cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Residual Effects of Insecticides on Deraeocoris brevis (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Deraeocoris brevis (Uhler) is a key predatory natural enemy of insects and mites in pear orchards in the United States. Insecticides used for crop protection in pear orchards and their residues can negatively affect populations of D. brevis. The focus of this study was to investigate the field-aged residual effects of lambda-cyhalothrin, spinetoram, and chlorantraniliprole insecticides on D. brevis through contact exposure. An airblast sprayer was used to apply the high label rate of insecticides on pear trees. Leaves were collected from the experimental trees at 1 d after treatment (DAT) and then at 7-d intervals up to 21 DAT. Adults and nymphs were exposed to leaves with insecticide residues or untreated control for 72 h in the laboratory. The nymphs that survived the treatments were reared until they emerged as adults. The surviving paired adults were reared until death. The treated nymphs were assessed for acute mortality, survival, developmental time, and the sex ratio if they emerged as adults. The treated adults were assessed for acute and chronic mortality, fecundity, fertility, and longevity. Both nymphs and adults exposed to leaf residues of lambda-cyhalothrin had significantly higher acute mortality compared with the insects exposed to the control. When compared with the control treatment, the toxicity of field-aged residues of lambda-cyhalothrin, chlorantraniliprole, and spinetoram can persist over a longer period of time. Similar patterns were observed in previous laboratory and field experiments on D. brevis. We discuss the residual effects of three insecticides through contact exposure of D. brevis.
HeadLocNet: Deep convolutional neural networks for accurate classification and multi-landmark localization of head CTs.

Abstract Cochlear implants (CIs) are used to treat subjects with hearing loss. In a CI surgery, an electrode array is inserted into the cochlea to stimulate auditory nerves. After surgery, CIs need to be programmed. Studies have shown that the cochlea-electrode spatial relationship derived from medical images can guide CI programming and lead to significant improvement in hearing outcomes. We have developed a series of algorithms to segment the inner ear anatomy and localize the electrodes. But, because clinical head CT images are acquired with different protocols, the field of view and orientation of the image volumes vary greatly. As a consequence, visual inspection and manual image registration to an atlas image are needed to document their content and to initialize intensity-based registration algorithms used in our processing pipeline. For large-scale evaluation and deployment of our methods these steps need to be automated. In this article we propose to achieve this with a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) that can be trained end-to-end to classify a head CT image in terms of its content and to localize landmarks. The detected landmarks can then be used to estimate a point-based registration with the atlas image in which the same landmark set's positions are known. We achieve 99.5% classification accuracy and an average localization error of 3.45 mm for 7 landmarks located around each inner ear. This is better than what was achieved with earlier methods we have proposed for the same tasks.
Probability matching of medical events

This paper discusses the methods of probability record linkage and error estimation for the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). MEPS collects medical expenditure data from both household respondents and their medical providers. The medical events reported by the two sources are subject to reporting differences and probability linkage methods are used to determine if pairs of medical events belong to the same entities. Match weights are assigned to pairs of events based on the likelihood of being a match, and a decision made to declare pairs as matches or nonmatches. The linkage errors include false matches (false positive) when pairs selected are not true matches, and false nonmatches (false negative) when true pairs are omitted. This study used three approaches: manual reviews, cumulative weight curves, and simulation approaches to provide estimates of linkage errors.
Tongue Stiffness as Presentation of Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Case Report.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder with marked thrombotic and inflammatory features driven by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA). Here, we report a case of APS with a rare, atypical manifestation and discuss a differential diagnosis. A 53-year-old male without significant past medical history presented with new onset of episodic tongue stiffness and dysarthria which lasted for about a minute over a period of three months. This was associated with intermittent right retro-orbital sharp pain radiating to the parietal area. He also reported swelling and stiffness of the third and fourth right proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints lasting throughout the day. A physical exam revealed tongue fasciculations. As the MRI showed patchy white matter hyperintensities neurology initially suspected multiple sclerosis. However, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis including neuromyelitis optica (NMO) antibodies and oligoclonal antibodies was negative. Rheumatological work up was remarkable for positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA); anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant were positive 12 weeks apart. This, alongside with stable white matter changes on imaging was suspicious for an extra-criteria manifestation of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. The most commonly described neurological manifestations of APS are headache, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and stroke. Tongue stiffness as an initial symptom is quite unusual and, to the best of our knowledge has not been reported in medical literature. In patients with isolated neurological findings of unclear etiology, an autoimmune disease such as APS should be considered, and appropriate diagnostic work up should not be postponed. Unfortunately, positive laboratory markers can have a wide differential diagnostic panel. In addition, APS may mimic many diseases both in clinical presentation and MRI findings thus making the correct diagnosis challenging. However, studies show that, unlike multiple sclerosis (MS), white matter changes in APS remain static during the course of the disease. Identification of atypical presentations of APS is critical as prompt and correct medical management can improve patients' quality of life and clinical outcomes.
Hot Carrier Cooling and Recombination Dynamics of Chlorine-Doped Hybrid Perovskite Single Crystals.

