cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Function and regulation of macroautophagy in plants

The plant vacuole is a major site for the degradation of macromolecules, which are transferred from the cytoplasm by autophagy via double-membrane vesicles termed autophagosomes. Autophagy functions at a basal level under normal growth conditions and is induced during senescence and upon exposure to stress conditions to recycle nutrients or degrade damaged proteins and organelles. Autophagy is also required for the regulation of programmed cell death as a response to pathogen infection and possibly during certain developmental processes. Little is known about how autophagy is regulated under these different conditions in plants, but recent evidence suggests that plants contain a functional TOR pathway which may control autophagy induction in conjunction with hormonal and/or environmental signals.
Symmetry Transition in Thin Films of Diblock Copolymer/Homopolymer Blends

The effect of blending small weight fractions of low molecular weight majority block homopolymer on the structure of multilayer films of spherical morphology poly(styrene-b-2vinylpyridine) [PS−P2VP] has been studied. The structure of the films was characterized with grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In multilayer films of PS−P2VP, competition between hexagonal packing of the spherical domains preferred at the surfaces with the BCC (110) packing preferred by the internal layers leads to a transition in the packing symmetry as the number of sphere layers (n) is increased.(1) Neat PS−P2VP exhibits hexagonal close-packed (HCP) symmetry up through n = 4, but at four layers coexistence of hexagonal and face-centered orthorhombic phases is observed. At n = n* = 5 the face-centered orthorhombic structure (FCO) is the stable phase. On increasing n further, the FCO phase continuously distorts to approach the arrangement of the BCC (110) plane. We obs...
Effects of Maternal Treatment with Corticosteroids on Tight Junction Protein Expression in the Cerebral Cortex of the Ovine Fetus with and without Exposure to In-Utero Brain Ischemia

Maternal treatment with corticosteroids reduces blood-brain barrier permeability in premature ovine fetuses and the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants. We tested the hypothesis that maternally administered corticosteroids increase the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins in the cerebral cortex of ovine fetuses with and without exposure to in-utero brain ischemia. Fetuses at 80% of gestation were studied 18 h after the last of four 4−6 mg dexamethasone or placebo injections were given over 48 h to ewes. Groups were placebo/control, dexamethasone/control, placebo/ischemic, and dexamethasone/ischemic. Ischemia consisted of 30 min of fetal carotid artery occlusion and 72 h of reperfusion. Cerebral cortex was snap frozen. Western immunoblot was used to measure the protein expression of occludin, claudin-1, claudin-5, zonula occludens (ZO)-1, and ZO-2, and a TJ accessory protein annexin II. Occludin and annexin II protein expression were 48% and 58% higher (P<0.05) in the dexamethasone/ischemic than placebo/control group, respectively. Claudin-5 protein expression was 69% and 73% higher (P<0.05) in the placebo/ischemic and dexamethasone/ischemic than placebo/control group. Claudin-1 expression did not differ among groups. ZO-1 protein expression was 25%, 40%, and 55% lower in the dexamethasone/control, placebo/ischemic and dexamethasone/ischemic than placebo/control group, respectively. ZO-2 expression was 45% and 70% lower (P<0.01) in the placebo/ischemic and dexamethasone/ischemic than placebo/control group. We conclude that maternal corticosteroid treatment differentially regulates the expression of component proteins of TJs in the cerebral cortex of fetuses exposed to brain ischemia. The functional significance of this differential regulation warrants further investigation.
Studies on phosphatidylcholine model membranes. I. Iodide permeability measurement by specific ion electrode

An iodide specific ion electrode was used to measure iodide released from egg phosphatidylcholine liposomes after passage through an ion exchange column. The permeation process was shown to be a sum of two separate first order processes. The method permits linear initial rates of iodide release to be determined for the first 5 min of permeation. Iodide permeability in the absence of Tris buffer was found to be a decreasing function of pH. In the presence of Tris, iodide permeability went through a minimum ofrom ph 7.3-8.5. the permeability was found to decrease when cholesterol was incorporated into the liposomes.
Simulation input data analysis: some considerations and definitions

Data Analysis seems to invoke images of everything from key punching to Extreme Value Theory. They indeed both have a place in it abiet, a small one. Rather than the single discipline or problem view, I would prefer to address the motley lot of considerations involved in the interactions of problem definition, simulation design and output analysis with Data Analysis. Data Analysis here then is defined as the analysis of the interactions between simulation variables and their associated data with the design and operational characteristics of the simulation.
Significance of ct-scan-detected seminal vesicle enlargement in prostate cancer A pilot study

The significance of CT-scan-detected seminal vesicle enlargement was investigated by correlating preoperative CT scans and pathologic findings for 25 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Seminal vesicle size was found to be a poor predictor of pathologic involvement when compared with tumor differentiation and obliteration of seminal vesicle angle.
Coherent Communication in Optical Free-Space and Fiber Networks

This paper will address coherent optical detection in the context of free-space optical networks in the presence of atmospheric turbulence and multi-user interference. We will also discuss how many of these techniques can be applied to fiber networks.
N-formylkansosaminyl-(1----3)-2-O-methyl-D-rhamnopyranose: the type-specific determinant of serovariant 14 of the Mycobacterium avium complex.

