cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Light absorption and light-use efficiency of juvenile white spruce trees in natural stands and plantations

Abstract Aboveground tree growth is influenced by light availability, light capture, and the efficiency captured light is converted into growth. All three factors are influenced by neighborhood species composition and stand structure and can be modified with silvicultural treatments. The objective was to examine the absorption of photosynthetically active radiation (APAR), light-use efficiency (LUE), and aboveground biomass growth of juvenile white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) trees in plantations and planted in naturally regenerated stands with diverse species composition. Trees were sampled across a range of sizes, and measurements of white spruce and neighborhood trees were collected at ages seven and eight. Light absorption of individual trees was modeled with MAESTRA accounting for species-specific crown structures of neighboring trees. APAR increased linearly with leaf area in both treatments. The correlation was more influenced by neighborhood competition than self-shading, since self-shading was minimized by crown spread and height growth. Biomass growth increased with increasing APAR in both treatments, but growth for a given unit of APAR was greater in the natural stands, possibly due to greater belowground biomass allocation in plantations due to lower stand densities. LUE declined slightly across the range of tree size, which contrasts most other studies. The decline could be due to juvenile age of the trees and inherent slow growth of spruce species.
Evaluation Approaches and Methods

While characterizing the background of HCI evaluation in Chapter 1, summarizing HCI design methodology in Chapter 2, and describing other prerequisite knowledge areas in the chapters of Part II, we have built up a backdrop for the purpose of this chapter: to present the approaches and methods for evaluating the products of HCI design. Use of relevant terminology was scattered throughout earlier chapters and then pulled together and defined in Chapter 6.
Willa Cather's Commentary on Three Novels by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

(1990). Willa Cather's Commentary on Three Novels by Dorothy Canfield Fisher. ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews: Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 13-15.
The effect of propofol on plasma membrane ultrastructure in the intact cells.

Despite many observed effects of anesthetic drugs, the mechanism of general anesthesia is still unknown.One well-studied drug used for human anesthesia, propofol, has been shown to interact with some ligand gated ion-channels. However, propofol also easily dissolves in the lipid bilayer and alters membrane fluidity. Which mechanism dominates in anesthesia or even how anesthesia arises are unclear. Here, we study the influence of propofol on plasma membrane (PM) ultrastructure in intact cells, which affect cell signaling. In the PM, transient submicroscopic nano-domains form by interactions between lipid-acyl-chains or lipid head groups, stabilized by cholesterol. In addition, membrane cytoskeleton may further regulate these nano-domains. These domains regulate receptor interactions and signaling.We study transient propofol affects on these domains from low to clinically relevant propofol concentrations by analyzing diffusion of GFP-tagged outer leaflet/inner leaflet membrane proteins.Using bimFCS we measure diffusion on multiple length scales simultaneously. We observe that at lower propofol concentrations (up to 2υM), the cholesterol nano-domains trap the GPI-mGFP less, which is consistent with the recent studies showing that propofoldecreases the phase transition temperature of plasma membrane derived vesicles. Interestingly, at higher concentrations of propofol (20υM to 150υM), the nanodomains trap the GPI-mGFP more strongly. This is only observed at physiological temperatures (37°C). By inhibiting myosin activity or actin filaments (de-)polymerization, we find that the activity of actin filaments further alters the behavior of cholesterol nano-domains due to propofol. We compare the effect of propofol and its analog confirming its specific effect as anesthetic drug. These results suggest that in intact cells, propofol induced cholesterol nano-domains changes are temperature dependent, regulated by cytoskeleton activities, and the effect is specific comparing to its analogs.
Still Searching: A Meta-Synthesis of a Good Death from the Bereaved Family Member Perspective

The concept of a good death continues to receive attention in end-of-life (EOL) scholarship. We sought to continue this line of inquiry related to a good death by conducting a meta-synthesis of published qualitative research studies that examined a good death from the bereaved family member's perspective. Results of the meta-synthesis included 14 articles with 368 participants. Based on analysis, we present a conceptual model called The Opportunity Model for Presence during the EOL Process. The model is framed in socio-cultural factors, and major themes include EOL process engagement with categories of healthcare participants, communication and practical issues. The second theme, (dis)continuity of care, includes categories of place of care, knowledge of family member dying and moment of death. Both of these themes lead to perceptions of either a good or bad death, which influences the bereavement process. We argue the main contribution of the model is the ability to identify moments throughout the interaction where family members can be present to the EOL process. Recommendations for healthcare participants, including patients, family members and clinical care providers are offered to improve the quality of experience throughout the EOL process and limitations of the study are discussed.
Using 1H NMR Spectra of Polymers and Polymer Products To Illustrate Concepts in Organic Chemistry

