cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A high-order discontinuous Galerkin method for Itô stochastic ordinary differential equations

In this paper, we develop a high-order discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method for strong solution of Ito stochastic ordinary differential equations (SDEs) driven by one-dimensional Wiener processes. Motivated by the DG method for deterministic ordinary differential equations (ODEs), we first construct an approximate deterministic ODE with a random coefficient on each element using the well-known Wong-Zakai approximation theorem. Since the resulting ODE converges to the solution of the corresponding Stratonovich SDE, we apply a transformation to the drift term to obtain a deterministic ODE which converges to the solution of the original SDE. The corrected equation is then discretized using the standard DG method for deterministic ODEs. We prove that the proposed stochastic DG (SDG) method is equivalent to an implicit stochastic Runge-Kutta method. Then, we study the numerical stability of the SDG scheme applied to linear SDEs with an additive noise term. The method is shown to be numerically stable in the mean sense and also A-stable. As a result, it is suitable for solving stiff SDEs. Moreover, the method is proved to be convergent in the mean-square sense. Numerical evidence demonstrates that our proposed DG scheme for SDEs with additive noise has a strong convergence order of 2 p + 1 , when p -degree piecewise polynomials are used. When applied to SDEs with multiplicative noise, the SDG method is strongly convergent with order p . Several linear and nonlinear test problems are presented to show the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method. In particular, we demonstrate that our proposed scheme is suitable for stiff stochastic differential systems.
WE-AB-BRB-03: Real-Time Volumetric Scintillation Dosimetry for Radiation Therapy

Despite widespread IMRT treatments at modern radiation therapy clinics, precise dosimetric commissioning of an IMRT system remains a challenge. In the most recent report from the Radiological Physics Center (RPC), nearly 20% of institutions failed an end-to-end test with an anthropomorphic head and neck phantom, a test that has rather lenient dose difference and distance-to-agreement criteria of 7% and 4 mm. The RPC report provides strong evidence that IMRT implementation is prone to error and that improved quality assurance tools are required. At the heart of radiation therapy dosimetry is the multidimensional dosimeter. However, due to the limited availability of water-equivalent dosimetry materials, research and development in this important field is challenging. In this session, we will review a few dosimeter developments that are either in the laboratory phase or in the pre-commercialization phase. 1) Radiochromic plastic. Novel formulations exhibit light absorbing optical contrast with very little scatter, enabling faster, broad beam optical CT design. 2) Storage phosphor. After irradiation, the dosimetry panels will be read out using a dedicated 2D scanning apparatus in a non-invasive, electro-optic manner and immediately restored for further use. 3) Liquid scintillator. Scintillators convert the energy from x-rays and proton beams into visible light, which can be recorded with a scientific camera (CCD or CMOS) from multiple angles. The 3D shape of the dose distribution can then be reconstructed. 4) Cherenkov emission imaging. Gated intensified imaging allows video-rate passive detection of Cherenkov emission during radiation therapy with the room lights on. Learning Objectives: 1.To understand the physics of a variety of dosimetry techniques based upon optical imaging 2.To investigate the strategies to overcome respective challenges and limitations 3.To explore novel ideas of dosimeter design Supported in part by NIH Grants R01CA148853, R01CA182450, R01CA109558. Brian Pogue is founder and president of the company DoseOptics LLC, dedicated to developing and commercializing the first dedicated Cerenkov imaging camera and system for radiation dose imaging. Work reported in this talk does not involve the use of DoseOptics technology.; H. Li, this work was supported in part by NIH Grant No. R01CA148853; S. Beddar, NIH funding R01-CA182450
Conditional Probability Density Functions

A discussion of conditional probability mass functions (PMFs) was given in Chapter 8. The motivation was that many problems are stated in a conditional format so that the solution must naturally accommodate this conditional structure. In addition, the use of conditioning is useful for simplifying probability calculations when two random variables are statistically dependent. In this chapter we formulate the analogous approach for probability density functions (PDFs). A potential stumbling block is that the usual conditioning event X = x has probability zero for a continuous random variable. As a result the conditional PMF cannot be extended in a straightforward manner. We will see, however, that using care, a conditional PDF can be defined and will prove to be useful.
Interference Enhanced Biomedical Antenna for Combined Heating and Radiometry Application

Successful proof-of-concept studies of biomedical devices, using combined heating and radiometry for noninvasive assessment of tissue by thermal methods, requires innovative approaches of biomedical antenna design and testing, and proper radio frequency interference (RFI) mitigation. In this letter, a dual-mode (heating/radiometry) antenna, for 0.9 GHz heating and ∼3.7 GHz radiometry, and methods for the RFI reduction and assessment are introduced. The impact of different dielectric barriers needed for interfacing with a perfused tissue phantom on the antenna performance is also demonstrated. The antenna performance remains unchanged as long as the overall thickness of the superstrate and barrier is maintained the same. Tests are performed on a novel phantom, mimicking a perfused tissue, and pertinent radiometric measurements are conducted for the first time. Evaluation of the radiometer output and direct RFI measurement both reveal marked reduction in the RFI effect, after the inclusion of a back housing and an RF choke.
Redefining the Protein–Protein Interface: Coarse Graining and Combinatorics for an Improved Understanding of Amino Acid Contributions to the Protein–Protein Binding Affinity

