cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
U.S. Small Business Administration loans and U.S. state-level employment

This study examines the relationship between the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) lending programs and state-level employment from the early 1990s to 2013 using quarterly panel data for U.S. states with fixed effects. The results show a positive statistical relationship between the growth in SBA lending per capita and the change in the state’s civilian employment rates. Despite these statistically significant relationships, the coefficient sizes are small. An analysis of high and low personal income states shows no meaningful differences in the relationship between SBA lending and employment across these groups. These findings support the idea that SBA lending programs may help with the public policy goal of assisting small businesses and may contribute to the finance–growth nexus.
Effects of hyperoxia on alveolar and pulmonary vascular development in germ-free mice

Airway microbial dysbiosis is associated with subsequent bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) development in very preterm infants. However, the relationship of airway microbiome in normal pulmonary dev...
Robotic versus open urological oncological surgery: study protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction Minimally invasive surgery in urology has grown considerably in application since its initial description in the early 1990s. Herein, we present the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing open versus robotic urological oncological surgery for various clinically relevant outcomes, as well as to assess their comparative penetrance over the past 20 years (2000–2020). Methods and analysis We will document the penetrance of robotic versus open surgery in the urological oncological field using a national database. Second, we will perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of all published full-text English and non-English language articles from Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science search engines on surgical treatment of localised prostate, bladder, kidney and testis cancer published between 1st January 2000 to 10th January 2020. We will focus on the highest-volume urological oncological surgeries, namely, radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy, partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Study inclusion criteria will comprise clinical trials and prospective and retrospective studies (cohort or case–control series) comparing robotic versus open surgery. Exclusion criteria will comprise meta-analyses, multiple papers with overalapping study-periods, studies analysing national databases and case series describing only one approach (robotic or open). Risk of bias for included studies will be assessed by the appropriate Cochrane risk of bias tool. Principal outcomes assessed will include perioperative, functional, oncological survival and financial outcomes of open versus robotic uro-oncological surgery. Sensitivity analyses will be performed to correlate outcomes of interest with key baseline characteristics and surrogates of surgical expertise. Ethics and dissemination This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis will provide rigorous, consolidated information on contemporary outcomes and trends of open versus robotic urological oncological surgery based on all the available literature. These aggregate data will help physicians better advise patients seeking surgical care for urological cancers. PROSPERO registration number CRD42017064958.
Global U: Exploring Curricular Development and Outcomes in Three University of Utah Experiential Learning Abroad Programs:

The University of Utah is a publicly funded, R1 university located in the United States, with a mission statement that includes recognition of its global role, asserting that “. . . we engage local...
Nanojet-based dielectric multi-material color splitters for image sensor applications

In this work we have developed new type of color splitters, which separate spectrally and spatially the light reaching image sensors by exploiting the nanojet (NJ) beam phenomenon. The goal is to channel respective R, G and B (red, green and blues) spectra to corresponding pixels, and to replace absorbant color filters for a better light efficiency management. The proposed method relies on light diffraction on the edges of constitutive parts of the studied multimaterial elements. Diffraction of light on the edge of a dielectric microstructure forms a tilted focused beam whose characteristics depend on the ratio of refractive indexes between the materials of the elements creating this edge. Combination of two or more dielectric materials with different refractive indexes leads to the creation of multiple NJs with different angles of deviation, lengths and intensities. The possibility to split color-bands of the incident light by combining two or more dielectric materials is discussed. In this way the generated NJ beams create a spectrally dependent NJ pattern in the near zone. We demonstrate that the proposed topologies of multi-material microlenses help to reduce the size of the color splitting element as well as the optical crosstalk through the dielectric layer.
Anisotropic Mesh Representation for Color Images

