cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plastics in Greenhouse Production

The use of plastics has revolutionized the greenhouse industry. Plastic is used for everything from the exterior greenhouse coverings, or claddings, to structural components, to nearly all aspects of the interior production systems, including pots, trays, irrigation systems and almost everything else. It is safe to say that without the use of plastics the greenhouse industry would be unrecognizable. Prior to the introduction of plastic covered greenhouses after WWII, greenhouses were covered with relatively small glass panes. These were heavy and required a lot of supporting sash bars which were generally wood, and that support required a lot of maintenance in the form of painting and reduced light transmission into the greenhouse. These glasshouses were expensive and time consuming to build. Plastic coverings, particularly polyethylene films changed all that. Suddenly you could construct an inexpensive frame to support large sheets of inexpensive plastic covering. This led to a rapid expansion of the use of greenhouses around the world to produce all sorts of crops (Wittwer, 1993). These greenhouses could have larger open spaces inside with fewer or in some cases no supporting columns facilitating better space utilization and greatly improved productivity. The use of plastic sheeting or film as a greenhouse covering probably had more impact on the greenhouse industry as a whole than any other single application of plastics (Jacobson, 2011). But this was not the only revolutionary change in greenhouse production that can be attributed to the use of plastic. Another game changing application was the use of plastics in pots. By the 1970s and 1980s plastic pots had almost completely replaced the clay pots that were used previously. Clay pots were heavy and fragile which greatly limited growers ability to ship and market flowering potted plants, potted nursery plants, and bedding plants. Plastic pots were relatively inexpensive, rugged, and perhaps most importantly light weight. The use of plastic containers caused another huge change in greenhouse production in the 1980s. The development of plastic plug trays with small individual cells combined with mechanical seeders capable of placing one or more seeds with precision in each of those individual cells revolutionized propagation practices in the greenhouse. Crop time was greatly reduced by eliminating transplant shock, and the whole process became much more efficient, with large-scale specialty propagators, or plug producers growing the plug seedlings while other growers focused on finishing the plants resulting in great economies of scale and labor requirements (Styer and Koranski, 1997). Another area where plastics completely changed a segment of the greenhouse industry is in their use in hydroponics. Modern hydroponic production systems depend on the use of plastics. Nutrient Film Technique, a common hydroponic production system for leafy greens and herbs, would not be possible without extruded plastic troughs and trays (Resh, 2013).
Interpretation of Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies

In this chapter we discuss the importance of understanding electromyography and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS) as an extension of the physical exam for clinical decision-making and surgical planning. We review the physiology of neurons and muscle cells to develop understanding of how electrodiagnostic testing works. We also review the technical considerations when performing EMG and NCS. Understanding the technical aspects of EMG/NCS is important to be able to discuss the study with patients when referring to them for the studies and to discuss the main goals, and your clinical suspicions, of each study with the performing physician. We will then review key components of EMG/NCS and go through examples.
Racial Disparities in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: Analysis of 125,901 Patients in National US Private Payer Database

There is a relative paucity of studies that characterized racial disparities in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Therefore, this study was specifically conducted to evaluate the following: (1) incidence; (2) annual burden; (3) causes; and (4) age group distribution of revision TKA among different racial groups in the US sample population. The PearlDiver database was utilized to identify patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent primary then subsequent revision TKA from January 2007 to December 2014. Patients were stratified by race, and subset stratification by age was also performed. In each racial cohort, the overall incidence of revision TKA, annual revision burdens, and causes of revisions were calculated and compared. Additionally, a sub-analysis for the incidence of revision TKA stratified by age, in each cohort, was performed. Statistical analysis was performed to demonstrate revision incidence, burden, causes, and age distribution. Revision incidence and burden were the highest in the African-American cohort (12.4%, 11.1%), (p < 0.001) and was lowest in the Asian cohort (3.4%, 3.3%) (p < 0.001). Across all cohorts, mechanical complications of the joint prosthesis were the most common cause of revision followed by periprosthetic joint infection, while contracture was the least common (p < 0.001). Subset analysis by age revealed that the highest incidence of revision TKA was in patients less than 40 years old in the Caucasian cohort (27.1%). The African-American (17.8%), other races (7.9%), and Hispanic (16.5%) cohorts had the highest incidence of revision in the 40 to 64 years age range. Among the Asian (4.1%) and Native American (9.7%) cohorts, revision incidence was highest in patients older than 65 years. The present study demonstrated that racial disparities, highlighted by previous studies mainly in primary TKA, extend to influence revision TKA. Among the studied racial cohorts, race may affect outcomes and our results will help expand the current literature particularly on its role in revision TKA.
Early genetic evaluation methods for cyclic growth in Pinus taeda L.

