cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A numerical case study of convection initiation along colliding convergence boundaries in Northeast Colorado

Abstract A numerical cloud model has been used to simulate convective storm development on 17 July 1987 in northeast Colorado. The study involves the simulation of convergence along atmospheric boundaries and the subsequent development of convection. The model was initialized using observed conditions for this case day from the Convection Initiation and Downburst Experiment (CINDE). A two-dimensional version of the Clark NCAR nested grid model is employed. Results indicate that convection in boundary line collision cases can be successfully simulated by using actual observed atmospheric data. Gradual deepening of the moisture layer in the convergence zone was shown to destabilize the local atmosphere leading to the initiation of deep convection on this day. The modeled storm approximated the depth and intensity of the observed storms and displayed many of the features of the actual event. Sensitivity studies revealed that the timing and intensity of convection along boundaries is greatly affected by alter...
Spatial Model of Forest Management Strategies and Outcomes in the Wildland–Urban Interface

In fire-prone areas of the western United States, mechanical thinning is often seen as a way to achieve two outcomes: Wildfire mitigation and restoration of historical forest structure. In this study, a spatial modeling approach is used to (1) find which forests are likely to be thinned under different criteria; (2) for these forests, evaluate whether wildfire mitigation and restoration of historical forest structure are potentially needed; and (3) determine whether these results change under alternative assumptions related to weather and fire history. Effectively, the spatial models in this study allow us to “test” thinning criteria to see if they lead to the selection of land where the stated management goals are needed in the study area of the montane zone of Boulder County, Colo. The spatial modeling results indicate that common management practices—such as thinning dense stands on Forest Service land near communities—may be inappropriate if the desired outcome is both wildfire mitigation and restorat...
Tender Offers and Target Management Responses: Managerial Entrenchment Versus Stockholder Interest Revisited

Defensive actions by managements facing hostile tender offers have generally been interpreted as entrenchment-oriented behavior. In this paper, longitudinal wealth effects on target firm stockholders are examined for the 1978–1985 period. The sample of firms where target management resists the tender offer registers significantly higher post-tender offer announcement gains as compared to the sample of firms where target management remains passive. The evidence appears to support the stockholder interest hypothesis.
Endocannabinoid Signaling and Synaptic Function

Endocannabinoids are key modulators of synaptic function. By activating cannabinoid receptors expressed in the central nervous system, these lipid messengers can regulate several neural functions and behaviors. As experimental tools advance, the repertoire of known endocannabinoid-mediated effects at the synapse, and their underlying mechanism, continues to expand. Retrograde signaling is the principal mode by which endocannabinoids mediate short- and long-term forms of plasticity at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. However, growing evidence suggests that endocannabinoids can also signal in a nonretrograde manner. In addition to mediating synaptic plasticity, the endocannabinoid system is itself subject to plastic changes. Multiple points of interaction with other neuromodulatory and signaling systems have now been identified. In this Review, we focus on new advances in synaptic endocannabinoid signaling in the mammalian brain. The emerging picture not only reinforces endocannabinoids as potent regulators of synaptic function but also reveals that endocannabinoid signaling is mechanistically more complex and diverse than originally thought.
Torture and Theology of the Cross

Abstract: A theology of the cross must (1) connect Christ's cross with the reality of torture, and (2) differentiate misuse of Christ's crucifixion from its power in the struggle against torture. To meet these tasks, a theology of the cross needs to (1) refuse to separate Christ's crucifixion from his life and resurrection, and (2) recognize that the crucified Christ can only be understood in relation to all Christ's suffering sisters and brothers.
Respiratory muscle force and lung volume changes in a population of children with sickle cell disease

Summary Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a disorder known to impact the respiratory system. We sought to identify respiratory muscle force and lung volume relationships in a paediatric SCD population. Thirty-four SCD-SS subjects underwent pulmonary function testing. Height, weight, age, and gender-adjusted percent predicted maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) values were compared to spirometry and lung volumes. Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and paired two-tailed t-test. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) MIP and MEP was 69·6 ± 31·6 cm H2O and 66·9 ± 22·9 cm H2O, respectively, and mean ± SD percent predicted MIP (101·3 ± 45·9) exceeded MEP (72·1 ± 26·0) (P = 0·002). MIP correlated with forced vital capacity (FVC; r = 0·51, P = 0·001) and TLC (r = 0·54, P < 0·0001). MEP also correlated with FVC (r = 0·43, P = 0·011) and total lung capacity (TLC; r = 0·42, P = 0·013). Pearson's correlation coefficient testing yielded relationships between MIP and MEP (r = 0·64, P < 0·0001). SCD-SS patients showed correlations between respiratory muscle force and lung volume, and reduced percent predicted expiratory muscle force compared to inspiratory muscle force. Respiratory muscle strength may affect lung volumes in these patients, and expiratory muscles may be more susceptible than the diaphragm to SCD-induced vaso-occlusive damage.
High abundances of potentially active ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea in oligotrophic, high-altitude lakes of the Sierra Nevada, California, USA.