Abstract Significant occurrences of pulmonary and disseminated infections due to “atypical” mycobacteria have again focused attention on the Mycobacterium avium serocomplex. An examination of the major surface glycopeptidolipid antigen of one of the more prominent and one of the first described serovariants, the Boone strain (serovariant 14), has shown that it is characterized by a unique terminal disaccharide unit, N -formylkansosaminyl-(1→3)-2- O -methyl- d -rhamnopyranose. The structure of the entire oligoglycosyl hapten is N -formylkansosaminyl-(1→3)-2- O -methyl-α- d -rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-2- O -methyl-α- l -fucopyranosyl-(1→3)- α- l -rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-6-deoxy- l -talose. We had previously described a 4,6-dideoxy-2- O -methyl-3- C -methyl-4-(2-methoxy propanamido)- l -mannopyranose (an N -acylkansosamine) as the characteristic sugar of the trehalose-containing lipo-oligosaccharide antigens of strains of Mycobacterium kansasii . Thus, a derivative of this sugar is now found to occur in other mycobacteria as part of other antigens. The other distinguishing feature of the structure is the presence of d -rhamnopyranose, which occurs only sparingly in Nature.
Adaptive and Innate Immune Responses in Autism: Rationale for Therapeutic Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulin

Autism is a complex polygenic neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication and social interactions as well as specific stereotypical behaviors. Both genetic and environmental factors appear to contribute to the pathogenesis of autism. Accumulating data including changes in immune responses, linkage to major histocompatibility complex antigens, and the presence of autoantibodies to neural tissues/antigens suggest that the immune system plays an important role in its pathogenesis. In this brief review, we discuss the data regarding changes in both innate and adaptive immunity in autism and the evidence in favor of the role of the immune system, especially of maternal autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of a subset of patients with autism. The rationale for possible therapeutic use of intravenous immunoglobulin is also discussed.
A thymic nurse cell-specific monoclonal antibody.

Abstract A thymic epithelial cell line (tsTNC-1) that maintains the ability to selectively bind and internalize immature αβTCRloCD4+CD8+thymocytesin vitrowas used in the development of a monoclonal antibody that is specific to the cell surface of thymic nurse cells (TNCs) in the thymus. The rat monoclonal antibody ph91 showed specificity to cells of the subcapsular region of the thymic cortex. Upon mechanical dispersion of the thymusin vitro, ph91 recognized cells displaying the multicellular morphology unique to TNCs. Ph91 staining was not detected on fresh thymocytes, stromal cells of the inner thymic cortex, thymic medullary cells, B cells or fibroblasts. Ph91 recognized a 43-kDa protein on the surface of TNCs. Exposure of tsTNC-1 cells to ph91 in tissue culture significantly reduced the percentage of binding of the αβTCRloCD4+CD8+thymocyte subset previously shown to target TNCs. In organ culture, ph91 reduced the viability of developing thymocytes by 70%. The largest reduction was found in the αβTCR+CD4+CD8+thymocyte subset. These results represent the first report of a TNC-specific monoclonal antibody. Further, the antigen to which ph91 binds may play a role in the process of thymocyte binding and their subsequent internalization which is unique to TNCs and important to the T cell developmental process.
A comparison of normal versus low dietary carbohydrate intake on substrate oxidation during and after moderate intensity exercise in women

We compared the effects of consuming a 2-day low-carbohydrate (CHO) diet (low-CHO; 20% CHO, 40% protein, 40% fat) versus an isocaloric 2-day moderate-CHO diet (mod-CHO; 55% CHO, 15% protein, 30% fat) on substrate oxidation during and after exercise in ten active, young women. Subjects were 24.9 ± 6.2% body fat with a VO(2max) of 68.8 ± 13.8 ml/kg FFM/min. For 2 days prior to exercise, subjects consumed either the mod-CHO or the low-CHO diet and then completed treadmill exercise at 55% of VO(2max) until 350 kcal of energy was expended. During exercise and for 2 h post-exercise, expired gases were analyzed to determine oxidation rates for CHO (CHO-OX) and fat (FAT-OX). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between diets for CHO-OX and FAT-OX (mg/kg FFM/min) during exercise, 1 h post-ex, and 2 h post-ex. During exercise, FAT-OX was higher (low-CHO 8.7 ± 2.2 vs. mod-CHO 6.2 ± 2.2) and CHO-OX was lower (low-CHO 25.1 ± 5.6 vs. mod-CHO 31.1 ± 6.2) following the low-CHO diet. A similar trend was observed during 1 h post-ex for FAT-OX (low-CHO 2.2 ± 0.5 vs. mod-CHO 1.6 ± 0.5) and CHO-OX (low-CHO 2.5 ± 1.2 vs. mod-CHO 4.1 ± 1.9), as well as 2 h post-ex for FAT-OX (low-CHO vs. 1.9 ± 0.5 mod-CHO 1.7 ± 0.4) and CHO-OX (low-CHO 2.5 ± 0.9 vs. mod-CHO 3.1 ± 1.1). Significant positive correlations were observed between VO(2max) and CHO-OX during exercise and post-exercise, as well as significant negative correlations between VO(2max) and FAT-OX post-exercise in the low-CHO condition. Waist circumference and FAT-OX exhibited a significant negative correlation during exercise in the low-CHO condition. Dietary macronutrient intake influenced substrate oxidation in active young women during and after moderate intensity exercise.
The effect of warfarin and vitamin K-1 on the carboxylation and glycosylation of prothrombin in vivo.