The ability to intervene in biological pathways has for decades been limited by the lack of a quantitative description of protein–protein interactions (PPIs). Herein we generate and compare millions of simple PPI models for insight into the mechanisms of specific recognition and binding. We use a coarse-grained approach whereby amino acids are counted in the interface, and these counts are used as binding affinity predictors. We perform lasso regression, a modern regression technique aimed at interpretability, with every possible amino acid combination (over 106 unique feature sets) to select only those amino acid predictors that provide more information than noise. This approach circumvents arbitrary binning and assumptions about the binding environment that obscure other binding affinity models. Aggregated analysis of these models trained at various interfacial cutoff distances informs the roles of specific amino acids in different binding contexts. We find that a simple amino acid count model outperfor...
Supplementary Cementing Materials and Other Additions

This chapter explores that chemical admixtures, such as accelerators, retarders, water reducers, and superplasticizers are generally water soluble and are added in small amounts. They significantly affect the properties of concrete in the fresh and hardened states through physico-chemical and surface interactions. In contrast to chemical admixtures, materials such as fly ash, silica fume, blast furnace slag, natural pozzolans, and others are added in substantial amounts to concrete. Most of them react significantly with the components of the cement paste yielding higher strengths and better durability characteristics. They are used as cement replacement materials. These materials are known by various names. The European concrete standards refer to them as additions. The American society for testing and materials (ASTM) classifies them as mineral admixtures. In this chapter, these materials are referred to as supplementary cementing materials.
SETTLEMENT SYSTEM ANALYSIS

The term ‘settlement system’ signified a major conceptual breakthrough to some writers in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as studies of settlement patterns came into their own. Since then, ‘settlement system’ has often been contrasted with ‘settlement pattern’, although the distinction between the two has become somewhat fuzzy over time. An initial emphasis on ‘settlement pattern’ as a static arrangement of archaeological sites on a landscape in contrast to ‘settlement system’ as a more dynamic set of inter-relationships between sites has given way to the vaguer notion that ‘settlement pattern’ refers to the observable distribution of archaeological evidence of human activities across a landscape, and to the analysis that identifies patterning in this distribution, whereas the interpretation of that patterning of evidence in terms of the activities of living, breathing human beings is ‘settlement system’ analysis. In language more fashionable several decades after the inception of settlement studies, we might well define settlement system analysis as focused on the study of the social landscape comprised of the diversity of interactions which define and constitute human communities at various scales.
Ventricular Septal Excursion and Thickening: A Nonspecific Echocardiographic Measurement

Recent published work would appear to suggest that in patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) the asymmetrically thickened septum possesses abnormal systolic excursion (SE) and % septal thickening (%ST).
Casein before bed is as effective as receiving earlier in the day in increasing muscle mass and strength in response to resistance training

Amino acids from food directly initiate muscle protein synthesis and recent studies support that this process is not altered during sleep. This opens the concept of ingesting protein before bed as ...
Probabilistic Framework for Integrating Multiple Data Sources to Estimate Disaster and Failure Events and Increase Situational Awareness

AbstractAs data for monitoring the natural and built environments become increasingly prevalent, integrating information from varied data sources offers a fuller understanding of the impacts damagi...
Roy W. Howard Archive

Across the first half of the twentieth century, little love was lost among talented and prominent left-leaning journalists for Roy W. Howard, whom they saw as the scourge of newspapers. But few man...
Airway findings in children with tracheostomies: When is diagnostic bronchoscopy and laryngoscopy indicated?

Abstract Objectives To determine the utility of diagnostic laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy in children with tracheostomies and to describe the incidence of airway findings. Methods Retrospective cohort study examining children with tracheostomies who underwent direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (DLB) at Duke University Hospital between 2008 and 2016. Results A total of 81 patients who underwent 114 bronchoscopies met inclusion criteria. The median time between tracheostomy and first DLB was 13 months (IQR 4.25–14.75). Sixty-six patients were diagnosed with findings on DLB (81.5%). Suprastomal granulation tissue was the most common complication (59.0%), followed by increased tracheal secretions (23%), stomal and peristomal granulation (13.2%), tracheal ulcer (3.3%), and suprastomal collapse (1.6%). The proportion of patients with airway findings who underwent endoscopy >6 months post-tracheostomy was higher than those 6 months post-tracheostomy (61%) compared to 6 months after tracheostomy versus Conclusion The high incidence of airway findings, especially tracheostomy-related findings, noted on DLB supports the continued use of airway endoscopies in children post-tracheostomy. Timing of DLB may play a role in determining utility with evaluation and symptomatic patients should be more closely monitored as they demonstrate higher rates of airway findings.
Conjugate heat and mass transfer model for predicting thin-layer drying uniformity in a compact, crossflow dehydrator