Triangular meshes have become popular in image representation and have been widely used in image processing to improve computational efficiency and accuracy. This paper introduces anisotropic mesh adaptation (AMA) to represent color images with fewer points while keeping good quality. Finite element interpolation is used in the image reconstruction from the triangular mesh-based representation. A few methods are proposed to deal with the different color channels for representation purpose. Experimental results for various images show that single triangular mesh can represent the color image as good as three-mesh representation and the differences are not significant.
P9. Early and sustained improvements in motor function in rats after infusion of allogeneic umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells following spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) are amenable for isolation and culture expansion. Intravenous injection represents a less invasive modality of administration. Herein, we present an appropriate preclinical representation for using allogenic UCMSCs without immunosuppression in a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). PURPOSE To demonstrate histologic and functional changes following intravenous administration of allogeneic UCMSCs in a rat model of blunt SCI. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING N/A PATIENT SAMPLE N/A OUTCOME MEASURES N/A METHODS Twelve female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n=6), and rat UCMSC group (n=6). Both groups were subjected to T9 moderate spinal cord contusion injury using a Horizon Impactor machine with 150 kilodynes force. Functional assessment was performed by Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score. The contents of axonal regeneration, cavity volume and glial scar were also explored by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Animals treated with allogeneic UCMSCs improved to an average BBB score of 11.8±1.2 at two weeks following injection suggesting a strong neuroprotective effect. The measurements of total cavity volume in epicenter revealed the most significant reduction in the UCMSC group (control: 33.0±2.1%, UCMSC: 25.3±3.8%, P-value 0.05). More myelinated or remyelinated axons were found in the UCMSC group (myelinated axons: 46.7±9.0, 18.3±4.0 and 41.3±9.0 in 1000µm rostral, epicenter and 1000µm caudal, respectively). Spinal cords from rats treated with UCMSCs were found to have significantly reduced intensity of GFAP-positive cells at injury epicenter 14 weeks after SCI as compared to controls. (6.3±1.6 vs 12.1±2.1, p value 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that treatment with allogeneic UCMSC may facilitate functional and histologic recovery following blunt SCI. This will support that intravenous human-UCMSCs will be a useful translational therapeutic strategy that could improve the functional capacity among patients with SCI. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
Effect of integrated schistosomiasis control measures on Oncomelania snails in river channels connecting the Yangtze River in Nanjing City

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of Oncomelania snails control following the implementation of integrated schistosomiasis control measures in river channels connecting the Yangtze River in endemic areas of Nanjing City. Methods The river channels connecting the Yangtze River with snails in Nanjing City were selected as the study pilots. The integrated schistosomiasis control measures implemented in the study pilots were investigated by means of retrospective analyses and field surveys from 1998 to 2019, and the effectiveness of snail control was evaluated. Results Integrated control measures with emphases on environmental improvements including water resource projects for schistosomiasis control were implemented in the study pilots during the period from 1998 to 2019, including river bank concretion with 84.51 km in length, marshland cutting and dredging with 50.41 km in length, building 2 sluices and 3 overflow dams, digging one floodway and snail control with chemical treatment that covered an area of 3 370.80 hm 2 . No Schistosoma japonicum infection had been detected in snails since the completion of the integrated control measures. In addition, snails had been eliminated in 6 river channels connecting the Yangtze River until 2019, with the snail habitats reducing from 214.33 hm 2 to 52.22 hm 2 in 10 river channels connecting the Yangtze River and the snail density reducing to below 0.1 snails/0.1 m 2 in snail-breeding river channels connecting the Yangtze River. Conclusion The integrated schistosomiasis control measures with emphases on environmental improvements may effectively control snail breeding and spread in rivers connecting the Yangtze River in endemic areas of schistosomiasis; however, the maintenance of the project and snail surveillance and control should be intensified following the completion of the integrated schistosomiasis control measures. ［摘要］ 目的 了解南京市血吸虫病流行区通江河道实施血防综合治理后的钉螺控制效果。 方法 选择南京市10条 主要有螺通江河道, 采用回顾性调查和现场调查相结合的方法, 收集1998—2019年通江河道血防综合治理措施实施情 况, 评价钉螺控制效果。 结果 1998—2019年, 南京市10条主要通江河道先后实施了以环境改造为主的综合治理措施, 共完成河岸砼护坡84.51 km、切滩清淤50.41 km、修建控水闸2座、修建滚水坝3条、开挖泄洪道1条, 累计开展药物灭螺 3 370.80 hm 2 。综合治理项目完成后, 所有通江河道均未再查到血吸虫感染性钉螺。至2019年, 已有6条河道消除了钉 螺, 河道内总有螺面积由214.33 hm 2 下降至52.22 hm 2 , 有螺河道钉螺密度均降至0.1只/0.1 m 2 以下。 结论 以环境改造 等为主的血防综合治理措施, 可有效控制南京市血吸虫病流行区通江河道钉螺孳生和扩散, 但项目完成后仍应加强工程 维护管理、钉螺监测和控制等工作。
Intraocular Lens Dislocation.

Intraocular Lens Dislocation A 60-year-old man presented with decreased vision in his right eye after a fall. Computed tomography of the head revealed dislocation of the right intraocular lens.
Interactive Parallel Workflows for Synchrotron Tomography

The constant stream of new users, samples, and experimental approaches at many light source beam lines means a single refined set of processing steps and parameters can seldom be re-used, and instead an interactive approach to exploring parameter space is required. But the many large data sets often generated during experiments mean that testing even one set of parameters is time intensive. We present two approaches to leverage parallel high performance computing to quickly and interactively explore parameter space for a large number of data sets, in the context of synchrotron tomography. The first approach uses a combination of template Jupyter notebooks with custom widgets, along with Papermill, and Dask. The second approach leverages the workflow infrastructure of Xi-Cam and Cam-Link, an ecosystem designed for real-time interactive exploration of data at user facilities.
Monoclonal Carcinoembryonic Antigen Antibodies

