cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Memory B cells at successive stages of differentiation: expression of surface IgD and capacity for self renewal.

In recent studies, we have characterized two memory B cell populations capable of giving rise to IgG antibody-producing cells in adoptive recipients. One population carries surface IgD and gives rise to predominantly low-affinity antibody responses; the other lacks detectable surface IgD and gives rise to predominantly high-affinity responses. These memory populations often coexist in individual donors for long periods of time; however, in strongly stimulated donors, the IgD+ population is lost after several weeks, and nearly all detectable B cell memory is IgD− thereafter. In this publication, we show that the IgD+ and IgD− memory populations represent B cells at two successive stages of antigen-dependent differentiation. We used the fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) in a double isolation and transfer protocol to show directly that FACS-isolated IgD+ memory cells transferred to adoptive recipients give rise both to IgG antibody-producing cells and to an expanded memory population that is predominantly IgD−. We also show that FACS-isolated IgD− memory populations from the original donor “self-renew” (i.e. give rise to more IgD-memory) in adoptive recipients and that these events require supplementation of the isolated memory cells with carrier-primed T cells and antigen. In discussing these findings, we integrate our data with previous evidence on the expression of surface IgG on memory B cells to create an updated view of surface Ig expression during memory development. We also consider these findings in the light of our recent suggestion that the loss of IgD receptors facilitates affinity maturation in the more mature (IgD−) memory population.
Risk factors for childhood asthma and recurrent wheezy bronchitis

Using cross-sectional data of an epidemiological study, risk factors for asthma and recurrent wheezy bronchitis were investigated in 1812 primary school children. Children with asthma (n=63) had a similar pattern but a higher frequency of chronic respiratory symptoms than those with recurrent wheezy bronchitis (n=136). Logistic regression analyses showed similar risk factors for both disorders, however, more pronounced for asthma. Prematurity was a significant risk factor for asthma and for recurrent wheezy bronchitis. Children with asthma more often had a family history of paternal or maternal asthma and their mothers tended to be younger. Effects of paternal asthma and prematurity were also found when the atopic status of the child (defined as skin test positivity to any of seven aero allergens) was taken into account. Next to genetic effects, adverse circumstances in early life seem to be important for the development of asthma. In school children recurrent wheezy bronchitis and asthma seem to be similar disorders which differ in quantitative but not qualitative aspects.
Signet ring adenocarcinoma metastatic to the bronchus and mimicking goblet cell hyperplasia. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Goblet cells in the lower respiratory tract are metaplastic bronchial epithelial cells usually associated with asthma or chronic bronchitis. Goblet cells acquire their name by a tendency to distend with mucus, with subsequent distortion in cell shape. Due to similarity of shape, metaplastic goblet cells and signet ring cells can be easily confused in cytologic samples. CASE: A 55-year-old male with a history of gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma underwent brushing, washing and biopsy ofa bronchial lesion. The bronchial wash and brush samples showed a very cellular specimen, with large aggregates of distended columnar cells. These were arranged in long strips, thick bundles and occasional three-dimensional aggregates. Some aggregates contained numerous rounded cells with markedly distended cytoplasm. The rounded cells were slightly larger than the distended columnar cells. These cells had a relatively large but innocuous-appearing nucleus displaced to the periphery of the cell. The corresponding bronchial biopsy revealed signet ring adenocarcinoma, presumably metastatic from the gastrointestinal primary. CONCLUSION: Signet ring adenocarcinoma, either primary or metastatic, can be difficult to diagnose in cytologic and histologic specimens. There are numerous mimics of signet ring cells, both benign and neoplastic. In respiratory cytologic specimens, one of the benign imposters is goblet cell metaplasia.
Connectivity-Based Optimal Scheduling for Maintenance of Bridge Networks

This paper addresses the issue of connectivity- and cost-based optimal scheduling for maintenance of bridges at the transportation network level. Previous studies in the same field have considered the connectivity just between two points or other network performance indicators, such as the total travel time. In this paper, the maximization of the total network connectivity is chosen as the objective of the optimization, together with the minimization of the total maintenance cost. From a computational point of view, several numerical tools are combined to achieve efficiency and applicability to real cases. Random field theory and numerical models for the time-dependent structural reliability are used to handle the uncertainties involved in the problem. Latin hypercube sampling is used to keep the computational effort feasible for practical applications. Genetic algorithms are used to solve the optimization problem. Numerical applications to bridge networks illustrate the characteristics of the procedure and its applicability to realistic scenarios.
Asymmetric perfectly matched layer for the absorption of waves