The use of 1H NMR spectroscopy to analyze the number-average molecular weight of a methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG) and an acetate derivative of this MPEG is described. These analyses illustrate NMR principles associated with the chemical shift differences of protons in different environments, NMR integration, and the effect of the natural abundance of 13C carbons in a polymer and the resulting low but predictable intensity of the satellite peaks due to 13C–1H spin–spin coupling. Also included in this discussion is an example of end-group analysis of the product of an acetylation reaction. In the discussion of the acetylation product, an 1H NMR spectrum of a crude product mixture where the small peaks due to end groups can be seen along with a set of impurities due to catalyst, solvents, and byproducts is included because, in practice, chemists often first see these sorts of spectra.
Impact of Pretransplant Bridging Locoregional Therapy for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Within Milan Criteria Undergoing Liver Transplantation: Analysis of 3601 Patients from the US Multicenter HCC Transplant Consortium

Objective:To evaluate the effect of pretransplant bridging locoregional therapy (LRT) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence and survival after liver transplantation (LT) in patients meeting Milan criteria (MC).Summary Background Data:Pre-LT LRT mitigates tumor progression and waitlist dropout
Transit Trip Itinerary Inference with GTFS and Smartphone Data

Many emerging technologies have been developed to supplement and contribute to conventional household travel surveys for transport-related data collection. A great deal of research has concentrated on the inference of information from global positioning system (GPS) data and data collected from mobile phones; methods for inferring transit itinerary have not received much attention. Automatic detection of transit itineraries from smartphone travel surveys could be used by planning agencies to predict transit demand and help in analysis of transit planning scenarios. This paper describes a proposed approach to infer transit itinerary smartphone travel survey and general transit feed specification data from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Transit trips from the 2013 household travel survey were recreated and recorded with the DataMobile smartphone travel survey from May to July 2016. Transit itineraries were then validated—that is, collected data were associated with transit routes for all parts of the trips. The ...
Modelling the Number and Severity of Railroad Tank Car Spills for Use in Policy Making

Increased transportation of oil by rail has increased the risk of derailments that result in spills. Most notably, the June 2013 derailment in Lac Megantic resulted in substantial damages. Recent policy actions in response to this increased risk highlight the need for better tools to analyze the potential benefits of from these policy actions. In this paper, we model factors influencing both the annual number and severity of spills resulting from derailments of railroad tank cars. Doing so allows us to better forecast both the annual count and the severity of spills for use in analysis of proposed policy changes.
Diversity, Severe Disability, and Family: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Understanding family challenges and perspectives are critical to effective programming and services for individuals with severe disabilities. Equally central, yet often overlooked, is the relations...
Truncated Non-homogeneous Poisson Process Models — Properties and Performance

All non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) software reliability growth models of the finite failures category share the property that every time to failure distribution is defective. The reason for this phenomenon is the fact that according to these models it is always possible that no fault is left in the software. Excluding this possibility leads to a class of infinite failures category NHPP models which we call truncated NHPP models. In this paper, we derive the truncated models connected with three well-known finite failures NHPP models and discuss some of their properties. We then compare the performance of these new models with that of their counterparts.
The Association between Obesity-Risk Genes and Gestational Weight Gain Is Modified by Dietary Intake in African American Women.

Obesity-risk genes have been associated with dietary intake, appetite regulation, and gestational weight gain (GWG). The purpose of this study was to examine whether dietary intake including total energy intake and macronutrients modify or mediate the association between obesity-risk genes and GWG. An observational study was conducted with 85 African American pregnant women. Sociodemographic, medical, and lifestyle factors and dietary recalls were collected during pregnancy. Seven obesity-risk genetic variants were genotyped. Regression analyses with bootstrapping methods were used to examine the moderation and mediation effects of dietary intake. The mean GWG was 14.2 kg, and 55.3% of the women gained above the Institute of Medicine GWG guidelines. A nominally significant association was found between rs17782313 (close to MC4R) and percentage of energy intake from fat . A variant downstream of KCTD15 (rs11084753) was nominally significantly related to GWG . There was a significant interaction between the KCTD15 polymorphism and dietary fat intake . Women with the AG genotype gained more weight during pregnancy with more dietary fat consumption. In conclusion, our results indicate that dietary macronutrients, especially fat intake, may modify the effect of the KCTD15 gene on GWG. Improved knowledge of gene-diet interactions can facilitate the development of personalized interventions.
Barriers to safe-sex behavior change in Zambia: Perspectives from HIV/AIDS psychosocial counselors

AbstractDespite being one of the Sub-Saharan African countries most affected by HIV/AIDS, few studies address the mismatch between continued practices of high-risk sexual behaviors considering increased HIV/AIDS knowledge in Zambia. This article reports findings from an exploratory qualitative study that addressed the research question, “What are the attitudinal, cultural, interpersonal, and contextual barriers to safer sexual behavior change among the Zambian population?” The study involved semistructured interviews with eight psychosocial counselors from two Zambian cities who provide HIV testing and counseling services. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Findings indicated individual level barriers including gendered differences, adolescent specific barriers, and issues related to illiteracy. Lack of communication and perceived meaning of condom use emerged as factors influencing unsafe sex at partner levels. Community level factors included high rates of poverty, substance abuse...
Referents and Fixing Reference

The first of the following two notes concerns the notion of a referent; the second explores an idea that became central in the field with the publication of Kripke’s Naming and Necessity: reference fixing.
Education Research: Evaluation of curriculum to teach resilience skills to neurology residents.