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a useful test in clinical oncology. It is of proven value as a tumor marker, as a predictor of metastatic disease, and as a prognostic indicator of clinical remission or relapse. Serial CEA determinations are particularly useful in colorectal cancer, but good correlation with clinical stage and with survival has been observed also in breast carcinoma, gynecological, and other cancers. Potential usefulness is now well demonstrated in the histopathological evaluation of tumors capable of synthesizing CEA. The subject has been extensively reviewed (Westwood 1977; Freedman, 1977; Reynoso and Keane, 1979; Reynoso, 1981). A panel of experts assembled in August of 1977 (Norgaard-Pederson and Axelson, 1978) summarized the then current biochemical, immunological, methodological, and clinical aspects of the field and identified a series of questions to which no answers were then available. Paramount among the unanswered questions was the possible existence of epitopes in CEA molecules specific for cancer. It is the purpose of this chapter to review the contributions of hybridoma methodology to our understanding of the immunobiology of CEA and to analyze the progress so far made with monoclonal antibodies in the continuing goal of developing a cancer-specific CEA assay.
A Framework for ACL Message Translation for Information Agents

Legacy databases are a valuable asset for any large organisation. The rapid spread of the Internet has created opportunities where these databases can be made available on-line (via information agents) to third parties and thus generate further revenue. The key enabler for this scenario is semantic interoperability of heterogeneous databases. In this paper we present an approach to semantic interoperability, which uses shared ontologies to describe the heterogeneity of database schema for information agents, in order to automate message translation at run time. Unlike any other work in this area, we take advantage of ontological knowledge to improve the degree of automation for this mapping process.
Isolation and characterization of rcsB mutations that affect colanic acid capsule synthesis in Escherichia coli K-12.

Regulation of colanic acid polysaccharide capsule synthesis in Escherichia coli requires the proteins RcsC and RcsB, in addition to several other proteins. By sequence similarity, these two proteins appear to be members of the two-component sensor-effector regulatory family found in bacteria. The present study characterizes the functional domains of RcsB. We have isolated mutations in rcsB that are able to suppress an rcsC "up" mutation (i.e., leading to increase in cps transcription) that normally results in constitutive expression of the capsule. In addition, constitutive capsule mutations in rcsB have been isolated. From the characterization of the mutants and by analogy to the three-dimensional structure of CheY, we have begun to define different domains of RcsB and to assign functions to them. A few of the constitutive capsule mutations were localized in an acidic pocket that has been proposed to play a crucial role in phosphorylation of RcsB. As seen in other two-component systems, an aspartate-to-glutamate substitution at the presumed site of phosphorylation of RcsB resulted in constitutive capsule expression. Lastly, several of our rcsB mutants were found to be allele specific (rcsC137 specific) for rcsC, suggesting a physical as well as functional interaction between RcsC and RcsB proteins.
Oh deer! Whitetail-vehicle accidents

This brief article from the Journal of the Missouri State Medical Association reviews the problems that occur when whitetail deer, an abundant animal in Missouri, collide with automobiles and other vehicles. The author first reviews some of the sources of information about deer-vehicle accidents in Missouri, which include the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the Missouri Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), and State Farm Insurance. The MSHP database is the most consistent over time and thus is used to demonstrate long-term trends in deer-vehicle accidents, vehicle damage, and human injuries and fatalities. Collisions with deer make up only a small percentage of total accidents for all categories and are less than 1% of those associated with human injuries or death. Deer-vehicle accidents resulting in human injury or death disproportionately involved motorcycles, wet roads, and occurred between 5pm and 7am. Accidents peak in late October through November, mostly due to the deer breeding season. The author concludes that deer population management and public education strategies are the best approaches to reducing the risk of deer-vehicle accidents.
Querying and Clustering Very Large Data Sets Using Dynamic Bucketing Approach

In this paper we give a new efficient approach called dynamic bucketing to query and cluster very large data sets, a topic of great theoretical and practical significance. We partition data into equal-width buckets and further partition dense buckets into sub-buckets as needed by efficiently reclaiming and allocating memory space. The bucketing process dynamically adapts to the input order and distribution of input data sets. We propose a new data structure called the structure trees for storing aggregation information such as histograms of the buckets and sub-buckets. Since we only store the count values, the data structure is highly aggregated, concise, and very suitable for data sets with a large number of records. We also provide new query evaluation and data clustering algorithms based on the structure trees. Our simulation results show that our approach is superior to the current leading approaches in terms of the accuracy and performance.
Toward a Pedagogy of the Vague

Few distinct philosophical movements are as explicit in their educational concerns as the uniquely American movement of pragmatism. Education lies at the center of most pragmatist discourse. John Dewey stands as the most prominent articulator of the educational concerns of American philosophy. He was not the only pragmatist, however. Nor was he the only pragmatist to be concerned with education.
Abstract P300: Circulating MicroRNAs Associated with Glycemic Impairment and Progression in Asian Indians

