cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utility of atomic kicked-rotor interferometers for precision measurements

We theoretically investigate a proposed scheme to use an atomic $\ensuremath{\delta}$-kicked rotor resonance for high-precision measurements of accelerations and the photon recoil frequency. Although the technique offers rapid scaling of the measurement sensitivity with pulse number, it also features a high sensitivity to initial atomic momentum. We find that for realistic atom sources, the momentum sensitivity significantly limits the achievable precision. We consider several different variations on the technique, but find similar limitations in all cases.
Infertility trial outcomes: healthy moms and babies

Traditionally, the primary outcome of infertility trials has been a positive pregnancy test or a clinically recognized pregnancy. However, parents desire a healthy baby that grows up to be a healthy adult, rather than a positive pregnancy test. Too often results of infertility trials are lacking in crucial obstetric details. This is problematic because treatments for infertility have the capacity to increase the risk for a variety of adverse obstetric outcomes. This review will outline important obstetric variables that should be included when reporting infertility research. The rationale for including these data, precise definitions of the variables, and cost-effective strategies for obtaining these obstetric details will be highlighted.
Exceptional Space: Concentration Camps and Labor Compounds in Late Nineteenth-Century South Africa

This chapter explores and compares the causes and effects of colonial labor camps and concentration camps in nineteenth-century southern Africa. This comparison is an attempt to understand the relationship between the lethality of wartime camps and labor camps in the modern era. While concentration camps and worker labor camps were established according to ostensibly different power regimes and causal factors, British wartime concentration camps established dif- ferent camps for Boers and Africans—the latter being structurally identical to preceding labor camps established on the South African Diamond Fields.
The calcium-permeable non-selective cation channel TRPM2 is modulated by cellular acidification

TRPM2 is a calcium-permeable non-selective cation channel expressed in the plasma membrane and in lysosomes that is critically involved in aggravating reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced inflammatory processes and has been implicated in cell death. TRPM2 is gated by ADP-ribose (ADPR) and modulated by physiological processes that produce peroxide, cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) and Ca2+. We investigated the role of extra- and intracellular acidification on heterologously expressed TRPM2 in HEK293 cells. Our results show that TRPM2 is inhibited by external acidification with an IC50 of pH 6.5 and is completely suppressed by internal pH of 6. Current inhibition requires channel opening and is strongly voltage dependent, being most effective at negative potentials. In addition, increased cytosolic pH buffering capacity or elevated [Ca2+]i reduces the rate of current inactivation elicited by extracellular acidification, and Na+ and Ca2+ influence the efficacy of proton-induced inactivation. Together, these results suggest that external protons permeate TRPM2 channels to gain access to an intracellular site that regulates channel activity. Consistent with this notion, single-channel measurements in HEK293 cells reveal that internal protons induce channel closure without affecting single-channel conductance, whereas external protons affect channel open probability as well as single-channel conductance of native TRPM2 in neutrophils. We conclude that protons compete with Na+ and Ca2+ for channel permeation and channel closure results from a competitive antagonism of protons at an intracellular Ca2+ binding site.
Geometrical Effects in Elastic/Plastic Indentation

A general analysis of elastic/plastic indentation fracture for an arbitrary-shaped indenter is presented. The analysis is based on the observation that the residual indentation stress field provides the driving force for crack formation. After establishing that the influences of indenter geometry and load on the residual field are completely characterized by the volume of the indentation, a relation between the extent of radial cracking, the indentation volume, and the material properties is derived. Predictions of the analysis are examined by comparing calculated load/crack-length relations for two specific indenter geometries (Vickers pyramid and sphere) with experimental measurements in ZnS. For Vickers indentation the crack length is proportional to (load)2/3, whereas for spherical indenters the variation of crack length with load is nearly linear.
Utility of the advanced chronic kidney disease patient management tools: case studies.

Appropriate management of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) delays or limits its progression. The Advanced CKD Patient Management Toolkit was developed using a process-improvement technique to assist patient management and address CKD-specific management issues. We pilot tested the toolkit in 2 community nephrology practices, assessed the utility of individual tools, and evaluated the impact on conformance to an advanced CKD guideline through patient chart abstraction. Tool use was distinct in the 2 sites and depended on the site champion's involvement, the extent of process reconfiguration demanded by a tool, and its perceived value. Baseline conformance varied across guideline recommendations (averaged 54%). Posttrial conformance increased in all clinical areas (averaged 59%). Valuable features of the toolkit in real-world settings were its ability to: facilitate tool selection, direct implementation efforts in response to a baseline performance audit, and allow selection of tool versions and custom...
Lipid class and depth-specific thermal properties in the blubber of the short-finned pilot whale and the pygmy sperm whale