Objective To evaluate feasibility and acceptability of a health professional resilience skills training program with neurology residents. Methods The curriculum consists of five 1-hour-long modules that included the following skills: reflective narrative practices, emotion regulation, communication with highly distressed individuals, boundary management, and the identification of depression and trauma. Using a web-based survey tool, we administered the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory (aMBI) at baseline, in addition to a pre- and post-survey assessing change in beliefs and self-efficacy, as well as satisfaction with the intervention. Means were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum and signed rank tests. Results Twenty-two residents representing each year of training completed the pre-survey; 41% were women. Subscale scores on the aMBI revealed that 50% had moderate or high emotional exhaustion, 41% had moderate depersonalization, and 37% had moderate or low personal accomplishment, though 77.3% reported high career satisfaction. Female residents had lower scores on the BRS (mean 3.26 vs 3.88, p Conclusions Residents were satisfied with the curriculum and reported improved ability to identify and cope with work-related stress. Further study is needed to evaluate the influence of skills adoption and practice on resilience and burnout.
Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolated from conventional and antimicrobial-free (ABF) swine herds in North Carolina

The main objective of this study was to compare prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolated from swine reared in antimicrobial-free (ABF) and conventional production systems in North Carolina. Among the two production systems, prevalence was significantly higher among the ABF (15%) than the conventional system (5.2%) (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the resistance against tetracycline between the two production system at the farm level (P=0.22). The AMP CHL STR SUL TET (R-type ACSSuT) MDR pattern was the most common seen in 73 (10.4%) of the isolates. Among the two production systems, this pentaresistance pattern was observed significantly higher in the ABF (20.6%) than the conventional (2.4%) herds at the farm level (P<0.001). The common finding of highly MDR resistant strains in ABF farms may indicate that specific MDR strains may remain persistent in swine production units regardless of antimicrobial use levels.
Remaking Recess Intervention for Improving Peer Interactions at School for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Multisite Randomized Trial

Abstract There is a prevailing need for social skills interventions that staff in public schools can deliver effectively to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present study leveraged...
Quality of Life: Eras and Procedures

This essay applies the concept, Quality of Life, to generations before our own, introducing examples from the seventeenth and nineteenth century, and earlier. The gap between the lives of ordinary people and the privileged is illustrated by using examples of index numbers. Data from the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries are presented. Examples of aggregated index numbers provide comparisons over time. Subjectivity as a mode of inquiry is discussed with an innovation presented.
UniVResity: Face-to-Face Class Participation for Remote Students using Virtual Reality

We describe a prototype of the virtual reality remote classroom participation system called UniVResity. UniVResity mirrors in virtual reality the ongoing face-to-face classroom activities, taking into account potentially low bandwidth data connection and lack of VR equipment in class. Our system attempts to combine the benefits of online education and face-to-face education, and makes face-to-face learning more accessible.
The Use of a Novel Heads-Up Display (HUD) to View Intra-Operative X-Rays During a One-Level Cervical Arthroplasty.

Background In a standard surgical operating room, advanced imaging is projected on a separate monitor screen away from the surgical field of view. This setup requires surgeons to repeatedly shift their attention between the operative field and a screen. Such movement may result in a disruption of focus that can extend surgical time, cause physical strain, and lead to surgical errors. A potential solution to this inefficiency in the surgical workflow is to use a heads-up display (HUD) to mirror what is being displayed. A HUD projects preoperative or intraoperative imaging over the surgical field, allowing surgeons to visualize both as they perform surgery. Case Description We performed a single-level arthroplasty for a patient with right-sided disc herniation at C6-7. A HUD was used by the lead surgeon to continuously view intraoperative X-rays without needing to repeatedly turn away from the surgical field while placing Caspar pins into the C6 and C7 vertebral bodies, and malleating trials and the artificial disc into the disc space. Conclusions Following surgery, the patient experienced resolution of his preoperative right arm and hand paresthesia and regained full strength. This case describes the novel use of the Moverio BT-35E Smart Glasses (Epson Inc, Suwa, Japan) HUD during a spine procedure.
Recent Advances in Neonatal CEUS