The seedling growth trait, cyclic growth, is well-correlated with older-tree heights measured in Pinus taeda L. field trials. These results have been repeatable across locations and seed sources if a standard greenhouse procedure is followed. This work is been limited to cyclic growth measured on P. taeda families and seed sources. The use of a standard greenhouse procedure will facilitate comparison with other early genetic evaulation methods for P. taeda and with similar studies on other Pinus species.
Book review: Common Lisp: A Gentle Introduction to Sympolic Programming by David S. Touretzky (Benjamin Cummings Publishing Co.)

Touretzky starts his book with the following statement: "This book is about learning to program in Lisp." He delivers his promise to his readers with clear instructions and many simple yet robust examples throughout the book. A partial list of features that separate this book from others are: emphasis on simplicity, use of evaltrace notation, description of several useful Lisp toolkits, and comprehensive representations for Lisp data structures. In addition, each chapter ends with a section on advanced topics. These sections have two purposes: to introduce advanced programming materials and to show computer programming in its broader mathematical and logical perspectives.
Hyperparameter optimization of neural network-driven spatial models accelerated using cyber-enabled high-performance computing

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been extensively used for the spatially explicit modeling of complex geographic phenomena. However, because of the complexity of the computational process, th...
Correlation between the Binding Parameters of Muscarinic Agonists and thier Inhibition of Adenylate Cyclase Activity

Muscarinic receptors are widely distributed throughout the body and play a key role in numerous vital functions.1 Activation of muscarinic receptors decreases the rate and force of contraction of the heart, relaxes peripheral blood vessels, constricts the airways of the lung, increases the secretions or motility of various organs of the gastrointestinal tract, increases the secretions of the lacrimal, salivary and sweat glands, and constricts the iris sphincter and ciliary muscles of the eye. Muscarinic receptors also participate in important functions within the brain including learning, memory and the control of posture.1
Quantitative analysis of the yeast pheromone pathway

The pheromone response pathway of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a well-established model for the study of G proteins and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. Our longstanding ability to combine sophisticated genetic approaches with established functional assays has provided a thorough understanding of signalling mechanisms and regulation. In this report, we compare new and established methods used to quantify pheromone-dependent MAPK phosphorylation, transcriptional induction, mating morphogenesis, and gradient tracking. These include both single-cell and population-based assays of activity. We describe several technical advances, provide example data for benchmark mutants, highlight important differences between newer and established methodologies, and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each as applied to the yeast model. Quantitative measurements of pathway activity have been used to develop mathematical models and reveal new regulatory mechanisms in yeast. It is our expectation that experimental and computational approaches developed in yeast may eventually be adapted to human systems biology and pharmacology.
Drusen of the Optic Nerve

It is not unusual to see patients evaluated for papilledema when in fact they have optic nerve drusen. Three patients in 1000 demonstrate drusen of the optic nerve. In familial cases, the inheritance is autosomal dominant. These patients may be asymptomatic or may note a decrease in visual acuity (25%). Visual field defects are seen in 25% of the patients. Drusen are rare in oriental or black persons. Clinical evaluation may demonstrate an irregular nerve head with multiple excrescences on the surface. Because many cases have the drusen deep within the nerve, blurring of the margins of the disc may be all that is present. At times, the drusen grow; and if they are located adjacent to a vessel, optic atrophy, optic nerve hemorrhage, juxta-papillary subretinal hemorrhages, or an infarct may ensue. In cases where one suspects buried drusen, computed tomography and B-scan ultrasonography may be helpful.
[Using Time Management and Quality Improvements to Decrease the Incidence of Unexpected Skin Defects in Post-Mastectomy Breast Cancer Patients].

BACKGROUND & PROBLEMS When patients with breast cancer undergo radical mastectomy, seromas are often caused due to the large area of excised breast tissue and the resulting cavity that fills with blood and water. Therefore, strong adhesive elastic tape and large amounts of gauze are needed to compress the wound. Our clinical experience shows that repeatedly removing dressings during dressing changes significantly increases the risk of unexpected skin defects. However, the increased duration of hospital stays required for these patients with skin defects exposes them to high risk environments, which may result in nosocomial infections and even longer hospitalization durations. PURPOSE This project aimed to decrease the incidence of unexpected skin defects in patients after mastectomy to below 15%. RESOLUTION After a review of the literature, we implemented this project to: (1) build up a standard operating procedure for post-mastectomy wound compression; (2) use narrow girdles instead of strong adhesive elastic tape; (3) use soft elastic bandages to replace the single layer of gauze for wound compression; (4) use a skin examination form as a continuous monitoring tool. We expected that these measurements would effectively decrease the incidence of unexpected skin defects in post-mastectomy patients. RESULTS After implementing this project, the incidence of unexpected skin defects in post-mastectomy patients decreased from 100% to 13% and the time required by clinical nursing staff to perform wound dressing care decreased from 25 mins to 15 mins per care instance. CONCLUSIONS We hope that this project helps effectively improve postoperative wound care quality in post-mastectomy patients and decreases the time spent by clinical nursing staff on wound dressing care.
Paleobiogeography, paleoecology, diversity, and speciation patterns in the Eublastoidea (Blastozoa: Echinodermata)

