cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of an adenovirus virus-associated RNA

Adenovirus Virus-Associated (VA) RNAs are the first discovered viral noncoding RNAs. By mimicking double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), the exceptionally abundant, multifunctional VA RNAs sabotage host machineries that sense, transport, process, or edit dsRNAs. How VA-I suppresses PKR activation despite its strong dsRNA character, and inhibits the crucial antiviral kinase to promote viral translation, remains largely unknown. Here, we report a 2.7 A crystal structure of VA-I RNA. The acutely bent VA-I features an unusually structured apical loop, a wobble-enriched, coaxially stacked apical and tetra-stems necessary and sufficient for PKR inhibition, and a central domain pseudoknot that resembles codon-anticodon interactions and prevents PKR activation by VA-I. These global and local structural features collectively define VA-I as an archetypal PKR inhibitor made of RNA. The study provides molecular insights into how viruses circumnavigate cellular rules of self vs non-self RNAs to not only escape, but further compromise host innate immunity. Adenovirus Virus-Associated (VA) noncoding RNAs interfere with the host system by mimicking double stranded RNAs. Here, the authors report a 2.7 A crystal structure of VA-I RNA providing an understanding of its function.
Cannabis Inhalation and Voice Disorders A Systematic Review

Importance Widespread legalization of cannabis throughout the United States has created a knowledge gap that leaves practitioners who manage voice disorders uninformed about this substance, commonly referred to as marijuana. The association of cannabis inhalation and voice disorders is rarely reported. However, studies on the association between cannabis inhalation and respiration have been published; therefore, these studies may serve as a surrogate for studies on the association between cannabis and phonation. Objective To review the literature on the association of cannabis-only consumption via smoking and vaping with the health and function of the vocal mechanism to aid clinical recommendations for patients with voice disorders. Evidence Review This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. An electronic search in MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for original research on inhaled cannabis was performed from January 1, 2007, through August 10, 2018. The search strategy included Medical Subject Heading terms and keywordsmarijuana, cannabis, respiratory, lungs, larynx, voice, phonation,andvocalwith Boolean operators (AND, OR). Studies of participants of legal age (≥18 years) who had cannabis-only clinical data and used nonsynthetic cannabinoids were included in the review. Findings This systematic review identified 6 clinical science studies and 13 basic science or animal studies. The only study to date that has evaluated the association between laryngeal symptoms and inhaling cannabis found that human smokers assessed by indirect laryngoscopy with mirror examination exhibited dark vocal folds. Analyses of 6 other clinical science articles indicated an association between cannabis inhalation and respiratory problems that were reduced with smoking cessation or switching to vaporizing. Lung function was maintained in light cannabis smoke exposure after long-term use. Analyses of basic science and animal articles indicated that cannabis smoking was associated with lung and throat injuries attributable to smoking degradation by-products, similar to injuries seen in human tobacco smoking. Conclusions and Relevance The findings suggest that cannabis-only smoking is associated with changes in vocal fold appearance, respiratory symptoms, and negative lung function changes, especially in heavy smokers. Details about patterns of cannabis consumption appear to be relevant to gather in patients with voice disorders. Results further suggest that cannabis smokers presenting with a voice disorder should undergo laryngeal imaging and complete pulmonary function testing when indicated and receive education about consumption methods and their association with voice disorders.
Local $SU(2) \times U(1)$ Quark Flavor Symmetry in the RS Bulk

We propose a model of quark flavor based on an additional $SU(2)\times U(1)$ local symmetry in a warped extra dimensional bulk. In contrast to other works, we break the additional gauge symmetry in the bulk via two complex scalars which acquire bulk vevs, rather than relying on brane-localized symmetry breaking. A gauge-covariant Kaluza-Klein decomposition of a theory with a bulk spontaneously broken gauge symmetry is performed, and exact expressions for the bulk profiles of all physical particles in such systems are given. The SM quark masses and mixings are then recreated using gauge-covariant bulk quark mass terms and Yukawa-like couplings to the new bulk scalars. A numerical sampling of points in the model parameter space that recreate the quark masses and mixings is performed at a KK scale of $M_{KK} =5$ TeV. We then compute the $\Delta F = 2$ 4-quark operators arising from our new flavor gauge bosons and scalars, and those arising from Kaluza-Klein modes of SM gauge bosons. By decoupling one of our bulk scalar fields to all quark fields except the right-handed up-like sector, we find that it is possible to greatly suppress tree-level contributions to the highly constrained Kaon mixing parameters. Instead, the dominant constraints on the model emerge from neutral $B_d$ and $D$ meson mixing. These constraints are explored with our numerical sampling of the model parameter space, and the specific contribution of the new flavor gauge bosons and scalars is discussed. We find that for a significant range of realistic flavor gauge couplings, the new gauge bosons compete with the normally dominant gluon flavor-changing currents, but flavor-changing operators emerging from the bulk scalar fields are highly suppressed. Finally, we briefly comment on flavor constraints that are independent of the flavor gauge sector arising from the $Z \bar{b}_L b_L$ coupling and rare top decays.
An energy-cyber-physical system for personalized normative messaging interventions: Identification and classification of behavioral reference groups