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has emerged as a useful tool in the neonatal population due to its safety, portability, repeatability, and higher diagnostic sensitivity than grayscale ultrasound. While advanced modalities, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, are routinely used and readily available for older children and adults, its use in neonates is hindered by inconvenience, radiation or sedation risks, and high cost. Beyond the common use of CEUS for evaluation of focal liver lesions and vesicoureteral reflux, novel applications of CEUS in neonates have been introduced in recent years. These include the evaluation of brain injury, intracranial lesions, bowel disease of prematurity, and hip dysplasia. This chapter reviews the advantages of CEUS in neonates as well as current updates on the emerging applications of CEUS in this population.
Google Trends reveals increases in internet searches for insomnia during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic

Study Objectives:The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a global health and economic crisis. Recent evidence from small samples suggest that it has increased mood and sleep disturbances...
Starving out the Enemy.

The intestinal microbiota promote myriad functions that affect the host. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Caballero-Flores et al. (2020) demonstrate that resident microbes can thwart gut colonization by the enteric bacterial pathogen Citrobacter rodentium by consuming amino acids, thus starving the invading organism of essential nutrients.
Foundations of Audit Analytics

Broad application of statistical and data analytic tools is essential for the cost-effective completion of audits. Fortunately R has become the go-to language for analytics, and offers many features that reduce the cost of data acquisition, preparation, exploration, and summarization. It provides a scientific basis for audit decisions underlying the auditor’s opinion. Effective legal defense of audit methods is predicated on data analytics and statistical methods. This chapter summarizes the subset of R capabilities that are germane to an audit.
Long-Term Longitudinal Stability of Kidney Filtration Marker Measurements: Implications for Epidemiological Studies and Clinical Care

BACKGROUND Establishment and improvement of glomerular filtration rate estimating equations requires accurate and precise laboratory measurement procedures (MPs) for filtration markers. The Advanced Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ARDL) at the University of Minnesota, which has served as the central laboratory for the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration since 2009, has implemented several quality assurance measures to monitor the accuracy and stability of filtration marker assays over time. METHODS To assess longitudinal stability for filtration marker assays, a 40-sample calibration panel was created using pooled serum, divided into multiple frozen aliquots stored at -80 °C. ARDL monitored 4 markers-creatinine, cystatin C, beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) and beta-trace protein-measuring 15 calibration panel aliquots from 2009 to 2019. Initial target values were established using the mean of the first 3 measurements performed in 2009-10, and differences from target were monitored over time. New MPs for cystatin C and B2M were added in 2012, with target values established using the first measurement. RESULTS The mean percentage difference from mean target values across time was <2% for all original MPs (-0.59% for creatinine; -0.94% for cystatin C; -0.82% for B2M; 1.24% for beta-trace protein). CONCLUSIONS Close monitoring of filtration marker trends with a calibration panel at ARDL demonstrates remarkable long-term stability of the MPs. Routine use of a calibration panel for both research studies and clinical care is recommended for filtration markers where longitudinal monitoring is important to detect analytical biases, which can mask or confound true clinical trends in patients.
Overlap of a spherical spin glass model with microscopic external field

We examine the behavior of the 2-spin spherical Sherrington-Kirkpatrick model with an external field by analyzing the overlap of a spin with the external field. Previous research has noted that, at low temperature, this overlap exhibits dramatically different behavior in the presence of an external field as compared to the model with no external field. The transition between those two settings was examined in a recent physics paper by Baik, Collins-Woodfin, Le Doussal, and Wu as well as a recent math paper by Landon and Sosoe. Both papers focus on the setting in which the external field strength, $h$, approaches zero as the dimension, $N$, approaches infinity. In particular, the paper of Baik et al studies the overlap with a microscopic external field ($h\sim N^{-1/2}$) but without a rigorous proof. This paper aims to give a proof of that result. The proof involves representing the generating function of the overlap as a ratio of contour integrals and then analyzing the asymptotics of those contour integrals using results from random matrix theory.
Cardiovascular health concerns in sexual and gender minority populations.

Growing evidence indicates that sexual and gender minority populations might be at greater risk of cardiovascular disease than the general population. Additional population and clinical health research is needed to inform the development of tailored, evidence-based interventions to promote the cardiovascular health of sexual and gender minority populations.
Hg3 — δAsF6: Incommensurate Linear Chains with Quasi-One-Dimensional Lattice Dynamics and Electronic Properties

A brief review of the electronic properties of the incommensurate linear chain metal, HHg3 — δAsF6, is presented. We discuss the structure, lattice dynamics, temperature dependent stoichiometry, optical properties, nuclear magnetic resonance results, electrical transport, and anisotropic superconductivity.
The Basis of Judicial Review of Legislation in the New Commonwealth and the United States of America: A Comparative Analysis

