cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vasopressin-Renin-Cortisol Interrelations

Both plasma vasopressin and plasma renin concentrations are increased after 3 days of adrenal insufficiency in conscious, adrenalectomized dogs. Physiological saline infusions, but not 100 mg of cortisol, reduced plasma vasopressin concentrations 1 hr after administration. Two hr after cortisol administration, plasma vasopressin, but not plasma renin concentration, was reduced by comparison with a vehicle-injected control group, in which plasma vasopressin but not plasma renin was markedly further elevated by an unknown stimulus. In adrenalectomized dogs taking substitution therapy, plasma vasopressin concentration was linearly related both to plasma renin concentration and to plasma osmolality. In dogs from which substitution therapy had been withdrawn 3 days, plasma vasopressin concentration was linearly related to plasma osmolality only. We conclude that increased plasma vasopressin concentration in adrenal insufficiency is largely a response to pressure-volume stimuli, rather than the absence of corti...
Power limitations in the OK-4/Duke storage ring FEL

Abstract In this paper, we present results of our experimental and theoretical studies of average power in the OK-4/Duke storage ring FEL. Our theoretical studies are based on the 3D FEL macro-particle model, which includes the local interactions, diffusion, radiation damping and spontaneous radiation. The OK-4/Duke storage ring FEL is operational since 1996 and demonstrated lasing in a wavelength range from 193.7 to 730 nm using electron beam energies from 220 to 800 MeV. It operated in both CW and giant pulse modes. During this period of time we collected substantial amounts of data regarding the FEL power and electron beam dynamics. We compare selected results on CW lasing with our theoretical predictions based on the rigorous numerical model. We also discuss a number of simplified scaling laws for the FEL gain and power as functions of electron beam energy and current, as well as, the cavity losses.
Co-occurring anammox, denitrification, and codenitrification in agricultural soils.

ABSTRACT Anammox and denitrification mediated by bacteria are known to be the major microbial processes converting fixed N to N2 gas in various ecosystems. Codenitrification and denitrification by fungi are additional pathways producing N2 in soils. However, fungal codenitrification and denitrification have not been well investigated in agricultural soils. To evaluate bacterial and fungal processes contributing to N2 production, molecular and 15N isotope analyses were conducted with soil samples collected at six different agricultural fields in the United States. Denitrifying and anammox bacterial abundances were measured based on quantitative PCR (qPCR) of nitrous oxide reductase (nosZ) and hydrazine oxidase (hzo) genes, respectively, while the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of Fusarium oxysporum was quantified to estimate the abundance of codenitrifying and denitrifying fungi. 15N tracer incubation experiments with 15NO3− or 15NH4+ addition were conducted to measure the N2 production rates from anammox, denitrification, and codenitrification. Soil incubation experiments with antibiotic treatments were also used to differentiate between fungal and bacterial N2 production rates in soil samples. Denitrifying bacteria were found to be the most abundant, followed by F. oxysporum based on the qPCR assays. The potential denitrification rates by bacteria and fungi ranged from 4.118 to 42.121 nmol N2-N g−1 day−1, while the combined potential rates of anammox and codenitrification ranged from 2.796 to 147.711 nmol N2-N g−1 day−1. Soil incubation experiments with antibiotics indicated that fungal codenitrification was the primary process contributing to N2 production in the North Carolina soil. This study clearly demonstrates the importance of fungal processes in the agricultural N cycle.
Network reliability and availability analysis to minimize downtime costs for communication networks

Abstract There is an increase in the number of communication networks having link (arc) failures and repairs. One needs to analyze the network in terms of failure and repair rates in order to optimize system configuration or maximize system availability. The downtime costs for these communication networks can be substantial. Two techniques for analyzing a communications network, a method developed by Pulat (1986) and Monte Carlo simulation, are introduced and compared. Both techniques are applied to a simple communications network involving series and parallel repairable arcs.
Design of an Active Ultrastable Single-chain Insulin Analog SYNTHESIS, STRUCTURE, AND THERAPEUTIC IMPLICATIONS

Single-chain insulin (SCI) analogs provide insight into the inter-relation of hormone structure, function, and dynamics. Although compatible with wild-type structure, short connecting segments (
Inhibition of epithelial chloride channels by a semi-purified fraction of Crotalus atrox venom.