Controlling the photo excited properties and behavior of hybrid perovskites by halide doping has the potential to impact a wide range of emerging technologies, including solar cells and radiation d...
Barriers to optimal vascular access for hemodialysis

Vascular access is the Achilles heel for hemodialysis (HD). An arteriovenous fistula (AVF), considered the optimal access for HD, rather than a graft or central venous catheter (CVC) caused the "Fistula First" initiative to dominate quality assessment. However, this initiative had the unintended consequence of increasing the proportion of less desirable catheters, leading to "Fistula First, Catheter Last". But as the end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) population expanded with aging, sicker patients, individual assessment of the appropriate access changed the paradigm to KDOQI's "Patient First: ESKD Life-Plan" to attain the "right access, in the right patient, at the right time, for the right reasons". However, such a goal has proved elusive because the optimal vascular access does not currently exist. Thus, ESKD care providers attempting to offer the "right access" must weigh the barriers to achieving the most optimal access to suit each of their HD patients. The barriers are based on shortcomings related specifically to each of the three vascular accesses and to characteristics of each ESKD patient's demographics, physical factors, quality of life, and cost considerations. This article will describe these barriers so that clinicians caring for ESKD patients initiating or receiving HD provide the most optimal vascular access for that specific patient.
Myoung-Sun Song. 2019. Hanguk Hip Hop, Global Rap in South Korea.

Myoung-Sun Song. 2019. Hanguk Hip Hop, Global Rap in South Korea. Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan. ix + 198 pp. ISBN 978-3-030-15696-1 (hbk)
Stop Sign Gap Assist Application in a Connected Vehicle Simulation Environment

Assessment of the safety and mobility impacts of connected vehicles (CVs) and cooperative automated vehicle applications is critical to the success of these applications. In many cases, there may b...
Training Program for Ultrasound-Guided Intravenous Catheter Insertion.

INTRODUCTION Ultrasound guidance is now widely available in military treatment facilities and civilian hospitals alike, both in the USA and in forward-deployed military environments. Technical mastery of ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous (USGPIV) catheter insertion can be easily achieved through a short training course. Mastery can be achieved even when trainees have a limited medical background before course attendance. An evidence-based practice project team sought to improve the knowledge, confidence, and skills in the placement of USGPIV catheters by clinicians at Naval Hospital Jacksonville. Completion of an USGPIV training program can equip healthcare providers with knowledge and confidence for placement of peripheral access necessary in critical situations such as those requiring medications or blood products. MATERIALS AND METHODS The project team conducted a literature review to evaluate the appropriateness of USGPIV training for the nurses and military medical technicians in this setting. The team developed and delivered a USGPIV training program based on adaptations from the literature. During the training period, knowledge and confidence scores were reported by each trainee to evaluate the perceptions of the quality of training. The number of attempted catheter placements and ultrasound utilization was recorded in the pre- and post-implementation periods to evaluate the project's effect on the delivery of patient care. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate project outcomes. RESULTS In the pre-intervention period, none of the 252 intravenous catheters were placed with the USGPIV technique, compared to 50 of 267 in the post-intervention period. These results demonstrate an 18.7% increase in the USGPIV access approach by nursing staff. Mean knowledge scores significantly increased following the delivery of the training, 60% versus 80% in the pre- and post-training assessments, respectively (P < .001). Mean self-reported skill confidence scores also significantly improved (P < .001). CONCLUSION Knowledge and self-reported confidence in USGPIV access improved for the trainees. Mean knowledge improved from 60% to 80%, while mean confidence scores increased from 2.74 to 3.79 for corpsman and from 3.0 to 3.88 for nurses. Utilization of the USGPIV technique increased by 18.7% in the post-intervention period. These results demonstrate that implementing this training program can improve knowledge, confidence, and use of ultrasound during the placement of PIV catheters.
ION-EXCHANGE MODELING OF DIVALENT CATION ADSORPTION ON SWy-3 MONTMORILLONITE