This article would like to adopt those words and adapt them to its own context. But a qualification is advisable, and it is that the source of judicial review lies, not really in any one decision, however momentous it might be, but in the Constitutions themselves. With that caveat, one can say that the cruciality of judicial review requires a periodic reexamination of its basis. That basis, existing in the Constitutions, may also derive from other sources. This article confines itself to a textual analysis of the Constitutions, not because it fails to appreciate the value of the historical approach, but because, ultimately, it is what the framers put into the Constitutions that matter most.
Asymptotic stability in energy preserving systems

We discuss asymptotic stability in Hamiltonian and Poisson systems and point out an interesting connection between the Toda lattice system and a certain nonholonomic system.
Abstract 3705: Overcoming drug resistance in BRaf mutated melanoma cells

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Targeted inhibition of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway has received much attention after the transient success of the BRaf inhibitor, vemurafenib, in metastatic melanoma patients with the BRafV600E mutation. Approximately 50% of melanomas have an activating mutation to BRaf which drives cancer cell proliferation and survival through the ERK pathway. Therapies targeting BRaf or its downstream kinase MEK1/2 have demonstrated very promising initial clinical results. However, these treatments invariably lead to drug resistance through the activation of alternate pathways or mutations that circumvent the blockade and reactivate ERK1/2. Current efforts are centered on the use of combination therapies as well as the direct inhibition of ERK1/2 itself. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of putative substrate-selective ERK inhibitors in various clinically relevant models of drug resistance. Specifically melanoma cell lines resistant to BRaf and MEK inhibitors, PLX-4032 and AZD-6244 respectively, were generated to test the efficacy of these novel compounds in cell viability assays. Furthermore, the potency of these molecules was evaluated in the context of activating mutations to MEK1 and drug resistant cell lines that overexpress MAP3K8 (the gene encoding COT/Tpl2). The data shows that these putative substrate-selective ERK inhibitors preferentially inhibit proliferation of cell lines with activated ERK1/2 signaling. In addition, these novel molecularly targeted therapies are equipotent in drug resistant versus non-resistant melanoma cells. Given these compounds' selectivity for BRaf mutated melanoma cells and their efficacy in drug resistance models, we submit these novel chemical entities as potential lead candidates for new salvage therapies in patients who have become resistant to currently available treatments. Moreover, these ATP-independent inhibitors target only select ERK1/2 functions and may be inherently less susceptible to developing their own drug resistance as compared to complete ablation of all ERK1/2 signaling as seen with ATP-competitive inhibitors. Citation Format: Ramin Samadani, Jun Zhang, Alexander Mackerell, Steven Fletcher, Paul Shapiro. Overcoming drug resistance in BRaf mutated melanoma cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3705. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3705
Probing the HIV gp120 Envelope Glycoprotein Conformation by NMR

The HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120 plays a critical role in virus entry, and thus, its structure is of extreme interest for the development of novel therapeutics and vaccines. To date, high resolution structural information about gp120 in complex with gp41 has proven intractable. In this study, we characterize the structural properties of gp120 in the presence and absence of gp41 domains by NMR. Using the peptide probe 12p1 (sequence, RINNIPWSEAMM), which was identified previously as an entry inhibitor that binds to gp120, we identify atoms of 12p1 in close contact with gp120 in the monomeric and trimeric states. Interestingly, the binding mode of 12p1 with gp120 is similar for clades B and C. In addition, we show a subtle difference in the binding mode of 12p1 in the presence of gp41 domains, i.e. the trimeric state, which we interpret as small differences in the gp120 structure in the presence of gp41.
Erythropoiesis in the duck embryo: accumulation of H5 histone during red blood cell maturation.

Abstract We have studied the variation in histone composition of the red blood cell during embryonic development of the duck. The problem has been approached by fractionating the cells according to maturity and type in bovine serum album density gradients and analyzing electrophoretically histones which have been extracted from purified cell populations. Additional data have been obtained by pulse-labeling experiments and by immunofluorescence techniques. The results indicate that histone H5 may be absent from very immature primitive embryonic red blood cells and that it accumulates in the nucleus during maturation of the cell. A similar relative increase in H5 content is observed during maturation of the definitive erythroid series. Mature adult erythrocytes and mature erythrocytes of the definitive series contain comparable amounts of histone H5 which is present in lower amounts in the mature cells of the primitive cell line.
Mesenteric adenitis-acute ileitis: A constellation of findings definable with ultrasound