Abstract Within residences, normative messaging interventions have encouraged households to engage in various pro-environmental behaviors. In norm-based intervention campaigns, it is hypothesized that more personally relevant reference groups increase norm adherence, thus improving the effectiveness of normative messaging interventions. Advanced energy grid infrastructure, such as smart meters and cloud computing, enables the creation of highly personalized behavioral reference groups in a non-invasive manner by dynamically classifying households into highly similar user groups based on usage patterns. Unfortunately, it remains unclear how readily available data on household energy use and housing characteristics affect the classification performance of dynamic behavioral reference groups. Therefore, this research evaluates the classification performance of dynamic behavioral reference groups using readily available data. An energy-cyber-physical system for personalized normative messaging interventions is trained and tested using one-year of energy use data from 2248 households in Holland, Michigan. Dynamic behavioral reference group classification proved very accurate, 94.7–95.9% for weekly feedback and 89.9–93.1% for monthly feedback using only readily available data. In addition, using more historical energy use data contributes to enhancing classification accuracy. Lastly, high classification performance for each behavioral reference group is achieved at 97.6% of precision, recall and F1-score. With the proposed system, it is possible to dynamically assign highly personalized behavioral reference groups to households every billing cycle even if behavioral patterns are subject to change. Thus, interveners will be able to deploy personalized normative feedback messages on a large scale.
Scaling mitigation in radio-frequency induction heated membrane distillation

Abstract Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) scaling is a limiting factor in membrane distillation as a result of concentration polarization and elevated temperatures. We assessed the influence of radio-frequency magnetic fields, used as a method of heating the membrane's surface, as part of a membrane distillation (RF-MD) process. The influence of RF heating on CaSO4 scaling is addressed in terms of distillate flux and crystal formation, and the results are compared to conventional MD systems. The RF-MD system included a thermally conducting dual-layer membrane containing a magnetic hydrophilic layer based on iron oxide-carbon nanotubes coated on a hydrophobic membrane. Heating the solution was mainly done directly at the membrane-water interface, and scaling was assessed at different feed flow velocities using feed solutions containing elevated concentrations of CaSO4 and NaCl and at ionic composition simulating RO brine. Results show only sporadic small CaSO4 crystals on the membrane surface following RF-MD, while high concentrations of small crystals were detected at the concentrate stream exiting the filtration module. Furthermore, the RF-MD system was able to produce enhanced distillate flux. The scaling mitigation mechanism is discussed in detail and hypothesized to be a result of the high-frequency movement and collision of the ions in the solution.
Preeclampsia beyond pregnancy: long-term consequences for mother and child

Preeclampsia is defined as new-onset hypertension after the 20th wk of gestation along with evidence of maternal organ failure. Rates of preeclampsia have steadily increased over the past 30 yr, affecting ∼4% of pregnancies in the United States and causing a high economic burden (22, 69). The pathogenesis is multifactorial, with acknowledged contributions by placental, vascular, renal, and immunological dysfunction. Treatment is limited, commonly using symptomatic management and/or early delivery of the fetus (6). Along with significant peripartum morbidity and mortality, current research continues to demonstrate that the consequences of preeclampsia extend far beyond preterm delivery. It has lasting effects for both mother and child, resulting in increased susceptibility to hypertension and chronic kidney disease (45, 54, 115, 116), yielding lifelong risk to both individuals. This review discusses recent guideline updates and recommendations along with current research on these long-term consequences of preeclampsia.
Factors driving nutrient trends in streams of the Chesapeake Bay watershed