Ion-exchange modeling is used widely to describe and predict ion-adsorption data on clay minerals. Although the model parameters are usually optimized by curve fitting experimental data, this approach does not confirm the identity of the adsorption sites. The purpose of the present study was to extend to divalent cations a previous study on the retention of monovalent cations on Na-saturated montmorillonite (NaMnt) which optimized some of the model parameters using density functional theory (DFT) simulations. The adsorption strength of divalent cations increased in the order Mg2+ < Cd2+ < Ca2+ < Sr2+ < Ba2+. After adding adsorption of metal hydroxide species (MOH+), the three-site ion-exchange model was able to describe adsorption data over a wide pH range (pH 1–10) on NaMnt. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were conducted to investigate the interlayer dimension of clay samples under various conditions. The cation retention strengths of divalent cations did not correlate with interlayer dimensions. The XRD analyses of the Mnt showed a d001 value of 19.6 A when saturated with alkaline earth cations, 22.1 A with Cd2+, 15.6 A with Na+, and 15.2 A with H+. In the case of Na+, the 15.6 A peak decreased gradually and disappeared, and new peaks at 22.1 and 19.6 A appeared when the percentages of Mg2+ and Ba2+ adsorbed increased on NaMnt. The peak shifted from 22.1 to 20.3 and 19.6 A when the pH increased for all cations except Cd2+, which stayed constant at 22.1 A. The coexistence of multiple d001 peaks in the XRD patterns suggested that the interlayer cations were segregated, and that the interlayer ion–ion interactions among different types of ions were minimized.
Coordinated crew performance in commercial aircraft operations

A specific methodology is proposed for an improved system of coding and analyzing crew member interaction. The complexity and lack of precision of many crew and task variables suggest the usefulness of fuzzy linguistic techniques for modeling and computer simulation of the crew performance process. Other research methodologies and concepts that have promise for increasing the effectiveness of research on crew performance are identified.
HOXA13 regulates Aldh1a2 expression in the autopod to facilitate interdigital programmed cell death

Background: Retinoic acid (RA), plays an essential role in the growth and patterning of vertebrate limb. While the developmental processes regulated by RA are well understood, little is known about the transcriptional mechanisms required to precisely control limb RA synthesis. Here, Aldh1a2 functions as the primary enzyme necessary for RA production which regulates forelimb outgrowth and hindlimb digit separation. Because mice lacking HOXA13 exhibit similar defects in digit separation as Aldh1a2 mutants, we hypothesized that HOXA13 regulates Aldh1a2 to facilitate RA-mediated interdigital programmed cell death (IPCD) and digit separation. Results: In this report, we identify Aldh1a2 as a direct target of HOXA13. In absence of HOXA13 function, Aldh1a2 expression, RA signaling, and IPCD are reduced. In the limb, HOXA13 binds a conserved cis-regulatory element in the Aldh1a2 locus that can be regulated by HOXA13 to promote gene expression. Finally, decreased RA signaling and IPCD can be partially rescued in the Hoxa13 mutant hindlimb by maternal RA supplementation. Conclusions: Defects in IPCD and digit separation in Hoxa13 mutant mice may be caused in part by reduced levels of RA signaling stemming from a loss in the direct regulation of Aldh1a2. These findings provide new insights into the transcriptional regulation of RA signaling necessary for limb morphogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 242:687–698, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chapter 19 Child health in developed countries

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of the literature on child health in developed countries. I first lay out a simple economic model of the demand for child health inputs, and discuss whether the evidence is consistent with that model. Next, two main causes of market failure in the market for child health inputs — lack of information and externalities — are analyzed. These failures may provide an economic rationale for government intervention in the market for health care. Much of the literature on child health has focused on one such intervention, the provision of public health insurance. However, the utilization of health care is only one input into the production of child health, and it is far from the most important input for most children. Hence, the last section of this chapter offers a brief review of what we know about the effects of government interventions designed to address other threats to child health. The chapter concludes with some opinions about useful direction for future research and data collection efforts.
Transatlantic Opinion on Immigration: Greater Worries and Outlier Optimism.

This article outlines some of the key findings of the 2008 and 2009 Transatlantic Trends: Immigration public opinion study. The countries surveyed include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and, for 2009 only, Spain and Canada. Some of the findings are highlighted in this article, including the limited effect of the economic crisis on attitudes; approval ratings of governments' migration management; political support for U.S. immigration reform components; Canada's outlier optimism; increasing Dutch skepticism; and support for the resettlement of migrants displaced by the effects of worldwide climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Hemagglutination-Inhibition Test in Rhinovirus Infections of Volunteers

The hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test for antirhinovirus antibody was carried out on paired sera from volunteers inoculated with rhinovirus type 3 or type 4 (RV4). The HI test gave results which paralleled the neutralization test and was at least as sensitive as a microneutralization method for detection of serotype-specific antibody. Although high levels of HI antibody in the serum were associated with protection from infection, in the case of RV4 low serum HI antibody levels did not necessarily imply susceptibility to challenge with small doses of virus. HI activity could be measured in concentrated nasal-washing fluids, and this antibody also seemed relevant to protection against infection.
A multivariable self-tuning controller with strongly consistent parameter estimates