We present the ultrasonographic findings in 45 pediatric patients referred to us for acute abdominal pain mimicking appendicitis. All of the patients demonstrated right lower quadrant or para-aortic tender adenopathy consistent with the diagnosis of mesenteric adenitis, but in addition, many of the patients demonstrated other findings, including intestinal hyperperistalsis, small bowel (jejunal and ileal) mucosal thickening (both circumferential and nodular), mesenteric thickening around the nodes, fluid-filled loops of intestine, a visible appendix which was often fluid filled, free fluid, a right lower quadrant mass, and cecal involvement. These diverse findings suggest that mesenteric adenitis need not be limited to adenopathy and ileocolitis in the right lower quadrant. These additional findings are helpful in differentiating mesenteric adenitis from appendicitis, even in those patients in whom a fluid-filled appendix is visualized.
Preliminary design for the power take-off of singly-loaded magnetohydrodynamic channels

Abstract A one-dimensional analysis of diagonal-conducting-wall MHD channels leads to design principles for the power take-off and good qualitative agreement with experimental data. Analytical refinements which account for two- and three-dimensional effects enhance the accuracy of performance predictions.
Quantitative fluorescence microscopy yields distributions of concentration and photobleaching rate in 5ALA-induced Protoporphyrin IX in cell population

The variation in photodynamic dose achieved with protoporphyrin Ix (PPIX) and laser radiation was assessed in a cancer cell culture. The distributions of initial PPIX concentration, photobleaching light dose, and photodynamic dose were measured on 124 individual cells (rat mammary cancer cell line, MTF7) using video fluorescence microscopy.
Translational genomic research: protocol development and initial outcomes following SNP testing for colon cancer risk

Although single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) testing for disease susceptibility is commercially available, translational studies are necessary to understand how to communicate genomic information and potential implications for public health. We explored attitudes about and initial responses to genomic testing for colon cancer risk. Following development of the educational materials, we offered testing for three colon cancer SNPs in a pilot study with primary care patients. Participants completed pre- and post-test sessions and interviews. We analyzed interview transcripts with qualitative software using thematic analysis. All 20 participants opted for SNP testing. Qualitative analysis identified several themes: Motivations for SNP Testing, Before/After: Meaning of Results, Emotional Responses to SNP Results, and Genomic Literacy/Information Delivery. Results demonstrate that individuals will pursue SNP testing in the context of pre- and post-test education. SNP results may influence health behaviors like healthy eating and exercise yet did not appear to impact colon cancer screening intentions.
Mechatronics education in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah has three approaches to mechatronics education. First, a basic course that is a required class for all mechanical engineering students has been developed. Second, a Certificate of Mechatronics which provides a recognition for the student with more advanced work in the area is offered. Third, an outreach program to provide mechatronic courses to working engineers is being developed.
Free energy difference calculations by thermodynamic integration: difficulties in obtaining a precise value

Free energy difference calculations have been performed by the “slow growth” method of thermodynamic integration of the AMBER 3.0 molecular dynamics program for the mutation of a conformationally restricted threonine dipeptide, N-acetyl threonyl-N-methylamide, to the corresponding alanyl dipeptide. By varying the total simulation length, it has been determined that precise free energy values are obtained only for simulations of greater than 100 ps total simulation time length. By varying the starting configurations for simulations of the same length, it has been determined that averaging the free energies obtained from shorter simulations may not give precise answers. Possible reasons for this behavior are discussed.
Ketone bodies, glucose and glutamine as lipogenic precursors in human diploid fibroblasts

Incorporation of [14C] from acetoacetate, D(-)- and L(+)-3-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, glutamine, acetate and palmitate in cellular lipids were studied in cultures in human diploid fibroblasts (HDF). The results showed that acetoacetate was 2–10 times more effective as a lipogenic precursor than was either D- or L-3-hydroxybutyrate. Its extent of incorporation into lipids was 2- to 8-fold more than the other precursors examined under conditions when the overall rates of nonsaponifiable and saponi-fiable lipogenesis as measured by3H2O incorporation were essentially unchanged. Acetoacetate supported both saponifiable and nonsaponifiable lipid syntheses with half-saturation values (Km app.) of 185 μM and 30 μM, respectively. Glucose stimulated acetoacetate incorporation into lipids whereas, conversely, acetoacetate inhibited [14C] glucose incorporation into lipids. The presence of low density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol (@40 μg cholesterol/mL) inhibited the incorporation of [14C] from acetoacetate 56% into nonsaponifiable lipids; the inhibition was consistently higher (75%) when [14C] glucose or glutamine were the precrusors. The loss of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl CoA (HMG CoA) reductase activity upon addition of LDL-cholesterol was greater than the suppression of [14C] incorporation from acetoacetate or glucose into nonsaponifiable lipids. In the presence of glucose, [14C] acetoacetate was incorporated into 3-βOH sterols (digitonin precipitable). 7.7±1.1 times more effectively than was [14C] glucose. The results suggest that HDF would be a suitable model to investigate the effects of various precrusors of HMG CoA on the rate of cholesterol biosynthesis.
Non-invasive optical measures of CBV, StO2, CBF index, and rCMRO2 in human premature neonates’ brains in the first 6 weeks of life