Abstract The effect of warfarin and vitamin K-1 on the carboxylation and glycosylation of prothrombin in the rat in vivo was investigated. Neither warfarin nor vitamin K-1 has an effect on carboxylation. However, warfarin inhibited glycosylation 80–90% and this inhibition was readily reversed by the administration of vitamin K-1.
Teaching Tools for Evaluating World Wide Web Resources.

Teaching Sociology, Vol. 27,1999 (January:31-37) WITH THE EXPLOSIVE and exponential growth of Web sites, the Internet has become an important (if often flawed) information re­ source. As more scholarly journals, reports, statistics, and polling data become available online, the academic value of this resource grows. Many textbooks and publishers now have supplements and guides to the Internet for sociologists and their students (Ferrante and Vaughn 1997; Rivard 1997). However, access to this glut of information is not always useful if one does not know how to select and evaluate the best and most reliable sites. Recognizing when to tum to the Web for information and when to rely on more tradi­ tional resources such as library catalogs, periodical and citation indexes, and subject encyclopedias is equally important. (See, for example, Abowitz's [1994] Appendix.) De­ spite the media hype, the Web is not a comprehensive information resource. This article illustrates a series of teaching tools useful for addressing these issues. After first examining the need for teaching the evaluation of Web resources, I suggest criteria for appraising Web pages, pose a possible format for citing Web pages, and briefly discuss how to assess students' mas­ tery of the topic.
Phase separation in bulk statistical copolymers and their mixtures with homopolymers. I. Theory

A method based on the Flory-Huggins thermodynamics is presented for modeling phase equilibria in bulk statistical copolymers of two monomers. For a given phase separation, a component's preference for one of the phases depends only on its composition, and there always exists a balanced composition which shows no preference at all and assumes equal concentrations in both phases. In contrast, the degree of enrichment depends exponentially on the component's chain length and the magnitude of the deviation of its composition from the balanced one. A fast two-loop iteration scheme is devised for numerical computation of phase equilibria for any distribution of chain length and composition. Critical state formulas can be cast succintly in terms of averages of deviations from the balanced composition (which here equals the z-average composition). At the critical composition, the (z+1)-average of cubed deviations has to be zero, whereas the critical value of the interaction parameter is inversely proportional to the z-average of squared deviations and to the w-average chain length. Thus, e.g., a copolymer with a symmetrical distribution always constitutes a critical mixture.
Composition of novel triesters from the skin of the rhino mutant mouse.

Composition of two novel triesters, derived from the skin of the rhino mutant mouse, is described. Chemical and spectroscopic analysis of the products of pancreatic hydrolysis of the triesters showed that these are comprised predominantly of isomer I (92.7 mole %). The syntheses of two reference compounds, 1-O-hexadecanoyl-2-[(14-hexadecanoyloxy)O-tetradecanoyl] 1,2-hexadecanediol (Ia) and 2-O-hexadecanoyl-1-[(14-hexadecanoyloxy)O-tetradecanoyl]-1,2-hexadecanediol (IIa), corresponding in their structures to isomers I and II of the triester, wax have also been described.
Spatial predictability of food influences its monopolization and defence by juvenile convict cichlids

Abstract Abstract. The hypothesis that spatially predictable resources are more easily monopolized and defended than spatially unpredictable resources was tested by allowing groups of six juvenile convict cichlids, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum, to compete for Daphnia magna prey. One prey appeared every 15 s in one of four patches defined by their probability (0·667, 0·167, 0·083, 0·083) of receiving the prey. Spatial predictability was manipulated by varying how often these probabilities were randomly assigned to the patches over a 3-day experimental period: once (Predictable), six times (Intermediate), or 36 times (Unpredictable). With increasing resource predictability, dominant fish became significantly more aggressive, more sedentary, and monopolized a greater share of the food. The number of prey eaten by individual fish was positively correlated with body mass and aggressiveness (the proport on of encountered conspecifics that were chased) in the Predictable treatment, with body mass in the Intermediate treatment, and with body mass and mobility (the frequency of patch switching) in the Unpredictable treatment. These results suggest that interference competition, via resource defence, is effective in spatially predictable environments, whereas exploitative competition, via scrambling, is effective in spatially unpredictable environments.
Postcollision interactions in the Auger decay of the Ar L shell

The photoionization cross sections for ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ through ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{4+}$, produced by the Auger decay of a 2p hole in argon, have been measured between 242 eV and 253 eV by the use of synchrotron radiation. The high resolution of the monochromator has allowed a detailed study of the postcollision interactions that occur in this spectral region. The concept of photoelectron recapture by ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{2+}$ to produce the ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ continuum is studied. The relative values of the quantum-mechanical calculations of the photoelectron recapture probability are shown to be in excellent agreement with the present data. The magnitude and shape of the ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{2+}$ continuum has been explained on the basis that about 67% of the recaptured photoelectrons produce excited states of ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ which subsequently reemit the electrons by autoionization. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Evaluation of lung injury in rats and mice.