A novel self-tuning controller adopting the diminishing probing signal methods, givcn in [12] and [13] is proposed. It can control unstable and/or non minimum phase multivariable stochastic systems with a general time delay structure. It is shown that this self-tuning control algorithm not only has global convergence properties but also generates, strongly consistent parameter estimates. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the new algorithm to be effective.
Fetal monitoring during emergency obstetric transport

The practicality of fetal heart rate monitoring during fixed-wing transport of obstetric emergencies was evaluated. Fifty-seven transports were performed and 40 (70%) were monitored successfully with the electronic fetal heart rate monitor. External fetal heart rate monitoring was technically accomplished in 83% of monitored transports. Of the 40 patients monitored, 33 (83%) of the fetal heart rate tracings were considered useful for adequate evaluation of the fetal heart rate and contraction frequency. No patients had late decelerations during transport. At cabin pressures from 1100 feet to 7000 feet, fetal hypoxia as measured by late decelerations was not present in any patient.
Autonomic nerve activity and atrial fibrillation

This review focuses on the importance of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in the induction of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Clinical studies suggest that both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are important in mediating PAF. Consistent with that hypothesis, heart rate variability analyses showed that sympathovagal imbalance is present before the onset of PAF episodes. The importance of the ANS in PAF is further supported by animal experiments and recent clinical studies showing that vagal denervation enhances the efficacy of circumferential pulmonary vein ablation in preventing AF recurrence. In vitro studies show that ANS activation facilitates early afterdepolarization and triggered activity by simultaneously prolonging the intracellular calcium (Cai) transient (sympathetic effect) and shortening the action potential duration (parasympathetic effect). By simultaneously mapping the membrane potential and Cai transient in canine pulmonary vein during sympathetic stimulation, we demonstrated that spontaneous (voltage-independent) sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release underlies the mechanisms of focal discharges. We developed and studied canine models of PAF induced by electrical, structural, and neural remodeling. We also have developed methods for long-term continuous recording of sympathetic and vagal nerve activity in ambulatory dogs. Preliminary results show that simultaneous sympathovagal discharges precede the onset of PAF in these dogs. ANS activity and Cai transient dynamics are important in the development of PAF. These studies suggest that new methods or drugs aimed at modification of cardiac ANS activity may lead to new opportunities for AF control.
A study of the ozone formation by ensemble back trajectory-process analysis using the Eta–CMAQ forecast model over the northeastern U.S. during the 2004 ICARTT period

Abstract The integrated process rates (IPRs) estimated by the Eta–CMAQ model at grid cells along the trajectory of the air mass transport path were analyzed to quantitatively investigate the relative importance of physical and chemical processes for O 3 formation and evolution over the northeastern U.S. during the 2004 International Consortium for Atmospheric Research on Transport and Transformation (ICARTT) period. The Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model is used to determine the back trajectory of air masses reaching the northeast by linking a downwind receptor to upwind source areas. The process analysis is applied to a high O 3 episode occurring on July 22, 2004 at three selected sites in the northeastern U.S. The process analysis at the location of the site shows that during the daytime, the O 3 concentrations in the surface layer are mainly enhanced by the vertical diffusion of O 3 -rich air from aloft, followed by horizontal advection (HADV) and chemical production (CHEM), whereas dry deposition (DDEP) and vertical advection (ZADV) mainly deplete O 3 concentrations at the sites of Valley Central (VC), NY and Castle Spring (CS), NH. By integrating the effects of each process over the depth of the daytime planetary boundary layer (PBL), it was found that at the VC site, CHEM and HADV contributed about 53% and 41%, respectively, to O 3 levels within the PBL. This confirms the significance of regional transport of O 3 from the industrialized areas into the Northeast. On the other hand, the process analysis results for O 3 formation in moving air masses indicate that on July 22, large chemical production of O 3 along the transport path over the polluted urban regions leads to significant increase in O 3 in the air mass reaching the VC site, whereas the low chemical production of O 3 along the transport path over the low emission regions leads to the low O 3 concentration at the site of Belleayre Mountain (BM), NY. The dramatic buildup of O 3 concentration from 50 ppb to 102 ppb in the air masses before reaching the VC site after 12:00 EST on 7/22 indicates the significant impact of pollution from the northeastern urban corridor at this site. On the basis of the results at the CS site, it was found that high NO x emissions along the transport path led to large chemical production of O 3 in the air mass reaching the CS site on July 22. In contrast, the low chemical production of O 3 associated with low emission (relatively clean conditions) along the transport path over the northern portions of the domain is responsible for the low O 3 concentration at the CS site on July 26.
Covariance active/passive control