Despite decades of effort toward reducing nitrogen and phosphorus flux to Chesapeake Bay, water-quality and ecological responses in surface waters have been mixed. Recent research, however, provides useful insight into multiple factors complicating the understanding of nutrient trends in bay tributaries, which we review in this paper, as we approach a 2025 total maximum daily load (TMDL) management deadline. Improvements in water quality in many streams are attributable to management actions that reduced point sources and atmospheric nitrogen deposition and to changes in climate. Nutrient reductions expected from management actions, however, have not been fully realized in watershed streams. Nitrogen from urban nonpoint sources has declined, although water-quality responses to urbanization in individual streams vary depending on predevelopment land use. Evolving agriculture, the largest watershed source of nutrients, has likely contributed to local nutrient trends but has not affected substantial changes in flux to the bay. Changing average nitrogen yields from farmland underlain by carbonate rocks, however, may suggest future trends in other areas under similar management, climatic, or other influences, although drivers of these changes remain unclear. Regardless of upstream trends, phosphorus flux to the bay from its largest tributary has increased due to sediment infill in the Conowingo Reservoir. In general, recent research emphasizes the utility of input reductions over attempts to manage nutrient fate and transport at limiting nutrients in surface waters. Ongoing research opportunities include evaluating effects of climate change and conservation practices over time and space and developing tools to disentangle and evaluate multiple influences on regional water quality.
An optical design supporting variable illumination size and coherence fraction for x-ray imaging

At the National Synchrotron Light Source II, a beamline has been designed that aims to meet the needs of general CDI experiments at x-ray energies between 5 and 15 keV, where access to nanoscale information can be provided in “full-field” images of micron-sized particles in Bragg- and forward-scattering geometries. Here, we present the optical design underlying the proposed beamline, which delivers a variably-sized focal spot in the micron range with independently vari
Painting the World Picture

This chapter focuses on modernist painting and art. Its prime example is Franz Marc, an early German expressionist whose painting exemplifies the way modernist mimesis dissolves the separation of subject and object. Picasso, Cezanne, and Matisse are discussed as well. This chapter argues that modernist painting seeks out transient moments in human experience and tries to present them in the authenticity of that defining transience. The paintings do not seek to discover eternal verities in such moments but to seize those moments as singular. This modernist ideal comes especially from Charles Baudelaire, who sought the same for his poetry. Discussed are also counterexamples, including Duchamp, Warhol, and Walter Benjamin (who plays both sides of the net on this topic). This chapter shows that mimesis is not the representation of reality but a form of sympathetic identification of the artist (and the viewer) with nature.
Palliative Interventions for Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Palliative care is the multidisciplinary focus on patient symptoms with the goal of preservation or improvement in quality of life. Given the indolent nature of well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and the long life expectancy experienced by patients with NETs, even advanced metastatic disease, careful consideration of symptom control and quality of life is of the upmost importance. This chapter will review the indications for, patient selection for, and outcomes of palliative surgery for patients with NETs.
Enhanced Electrodiffusive Transport Across a Mucus Layer

Diffusive transport of small ionic species through mucus layers is a ubiquitous phenomenon in physiology. However, some debate remains regarding how the various characteristics of mucus (charge of ...
Inter-facility transports of critically ill neonates

Purpose: Interfacility transports (IFTs) of critically ill neonates (CINs) for a higher level of care are fraught with risk. Data on outcomes of IFTs of CINs requiring intensive monitoring and therapeutic interventions are scant. Our purpose was to compare IFTs of CINs and matched controls to a quarternary center by a specialized pediatric transport team. Specifically, we compared a) clinical characteristics and pre-transport status, b) unplanned events (UEs) and therapeutic interventions (TIs) during IFT and c) status on arrival, using the validated Transport risk index of physiologic stability …
Enabling Next Generation CMOS by Novel EOT Scaling Module

A new integrated-process approach is introduced enabling precision control and co-optimization of advanced gate stacks delivering 1-2 A EOT scaling while maintaining same gate leakage level compared to a traditional flow. We demonstrated this Tinv oxide integrated scaling on advanced FinFET test vehicles and show > 8% I on /I off gain for SiGe Fin PFET / Si Fin NFET, and similar benefits are preliminarily observed on Nano-Sheet (NS) devices. This paves the way for current and next generation CMOS devices for scaling and performance improvement.
Perspective on National Water Resources Planning

Development of national planning for river basin development in United States from early 19th century through 20th century; most recent reports having bearing on national water resources planning are examined; role of civil engineer in comprehensive water resources planning for future. (57 refs.)
Can't Stomach the American with Disabilities Act? How the Federal Courts Have Gutted Disability Discrimination Legislation in Cases Involving Individuals with Gastrointestinal Disorders and Other Hidden Illnesses

Despite the initial optimism behind the ADA, many plaintiffs have now realized that the Act does not always provide the level of protection many individuals need. This Article focuses on individuals suffering from disorders such as Crohn's Disease and Colitis, two disorders that affect individuals' digestive systems. The Article first discusses these disorders and the various treatment options available to those who suffer from them. The Article then analyzes several cases where the plaintiffs were either "too sick" or "not sick enough" to receive ADA protection. Next, the Article highlights some of the other problems these individuals have had while attempting to assert ADA claims. The Article then analyzes a few cases where these plaintiffs were actually able to achieve some success. Finally, the Article suggests some solutions to this problem and recommends how these plaintiffs with these illnesses might be able to obtain some relief in the courts. These suggestions include attempting to assert claims under state disability laws and/or attempting to assert claims under other federal laws.
Friendlee: A Mobile Application for Your Social Life