Lung injury is a broad descriptor that can be applied to conditions ranging from mild interstitial edema without cellular injury to massive and fatal destruction of the lung. This review addresses ...
The sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible

Modifications of the sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible have essentially reduced the major drawbacks of the procedure, such as condyle displacement, short-term skeletal relapse, and protracted maxillomandibular fixation and mental nerve dysesthesia. These techniques have proved effective over a period of 4 years in fifty-seven patients treated.
SECOND LANGUAGE WRITING RESEARCH: PERSPECTIVES ON THE PROCESS OF KNOWLEDGE CONSTRUCTION

SECOND LANGUAGE WRITING RESEARCH: PERSPECTIVES ON THE PROCESS OF KNOWLEDGE CONSTRUCTION. Paul Kei Matsuda and Tony Silva (Eds.). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, 2005. Pp. xv + 254, 29.95 paper.This collection of articles, edited by Matsuda and Silva, is a valuable resource for both new and established researchers in the field of second language (L2) writing. The main goal of the text is to give readers insight into the messy realities of conducting research in this area by discussing issues that are not included in introductory books on research methodology. The volume is divided into three parts: “Research as Situated Knowledge Construction,” “Conceptualizing L2 Writing Research,” and “Collecting and Analyzing Data.”
Nonlinear dynamic study of a bistable MEMS: model and experiment

In the Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems (see vol. 11, pp. 574-583, Oct. 2002), we presented an actuation scheme for toggling a bistable MEMS, a buckled beam, from one stable state to the other using radiation pressure of light. The experiments revealed some anomalous behavior of the beam. While long duration laser pulses at a power level slightly above the toggle threshold reliably toggled the beam every time, short duration pulses of the same power toggled the beam only about two-thirds of the time. In addition, when excessively high power levels (far above the toggle threshold) were used, the beam would not reliably toggle regardless of the pulse duration. This paper resolves the anomaly. It presents a nonlinear dynamical analysis of the bistable beam device which explains the anomaly as follows: a slightly higher than threshold force, applied for sufficient time, toggles the beam. If the force duration is longer than the time of decay of the oscillation of the beam about the toggled state, then the beam remains in that state after the force is removed. Otherwise, the beam may return to the original state. On the other hand, if the beam is toggled by a force far above the threshold, then after removal of the force, the beam may oscillate spanning both the states until the motion decays and the beam settles down to one of the states, not necessarily the toggled state, which may appear to be an anomalous behavior. The theoretical model is validated by a series of toggling experiments.
Effects of a forest pathogen on habitat selection and quality for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler

Oak wilt is a fatal forest disease caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum. Loss or degradation of habitat caused by oak wilt may negatively affect forest songbirds, including the federally endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia), a species that breeds exclusively in the Ashe juniper–oak woodlands (Juniperus ashei–Quercus spp.) of central Texas, USA. During 2010 and 2011, we investigated the influence of oak wilt on golden-cheeked warbler habitat selection and quality at 25 study sites that each contained forest affected by oak wilt and unaffected forest. We assessed habitat selection in terms of use versus availability at 2 scales: within the patch and within the territory. We also assessed post-breeding use of affected forest by comparing detection densities in affected and unaffected forest. To assess the influence of oak wilt on habitat quality, we compared the reproductive outcome of territories in unaffected and affected areas. We assessed within-patch habitat selection for 67 territories and found that golden-cheeked warblers used affected forest significantly less than its availability. We found use of affected forest to be variable within the 14 territories that contained affected forest in >10% of their area. Post-breeding use of affected forest was also variable. Pairing success was 27% lower for males whose territories contained >10% affected forest but fledging success was not affected. Our results suggest that the presence of oak wilt negatively influences habitat selection and quality for golden-cheeked warblers, likely due to reduced canopy cover in susceptible oak species. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
A brief interview for assessing compulsive hoarding: The Hoarding Rating Scale-Interview

This article describes the development and validation of the Hoarding Rating Scale-Interview (HRS-I), a brief (5-10 min) five-item semi-structured interview that assesses the features of compulsive hoarding (clutter, difficulty discarding, acquisition, distress and impairment). Trained interviewers administered the HRS-I to 136 adults (73 compulsive hoarding, 19 OCD, 44 non-clinical controls) along with a battery of self-report measures. An initial assessment was conducted in the clinic, and a second assessment was conducted in participants' homes. The HRS-I showed high internal consistency and reliability across time and context. The HRS-I clearly differentiated hoarding and non-hoarding participants, and was strongly associated with other measures of hoarding. It is concluded that the HRS-I is a promising measure for determining the presence and severity of compulsive hoarding.
An efficient algorithm for optimum decomposition of recycle systems

A method is developed for decomposition of a recycle process so as to minimize the summation of weighting factors for variables torn. This procedure is based on application of dynamic programming to a state space representing combinations of cycles opened. The resulting algorithm is well suited to machine implementation and is more efficient for large problems than alternative procedures that also guarantee decomposition.
Detection of hydrodynamic stimuli by the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris).