Understanding the distribution of taxa in space and time is key to understanding diversity dynamics. The fossil record provides an avenue to assess these patterns on vast timescales and through major global changes. The Eublastoidea were a conservatively plated Paleozoic echinoderm clade that range from the middle Silurian to the end-Permian. The geographic distribution of the eublastoids, as a whole, has been qualitatively assessed but has historically lacked a quantitative analysis. This is the first examination of the Eublastoidea using probabilistic methods within the R package BioGeoBEARS to assess macroevolutionary trends. Results provide an updated understanding of eublastoid diversity with new peaks and troughs in diversity through their evolutionary history. Lithology is examined in an evolutionary framework and does not have clear evolutionary trends, and there is much work to be done regarding environmental preferences. Biogeographic patterns do not recover precise group origins but do support the previous work that outlines Eublastoidea as a Laurentian clade. Sympatric speciation events dominant the clade's history but are likely exaggerated due to the highly combined areas. Vicariance events are rare and restricted to the Silurian and Devonian, and dispersal events are more common throughout the evolutionary history. Pathways allowing for lineage migrations are noted between southern Laurussia and China in the Devonian and Carboniferous and southern Laurussia and eastern Gondwana in the Carboniferous. Future work will include the addition of more non-Laurentian species into the estimated phylogeny to better estimate these global patterns.
Concept Endpoints Informing Design Considerations for Confirmatory Clinical Trials in Osteoarthritis.

Objective There is an unmet need for therapies that target the underlying pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA). However, defining appropriate measures for clinical trials of such therapies is challenging. Our objective is to propose concept clinical endpoints that directly capture clinical benefit in this setting and evaluate the feasibility of their use. Methods This analysis used the multi-center, longitudinal, observational Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) database. OAI participants primarily had knee OA, with follow-up of up to nine years and assessments of joints, surgical interventions, performance outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). We examined this dataset to identify existing outcome measures of direct clinical benefit. We evaluated the feasibility of conducting trials using these candidate endpoints by estimating incidence rates and resulting required sample sizes and study durations in time-to-event analyses. Results We identified candidate endpoints based on total knee replacement (TKR) and composite endpoints defined by TKR and conservative thresholds of PROs of pain and function. Using time to TKR as an endpoint, a study with an average follow-up time of three years requires approximately 3,000 to 18,000 subjects depending on effect size. Alternatively, a composite endpoint such as 'time to TKR or severe pain or severely impaired functioning', the required sample sizes ranged from approximately 2,000 to 11,000 for a three-year study. Conclusion The proposed concept endpoints can reliably and feasibly evaluate effectiveness of therapies for this unmet need. In particular, the composite endpoint approach can substantially reduce sample sizes (up to approximately 40%) compared to the use of TKR alone.
The landscape impact of unmaintained rangeland water control structures in southern Arizona, USA

Abstract Water development has transformed the topography of rangelands. This study investigated the associated hydrologic and geomorphic impacts of structures such as earthen berms, stock tanks, and road drainages in a semiarid rangeland in the Altar Valley in the southwestern USA where land use has been dominated by livestock production since the late 1800 s. The condition of remnant and operational runoff and erosion control structures was inventoried, mapped, and assessed using aerial imagery and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data. A total of 377 stock tanks are distributed throughout the valley where they are a control on runoff and sediment transfer. Almost half of 59 identified lateral channel berms (41%) have been breached and 17% have experienced lateral scour; 15% of 667 shorter water spreader berms have been breached and 29% have experienced lateral scour. Although landscape evolution in the valley is ultimately driven by regional geomorphic instability caused by channel incision and land cover changes, manmade structures are currently an important control on hydrologic and geomorphic processes, especially where not operating as intended. Due to the spatial extent of rangelands managed for livestock grazing and the large number of manmade structures distributed within, the results of this study are important for informing the role of humans in altering even seemingly sparsely impacted lands.
Improved determination of Europa's long-wavelength topography using stellar occultations

Europa Clipper will arrive at Jupiter at the end of this decade and will explore Europa through a series of flybys. One of its many goals is to characterize Europa's topography and global shape usi...
Doing Very Big Calculations on Modest Size Computers

I will talk about a new way of implementing Lanczos and contraction algorithms to diagonalize lattice Hamiltonians that dramatically reduces the memory required to do the computation, without restricting to variational ansatzes.
Structure and thermal decomposition of a nanocrystalline mechanically alloyed supersaturated Cu–Ta solid solution