A conjugate heat and mass transfer model was implemented into a commercial CFD code to analyze the convective drying of corn. The Navier–Stokes equations for drying air flow were coupled to diffusion equations for heat and moisture transport in a corn kernel during drying. Model formulation and implementation in the commercial software is discussed. Validation simulations were conducted to compare numerical results to experimental, thin-layer drying data. The model was then used to analyze drying performance for a compact, crossflow dehydrator. At low inlet air temperatures, the drying rate in the compact dehydrator matched the thin-layer drying rate. At higher temperatures, heat losses through the external walls resulted in temperature and moisture variations across the dehydrator.
High-Heat-Flux Target Design for the Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment

AbstractThe Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (MPEX) steady-state linear plasma facility is currently under design at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The facility proposes to produce ITER divertor...
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Induce Tissue-Invasive Monocytes in Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis.

Objective: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a multi-organ vasculitic syndrome typically associated with neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and aggressive tissue inflammation. Manifestations in head and neck (HN specifically, alarmin S100A9. NET-induced upregulation of monocyte S100A9 required recognition of DNA. S100A9 release resulted in the induction of metalloproteinases, including MMP-9, and enabled monocytes to invade into extracellular matrix. Anti-MMP-9 treatment attenuated the tissue invasiveness of monocytes primed with NETs from H&N GPA patients. MMP-9-producing macrophages dominated the tissue infiltrates in naso-sinal biopsies from H&N GPA patients. Conclusion: Distinct disease patterns in GPA are associated with differences in NET formation and NET content. H&N GPA patients with midline cartilaginous and bony lesions are highly efficient in generating NETs. H&N GPA neutrophils trigger the induction of the alarmin S100A9, followed by production of MMP-9, endowing monocytes with tissue-invasive capabilities.
The Wisdom of Narrative Inquiry: An Unfolding Story

We are narrative beings. Narratives are part of the human psyche, manifested in cave paintings and on canvases, in ancient and contemporary (and academic!) rituals, in myths, testaments and television shows. Recently, social scientists have begun to acknowledge the narrative nature of our understanding of reality. Optimally, listening to stories can enable a sense of connection, reducing “otherness.” However, it is useful to remember that narratives can empower or suppress, as well as expand perception or solidify stereotypes of “the other.” The ultimate task of education is discernment about which narratives are conducive to wisdom and skillful action. One important individual and communal task is to seek and include voices that have been alienated. In this bridge-chapter I consider some of the rhizomatic roots and intellectual traditions of narrative inquiry, including the disciplines of history, folklore, anthropology, education, and diverse music fields.
Multiple wildfires with minimal consequences: Low-severity wildfire effects on West Texas piñon-juniper woodlands

Abstract Pinon-juniper (PJ) woodlands comprise an important and extensive dry-site forest cover-type that has historically experienced high spatiotemporal variation in fire frequency and extent. We re-measured a network of permanent monitoring plots in a fire-suppressed PJ site the Davis Mountains of West Texas after prescribed fire (Rx) treatments and three subsequent wildfires to 1) quantify wildfire effects on PJ woodland stand structure and fuel loadings, and 2) evaluate the effects of Rx fires followed by wildfire. Although fire weather was extreme during the wildfire years, all three wildfires burned as low-severity fire events. Simultaneous autoregressive modeling revealed that total tree density and basal area declined significantly (P
Pre-transplant amiodarone use does not affect long-term heart transplant survival

PURPOSE Effect of pre-transplant amiodarone use on post-heart transplant (HT) survival is not well established. We therefore sought to examine the effect of amiodarone use on post-HT survival. METHODS We stratified adults who underwent HT between January 2000 and August 2018 in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients according to pre-transplant amiodarone use and used recipient and donor characteristics to calculate propensity scores. We then used overlap propensity score weighting to construct Cox proportional hazards regression models (adjusted for Index for Mortality Prediction After Cardiac Transplantation [IMPACT] score and donor/recipient predicted heart mass [PHM] ratio) for mortality outcomes. Logistic regression was used to compare the odds of primary graft failure and drug-treated rejection. RESULTS 25,394 adult HT recipients were included; median (inter-quartile range) age was 55 (46, 62) years and 75.5% were men. Compared with nonusers, amiodarone users had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (46.7% vs. 50.2%; p < 0.0001), left ventricular assist device (LVAD) use (24.5% vs. 31.3%; p < 0.0001), and ventilator support (2.5% vs. 3.6%; p < 0.0001), respectively. The 10-year post-HT mortality rate in the overall population was 32.0%. Amiodarone use was associated with higher post-transplant 30-day (hazard ratio (HR) 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-1.41) and 1-year mortality (HR 1.13, 1.04-1.22), but similar 5-year (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.96-1.07) and 10-year mortality (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.98-1.13). Amiodarone use increased primary graft failure risk (odds ratio (OR) 1.30, 95% CI 1.07-1.57) but decreased drug-treated rejection (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70-0.93). CONCLUSIONS Although pre-transplant amiodarone was associated with higher short-term mortality, its use did not affect long-term survival. Whether the short-term outcomes are related to greater graft failure risk is unclear.
A dual-caged resorufin probe for rapid screening of infections resistant to lactam antibiotics