Nitrification plays a central role in the nitrogen cycle by determining the oxidation state of nitrogen and its subsequent bioavailability and cycling. However, relatively little is known about the underlying ecology of the microbial communities that carry out nitrification in freshwater ecosystems—and particularly within high-altitude oligotrophic lakes, where nitrogen is frequently a limiting nutrient. We quantified ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) in 9 high-altitude lakes (2289–3160 m) in the Sierra Nevada, California, USA, in relation to spatial and biogeochemical data. Based on their ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) genes, AOB and AOA were frequently detected. AOB were present in 88% of samples and were more abundant than AOA in all samples. Both groups showed >100 fold variation in abundance between different lakes, and were also variable through time within individual lakes. Nutrient concentrations (ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate) were generally low but also varied across and within lakes, suggestive of active internal nutrient cycling; AOB abundance was significantly correlated with phosphate (r2 = 0.32, p<0.1), whereas AOA abundance was inversely correlated with lake elevation (r2 = 0.43, p<0.05). We also measured low rates of ammonia oxidation—indicating that AOB, AOA, or both, may be biogeochemically active in these oligotrophic ecosystems. Our data indicate that dynamic populations of AOB and AOA are found in oligotrophic, high-altitude, freshwater lakes.
Ten-month-old infants use prior information to identify an actor's goal

For adults, prior information about an individual’s likely goals, preferences or dispositions plays a powerful role in interpreting ambiguous behavior and predicting and interpreting behavior in novel contexts. Across two studies, we investigated whether 10month-old infants’ ability to identify the goal of an ambiguous action sequence was facilitated by seeing prior instances in which the actor directly pursued and obtained her goal, and whether infants could use this prior information to understand the actor’s behavior in a new context. Experiment 1 demonstrated that the goal preview impacted infants’ subsequent action understanding, but only if the preview was delivered in the same room as the subsequent action sequence. Experiment 2 demonstrated that infants’ failure to transfer prior goal information across situations arose from a change in the room per se and not other features of the task. Our results suggest that infants may use their understanding of simple actions as a leverage point for understanding novel or ambiguous actions, but that their ability to do so is limited to certain types of contextual changes.
Clinically occult presentation of comminuted intertrochanteric hip fractures

Hip fractures in awake patients are rarely subtle in their clinical presentation. We report two cases of occult, comminuted, intertrochanteric hip fractures that occurred in awake, elderly patients who were brought to the emergency department for evaluation of other medical conditions. Neither patient complained of hip pain, and both were transported to the ED without spinal immobilization. Physical examination revealed no sign of hip fracture. Patient 1 was scheduled for admission and just prior to transfer out of the ED developed hip pain. Patient 2 was admitted for workup of possible transient ischemic attack and approximately 2.5 hours after admission complained of hip pain. Radiographs of both patients revealed comminuted intertrochanteric hip fractures. In an elderly, nonambulatory patient who may have fallen prior to evaluation, routine radiographs of the pelvis and hip should be performed followed by plain tomography, computed tomography, bone scan, or magnetic resonance imaging as indicated to rule out occult hip fracture. Even comminuted intertrochanteric hip fractures can present in an occult fashion; therefore, a high index of suspicion must be maintained for these injuries.
Host resistance to murine malaria in mice exposed to the adenosine deaminase inhibitor, 2'-deoxycoformycin.