The perfectly matched layer (PML) has become a standard for comparison in the techniques that have been developed to close the system of Maxwell equations (more generally, wave equations) when simulating an open system. The original Berenger PML formulation relies on a split version of Maxwell equations, with numerical electric and magnetic conductivities. We present here an extension of this formulation, which introduces counterparts of the electric and magnetic conductivities affecting the term which is spatially differentiated in the equations. The phase velocity along each direction is also multiplied by an additional coefficient. We show that under certain constraints on the additional numerical coefficients, this "medium" does not generate any reflection at any angle or any frequency and is thus a perfectly matched layer. Technically it is a superset of Berenger's PML to which it reduces for a specific set of parameters, and like it, it is anisotropic. However, unlike the PML, it introduces some asymmetry in the absorption rate and is therefore labeled an APML, for asymmetric perfectly matched layer. We present here the numerical considerations that have led us to introduce such a medium as well as its theory. Several finite-difference numerical implementations are derived (in one, two, and three dimensions) and the performance of the APML is contrasted with that of the PML in one and two dimensions. Using plane wave analysis, we show that our APML implementations lead to higher absorption rates than the considered PML implementations. Although we have considered in this paper the finite-difference discretization of Maxwell-like equations only, the APML system of equations may be used with other discretization schemes, such as finite elements, and may be applied to other equations, for applications beyond electromagnetics.
Aerosol-cloud interaction-Misclassification of MODIS clouds in heavy aerosol

The accuracy of the spaceborne Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) cloud mask was evaluated for possible contamination by areas of heavy aerosol that may be misclassified as clouds. Analysis for several aerosol types shows that the cloud mask and products can be safely used in the presence of aerosol up to optical thickness of 0.6. Here we define as cloudy all MODIS 1-km (at nadir) pixels that were used to derive the cloud effective radius and optical thickness of water and ice clouds. The findings make it possible to study aerosol-cloud interaction from the MODIS aerosol and cloud products.
A New Aesthetic for Environmental Awareness: Chaos Theory, the Beauty of Nature, and Our Broader Humanistic Identity

Can beauty help us adapt, evolve, and cope with environmental crisis? This article challenges the longstanding Kantian view that beauty is “disinterested,” while linking Kant’s view of the sublime with chaos theory and the fractal forms of nature. We humans participate in beauty as open systems in ongoing process, coevolving with all of existence. Beauty offers us conscious awareness and resonance with deeper life patterns. We sense our interconnection and the “bounded infinities” of potentialities related to chaotic “strange attractors.” A study of aesthetic preference not only supports preference for the fractal forms of nature but suggests, tentatively, that creative persons prefer forms of even higher “dimensionality.” Beauty can open up our vision in an endangered world—while yielding intimacy and delight, not isolation and fear. Caring can become natural for the greater whole we all cocreate. As humanistic psychologists, we can be concerned with no less than this totality.
Consumption and liking of a fat modified product during short trial periods

The effects of short term product trial and switching among products of varying fat contents (cream cheese) on the amount of product consumed and liking scores throughout two short (7-day) trial periods were investigated. One hundred and twenty respondents participated in a study that included three tests at a central location and two in-home testing periods of 1 week, during which respondents consumed one of three types of cream cheese (full-fat, reduced-fat, and fat-free). Results suggest that trial consumption over time can impact the amount eaten and liking, which might result in longer term use of fat-modified products. Groups introduced gradually to reduced fat content showed no change in liking scores over time. However, a contrast effect between liked and disliked samples suggested that when consumers moved from full-fat cream cheese directly to fat-free cream cheese, the fat-free product did not meet quality and taste expectations. Over the 2 weeks of testing, product consumption did not change for acceptable products but decreased for the less acceptable products.
PART-1: A Novel Human Prostate-specific, Androgen-regulated Gene that Maps to Chromosome 5q12

Genes regulated by androgenic hormones are of critical importance for the normal physiological function of the human prostate gland, and they contribute to the development and progression of prostate carcinoma. We used cDNA microarrays containing 1500 prostate-derived cDNAs to profile transcripts regulated by androgens in prostate cancer cells. This study identified a novel gene that we have designated PART-1 (prostate androgen-regulated transcript 1), which exhibited increased expression upon exposure to androgens in the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line. Northern analysis demonstrated that PART-1 is highly expressed in the prostate gland relative to other normal human tissues and is expressed as different transcripts using at least three different polyadenylation signals. The PART-1 cDNA and putative protein are not significantly homologous to any sequences in the nonredundant public sequence databases. Cloning and analysis of the putative PART-1 promoter region identified a potential binding site for the homeobox gene PBX-1a, but no consensus androgen response element or sterol-regulatory element binding sites were identified. We used a radiation hybrid panel and fluorescence in situ hybridization to map the PART-1 gene to chromosome 5q12, a region that has been suggested to harbor a prostate tumor suppressor gene. These results identify a new gene involved in the androgen receptor-regulated gene network of the human prostate that may play a role in the etiology of prostate carcinogenesis.
Microarrays: Applications in dental research