SUMMARY Blubber, the specialized hypodermis of cetaceans, provides thermal insulation through the quantity and quality of lipids it contains. Quality refers to percent lipid content; however, not all lipids are the same. Certain deep-diving cetacean groups possess blubber with lipids – wax esters (WE) – that are not typically found in mammals, and the insulative quality of ‘waxy’ blubber is unknown. Our study explored the influence of lipid storage class – specifically WE in pygmy sperm whales ( Kogia breviceps ; N =7) and typical mammalian triacylglycerols in short-finned pilot whales ( Globicephala macrorhynchus ; N =7) – on blubber’s thermal properties. Although the blubber of both species had similar total lipid contents, the thermal conductivity of G. macrorhynchus blubber (0.20±0.01 W m –1 °C –1 ) was significantly higher than that of K. breviceps (0.15±0.01 W m –1 °C –1 ; P =0.0006). These results suggest that lipid class significantly influences the ability of blubber to resist heat flow. In addition, because the lipid content of blubber is known to be stratified, we measured its depth-specific thermal conductivities. In K. breviceps blubber, the depth-specific conductivity values tended to vary inversely with lipid content. In contrast, G. macrorhynchus blubber displayed unexpected depth-specific relationships between lipid content and conductivity, which suggests that temperature-dependent effects, such as melting, may be occurring. Differences in heat flux measurements across the depth of the blubber samples provide evidence that both species are capable of storing heat in their blubber. The function of blubber as an insulator is complex and may rely upon its lipid class, stratified composition and dynamic heat storage capabilities.
Classification of smoking cessation status with a backpropagation neural network

This study examined the ability of a backpropagation neural network (BPNN) classifier to distinguish between current and former smokers in the 2000 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) sample adult file. The BPNN classifier performance exceeded that of random chance, with asymmetric 95% confidence intervals for A"z (area under receiver operating characteristic curve)=(0.7532, 0.7790). Separation of current and former smokers was imperfect, as illustrated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Additionally, performance did not exceed that of a comparison classifier created using logistic regression. Attribute subset selection identified three novel attributes related to smoking cessation status. This study establishes the ability of backpropagation neural networks to classify a complex health behavior, smoking cessation. It also illustrates the hypothesis-generating capacity of data mining methods when applied to large population-based health survey data. Ultimately, BPNN classifiers of smoking cessation status may be useful in decision support systems for smoking cessation interventions.
Uncoupling of Induced Protein Processing from Maturation in Dendritic Cells Exposed to a Highly Antigenic Preparation from a Helminth Parasite

TLR ligands induce dendritic cell (DC) maturation. During this process, cells initiate proteolytic degradation of internalized protein Ags into peptides that complex with MHC class II (MHC II) and simultaneously increase expression of costimulatory molecules and of cytokines such as IL-6, IL-12, and IL-23. In these ways, TLR-activated DCs are able to activate naive Th cells and initiate Th1 and Th17 responses, and TLR ligands thus serve as adjuvants for these types of responses. In contrast, products from helminth parasites generally do not activate DCs and act as adjuvants for Th2 response induction. We have explored the underlying basis for this form of adjuvanticity. We show that exposure of DCs to soluble Ags from the eggs of the helminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni (schistosome egg Ag (SEA)) leads to the induction of proteolysis of internalized Ag. This occurs in the absence of significant induction of costimulatory molecule expression or production of proinflammatory cytokines. SEA-induced Ag processing occurs independently of MyD88 or Toll/IL-1 receptor domain containing adaptor inducing IFN-β (Trif), but is significantly attenuated by inhibition of p38, but not ERK, signaling. In DCs exposed to SEA, ligation of CD40 provides a necessary second signal that stimulates costimulatory molecule expression, allowing DCs to mature into capable APCs. Collectively, the data demonstrate the existence of a MyD88/Trif-independent, p38-dependent pathway of Ag processing in DCs, which is uncoupled from conventional DC maturation and is associated with induction of Th2-type immune responses.
Assimilation of drifter observations for the reconstruction of the Eulerian circulation field

[1] In light of the increasing number of drifting buoys in the ocean and recent advances in the realism of ocean general circulation models toward oceanic forecasting, the problem of assimilation of Lagrangian observations data in Eulerian models is investigated. A new and general rigorous approach is developed based on optimal interpolation (OI) methods, which takes into account directly the Lagrangian nature of the observations. An idealized version of this general formulation is tested in the framework of identical twin experiments using a reduced gravity, quasi-geostrophic model. An extensive study is conducted to quantify the effectiveness of Lagrangian data assimilation as a function of the number of drifters, the frequency of assimilation, and the uncertainties associated with the forcing functions driving the ocean model. The performance of the Lagrangian assimilation technique is also compared to that of conventional methods of assimilating drifters as moving current meters, and assimilation of Eulerian data, such as fixed-point velocities. Overall, the results are very favorable for the assimilation of Lagrangian observations to improve the Eulerian velocity field in ocean models. The results of our assimilation twin experiments imply an optimal sampling frequency for oceanic Lagrangian instruments in the range of 20–50% of the Lagrangian integral timescale of the flow field. INDEX TERMS: 4255 Oceanography: General: Numerical modeling; 4263 Oceanography: General: Ocean prediction; 3337 Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics: Numerical modeling and data assimilation; KEYWORDS: Lagrangian assimilation, drifters, Lagrangian velocity, Eulerian velocity, numerical model
Prevention of 5-Fluorouracil-Caused Growth Inhibition in Sordaria fimicola