The formation of a metastable Cu–Ta solid solution in a mechanically alloyed Cu–10 at.%Ta alloy and its subsequent decomposition during annealing was investigated by atom probe tomography. During annealing, the as-milled Cu-rich alloy undergoes phase separation; Ta atoms diffuse out of the Cu lattice to form Ta clusters and particles along grain boundaries and within the Cu grains. The role of the Ta clusters and the nature of the solid solution as a potential strengthening mechanism for these alloys are discussed.
Introduction to the Featured Collection on ``Nonstationarity, Hydrologic Frequency Analysis, and Water Management''1

Kiang, Julie E., J. Rolf Olsen, and Reagan M. Waskom, 2011. Introduction to the Featured Collection on “Nonstationarity, Hydrologic Frequency Analysis, and Water Management.”Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 47(3):433-435. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2011.00551.x
Secure Information Flow via Linear Continuations

Security-typed languages enforce secrecy or integrity policies by type-checking. This paper investigates continuation-passing style (CPS) as a means of proving that such languages enforce noninterference and as a first step towards understanding their compilation. We present a low-level, secure calculus with higher-order, imperative features and linear continuations. Linear continuations impose a stack discipline on the control flow of programs. This additional structure in the type system lets us establish a strong information-flow security property called noninterference. We prove that our CPS target language enjoys the noninterference property and we show how to translate secure high-level programs to this low-level language. This noninterference proof is the first of its kind for a language with higher-order functions and state.
Ecology of Micro-organisms in a Small Closed System: Potential Benefits and Problems for Space Station

The inevitble presence on the space station of microorganisms associated with crew members and their environment will have the potential for both benefits and a range of problems including illness and corrosion of materials. This report reviews the literature presenting information about microorganisms pertinent to Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) on the space station. The perspective of the report is ecological, viewing the space station as an ecosystem in which biological relationships are affected by factors such as zero gravity and by closure of a small volume of space. Potential sites and activities of microorganisms on the space station and their environmental limits, microbial standards for the space station, monitoring and control methods, effects of space factors on microorganisms, and extraterrestrial contamination are discussed.
Differences in innate immune signaling between alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

The similar histopathological characteristics of alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and the crucial role of the innate immune response in both conditions may lead to the assumption that ASH and NASH represent the same pathophysiological entities caused by different risk factors. In this review paper, we elaborate on the pathophysiological differences between these two entities and highlight the disease-specific involvement of signaling molecules downstream of the Toll-like receptor 4, and the differential mechanism by which the inflammasome contributes to ASH versus NASH. Our findings emphasize that ASH and NASH have disease-specific mechanisms and therefore represent distinct biological entities. Further studies are needed to dissect the emerging differences in pathogenesis of these two conditions.
Cultural Activity Associated with Prehistoric Mammoth Butchering and Processing

Stacked mammoth bones at the Colby site in northern Wyoming reflect human cultural activity that is believed to have been peripheral to the butchering and processing of the animals. A projectile point found beneath the first bones placed in the pile leaves no doubt of human involvement in the stacking of the bones, but the significance of this kind of cultural activity is open to several interpretations.
Monitoring the Integrity of Composite Structures

A method is proposed to predict the future load response of structures made of composite materials. The method makes the predictions on the basis of past loadstrain data. The method was developed for structures subjected to monotonically increasing or to random cyclic tensile loads. A computer code PREDICT was written which, in real time, can provide predicted values of residual strengths and number of cycles to failure from measured data. Tests were performed to evaluate the validity of the method using specimens made of different materials, lay-ups, and geometries. The specimens were subjected to monotonically increasing or to cyclic tensile loads. During the tests, the residual strengths and number of cycles to failure were predicted, and were compared to the actual value generated in the tests. The predicted and measured values were in good agreement lending confidence to the method.
PDZ domain proteins: Scaffolds for signaling complexes

InaD, a Drosophila photoreceptor scaffolding protein, assembles multiple signal-transducing proteins at the membrane via its five PDZ domains, enhancing speed and efficiency of vision. Extensive conservation of PDZ domains suggests that these motifs have a general role in organizing diverse signaling complexes.
THE EXECUTIVE PERSONAL FINANCE SCALE : ITEM ANALYSES

A scale devised to measure executive personal money management was examined for its factorial structure using 138 college students. On the whole, the factor analysis confirmed the subscale structure of the scale, but the Planning subscale appeared to consist of two distinct components, investment behavior and saving behavior.
Differences of pH-Dependent Mechanisms on Generation of Hydride Donors using Ru(II) Complexes Containing Geometric Isomers of NAD+ Model Ligands: NMR and Radiolysis Studies in Aqueous Solution