Florida manatees inhabit the coastal and inland waters of the peninsular state. They have little difficulty navigating the turbid waterways, which often contain obstacles that they must circumnavigate. Anatomical and behavioral research suggests that the vibrissae and associated follicle–sinus complexes that manatees possess over their entire body form a sensory array system for detecting hydrodynamic stimuli analogous to the lateral line system of fish. This is consistent with data highlighting that manatees are tactile specialists, evidenced by their specialized facial morphology and use of their vibrissae during feeding and active investigation/manipulation of objects. Two Florida manatees were tested in a go/no-go procedure using a staircase method to assess their ability to detect low-frequency water movement. Hydrodynamic vibrations were created by a sinusoidally oscillating sphere that generated a dipole field at frequencies from 5 to 150 Hz, which are below the apparent functional hearing limit of the manatee. The manatees detected particle displacement of less than 1 μm for frequencies of 15–150 Hz and of less than a nanometer at 150 Hz. Restricting the facial vibrissae with various size mesh openings indicated that the specialized sensory hairs played an important role in the manatee’s exquisite tactile sensitivity.
Fibronectin regulates calvarial osteoblast differentiation

The secretion of fibronectin by differentiating osteoblasts and its accumulation at sites of osteogenesis suggest that fibronectin participates in bone formation. To test this directly, we determined whether fibronectin-cell interactions regulate progressive differentiation of cultured fetal rat calvarial osteoblasts. Spatial distributions of alpha 5 integrin subunit, fibronectin, osteopontin (bone sialoprotein I) and osteocalcin (bone Gla-protein) were similar in fetal rat calvaria and mineralized, bone-like nodules formed by cultured osteoblasts. Addition of anti-fibronectin antibodies to cultures at confluence reduced subsequent formation of nodules to less than 10% of control values, showing that fibronectin is required for normal nodule morphogenesis. Anti-fibronectin antibodies selectively inhibited steady-state expression of mRNA for genes associated with osteoblast differentiation; mRNA levels for alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were suppressed, whereas fibronectin, type I collagen and osteopontin were unaffected. To identify functionally relevant domains of fibronectin, we treated cells with soluble fibronectin fragments and peptides. Cell-binding fibronectin fragments (type III repeats 6-10) containing the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence blocked both nodule initiation and maturation, whether or not they contained a functional synergy site. In contrast, addition of the RGD-containing peptide GRGDSPK alone did not inhibit nodule initiation, although it did block nodule maturation. Thus, in addition to the RGD sequence, other features of the large cell-binding fragments contribute to the full osteogenic effects of fibronectin. Nodule formation and osteoblast differentiation resumed after anti-fibronectin antibodies or GRGDSPK peptides were omitted from the media, showing that the inhibition was reversible and the treatments were not cytotoxic. Outside the central cell-binding domain, peptides from the IIICS region and antibodies to the N terminus did not inhibit nodule formation. We conclude that osteoblasts interact with the central cell-binding domain of endogenously produced fibronectin during early stages of differentiation, and that these interactions regulate both normal morphogenesis and gene expression.
Extramedullary hematopoiesis in the maxillary sinus

Summary Chronic hemolytic anemia may result to compensatory extramedullary hematopoiesis. We present the diagnostic and treatment challenges of an unusual case of extramedullary hematopoiesis involving the maxillary sinus. Review of literature is performed.
Evaluation of an Orographic Precipitation Model

Abstract The question of whether rain gauge data from complex terrain are suitable to test physical models of orographic precipitation or to estimate free parameters is addressed. Data from three projects are considered: the Intermountain Precipitation Experiment (IPEX) and the California Land-falling Jets Experiment (CALJET), both in the United States, and the Mesoscale Alpine Programme (MAP) in the European Alps. As a prototype physical model, a new linear theory including airflow dynamics, condensed water advection, and leeside evaporation was employed. Theoretical considerations using the linear model showed sensitivity of point measurements across an ideal hill. To assist in model evaluation with real data, a new measure of “goodness of fit” was defined. This measure, “location sensitivity skill” (LSS), rewards detail as well as accuracy. For real data comparison, the linear model predictions show skill using traditional methods and the new LSS measure. The findings show that the wind direction and s...
Renal mass: An important determinant of late allograft outcome