Growth (dry weight accumulation) of Sordaria fimicola in standing liquid culture (sucrose-nitrate-salts-vitamins) is inhibited by the presence of 5 muM 5-fluorouracil in the medium. This inhibition is completely prevented by uracil, deoxyuridine, and 5-bromouracil, partly prevented (40 to 90% of growth observed without 5-fluorouracil) by uridine, thymidine, and 5-bromodeoxyuridine, and slightly prevented by trifluorothymine, cytosine, cytidine, deoxycytidine, and 5-methylcytosine (all at 0.5 to 1 mM). Thymidine and thymine riboside were without any apparent effect. Growth is also inhibited by 0.2 mM 6-azauracil, and this inhibition was completely prevented by uracil and uridine, partly prevented by deoxyuridine, 5-bromouracil, cytidine, and 5-methylcytosine, and slightly prevented by thymine, thymidine, 5-bromodeoxyuridine, cytosine, and deoxycytidine. The data suggest that the observed inhibition of growth by 5-fluorouracil is due to inhibition of both ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis. The data also allow inferences concerning pyrimidine interconversions in S. fimicola; i.e., thymine can be anabolized to thymidylic acid without first being demethylated, although demethylation appears to occur also.
Improving case retrieval by remembering questions

This paper discusses techniques that improve the performance of a case retrieval system, after it is deployed, as a result of the continued usage of the system, by remembering previous episodes of question answering. The user generates a request for information and the system responds with the retrieval of relevant case(s). A history of such transactional behavior over a given set of data is maintained by the system and used as a foundation for adapting its future retrieval behavior. With each transaction, the system acquires information about the usage of the system that is subsequently used to adjust the behavior of the system. This notion of a case retrieval system draws on a distinction between the system in isolation and the system as it is used for a particular set of cases. It also draws on distinctions between the designed system, the deployed system, and the system that emerges as it is used.
Dietary fish oil reduces O6-methylguanine DNA adduct levels in rat colon in part by increasing apoptosis during tumor initiation

There is epidemiological, clinical, and experimental evidence that dietary fish oil, containing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, protects against colon tumor development. However, its effects on colonocytes in vivo remain poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the ability of fish oil to modulate colonic methylation-induced DNA damage, repair, and deletion. Sprague Dawley rats were provided with complete diets containing either corn oil or fish oil (15% by weight). Animals were injected with azoxymethane, and the distal colon was removed 3, 6, 9, or 12 h later. Targeted apoptosis and DNA damage were assessed by cell position within the crypt using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling assay and quantitative immunohistochemical analysis of O6-methylguanine adducts, respectively. Localization and expression of the alkyl group acceptor, O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase, was also determined. Lower levels of adducts were detected at 6, 9, and 12 h in fish oil- versus corn oil-fed animals (P < 0.05). In addition, fish oil supplementation had the greatest effect on apoptosis in the top one-third of the crypt, increasing the apoptotic index compared with corn oil-fed rats (P < 0.05). In the top one-third of the crypt, fish oil feeding caused an incremental stimulation of apoptosis as adduct level increased. In contrast, a negative correlation between apoptosis and adduct incidence occurred with corn oil feeding (P < 0.05). Diet had no main effect (all tertiles combined) on O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase expression over the time frame of the experiment. The enhancement of targeted apoptosis combined with the reduced formation of O6-methylguanine adducts may account, in part, for the observed protective effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids against experimentally induced colon cancer.
Physical and Cognitive Effects of Virtual Reality Integrated Training

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the cognitive and physical impact of virtual reality (VR) integrated training versus traditional training methods in the domain of weld training.Background: Weld training is very important in various industries and represents a complex skill set appropriate for advanced training intervention. As such, there has been a long search for the most successful and most cost-effective method for training new welders.Method: Participants in this study were randomly assigned to one of two separate training courses taught by sanctioned American Welding Society certified welding instructors; the duration of each course was 2 weeks. After completing the training for a specific weld type, participants were given the opportunity to test for the corresponding certification. Participants were evaluated in terms of their cognitive and physical parameters, total training time exposure, and welding certification awards earned. Each of the four weld types taught in this s...
Colorectal hyperplastic polyps and risk of recurrence of adenomas and hyperplastic polyps

We examined data from two large colorectal chemoprevention trials for possible associations of hyperplastic polyps and adenomas with subsequent development of these lesions. Hyperplastic polyps do not predict metachronous adenomas.
β‐Methyl‐β‐phenyl‐α,α′‐dicyanoglutarimide

β-Methyl-β-phenyl-α,α′-dicyanoglutarimide product: β-Methyl-β-phenyl-α,α′-dicyanoglutarimide Keywords: addition, to CC–CO and CC–CN; annulation, heterocyclic-[6]; cyclization, miscellaneous; rubber dam; stirrers, magnetic
Cognitive ability predicts degree of genetic abnormality in participants with 18q deletions