FD-NIRS and DCS recordings in 11 premature neonates without brain injury (28 to 34 weeks GA) allowed for calculation of absolute HbT, CBV and StO2, an index of CBF and a more accurate rCMRO2.
The relation between forward prices and futures prices

Abstract This paper consolidates the results of some recent work on the relation between forward prices and futures prices. It develops a number of propositions characterizing the two prices. These propositions contain several testable implications about the difference between forward and futures prices. Many of the propositions show that equilibrium forward and futures prices are equal to the values of particular assets, even though they are not in themselves asset prices. The paper then illustrates these results in the context of two valuation models and discusses the effects of taxes and other institutional factors.
Spin resonance and magnetic susceptibility of amorphous GdxY0.33−xAl0.67 films showing spin‐glass behavior

The effects of dilution of Gd by Y in a series of evaporated amorphous GdxY0.33−xAl0.67 films (x from 0.33 to 0.0027) has been studied by microwave magnetic resonance and SQUID magnetometry. The SQUID measurements show a spin glass freezing temperature Tf of 13.5K for x = 0.33 and 6.5K for x = 0.16, with Tf being less than 1.6K or nonexistent for samples with x<0.04. X‐band microwave measurements reveal a line broadening ΔH and an increasing g‐shift as the temperature T is lowered. These low temperature effects are interpreted in terms of a theory by Salamon which permits determination of the spin‐spin relaxation time τ∝xm/(T−Tf)n. Contrary to earlier experimental or theoretical indications, we find m∼−0.5 and n∼1.5.
The current clinical value of genomic instability

Clinical Oncologists have largely ignored the debate over genetic instability in human cancers. It is clear that genetic lesions themselves provide valuable information in the treatment of patients with cancer and those genetic lesions can be exploited successfully as therapeutic targets. Whether the mechanisms resulting in the accumulation of genetic lesions can be translated and used clinically remains to be seen.
The absence of dipolar ferromagnetism in a simple cubic array

Abstract By using the Bogoliubov inequality a la Mermin and Wagner, it is shown that dipolar ferromagnetism cannot exist for a large, simple cubic array.
Tweets as data: demonstration of TweeQL and Twitinfo

Microblogs such as Twitter are a tremendous repository of user-generated content. Increasingly, we see tweets used as data sources for novel applications such as disaster mapping, brand sentiment analysis, and real-time visualizations. In each scenario, the workflow for processing tweets is ad-hoc, and a lot of unnecessary work goes into repeating common data processing patterns. We introduce TweeQL, a stream query processing language that presents a SQL-like query interface for unstructured tweets to generate structured data for downstream applications. We have built several tools on top of TweeQL, most notably TwitInfo, an event timeline generation and exploration interface that summarizes events as they are discussed on Twitter. Our demonstration will allow the audience to interact with both TweeQL and TwitInfo to convey the value of data embedded in tweets.
Diatom paleoecology of Laguna Zoncho, Costa Rica

We analyzed diatoms in a sediment profile from Laguna Zoncho in southern Pacific Costa Rica (lake elevation 1190 m asl, depth 2.6 m, area 0.75 ha) spanning some 3240 cal yr. Diatoms are common in the profile, which we subdivide into three zones. Zone C (∼3240–1020 cal yr B.P.) is dominated by Staurosira construens var. venter and Aulacoseira spp.; during this time, the lake was dilute and circumneutral. Benthic and acidophilous taxa increase gradually in the upper section of this zone. Zone B (∼1020–460 cal yr B.P.) almost totally lacks Aulacoseira, and instead is dominated by combinations of Eunotia minor, Encyonema lunatum, Gomphonema gracile, and Pinnularia braunii. Previous pollen and charcoal analysis indicates that this zone falls within the peak of prehistoric agricultural activity at the lake, but diatoms may also reflect climate change. During this period, the lake was likely shallower and more acidic, but not eutrophic. Finally, Zone A (∼460 cal yr B.P. to AD 1997) begins near a 1.5-cm tephra layer from nearby Volcan Baru; diatom assemblages are dominated by Aulacoseira spp., and suggest deepening of the lake and return to conditions similar to Zone C. This was a time of indigenous population decline and forest recovery in the Zoncho region, probably reflecting the impact of European diseases on the native population, although climate change and impacts of the tephra deposition cannot be wholly discounted.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Neutral and Cationic Ruthenium(II) Tris(pyrazolyl)borate Alkylidenes