S ince the first successful renal transplant was performed in 1954, significant progress has been made in overcoming acute host responses to allogeneic tissue and improving supportive care. Because of these advances, transplantation is now widely regarded as the treatment of choice for endstage renal disease. Although l-year allograft survival rates >85%lr are now achieved in many centers, the rates of allograft failure in subsequent years have remained essentially static with a IO-year survival for cadaveric grafts essentially unchanged for decades at <50%.‘~~*~ Consequently, approximately 20% of all patients awaiting kidney transplantation in the United States are previous graft recipients.5 These recurring demands exacerbate the already inadequate supply of donor organs besetting transplant services. Thus, as we near the next millennium, late allograft failure may be regarded as the greatest obstacle to renal transplantation attaining its full potential in the management of end-stage renal disease. When death with a functioning graft is excluded as a cause of late renal allograft loss, a significant though imprecisely defined proportion of kidney transplants fail after a period of gradual loss of function.6,7 Graft losses conforming to this pattern are most likely to be attributed to chronic rejection.E Formerly, this was regarded as an exclusively antigenspecific process mediated by low-grade antibody or cell-mediated immune injury. Recently, a broader perspective has been adopted that includes antigenindependent factors in the pathogenesis of late graft loss. In particular, mechanisms responsible for the progression of chronic renal disease in the setting of reduced renal mass have received considerable attention.417*s-13 This article reviews current literature on the role of one critical antigen-independent determi-
Snapshot hyperspectral imaging in ophthalmology

Retinal imaging spectroscopy can provide functional maps using chromophore spectra. For example, oxygen saturation maps show ischemic areas from diabetes and venous occlusions. Obtaining retinal spatial-spectral data has been difficult due to saccades and long data acquisition times 5s . We present a snapshot imaging spectrometer with far-reaching applicability that acquires a complete spatial-spectral image cube in 3m sfrom 450 to 700 nm with 50 bands, eliminating motion artifacts and pixel misregistration. Current retinal spectral imaging approaches are incapable of true snapshot operation over a wide spectral range with a large number of spectral bands. Coupled to a fundus camera, the instrument returns true color retinal images for comparison to standard fundus images and for im- age validation while the patient is still dilated. Oxygen saturation maps were obtained with a three-wavelength algorithm: for healthy subjects arteries were 95% and veins 30 to 35% less. The instru- ment is now undergoing clinical trials. © 2007 Society of Photo-Optical Instru-
Rethinking the Sense-Plan-Act Abstraction: A Model Attention and Selection Framework for Task-Relevant Estimation

Robots performing service tasks such as cooking and cleaning in human-centric environments require knowledge of certain environmental states in order to complete tasks successfully. While much effort has gone into developing various estimators for deriving distributions on values of unknown states, less attention has been placed on why the particular estimation problem arises. In this work, I argue that state estimation should no longer be treated as a black box. Estimating large sets of variables is computationally costly; just because a technique exists to estimate the values of certain variables does not justify its application. For robots whose ultimate mission is to complete tasks, only variables that are relevant to successful completion should be estimated. I propose to initially only track a minimal set of directly-relevant variables (attention), and gradually increase the sophistication of models on-demand (refinement), in a local fashion. This estimator refinement process is triggered by violations in expectations of task success (mismatch). This model selection framework is demonstrated through a proof-of-concept case study.
Validity and reliability of the Parental Sun Protection Scales

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the US and its incidence continues to rise. Epidemiological studies have shown that excessive sun exposure received during childhood may increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Yet, there are few published reports on the development of reliable and valid theory-based scales that assess the factors associated with parental sun-protection practices to reduce sun exposure in preschool children. To fill this gap, the Parental Sun Protection Scales were developed and validated. Two series of confirmatory factor analytic models were employed to test the factor structure of the scales and to examine the inter-relationships among the proposed psychosocial factors. Sunscreen-use and sun-avoidance behavioral models were tested in a sample of 384 parents. The results provided a basis for the reliable and valid measurement of psychosocial factors related to parental sun-protection practices. These scales may be useful in more fully understanding the determinants of sun-protection behaviors and in evaluating intervention programs designed to improve such behaviors.
Prehospital endotracheal tube airway or esophageal gastric tube airway: A critical comparison

This study compares two similar groups of patients in cardiopulmonary arrest with ventricular fibrillation (VF). In the survival study group of 296 patients, 148 patients received an endotracheal tube airway (ETA) and 148 patients received an esophageal gastric tube airway (EGTA), the improved version of the esophageal obturator airway (EOA). Survival rates, both short term (ETA = 35.8%, EGTA = 39.1%) and long term (ETA = 11.5%, EGTA = 16.2%), and neurological sequelae of survivors showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P greater than .05). In addition, we found that success and complication rates of intubation were similar. Training time was longer for the ETA. We conclude that both airways have a place in the prehospital setting.
Temporary left ventricular resynchronization therapy in cardiogenic shock: a new pacing paradigm to fight an old foe?