The alarming increase of antimicrobial resistance urges rapid diagnosis and pathogen specific infection management. This work reports a rapid screening assay for pathogenic bacteria resistant to lactam antibiotics. We designed a fluorogenic N-cephalosporin caged 3,7-diesterphenoxazine probe CDA that requires sequential activations to become fluorescent resorufin. A series of studies with recombinant β-lactamases and clinically prevalent pathogens including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae and Serratia marcescens demonstrated that CDA possessed superior sensitivity in reporting the activity of β-lactamases including cephalosporinases and carbapenemases. After a simple filtration, lactam-resistant bacteria in urine samples could be detected at 103 colony-forming units per milliliter within 2 hours.
Public Employees Who Testify

The Article advances the claim that testimony under oath in the course of a judicial proceeding should not claim its protection solely through the ordinary expressive interests associated with the First Amendment, but instead should be seen primarily as furthering the interests of parties, the adjudicator, and the public in a fair proceeding, interests that sound more in the Due Process Clauses of the 5th and 14th Amendments. At a minimum, the overwhelming 5th and 14th Amendment interests intertwined with testimonial speech under oath should require a limiting construction on Garcetti v. Ceballos’s exclusion of speech made pursuant to ordinary official duties from First Amendment protection. In addition, such speech should always be considered a matter of public concern regardless of the issues in dispute in the underlying proceeding.
Erythema Infectiosum

Background: Erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) is a common benign pediatric condition caused by B19 parvovirus. It can be identified clinically by a “slapped cheek” appearance that is often followed by reticulated exanthem on the trunk and extremities.
Consumer (In)attention to Expiration Dates: A Field Study

Do consumers pay attention to expiration dates at grocery stores? Thus far, this question has been explored using survey data because of the empirical challenges in observing how consumers make decisions across expiration dates for a product. We study consumer choices for perishable items using the first data set tracking expiration dates for each item on the shelf and consumer choices at the expiration-date level. Our data also include a field study where the oldest-vintage (i.e., soonest-to-expire) items on the shelf received discounts and the retailer periodically rotated items’ locations on the shelf (from oldest to newest). We find consumers are inattentive to expiration dates: (a) when there are multiple, identically-priced vintages on the shelf, consumers choose a dominated item on 44.5% of purchase occasions and choose the oldest vintage on 34.7% of purchase occasions, and (b) merely increasing the oldest vintage’s share of shelf commensurately increases its choice share. This inattention is not purely driven by consumer indifference toward dates but instead driven by consumer hassle costs of inspecting dates. Oldest-vintage choice shares are highly responsive (2.3 percentage points per day) to oldest-vintage expiration dates, but only when these items are easily visible. The oldest-vintage choice share also increases both with retailer inventory rotation (by 23.5 percentage points) and with price discounts (by 6.3 percentage points and an additional 4.8 percentage points per euro). We discuss the managerial and societal implications of our findings.
Periodic wet milling as a solution to size-based separation of crystal products from biocatalyst for continuous reactive crystallization

Abstract Combining the synthesis and crystallization of a compound into a single step may be beneficial for certain processes. Motivations range from process intensification to improving reaction network yield by shifting an equilibrium limited reaction or protecting an intermediate, as is the case in the biocatalytic synthesis of beta-lactam antibiotics. Adapting such a reactive crystallization process to continuous manufacturing faces a challenge: the continuous separation of crystals from biocatalyst carriers. In this study, a size-based method for this separation problem is proposed. Separation is performed using a filter placed on the reactive crystallization vessel outlet. The primary factors for filter design are carrier and crystal size dictated by the separation condition Lcrystal
Unsteady Drawdown in 2-D Water Table Aquifer

The inclusion of vertical velocity effects results in integral solutions to the linearized problem of instantaneous and time-dependent drawdown in water table aquifers. The solutions are shown to be the same as those of Stallman and Hantush for the limiting conditions of small drawdown in shallow aquifers. The theory is subjected to verification using test results from drawdown in a sand model. The tests show that the inclusion of vertical velocity effects alone is insufficient for substantial progress in unsteady water table drawdown theory. The tests further suggest that inclusion of time-dependent pore drainage will be required for progress in that theory. For this reason, the sand model drawdown data are presented as a more realistic test of water table drawdown theory than are data from a Hele-Shaw apparatus.
Dynamic Stability of a Shallow Cylindrical Shells

The dynamic snap-through of a shallow cylindrical shell under impulsive loading is investigated. The nonlinear equations of motion are reduced to a set of ordinary differential equations in time by expanding the displacements in a series of the linear vibrational mode shapes. Both symmetrical and unsymmetrical snap-through is studied. It is shown that the parametrically excited, asymmetric mode may produce unsymmetrical snap-through an initial velocities considerably below those for symmetric snap-through.
Respect for Nature: A Theory of Environmental Ethics - 25th Anniversary Edition