We have designed and implemented Friendlee, a mobile social networking application for close relationships. Friendlee analyzes the user’s call and messaging activity to form an intimate network of the user’s closest social contacts while providing ambient awareness of the user’ social network in a compelling, yet non-intrusive manner.
Understanding CERCLA Through Webster's New World Dictionary and State Common Law: Forestalling the Federalization of Property Law

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") was hastily enacted in 1980 in the wake of the Love Canal disaster, where vast amounts of toxic wastes were found buried beneath a residential community. The contours of this legislation, though comprehensive in its outward scope, have been difficult to discern, largely as a consequence of vague and confusing expression. Though often the first tool resorted to for interpretation is the dictionary, the courts have looked beyond the literal terms, in an effort to determine the intended and sensible limits, consistent with both the congressional aim to reach broad categories of responsible parties and conduct, as well as with long-settled principles on the burdens that come with land ownership and enterprise. The most recent Supreme Court decision interpreting CERCLA, Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway Co. v. United States, recognized the challenges of applying the statute and seemed to affirm the approach taken by the lower courts. That approach stands in clear contrast to what appears in other areas to be a determined march by federal courts toward the federalization of property law-either by redefining or reshaping well-settled common law concepts or by devising a federal concept calculated to serve particular federal interests. These maneuvers, where they are not principled and ignore historical rationales for the state law concept, threaten to undermine the law's validity and legal theory. The approach taken in interpreting CERCLA should guide federal courts in preserving the historical importance of common law concepts. Understanding CERCLA teaches us about purposive decisionmaking.
Fatigue Characterization of Composite Materials

Abstract : A procedure is outlined which allows the generation of an S-N curve with some statistical value without resorting to an extremely large data base. The procedure is based on a power law representation of the S-N curve and a two- parameter Weibull Distribution for time-to-failure at a specific stress level. A data pooling scheme is also discussed which allows the determination of a fatigue shape parameter which is independent of stress level.
Document image retrieval using signatures as queries

In searching a repository of business documents, a task of interest is that of using a query signature image to retrieve from a database, other signatures matching the query. The signature retrieval task involves a two-step process of extracting all the signatures from the documents and then performing a match on these signatures. This paper presents a novel signature retrieval strategy, which includes a technique for noise and printed text removal from signature images, previously extracted from business documents. Signature matching is based on a normalized correlation similarity measure using global shape-based binary feature vectors. In a retrieval task involving a database of 447 signatures, on an average 4.43 out of the top 5 choices were signatures belonging to the writer of the queried signature. On considering the Top 10 ranks, a F-measure value of 76.3 was obtained and the precision and recall values at this F-measure were 74.5% and 78.28% respectively.
Recruitment and Activation of Macrophages by Pathogenic CD4 T Cells in Type 1 Diabetes: Evidence for Involvement of CCR8 and CCL1

Adoptive transfer of diabetogenic CD4 Th1 T cell clones into young NOD or NOD.scid recipients rapidly induces onset of diabetes and also provides a system for analysis of the pancreatic infiltrate. Although many reports have suggested a role for macrophages in the inflammatory response, there has been little direct characterization of macrophage activity in the pancreas. We showed previously that after migration to the pancreas, diabetogenic CD4 T cell clones produce a variety of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, resulting in the recruitment of macrophages. In this study, we investigated mechanisms by which macrophages are recruited and activated by T cells. Analysis of infiltrating cells after adoptive transfer by the diabetogenic T cell clone BDC-2.5 indicates that large numbers of cells staining for both F4/80 and CD11b are recruited into the pancreas where they are activated to make IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and NO, and express the chemokine receptors CCR5, CXCR3, and CCR8. Diabetogenic CD4 T cell clones produce several inflammatory chemokines in vitro, but after adoptive transfer we found that the only chemokine that could be detected ex vivo was CCL1. These results provide the first evidence that CCR8/CCL1 interaction may play a role in type 1 diabetes through macrophage recruitment and activation.
Energy macro-modeling of embedded microprocessor using SystemC