AbstractRattlesnake venom has a strong effect on the ionic permeability of plasma membranes. Rattlesnake venom and one of its semipurified fractions (CAV-C2) has been implicated in affecting both sodium and chloride transfer across epithelia. The mechanism of CAV-C2 action on epithelia, however, is still open to question. Aplysia californica intestine has been shown to contain both chloride conductive channels and sodium dependent chloride uptake mechanisms in the mucosal membrane of its enterocytes which makes it an ideal model to differentiate the CAV-C2 action on either of these membrane transport processes. In the absence of sodium in the bathing medium, chloride is the only ion actively transported. CAV-C2 and piretanide have similar types of inhibitory effects on net chloride transport while furosemide had no effect on chloride movement across the intestine. It was concluded that CAV-C2 action is on chloride conductive channels located in the mucosal membrane of the enterocytes.
The effect of prism adaptation on the response AC/A ratio

Vergence adaptation, also known as prism adaptation, is a phenomenon in which a patient's heterophoria changes after prolonged viewing through prism. The effect of prism adaptation on the accommodation-convergence relationship, quantified by the AC/A ratio, is not known. Previous studies of AC/A ratio stability and alterability have used only stimulus AC/A ratio calculations, or have measured accommodative responses to only one or two stimuli. The ideal study of AC/A ratio stability and alterability would measure accommodative responses to several accommodative stimuli, and use these along with vergence responses to calculate response AC/A ratios, rather than stimulus AC/A ratios. In addition, the gradient method should be used to avoid any effect of proximal vergence resulting from changes in target distance. This paper describes a project which investigated the effect of vergence (prism) adaptation on the gradient response AC/A ratio, using accommodative responses measured for five different accommodative stimuli. The response AC/A ratio did not significantly change following a period of adaptation to base-in prism for six of the eight subjects in this study. In addition, the response AC/A ratio did not significantly change following a period of adaptation to base-out prism for six of the eight subjects.
The TMI-2 clean-up project collection and databases☆

A publicly accessible collection containing several thousand of the videotapes, photographs, slides and technical reports generated during the clean-up of the TMI-2 reactor has been established by the Pennsylvania State University Libraries. The collection is intended to serve as a technical resource for the nuclear industry as well as the interested public. Two Internet-searchable databases describing the videotapes and technical reports have been created. The development and use of these materials and databases are described in this paper.
Joint Energy Management and Resource Allocation in Rechargeable Sensor Networks

Energy harvesting sensor platforms have opened up a new dimension to the design of network protocols. In order to sustain the network operation, the energy consumption rate cannot be higher than the energy harvesting rate, otherwise, sensor nodes will eventually deplete their batteries. In contrast to traditional network resource allocation problems where the resources are static, the time-varying recharging rate presents a new challenge. In this paper, We first explore the performance of an efficient dual decomposition and subgradient method based algorithm, called QuickFix, for computing the data sampling rate and routes. However, fluctuations in recharging can happen at a faster time-scale than the convergence time of the traditional approach. This leads to battery outage and overflow scenarios, that are both undesirable due to missed samples and lost energy harvesting opportunities respectively. To address such dynamics, a local algorithm, called SnapIt, is designed to adapt the sampling rate with the objective of maintaining the battery at a target level. Our evaluations using the TOSSIM simulator show that QuickFix and SnapIt working in tandem can track the instantaneous optimum network utility while maintaining the battery at a target level. When compared with IFRC, a backpressure-based approach, our solution improves the total data rate by 42% on the average while significantly improving the network utility.
Conversion of 4-14C-Dehydroepiandrosterone to Estrone and 17β-Estradiol by the Rat Ovary with Observations on Variations During the Estrous Cycle1

Rat ovaries, incubated in Krebs-Ringer-phosphate-glucose buffer, pH 7.3, converted 4-14C-dehydroepiandrosterone to 14C-17β-estradiol and 14C-estrone. Estrogen formation was demonstrated by purifying the reisolated estradiol and estrone to constant 3H/14C ratios during double isotope dilution methods. In 2 series of incubations, estradiol plus estrone synthesis was proportional to time of incubation (0.5–2 hr) and to tissue concentration (45–240 mg). About 0.5 to 1.0% of dehydroepiandrosterone was converted to estradiol plus estrone per 100 mg tissue per hr, with estradiol being the major product. Ovarian tissue from rats in estrus was more active than tissue from diestrous rats, suggesting a decreasing potential for ovarian estrogen synthesis as the estrous cycle progresses. (Endocrinology 82: 1021, 1968)
Staphylococcus aureus protein A mediates invasion across airway epithelial cells through activation of RhoA GTPase signaling and proteolytic activity

Staphyococcus aureus and especially the epidemic methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains cause severe necrotizing pneumonia. The mechanisms whereby these organisms invade across the mucosal epithelial barrier to initiate invasive infection are not well understood. Protein A (SpA), a highly conserved and abundant surface protein of S. aureus, activates TNF receptor 1 and EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling cascades that can perturb the cytoskeleton. We demonstrate that wild-type S. aureus, but not spa mutants, invade across polarized airway epithelial cell monolayers via the paracellular junctions. SpA stimulated a RhoA/ROCK/MLC cascade, resulting in the contraction of the cytoskeleton. SpA+ but not SpA− mutants stimulated activation of EGFR and along with subsequent calpain activity cleaved the membrane-spanning junctional proteins occludin and E-cadherin, facilitating staphylococcal transmigration through the cell-cell junctions. Treatment of polarized human airway epithelial monolayers with inhibitors of ROCK, EGFR, MAPKs, or calpain prevented staphylococcal penetration through the monolayers. In vivo, blocking calpain activity impeded bacterial invasion into the lung parenchyma. Thus, S. aureus exploits multiple receptors available on the airway mucosal surface to facilitate invasion across epithelial barriers.
The Absorption Spectrum of Atomic Sodium