The pH-dependent mechanism of the reduction of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) model complex [Ru(bpy)2(5)]2+ (5 = 3-(pyrid-2′-yl)-4-azaacridine) was compared to the mechanism of the previously studied geometric isomer [Ru(bpy)2(pbn)]2+ (pbn = 2-(pyrid-2′-yl)-1-azaacridine, previously referred to as 2-(pyrid-2′-yl)-benzo[b]-1,5-naphthyridine) in aqueous media. The exposure of [Ru(bpy)2(5)]2+ to CO2•− leads to the formation of the one-electron reduced species (k = 4.4 × 109 M−1 s−1). At pH 11, dimerization of two one-electron reduced species is followed by disproportionation to one equivalent starting complex [Ru(bpy)2(5)]2+ and one equivalent [Ru(bpy)2(5HH)]2+. The structural difference between [Ru(bpy)2(pbn)]2+ and [Ru(bpy...
Multidimensional assignment formulation of data association problems arising from multitarget and multisensor tracking

The ever-increasing demand in surveillance is to produce highly accurate target and track identification and estimation in real-time, even for dense target scenarios and in regions of high track contention. The use of multiple sensors, through more varied information, has the potential to greatly enhance target identification and state estimation. For multitarget tracking, the processing of multiple scans all at once yields high track identification. However, to achieve this accurate state estimation and track identification, one must solve an NP-hard data association problem of partitioning observations into tracks and false alarms in real-time. The primary objective in this work is to formulate a general class of these data association problems as multidimensional assignment problems to which new, fast, near-optimal, Lagrangian relaxation based algorithms are applicable. The dimension of the formulated assignment problem corresponds to the number of data sets being partitioned with the constraints defining such a partition. The linear objective function is developed from Bayesian estimation and is the negative log posterior or likelihood function, so that the optimal solution yields the maximum a posteriori estimate. After formulating this general class of problems, the equivalence between solving data association problems by these multidimensional assignment problems and by the currently most popular method of multiple hypothesis tracking is established. Track initiation and track maintenance using anN-scan sliding window are then used as illustrations. Since multiple hypothesis tracking also permeates multisensor data fusion, two example classes of problems are formulated as multidimensional assignment problems.
Long-term effects of smoking and smoking cessation on exercise stress testing: Three-year outcomes from a randomized clinical trial

Cigarette smoking is a powerful risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality.1,2 The mechanisms by which smoking increases CVD risk are not well understood.3,4 Observational studies have demonstrated that exercise capacity is significantly impaired in smokers and that reduced smoke exposure may improve exercise parameters.5,6 However, smoking cessation is associated with weight gain,7-9 which affects exercise capacity,10,11 and today’s smokers are considerably heavier than those in past studies.12-14 Therefore, the long-term effects of smoking cessation on exercise physiology are unclear in today’s smokers. Several parameters measured during treadmill stress testing (TST) are predictive of future CVD events and mortality, including exercise capacity, rate-pressure product (RPP), peak heart rate (HR) increase, HR reserve, and 60-second HR recovery.15-21 To our knowledge, the effects of smoking cessation and continued smoking on exercise parameters have not been investigated longitudinally in a contemporary cohort of smokers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of smoking cessation and continued smoking on TST parameters that predict CVD risk.
Universal meromorphic functions

Using the techniques of the hypercyclicity criterion, we prove that there is a meromorphic function f(z) on the complex plane whose translates f(z + n) for all n ≥ 1 are dense in the metric space of meromorphic functions on any region in the plane. In additions, we prove the analogue of the result for non-Euclidean translation on the unit disk.
Evaluation of alternative cryoprotectants for preserving stallion spermatozoa.

Abstract Although use of cryopreserved stallion spermatozoa is currently accepted by many breed registries, utilization of this technique remains limited due to poor fertility for some stallions. One reason for these results is osmotic stress that spermatozoa experiences when the cryoprotectant (glycerol) is added to the cells prior to freezing and removal from the cells after thawing. In an effort to minimize osmotic damage, alternative cryoprotectants, having lower molecular weights and greater membrane permeability than glycerol, were evaluated to determine their effectiveness for cryopreserving stallion spermatozoa. In the first experiment, equal molar concentrations of several amides were compared to determine if they could preserve the motility of sperm as well as glycerol. At 0.55 M concentration, addition of glycerol to a skim milk–egg yolk (SMEY) diluent resulted in higher percentages of motile sperm (61%) than methyl formamide (40%) or dimethyl formamide (38%, P P P >0.05). In conclusion, both methyl formamide and dimethyl formamide protected stallion spermatozoa from cryodamage as effectively as glycerol. Since these compounds permeate the plasma membrane more effectively than glycerol, they should cause less osmotic damage to stallion spermatozoa than glycerol. Therefore, these compounds may prove very effective in the cryopreservation of stallion spermatozoa, and may be particularly useful for spermatozoa from stallions that produce spermatozoa that have poor post-thaw characteristics when glycerol is used as the cryoprotectant.
Motivations for responses to ostracism