Clinical cardiogenic shock is characterized by tissue hypoperfusion resulting from cardiac dysfunction. Severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (usually from myocardial infarction) is the most common cause; however, arrhythmias, acute valvular dysfunction,ventricular rupture, or ventricular septal defect may also result in shock. Hemodynamic criteria for cardiogenic shock include a systolic blood pressure o90 mm Hg, a cardiac index o2.2 L/min/m 2 , and a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure 418 mm Hg. 1 Pharmacotherapy has primarily consisted of inotropic and vasopressor support. Unfortunately, the use of these agents may increase myocardial oxygen consumption, result in arrhythmogenesis, or decrease renal and splanchnic blood flow. To date, mechanical options for patients with drug refractory have included intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation and percutaneous LV assist devices. Although percutaneous LV assist devices provide superior hemodynamic support compared with IABP, the use of these devices does not appear to improve early survival in patients with cardiogenic shock. 2 Complications associated with these devices include arterial damage, limb ischemia, sepsis, coagulopathy/bleeding, and stroke. 3 In this issue of HeartRhythm, Eitel et al 4 entice us to consider temporary LV pacing in patients with QRS prolongation due to left bundle branch morphology, drug-refractory cardiogenic shock, and asynchronous LV contraction. The study includes a small number of eclectic patients, is uncontrolled, and reveals no statistically significant findings. Nevertheless, it may portend a promising therapeutic adjunct in a clinical scenario where many, possibly the majority, of affected patients die. The potential for long-term survival following cardiogenic shock emphasizes the importance of improving short-term survival, which remains unacceptably low despite optimal intensive care. 4,5 Today, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is well studied and widely embraced. It is important, however, to remember that the first clinical report of biventricular (BiV) pacing was followed by uncontrolled studies (such as that of Eitel et al) demonstrating marked short-term improvements in hemodynamics and symptoms. 6
Surfactant Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Enhances Skin Vaccination Molecular Characterization via a Novel Technique using Ultrafiltration Capillaries and Mass Spectrometric Proteomics

The skin is a highly accessible organ and thus provides an attractive immune environment for cost-effective, simple, and needle-free delivery of vaccines and immunomodulators. In this study, we pretreated mouse skin with an anionic surfactant, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), for a short period of time (10 min) followed by epicutaneous vaccination with hen egg lysozyme antigen. We demonstrated for the first time that pretreatment of skin with surfactant SLS significantly enhances the production of antibody to hen egg lysozyme. Short term pretreatment with SLS disorganized the stratum corneum, extracted partial lamellar lipids, induced the maturation of Langerhans cells, and did not result in epidermis thickening. To reveal the mechanism underlying these changes, particularly at the molecular level, we used a novel proteomic technique using ultrafiltration capillaries and mass spectrometry to identify in vivo proteins/peptides secreted in the SLS-pretreated skin. Two secretory proteins, named as calcium-binding protein S100A9 and thymosin β4, were identified by this novel technique. These two proteins thus may provide new insight into the enhancing effect of surfactants on skin vaccination.
Current Capabilities/needs and future possibilities of multi-Chip-modules Summary

Summary form only given. The state of the art was discussed in terms of costs, densities, speeds, sizes, yields, rework, testing methodologies, and thermal capabilities for the principle production interconnects. Comparisons were made for each of the newer MCM (multichip module) technologies for which data are available. Observations about costs, reworkability, assembly methods, yields, and testing were made to indicate the author's views on where and how costs for MCMs can be driven down to become competitive with existing interconnect systems. >
The Gravity Model Of Trade Applied To Africa

The gravity model states that trade between any two countries is proportional, other things equal, to the product of the two countries’ GDPs, and diminishes with the distance between the two countries. The logic is that larger economies tend to spend large amounts on imports and attract large share of other countries spending (exports) because they produce large quantity and variety of goods and services. Distance, on the other hand, tends to lessen trade between countries because of transportation costs and other intangible barriers, such as language, geography, and historic colonial relationships. The following specific hypotheses from the gravity model of trade are tested with respect to African countries alone: The amount of exports by one African country to another is inversely related to the distance between the two countries, The amount of exports by one African country to another reflects the GDP of the country to whom the exports are sent, The amount of exports directly reflects a country’s own GDP, and Countries associated with the same colonial power experience greater trade. Each of these hypotheses is tested with logarithmic forms of the variables in the hypotheses. While the resulting logarithmic model works is statistically significant and bears the correct signs, it does not show colonial patterns to be a strong as those found in other studies that are focused on inter-continental trade relationships. The significance of colonization in other studies may be a surrogate for the degree of development of nations. Since trade grows less than proportionately both with respect to the GDP of the importing nation and with respect to the GDP of the exporter, this study shows a disappointing trade impact of growth in the developing world on the potential development of Africa through export growth.
Using Blogs to Enhance Student Engagement and Learning in the Health Sciences.