One of the most common chromosomal deletions is a loss of genetic material from the long arm of chromosome 18. Most individuals with this condition exhibit mental retardation (68%), yet previous attempts to link cognitive status to deletion size have not shown an association, possibly because cases with additional genetic abnormalities were included. We studied 46 participants ranging from 3 to 35 years of age who had a pure genetic abnormality by excluding those with mosaicism or complex genetic rearrangements. Our patients had terminal deletions ranging from a proximal breakpoint at 18q21.1 (greater genetic abnormality, larger deletion size) to a more distal breakpoint at 18q23 characterized with molecular genetic techniques. Cognitive ability, assessed with the age-appropriate measure (Bayley, 1993 , Differential Ability Scale, Wechsler Scales), ranged from IQ = 49 to 113, with a predominance of mild and moderate mental retardation. Using multivariate regression, deletion size breakpoint rank order was predicted by cognitive ability, age, and adaptive behavior (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales), accounting for 36% of the variance in deletion size. However, lower cognitive ability (beta = .34, p = .032) and younger age (beta = .296, p = .024) predicted a larger deletion size, but adaptive behavior (beta = .225, p = .15) did not. An additional multivariate regression showed that cognitive ability and age together accounted for 33% of the variance in deletion size, whereas univariate regression showed that cognitive ability accounted for 26% of the variance and age accounted for 11% of the variance. These findings suggest that degree of cognitive impairment is associated with genetic abnormality when a large sample of individuals with "pure" deletions of genetic material from chromosome 18 is examined.
Comparative activities of daptomycin, linezolid, and tigecycline against catheter-related methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus bacteremic isolates embedded in biofilm

In the setting of catheter-related bloodstream infections, intraluminal antibiotic lock therapy could be useful for the salvage of vascular catheters. In this in vitro study, we investigated the efficacies of the newer antibiotics daptomycin, linezolid, and tigecycline, in comparison with those of vancomycin, minocycline, and rifampin, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) embedded in biofilm. We also assessed the emergence of MRSA strains resistant to these antibiotics, alone or in combination with rifampin, after 4-hour daily use for catheter lock therapy. Minocycline, daptomycin, and tigecycline were more efficacious in inhibiting MRSA in biofilm than linezolid, vancomycin, and the negative control (P < 0.001) after the first day of exposure to these antibiotics, with minocycline being the most active, followed by daptomycin and then tigecycline, and with vancomycin and linezolid lacking activity, similar to the negative control. After 3 days of 4-hour daily exposures, daptomycin was the fastest in eradicating MRSA from biofilm, followed by minocycline and tigecycline, which were faster than linezolid, rifampin, and vancomycin (P < 0.001). When rifampin was used alone, it was the least effective in eradicating MRSA from biofilm after 5 days of 4-hour daily exposures, as it was associated with the emergence of rifampin-resistant MRSA. However, when rifampin was used in combination with other antibiotics, the combination was significantly effective in eliminating MRSA colonization in biofilm more rapidly than each of the antibiotics alone. In summary, daptomycin, minocycline, and tigecycline should be considered further for antibiotic lock therapy, and rifampin should be considered for enhanced antistaphylococcal activity but not as a single agent.
Properties of single- and double- encapsulated butteroil powders.

Spray-dried powders with 50% butteroil encapsulated in sucrose were double-encapsulated by dispersion in a molten matrix of vegetable waxes (high-pressure-treated by a patented process) followed by pressure treating at 414 KPa and sieving. A 20–40% increase in particle size resulted from double encapsulation and powders were less flowable (P < 0.01). Scanning Electron Microscopy of double-encapsulated powders showed one or more sucrose-encapsulated particles embedded in a matrix of solid vegetable wax. Double coating reduced moisture uptake by 20%, possibly ameliorating the need for special packaging during storage. The flow and mechanical behavior of the encapsulated powders were different (P < 0.05) from the other powders studied.
Evidence for equilibrium iron isotope fractionation by nitrate-reducing iron(II)-oxidizing bacteria

Iron isotope fractionations produced during chemical and biological Fe(II) oxidation are sensitive to the proportions and nature of dissolved and solid-phase Fe species present, as well as the extent of isotopic exchange between precipitates and aqueous Fe. Iron isotopes therefore potentially constrain the mechanisms and pathways of Fe redox transformations in modern and ancient environments. In the present study, we followed in batch experiments Fe isotope fractionations between Fe(II)_(aq) and Fe(III) oxide/hydroxide precipitates produced by the Fe(III) mineral encrusting, nitrate-reducing, Fe(II)-oxidizing Acidovorax sp. strain BoFeN1. Isotopic fractionation in ^(56)Fe/^(54)Fe approached that expected for equilibrium conditions, assuming an equilibrium Δ^(56)Fe_(Fe(OH)3–Fe(II)aq) fractionation factor of +3.0‰. Previous studies have shown that Fe(II) oxidation by this Acidovorax strain occurs in the periplasm, and we propose that Fe isotope equilibrium is maintained through redox cycling via coupled electron and atom exchange between Fe(II)_(aq) and Fe(III) precipitates in the contained environment of the periplasm. In addition to the apparent equilibrium isotopic fractionation, these experiments also record the kinetic effects of initial rapid oxidation, and possible phase transformations of the Fe(III) precipitates. Attainment of Fe isotope equilibrium between Fe(III) oxide/hydroxide precipitates and Fe(II)_(aq) by neutrophilic, Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria or through abiologic Fe(II)_(aq) oxidation is generally not expected or observed, because the poor solubility of their metabolic product, i.e. Fe(III), usually leads to rapid precipitation of Fe(III) minerals, and hence expression of a kinetic fractionation upon precipitation; in the absence of redox cycling between Fe(II)_(aq) and precipitate, kinetic isotope fractionations are likely to be retained. These results highlight the distinct Fe isotope fractionations that are produced by different pathways of biological and abiological Fe(II) oxidation.
What is the set of images of an object under all possible lighting conditions