Revolutionary advances are underway that will dramatically change our understanding of oral diseases. The phenomenal progress being made in biomedical research is in large part fueled by advances in our overall knowledge of the human genome, development of microarray technology that allows comprehensive and unbiased evaluation of global biologic pathways and networks, and expanded computational abilities. Expectations are that nearly all clinical areas in dentistry and oral medicine will be affected by advances in molecular medicine, which in turn, promises to lead to more accurate diagnosis, effective disease monitoring, and development of targeted and specific therapies. This review provides a brief overview of microarray technologies and highlights several key examples from research efforts in dentistry and oral medicine using these powerful new tools.
Cross-Cultural and Historical Perspectives on the Developmental Consequences of Education

The goal of this paper is to examine efforts to understand the developmental consequences, particularly the cognitive consequences, of children spending large amounts of time in formal schools where their activity is separated from the daily life of the rest of the community and mediated by technologies of literacy and numeracy as well as specialized uses of language. The analysis begins by examining the history of formal schooling in relation to its social and cultural circumstances and progresses through an examination of different research strategies for reaching plausible conclusions about its cognitive consequences in the sociocultural context. The discussion ends by considering two contradictory tendencies, centralized standardization versus de-centralized adaptation and separation versus embeddedness, which have characterized education since its inception and which societies around the world confront in our current historical circumstances.
Micro-sensor for monitoring oils

An electrochemical sensor has been constructed for detecting changes in the electrical responses of oil/metal systems. The sensor was used to make electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements and the impedance responses are compared as a function of oil additive. This work uses the base stock oil (no additives) as the baseline for comparison of the various additives. Of the four additives tested, only the metal deactivator additive was found to increase the impedance. The full formulation oil (containing all additives) displays the lowest impedance, indicating possible additive interaction. A basic Randle's circuit was used to fit the impedance data. This type of fit provides information pertaining to the properties of the bulk oil and contributions due to the interactions at the oil/metal interface
Development of the human optic disc: Light microscopy

Human embryonic and fetal optic discs were studied in semi thin sections stained with silver and toned with gold, in a series ranging from 7 to 21 weeks of gestation. The observations suggest that Bergmeister's papilla forms by proliferation of glial cells in the optic disc rather than by sequestration of retinal glia by axons growing through the region. A possible stimulus for such a glial proliferation is hypothesized to be traction on the anterior face of the disc exerted through the primary vitreous. The formation of the glial sheath of the hyaloid artery also appears to be a consequence of traction from the primary vitreous.
Barrels V: Proceedings of a Satellite Symposium of the 1992 Society for Neuroscience Meeting

(1993). Barrels V: Proceedings of a Satellite Symposium of the 1992 Society for Neuroscience Meeting. Somatosensory & Motor Research: Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 263-267.
A grounded model of technology adoption capabilities: care coordination and health IT

The general objective of this feasibility study is to demonstrate the plausibility of developing organisational capabilities-based framework and demonstrate that the right mix of theories and methodologies have been considered. The small field study was conducted at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) with the Care Management Plus (CMP) Team. CMP is an evidence-based HIT application for older adults and chronically ill patients with multiple conditions and the innovation includes software, clinic processes and training. Use of qualitative research-based case study, with application of diffusion theory and dynamic capabilities using the unified modelling language (UML) notation are demonstrated in this field study. In the following sections, data collection, analysis, results, conclusions and limitations of research along with propositions for future research are discussed.
Fish Chromatophores as Cytosensors in a Microscale Device: Detection of Environmental Toxins and Bacterial Pathogens

Fish chromatophores from Betta splendens are used as the cytosensor element in the development of a portable microscale device capable of detecting certain environmental toxins and bacterial pathogens by monitoring changes in pigment granule distribution. The adaptation of chromatophores to a microscale environment has required the development of enabling technologies to produce miniaturized culture chambers, to integrate microfluidics for sample delivery, to miniaturize image capture, and to design new statistical methods for image analyses. Betta splendens chromatophores were selected as the cytosensor element because of their moderate size, their toleration of close contact, and most importantly, for their responses to a broad range of chemicals and pathogenic bacteria. A miniaturized culture chamber has been designed that supports chromatophore viability for as long as 3 months, and that can be easily transported without damage to the cells. New statistical methods for image analyses have been developed that increase sensitivity and also decrease the time required for detection of significant changes in pigment granule distribution. Betta chromatophores have been tested for their responses to selected pathogenic bacteria and chemical agents. We discuss in detail the aggregation of pigment granules seen when chromatophores are incubated with Bacillus cereus, a common cause of food poisoning. Also described are the more subtle responses of chromatophores to a class of environmental chemical toxins, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. We show that the chromatophores are able to detect the presence of certain polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons at concentrations lower than the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) 550.1 standards.
Seasonal variations in the South Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation from observations and numerical models