What rational justification is there for conceiving of all living things as possessing inherent worth? In Respect for Nature, Paul Taylor draws on biology, moral philosophy, and environmental science to defend a biocentric environmental ethic in which all life has value. Without making claims for the moral rights of plants and animals, he offers a reasoned alternative to the prevailing anthropocentric view--that the natural environment and its wildlife are valued only as objects for human use or enjoyment. Respect for Nature provides both a full account of the biological conditions for life--human or otherwise--and a comprehensive view of the complex relationship between human beings and the whole of nature. This classic book remains a valuable resource for philosophers, biologists, and environmentalists alike--along with all those who care about the future of life on Earth. A new foreword by Dale Jamieson looks at how the original 1986 edition of Respect for Nature has shaped the study of environmental ethics, and shows why the work remains relevant to debates today.
Regulation of TCR signalling by tyrosine phosphatases: from immune homeostasis to autoimmunity

More than half of the known protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) in the human genome are expressed in T cells, and significant progress has been made in elucidating the biology of these enzymes in T-cell development and function. Here we provide a systematic review of the current understanding of the roles of PTPs in T-cell activation, providing insight into their mechanisms of action and regulation in T-cell receptor signalling, the phenotypes of their genetically modified mice, and their possible involvement in T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease. Our projection is that the interest in PTPs as mediators of T-cell homeostasis will continue to rise with further functional analysis of these proteins, and PTPs will be increasingly considered as targets of immunomodulatory therapies.
Simulation of Extrusion Structures by Means of Torsion Testing for a High Strength Nickel-Base Alloy, Udimet 700

The simulation of hot forming operations by means of torsion testing has been performed on Udimet 700, a nickel base alloy. The purpose of this research was threefold: 1) to evaluate the hot working (T >.7 Tm) properties of the U -700 alloy, (tests were conducted as low as.45 Tm), 2) to attempt to simulate the extrusion of this alloy by means of torsion testing under comparable conditions of temperature, strain rate and strain, and 3) to evaluate the torsion test as a laboratory technique for developing hot worked microstructures under controlled conditions of temperature, strain, and strain rate.
Identification Problem for a Wave Equation via Optimal Control

The authors approximate an identification problem by applying optimal control techniques to a Tikhonov`s regularization. They seek to identify the dispersive coefficient in a wave equation and allow for the case of error or uncertainty in the observations used for the identification.
A Unified Physical-Philosophical Explanation of Quantum Mechanics: The Peer-to-Peer Simulation Hypothesis

Quantum mechanics is an exquisitely well-verified theory of how our physical world operates at a microscopic level. However, it presents us with two very deep puzzles: one of interpretation and one of explanation. First, there is the question of how to interpret its equations. Although there are dozes on different interpretations of the equations of quantum mechanics, every mainstream interpretation appears problematic. Second, there is the much deeper – and less well-understood – question of not just interpreting its equations, but of explaining why the world is quantum mechanical, that is, why the world operates according to such bizarre laws of nature. For, make no mistake about it, quantum mechanics is bizarre. According to quantum mechanics, microscopic objects such as electrons: A. Simultaneously have the properties of particles and of waves (wave-particle duality), B. Can effect one another instantaneously across arbitrarily large distances (quantum entanglement), C. Exist in many different states – different locations, different spins – all at once (quantum superposition), D. Come to occupy determinate states only when measured (wave-function collapse), such that, finally, E. Where a given object (e.g. electron) will be measured to be can, in principle, only be predicted probabilistically prior to measurement (quantum indeterminacy). It is commonly recognized, both in physics and the philosophy of physics, that we have no idea why the world has these features.This paper provides a unified explanation of quantum phenomena using the new model of reality that Marcus Arvan proposes and defends in his recent article, “A New Theory of Free Will.” Arvan proposes, in a nutshell, that our reality is structurally identical to an ordinary peer-to-peer (P2P) networked computer simulation. The present paper explains in more detail precisely what a P2P simulation is, and then, how all of the above quantum phenomena inevitably emerge from the structure of any P2P simulation. §1 explains the P2P Hypothesis in detail. §2 then shows how it explains quantum superposition and wave-function collapse (§2.1.), quantum indeterminacy (§2.2.), wave-particle duality (§2.3.), and quantum entanglement (§2.4.).
Task-positive functional connectivity of the default mode network transcends task domain