Teaching in a diverse, urban community college, it has become apparent that students spend most of their free (and classroom) time participating in social media. In response, we decided to incorporate social media, blogs specifically, as a way to increase student engagement, retention and achievement. The learning objective was for our students to learn how to translate complex science into something a broad audience can understand and appreciate. Graduates of a health program need to be the best communicators when i translating scientific evidence into something others can understand, and act on. We created a health blog and with the goal of helping students translate what they learned in a classroom via their own health blog.
A System for Metabolic Studies in Chickens

Abstract Techniques were developed and respiratory apparatus designed for conducting intensive metabolic experiments on intact chickens. This system permits calculation of metabolic rate and respiratory quotient as well as estimates of substrate oxidation, pool size and pool kinetics. Birds were immobilized in lateral recumbency. An anesthetic, 2.0% procaine HC1 solution, was infiltrated subcutaneously in the upper wing parallel to the humerus and anterior to the brachial vein which is readily visible. An incision approximately 3 cm. in length was made over the injection site. The posterior edge of the biceps brachialus was elevated and the brachial artery isolated from surrounding structures on the deep surface of the biceps. Two ligatures approximately 3 cm. apart were then placed around the vessel (Fig. 1). The ligature nearest the wing tip was tied securely while the proximal one was left loose until after catheterization. With the vessel elevated by retraction of the two ligatures,…
Review of Soil and Water Chemistry: An Integrative Approach

Michael E. Essington, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, 2nd edition, 2015. 633 pp. ISBN: 9781466573154. $67.96. The second edition of the book Soil and Water Chemistry: An Integrative Approach is written by M.E. Essington. This book consists of 12 chapters with several illustrations and tables,
Fundamentals, momentum, and bubbles in experimental asset markets

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a study concerning how fundamental-motivated investors, and their subsequent impact on the path of prices, affect the severity of price bubbles in an experimental laboratory asset market. Design/methodology/approach – In a laboratory experiment, asset markets are manipulated by systematically replacing inexperienced human traders with automated traders programmed to submit bids and asks at fundamental value. Findings – When traders in a market are automated to invest on fundamentals, deviations from fundamental value are initially suppressed, but reappear when automated traders cease to influence prices. A significant reduction in the severity of the resulting bubble may be attributed to the interaction of automated traders and humans through the initial path of prices when controlling for changes in liquidity. This reduction corresponds to reduced autocorrelation in the time series of returns. Originality/value – This paper represents the first attempt (to the authors’ knowledge) to extend the intervention approach of the seminal paper by Smith et al. (1988) to systematically study the extent to which manipulation of initial path of prices impacts the formation and magnitude of bubbles in the laboratory.
Assessing the performance of a cost-effective video lander for estimating relative abundance and diversity of nearshore fish assemblages

Abstract Rocky reefs in the temperate Northeast Pacific constitute a small portion of the nearshore seabed, yet are highly valued as productive habitat for local fisheries. Surveying these structurally complex, untrawlable habitats requires robust gear that can be deployed in rough sea states. Here, a cost-effective, compact video lander was evaluated for its ability to survey the diversity and abundance of nearshore ( a priori as attractive, avoidance, or neutral. Seventy percent of lander deployments met established requirements of visibility, view, and habitat. Seventy-seven percent of observed fishes were identifiable to species. The method observed 15 species belonging to 5 families; 5 species were classified as common (observed in > 20% of deployments), the remaining rare. Contrary to lander studies in other regions, bait was not found to improve species-specific identification, increase observed species richness or abundance (at the species or feeding guild level), or shorten deployment duration. A deployment time of 8 min on the benthos was determined as optimal for observing maximum species richness and abundance in the nearshore, doubling the previously described lander drop durations evaluated in deeper Oregon, U.S.A., waters. Species-specific behavioral responses to this compact lander were evaluated by viewing trends in species abundance (assessed within 30 s bins) over the deployment duration; no attractive or avoidance behaviors were observed. Results confirm that this simple, cost-effective video lander configuration is suitable for sampling the suite of fish species found in the nearshore, including rockfish species federally designated as “overfished” ( Sebastes pinniger and Sebastes ruberrimus) . Furthermore, this study illustrates the importance of evaluating the performance of survey tools in the specific environment in which the tool will be used to determine best-practices from long-term monitoring.
Two new genera of Cretaceous dustywings in amber from northern Myanmar (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae)

Two new genera and species are added to the fauna of dustywings (Coniopterygidae) preserved in Upper Cretaceous (earliest Cenomanian) amber of northern Myanmar, doubling the described diversity from this deposit. One genus is of the subfamily Aleuropteryginae and described as Achlyoconis heptatrichia Engel, new genus and species. This species is noteworthy for the infumate and patterned wings and unique presence of seven prominent setae positioned on thickenings occurring along the length of the forewing media. Paranimboa litotes Engel, new genus and species, is representative of the subfamily Coniopteryginae and distinctive among Mesozoic groups for the unbranched Rs, among other traits. In addition, a peculiar larva preserved alongside the holotype of P. litotes is described. While having a prothoracic and head form similar to aleuropterygines as well as a labial palpus with only two palpomeres, diagnostic for Coniopterygidae, the antenna bears four articles rather than the two present in crown-group dustywings. A revised key to the genera of Cretaceous Coniopterygidae is provided.