An integrated means for active controller design and structure redesign is presented. The techniques of covariance control are used to parametrize all possible combinations of active controllers/structure redesign parameters which can stabilize the plant, and achieve certain closed-loop performance.
The algorithm sequential access method: an alternative to index sequential

A requirement of many computer file processing systems is the ability to access data stored on a direct access storage device (DASD) both sequentially and randomly. A popular method which provides both types of access is the index sequential organization. The purpose of this study is to propose and analyze a file organization method which should be appropriate for the same type of environment as index sequential but would be more efficient at the two types of access. This proposed method is designated the Algorithm Sequential Access Method (ASAM).
Comparison of alfentanil and halothane anaesthesia in paediatric ambulatory ENT surgery

Abstract Forty children undergoing adenoidectomy were randomized to receive halothane (0.5–1.5%) or alfentanil (50 μg bolus followed by 0.5–1.5 μg kg −1 min −1 infusion) anaesthesia. All patients received N 2 O and vecuronium. All patients in the alfentanil group required supplemental boluses of alfentanil (10 μg kg −1 ) to control intraoperative hypertension. Emergence, recovery and discharge times as well as postoperative analgesic requirements were not significantly different between the two groups. We conclude that both techniques are suitable for paediatric ambulatory surgical patients.
The stoichiometric activation of human skin fibroblast pro-collagenase by factors present in human skin and rat uterus

Abstract Purified human skin fibroblast collagenase zymogen was used as a substrate for activators partially purified from the medium of cultured human skin and rat uterus. Analysis of the activated enzyme by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that these activators do not produce measurable changes in the molecular weight of the zymogen. Kinetic analysis indicated a noncatalytic mechanism of action for these activators, since zymogen activation was independent of incubation time, and dependent only upon the concentration of the activator fractions. These results are consistent with a Stoichiometric mechanism of procollagenase activation by these macromolecules.
Effect of nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus sufficiency on nutrient content in white winter wheat

Abstract Correct interpretation of nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), and phosphorus (P) deficiencies in white winter wheat grown in soil is difficult because of similarity of visual symptoms and rapidly‐changing nutrient content after tillering. We collected plant samples at late tillering and harvest from white winter wheat grown under three tillage systems and six fertility regimes to evaluate yield response, nutrient concentration, and DRIS index values. Tillage included no‐till annual crop, conventional‐till annual crop, and conventional‐till wheat after fallow. Fertility regimes were: None, Moderate N, Moderate N+S, High N+S, Moderate N+S+P, and High N+S+P. Nitrogen and P increased grain yield under all tillage systems and S in annual crop systems. Plant nutrient concentration and nutrient ratios at tillering were only moderately successful in identifying nutrient deficiency. Nitrogen and S deficiency tended to intensify between late‐tillering and harvest, but P deficiency did not. Both N and S deficiency we...
Computational Modeling of Natural Gas Injection in a Large Bore Engine

The topic of this paper is the computational modeling and experimental visualization of gas injection in a large bore engine. The injection process is accomplished through the use of a mechanically or electrically controlled poppet valve. The objective of the paper is to more fully understand the significance of the poppet valve and the piston top in controlling the mixing of the injected fuel with the air in the cylinder. In this paper, the flow past the poppet valve into the engine cylinder is computed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for both a low (4 bar) and a high pressure (34 bar) injection process using unshrouded and shrouded valves. Flow visualization using planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) is used to visualize the actual fluid flow. The results indicate that for low pressures the gas flow around the poppet valve collapses downstream of the poppet. At high pressure, the gas flow does not collapse, but flows along the cylinder wall, producing poor mixing in the cylinder. To obtain satisfactory fluid flow at high pressure, the results indicated a shroud should be employed around the poppet valve to direct the gas into the center of the cylinder. Additional computations show that at top dead center, the flammable mixture and fuel mass fraction for the high-pressure injection are significantly greater than for the low-pressure injection.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Effectiveness of IP address randomization in decoy-based moving target defense