The appearance of a particular object depends on both the viewpoint from which it is observed and the light sources by which it is illuminated. If the appearance of two objects is never identical for any pose or lighting conditions, then-in theory - the objects can always be distinguished or recognized. The question arises: What is the set of images of an object under all lighting conditions and pose? In this paper, we consider only the set of images of an object under variable illumination (including multiple, extended light sources and attached shadows). We prove that the set of n-pixel images of a convex object with a Lambertian reflectance function, illuminated by an arbitrary number of point light sources at infinity, forms a convex polyhedral cone in IR/sup n/ and that the dimension of this illumination cone equals the number of distinct surface normals. Furthermore, we show that the cone for a particular object can be constructed from three properly chosen images. Finally, we prove that the set of n-pixel images of an object of any shape and with an arbitrary reflectance function, seen under all possible illumination conditions, still forms a convex cone in IR/sup n/. These results immediately suggest certain approaches to object recognition. Throughout this paper, we offer results demonstrating the empirical validity of the illumination cone representation.
Experimental identification of friction and its compensation in precise, position controlled mechanisms

The authors present methodologies developed for experimentally determining accurate models for the nonlinear friction inherent in most mechanisms. The second objective is to present alternative closed-loop controller strategies for decoupling the effect of friction in order to improve positioning accuracy. The identification methodology is novel in the manner in which it extracts the nonlinear friction properties from the closed-loop errors via an iterative signal processing technique. The present work is based on both theoretical modeling and a practical position control problem which was substantially resolved in developing the methodologies. The application was a robotic gripper with highly preloaded rack and pinion mechanism. The authors provide both measurement and control design methodologies to help systematically circumvent the problems of nonlinear friction in precise, position controlled mechanisms. >
The Yin and Yang of Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein in Cardiovascular Disease

holesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a 79-kDaglycoprotein, present in humans, rabbits, primates, andhamsters but absent in rodents, dogs, horses, cows, and pigs,that facilitates transfer of cholesteryl ester from high-densitylipoprotein (HDL) particles to low-density lipoprotein(LDL)–very-low-density lipoprotein (vLDL) particles in ex-change for triglycerides, thereby participating in reversecholesterol transport and regulating circulating HDL choles-terol (HDL-C) levels.
Toxicity of Commonly Used Insecticides in Sweet Corn and Soybean to Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract Use of insecticides with low toxicity to natural enemies is an important component of conservation biological control. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of insecticides used in sweet corn, Zea mays L., and soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., to the multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), under laboratory and field conditions. Field experiments conducted in sweet corn in 2003 and 2004 and in soybean in 2003, showed that H. axyridis was the most abundant predator. In sweet corn, densities of H. axyridis larvae in plots treated with spinosad or indoxacarb were generally higher than in plots treated with chlorpyrifos, carbaryl, bifenthrin, and λ-cyhalothrin. In soybean, densities of H. axyridis larvae in plots treated with chlorpyrifos were higher than in plots treated with λ-cyhalothrin. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the acute toxicity of insecticides to eggs, first and third instars, pupae, and adults. Spinosad, followed by indoxacarb, were the least toxi...
A NEW LATE MIOCENE PLANT ASSEMBLAGE FROM MESSARA BASIN (CRETE, GREECE)

A rich terrigenous plant assemblage was recently excavated from early Tortonian deposits at Messara basin, southern Crete. The macro-remains are perfectly preserved as impressions or carbonized compressions in poorly lithified and locally laminated, blue-green clays with an age of at least 10.5 Ma and thus can be considered as the oldest plant assemblage found in Crete todate. Gymnosperms are represented by the families of Pinaceae (pine needles and winged seeds), Cupressaceae and Taxodiaceae (leafy twings of Taxodium). Besides, 19 different angiosperm taxa of trees and shrubs have been also determined. Fagaceae is the most diversified with foliage of beech and several deciduous and evergreen oaks, while Myricaceae contribute mainly as abundant leaf remains of Myrica lignitum. Accessory elements of evergreen Lauraceae (Daphnogene polymorpha), sclerophyllus shrubs of Buxaceae (Buxus pliocenica) and various deciduous dicotyledonous such as Populus crenata, Liquidambar europaea, Carya minor and Acer pseudomonspessulanum are well documented. Leguminosae is recorded by a significant number of various small leaflet imprints. Therefore, the recovered remains indicate swampy forest habitats dominated by hygrophilic woody plants of Taxodium and Myrica, while in the surrounding plains and slopes a mixed mesophytic forest with a relatively low proportion of evergreen plants occurred in early-Late Miocene times in Crete depicting a moderately humid, warm-temperate nature for the climate.
Suicidal behavior and spiritual functioning in a sample of Veterans diagnosed with PTSD