Using a long optical path attained by the method of Kratz and Mack, the wave-lengths of the principal series of sodium in absorption have been measured to $n=73$, and observed to $n=79$. The members to $n=9$ have been resolved. The series limit has been computed to be 41449.65\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ from the center of gravity or 41449.69\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ from the lower hyperfine structure component, of the $3s^{2}S_{\frac{1}{2}}$ term. Forbidden $3s^{2}S_{\frac{1}{2}}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{nd}^{2}D_{\frac{3}{2},\frac{5}{2}}$ were found up to $n=13$. A critically compiled table to all known levels, including $\mathrm{np}^{2}P_{\frac{1}{2},\frac{3}{2}}$ to $n=73$ and $\mathrm{nd}^{2}D_{\frac{3}{2},\frac{5}{2}}$ to $n=13$, is given. The pressure shift from a foreign gas is less than reported by some earlier observers.
A Note On Rafinesque, the Walam Olum, the Book of Mormon, and the Mayan Glyphs

Le Livre de Mormon ne peut dependre du Walam Olum, recit de la genese des Delaware, traduit par l'ethnologue C. S. Rafinesque (1783-1840). D'autant moins que les theories ethniques de Rafinesque, contredites par les progres de la recherche, sont tres differentes de celles du Livre de Mormon.
The effects of drought on Ngatatjara plant use: An evaluation of optimal foraging theory

The different responses of plants to drought conditions are examined in the Western Desert of Australia to demonstrate the necessity of considering plant food availability prior to optimal foraging applications involving human hunter-gatherers. The correspondence of Ngatatjara dietary breadth changes to optimal foraging predictions is explained as an adaptive response to the unpredictable Western Desert rainfall. By minimizing the time allocated to food procurement, energy-efficient foraging reduces the risk involved in the exploitation of scattered, ephemeral water sources. Further applications of optimal foraging models to hunter-gatherers is one line of promising investigation to address behavioral variability among human foragers.
Comparing the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression measures in an integrated mood disorders practice

Abstract Background Patient self-assessment instruments are useful in screening, tracking, and documenting the course of depressive symptoms with minimal clinician time. Two popular instruments are the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). We compared the performance of these two instruments in a mood disorders setting. Methods A retrospective study of 625 patients who completed a PHQ-9 and BDI-II as part of routine clinical care (1) during initial outpatient evaluation between 2008 and 2009, and (2) on admission to an inpatient mood disorders unit between 2006 and 2009. Pearson correlation coefficients for total PHQ-9 and BDI-II scores were calculated for all patients, the outpatients, and the inpatients. Results Overall r =0.77, indicating strong correlation, more in the outpatients ( n =287, r =0.81) than the inpatients ( n =338, r =0.67). Mean PHQ-9 and BDI-II scores for the outpatients were 15.1 (SD 7.4) and 27.8 (SD 14.1) corresponding to “moderately severe” and “moderate” categories respectively; for inpatients, 18.9 (SD 5.7) and 33.8 (SD 11.5) corresponding to “moderately severe” and “severe.” Limitations Retrospective design and no monitoring of which instrument was completed first in case that influenced patient response to the second instrument Conclusions PHQ-9 and BDI-II scores, as continuous but not categorical variables, in a mood disorders subspeciality setting are closely correlated and essentially interchangeable. There are practical applications to our findings, as the PHQ-9 is shorter and free.
Possible role for the 5-HT1A receptor in the behavioral effects of REM sleep deprivation on free-operant avoidance responding in rat

REM sleep deprivation (REMSD) has been shown to increase rates of free-operant avoidance responding. Depletion of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) levels produces similar effects on responding. We studied whether the pharmacological activation of the 5-HT1A receptor would produce effects on avoidance responding similar to REMSD and depleted 5-HT levels. Rats were trained to lever press on a free-operant avoidance task. Dose-effect functions were established for 8-OH-DPAT (a 5-HT1A receptor agonist) (0.1–1.0 mg/kg) and WAY 100635 (a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist) (0.1–1.0 mg/kg). Rats were then exposed to REMSD (48 h) or equivalent control conditions, and then administered 8-OH-DPAT (0.6 mg/kg) and/or WAY 100635 (0.025–0.1 mg/kg). Injections of 8-OH-DPAT increased rates of avoidance responding in a dose-dependent manner, while WAY 100635 did not alter responding. The effect of 8-OH-DPAT was antagonized by pre-injection of WAY 100635. REMSD and injections of 8-OH-DPAT increased rates of avoidance responding and the effects of both manipulations were reversed by pre-injection of WAY 100635. Activation of the 5-HT1A receptor may be a mechanism by which REMSD increases rates of free-operant avoidance responding.
Multipurpose controllers for multivariable systems