Resistance to infection with the nonlethal rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii 17XNL (Py 17XNL) is mediated by humoral, T-cell and a accessory cell activity. The purpose of this study was to profile host resistance to infection with this organism in mice exposed to 2′-deoxycoformycin (2dCF), a potent adenosine deaminase (ADA) inhibitor. Inhibition of ADA activity by 2dFC results in defective T-cell function and either suppression or augmentation of the humoral response, depending on whether 2dCF exposure precedes (suppression) or follows (augmentation) immunization. In this study, mice injected with 2dCF during the first five days of infection cleared the infection at the same time as controls, but had lower peak parasitemia than controls. Mice infected with the lethal variant of P. yoelii were more susceptible to infection when injected with 2dCF after infection, suggesting that 2dCF injection did not directly affect the parasite. Rather, suppression of parasitemia in 2dCF-treated mice may have been mediated by augmented humoral immunity, since 2dCF injection increases antibody responses when 2dCF injection follows antigen (in this case, parasite) injection. Conversely, in mice given 2dCF prior to infection, parasitemia peaked 2 days later and was eliminated more gradually than in control mice. Exposure to 2dCF did not deplete reticulocytes and thus temporarily limit parasitemia. Similarly, enrichment of NK cells or augmentation of macrophage phagocytic activity prior to infection were not sufficient to alter the pattern of infection. In contrast, the pattern of infection in mice treated with tilorone (a macrophage activator which also causes suppressed T-cell function) prior to infection was similar to that observed in 2dCF-exposed animals. These results indicate that 2dCF, given before or after infection, alters the host response to infection with Py17XNL. It appears that a combination of increased macrophage activity and altered T-cell activity contributed to the delay in peak parasitemia and clearance of infection in mice exposed to 2dCF before infection with Py17XNL.
Amino Acid Uptake by Kidney and Jejunal Tissue from Dogs with Cystine Stones

Cystine and lysine accumulation in vitro in intestinal and renal tissue was studied in eight dogs that form cystine stones. Under conditions which demonstrate in vitro defects in tissue obtained from humans with cystinuria, normal amino acid accumulation occurred in six dogs with the canine disorder. Normal amino acid uptake in tissue and the demonstration of normal to minimum increases in excretion of lysine suggest that the canine disorder is not similar to the human syndrome.
From Civilization To Segregation: Social Ideals And Social Control in Southern Rhodesia, 1890-1934

This study examines the social changes that took place in Southern Rhodesia after the arrival of the British South Africa Company in the 1890s. Summer's work focuses on interactions among settlers, the officials of the British South America Company and the administration, missionaries, humanitarian groups in Britain, and the most vocal or noticeable groups of Africans. Through this period of military conquest and physical coercion, to the later attempts at segregationist social engineering, the ideals and justifications of Southern Rhodesians changed drastically. Native Policy, Native Education policies, and, eventually, segregationist Native Development policies changed and evolved as the white and black inhabitants of Southern Rhodesia (colonial Zimbabwe) struggled over the region's social form and future. Summers's work complements a handful of other recent works reexamining the social history of colonial Zimbabwe and demonstrating how knowledge, perception, and ideologies interacted with the economic and political dimensions of the region's past.
Military contracts to water transportation services in the United States

Long excluded from academic analysis, military expenditures on water transportation are a significant aspect of the industry, especially given the rapid increases in the U.S. military budget in the 1980s. This paper begins with an overview of military relations with the water transporation industry; next, it proceeds to a survey of the spatial dimensions of prime contracts awarded to water transporation and dredging firms in the U.S. Thirdly, it explores their economic impacts on teh U.S. economy using input–output analysis.
On the Reliability of an n -Component System

Under assumptions compatible with the theory of Markov chains, we use a property of Vandermonde matrices to examine the reliability of an n-component system of production or service.
Alexithymia and Negative Affect: Relationship to Cigarette Smoking, Nicotine Dependence, and Smoking Cessation

Alexithymia is associated with substance abuse and may interfere with successful psychotherapy. Alexithymia’s relation to smoking, nicotine dependence, and smoking cessation therapy is unknown, and po
Colocalization between endogenous erbB4 and endogenous kalirin-7 in interneuronal dendrites

Colocalization between endogenous erbB4 and endogenous kalirin-7 in interneuronal dendrites
Modelling of Gunn-domain effects in GaAs m.e.s.f.e.t.s

GaAs m.e.s.f.e.t. [S22] values larger than unity have been measured from 1 to 10 GHz in the region where the ID/VD curves display a negative slope. An explanation of this phenomenon is proposed in terms of Gunn-domain formation. An equivalent-circuit model which includes this effect is presented and discussed.
Comparison of Lead and Tin Concentrations in Air at a Solder Manufacturer from the Closed-Face 37-mm Cassette With and Without a Custom Cellulose-Acetate Cassette Insert

A polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cassette insert with PVC filter (ACCU-CAP) in a 37-mm closed-face cassette (CFC) was designed for gravimetric analysis. A customized version of the ACCU-CAP, also to be used in the CFC, was manufactured from an acid-digestible cellulose-acetate cassette insert joined to a mixed cellulose ester (MCE) filter for wet chemical analysis. The aim of this study was to compare metal particle concentrations as sampled by the customized insert (CI) in a CFC sampler with the traditional sampling method using only a MCE filter in the CFC. Thirty-nine personal and 13 area samples were taken using paired filter-based CFC and the CI in CFC samplers at a solder manufacturing plant. The CI was removed from its CFC, and digested and analyzed as a whole. The MCE filter from the typical CFC was removed for analysis and then the interior of the cassette was wiped with Ghost Wipe for a separate analysis. The MCE filter only, Ghost Wipe, and CI were separately dissolved in heated nitric acid for ICP-M...
Hidden dependencies in program comprehension and change propagation

Large software systems are difficult to understand and maintain. Program dependency analysis plays a key role in both understanding and maintenance. This paper discusses hidden dependencies among software components that make both understanding and maintenance hard. A hidden dependency is a relationship between two seemingly independent components, and it is caused by the data flow in a third software component. The paper uses abstract system dependency graphs to define hidden dependencies. It discusses the impact of hidden dependencies on the process of change propagation and also discusses an algorithm that warns about the possible presence of hidden dependencies.
Partners reducing effects of diabetes (PREDICT): a diabetes prevention physical activity and dietary intervention through African-American churches

Type 2 diabetes is epidemic in the United States with greater incidence rates in African-American communities. Lifestyle interventions during the phase of insulin resistance mitigate cardiovascular risk and prevent diabetes. The primary aim of this study is to test the impact of a Community Health Advisor (CHA)-based diabetes prevention controlled intervention in urban African-American communities. In this controlled trial, church congregants in New Haven, CT, receiving a 1-year CHA-led diabetes prevention intervention were compared with church congregants in Bridgeport, CT, who did not receive an intervention. Outcome measures included physical activity, dietary pattern, anthropometric measure, social support, diabetes knowledge, nutrition and exercise self-efficacy. The results indicate that at the end of the 1-year intervention period, there were no significant differences observed between intervention and control groups. Possible explanations for the lack of change include difficulty in engaging the CHAs, variability in the CHA-led interventions, baseline discrepancies between the two sites which could not be fully controlled and loss to follow-up. The results indicate important obstacles which impeded the successful implementation of this intervention and lessons learned for future interventions.
Multiple-start directed search for improved NN solution

We propose a new technique to improve the confidence in results of repeated neural network training runs under the practical constraint of a fixed computational budget. Our technique is applicable to problems for which there is a correlation between results early in the training process and results near the end of training. Targeting well-studied training problems, the technique may be most valuable when the computational time required for thorough training makes impractical performing a large number of differently initialized training sessions.
Fluxless Sn-rich Sn-Au flip-chip bonding using electroplating processes

In this study, we present a fluxless flip-chip bonding process based on the design of Sn-rich Sn-Au electroplated multilayer, i.e., Sn-rich composition range of 90-99 wt.%. The fluxless flip-chip bonding process has become increasingly more important and received more attention from industries because there are more and more devices and products that cannot tolerate the use of fluxes in the bonding processes. Examples are MEMS devices, sensor devices, biomedical devices, and photonic devices. Prior to this effort, we have successfully developed fluxless bonding processes using non-eutectic Sn rich Sn-Au structures deposited in high vacuum. Thermal evaporation in vacuum is relatively costly and hard to fabricate thick layers. Electroplating method appears to be an economical alternative. Other advantages of electroplating are low processing temperature and the ability to fabricate solder bumps of any geometry using the photolithographic process. Au and Sn are known to react easily to form Au-Sn compound even at room temperature. Thus we first investigate the electroplating mechanism of thin layer of Au over the thick layer of Sn to see if any interesting interaction happens. In this study, the fluxless characteristic is possible because the electroplated Sn layer is capped with a thin Au layer. It is interesting to find that the thin Au layer reacts with the underlying Sn to form AuSn/sub 4/ intermetallic layer, which is believed to prevent oxygen penetration into the Sn layer. The flip-chip bonding process is carried out in hydrogen environment to inhibit Sn oxidation. The electroplated Sn-Au solder bumps on silicon with 50/spl mu/m in height are flip chip bonded to borosilicate glass substrate, showing high joint quality. This new fluxless flip chip bonding process could play an important role in many applications where the use of flux is not allowed.
Tracking and modeling non-rigid objects with rank constraints