Introduction: Asian Indians experience a high incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but factors associated with glycemic progression from normal to pre-diabetes to diabetes in this population are not fully understood. Circulating microRNAs (miRs) appear to be implicated in T2D etiology in other racial groups. Hypothesis: Circulating miRs are associated with glycemic impairment and progression in participants in the Metabolic Syndrome and Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study. Methods: Participants were 128 Asian Indians age 45-84 years without cardiovascular disease and not taking diabetes medications. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at baseline and after 2.5 years. Glycemic progression was defined as (1) progression from normal to impaired fasting glucose (fasting glucose 100-125 mg/dl) or diabetes (2-hour glucose ≥200 mg/dl, fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dl or diabetes medication use) or (2) from impaired glucose tolerance (2-hour glucose 140-199 mg/dl) to diabetes (see ab...
Ba/Ca in Neogloboquadrina pachyderma as an indicator of deglacial meltwater discharge into the western Arctic Ocean

[1] Down-core samples of the planktonic foraminifer Neogloboquadrina pachyderma sinistral from the Mendeleyev Ridge in the western Arctic Ocean have been analyzed for Ba/Ca and δ18O. The apparent distribution coefficient for N. pachyderma sin. is estimated at DBa = 0.22 ± 0.02. A meltwater event is identified at around 11.8 14C kyr BP and is coincident with elevated Ba/Ca ratios. The barium enrichment is believed to be the result of enhanced weathering and erosion following glaciation. Additionally, barium may have desorbed from shelf sediments as sea level rose. Changes in Ba/Ca correlate with the retreat of the Laurentide Ice Sheet and the evolution of the Mackenzie River drainage basin. Therefore maximum Ba/Ca in Arctic surface waters at 11.8 ka may be indicative of an increase in the export of freshwater from the Arctic to the North Atlantic, potentially contributing to the onset of the Younger Dryas. This work suggests that Ba/Ca in planktonic foraminifera may be a useful indicator of the timing and processes associated with deglaciation.
Psoriasis and Sexual Behavior in U.S. Women: An Epidemiologic Analysis Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

ABSTRACT Introduction Although sexual behavior is an integral part of most adults' overall well‐being, this aspect of psoriasis patients' quality of life is rarely explored. Aim The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between psoriasis and sexual behavior in U.S. women. Methods We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003 to 2006. Our study focuses on responses to the dermatology and sexual behavior questionnaires of the NHANES. Main Outcome Measures This study examines the association between psoriasis and sexual behavior in U.S. women with regard to sexual orientation, age of first sexual encounter, number of sexual partners, and frequency of unprotected sex. Results A total of 3,462 women provided responses to their psoriasis status: 2,753 (80%) women were heterosexual and 709 (20%) were nonheterosexual. Among them, 2.7% reported a physician‐given diagnosis of psoriasis. On multivariate analyses, psoriasis was not associated with differences in sexual orientation (odds ratio [OR] 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–2.01). Among nonheterosexual women, multivariate analysis revealed a lower number of lifetime female sexual partners in women with psoriasis (rate ratio [RR] 0.11, 95% CI 0.04–0.33, P = 0.001). Among heterosexual women, no significant differences existed between those with and without psoriasis in age of first sexual encounter (weighted difference −0.54 years, 95% CI −1.27 to 0.19), number of lifetime male sexual partners (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.69–2.06), or number of lifetime male oral sex partners (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.40–1.29). Heterosexual women with psoriasis had 1.13 times more unprotected sex (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.24, P = 0.03) compared with those without psoriasis. Conclusion Psoriasis is associated with a significantly reduced number of sexual partners in nonheterosexual women. Psoriasis may differentially impact sexual behavior based on sexual orientation in women. Armstrong AW, Follansbee MR, Harskamp CT, and Schupp CW. Psoriasis and sexual behavior in U.S. women: An epidemiologic analysis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). J Sex Med **;**:**–**.
Directed Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells into Kidney

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), represent an ideal substrate for regenerating kidney cells and tissue lost through injury and disease. Recent studies have demonstrated the ability to differentiate PSCs into populations of nephron progenitor cells that can organize into kidney epithelial structures in three-dimensional contexts. While these findings are highly encouraging, further studies need to be performed to improve the efficiency and specificity of kidney differentiation. The identification of specific markers of the differentiation process is critical to the development of protocols that effectively recapitulate nephrogenesis in vitro. In this review, we summarize the current studies describing the differentiation of ESCs and iPSCs into cells of the kidney lineage. We also present an analysis of the markers relevant to the stages of kidney development and differentiation and propose a new roadmap for the directed differentiation of PSCs into nephron progenitor cells of the metanephric mesenchyme.
Differential current-mode clock distribution