Ostracism (being ignored and excluded) and other forms of interpersonal rejection threaten individuals' physical and psychological well-being (Williams and Nida, 2011). Researchers often use the terms ostracism, social exclusion, and rejection interchangeably, but there are theoretical and empirical debates about the differential effects of these phenomena (Smart Richman and Leary, 2009; Williams, 2009; Bernstein and Claypool, 2012). We acknowledge these debates but choose to use the term ostracism ubiquitously for simplicity because most of the outcomes we discuss are similar across the phenomena. Most individuals experience these threats at least once during their lives, and some individuals experience them daily (Williams, 2009). Regardless of the mode or source by which the event occurs, ostracism threatens basic psychological needs (belonging, control, meaningful existence, and self-esteem; Nezlek et al., 2012; Wesselmann et al., in press). Williams (2009) posits a temporal structure to ostracism's effects. In Stage 1, ostracism's basic need threat is ubiquitous with few situational or dispositional moderators (Wesselmann et al., in press). Williams's model is motivation-focused; after the initial threat occurs, individuals should be motivated to recover by fortifying their threatened needs. Stage 2 focuses on cognitive and behavioral processes ostracized individuals use to recover. Stage 3 argues that chronically ostracized individuals withdraw socially and experience extreme psychological and physical damage. We will now focus on relevant Stage 2 research and then discuss suggestions for future research on Stages 2 and 3.
Class Consciousness and Political Attitudes among Athenians

Using data collected in Athens, Greece in the spring of 1977, an effort was made to test the relationship between several objective socioeconomic indicators and subjective class perceptions and political attitudes. Our main concern was the effect of subjective class awareness and consciousness on selected political issues (pro-Western foreign policy, civil liberties, and economic conservatism) and voting. Our findings show that class and socioeconomic variables tend to be stronger predictors of socio-political attitudes than are status indicators. In addition, subjective perceptions of class (particularly capitalist political influence and limited societal opportunity), father's politics, and age are major explanatory variables for political attitudes and the way people perceive national and international issues. Perception that the upper class benefits most from clientelism was related to voting and economic conservatism. Working-class consciousness was important in explaining voting in 1977. Our research strategy suggests that for the future we should broaden the study of class consciousness and awareness by viewing it as multidimensional and including measurements based on both closed- and open-ended questions.
Novel inhibitory action of tunicamycin homologues suggests a role for dynamic protein fatty acylation in growth cone-mediated neurite extension

In neuronal growth cones, the advancing tips of elongating axons and dendrites, specific protein substrates appear to undergo cycles of posttranslational modification by covalent attachment and removal of long-chain fatty acids. We show here that ongoing fatty acylation can be inhibited selectively by long-chain homologues of the antibiotic tunicamycin, a known inhibitor of N-linked glycosylation. Tunicamycin directly inhibits transfer of palmitate to protein in a cell-free system, indicating that tunicamycin inhibition of protein palmitoylation reflects an action of the drug separate from its previously established effects on glycosylation. Tunicamycin treatment of differentiated PC12 cells or dissociated rat sensory neurons, under conditions in which protein palmitoylation is inhibited, produces a prompt cessation of neurite elongation and induces a collapse of neuronal growth cones. These growth cone responses are rapidly reversed by washout of the antibiotic, even in the absence of protein synthesis, or by addition of serum. Two additional lines of evidence suggest that the effects of tunicamycin on growth cones arise from its ability to inhibit protein long-chain acylation, rather than its previously established effects on protein glycosylation and synthesis. (a) The abilities of different tunicamycin homologues to induce growth cone collapse very systematically with the length of the fatty acyl side-chain of tunicamycin, in a manner predicted and observed for the inhibition of protein palmitoylation. Homologues with fatty acyl moieties shorter than palmitic acid (16 hydrocarbons), including potent inhibitors of glycosylation, are poor inhibitors of growth cone function. (b) The tunicamycin-induced impairment of growth cone function can be reversed by the addition of excess exogenous fatty acid, which reverses the inhibition of protein palmitoylation but has no effect on the inhibition of protein glycosylation. These results suggest an important role for dynamic protein acylation in growth cone-mediated extension of neuronal processes.
Modification of Postirradiation Survival of Mammalian Cells by Intracellular Cyclic AMP

Intracellular cyclic AMP was found to be significantly elevated in V-79 cells by addition to the culture medium of Prostaglandin E1, or of compounds inhibiting cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. Cells in which elevated cyclic AMP had been induced by these means showed modified survival after X-irradiation. For high cyclic AMP cells the extent of the shoulder on the survival curve was increased while the exponential slope of the curve was decreased. Thus, more high cyclic AMP cells survive low doses of radiation than do control cells, but with increasing dose the high cyclic AMP cells become progressively more radiosensitive compared with controls. The increased size of the shoulder on the survival curve for high cyclic AMP cells is not correlated with an increased capacity to repair sublethal damage in these cells.
SU-EE-A3-06: Dose Reduction in CBCT Via Intensity Weighted Region of Interest Imaging