A series of neutral and cationic ruthenium(II) alkylidenes containing the hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate (Tp) ligand have been prepared. The complex Tp(PCy3)(Cl)RuCHPh (2) was obtained by the reaction of (PCy3)2(Cl)2RuCHPh (1) and KTp. Treatment of 2 with AgBF4 or AgSbF6 in the presence of a variety of coordinating solvents afforded [Tp(PCy3)(L)RuCHPh]+ (L = H2O, CH3CN, pyridine) in high yield. The dynamic NMR behavior of these new complexes is discussed, and the X-ray crystal structure of [Tp(PCy3)(H2O)RuCHPh]BF4 (3) is reported. Alkylidenes 2−5 alone do not catalyze olefin metathesis reactions. However, complex 2 is activated for ring-closing metathesis by the addition of HCl, CuCl, and AlCl3.
A saturation transfer phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance study of arginine phosphokinase in the muscle of a marine mollusc

Abstract The forward and reverse fluxes of arginine phosphokinase were measured in vitro preparations of the phasic adductor muscle of the scallop Argopecten irradians concentricus using saturation transfer 31 P-NMR techniques. The respective fluxes were 4.72 ± 1.46 and 6.98 ± 1.58 μ mol/s per g wet weight. The forward-to-reverse flux ratio was near unity, indicating that the arginine phosphokinase reaction is near equilibrium under resting conditions. 31 P-NMR spectra showed no evidence of ADP in scallop muscles. Using an experimentally determined apparent equilibrium constant for arginine phosphokinase, the free ADP level was estimated to be 51 nmol/g wet wt. It appears that at least 90% of the ADP pool is bound in this muscle.
Point countability in generalized ordered spaces

Abstract In this paper we introduce a property that is a necessary and sufficient condition for a generalized ordered space X with a point-countable base to have a σ-disjoint base. The property is that there are subsets U(n) and D(n) of X such that U(n) is open in X and D(n) is a discrete-in-itself, relatively closed subset of U(n) such that if p is a point of an open set G, then for some n, we have p ϵ U(n) and D(n) ∩ G ≠ φ. This property is hereditary in a generalized ordered space X and implies hereditary paracompactness of X. We give examples to show that our results are the sharpest possible in ordered spaces and describe the role of Property III in general spaces.
Barbiturates block divalent cation action potentials in leech nociceptive cells.

Abstract Phenobarbital (PNB), pentobarbital (PTB) and methohexital (MTX) decreased the maximum rate of depolarization V max and duration of divalent cation action potentials elicited in leech nociceptive neurons in Na + - free solutions containing the K + -channel blocker TEA, without significantly affecting resting membrane potential or conductance. The block of the divalent cation action potentials was reversible and dose-dependent, ED 50 for inhibition of V max being 560 μM for MTX, 800 μM for PTB and 3000 μM for PNB. This order of potency correlated well with the ratio of uncharged/charged form of the drugs at physiological pH suggesting that in leech, as in other preparations, the non-ionized form was the active one. In Na + -containing Ringer, the 3 barbiturates depolarized and decreased membrane resistance in the lateral nociceptive cells, but not the medial nociceptive cells. These results provide additional information regarding the newly described pharmacological differences among closely related neurons. These membrane actions may be related to some of the excitatory properties described for other barbiturates in invertebrate and mammalian preparations.
Design, Synthesis, and Study of Main Chain Poly(N-Heterocyclic Carbene) Complexes: Applications in Electrochromic Devices

A series of poly(N-heterocyclic carbene) complexes in which the carbene functionalities are orthogonally connected to the main chains of the respective polymers have been synthesized via oxidative electropolymerization of various bis(bithiophene)-substituted monomers with appended transition metal or main group entities (M = Ir, Au, Ag, or S). The polymers were characterized using a range of electrochemical, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV−vis spectroscopy, profilometry, and four-point probe conductivity measurements. Most of the polymers exhibited an intense absorbance wave at 700 nm under oxidative conditions which was attributable to the formation of polarons along the main chains. The iridium-containing thin film poly(8) was found to possess a significant NIR absorbance at 1100 nm in which the metal moiety effectively functioned as an electron sink. Electrochemical analyses of the polymer thin films revealed that they exhibited highly reversible electrochromic phenomena.
Design of skin flaps with a new technique using templates

Patterned templates were constructed to assist in planning, performing, and teaching skin flap surgery. Templates can be used to design geometrically accurate flaps and to consider different flap orientation strategies. They can be used to align flap tension forces in proper relationship with relaxed skin tension lines.
Coefficient of Earth Pressure at Rest

The widely used Jaky coefficient of earth pressure at rest, K0 , is revisited. It is demonstrated that this coefficient was derived from an analysis of the stress state in a sand prism that yields an unrealistic stress field. It is also surprising that the at rest stress state is represented as a function of the limit state parameter (internal friction angle). Consequently, one arrives at the conclusion that reasonable predictions made by classical K0 are somewhat coincidental. Jaky’s solution to K0 is discussed in view of more recent research on the stress fields in prismatic mounds of sand.