In this paper, we present a differential current-mode pulsed flip-flop (DCMPFF) for low-power clock distribution using a representative 45nm CMOS technology. Experimental results show that the DCMPFF has 47% faster clock-to-output (CLK-Q) delay than a traditional voltage-mode (VM) pulsed flip-flop. When the DCMPFF is integrated with a differential current-mode clock distribution, the differential technique saves 62% and 17% power compared to a conventional VM and a previous current-mode (CM) clock network, respectively.
Ab Intio Calculations on the Adsorption of H, O, and CO atop Cu2+ on MgO(001)

The adsorption of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon monoxide atop Cu2+ in a Mg-vacancy on the MgO(001) surface is studied in a cluster Hartree-Fock approximation. The H atom binds slightly atop Cu2+ with binding energy of 0.05 eV. The O atom binds with Cu2+ in a quartet spin state with binding energy of about 0.12 eV. In the doublet state it does not bind to Cu2+. The CO molecule in a Cu2+CO geometry perpendicular to the surface binds to Cu2+ with binding energy of about 0.2 eV. In the Cu2+OC geometry it binds directly with Cu2+ with about 0.33 eV. In both geomtrie, the atom of CO closer to the Cu2+ has some more electronic charge near the surface, than in free space. In all three substances, mutual exchanges of electrons occur between z-directed orbitals. It seems that the adsorption of CO is rather electrostatic in nature (via the dipole moment) than covalent, where a donation and a back donation occurs. In both geometries the donation is mainly from the 5σ CO orbital. The back donation from Cu2+ occurs mainly with the 2σ* CO orbital in the Cu2+OC geometry. In the Cu2+CO geometry it occurs mainly with a σ orbital. Die Adsorption von Wasserstoff, Sauerstoff und Kohlenmonoxid uber Cu2+ in einer Mg-Leerstelle auf MgO(001)-Flachen wird mit einer Cluster-Hartree-Fock-Naherung untersucht. Das H-Atom verbindet sich leicht uber Cu2+ mit einer Bindungsenergie von 0,05 eV. Das O atom im Quartettspinzustand binder sich leicht uber Cu2+ mit einer Bindungsenergie von etwa 0,12 eV. Im Dublettzustand bindet es an Cu2+ nicht. Das CO-Molekul in einer Cu2+CO-Geometrie senkrecht zur Oberflache bindeet sich mit Cu2+ mit einer Bindungsenergie von etwa 0,2 eV. In der Cu2+OC-Geometrie bindet es direkt mit etwa 0, 33 eV. In beiden Geometrien hat das Atom von CO, das naher am Cu2+ ist, mehr elektronische Ladung in der Nahe der Oberflache als im freien Raum. In allen drei Substazen erfolgt der gegenseitige Austausch von Elektronen zwischen gerichteten z-Orbitalen. Es scheint, das die Adsorption von CO eher elektrostatisch ist (uber ein Dipolmoment) als kovalent, wobei eine Abgabe und eine Ruckgabe auftritt. In beiden Geometrien stammt die Abgabe hauptsachlich vom 5σ-CO-Orbital. Die Ruckgabe vom Cu2+ erfolgt hauptsachlich mit dem 2π*-CO-Orbital in der Cu2+CO-Geometrie. erfolgt sie hauptsachlich mit einem σ-Orbital.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF NARCISSISM, GENDER, AND SEX-ROLE ORIENTATION AMONG BODYBUILDERS, ATHLETES, AND PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS

This research examined the popular view expressed by Lasch and by Lowen that narcissism is a particularly salient feature among bodybuilders. It also was designed to test hypothesized gender and sex-role differences in narcissism. The Narcissistic Personality Inventory and the Bern Sex-role Inventory were administered to 232 participants within three groups of bodybuilders, athletes, and psychology students. Analysis indicated that bodybuilders scored significantly higher on the Self-absorption subscale of the Narcissism inventory than athletes and psychology students. Men and the masculine group scored significantly higher on the total Narcissism scale and the four subscales than women and androgynous, feminine, and undifferentiated groups.
Senior citizens group: the supervisory process (a case of parallel processes in multiple systems

As cost-effective treatment becomes mandatory, preventive psychiatry support groups in community settings offer one solution. The authors describe their experience establishing a group at a Senior Citizens Center. They focus on the supervision of the PGY III psychiatry resident who led the group and how the supervisory process reflected the conflicts in multiple systems: the group, the Senior Citizens Center, the hospital, and supervision. Guidelines are offered for establishing such groups.
Improved Permittivity Calibration Method for Wideband In Situ Permittivity Probe