Monthly climatologies of temperature and salinity from observations and numerical models are used to estimate the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) at 34°S. Observational estimates suggest that the geostrophic transport plays an equal role to the Ekman transport in the AMOC seasonal variations at this latitude, whereas in the models, the Ekman transport controls the AMOC seasonality. The seasonality of the geostrophic transport from observations is largely controlled by the seasonal density variations at the western boundary, but in the models, the eastern boundary dominates. The observed density seasonality at the western boundary is linked to the intensity of the Malvinas Current, which is poorly reproduced in the models. The results indicate that the weak seasonal cycle in the model geostrophic transport can primarily be attributed to excessively strong baroclinicity below the surface mixed layer, whereas the observations show a strong vertical coherence in the velocity down to 1200 m.
Baby Unplugged A Novel, Market-Based Approach to Reducing Screen Time and Promoting Healthy Alternatives

The issue of electronic media use by young children is increasingly important in pediatrics, a major risk factor for numerous chronic conditions. Despite guidelines in place since 1999, screen time is on the rise, aided by new formats removing practically all barriers of use. Key drivers are technological allure, confusion about developmental readiness, and perception of educational value, fueled by potent marketing. This article describes the development of Baby Unplugged, a series of children's board books celebrating "old-school," screen-free childhood. Written by a pediatrician who also owns a children's bookstore, the books were inspired and informed by advocacy projects in the areas of media use and early literacy as a pediatric resident. They reinforce AAP Electronic Media Guidelines, notably discouraging screen-based media under 2 years old, largely by encouraging healthy, fun alternatives. Examples include Pets, Book, and Yard. Multi-sensorial exploration and parent-child engagement are emphasized in a non-prescriptive way, featuring gender and ethnic diversity and activities that are accessible and inexpensive. The author describes challenges faced by pediatricians providing anticipatory guidance for media use, given limited time and resources and the perception that we are out of touch. This is heightened by oft-deceptive marketing of screen-based products more likely to be perceived as "cool." Reach Out and Read is cited as an example of a successful, "cool" intervention, though limited to select populations. Baby Unplugged takes advocacy to the marketplace, where the screen time battle is being lost.
Further validation of the chronic pain coping inventory.

Multidisciplinary treatment programs for chronic pain typically emphasize the importance of decreasing maladaptive and encouraging adaptive coping responses. The Chronic Pain Coping Inventory (CPCI), developed to assess coping strategies targeted for change in multidisciplinary pain treatment, is a 64-item instrument that contains 8 subscales: Guarding, Resting, Asking for Assistance, Relaxation, Task Persistence, Exercising/Stretching, Coping Self-Statements, and Seeking Social Sup- port. A previous validation study with 210 patients in a Canadian academic hospital setting supported an 8-factor structure for the CPCI. The current study was undertaken to validate the CPCI among 564 veterans with a more extended history of chronic pain. Patients completed the study questionnaires before multidisciplinary treatment. A confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the factor structure of the 64-item CPCI. A series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed with depression, pain interference, general activity level, disability, and pain severity as the criterion variables and the 8 CPCI factors as the predictor variables, controlling for pain severity and demo- graphic variables. The confirmatory factor analysis results strongly supported an 8-factor model, and the regression analyses supported the predictive validity of the CPCI scales, as indicated by their association with measures of patient adjustment to chronic pain. Perspective: This article validated the 8-factor structure of the CPCI by using a confirmatory factor analysis and a series of linear regressions. The results support the applicability and utility of the CPCI in a heterogeneous population of veterans with severe chronic pain treated in a tertiary teaching hospital. The CPCI provides an important clinical and research tool for the assessment of behavioral pain coping strategies that might have an impact on patient outcomes.
Bmper Inhibits Endothelial Expression of Inflammatory Adhesion Molecules and Protects Against Atherosclerosis

Objective— Bone morphogenetic proteins (Bmps) are important mediators of inflammation and atherosclerosis, though their mechanism of action is not fully understood. To better understand the contribution of the Bmp signaling pathway in vascular inflammation, we investigated the role of Bmper (Bmp endothelial cell precursor–derived regulator), an extracellular Bmp modulator, in an induced in vivo model of inflammation and atherosclerosis. Methods and Results— We crossed apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE −/− ) mice with mice missing 1 allele of Bmper (Bmper +/− mice used in the place of Bmper −/− mice that die at birth) and measured the development of atherosclerosis in mice fed a high-fat diet. Bmper haploinsufficiency in ApoE −/− mice (Bmper +/− ;ApoE −/− mice) led to a more severe phenotype compared with Bmper +/+ ;ApoE −/− mice. Bmper +/− ;ApoE −/− mice also exhibited increased Bmp activity in the endothelial cells in both the greater and lesser curvatures of the aortic arch, suggesting a role for Bmper in regulating Bmp-mediated inflammation associated with laminar and oscillatory shear stress. Small interfering RNA knockdown of Bmper in human umbilical vein endothelial cells caused a dramatic increase in the inflammatory markers intracellular adhesion molecule 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 at rest and after exposure to oscillatory and laminar shear stress. Conclusion— We conclude that Bmper is a critical regulator of Bmp-mediated vascular inflammation and that the fine-tuning of Bmp and Bmper levels is essential in the maintenance of normal vascular homeostasis.
In situ heading drift correction for human position tracking using foot-mounted inertial/magnetic sensors

