canopy of 2-year-old navel orange trees at rates of 1.5, 7.5, and 40.0 g active ingredient per tree. The systemic activity against several major citrus pests was measured by laboratory bioassays and field counts. When young and mature leaves were collected at frequent intervals and test arthropods were permitted to feed on them in the laboratory for 3 days, the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor), was the most susceptible, the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), next, and. the citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri (Moulton), least. The 2 higher doses effectively controlled field populations of the citrus red mite for 44 weeks, the spirea aphid, Aphis spiraecola Patch, for 29 weeks, and the citrus thrips for 10 weeks. Fruit collected at 100 days posttreatment contained no residues of UC-21149. The sulfoxide residues in the peel and fruit pulp from trees receiving the highest dose were 12.75 and 2.63 ppm, respectively. In the same fruit, the sulfone residues in the peel and pulp amounted to 2.24 and 0.58 ppm, respectively. No evidence of phytotoxicity was seen in any tree. This compound shows considerable promise for controlling the 3 major pests of nonbearing citrus trees.
Mechanics of kinking in fiber-reinforced composites under compressive loading:

A novel approach to analyze kink banding failure in fiber reinforced composites is presented in this paper. By considering a single fiber–matrix unit cell and utilizing a fiber deformation represen...
Evaluation of the APEC Analyzer for Whole Blood Glucose: Testing in a Pediatric Setting

The APEC glucose analyzer (APEC, Danvers, MA) was analyzed in a pediatric clinical chemistry laboratory and its performance was compared with glucose determinations on the YSI 2300 STAT analyzer (Yellow Springs Instrument [YSI], Yellow Springs, OH). One hundred sixty-nine samples were simultaneously analyzed by the APEC and the YSI systems. The agreement between the two analyzers was excellent, with r = 0.986, slope = 1.04, and y intercept = -0.094. Analysis of the run-to-run precision yielded a CV of < or = 4.1% for both the APEC and the YSI instruments. Both analyzers displayed a sensitivity to at least 1.1 mmol/L (20 mg/dL) and both produced a linear response up to 27.8 mmol/L (500 mg/dL). Neither instrument was affected by icteric or hemolyzed samples. Variations in the patient's hematocrit did not lower the whole blood glucose values when these were compared with the equivalent plasma levels. In conclusion, the APEC glucose analyzer is suited for whole blood glucose testing in pediatric settings.
The Role of Social Media in MOOCs: How to Use Social Media to Enhance Student Retention

The Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) have experienced rapid development. However, high dropout rate has become a salient issue. Many studies have attempted to understand this phenomenon; other have explored mechanisms for enhancing retention. For instance, social media has been used to improve student engagement and retention. However there is a lack of (1) empirical studies of social media use and engagement compared to embedded MOOC forums; and (2) rationales for social media use from both instructors' and students' perspectives. We addressed these open issues through the collection and analysis of real usage data from three MOOC forums and their associated social media (i.e., Facebook) groups as well as conducting interviews of instructors and students. We found that students show higher engagement and retention in social media than in MOOC forums, and identified both instructors' and students' perspectives that lead to the results. We discuss design implications for future MOOC platforms.
Determination of Iron in Depositing Calcium Carbonate from Industry by FAAS

Iron in depositing calcium carbonate from industry was determined by FAAS.EDTA can be used to eliminate the interference of Mn during the determination of iron.The matrix interference can be eliminated by adding matrix.The result was coincide with spectrophotometry,and the relative error is smaller than ±2.4%.
Modeling flight delay propagation: A new analytical-econometric approach.

Flight delay presents a widespread phenomenon in the air transportation system, costing billions of dollars every year. Some delay originating from an upstream flight spreads to downstream flights. This phenomenon is defined as delay propagation. To understand the delay propagation patterns and associated mitigation measures, this study proposes a novel analytical-econometric approach. Considering that airlines deliberately insert buffer into flight schedules and ground turnaround operations, an analytical model is developed to quantify propagated and newly formed delays that occur to each sequence of flights that an aircraft flies in a day, from three perspectives on the ways that delays are absorbed by the buffer. With delays computed from the analytical model, we further develop a joint discrete-continuous econometric model and use the Heckman's two-step procedure to reveal the effects of various influencing factors on the initiation and progression of propagated delays. Results from the econometric analysis provide estimates on how much propagated delay will be generated out of each minute of newly formed delay, for the US domestic aviation system as well as for individual major airports and airlines. The impacts of various factors on the initiation and progression of propagated delay are quantified. These results may help aviation system planners gain additional insights into flight delay propagation patterns and consequently prioritize resource allocation while improving system overall performance. Airlines can also be better informed to assign buffer to their flight schedules to mitigate delay propagation.
Time-varying risk, mispricing attributes, and the accrual premium