The default mode network DMN was first recognized as a set of brain regions demonstrating consistently greater activity during rest than during a multitude of tasks. Originally, this network was believed to interfere with goal-directed behavior based on its decreased activity during many such tasks. More recently, however, the role of the DMN during goal-directed behavior was established for internally oriented tasks, in which the DMN demonstrated increased activity. However, the well-documented hub position and information-bridging potential of midline DMN regions indicate that there is more to uncover regarding its functional contributions to goal-directed tasks, which may be based on its functional interactions rather than its level of activation. An investigation of task-related changes in DMN functional connectivity during a series of both internal and external tasks would provide the requisite investigation for examining the role of the DMN during goal-directed task performance. In this study, 20 participants underwent fMRI while performing six tasks spanning diverse internal and external domains in addition to a resting-state scan. We hypothesized that the DMN would demonstrate "task-positive" i.e., positively contributing to task performance changes in functional connectivity relative to rest regardless of the direction of task-related changes in activity. Indeed, our results demonstrate significant increases in DMN connectivity with task-promoting regions e.g., anterior insula, inferior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus across all six tasks. Furthermore, canonical correlation analyses indicated that the observed task-related connectivity changes were significantly associated with individual differences in task performance. Our results indicate that the DMN may not only support a "default" mode but may play a greater role in both internal and external tasks through flexible coupling with task-relevant brain regions.
Development and evaluation of a Gal4-mediated LUC/GFP/GUS enhancer trap system in Arabidopsis

Background Gal4 enhancer trap systems driving expression of LacZ and GFP reporters have been characterized and widely used in Drosophila. However, a Gal4 enhancer trap system in Arabidopsis has not been described in the primary literature. In Drosophila, the reporters possess a Gal4 upstream activation sequence (UAS) as five repeats (5XUAS) and lines that express Gal4 from tissue specific enhancers have also been used for the ectopic expression of any transgene (driven by a 5XUAS). While Gal4 transactivation has been demonstrated in Arabidopsis, wide use of a trap has not emerged in part because of the lack of detailed analysis, which is the purpose of the present study.
Support Systems: How Post-Deployment Support Impacts Suicide Risk Factors in the United States Army National Guard

Suicide rates within the military have continued to rise in recent years, resulting in re-doubled efforts to understand and remedy this trend. In an attempt to clarify unique pathways to suicide risk in this population, the current study examined the relationship between length of time since most recent deployment and several suicide risk factors (hopelessness, suicidal ideation, and resolved plans and preparations). Furthermore, this study examined the moderating influence of post-deployment social support in the prediction of suicide risk. Results indicated that the interaction of time since deployment and post-deployment support predicted both hopelessness and resolved plans and preparations, but did not predict suicidal ideation. These findings suggest that the negative effects of time spent away from recognized military support may be compounded by the isolating effect of decreased access to alternative supports at home, resulting in increased hopelessness and/or resolved plans and preparations. Implications for the necessity of improved post-deployment programs are discussed.
Resource utilization among kidney transplant recipients

Resource utilization among kidney transplant recipients. Background Hospitalization consumes a significant portion of the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) program, which includes kidney transplant recipients. Identification of kidney transplant recipients at risk of increased resource utilization could lead to appropriate interventions to attenuate the complications related to kidney transplant, which may reduce resource utilization. Methods This retrospective cohort study of kidney transplant recipients was performed to identify risk factors for hospital utilization. The study population consisted of patients who received kidney transplant at our center between October 1990 and September 1999 and were followed in the outpatient clinic. Results Of the 220 patients, 171 (78%) were hospitalized during a median follow-up of 36months. The number of hospitalizations, hospital days, and outpatient visits per patient-year at risk were 1.1, 6.3, and 21.6, respectively. Infection episodes were the leading cause of hospitalization. In a multivariate regression analysis, cytomegalovirus (CMV)-positive status of donor (RR 1.58; 95% CI 1.15, 2.18) and a higher number of hospital days during the transplant hospitalization (RR 1.10 per 7days increase; 95% CI 1.03, 1.19) were associated with a higher risk of hospitalization, while higher serum albumin (RR 0.84 per 0.5g/dL increase; 95% CI 0.73, 0.97), higher hematocrit (RR 0.95 per 1% increase; 95% CI 0.92, 0.98), higher glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (RR 0.91 per 10mL/min/1.73m 2 ; 95% CI 0.85, 0.99), and an increased interval since transplant (RR 0.84 per 6months increase; 95% CI 0.75, 0.93) were associated with a lower risk of hospitalization. CMV-positive status of the donor (RR 1.11; 95% CI 1.00, 1.21) and presence of cardiovascular disease (RR1.12; 95% CI 1.00, 1.24) were associated with a higher risk of outpatient visits, while Caucasian race (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.73, 0.94), higher serum albumin (RR 0.88 per 0.5g/dL increase; 95% CI 0.84, 0.93), higher hematocrit (RR 0.96 per 1% increase; 95% CI 0.95, 0.97), and an increased interval since transplant (RR 0.79 per 6months increase; 95% CI 0.76, 0.83) were associated with a lower risk of outpatient visits. Conclusion Identification of risk factors associated with increase resource utilization among kidney transplant recipients could aid in the development of targeted interventions to improve clinical and economic outcomes.
Synthesis of [125I]-3β-(4-ethyl-3-iodophenyl)nortropane-2β-carboxylic acid methyl ester ([125I]EINT)