The primary purpose of this paper is to outline a new procedure for designing controllers which simultaneously achieve a variety of desired design goals in deterministic, unity feedback, linear multivariable systems. More specifically, we will present a new algorithm for the systematic design of a "three-part" multivariable controller which simultaneously ensures: 1) a noninteractive or decoupled closed-loop design, 2) complete and arbitrary closed-loop pole placement, which implies desired (single-loop) transient performance as well as closed-loop stability, 3) zero steady-state errors between the plant outputs and any nondecreasing deterministic inputs, 4) complete steady-state output rejection of nondecreasing deterministic disturbances, and 5) robustness with respect to stability, disturbance rejection, and zero error tracking for rather substantial plant parameter variations. Our development will employ the more "modern" (Laplace-transformed) differential operator approach for controller synthesis, which involves transfer matrix factorizations and the manipulation of polynomial matrices in the Laplace operator s .
Navigating error recovery code in Java applications

Java provides a program-level exception handling mechanism in response to error conditions (that are translated into exceptions by Java VM). However, exception handling code is often widely scattered throughout an application and untested. This paper presents a program visualization tool ExTest that shows quite precisely all the handlers for exceptions triggered by certain kinds of operations, and for each of these handlers, all the witness paths of how the operation would be triggered. Thus, ExTest helps programmers understand the exception handling behavior of Java programs and also facilitates testing exception handling code.
The failure of thick-walled hollow cylinders of isotropic rock

Abstract A series of experiments were performed on thick-walled hollow cylinders of five different types of isotropic rock. The magnitude of the intermediate principal stress appears to have a marked and regular effect on the strength of these rocks. None of the commonly used failure criteria for brittle materials adequately describe the results of these experiments. A recent proposal to generate a failure surface for a given material by rotating triaxial test data about the σ1 = σ2 = σ3 principal stress axis seems to be supported by these test results at least at low confining pressures. There appears to be a smooth transition between extension and compression failure under combined polyaxial stress conditions. The possible effects of stress gradients on rock strength and the types of fracture observed in these tests are discussed.
CN∗ desorption from potassium-metal surfaces under electron bombardment

Abstract First measurements of the energy-dependent desorption cross sections near threshold energy for electron-stimulated desorption of excited CN molecules from potassium-metal surfaces are presented. Threshold energies were observed to be different when the alkali metal surface was exposed to a CO 2 + N 2 mixture from that when exposed to H 2 gas, leading to the conclusion that two different chemical processes are involved. The rotational energy distribution was observed to be independent of incident electron energy. We postulate a desorption model similar to the Antoniewicz model.
Stack safe parallel recursion with paraffin

Recursion is a programming technique in which a solution can be expressed by a subroutine invoking itself either directly or indirectly. Many problems can be expressed simply using a recursive approach, however one of the drawbacks of using recursion is that it requires a stack, and often one does not know how much stack space is needed to obtain a recursive result. Stack overflow often results in spectacular failure with strange, often unrepeatable behaviour. Paraffin is a suite of generic units that can add parallelism to iterative and recursive problems. Some of the generics involve a load balancing technique described as "work-seeking". It was found that the recursive work seeking algorithm could be extended to also provide stack safety whereby the generics monitor the amount of remaining stack space and avoid stack overflow using a technique similar to load balancing. The stack safety feature also makes it attractive to consider Paraffin for use with code destined for execution on a single core. This paper describes how the recursive work-seeking algorithm was extended to provide the stack-safety feature, and then goes on to report some performance results using the generics.
In-vitro mapping of E-fields induced near pacemaker leads by simulated MR gradient fields

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers is generally contraindicated but some clinicians condone scanning certain patients. We assessed the risk of inducing unintended cardiac stimulation by measuring electric fields (E) induced near lead tips by a simulated MRI gradient system. The objectives of this study are to map magnetically induced E near distal tips of leads in a saline tank to determine the spatial distribution and magnitude of E and compare them with E induced by a pacemaker pulse generator (PG).
THE NIGHTLY INITIATION OF PASSERINE MIGRATION IN SPRING: A DIRECT VISUAL STUDY

SUMMARY The nightly initiation of migration of passerine birds was studied during a spring season in coastal Louisiana. A horizontally-directed portable ceilometer placed on a tower illuminated birds as they took off from or landed in the trees. Daily censuses were conducted to supplement nocturnal observations. Local weather conditions were continuously monitored at the site of the study. Appreciable numbers of migrants landed in the woods on the coast almost every day, the first birds usually appearing between 10.30 and 11.00 hrs, and the last about 16.00 hrs. On two occasions birds were seen landing after dark. The migrants usually became quiet by about 18.00 hrs and the first bird was usually seen leaving the trees just over an hour later. The exodus usually peaked between 19.10 and 19.15 hrs, 40 to 45 minutes after sunset. The time of initiation of nocturnal migration was not significantly affected by immediate weather factors. The duration of the exodus varied widely, and was related to the number of individual birds in the census area. On some occasions grounded migrants stayed overnight, but only when there had been an active cold front over the Gulf. No local weather conditions examined were found to be directly inhibitory to nocturnal migration. Birds departed singly and without preliminary activity. Wind direction influenced the initial orientation of the migrants. With southerly winds, 57% of the birds seen flying across the beam initially headed toward the Gulf, while with northerly winds only 19% initially flew in this direction.
Predicting ultraviolet spectrum of single stranded and double stranded deoxyribonucleic acids