System-on-chip (SoC) is increasingly adopted in VLSI world with the advancing silicon technologies. Integrating multiple functional IPs (intellectual property) onto a single die increases performance and saves power consumption by reducing interconnecting capacitance among these IPs. Embedded microprocessor acts as the central controlling unit of many SoCs to orchestrate all the other IPs to work harmoniously. Low and predictable energy consumption is often required for these systems. This paper proposes an empirical macro-modeling methodology allowing energy modeling at the system level. High-level macro-operations are characterized for energy consumption. This modeling framework is implemented for a MIPS-family microprocessor using SystemC, a system-level modeling and simulation environment. Using the JPEG encoder application as case study, a simulation speed-up of more than 200 times with the relative error of -6.70% on energy estimation is achieved compared to instruction-level simulators. Meanwhile, this model provides support to multiprocessor energy modeling, which is unavailable currently in the instruction-level energy simulators
Geometric methods for robust stabilization of autonomous underwater vehicles

In this paper we describe feedback stabilization strategies for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) that are robust to uncertainties in hydrodynamic parameters. The approach uses geometric methods to exploit the structure of a six degree-of-freedom nonlinear dynamic vehicle model and avoids having to cancel or linearize nonlinearities.
A New Ballistic-Diffusive Model for Heat Pulse Propagation

In this paper, we reported a new ballistic-diffusive model for heat pulse propagation in dielectric materials. The internal energy and heat flux are split into ballistic part originating from the boundaries and diffusive part originating from inside medium. The ballistic part is modeled based on analytical solutions while the diffusive part is described by Guyer-Krumhansl equations. To validate this model, heat pulse propagation in pure NaF at low temperature is studied. The observed longitudinal waves, transverse waves, second sound waves, and diffusive waveforms from the experiments conducted in early 1970s are numerically reconstructed. There is qualitative agreement between numerical results and experimental observation.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Highly available distributed services and fault-tolerant distributed garbage collection

Abstract : This paper describes two techniques that are only loosely related. The first is a method for constructing a highly available service for use in a distributed system. The service presents its clients with a consistent view of its state, but the view may contain old information. Clients can indicate how recent the information must be. The method can be used in any application in which the property of interest is stable: once the property becomes true, it remains true forever. The paper also describes a fault-tolerant garbage collection method for a distributed heap. The method is practical and efficient. Each computer that contains part of the heap does local garbage collection independently, using whatever algorithm it chooses, and without needing to communicate with the other computers that contain parts of the heap. The highly available central service is used to store information about inter-computer references. (kr)
Structure development during melt spinning of linear polyethylene fibers

Apparatus has been developed for studying the development of crystallinity and orientation during the melt spinning of synthetic fibers. Tension in the fiber and temperature, diameter, and x-ray diffraction patterns are measured as a function of distance from the spinneret for a running monofilament. Measurements are presented for linear polyethylene over a range of spinning variables together with other investigations carried out on the final as-spun fibers. These data indicate that the development of crystallinity in polyethylene is controlled by a balance between increased crystallization kinetics caused by the stress in the fiber and a tendency for increased supercooling with change in any spinning variable that increases cooling rates in the fiber. The type of crystalline orientation observed, its development during the spinning process, and the changes observed with changes in spinning conditions suggest a model for the as-spun fiber structure in which varying amounts of row nucleation and twisting of lamellar, folded-chain crystal overgrowths occur depending on the spinning conditions. As-spun fiber birefringence was shown to depend primarily on the crystalline orientation. Mechanical properties correlated well with c-axis crystalline orientation function and spinline stress.
Population Trends of the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae): Does Utilization of Small Diameter Redbay Trees Allow Populations to Persist?

Abstract The redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff, vectors laurel wilt, Raffaelea lauricola T.C. Harr., Fraedrich & Aghayeva, that quickly kills all large diam (> 2.5cm) redbay trees [Persea borbonia (L.) Sprengel] in an area but smaller diam trees ( 2.5 cm diam near ground level were still living at the beginning of the study in 2007. Despite having no large trees available, populations of the beetle persisted at 2 of the ...
Decomposition pathways of carbonofluorochloridic acid on the ground-state potential energy surface and its implication for a design strategy for alternative halocarbons

Abstract Ab initio molecular orbital calculations have been used to explore decomposition pathways of carbonofluorochloridic acid, FC(O)OCl. Results from this study suggest that the isolated FC(O)OCl molecule is a stable species with respect to unimolecular dissociation. Transition states and barriers from the dissociation process are provided. Additionally, the role that decomposition of FC(O)OCl may play in atmospheric processes is considered.
On production of long-term mean zonal current and eddy momentum and heat transports in atmosphere