This paper presents a heading drift correction method and experimental results for position tracking of human movement based on the use of foot-mounted inertial/magnetic sensor modules. A position tracking algorithm was previously developed, which incorporated a zero velocity update technique for correcting accelerometer drift. Previous experiments indicated the presence of a persistent heading drift in the estimated position. In this paper, a simple method for correcting this drift is presented. The method requires the user to walk over a closed loop path with the foot-mounted sensor module. Assuming a constant sensor bias for this initial walk, the resulting position error is then used to accomplish an in situ correction for position estimates during future walks. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the drift correction method and show a significant improvement in position tracking accuracy. Accuracy is determined based on the final position estimates following walks of 100 and 400 meters. Estimated distance traveled averages within 0.2% of actual distance traveled and distance from the actual position averages within 0.28% of actual distance traveled.
Fluidization of 1204 spheres: simulation and experiment

In this paper we study the fluidization of 1204 spheres at Reynolds numbers in the thousands using the method of distributed Lagrange multipliers. The results of the simulation are compared with a real experiment. This is the first direct numerical simulation of a real fluidized bed at the finite Reynolds number encountered in the applications. The simulations are processed like real experiments for straight lines in lot-log plots leading to power laws as in celebrated correlations of Richardson and Zaki [1954]. The numerical method allows for the first ever direct calculation of the slip velocity and other averaged values used in two-fluid continuum models. The computation and the experiment show that a single particle may be in balance under weight and drag for an interval of fluidizing velocities; the expectation that the fluidizing velocity is unique is not realized. The numerical method reveals that the dynamic pressure actually decreases slowly with the fluidizing velocity. Tentative interpretations of these new results are discussed.
Protection against Lethal Aspergillus fumigatus Infection in Mice by Allogeneic Myeloid Progenitors Is Not Major Histocompatibility Complex Restricted

Invasive fungal infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after myelotoxic chemotherapy or radiation exposure. The resulting depletion of myeloid precursors under these conditions appears to be the factor that limits approaches to accelerate immune reconstitution. In a murine model of myeloablation after radiation exposure, we demonstrated that highly purified common myeloid and granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (CMPs/GMPs) accelerated myeloid recovery and, thus, enhanced innate immunity as measured by survival after a lethal challenge with Aspergillus fumigatus. Of greatest significance was the demonstration that the protection afforded by CMPs/GMPs was not major histocompatibility complex restricted. Furthermore, the effect of CMP/GMP cellular therapy was additive with that of liposomal amphotericin B treatment. These observations greatly expand the potential donor pool and, thus, the clinical utility of CMP/GMP cellular therapy in patients with myeloid depletion.
Multiple nuclear excitation of rotational levels in 152Sm and 154Sm

Abstract By observing the inelastic scattering of 50 MeV alpha particles from samarium, we have made a definite correlation between reversed phase angular distributions and double excitation of second excited rotational levels. For the first time, we have also seen triple excitation of third excited rotational levels.
EDIACARAN FOSSILS FROM THE SOUTHWESTERN GREAT BASIN, UNITED STATES

Abstract Ediacaran fossils from the southwestern Great Basin may help constrain regional Vendian-Cambrian biostratigraphy and provide biogeographic links between facies in this region and elsewhere. Locally, trace fossils suggest the Vendian-Cambrian boundary occurs within or below the upper third of the lower member of the Wood Canyon Formation. Ediacaran soft-bodied and tubular fossils, including the frondlike fossil Swartpuntia and tubular, mineralized or agglutinated fossils similar to Archaeichnium, Cloudina, Corumbella, and Onuphionella occur in the lowermost Wood Canyon Formation. Discoidal forms referred to Nimbia occur in both the lowermost Wood Canyon Formation and the underlying strata of the Stirling Quartzite. These fossils occur directly below Lower Cambrian trace fossils, including Treptichnus pedum, and confirm the persistence of the Ediacaran biota to near the base of the Cambrian. These faunas may also help strengthen previously proposed correlation schemes between the two main facies be...
Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Normal Blood Circulated and Perfluorocarbon Transfused Rats