Abstract Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides are widely used in many biological, biochemical and biophysical applications. The concentration, composition and structure of DNA are often determined from its ultraviolet spectrum. Although parameters for use with the nearest-neighbor model for prediction of extinction coefficients of single stranded DNAs at 260 nm were published some time ago, similar parameters for other wavelengths or for use with DNA duplexes have not been reported. Practical formulae and parameters for prediction of UV spectra, hypochromism and peak wavelengths were experimentally determined for both single stranded and double stranded oligodeoxynucleotides in the range from 215 to 310 nm. The accuracy of predictions made using the nearest-neighbor model and the base composition model was determined and compared. The spectrum of any DNA oligomer can be calculated using a Microsoft Excel® application that is available in the Appendix A .
An assistance system for UNIX text formatters

This paper describes an active assistance system for the text formatters on the Unix system. The system is a subcomponent of USCSH, an active assistance interface for Unix being developed at the University of South Carolina. A complete user model has been designed to determine user proficiency in the use of text formatters. The model has two components: an overlay model and a process model. The overlay model is basically a collection of nodes that represent formatting concepts, commands, and tasks, structured in the form of a conceptual hierarchy. The process model infers what kind of text formatting tasks the user is involved in, and if he is making errors, or using inefficient methods in executing them.Using the above information, a prompting mechanism provides the user with messages that explain how certain tasks can be done in an efficient way, using commands that the user does not know about, or a sequence of commands that he has not previously used. Besides, the prompting mechanism also generates “periodic” prompts, to inform the user about formatting commands and tasks that he is unaware off.
On the generalized nearest neighbor filter

The authors present a new tracking algorithm for targets in a cluttered environment. The basic idea is to use all the data that fall into a validation gate. A weighted sum of these data is processed by means of a modified Kalman filter. A weighting coefficient is the distance between a given radar return and the predicted target position. The derived filter has a better performance than the nearest neighbor filter. It is also computationally more attractive than the probabilistic data association (PDA) filter. >
Comparative ecophysiology of C3 and C4 plants

Abstract. In this review we relate the physiological significance of C4 photosynthesis to plant performance in nature. We begin with an examination of the physiological consequences of the C4 pathway on photosynthesis, then discuss the ecophysiological performance of C4 plants in contrasting environments. We then compare the performance of C3 and C4 plants when they occur together in similar habitats, and finally discuss the distribution of C4 photosynthesis with respect to the physical environment, phylogeny, and life form.
Consumer Promotions and the Acceleration of Product Purchases

One potential consequence of consumer promotions is the acceleration of consumer category purchases. Purchase acceleration can assume two forms: purchasing of a larger quantity or shortening of interpurchase time. This research presents an analytical framework for measuring purchase acceleration, and applies that framework to the analysis of two product classes. The effects of coupons, manufacturer and retailer advertising, and price cuts are examined. Different market segments and loyalty groups are also compared in terms of the degree of purchase acceleration exhibited.
Large-Eddy Simulation on Curvilinear Grids Using Compact Differencing and Filtering Schemes

This work investigates the application of a high-order finite difference method for compressible large-eddy simulations on stretched, curvilinear and dynamic meshes. The solver utilizes 4th and 6th-order compact-differencing schemes for the spatial discretization, coupled with both explicit and implicit time-marching methods. Up to 10th order, Pade-type low-pass spatial filter operators are also incorporated to eliminate the spurious high-frequency modes which inevitably arise due to the lack of inherent dissipation in the spatial scheme. The solution procedure is evaluated for the case of decaying compressible isotropic turbulence and turbulent channel flow. The compact/filtering approach is found to be superior to standard second and fourth-order centered, as well as third-order upwind-biased approximations. For the case of isotropic turbulence, better results are obtained with the compact/filtering method (without an added subgrid-scale model) than with the constant-coefficient and dynamic Smagorinsky models. This is attributed to the fact that the SGS models, unlike the optimized low-pass filter, exert dissipation over a wide range of wave numbers including on some of the resolved scales
Modeling Real DASD Configurations

In this paper we survey modeling of Direct Access Storage Devices (DASD) from the point of view of a practitioner attempting to model a real, running system. Our example is DASD subsystems for IBM MVS systems. We examine the features of DASD configurations and the components of DASD service and response times, indicating the important features for performance management. We then treat the incorporation of real performance data in such models and the resulting problems which arise.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Detection of Cytauxzoon felis From Field-Collected Ticks and Sequence Analysis of the Small Subunit and Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 Region of the Ribosomal RNA Gene