— The mean zonal velocity in the atmosphere is taken as being created continually by the global scale Hadley circulation produced by the differential solar heating through the balance between the Coriolis effect and vertical diffusion, and not by conservation of absolute momentum. Hence a proper determination of the diffusion coefficient becomes the key to the solution of the zonal flow problem. In this study we take the flow field as composed of a primary global scale Hadley circulation, and a secondary flow created by the convergences of the eddy transports of heat and momentum and surface friction, which give rise to the classical three cell structure of the meridional circulation but which only modifies the zonal velocity distribution slightly.¶Finally, we use the equilibrium solution of the perturbation potential vorticity equation to obtain the eddy transports of momentum and heat, with the zonal velocity given by the primary Hadley flow as the basic flow, and we found that they are close to the statistically observed values, demonstrating that the system can maintain itself.
An Efficient Elastic Deformation Analysis Procedure for Simulating Conformal-Contact Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Systems

A compliance operator is often utilized to evaluate the elastic deformation during simulation of elastohydrodynamic lubrication of conformal-contact systems. The values of the compliance operator represent the elastic deformations of all nodes when only one node is under a unit external load. The accuracy of compliance operator values, computational cost, and storage size are important issues. It is found that values only in a small region surrounding the loading node should be used and those in other regions can be discarded. Moreover, the mesh refinement in thickness direction is found to be more important than that along the longitudinal and width directions. A simple formula is suggested as the relationship between the values of a compliance operator and refinement steps. These two approaches enable an efficient elasticity procedure for the simulation of conformal-contact Elastohydrodynamic lubrication systems.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Adaptable stand dynamics model integrating site-specific growth for innovative silvicultural prescriptions

Abstract ‘Adaptive stand dynamics models’ are presented in concept with a description of some component parts. These models are designed to predict change in gross tree dimensions (e.g. tree height, crown length and crown width) for trees in a given stand. Unlike growth and yield models, which use empirical equations fit to regional growth data, these models use available information from a specific stand and general stand dynamics theory to predict stand structure changes, and are designed to improve the predictions by utilizing remeasurement data from the subject stand. The author's current vision of an adaptive stand dynamics model has been used in two very different stands, one in the Pacific Northest USA and the other in Southern Midwest USA. This paper shows the potential of such models and explains how the model differs from traditional growth models.
Relationship of systemic blood pressure to nephropathology in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Relationship of systemic blood pressure to nephropathology in insulinedependent diabetes mellitus. Although hypertension is an important complication of diabetes it is unclear whether its association with other diabetic complications represents cause or consequence. Our study is a cross sectional evaluation of the relationship of blood pressure to renal structural and functional parameters. In 139 patients with insulin dependent diabetes for 18.9 ± 7.4 years (mean ± SD), we divided the patients into those with markedly increased mesangial volume fraction [Vv(mes/glom) ≥ 0.37] and those with less [Vv(mes/glom) 90mm Hg or receiving BP medications) occurred in 29/40 with Vv(mes/glom) ≥ 0.37. All 40 had clinical nephropathy with urinary albumin excretion (U A E) > 200 mg/24 hr. By two-way ANOVA creatinine clearance was lower and albuminuria was increased with both hypertension and the expanded mesangium. Also other measures of renal structure including filtration surface, index of interstitial fibrosis and index of arteriolar hyalinosis were increased by hypertension and mesangial expansion. Most patients with hypertension had other criteria for clinical nephropathy. Since, in these studies, we could not determine if hypertension contributed to or resulted from the renal lesions, we developed an estimate of the rate of mesangial expansion. We found that patients with normal BP (119 ± 11/78 ± 7mm Hg) can be rapidly developing mesangial expansion. These studies support the view that the development of serious renal lesions can be independent of hypertension in 1DDM. Further elucidation of the role of blood pressure in the genesis of diabetic glomerulopathy will require longitudinal studies of both renal structure and function in the first decade of IDDM.
US and International mechanisms for protecting and managing shark resources

Abstract Sharks have become a popular target for fisheries throughout the world. The presence of profitable markets for shark products, combined with the dwindling status of the more traditional target species such as cod and haddock, have led to the over-exploitation of some shark species. Due to their k-selected life history patterns (long-lived, slow-growing animals with a very limited reproductive potential), many shark species are particularly vulnerable to over-exploitation. Some species are likely to be in need of protection. Two possible ways in which sharks could be protected, in addition to traditional harvest management methods are, globally, through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) or, in the United States, through the Endangered Species Act (ESA). As a result of the United States' recommendation that the international trade in sharks be discussed at the Ninth Conference of the Parties to the CITES in November 1994, a resolution was adopted to review information on the biological status of sharks and the impacts of international trade. More work was done on the resolution at the Tenth Conference of the Parties in June 1997 and is on-going. The ESA provides protection for species that are listed as threatened or endangered. The two agencies administering the ESA must use the best available scientific and commercial data to determine whether a species warrants protection under the ESA. There are currently no international regional regimes for the management of sharks; however, their formation should be investigated by countries and intergovernmental organizations.
Leaky modes in active three-layer slab waveguides

We present a comprehensive numerical mode calculation based on a phenomenological theory for a three-layer slab waveguide with a refractive-index depression but finite gain in the centre region (leaky modes). The leaking rays and the refraction loss of the modes are discussed as well as their influence on the threshold conditions for typical stripe-geometry laser structures. Special attention is paid to the transition regime between refractive-index depression and enhancement. i.e. between leaky-mode ‘antiguiding’ and mode ‘guiding’. The results are compared with simple analytical formulas available from the literature.
Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in the 21(st) century.