In a decoy-based moving target defense (MTD), a computer network introduces a large number of virtual decoy nodes in order to prevent the adversary from locating and targeting real nodes. Since the decoys can eventually be identified and their Internet Protocol (IP) addresses blacklisted by the adversary, current MTD approaches suggest that the IP addresses of the real and decoy nodes should be randomly refreshed and reassigned over time. Refreshing and reassigning the IP addresses, however, disrupts services such as TCP/IP that rely on the IP address. We introduce an analytical approach to MTD and choosing the optimal randomization policy in order to minimize disruptions to system performance. Our approach consists of two components. First, we model the interaction between the adversary and a virtual node as a sequential detection process, in which the adversary attempts to determine whether the node is real or a decoy in the minimum possible time. We compute the optimal strategy for the adversary to decide whether the node is real or a decoy, and derive closed-form expressions for the expected time to identify the real node using this strategy. Second, we formulate the problem of deciding when to randomize the IP addresses, based on a trade-off between reducing the probability of detecting the real node and minimizing the disruption to network services, as an optimal stopping problem. We derive the optimal randomization policy for the network and analyze the detection probability, expected number of connections lost due to IP randomization, and expected time between randomizations under the proposed policy. Our results are illustrated via a simulation study using real-world data from NMAP, a software tool used to identify decoy nodes. Our simulation study indicates that our IP randomization policy reduces the probability of detection while minimizing the number of connections that are disrupted by the randomization.
Isolation of Mouse Lung Dendritic Cells

Lung dendritic cells (DC) play a fundamental role in sensing invading pathogens 1,2 as well as in the control of tolerogenic responses 3 in the respiratory tract. At least three main subsets of lung dendritic cells have been described in mice: conventional DC (cDC) 4, plasmacytoid DC (pDC) 5 and the IFN-producing killer DC (IKDC) 6,7. The cDC subset is the most prominent DC subset in the lung 8. The common marker known to identify DC subsets is CD11c, a type I transmembrane integrin (β2) that is also expressed on monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils and some B cells 9. In some tissues, using CD11c as a marker to identify mouse DC is valid, as in spleen, where most CD11c+ cells represent the cDC subset which expresses high levels of the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II). However, the lung is a more heterogeneous tissue where beside DC subsets, there is a high percentage of a distinct cell population that expresses high levels of CD11c bout low levels of MHC-II. Based on its characterization and mostly on its expression of F4/80, an splenic macrophage marker, the CD11chiMHC-IIlo lung cell population has been identified as pulmonary macrophages 10 and more recently, as a potential DC precursor 11. In contrast to mouse pDC, the study of the specific role of cDC in the pulmonary immune response has been limited due to the lack of a specific marker that could help in the isolation of these cells. Therefore, in this work, we describe a procedure to isolate highly purified mouse lung cDC. The isolation of pulmonary DC subsets represents a very useful tool to gain insights into the function of these cells in response to respiratory pathogens as well as environmental factors that can trigger the host immune response in the lung.
The natural history and recommended management of patients with traumatic coronary artery fistulas.

Abstract Traumatic coronary artery fistulas are reported less often than other complications resulting from both penetrating and blunt trauma to the heart. We describe a 50-year-old man in whom the natural history of a traumatic coronary fistula is well documented. This patient, who was referred for evaluation and treatment of complications of a traumatic coronary artery fistula resulting from a shrapnel injury 31 years before admission to the hospital, had five cardiac catheterizations prior to undergoing definitive surgical repair. During this period, he progressed from being totally asymptomatic to having disabling angina and congestive heart failure. These symptoms developed even though the patient's left-to-right shunt remained constant; moreover, the symptoms appeared to develop secondary to a "steal" of myocardial blood flow from the uninvolved coronary arterial bed through tortuous collaterals. Based on this experience and supported by published reports of 25 other patients, we recommend that nearly all patients with traumatic coronary artery fistulas be considered as candidates for elective surgical repair in order to prevent the eventual development of serious and possibly life-threatening complications. Operative repair can be accomplished safely with excellent long-term results.
Direct detectors for the Einstein inflation probe

Here we review the principles of operation, history, present status, and future prospects for the primary candidate detectors for Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) polarization studies. The three detector types we will discuss are semiconductor-based bolometers, superconducting transition edge sensor (TES) bolometer, and Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs). All of these detector types can provide the sensitivity to permit background-limited measurements of the CMB, but the ultimate selection of detectors will be largely determined by the ease of production and reliability of large arrays of such detectors. This paper describes the present state of development of these detectors, efforts to integrate them into large arrays, and the detector system developments necessary to enable a space CMB polarization mission.
On link-layer reliability and stability for wireless communication