A WIN 35,065-2 analog, 3β-(4-ethyl-3-iodophenyl)nortropane-2β-carboxylic acid methyl ester (EINT), has been radiolabeled with iodine-125 by radioiododestannylation of the trimethyltin derivative, N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3β-(4-ethyl-3-trimethyltinphenyl)nortropane-2β-carboxylic acid methyl ester (2), using carrier-free sodium iodide-125. The radiolabeling consists of a one-pot, two-step method entailing radioiododestannylation followed by nitrogen deprotection. Purification by reversed-phase HPLC gives [125I]EINT in 34·2% yield with high radiochemical purity (>99%) and high specific activity (1988 mCi/μmol, 73·6 GBq/μmol, based on the specific activity of the Na125I used). Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Method for customizing an organic Rankine cycle to a complex heat source for efficient energy conversion, demonstrated on a Fischer Tropsch plant

Abstract Organic Rankine cycles (ORCs) provide an alternative to traditional steam Rankine cycles for the conversion of low grade heat sources into power, where conventional steam power cycles are known to be inefficient. A large processing plant often has multiple low temperature waste heat streams available for conversion to electricity by a low temperature cycle, resulting in a composite heat source with a complex temperature–enthalpy profile. This work presents a set of ORC design concepts: reheat stages, multiple pressure levels, and balanced recuperators; and demonstrates the use of these design concepts as building blocks to create a customized cycle that matches an available heat source. Organic fluids are modeled using a pure substance database. The pinch analysis technique of forming composite curves is applied to analyze the effect of each building block on the temperature–enthalpy profile of the ORC heat requirement. The customized cycle is demonstrated on a heat source derived from a Fischer Tropsch reactor and its associated processes. Analysis shows a steam Rankine cycle can achieve a 20.6% conversion efficiency for this heat source, whereas a simple organic Rankine cycle using hexane as the working fluid can achieve a 20.9% conversion efficiency. If the ORC building blocks are combined into a cycle targeted to match the temperature–enthalpy profile of the heat source, this customized ORC can achieve 28.5% conversion efficiency.
Theory Is Everywhere: A Discourse on Theory

There is confusion concerning what theory is, how to recognize it, how to know when and if it is needed, and when it is present. The purpose of this article is to explore the concept of theory via a concept analysis and to examine how and why understandings of theory may vary. Definitions of theory are examined. Definitions have two to four definitional components: theoretical structure, functions, elements, and relationship of theory to research. The use of theory in textiles and clothing is discussed including theory for practice and creative activity. When using the identified functions of theory as a guide, theory can be identified as present in most applications within the textiles and clothing field, even when theories are not named or discussed.
The Latinization of Rural Places in California: Growing Immiseration or Latino Power?

Many rural communities in California are going through a process of ethnic transformation, as they become more Latino. Most of these places have seen their socioeconomic conditions change along with this ethnic transformation. Therefore, we ask: How are Latino and non-Latino population growth associated with the economic conditions of communities, and what are the conditions of Latinos compared to non-Latinos who live in them? We find that loss of the non- Latino white population better explains this relationship. Much of the correlation between community ethnicity and community economic well-being exists because non-Latinos have, on average, higher socioeconomic status than Latinos. However, both Latinos and non-Latinos who live in places with smaller percentages of Latinos are wealthier than those who live in communities with larger percentages of Latinos. Furthermore, the relationship between community ethnicity and socioeconomic well-being is most pronounced among Latinos.
Devitrification of Fe-Based Amorphous Metal SAM 1651: A Structural and Compositional Study

The effect of heat treatment on the chemistry and structure of an Fe-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) Fe48Cr15Mo14C15B6Y2 (SAM 1651) was examined experimentally. Chemical segregation was found in the as-received material, with islands 10 to 200 nm in diameter enriched in Y, Mo, and C and depleted in Fe and Cr, with respect to the surrounding matrix. Heat treatment in the range of 600 °C to 800 °C caused partial devitrification of the BMG with the formation of nanocrystalline (Fe, Cr)23C6 and (Fe, Cr)7C3 carbides in a matrix of the remaining amorphous phase. The devitrification process followed a primary crystallization route. Amorphous particle-free zones (PFZs) in the devitrified material were found, corresponding to the Y-Mo–rich islands in the fully amorphous SAM 1651. The formation of Cr-rich carbide during devitrification caused the formation of nanometer-sized Cr-depleted zones surrounding the carbide particles, which is detrimental to the corrosion performance of the alloy after thermal exposure.
79 Value of Postnatal Hospital Observation of Children Born Through Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid