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in the 21st century
Integrated strain array for cellular mechanobiology studies.

We have developed an integrated strain array for cell culture enabling high-throughput mechano-transduction studies. Biocompatible cell culture chambers were integrated with an acrylic pneumatic compartment and microprocessor-based control system. Each element of the array consists of a deformable membrane supported by a cylindrical pillar within a well. For user-prescribed waveforms, the annular region of the deformable membrane is pulled into the well around the pillar under vacuum, causing the pillar-supported region with cultured cells to be stretched biaxially. The optically clear device and pillar-based mechanism of operation enables imaging on standard laboratory microscopes. Straightforward fabrication utilizes off-the-shelf components, soft lithography techniques in polydimethylsiloxane and laser ablation of acrylic sheets. Proof of compatibility with basic biological assays and standard imaging equipment were accomplished by straining C2C12 skeletal myoblasts on the device for 6 h. At higher strains, cells and actin stress fibers realign with a circumferential preference.
Assessing child neglect: A review of standardized measures

Child neglect is the most prevalent type of child maltreatment, yet only a few standardized methods exist to assist in the assessment of this widespread problem. Existing measures of child neglect are limited by the nature of child neglect itself, in addition to issues of social desirability responding, and items that may infer blame and parental responsibility. This review first delineates child neglect, including its prevalence and characteristics, to provide a context in which to examine assessment issues. Later, standardized measures of child neglect are underscored, including a review of their response format and relevant psychometric support, if any. Future directions for practice and research are reported in light of these findings.
Microfibrous carriers for cell culture: a comparative study.

Small patches of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nonwoven microfibrous matrices have excellent properties and can be used as carriers for culturing cells in agitated bioreactors. The microfibrous carriers are highly porous and can provide large surface areas and three-dimensional space for high-density cell growth. In this work, the microfibrous carriers and several commercial microcarriers were used to study cell attachment kinetics, growth, and monoclonal antibody production with Chinese hamster ovary cells. Compared with commercial solid and macroporous microcarriers, the microfibrous carriers showed better or similar performances. In addition, the microfibrous carriers provided a wider operable range for agitation rate than commercial microcarriers, effectively protecting cells from shear stress and carrier collisions. In addition, the microfibrous carriers are available at a much lower cost than commercial microcarriers, providing an attractive alternative to microcarrier-based large-scale cell cultures. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Symmetric Pairs for Quantized Enveloping Algebras

Abstract Let θ be an involution of a semisimple Lie algebra g , let g θ denote the fixed Lie subalgebra, and assume the Cartan subalgebra of g has been chosen in a suitable way. We construct a quantum analog of U ( g θ ) which can be characterized as the unique subalgebra of the quantized enveloping algebra of g which is a maximal right coideal that specializes to U ( g θ ).
Chi Sigma Iota Chapter Leadership and Professional Identity Development in Early Career Counselors.

As the academic and professional honor society of counseling, Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) has been recognized in developing advocacy, leadership, and professional identity in student and professional members. A qualitative, grounded theory study was conducted to investigate experiences of 15 early career counselors who were CSI chapter leaders as graduate students. An emergent theory of CSI chapter leadership and professional identity development in early career counselors is presented. Implications are discussed for counselor educators, CSI leaders, and counseling students and professionals, with suggestions made for future research.
Development of pulse introduction membrane extraction for analysis of volatile organic compounds in individual aqueous samples, and for continuous on-line monitoring

Most analytical applications of membrane extraction have involved continuous introduction of the sample into the membrane. In these studies, the measurements were made after membrane permeation reached a steady state. Since the diffusion of analytes in the aqueous matrix, and through the membrane is a slow process, it takes a certain amount of time to reach steady state. Any measurement made during the unsteady state period does not represent the true concentration of the sample stream. Furthermore, a relatively large sample volume is needed for the analysis because the sample has to be introduced continuously. Recently we have developed an alternative approach to membrane extraction referred to as pulse introduction membrane extraction (PIME). Here a pulse of sample is injected into the membrane, and steady state is not reached. This approach results in analytical system that has faster response and the capability to analyze individual samples. This concept can be used in conjunction with gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, as well as other analytical techniques. In this paper, the application of PIME for continuous monitoring of trace level organics in water is presented. The system demonstrated sub-ppb level detection limits, high precision and linear calibration curves. In this study, conditions for shorter analysis time and high sensitivity were studied. A comparison of PIME with steady state, continuous sample introduction is also presented.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Thymidine Kinase Sequence Fused to the lacZ Gene Increases Levels of β-Galactosidase Activity per Genome of High-Capacity but Not First-Generation Adenoviral Vectors In Vitro and In Vivo