Abstract We examine the mispricing attributes of the accrual effect in the presence of time-varying common risk factors, which are not independent of aggregate economic conditions. We find that the persistence of unconditional abnormal returns for accrual-based portfolios is not independent of firm-level characteristics such as size and book-to-market ratio (BE/ME). However, after adjusting for time-varying risk measures, the premiums associated with accruals and firm fundamentals are distinct from one another. The empirical evidence shows that a long-short hedge portfolio based on accruals and BE/ME generates significant abnormal returns even in the presence of time-varying risk. Taken together, our time-series and cross-sectional evidence strengthens the assertion that the well-known accrual effect is significantly associated with high-BE/M E value firms that tend to be low-investment firms. The fact that time-varying risk adds to the description of average returns of accrual-sorted portfolios and corroborates the presence of the accrual premium contributes significantly to the literature.
Mass balance of adjacent debris-covered and clean glacier ice in the North Cascades, Washington

As part of the ongoing annual mass balance measurements on Lyman Glacier and Columbia Glacier, North Cascades, Washington, measurements were completed from 1986-1998 on adjacent clean and debris-covered sections of each glacier. On Columbia Glacier annual ice ablation is 3.3 m water equivalent for clean glacier ice and 2.3 m water equivalent for debris-covered areas. On Lyman Glacier from 1986 to 1999, average annual ablation on the clean glacier ice is 3.4 m and under the debris cover average annual ablation is 2.6 m water equivalent. On both glaciers annual ablation is significantly reduced (25-30%) under the debris cover. Late-summer ablation, after both the clean glacier ice and debris-covered ice have lost all snow cover, is reduced 30-40% under the debris cover. The debris cover on Columbia Glacier has reduced ablation more substantially. The debris cover on Columbia Glacier is a complete cover (100%) and is a relatively fine-grained clay-sand mixture. The Lyman Glacier debris cover is not a complete cover (85%), and is comprised of sand-boulder size particles. In the North Cascades temperate-maritime climate finer grain size debris cover provides a better insulation from ablation conditions.
Motexafin Gadolinium (MGD) Induces Oxidant Stress and Downregulates Both Pro and Anti-Oxidant Genes in the Ramos Lymphoma Cell Line: Signaling through p53 Mediated Pathways.

Abstract We have reported that MGd, an expanded porphyrin and redox stress inducer, lowers p53 protein but not message in lymphoma cell lines. These results suggested that there is post-translational modification of p53 induced by MGd, and that this effect depends on the presence of ascorbate (Asc) or zinc (Zn). To expand these earlier studies, we measured the expression of oxidant and antioxidant genes in Ramos (Burkitt's) cells. We incubated Ramos cells for 5 hours with MGd 100μM with or without Zn acetate (Zn, 100μM), Asc 100μM, and Nutlin-3 15μM. Following incubation, total RNA was isolated by the Qiagen method and dissolved in RNase-free water. 1.0 μg RNA was used for reverse transcription using the Taq DNA polymerase system. PCR amplification was performed at 94°C for 30 sec (denaturation), 55°C (annealing) and 72°C (extension) for 35 cycles. This was followed by an extension at 72°C for 10 minutes. Anti-sense primers and sense primers for SESN1(T2), SESN2, GPX1, CDKN1A, and PP1A were used and DNA was identified by 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. The T2 transcript of SESN1 gene was absent in these cells. Co-treatment of MGd/Zn/Asc notably decreased GPX1, SESN2, and CDKN1A transcripts. To determine the role of p53 in the regulation of downstream redox targets, we added the MDM2 inhibitor, Nutlin-3. We found that GPX1, SESN2, and CDKN1A were restored with Nutlin-3. In addition, we measured another downstream target of p53, PUMA, in both Ramos and HF-1 cells (a follicular lymphoma cell line) by immunoblot after MGd, Zn, and Asc exposure in the presence or absence of Nutlin-3. PUMAα and PUMAβ isoforms returned to near baseline levels in the presence of Nutlin-3. The restoration of PUMA was more pronounced in HF-1 cells than in Ramos. In summary, then, we have shown that: 1. the MDM2 inhibitor, Nutlin-3 reversed the downregulation of SESN2, GPX1, and CDKN1A genes that occurred as a result of MGd/Zn/Asc in Ramos cells and 2. similarly, PUMAα and β isoforms were restored with Nutlin-3 after decreased expression following exposure to MGd, zinc, and ascorbate. These data indicate that some MGd-mediated signaling events in lymphoma cells are mediated through p53-dependent pathways.
Breaking the Three Round Barrier for Non-malleable Commitments