Purpose: Reporting preliminary evaluation results of an intensity weighted region of interest (IWROI) imaging technique that utilizes recent developments in cone‐beam CT(CBCT)reconstruction theory to reduce patient exposure and detected scattered radiation. Method and Materials: Patient dose can be reduced by decreasing the x‐ray source fluence, however this comes with the cost of a decreased signal‐to‐noise‐ratio in the resulting images. IWROI imaging introduces filters into the x‐ray beam such that the central ROI receives the full beam intensity, and thus maintains SNR level while the periphery of the field‐of‐view (FOV) is illuminated by a reduced intensity, filtered beam. Reconstruction is done with the recently developed chord‐based BPF algorithm, which has been shown to be robust against some forms of truncation and to have favorable noise propagation properties. This algorithm enables IWROI to be used more flexibly and yields higher image quality. Experimental studies were carried out by constructing aluminum and copper filters which could be attached directly to the CBCT source. Scans were taken with 125 kVp, 80 mA and 15 ms pulse length exposure setting. Dose measurements were made using LiF TLDs 10cm deep in a 20cm stack of 30cm×30cm solid water slabs. Results: For the 3mm copper filter case the measurements showed a 7% dose reduction for the central ROI and a 37% reduction for the low intensity region of the image. The coefficient of variation for the full intensity ROI after BPF reconstruction was 0.053 and 0.100 in the filtered region indicating relative noise levels. Conclusion: IWROI imaging can reduce radiation exposure to sensitive regions of the anatomy while still producing high image quality in the region of interest. The filtered region also contains enough information for comparison of the gross anatomy with the planning scan. Conflict of Interest: Work supported by Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
Thermophysical properties of Alaskan loess: An analog material for the Martian polar layered terrain?

The Martian surface has several regions where thermal inertia measurements indicate a porous ice-free insulating surface, yet are mechanically competent enough to sustain substantial slopes. In support of the interpretation of those regions within the Martian polar layered terrain, we report measurements of thermal conductivity for loess from the field and in the USA CRREL Permafrost Tunnel. Permafrost Tunnel loess is a desiccated material that can form vertical walls, but is of low density (800–1000 kg/m³), modest shear strength (4 kPa), and has a low thermal conductivity (0.1 W/m-K at 1 bar). These properties are similar to the inferred properties of the Martian polar layered terrain. The Birch Hill field sample has a density of 1160 kg/m³ and a conductivity of 0.15 W/m-K. The Chena Spur Road sample has a density of 1360 kg/m³ and a conductivity of 0.7 W/m-K. The relatively high conductivity for the Chena Spur Road is due to the cementation of soil grain contacts, its higher density, coarser grain size, and higher quartz grain content.
Scattering of 50- to 140-Mev Photons by Protons and Deuterons

Further work below the meson threshold using both protons and deuterons as targets is reported. Experimental and theoretical cross sections for scattering of photons bv hydrogen are plotted as a function of lab energy at a c.m. angle of 90 deg . The conclusions are: (1) the observed scattering of photons by protons at 9O deg c.m. over the energy range 0 to 300 Mev is described well by a model of the proton as a Dirac particle plus strong pion interactions giving the well-known 3/2, 3/2/sup +/ and 1/2, 3/2-- resonances, provided the half life of the no meson is greater than 10/sup -18/ second; (2) the scattering of photons by deuteron; below meson threshold is more than expected. (A.C.)
Optimal Placement of DG Unit in Distribution System

Interconnection of distributed generators (DG) has obvious impacts on line loss in distribution system and the effects depend on interconnected location, interconnected number and power injection of distributed generation. With discrete distribution model of constant power static load system accessing DG into consideration, establishes the line loss minimum as the objective function of the model and optimizes interconnected location, interconnected number and power injection of DG using a quantum inspired evolutionary algorithm. IEEE33 diffset results show that the application of the model and the quantum-inspired evolutionary algorithm can get reasonable DG interconnected location and power injection, effectively reduce the distribution system line loss.
In situ bubble fractionation strategies for separating individual proteins in a batch baker’s yeast fermentation process

Extracellular proteins produced by yeast have been observed to stratify in the extracellular fluid of a batch bioreactor, thus creating a vertical concentration gradient. We observed that, in the four different experiments conducted, each varied in their protein recovery characteristics. For example, sparging the system with gas accentuates the separation, though even in a nonsparged system, thein situ generation of minute carbon dioxide bubbles by yeast cells creates a protein gradient as the bubbles carry proteins upward. Based on these and other observations, we propose possible strategies for recovering the individual proteins from a system containing the four major proteins considered. A simple steady-state mathematical model, based on convective upward protein transport being balanced by downward protein diffusion, has been used to describe the behavior of each of these four extracellular proteins in the fermentation broth.
Appearance of membrane-bound tyrosine kinase during differentiation of HL-60 leukemia cells by immune interferon and tumor necrosis factor.