BACKGROUND: Spiritual well-being has been lauded to exert a protective effect against sui-cidal behavior. This study examines the characteristics of spiritual functioning and their associa-tion with a self-reported history of suicidal thoughts and behavior in a sample of Veterans be-ing treated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS: The sample includes 472 Vet-erans admitted to a PTSD Residential Rehabilitation Program. Measures included the Brief Mul-tidimensional Measure of Religiousness and Spirituality, PTSD Checklist - Military Version, Com-bat Experiences Scale, and individual items pertaining to history of suicidal thoughts and at-tempts, spiritual practices, and select demographics. RESULTS: Problems with forgiveness and negative religious coping were uniquely associated with suicide risk, above and beyond age, gender, or ethnicity, combat exposure, and severity of PTSD symptomatology. Organizational religiousness was associated with decreased risk for thinking about suicide in the presence of these covariates. Daily spiritual experiences were inversely associated with suicidal thoughts. Differences in spirituality factors did not distinguish Veterans with both suicidal ideation and prior attempts from those who had ideations absent any prior attempts. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that enhanced or diminished spiritual functioning is associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts among Veterans dealing with PTSD. Language: en
Mastoid Vibration Affects Dynamic Postural Control During Gait

Our objective was to investigate how manipulating sensory input through mastoid vibration (MV) could affect dynamic postural control during walking, with and without simultaneous manipulation of the visual and the somatosensory systems. We used three levels of MV (none, unilateral, and bilateral) via vibrating elements placed on the mastoid processes. We combined this with the six conditions of the Locomotor Sensory Organization Test (LSOT) paradigm to challenge the visual and somatosensory systems. We hypothesized that MV would affect both amount and temporal structure measures of sway variability during walking and that, in combination with manipulations of the visual and the somatosensory inputs, MV would augment the effects previously observed. The results confirmed that MV produced a significant increase in the amount of sway variability in both anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions. Significant changes in the temporal structure of sway variability were only observed in the anterior-posterior direction. Bilateral MV produced larger effects than unilateral stimulation. We concluded that sensory input while walking could be affected using MV. Combining MV with manipulations of visual and somatosensory input could allow us to better understand the contributions of the sensory systems during locomotion.
Serum-Immunglobulinspiegel bei akuter und chronischer ischämischer Coronargefäßerkrankung

1968 beschrieb D. F. Davies [1] eine Erhohung von Immunglobulin (IgG) im Serum eines Kollektivs von Patienten mit atherosklerotischen Gefaserkrankungen. W. Hollander u. Mitarb. [2] zeigten 1971 in ihren Untersuchungen, das IgG sowohl als IgA im atherosklerotischen Plaque vorliegt und auch dort gebildet wird. Beide Untersuchungen legen nahe, das Immunglobuline am atherogenen Geschehen teilhaben.
Diffusive relaxation processes in liquid3He-4He mixtures. I. Normal phase

When a heat flux is switched on across a fluid binary mixture, steady state conditions for the temperature and mass concentration gradients ∇T and ∇c are reached via a diffusive transient process described by a series of terms “modes” involving characteristic times τ n . These are determined by static and transport properties of the mixture, and by the boundary conditions. We present a complete mathematical solution for the relaxation process in a binary normal liquid layer of heightd and infinite diameter, and discuss in particular the role of the parameterA=k T 2 (∂μ/∂c) T,P /TCP,c coupling the mass and thermal diffusion. HerekT is the thermal diffusion ratio, (∂μ/∂c) T,P −1 is the concentration susceptibility, μ is the chemical potential difference between the components, andCP,c is the specific heat. We present examples of special situations found in relaxation experiments. WhenA is small, the observable times τ(∇T) and τ(∇c) for temperature and concentration equilibration are different, but they tend to the same value asA increases. We present experimental results on four examples of liquid helium of different3He mole fractionX, and discuss these results on the basis of the preceding analysis. In the simple case for pure3He (i.e., in the absence of mass diffusion) we find the observed τ(∇T) to be in good agreement with that calculated from the thermal diffusivity. For all the investigated3He-4He mixtures, we observe τ(∇c) and τ(∇T) to be different whenA is small, a situation occurring at high enough temperatures. AsA increases with decreasingT, they become equal, as predicted. For the mixtures with mole fractionsX(3He)=0.510 and 0.603, we derive the mass diffusionD from the analysis of τ(∇c) and demonstrate that it diverges strongly with an exponent of about 1/3 in the critical region near the superfluid transition. As the tricritical point (Tt,Xt) is approached for the mixtureX=Xt0.675,D tends to zero with an exponent of roughly 0.4. These results are consistent with predictions and also with theD derived from sound attenuation data. We discuss the difficulties of the analysis in the regime close toTλ andTt, with special emphasis on the situation created by the onset of a superfluid film along the wall of the cell forX=0.603 and 0.675.
Block Copolymer Self Assembly during Rapid Solvent Evaporation: Insights into Cylinder Growth and Stability