Top of pageAbstract BACKGROUND Meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) occurs in around 14 % of all pregnancies, but only a minority of these children will develop meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). In the Netherlands, infants born through MSAF, are often admitted for a 24-hour observation period. We questioned the usefulness of postnatal hospital observation in vigorously born infants. OBJECTIVE the aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a 24-hour hospital observation period of newborn infants born through MSAF. DESIGN/METHOD Newborn infants, born through MSAF, from two local hospitals (total 3200 deliveries) were included for whom a pediatrician was consulted. Infants were divided based on Apgar score, i.e. a 5-minute Apgar score of 9 or 10 (vigorous infants) (group 1) or below 9 (group 2). Gestational age, maternal fever, antenatal fetal monitoring (CTG), duration of rupture of membranes, mode of delivery, arterial umbilical pH, 1 and 5-minute Apgar scores, and postnatal course were recorded. Chest X-rays were not routinely performed. RESULTS 171 patients were enrolled: 113 in group 1 and 58 in group 2. None of the group 1 infants developed MAS or had a chest X-ray performed. Four patients from group 2 developed MAS (5-minute Apgar scores respectively 6,7,7 and 8). These infants, all first born and full term, had an arterial umbilical pH<7,20. In 3 mothers CTG abnormalities were observed; 1 mother had fever. From the 54 infants (group 2) without MAS, 1 child died of asphyxia. CONCLUSION This study shows that a 24-hour hospital observation period of newborn infants born through MSAF with a 5-minute Apgar score of 9 or 10 has no added value. Even in the group with 5-minute Apgar scores below 9 only 4 (6,9%) children developed MAS. Using the 5-minute Apgar score vigorous infants can safely be discharged.
Differential heat stress stability of epidermal growth factor receptor and erbB-2 receptor tyrosine kinase activities

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) and erbB-2 receptors are structurally related membrane-bound tyrosine kinases. While these proteins exhibit close sequence homology, 50% overall and 80% in the tyrosine kinase domains, they respond very differently to heat stress. In NIH-3T3 or NR6 cells transfected with wild-type EGF-R and incubated at 37 degrees C or heat shocked at 46 degrees C, EGF binds to its receptor and stimulates receptor autophosphorylation to equivalent extents. At 46 degrees C, however, the basal tyrosine kinase activity of the wild-type erbB-2 receptor is rapidly lost. When cells containing chimeric receptors composed of the EGF-R extracellular domain and intracellular domain of erbB-2 were heat stressed, 125I-EGF bound to the receptors, but did not stimulate receptor autophosphorylation. The decline in EGF-stimulated chimeric erbB-2 receptor autophosphorylation is dependent on the length of heat shock, with nearly 100% of the kinase activity lost after 60 min at 46 degrees C. The loss of chimeric receptor erbB-2 kinase activity is not due to degradation of receptor protein, nor is it attributable to a specific transmembrane domain from either the EGF or erbB-2 receptors. Sensitivity of erbB-2 to heat stress is also not a result of denaturation of this receptor's carboxy-terminal domain. Insertion of the erbB-2 tyrosine kinase domain into the EGF-R confers heat stress sensitivity to the resultant chimeric receptor. Thus, although the EGF-R and erbB-2 kinase domains show a high degree of homology, the secondary/tertiary structures of these domains would seem to be stabilized in distinct manners.
Arabidopsis MSH1 mutation alters the epigenome and produces heritable changes in plant growth

Plant phenotypes respond to environmental change, an adaptive capacity that is at least partly transgenerational. However, epigenetic components of this interplay are difficult to measure. Depletion of the nuclear-encoded protein MSH1 causes dramatic and heritable changes in plant development, and here we show that crossing these altered plants with isogenic wild type produces epi-lines with heritable, enhanced growth vigour. Pericentromeric DNA hypermethylation occurs in a subset of msh1 mutants, indicative of heightened transposon repression, while enhanced growth epi-lines show large chromosomal segments of differential CG methylation, reflecting genome-wide reprogramming. When seedlings are treated with 5-azacytidine, root growth of epi-lines is restored to wild-type levels, implicating hypermethylation in enhanced growth. Grafts of wild-type floral stems to mutant rosettes produce progeny with enhanced growth and altered CG methylation strikingly similar to epi-lines, indicating a mobile signal when MSH1 is downregulated, and confirming the programmed nature of methylome and phenotype changes.
Calcium ion binding to lobster nerve membranes

The binding of 45Ca2+ to membrane material isolated from lobster walking leg nerves was studied using a rapid filtration technique. In solutions of high ionic strength (450 mM), the amount of 45Ca2+ bound to this membrane material was found to be highly dependent on the monovalent cation used in the incubating solution. The amount of 45Ca2+ bound was larger when the membranes were incubated in a KCl solution compared to when they were incubated in a NaCl solution. This difference was attributed to the ability of these closed membrane vesicles to accumulate Ca2+ into the vesicle when incubating in a KCl solution but not in a NaCl solution. This accumulation of Ca2+ was found to be independent of metabolic energy and depended primarily on the absence of Na+ from the incubation medium. At low ionic strength, the membranes formed open fragments and the amount of Ca2+ bound was no longer sensitive to the monovalent cation species in the incubation solution. The 45Ca2+ bound under these low ionic strength conditions was considered to be bound to anionic sites on the membranes.