Radiolabeled microspheres have been used routinely to measure regional blood flow and distribution of cardiac output in large animals such as dogs and sheep1,2,3 and the method has been applied more recently to smaller animals such as the rat.4,5,6 A critical requirement of this technique is that the microspheres are adequately mixed with the circulating blood volume after injection, therefore accurate coronary and cerebral blood flow measurements necessitate an atrial or ventricular injection site. The latter is usually accomplished by retrograde entry through the right carotide artery and left atrial cannulation is performed via thoracotomy or cardiac puncture. However, ventricular cannulation can be performed through the right brachial artery eliminating problems encountered with right carotid entry, i.e., left vs right differences, and any trauma associated with the thoracotomy or cardiac puncture. This procedure has been used previously in the rat to compare cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements determined using microspheres with those obtained by the iodo-14C-antipyrine method (7).
Exhaled nitric oxide during exercise: site of release and modulation by ventilation and blood flow.

To define the site of release and factors modulating exhaled nitric oxide (NO) during exercise in humans, we measured exhaled NO output during exercise, during exercise after balloon occlusion of t...
Optimal sowing depth for southeastern wildrye (Elymus glabriflorus)

Southeastern wildrye ( Elymus glabriflorus (Vasey ex L.H. Dewey) Scribn. & C.R. Ball [Poaceae]) is a native, cool-season, perennial grass that is commonly found along right-of-ways, woodland boundaries, and old fields across the Southeast, Midwest, and East Coast US. Recent interest in this species for forage plantings has generated the need to learn more about its propagation from seed, including appropriate sowing depth. We conducted greenhouse trials in 2011 and 2012; southeastern wildrye was sown in plastic trays at 5 depths (surface, 0.64, 1.27, 1.90, and 2.54 cm). Seedling counts completed 21 d after sowing showed 0.64 cm and 1.27 cm sowing depths produced a significantly greater number of seedlings compared with other treatments. Unlike some common warm-season grass species, southeastern wildrye was only slightly sensitive to deep sowing. Our finding that optimal sowing depth for southeastern wildrye is relatively shallow will simplify establishment of large plantings for this species since most conventional grass planting equipment is set to plant at similar shallow depths.
Use of Experimental Design in Marketing Research

5M /[UCH marketing research is concerned with the making of reasonably accurate predictions from some systematic study of the marketing structure. Both the crudeness of the device used for the determination and measurement of causal forces and the unknown conditions under which marketing investigations are commonly made restrict the researcher's ability to place a quantitative evaluation on the accuracy of his predictions. The degree of reliance placed on a marketing research result is therefore, more often than not, subjectively determined. In the absence of statistical criteria, public acceptance is based on the reputation of the researcher, argument or repetitiveness of presentation. Using data from secondary sources or uncontrolled environments, researchers in general have had difficulty with statistical inference. With much marketing research data the computation of fiducial or confidence limits and statistical tests of significance are of questionable value because of the high degree of confounding among causal forces commonly present in such data. The presence of such confounding often casts a cloud of doubt even over the theoretical assumptions of causality. Against this background of frustration with statistical inference economists have looked longingly at the highly and recently developed experimental theory touched off by R. A. Fisher in the biological sciences. But the gross dynamic nature of much economic analysis in the past has prohibited or made difficult the adaptation of such theory in marketing research. Marketing researchers have been looking for all inclusive solutions -solutions which are applicable under a wide variety of market operating conditions. Even though they recognize that their aims often lead them in search of phantoms, they have not been particularly content to measure variable effects under some singularly defined conditions. For this reason sample surveys have had greater appeal than experimentation which requires restrictions. The rapid expansion of marketing research in recent years has led to focusing attention on more and more detailed problems requiring specific solutions for application in comparatively well-known microeconomic environments. These are largely problems of individual management decision rather than general problems dealing with over-all marketing policy. This trend quickly turned the attention of some marketing researchers to the principles of experimentation. In the absence of both a suitable theory of experimentation and a knowledge of appropriate statistical procedure, early efforts in both experimental design and statistical inference were
Feeder Cattle Forecasting Models: An Econometric Study of Development and Performance

The purpose of this paper is to identify whether an intricate forecasting model which takes into consideration selling price, cost of gain, and seasonality will perform better at forecasting quarterly feeder cattle prices than a simpler model based only on the futures price of feeder cattle. Although both models exhibited good forecasting ability, econometric calculations demonstrated that the complex model had more accurate forecasting ability than did the futures model. Both models performed similarly in their ability to predict the directional movement of feeder cattle price.
Using Monte Carlo simulation to compute liquid-vapor saturation properties of ionic liquids.