Cytauxzoon felis produces a disease in domestic cats in the Midwest (U.S.A.), which often leads to a fatal outcome. Although the clinical disease process is well described, there are still many unanswered questions about this organism. For example, it is unknown whether species of ticks other than Dermacentor variabilis can serve as vectors for transmission. With recent reports of surviving cats from limited geographic areas, another relevant question is the potential for genetically less virulent organism strains. This study evaluated 352 individual or pooled tick samples (1,362 total ticks) for the presence of C. felis small subunit ribosomal RNA and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) region genes using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These ticks were collected from dogs and cats in several Missouri counties, including 10 from cats diagnosed with cytauxzoonosis. Only 3 positive C. felis samples were identified in Amblyomma americanum nymphs, and there was very limited genetic variation noted in both genes. The small number of positive samples did not allow the study to determine which PCR analysis was more sensitive. This is the first known report of ITS-1 gene identification and sequencing for C. felis. It is also the first published investigation of genetic variation in C. felis.
Nutrient transformations between rainfall and stormwater runoff in an urbanized coastal environment: Sarasota Bay, Florida

To determine the relative importance of atmospheric deposition and stormwater runoff as nitrogen sources to Sarasota Bay, Florida, we examined dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentrations and d 15
Determination of subepithelial connective tissue graft thickness in the dog

Abstract Purpose: In this study, we determined the tissue thickness of healed subepithelial connective tissue grafts, the type of tissue present after healing, and the percentage of shrinkage of subepithelial connective tissue grafts over time in the facial aspect of the canine maxilla. Materials and Methods: Four dogs each received 2 single-thickness subepithelial connective tissue grafts, 2 double-thickness grafts, and 2 sham-operated sites in the facial aspect of the maxilla bilaterally. The subepithelial connective tissue graft was harvested from the palate and included the periosteum. After the creation of a pouch on the facial aspect of the maxilla, the grafts were sutured directly to the maxillary periosteum and additional sutures were placed to secure the overlying mucosal flap to the graft. Thickness measures of the grafts before placement and after surgery with the grafts in place were made biweekly with a calibrated probe using known reference points on the teeth. Thickness measures were analyzed using a random-effects mixed model. All dogs were killed at 12 weeks, and the tissues were fixed, serially sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for microscopic examination. Results: Initial measurements of the sites demonstrated a thickness of 1.5 ± 0.6 mm. Immediate postoperative measures were 7.1 mm (single thickness), 7.0 mm (double thickness), and 4.8 mm (sham operated). Week 6 measures were 3.9 mm (single thickness), 3.6 mm (double thickness), and 2.7 mm (sham operated), and week 12 measures were 3.9 mm (single thickness), 3.4 mm (double thickness), and 2.9 mm (sham operated). The difference between single- and double-thickness grafts was not significant ( P =.34). The differences between single thickness and sham operated ( P =.0036) and between double thickness and sham operated ( P =.0049) were significant. Microscopic evaluation demonstrated that the grafts were indistinguishable from the adjacent subcutaneous tissues of the maxilla. The submucosal graft region contained fat, small blood vessels, nerves, and fibrous connective tissue. Conclusions: Based on this study in dogs, shrinkage of subepithelial grafts can be expected. The grafts become incorporate into the host tissues and appear similar to the normal connective tissue. © 2002 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 60:415-421, 2002
Oscillating-grid turbulence including effects of rotation

Experiments were performed to investigate some aspects of turbulence in rotating and non-rotating fluid systems where the turbulence was induced by a horizontal grid oscillating vertically. An earlier theory by the second author made use of a planar source of energy, which appeared to be similar to the energy source of the grid, in determining the characteristics of the turbulence at points some distance away. The simplicity of the theory was in the parameterization of the grid ‘action’ by a single quantity K, with dimensions and characteristics of eddy viscosity.The experimental results provide additional confirmation of the theory in the non-rotating case, and indicate the usefulness of the idealized energy source in the rotating case. In the latter, we measured the propagation of the front separating disturbed and undisturbed fluid, moving along the axis of rotation. The thickness d(t) of the disturbed region increases at first as (Kt)½, as in a non-rotating fluid, until the Rossby number K/Ωd2k becomes of order unity.Beyond this the disturbances are wavelike and rotationally dominated, and the thickness now increases linearly with time, yielding a speed of propagation for the front proportional to the wave speed (KΩ)½. Finally, the disturbances reach the bottom and the vessel is in statistical steady state. Then a region of thickness dk independent of time is found, and it contains motion that resembles ordinary, three-dimensional turbulence. dk ∼ (K/Ω)½ is analogous to the depth of the turbulent Ekman layer H ∼ (K/Ω)½, where K is taken as an eddy viscosity.McEwan constructed a similar rotating experiment, although with a different energy source, and observed vortices parallel to the axis of rotation, provided that the Rossby number was less than a critical value. Our observations and theory indicate that the disappearance of the vortices corresponds to h < dk, where h is the total depth of the fluid. At that point, the whole tank is filled with three-dimensional turbulence.
Reliability of directed networks using the factoring theorem