We construct two-message non-malleable commitments with respect to opening in the standard model, assuming only one-to-one one-way functions. Our protocol consists of two unidirectional messages by the committer (with no message from the receiver), and is secure against all polynomial-time adversaries in the standard synchronous setting. Pass (TCC 2013) proved that any commitment scheme with non-malleability with respect to commitment, using only 2 rounds of communication, cannot be proved secure via a black-box reduction to any "standard" intractability assumption. We extend this by showing a similar impossibility result for commitments with non-malleability with respect to opening, another standard notion of non-malleability for commitments, for any 2-message challenge-response protocol, as well. However, somewhat surprisingly, we show that this barrier breaks down in the setting of two unidirectional messages by the committer (with no message from the receiver), for non-malleability with respect to opening. ○ Our protocol makes only black-box use of any non-interactive statistically binding commitment scheme. Such a scheme can be based on any one-to-one one-way function. ○ Our techniques depart significantly from the commit-challenge-response structure followed by nearly all prior works on non-malleable protocols in the standard model. Our methods are combinatorial in nature. ○ Our protocol resolves the round complexity of commitments with non-malleability with respect to opening via natural (non-embedding) black-box security reductions. We show that completely non-interactive non-malleable commitments w.r.t. opening cannot be proved secure via most natural black-box reductions. This result extends to also rule out bi-directional two-message non-malleable commitments w.r.t. opening in the synchronous or asynchronous setting. ○ Our protocol, together with our impossibility result, also resolves the round complexity of block-wise non-malleable codes (Chandran et al) w.r.t. natural black-box reductions.
Room temperature oxidation of silicon during and after etching

Abstract The oxide layers formed on p -type silicon during etching and quenching and the oxidation rate of etched silicon upon subsequent exposure to oxygen have been measured in the resistivity range from 10 2 Ω-cm to 10 −3 Ω-cm. Quenching the etch in nitric acid produced thin reproducible oxide layers over the range of resistivity measured, however, an anomalously thick oxide layer was observed for the 0.001 Ω-cm when the etch was quenched slowly with water. The oxidation rate as a function of time in an O 18 atmosphere (80 % N 2 + 20 % O 2 18 was determined for 1 Ω-cm silicon. The oxide layers were measured by proton activation analysis using the O 18 ( p , n )F 18 reaction. Oxide layers as thin as six oxygen monolayere were measured for the etched samples and 0.01 O 18 monolayers for the oxidized samples.
Catalyst Architecture for Stable Single Atom Dispersion Enables Site-Specific Spectroscopic and Reactivity Measurements of CO Adsorbed to Pt Atoms, Oxidized Pt Clusters, and Metallic Pt Clusters on TiO2

Oxide-supported precious metal nanoparticles are widely used industrial catalysts. Due to expense and rarity, developing synthetic protocols that reduce precious metal nanoparticle size and stabilize dispersed species is essential. Supported atomically dispersed, single precious metal atoms represent the most efficient metal utilization geometry, although debate regarding the catalytic activity of supported single precious atom species has arisen from difficulty in synthesizing homogeneous and stable single atom dispersions, and a lack of site-specific characterization approaches. We propose a catalyst architecture and characterization approach to overcome these limitations, by depositing ∼1 precious metal atom per support particle and characterizing structures by correlating scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging and CO probe molecule infrared spectroscopy. This is demonstrated for Pt supported on anatase TiO2. In these structures, isolated Pt atoms, Ptiso, remain stable through various condit...
Recognizing task-specific dynamic structure of the brain function from EEG

In this paper, we propose a novel framework aimed at identifying the spatio-temporal characteristics of the brain's functional networks specific to the task, from electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. Our analysis begins with segmenting the EEG data, from each trial, into intervals during which functional networks sustain their connectivity and spatial distribution in the cortex (the source space). The EEG data is then transformed into the source space for retrieving the spatial location of the cortical functional networks. Functional networks that are most recurrent across all segments and trials are then detected, and located by employing Boolean matrix factorization (BMF). Back-tracing the identified functional networks also reveals their dynamics that are specific to the task. Results for a visual odd-ball task are presented.
Dynamic Analysis and Optimal Control of a Singular Biological Economic Model

The logistic equation (sometimes called the Verhulst model or logistic growth curve) is a model of population growth first published by Pierre Verhulst [12, 2, 5, 8, 10, 14, 13, 16, 9]. The model is continuous in time, but a modification of the continuous equation to a discrete quadratic recurrence equation known as the logistic map is also widely used.
Jordan Algebras, the EM Algorithm, and Covariance Matrices

Using Jordan algebras, Galois field theory and the EM algorithm we show how to obtain either essentially closed-form or simplified solutions to the ML equations for estimation of the covariance matrix for multivariate normal data in the following situations: (a) Data having a patterned covariance matrix; equivalently, data with a linear covariance structure. This case includes the problems of variance and variance-covariance components estimation; unbalanced repeated measures designs; and some time series models; (b) Data vectors with values missing completely at random; in particular, retrospective analyses of long term, clinical trials, incomplete repeated measures, and time series; (c) The intersection of (a) and (b): multivariate normal data assumed to have a linear covariance structure but with some values missing (completely at random);
Hypoplastic left-heart syndrome Norwood operation, transplantation, or compassionate care.

The care of neonates with hypoplastic left-heart syndrome has dramatically changed over the last decade. The opportunity to help these babies with either cardiac transplantation or the Norwood operation has brought new hope for their families. Yet the uncertainty of the long-term prognosis of both approaches still leaves compassionate or supportive care as an option for some families. As new data become available, critical re-evaluation of each course will be essential.