This letter discusses about an improved permittivity probe calibration method for calculating the complex permittivity of soils from reflection data over a very wide bandwidth. The accuracy of this method is demonstrated using reflection data collected from a unique wideband (10-1000 MHz) permittivity probe specifically designed for quick in situ permittivity measurements of soils at different depths. The improved calibration method is based on the traditional capacitance model, which suffers from errors caused by the assumption that the capacitance is independent of the frequency and the permittivity of the ambient medium under test. The improved capacitance model is introduced here to account for the frequency- and permittivity-dependent effects. Thus, it produces more accurate permittivity estimation over a much wider frequency and permittivity ranges. This letter will discuss about the accuracy of this improved permittivity probe calibration method and a wideband in situ soil probe design.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Induces Early-Onset Endothelial Adhesivity by Protein Kinase Cζ–Dependent Activation of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1

We tested the hypothesis that TNF-α induces early-onset endothelial adhesivity toward PMN by activating the constitutive endothelial cell surface ICAM-1, the β2-integrin (CD11/CD18) counter-recepto...
Circular dichroism of the adenine and 6-mercaptopurine nucleotide complexes of heavy meromyosin.

Abstract Circular dichroic CD spectra recorded below 250 nm indicate that myosin, heavy meromyosin (HMM), and subfragment-1 (S-1) contain 72, 58, and 32% α-helix. These percentages are consistent with the contention that heavy meromyosin and S-1 production is simply the result of partial and complete removal from myosin of its 95–100% helical tail. Further evidence that the globular heads are similar in the three proteins is the presence of four positive (near 299, 272, 265, and 259 nm) and two negative (near 290 and 283 nm) bands in the CD spectrum of all three. Complex formation of adenylyl imidodiphosphate and ADP with heavy meromyosin results in small changes in the 280- to 260-nm region of the circular dichroic spectrum. Production of the ATP hydrolysis steady state causes 50–60% increases in the ellipticities of the 259- and 283-nm bands, and a 50% decrease in the 272-nm band. Similar experiments using 6-thioinosine triphosphate show that the ellipticity of the nucleotide in the steady state is more than twice as large as that of the diphosphate complex. Since rotatory strength most commonly arises from the coupling of electronic transitions of neighboring chromophores, the results suggest that an aromatic residue (probably tryptophan) moves near the purine of the nucleotide upon hydrolysis to HMM∗ADP·P (the steady-state complex) and then moves away during conversion to HMM·ADP·P (the post-steady-state complex). This relative movement between an amino acid side chain and the nucleotide may be part of an early stage of the mechanism by which hydrolytic energy is transduced to relative movement between the filaments of the myofibril.
Increased Efficiency of Phenolic Germicides by Addition of Inorganic Salts to produce Oxidation-Reduction Systems.

SummaryThe addition of an appropriate metallic salt (ferric chloride, ferric sulfate) to the organic compounds phenol, cresol, and Hexylresorcinol to produce oxidation-reduction systems resulted in a great increase in the efficiency of the germicides for Staphylococcus aureus. The addition of another oxidation-reduction system to phenol and cresol, composed of a mixture of ferrous and ferric chlorides, increased still further the efficiency of the germicides. It was found that maximum efficiency occurred only if the salts and germicides were mixed in certain definite proportions. The phenomenon applies to oxidation-reduction systems composed of organic germicides with inorganic salts as well as to combinations of inorganic metallic salts and should have far reaching application.
Precise characterization of human histones in the H2A gene family by top down mass spectrometry.

Top Down analysis revealed that at least fourteen genes encoding histone H2A are coexpressed in HeLa cells. Characterization of these species1 revealed that all except H2A.Z and H2A.F/Z were α-N-acetylated, H2A.O and H2A.C,D,I,N,P were the most abundant, and those exceeding ∼10% abundance lacked post-translational modifications. This unequivocal identification of H2A forms illustrates the advantages of Top Down Mass Spectrometry and provides a global perspective of H2A regulation through the cell cycle. Keywords: histone H2A • Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) • Top Down • post-translational modification (PTM) • SILAC • cell cycle • ubiquitination • electron capture dissociation (ECD) • histone code • chromatin
Cerebral tolerance to asphyxial hypoxia in the harbor seal

Abstract Young unanesthetized restrained harbor seals, Phoca vitulina were subjected to simulated maximum dives by submerging their heads until the appearance of reversible characteristic hypoxic patterns in their electroencephalogram (EEG endpoint). The mean endpoint PO2, defined as the oxygen tension in the blood at the EEG endpoint, was 10 mm Hg in arterial and 2.5 mm Hg in cerebral venous blood. These values, lower than those reported for terrestrial laborabory mammals, held over a wide range of blood pH and PCO2 values. During the last five minutes of the dive (averaging 18 min in duration) cerebral (a-v)CO2, diminished and cerebral (v-a) lactate content increased. Independent measurements of blood flow in the intravertebral vein showed that cerebral blood flow during diving was about two-thirds of the pre-dive value and that it remained substantially unchanged throughout the dive. It is concluded that during prolonged apneic asphyxia the seal's brain, unlike that of terrestrial mammals, tolerates a definite period of vO2 reduction prior to the onset of gross functional impairment.
Discovery of the First Irreversible Small Molecule Inhibitors of the Interaction between the Vitamin D Receptor and Coactivators