Increased transgene expression per vector genome is an important goal in the optimization of viral vectors for gene therapy. Herein we demonstrate that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) thymidine kinase (TK) gene sequences (1,131 bp) fused to the 3' end of lacZ increase transgene expression from high-capacity adenoviral vectors (HCAd), but not from first-generation (Ad) vectors. The woodchuck hepatitis virus posttranscriptional regulatory element (WPRE), in contrast, increased transgene expression levels from Ad but not HCAd vectors. The differential activity of the HSV1 TK gene and WPRE sequences was detected both in vitro and in vivo and suggests potentially different mechanisms of action or the interaction of these elements with vector genomic sequences.
Acute Lacunar Stroke in Association With Angiogram-Negative Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Mechanistic Implications of Two Cases

Background and Purpose Although there is much speculation regarding the source of bleeding in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage when no angiographic abnormality is found, little direct evidence has been obtained to document a cause. We report two cases of stroke in the distribution of a perforating or lenticulostriate artery occurring at the time of angiogram-negative subarachnoid hemorrhage. Case Descriptions A 68- and a 60-year-old man each presented with acute onset of headache and meningismus. Computed tomography (CT) revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage in a perimesencephalic pattern and in the left sylvian fissure, respectively. In both instances, immediate CT revealed evidence of an early infarction in the distribution of a perforating artery originating at the site of the subarachnoid blood. Both of these strokes were demonstrated to be acute by evolution on serial imaging studies. No source for the subarachnoid blood could be found in either patient in cerebral angiograms repeated at 2 weeks. Con...
A reexamination of unified field theory

Abstract We study a nonlinear field theory with a nonsymmetric Γ jk i which has the property that all tensor functions of g ij , e i α , Γ jk i , and ∂ k are treated in a uniform manner. All scalar functions of g ij , e i α , Γ jk i and ∂ k are constants in such a theory. If the theory is to be meaningful, it is necessary for a set of consistency conditions to be satisfied. We, then, show that nontrivial solutions to these consistency equations do exist. We describe, in another paper, results of a finite difference approximation to the field equations which we have obtained using a computer. We show that the field equations are asymptotic to the conventional wave equation. We find particle-like behavior can be made to appear at an origin point. The theory does not involve any arbitrary functions. Thus, there is less arbitrariness in this theory as compared with other hyperbolic type theories.
Line by line calculation of spectra from diatomic molecules and atoms assuming a voigt line profile

Computer program to predict spectra from electronic transitions of diatomic molecules and atoms, noting line intensity distribution by Voigt profile
Climate change and North American rangelands: Assessment of mitigation and adaptation strategies

Recent climatic trends and climate model projections indicate that climate change will modify rangeland ecosystem functions and the services and livelihoods that they provision. Recent history has demonstrated that climatic variability has a strong influence on both ecological and social components of rangeland systems and that these systems possess substantial capacity to adapt to climatic variability. Specific objectives of this synthesis are to: 1) evaluate options to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and future climate change; 2) survey actions that individuals, enterprises, and social organizations can use to adapt to climate change; and 3) assess options for system transformation when adaptation is no longer sufficient to contend with climate change. Mitigation for carbon sequestration does not appear economically viable, given the small and highly variable carbon dioxide fluxes of rangeland ecosystems and the high transaction costs that would be incurred. In contrast, adaptation strategies are numerous and provide a means to manage risks associated with climate change. Adaptation strategies are diverse, including altered risk perception by individuals, greater flexibility of production enterprises, and modifications to social organizations that emphasize climatic variability, rather than consistency. Many adaptations represent “no regrets” actions because their implementation can be justified without emphasis on pending climate change. Adaptations specific to livestock production systems can include flexible herd management, alternative livestock breeds or species, innovative pest management, modified enterprise structures, and geographic relocation. Social-ecological systems in which adaptation is insufficient to counter the adverse consequences of climate change might undergo transformative change to produce alternative ecosystem services, production enterprises, and livelihoods. The rangeland profession is in a pivotal position to provide leadership on this global challenge because it represents the intersection of management and scientific knowledge, includes diverse stakeholders who derive their livelihoods from rangelands, and interacts with organizations responsible for rangeland stewardship.