The authors present a framework in which the factoring theorem can be used in conjunction with other network reductions and simplifications to determine the reliability of source-to-sink communication in a directed network. On published test networks, the proposed microcomputer implementation of this framework solves the two-terminal reliability problem substantially faster than existing implementations of other current algorithms. >
Infinitesimal transformations for non-linear time varying systems†

In this paper, Lie's method of infinitesimal transformations is used to generate some general classes of second-order non-linear non-autonomous differential equations which can be reduced to first-order systems. The relevance of some recently published, transformation methods to this method is established. Although the discussion is restricted to second-order systems, the method can be used for higher-order systems. Some special cases, where the differential equations can be completely integrated, are discussed.
Sparse graphical modeling of piecewise-stationary time series

Graphical models are useful for capturing interdependencies of statistical variables in various fields. Estimating parameters describing sparse graphical models of stationary multivariate data is a major task in areas as diverse as biostatistics, econometrics, social networks, and climate data analysis. Even though time series in these applications are often non-stationary, revealing interdependencies through sparse graphs has not advanced as rapidly, because estimating such time-varying models is challenged by the curse of dimensionality and the associated complexity which is prohibitive. The goal of this paper is to introduce novel algorithms for joint segmentation and estimation of sparse, piecewise stationary, graphical models. The crux of the proposed approach is application of dynamic programming in conjunction with cost functions regularized with terms promoting the right form of sparsity in the right application domain. As a result, complexity of the novel schemes scales gracefully with the problem dimension.
On the ability of humans to haptically identify and discriminate real and simulated objects

The ability of human subjects to identify and discriminate between different-sized real objects was compared with their ability to identify and discriminate between different-sized simulated objects generated by a haptic interface. This comparison was additionally performed for cases of limited force and limited stiffness output from the haptic device, which in effect decrease the fidelity of the haptic simulation. Results indicate that performance of size-identification tasks with haptic-interface hardware capable of a minimum of 3 N of maximum force output can approach performance in real environments, but falls short when virtual surface stiffness is limited. For size-discrimination tasks, performance in simulated environments was consistently lower than performance in a comparable real environment. Interestingly, significant variations in the fidelity of the haptic simulation do not appear to significantly alter the ability of a subject to identify or discriminate between the types of simulated objects described herein.
2D Pulses using spatially dependent frequency sweeping.

Purpose To introduce a method of designing two-dimensional (2D) frequency-modulated pulses that produce phase coherence in a spatiotemporal manner. Uniquely, this class of pulses provides the ability to compensate for field inhomogeneity using a spatiotemporally dependent trajectory of maximum coherence in a single-shot. Theory and Methods A pulse design method based on a k-space description is developed. Bloch simulations and phantom experiments are used to demonstrate sequential spatiotemporal phase coherence and compensation for B1+ and B0 inhomogeneity. Results In the presence of modulated gradients, the 2D frequency-modulated pulses were shown to excite a cylinder in a selective manner. With a surface coil transmitter, compensation of the effect of B1+ inhomogeneity was experimentally verified, in agreement with simulation results. In addition, simulations were used to demonstrate partial compensation for B0 inhomogeneity. Conclusion The 2D frequency-modulated pulses are a new class of pulses that generate phase coherence sequentially along a spatial trajectory determined by gradient- and frequency-modulated functions. By exploiting their spatiotemporal nature, 2D frequency-modulated pulses can compensate for spatial variation of the radiofrequency field in a single-shot excitation. Preliminary results shown suggest extensions might also be used to compensate for static field inhomogeneity. Magn Reson Med 76:1364–1374, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
The Decline of Safavid Iran in Comparative Perspective

This essay analyzes the incontrovertible weakening of the Safavid state in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth century by putting it in a larger context. It does so by comparing various manifestations of Iran’s “decline” at the time to conditions and developments in the adjacent Ottoman and Mughal states, where similar processes were playing out in the same period. In order to arrive at a measured and balanced view of similarities and differences between these three early modern Islamic empires, it singles out and focuses on four areas: geographical/environmental and economic conditions, political developments, the state of the army, and ideological characteristics.
Plasticity of Fear and Safety Neurons of the Amygdala in Response to Fear Extinction.

Fear inhibition learning induces plasticity and remodeling of circuits within the amygdala. Most studies examine these changes in nondiscriminative fear conditioning paradigms. Using a discriminative fear, safety and reward conditioning task, Sangha et al (2013) have previously reported several neural microcircuits within the basal amygdala which discriminate among these cues, including a subpopulation of neurons responding selectively to a safety cue and not a fear cue. Here, the hypothesis that these ‘safety’ neurons isolated during discriminative conditioning are biased to become fear cue responsive as a result of extinction, when fear behavior diminishes, was tested. Although 41% of ‘safety’ neurons became fear cue responsive as a result of extinction, the data revealed that there was no bias for these neurons to become preferentially responsive during fear extinction compared to the other identified subgroups. In addition to the plasticity seen in the ‘safety’ neurons, 44% of neurons unresponsive to either the fear cue or safety cue during discriminative conditioning became fear cue responsive during extinction. Together these emergent responses to the fear cue as a result of extinction support the hypothesis that new learning underlies extinction. In contrast, 47% of neurons responsive to the fear cue during discriminative conditioning became unresponsive to the fear cue during extinction. These findings are consistent with a suppression of neural responding mediated by inhibitory learning, or, potentially, by direct unlearning. Together, the data support extinction as an active process involving both gains and losses of responses to the fear cue and suggests the final output of the integrated basal amygdala circuit in influencing fear behavior is a balance of excitation and inhibition, and perhaps reversal of learning-induced changes.
C5 nerve root palsy following decompression of the cervical spine: a systematic evaluation of the literature