A primary focus of popular wireless link-layer protocols is to achieve some level of reliability using ARQ or Hybrid ARQ mechanisms. However, these and other leading link-layer protocols largely ignore the stability aspect of wireless communication, and rely on higher layers to provide stable traffic flow control. This design strategy has led to a great deal of inefficiency in throughput and to other major issues (such as the well-known TCP over-wireless performance degradation phenomenon and the numerous studies in attempt to fix it). In this paper, we propose a paradigm shift where both reliability and stability are targeted using an Automatic Code Embedding (ACE) wireless link-layer protocol. To the best of our knowledge this is the first effort to develop a theoretical framework for analyzing and designing a wireless link-layer protocol that targets system stability in conjunction with reliable communication. We present two distinct analytical frameworks to determine optimal code embedding rates which ensure system reliability and stability for wide range of traffic demand. An important conclusion of our analysis is that various traffic demand can be met using a packet-by-packet code embedding rate constraint that is independent of traffic type. We demonstrate experimentally that ACE provides both rapid and reliable point-to-point wireless data transmission for realtime and non-realtime traffic over real channel traces collected on 802.11b WLAN. We also have conducted extensive TCP simulations in conjunction with ACE; and we demonstrate the high level of efficiency and stability that can be achieved for TCP over ACE, while not making any changes to TCP. Further, the implementation of ACE for real-time video communication shows performance gains of 5-10dB over IEEE ARQ schemes. More importantly, ACE is layer oblivious and requires no changes to higher or lower PHY layers.
Gender differences in personality: A meta-analysis.

Four meta-analyses were conducted to examine gender differences in personality in the literature (1958-1992) and in normative data for well-known personality inventories (1940-1992). Males were found to be more assertive and had slightly higher self-esteem than females. Females were higher than males in extraversion, anxiety, trust, and, especially, tender-mindedness (e.g., nurturance). There were no noteworthy sex differences in social anxiety, impulsiveness, activity, ideas (e.g., reflectiveness), locus of control, and orderliness. Gender differences in personality traits were generally constant across ages, years of data collection, educational levels, and nations.
Pupillometric discrimination of insomniacs

Unlike the multiple sleep latency test, pupillometry does not require sleep to test sleepiness, which may be an advantage in assessing insomniacs. Pupillometry was employed to study possible differences in daytime sleepiness between insomniacs and noninsomniacs. Thirty self-defined insomniacs and an equal number of noninsomniacs, age 30-50 yr, submitted to four 10-min pupillometry sessions distributed from early morning to bedtime. The sessions consisted of infrared television monitoring of the pupil in a totally dark, nonstimulating environment. Insomniacs exhibited significantly smaller pupil diameters than noninsomniacs, and this effect persisted in all sessions. However, the size of effect averaged about 0.5 mm, and this was judged to be a small magnitude. Heightened subjective sleepiness discriminated the insomniacs in only the midday session. The absence of polysomnography was a methodologically limiting factor. Theoretical and clinical implications of these data were discussed.
Zoosporic marine fungi from the Pacific Northwest (U.S.A.)

Summary. An investigation of the zoosporic fungi in the vicinity of the Friday Harbor Laboratory, San Juan Is., Washington, revealed the presence of great numbers of fungi. With one exception (Olpidium sp.) these were all biflagellate organisms. Predominating were species (11) of Thraustochytriaceae which abounded in water, in association with seaweeds, intertidal sands, and particularly on the surface of bottom samples down to depths of 298 m. A twelfth species of this group has several peculiarities and needs further investigation. Of the algal parasites, one on Polysiphonia and Pterosiphonia is considered new and termed Eurychasma ]oycei n. sp. Aside from the few fungi noted in JoH~so~ (1966), and FlYLLER, et al. (1964), little is known of the zoosporic marine Phyeomyeetes from the Pacific Northwest coast. The observations herein reported were made during a 10-week stay at the Friday Harbor Laboratory, University of Washington, San Juan Island in the summer of 1968. It is of interest to note that only one of the zoosporic fungi found belonged to the Chytridiomyeetes, i.e., those with a single posterior flagellum on their zoospore, which are so abundant in fresh water. The others were all biflagellate forms belonging primarily to the Saprolegniales. This peculiarity had previously been noted among marine Phycomycetes from the Atlantic coast of the United States and in the Carribean area (SPaRrow, 1936, 1968). Methods Algal parasites were found by direct examination of the hosts. Saprophytes such as tile Thraustochytriaceae were obtained by baiting with pine pollen debris, bottom mud or water from the various sites. Pure cultures on solid media were obtained by use of Vishniae's agar to which had been added antibiotics (FvLL]~R et al., loe. cir.). * The assistance of Drs. R. E. NonRIs and G. J. HOLLE~B:E~a in calling my attention to certain algal parasites is gratefully acknowledged. I am also indebted to my colleague Dr. H. C. W~ISL~R, and to Dr. C. ANASTASIOU for assistance in photographic work.
When Pop Music Meets a Political Issue: Examining How “Born This Way” Influences Attitudes Toward Gays and Gay Rights Policies