We discuss Monte Carlo (MC) simulation methods for calculating liquid–vapor saturation properties of ionic liquids. We first describe how various simulation tools, including reservoir grand canonical MC, growth-expanded ensemble MC, distance-biasing, and aggregation-volume-biasing, are used to address challenges commonly encountered in simulating realistic models of ionic liquids. We then indicate how these techniques are combined with histogram-based schemes for determining saturation properties. Both direct methods, which enable one to locate saturation points at a given temperature, and temperature expanded ensemble methods, which provide a means to trace saturation lines to low temperature, are discussed. We study the liquid–vapor phase behavior of the restricted primitive model (RPM) and a realistic model for 1,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C1mim][BF4]). Results are presented to show the dependence of saturation properties of the RPM and [C1mim][BF4] on the size of the simulation box and ...
Coupling Enhancement and Giant Rabi-Splitting in Large Arrays of Tunable Plexcitonic Substrates

Advances in active manipulation of light at the nanoscale are rapidly emerging with the concept of plexcitonic coupling at the interface between plasmonics nanostructures and excitonic molecules. In this work, we devise a simple fabrication scheme to produce and optimize large area tunable plasmonic substrates for strong plasmon-exciton interactions. By tuning the diameter of the nanoholes using a simple plasma etching process, we demonstrate the potential of our approach to deliver tunable plasmonic substrates. Thus, large enhancements of fluorescence and Raman scattering could be measured. Moreover, hybridized states appearing in the presence of excitonic molecules (RG6) give rise to anticrossing behaviors in extinction spectroscopy, a phenomenon also known as Rabi-splitting. The results demonstrate the great potential of our large nanofabricated arrays as plexcitonic substrates for numerous applications, including sensors, light harvesters, and all-optical switches.
Evaluation of the Durability of a Pipeline Weakened by Internal Defect in the Process of Transportation of Hydrogen-Containing Media

We propose a method aimed at the evaluation of the durability of pipeline systems weakened by elliptic internal defects in the process of transportation of hydrogen-containing media. For the analysis of defects, we apply the criteria of fracture mechanics based on the determination of the safe and inadmissible depths of cracklike defects and on the characteristics of crack-growth resistance of structural elements characterized by the rate of changes in the stress intensity factor near the crack tip in the process of crack growth in the structural element. Examples of evaluation of the durability of feed pipeline systems in the presence of internal cracklike defects are presented.
Investigation on resistance of Culex pipiens pallens to Four Common Pesticides in Yangpu District,Shanghai

Objective To investigate the resistance of Culex pipiens pallens to four common insecticides for making the dynamic mosquitoes control strategy in Yangpu District,Shanghai. Methods The dipping method recommended by WHO was used in this study. Results The resistance ratios of Cx. pipiens pallens in Yangpu District to permethrin,beta- cypermethrin,deltamethrin and Temephos were 60. 14、6. 49、5. 29 and 3. 59 respectively. Conclusions The results showed that Cx. pipiens pallens had different resistance to the four common pesticides tested. Of which,Cx. pipiens pallens had high resistance to permethrin and low resistance to other three pesticides. To control the mosquito effectively are to strengthen the monitoring and management of resistance,to forbidden the high- resistance- level pesticides and to make the measures to prevent the resistance improvement.
SURFACE MORPHOLOGY OF MYCOBACTERIUM BOVIS BCG : RELATION TO MECHANISMS OF CELLULAR AGGREGATION

Growing colonies of Mycobacterium bovis BCG, Tice and Glaxo substrains, and freshly ball milled and freeze-dried Tice BCG vaccines were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by light microscopy after cytochemical staining. BCG organisms in colonies growing on agar were randomly oriented, despite colony morphology, and nearly completely covered by an amorphous material. Aggregates of organisms in vaccine suspensions were also covered with this material, but single cells were not covered. In TEM, the covering material was visualized between groups of cells as an electron-transparent area surrounded by a thin electron-dense layer. This material appeared to originate in the upper cell wall, between the cell wall skeleton and the outer dense layer. Staining of the covering material indicated the presence of protein, carbohydrate and acidic groups, but not exposed lipids. The covering material was absent from the ventral side of colonies, suggesting that its production is oxygen-dependent. These observations suggest that a mycobacterial exudate, previously observed and implicated as a virulence factor, may also bind the cells together, and accounts for the aggregative properties of the organisms in culture.
Regulation of human peripheral blood erythroid burst-forming unit growth by T lymphocytes and T lymphocyte subpopulations defined by OKT4 and OKT8 monoclonal antibodies