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a nuclear hormone receptor that regulates cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and calcium homeostasis. The receptor is activated by vitamin D analogues that induce the disruption of VDR-corepressor binding and promote VDR-coactivator interactions. The interactions between VDR and coregulators are essential for VDR-mediated transcription. Small molecule inhibition of VDR-coregulator binding represents an alternative method to the traditional ligand-based approach in order to modulate the expression of VDR target genes. A high throughput fluorescence polarization screen that quantifies the inhibition of binding between VDR and a fluorescently labeled steroid receptor coactivator 2 peptide was applied to discover the new small molecule VDR-coactivator inhibitors, 3-indolylmethanamines. Structure-activity relationship studies with 3-indolylmethanamine analogues were used to determine their mode of VDR-binding and to produce the first VDR-selective and irreversible VDR-coactivator inhibitors with the ability to regulate the transcription of the human VDR target gene TRPV6.
International Plant Protection Symposium, Introductory Remarks

This is indeed a timely symposium in as much as plant protection officials of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, in September 1974, agreed to the formation of the North American Plant Protection Organization. Also, the World Food Conference, which just recently adjourned, undoubtedly will have recommendations touching on the importance of plant protection on an international basis as it relates to food supplies.
The Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale: An Initial Report:

Level of acculturation has been recognized as important in clinical work with ethnic minorities. However, scales are lacking for assessment of this variable for Asians. The SL-ASIA, Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale, was modeled after a successful scale for Hispanics. Initial reliability and validity data are reported for two samples of Asian subjects, from two states.
Space-time data fusion under error in computer model output: an application to modeling air quality.

Summary. We provide methods that can be used to obtain more accurate environmental exposure assessment. In particular, we propose two modeling approaches to combine monitoring data at point level with numerical model output at grid cell level, yielding improved prediction of ambient exposure at point level. Extending our earlier downscaler model (Berrocal, V. J., Gelfand, A. E., and Holland, D. M. (2010b). A spatio-temporal downscaler for outputs from numerical models. Journal of Agricultural, Biological and Environmental Statistics 15, 176–197), these new models are intended to address two potential concerns with the model output. One recognizes that there may be useful information in the outputs for grid cells that are neighbors of the one in which the location lies. The second acknowledges potential spatial misalignment between a station and its putatively associated grid cell. The first model is a Gaussian Markov random field smoothed downscaler that relates monitoring station data and computer model output via the introduction of a latent Gaussian Markov random field linked to both sources of data. The second model is a smoothed downscaler with spatially varying random weights defined through a latent Gaussian process and an exponential kernel function, that yields, at each site, a new variable on which the monitoring station data is regressed with a spatial linear model. We applied both methods to daily ozone concentration data for the Eastern US during the summer months of June, July and August 2001, obtaining, respectively, a 5% and a 15% predictive gain in overall predictive mean square error over our earlier downscaler model (Berrocal et al., 2010b). Perhaps more importantly, the predictive gain is greater at hold-out sites that are far from monitoring sites.
Parameter calibration and inadequacy modeling in a computer experiment

Deterministic simulation is a popular tool used to numerically solve complex mathematical models in engineering applications. These models often involve parameters in the form of numerical values that can be calibrated when real-life observations are available. This paper presents a systematic approach in parameter calibration using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Additional modeling by considering correlation in error structure is suggested to compensate the inadequacy of the computer model and improve prediction at untried points. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model for manure storage ventilation is used for illustration. A simulation study shows that in comparison to likelihood-based parameter calibration, the proposed parameter calibration method performs better in accuracy and consistency of the calibrated parameter value. The result from sensitivity analysis leads to a guideline in setting up factorial distance in relation to initial parameter values. The proposed calibration method extends RSM beyond its conventional use of process yield improvement and can also be applied widely to calibrate other types of models when real-life observations are available. Moreover, the proposed inadequacy modeling is useful to improve the accuracy of simulation output, especially when a computer model is too expensive to run at its finest level of detail. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Ltd.
Changing Operations of Academic Libraries