Solvent evaporation has proven to be a remarkably successful tool for directing self-assembly in block copolymers, yet the microscopic mechanisms, processing history dependence and macroscopic control parameters influencing pattern selection remain poorly understood. Here, we leverage dynamical field theory simulations to clarify how copolymer self-assembly proceeds during evaporation. We find that cylinders in the vertical orientation tend to form under modest evaporation rates and relatively weak segregation strengths, and link this behavior to nontrivial, morphology-dependent density correlations present at the ordering front.
Effects of Stimulus Complexity on Double Stimulation Tasks

The effects of the complexity of stimuli on reaction times in double stimulation tasks were investigated within the concept of cognitive capacity allocation. The results showed that the complexity of the first stimulus (S1), and the complexity of the second stimulus (S2), and their interaction terms had significant effects on reaction time to S1 (RT1), and reaction time to S2 (RT2). An increase in RT2 (and RT1) was observed when the complexity of S1 and/or the complexity of S2 increased. However, the increase in RT2 due to the increase in the complexity of S1 was greater than the increase in RT1 due to the increase in the complexity of S2.
A study of the atopic reagin.

The mechanism of atopic hypersensitiveness has been demonstrated in the blood by Ramirez, deBesche, and Prausnitz and Kustner, by the method of passive transfer.This reacting substance in the blood...
High Speed Rarefied Circular Jet Into Vacuum

This paper presents some validation results for a set of improved, complete, gaskinetic solutions for rarefled free round jet expanding into vacuum. A classical rocket plume model with a cosine relation and direct simulation Monte Carlo simulation results are used to validate this set of analytical solutions. For the analytical and DSMC results, there are excellent agreement for ∞ows with large Knudsen numbers. In order to reduce the computation cost, a set of simplifled analytical solutions are introduced as well. A cosine law plume model has improved performance at low Knudsen number. However, for more rarefled high speed rocket plume ∞ows, such as those flred from electric propulsion devices, the newly developed model has relatively better performance. The new analytical solutions further provide velocity, temperature, and pressure results.
Quantitative estimation of plasma accelerator-globulin.

SummaryA method for the quantitative estimation of Ac-globulin in plasma has been described. The method is based upon the use of three variables-conversion rate, thrombin yield, and onset of thrombin formation. With the use of all three variables combined, a greater degree of accuracy can be obtained.
Vulnerability of Desensitized or Curare-Treated Acetylcholine Receptors to Irreversible Blockade by Cobra Toxin

Inactivation of frog myoneural acetylcholine receptors by cobra toxin (24-120 nM) is studied in the presence of reversible antagonists (d-tubocurarine, dihydro-β-erythroidine) and agonists (carbachol, nicotine). During agonist treatments most receptors are densensitized rather than activated. Neither agonists nor antagonists reverse the blockade produced by the toxin. At 26 µM d-tubocurarine, receptors are partially protected from the toxin. At 5 µM d-tubocurarine, a concentration which blocks 97% of the receptors, or lower concentrations, curare-blocked and free receptors are equally vulnerable to the toxin. Receptors are protected against the toxin at 7-140 µM carbachol, concentrations which desensitize 60-99.6% of the receptors. During combined treatment with agonist and toxin, end plate potential amplitudes decline in 300-600 sec to an irreversible "plateau" rather than exponentially to zero. The plateau is well described, as a very slow decline in the number of available receptors, by the following scheme. (A) The receptor population undergoes three simultaneous processes with first-order rate constants in the range 10-4 to 10-2 sec-1: reversible desensitization by agonists, recovery from desensitization, and irreversible inactivation by toxin. (B) Desensitized receptors are essentially invulnerable to the toxin. The agonist data are consistent with the model for desensitization proposed by Katz and Thesleff [J. Physiol. (London) 138, 63 (1957)].
AIDS risk factors in the elderly in rural area in Yueqing,Zhejiang

Objective To understand the risk factors of HIV infection among the elderly in rural area in Yueqing,Zhejiang province,and provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of AIDS.Methods Face to face interview was conducted among the 50 years old people living with HIV / AIDS(PLWHA) reported in rural area of Yueqing to collect the information about their demographic characteristics.high risk behavior and AIDS knowledge awareness.The results were analyzed.Results A total of 91 PLWHA,including 65 males and 26 females,were interviewed,their average age was 63.3 years.Up to 75.3% the married once lived apart from their spouses and 72.3% of the males had history of commercial sex,the average age to have first commercial sex was 58.1 years.Among these males,80.9% were aged 50 years,83.5% never used condom at commercial sex,80.9% paid less than 50 yuan RMB for each commercial sex and 12.3% had MSM behavior.Conclusion The low grade commercial sex was the major risk factor of HIV infection in these elderly people and MSM behavior was discovered among them.It is necessary to develop the HIV prevention and control strategy targeting the elderly.
Study on the Coordination Mechanisms Between Government Functions and Interests of Farmers in Returning Farmland to Forests in the Loess Hilly Region of the Northern Shaanxi