To reexamine the influence that T lymphocytes have on the regulation of human peripheral blood burst-forming unit (BFU-E) proliferation in the absence of a statistically significant number of monocytes, very low numbers (3 to 10 X 10(3)/mL) of a null cell fraction highly enriched for BFU-E were cultured alone and in the presence of 5 X 10(5) sheep erythrocyte-purified, autologous T lymphocytes in a methylcellulose culture system containing erythropoietin. T lymphocytes consistently enhanced the growth of BFU-E from the null cell fraction, as reflected in both their number and size. Irradiation of T lymphocytes prior to coculture with null cells markedly reduced this enhancement, strongly suggesting that T lymphocytes synthesize erythroid burst-promoting factors (BPA). To determine whether there were functional differences between the two major T lymphocyte populations as defined by OKT4 (T helper/inducer) and OKT8 (T suppressor/cytotoxic) murine monoclonal antibodies to stimulate the growth of BFU-E, both T cell subpopulations were isolated by negative (panning) or positive (fluorescence-activated cell sorting) selection and cocultured with null cells. No statistically significant differences emerged between unseparated, OKT4+ and OKT8+ T lymphocytes in their ability to stimulate the growth of BFU-E. Thus, these studies provide further evidence that T lymphocytes are a major population of BPA-producing cells and further that OKT4+ and OKT8+ T lymphocytes equally elaborate these factors.
Therapeutic rTMS in Children

Abstract This chapter gives an overview or the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation for improving brain function and treating diseases and disorders in childhood. To date, the vast majority of interventional clinical trials have involved adults only. Pediatric trials have emphasized mostly disabling neurological and psychiatric conditions, with promising results in a few areas.
Radio Frequency (RF) Applications

This chapter presents the application of silicon nanowire technology on another analog domain: RF receivers. RF receivers contain two important functional blocks. The first block is the down-converter unit. This block consists of a low noise amplifier, a mixer, and an oscillator. It is mainly used to translate a high frequency signal to a lower frequency signal for baseband processing. The second block is the Variable Gain Amplifier (VGA). Because the signal strength largely depends on the distance between the receiver and transmitter, the VGA regulates the signal strength before the re-conditioned signal arrives at the input of the baseband processor. The design approach and the circuits incorporating SNTs are fully examined in this chapter to design and analyze both of these units. The layout of each SNT includes a re-engineered source structure as well as extra gate and source contacts to minimize high terminal resistances as they deteriorate the overall noise factor of the RF receiver and make the input impedance matching difficult.
Prediction of Peak Oxygen Uptake from Submaximal Exercise Tests in Older Men and Women

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of two submaximal exercise tests, the Sitting-Chair Step Test (Smith & Gilligan. 1983) and the Modified Step Test (Amundsen, DeVahl, & Ellingham, 1989) to predict peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) in 28 adults ages 60 to 85 years. VO2 peak was measured by indirect calorimetry during a treadmill maximal graded exercise test (VO2 peak, range 11.6–31.1 ml · kg −l · min−1). In each of the submaximal tests, VO2 was predicted by plotting stage-by-stage submaximal heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion (RPE) data against VO2 for each stage and extrapolating the data to respective age-predicted maximal HR or RPE values. In the Sitting-Chair Step Test (n = 23), no significant differences were observed between measured and predicted VO2 peak values (p > .05). However, predicted VO2 peak values from the HR were 4.3 ml · kg−1 · min−1 higher than VO2 peak values predicted from the RPE data (p < .05). In the Modified Step Test (n = 22), no significant differences were...
An Alternative Distributed Control Architecture for Improvement in the Transient Response of DC Microgrids

Distributed secondary control plays an important role in dc microgrids, since it ensures system control objectives, which are power sharing and dc-bus voltage stability. Previous studies have suggested using a control architecture that utilizes a parallel secondary bus voltage and current sharing compensation. However, the parallel controllers have a mutual impact on each other, which degrades the transient performance of the system. This paper reports on an alternative distributed secondary control architecture and controller design process, based on small-signal analysis to alleviate the mutual effect of the current sharing and bus voltage compensation, and to improve the transient response of the system. Experimental results confirm the improved transient performance in the current sharing control and dc-bus voltage stability utilizing the proposed control architecture.
Conditional Arbiters: The Limits of Political Party Influence in Presidential Nominations

The 2016 Republican presidential nomination challenges arguments about political party insiders’ influence on the outcome. This article argues, first, that party insider influence is conditional on the participation, coalescence, and timing of party stakeholders behind a front-runner during the invisible primary, and second, that party insider influence has probably declined since the 2000 presidential election. Data on endorsements by elite elected officials in open presidential nominations from 1984 to 2016 show that party insiders’ participation and convergence of support behind the front-runner is less extensive than what was found by Cohen, Karol, Noel, and Zaller (2008), though the data sets differ. Party insiders participate and unify more readily when the party coalition is stable and there is a candidate in the race who has demonstrable national support. Party elites remain on the sidelines when the party coalition is divided or when there is uncertainty about the appeal of candidates (Ryan 2011; Whitby 2014). The potency of insider endorsements likely has declined with the rise of social media, the changing campaign finance landscape, and the reemergence of populism in each party.