Abstract The effect of immune interferon (IFN-γ) and recombinant tumor necrosis factor (rTNF-α) on cellular differentiation was investigated in human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60. Both IFN-γ and rTNF-α induced the appearance of the monocytic phenotype in a dose- and time-dependent manner as assessed by morphology, reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium and the induction of α-naphthyl butyrate esterase. Utilizing a nondenaturing polyacrylamide electrophoretic assay, it was revealed that a membrane-bound tyrosine kinase activity accompanied the appearance of the differentiated cell type. These results suggest that the induction of membrane-bound tyrosine kinase activity by IFN-γ and rTNF-α may be an important characteristic of monocytic differentiation.
End-user perceptions of quality and information technology in health care

Abstract The results of a field study investigating the impact of the extent of use, staff scheduling, and the adoption of quality control mechanisms (QCM) on end-user perceptions of information technology (IT) in a health care environment are presented. A multivariate model was developed and tested using multiple regression analysis on 47 hospital information system (HIS) end-users. Three specific hypotheses are proposed and tested. Data analyses indicate that end user perceptions depend on two factors: the end-user usage of IT, and the adoption of formal quality control mechanisms. Based on the research results, several suggestions are made to improve the likelihood of successful IT implementation in the health care industry.
On the limiting distribution of the spatial scan statistic

Bootstrap is the standard method in the spatial scan test. However, because the spatial scan statistic lacks theoretical properties, its development and connection to mainstream statistics has been limited. Using the methods of empirical processes with a few weak regularity conditions, the limiting distribution of the spatial scan statistic, which can provide a theoretical basis for the spatial scan test, is derived. It is shown that the limiting distribution of the spatial scan statistic only depends on the ratio of at risk populations and the collection of cluster candidates, which provides a base to theoretically assess the critical value of the spatial scan test in a real world daily or weekly disease surveillance. A simulation study based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test shows that the limiting distribution is consistent with the true distribution. Type I error probabilities and power functions from the limiting distribution and the bootstrap method are almost identical.
Neuroendocrine manifestations of congestive heart failure

Congestive heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by a number of neuroendocrine responses. These responses are probably an evolutionary vestige of mechanisms designed to defend volume and maintain circulatory homeostasis. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the release of vasopressin have been clearly documented in patients with heart failure. Unlike the normal ventricle, the failing ventricle responds to peripheral vasoconstriction and sodium retention with further hemodynamic embarrassment and circulatory congestion. Certain vasorelaxant natriuretic substances are also released during heart failure, perhaps in an attempt to offset excessive peripheral constriction and sodium retention. Prostaglandin E 2 , atrial natriuretic peptide (or atrial natriuretic factor) and plasma dopamine are found to be increased in some patients with heart failure. However, peripheral constriction and sodium retention appear to be dominant, particularly in the advanced stages of heart failure. An understanding of these neuroendocrine responses has led to new developments in therapy. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have emerged as distinctly useful drugs in the treatment of heart failure. Agents designed to block excessive sympathetic drive and inhibit vasopressin are under investigation. Infusion of atrial natriuretic factors and the use of selective dopamine agonists are also undergoing clinical trials in patients with heart failure. Increased knowledge of the neuroendocrine responses will likely result in even newer and more imaginative therapy.
Comparison of screw loosening, rotation, and deflection among three implant designs.

A common problem associated with single tooth implant restorations is abutment screw loosening. Manufacturers of implants have attempted to overcome this problem by incorporating antirotational design characteristics into their systems. Micromovement and torque levels required to loosen abutment screws for straight and angled antirotational screw-retained abutment/implant combinations from three different manufactures were examined in this in vitro investigation. A custom-built machine was used and each sample was subjected to compressive horizontal reciprocal movements over a 25-degree incline for a simulated 1-month period. Data were generated that showed movements of the crown/abutment complex during force application. The amount of torque necessary to loosen the abutment screws before and after testing was also recorded and compared for each system. The results indicated no significant differences (p
Absorption, distribution, and excretion of ethylmercuric chloride.

Abstract Ethylmercuric chloride was given to chicks and rats intramuscularly and orally. The compound is apparently absorbed unchanged. Metabolism of ethylmercury is much slower than of phenylmercury. Intact ethylmercury is detectable in the liver and kidneys for 21 days after dosing. The ethylmercury is present to a much greater extent in the chick liver than in the kidney, whereas in the rat, the ethylmercury is predominantly in the kidney and blood.