The session is an exploration of library operational adaptations to the changing technologies of information distribution and usage. The librarians will present glimpses of the changes occurring in their library operations as they transition to services without print. The cadence of change, particularly with respect to ebooks, continues to accelerate. The moderator will summarize some of the technology changes of the last year, and a panel of librarians will explore, through the evidence of their changing library operations, a range of topics including: trends in e-book acquisition and usage; developments in open access publishing; changes in consortia; and the role of librarians in instruction and evolving peer-review and publication processes. This specific presentation addresses Information Discovery and Third Party MARC Records and Collection Acquisition and Usage Issues. After initial presentations, the panel and moderator will encourage questions, comments, and discussion with attendees. Multiyear Analysis of Library Operations at Western Oregon University, Allen McKiel This is a small case study analysis of the changes in library operations at Western Oregon University (WOU) over the past 6–8 years. WOU is a medium-size (6,000 students) master’s level public university about 10 miles southwest of Salem, Oregon. The study focuses on shifts in resource expenditures, holdings, usage, cost per use, and gate count. It also looks at changes in operations and personnel. Resource Expenditure Shift to Online Electronic resource expenditures have eclipsed print over the past 8 years. Electronic resources comprised 23% of expenditures in FY 2006, print Table 1. Print and Electronic Resource Expenditures FY 2006–2013 Figure 1. Print and Electronic Resource Expenditures FY 2006–2013 $0.00 $100,000.00 $200,000.00 $300,000.00 $400,000.00 $500,000.00
The Overestimation of Effect Sizes from F Values in Meta-Analysis: The Cause and a Solution

Because estimates of effect sizes are often either misreported or not reported at all, meta-analysts must use conversion formulas that allow them to estimate effect sizes from the information available in a research report. The focus of this paper is on formulas that convert F in ANOVA to eta-squared, d, or the correlation coefficient. This paper demonstrates that the traditional F to r formula can differentially, and in some cases radically, inflate estimates of effect size when extracting the results from studies with varying numbers of factors. Specifically, commonly used conversion formulas for converting F values to r actually yield a partial r statistic that can be substantially larger than the desired zero-order r depending upon the number and relevance of additional factors in ANOVA. An alternative method to calculate nonpartialled effect sizes according to the common formula (SS effect /SS total) is provided.
DNA immunization targeting the skin : Molecular control of adaptive immunity

DNA-based immunization represents a novel approach for vaccine development. Recombinant DNA techniques are used to clone DNA sequences encoding antigens of choice into eukaryotic expression plasmids, which are readily and economically amplified in bacteria and recovered with a high degree of purity. For immunization, plasmid DNA is either coated onto microscopic gold particles and bombarded into skin using a gene gun or injected into skin or muscle. Expression of administered genes results in the induction of humoral and cellular immune responses against the encoded antigen. DNA immunization is capable of inducing protective immunity in a number of animal models of infectious disease and cancer. Recent studies suggest that antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte induction occurs through the presentation of appropriate peptides in the context of major histocompatibility complex molecules on bone marrow-derived professional antigen presenting cells. Following DNA inoculation into the skin, Langerhans cells and/or dermal dendritic cells are believed to acquire the newly synthesized antigen, either through direct transfection or via antigen uptake from transfected keratinocytes, and migrate to regional lymph nodes where they stimulate primary T cell responses. The nature of the immune response depends on the route, method, and timing of DNA delivery and can also be influenced by co-delivery of plasmids encoding immunomodulating cytokines like IFN-α, IL-2, or IL-12 and costimulatory molecules like B7–1. While many aspects of the biology of cutaneous DNA immunization remain unknown, the skin appears to offer unique potential as a target for DNA-based immunization.
Redox-dependent complexation ability of flavin-hosts in aqueous solution

Abstract The synthesis of the novel macrocyclic host 1 incorporating an isoalloxazine moiety as model for active sites of flavoenzymes is described. The complexation between oxidized and reduced flavin-host and aromatic guests is analyzed in aqueous solution.
Communication bottleneck in hardware-software partitioning

The problem of hardware-software codesign for embedded systems using configurable architectures has been studied extensively in the past decade. In this work we studied the feasibility of utilizing Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) FPGA systems for codesign. We partitioned the implementation of a set of benchmark applications on hardware and software and studied the performance and resource consumption in the system. The result of experiments demonstrated that the communication between the processor and the reconfigurable architecture is the major hurdle in the codesign, especially when using COTS System on Chips. It is demonstrated that although implementing algorithms in hardware can lead to enormous speedup, the communication overhead for transferring data variables between the configurable architecture and the processor can destroy all the achieved speedup. We especially showed that in COTS FPGAs this bottleneck is more restricting because of the weak communication structure between different IPs. Furthermore, analyzing the experimental results, we propose a partitioning mechanism; the evaluation results show that the achieved speedup using the proposed partitioning mechanism is between 2 to 300 based on application's data dependency
Studies of fresh-water red Algae.

SINCE 1944 occasional collections of fresh-water red algae have been made by the writer, principally in Louisiana and New Hampshire. A first report on these plants concerned the genera Porphyridium, Audouinella, Compsopogon, Sacheria, and Lemanea (Flint, 1947). The preent paper describes some plants of the genera Batrachospermum, Sirodotia, and 7'uomeya. To the list of persons previously acknowledged as very helpful in furthering these