C5 nerve root palsy is a rare and potentially debilitating complication of cervical spine surgery. Currently, however, there are no guidelines to help surgeons to prevent or treat this complication. We carried out a systematic review of the literature to identify the causes of this complication and options for its prevention and treatment. Searches of PubMed, Embase and Medline yielded 60 articles for inclusion, most of which addressed C5 palsy as a complication of surgery. Although many possible causes were given, most authors supported posterior migration of the spinal cord with tethering of the nerve root as being the most likely. Early detection and prevention of a C5 nerve root palsy using neurophysiological monitoring and variations in surgical technique show promise by allowing surgeons to minimise or prevent the incidence of C5 palsy. Conservative treatment is the current treatment of choice; most patients make a full recovery within two years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:950–5.
Targeted Recycling of the Lateral Border Recycling Compartment Precedes Adherens Junction Dissociation during Transendothelial Migration.

Leukocyte transendothelial migration (TEM) requires two major events: local dissociation of adherens junctions manifested as gaps in vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin staining at the site of TEM and targeted trafficking of the lateral border recycling compartment (LBRC) to the site of TEM. However, the association between LBRC recycling and VE-cadherin gaps remains unknown. We found that when targeting of the LBRC is selectively inhibited using established methods, such as a function blocking anti–platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 antibody, depolymerizing microtubules, or microinjection of an antibody that inhibits kinesin, VE-cadherin gaps do not form around the blocked leukocyte. This is the first time that the LBRC has been implicated in this process. We obtained similar results for neutrophils and monocytes and in studies using live cell imaging microscopy conducted under fluid shear conditions. Depolymerizing microtubules did not affect the ability of leukocytes to induce tyrosine phosphorylation of VE-cadherin. A VE-cadherin double mutant (Y658F, Y731F) expressed in endothelial cells acted as a dominant negative and inhibited VE-cadherin gap formation and TEM, yet targeting of the LBRC still occurred. These data suggest that targeting of the LBRC to the site of TEM precedes VE-cadherin clearance. Recruitment of the LBRC may play a role in clearing VE-cadherin from the site of TEM.
Life expectancy of utilitarian pottery in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacan, Mexico

Pottery life-expectancy has important archaeological implications for such problems as population sizes and duration of occupancy of sites. Specific data are here given from four contemporary Mexican village households on durability of several kinds of ware. The most important factors determining life-expectancy appear to be basic strength of the ware, functions of different types of vessels, handling practices, relative costs, and kinds of breakage. It may be inferred that similar factors determine life-expectancy in many contemporary and archaeological communities.
Effect of Axial Ligands on the Oxidation State, Structure, and Electronic Configuration of Diruthenium Complexes. Synthesis and Characterization of Ru2(dpf)4Cl, Ru2(dpf)4(C⋮CC6H5), Ru2(dpf)4(C⋮CC6H5)2, and Ru2(dpf)4(CN)2 (dpf = N,N‘-Diphenylformamidinate)

The effect of axial ligands on the structure, oxidation state, and electronic configuration of two diruthenium(II,III) and two diruthenium(III,III) complexes is reported. The investigated compounds are represented by Ru2(dpf)4Cl (1), Ru2(dpf)4(C⋮CC6H5) (2), Ru2(dpf)4(C⋮CC6H5)2 (3), and Ru2(dpf)4(CN)2 (4), where dpf is the N,N‘-diphenylformamidinate ion. The chloro and mono(phenylacetylide) complexes, which contain a Ru25+ core, are paramagnetic and contain three unpaired electrons, while the bis(phenylacetylide) and bis(cyano) species, which contain a Ru26+ core, are diamagnetic. Compound 1, Ru2(dpf)4Cl, was prepared by heating Ru2(CH3COO)4Cl and excess molten N,N‘-diphenylformamidine (Hdpf) for 10 h at 130 °C under an argon atmosphere. Compound 2, Ru2(dpf)4(C⋮CC6H5), was prepared by reaction of purified Ru2(dpf)4Cl with LiC⋮CC6H5 (in a 1:5 ratio) in THF at room temperature (2 h). Compound 3, Ru2(dpf)4(C⋮CC6H5)2, was also obtained from Ru2(dpf)4Cl by using excess LiC⋮CC6H5. A related diruthenium(III,III) ...