Although popular music and politics have been linked in various contexts, surprisingly little is known about whether and how popular songs can influence political attitudes. The present study provides initial empirical evidence that popular music affects public opinion by altering the standards for subsequent political judgments. Using an experiment of a national sample, the current study demonstrates that Lady Gaga's highly popularized song, “Born This Way,” primes genetic explanations of homosexuality in citizens' ensuing evaluations of gay rights issues. The findings revealed that vocalized lyrics are the key element of the priming effect among other musical components.
Qualitative and Quantitative Textural Assessment of Cooked Ground Beef Patties

Cohesiveness of extruded, sliced hamburger patties from two manufacturers was studied in relation to cooking performance. Tensile determinations of ultimate strength and toughness were related to cohesiveness as measured with an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Light and environmental scanning electron microscopy was used to relate physical and macroscopic observations. Very cohesive samples had values of ultimate strength 7>1.45N and toughness >3.70 × 10−4J, and noncohesive samples had values of ultimate strength <0.90N and toughness <1.50 × 10−4J. Tensile results allowed discrimination between levels of cohesiveness among ground beef patties and could serve as a monitoring device to ensure consistency and indicate failure of the product at the serving outlet.
Mucus in chronic airway diseases: sorting out the sticky details

Mucous hypersecretion is a major cause of airway obstruction in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis. EGFR ligands and IL-13 are known to stimulate mucous induction, but the detailed mechanisms of epithelial mucous regulation have not been well defined. In this issue of the JCI, Tyner et al. show, in a mouse model of chronic mucous hypersecretion, that ciliated epithelial cell apoptosis is inhibited by EGFR activation, allowing IL-13 to stimulate the differentiation of these cells into goblet cells, which secrete mucus. In defining this coordinated, 2-step process, we can consider the therapeutic effects of blocking mucous production. This begs the question, Is it possible to reduce airway obstruction in chronic lung disease by inhibiting EGFR activation and/or by inhibiting IL-13?
Does Barrett's esophagus impact outcome after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication?

Abstract Background This study was undertaken to compare patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with or without Barrett’s esophagus for severity and frequency of symptoms and their response to antireflux surgery. Methods Eighty patients with GERD and Barrett’s esophagus and 93 concurrent patients with GERD alone, all of whom underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, were compared by using symptom scores graded by a Likert scale. Results Before fundoplication, patients with Barrett’s esophagus had higher DeMeester scores. Symptom scores were not different for patients with versus without Barrett’s esophagus before or after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Conclusions Before and after fundoplication, patients with Barrett’s esophagus, despite more severe reflux, have symptoms nearly identical in frequency and severity when compared with patients with GERD alone. Regardless of presence of Barrett’s, all improve dramatically with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Barrett’s esophagus does not impact presentation before or outcome after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.
Photon detection with cooled avalanche photodiodes

Commercial avalanche photodiodes have been operated as single‐photon detectors at an optimum operating temperature and bias voltage. These detectors were found to be 1.5–3 times more sensitive than presently available photomultiplier tubes (PMT’s). Both single‐photon detection probability and detector noise increase with bias voltage; detection probabilities greater than twice that of a PMT were obtained with detector noise levels below 100 counts per second. Higher probabilities were measured at higher noise levels. The sources of noise and their dependence on temperature and bias voltage are discussed.
Molecular cloning of a calmodulin-dependent phosphatase from murine testis: identification of a developmentally expressed nonneural isoenzyme.

Abstract A unique isoform of the catalytic subunit of calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase (CaM-PrP) was cloned from a murine testis library. The cDNA sequence of 1964 base pairs contained an open reading frame encoding a protein of 513 amino acids (Mr approximately 58,706), the predicted isoelectric point of which (pI 7.1) was much more basic than those of brain isoforms (pI 5.6-5.8). The deduced amino acid sequence was 77-81% identical to two other murine CaM-PrP genes and displayed a distinct Southern blot hybridization pattern, indicating that it was derived from a separate gene (type 3). High amounts of a 2800-nucleotide mRNA transcript were observed in testis, whereas mRNA species were not detectable in brain; thus, it seems likely that this CaM-PrP represents a nonneural isoenzyme. Measurements of CaM-PrP mRNA during testicular development showed a dramatic increase in expression during weeks 4-6, correlating with the later stages of spermatogenesis. These data suggest that this phosphatase isoform may be involved in germ-cell function and are consistent with the report of a flagellum-associated form of CaM-PrP that may regulate sperm motility [Tash, J. S., Krinks, M., Patel, J., Means, R. L., Klee, C. B. & Means, A. R. (1988) J. Cell Biol. 106, 1625-1633].