It is critical to return farmland to forests for the local farmers to cast off poverty and becoming rich and the ecological civilization construction in the loess hilly region of the northern Shannxi,because the region's ecological environment and soil erosion is deteriorated.The paper analyses the uncoordinated problem between government functions and farmers' interests in the returning farmland to forests in the region in order to improve the income levels of local household and achieve local ecological benefits on the theory of the ecological compensation,the value of resources and environment and the industrial chain,especially research the seriously affect on the economic benefits of the farmers because of the unreasonable government policy and the lack of government functions.It points out the significance of the government functions in the processes,and proposes the coordination mechanisms among the central government,local government and farmers from the point of improving the policy and the ecological compensation mechanism on the returning farmland to forests,optimizing the industrial structure of the economic forest and extending the industrial chain.
Determination of Antibody–Drug Conjugate Released Payload Species Using Directed in Vitro Assays and Mass Spectrometric Interrogation

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) are currently an active area of research, focused primarily on oncology therapeutics, but also to a limited extent on other areas such as infectious disease. The success of this type of targeted drug delivery is dependent upon many factors, one of which is the performance of the linker in releasing an active drug moiety under the appropriate conditions. As a tool in the development of linker/payload chemistry, we have developed an in vitro method for the identification of payload species released from ADCs in the presence of lysosomal enzymes. This method utilizes commercially available human liver S9 fraction as the source of these enzymes, and this has certain advantages over lysosomal fractions or purified enzymes. This article describes the characterization and performance of this assay with multiple ADCs composed of known and novel linkers and payloads. Additionally, we report the observation of incomplete degradation of mAb protein chains by lysosomal enzymes in vitro,...
Anthropogenic plutonium-244 in the environment: Insights into plutonium's longest-lived isotope.

Owing to the rich history of heavy element production in the unique high flux reactors that operated at the Savannah River Site, USA (SRS) decades ago, trace quantities of plutonium with highly unique isotopic characteristics still persist today in the SRS terrestrial environment. Development of an effective sampling, processing and analysis strategy enables detailed monitoring of the SRS environment, revealing plutonium isotopic compositions, e.g., 244Pu, that reflect the unique legacy of plutonium production at SRS. This work describes the first long-term investigation of anthropogenic 244Pu occurrence in the environment. Environmental samples, consisting of collected foot borne debris, were taken at SRS over an eleven year period, from 2003 to 2014. Separation and purification of trace plutonium was carried out followed by three stage thermal ionization mass spectrometry (3STIMS) measurements for plutonium isotopic content and isotopic ratios. Significant 244Pu was measured in all of the years sampled with the highest amount observed in 2003. The 244Pu content, in femtograms (fg = 10−15 g) per gram, ranged from 0.31 fg/g to 44 fg/g in years 2006 and 2003 respectively. In all years, the 244Pu/239Pu atom ratios were significantly higher than global fallout, ranging from 0.003 to 0.698 in years 2014 and 2003 respectively.
Q / which history and physical findings are most useful in identifying rotator cuff tears?

It's unknown which-if any-historical factors are most useful for identifying rotator cuff tears, because no studies evaluating their accuracy with rotator cuff tears have been done. As for physical findings, no single physical examination finding is sensitive or specific enough to detect partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. The combination of the painful arc sign, drop-arm sign, and infraspinatus muscle strength test are helpful in detecting a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. A negative supraspinatus muscle strength test alone is sensitive enough to decrease the likelihood of a significant rotator cuff tear.
Cognitive-Biometric Recognition From Language Usage: A Feasibility Study

We propose a novel cognitive biometrics modality based on written language-usage of an individual. This is a feasibility study using the Internet-scale blogs, with tens of thousands of authors to create a cognitive fingerprint for an individual. Existing cognitive biometric modalities involve learning from obtrusive sensors placed on human body. Our modality is based on the characteristic pattern of how individuals express their thoughts through written language. The problems of cognitive authentication (1:1 comparison of genuine versus impostor) and identification (1:n search) are formulated. We detail the algorithms to learn a classifier to distinguish between genuine and impostor classes (for authentication) and multiple classes (for identification). We conclude that a cognitive fingerprint can be successfully learnt, using stylistic (writing style ), semantic ( themes ), and syntactic ( grammatical ) features extracted from blogs. Our methodology shows promising results (with 79% as the area under the ROC (AUC) in case of authentication). For identification, the individual class accuracies are up to 90%. We performed stricter tests to see how our system performs for unseen user, and report the accuracies of 72% (genuine) and 71% (impostor). Such a study lays the groundwork for building alternative cognitive systems. The modality, presented here, is easy to obtain, unobtrusive and needs no additional hardware.