This paper presents a novel solution for flow-based tracking and 3D reconstruction of deforming objects in monocular image sequences. A non-rigid 3D object undergoing rotation and deformation can be effectively approximated using a linear combination of 3D basis shapes. This puts a bound on the rank of the tracking matrix. The rank constraint is used to achieve robust and precise low-level optical flow estimation without prior knowledge of the 3D shape of the object. The bound on the rank is also exploited to handle occlusion at the tracking level leading to the possibility of recovering the complete trajectories of occluded/disoccluded points. Following the same low-rank principle, the resulting flow matrix can be factored to get the 3D pose, configuration coefficients, and 3D basis shapes. The flow matrix is factored in an iterative manner, looping between solving for pose, configuration, and basis shapes. The flow-based tracking is applied to several video sequences and provides the input to the 3D non-rigid reconstruction task. Additional results on synthetic data and comparisons to ground truth complete the experiments.
A linear algorithm for generating random numbers with a given distribution

Let xi be a random variable over a finite set with an arbitrary probability distribution. Improvements to a fast method of generating sample values for xi in constant time are suggested. The proposed modification reduces the time required for initialization to O(n). For a simple genetic algorithm, this improvement changes an O(g n 1n n) algorithm into an O(g n) algorithm (where g is the number of generations, and n is the population size). >
Evidence for the Existence of Two Striatal Dopamine Receptors

Striatal dopaminergic mechanisms have been implicated in two separate human neurologic syndromes. The first of these is parkinsonism; a syndrome consisting of rigidity, akinesia, resting tremor and loss of postural reflexes which is felt to be related to decreased activity of dopamine (DA) at striatal DA receptors (Hornykiewicz, 1966; Klawans, 1973). The second is chorea which is felt to reflect increased dopaminergic activity at at least some striatal DA receptors (Klawans, 1971; Klawans, 1973).
Gaussian energy functions for registration without correspondences

A new criterion based on Gaussian fields is introduced and applied to the task of automatic rigid registration of point-sets. The method defines a simple energy function, which is always differentiable and convex in a large neighborhood of the alignment parameters; allowing for the use of powerful standard optimization techniques. We show that the size of the region of convergence can be extended so that no close initialization is needed, thus overcoming local convergence problems of iterative closest point algorithms. Furthermore, the Gaussian energy function can be evaluated with the linear complexity using the fast Gauss transform, which permits efficient implementation of the registration algorithm. Analysis through several experimental results on real world datasets shows the practicality and points out the limits of the approach.
Theory of Defects in Solids and Their Interactions

Materials lie at the core of our technologically oriented society. Increasingly, it becomes necessary as the search for more efficient products or lower cost fabrication intensifies, to be able to design specific materials to achieve the needed design goals. It would be most desirable to be able to use the tools of theoretical materials science combined with advanced computational methodology to accomplish this task.
Comments on “Evidence for global runoff increase related to climate warming” by Labat et al.

Abstract We have examined the evidence presented by Labat et al. and found that (1) their claims for a 4% increase in global runoff arising from a 1 °C increase in air temperature and (2) that their article provides the “first experimental data-based evidence demonstrating the link between the global warming and the intensification of the global hydrological cycle” are not supported by the data presented. Our conclusions are based on the facts that (1) their discharge records exhibit non-climatic influences and trends, (2) their work cannot refute previous studies finding no relation between air temperature and runoff, (3) their conclusions cannot explain relations before 1925, and (4) the statistical significance of their results hinges on a single data point that exerts undue influence on the slope of the regression line. We argue that Labat et al. have not provided sufficient evidence to support their claim for having detected increases in global runoff resulting from climate warming.
Solid-phase C–C and C–O bond forming reactions using ‘Traceless’ π-arene–chromium linkers

Abstract The scope of solid-phase reactions utilizing a ‘traceless’ π-arene–chromium linker has been expanded to include the addition of organo-lithium reagents to a supported ester group, generation and alkylation of an enolate anion, and substitution via the Mitsunobu reaction. Immobilization of ortho-disubstituted polyfunctionalized arene chromium dicarbonyl species onto the solid support and subsequent, selective transformation is also reported.
Nuclear Uptake of Sex Steroids in Gingiva of the Baboon

Influences of sex steroid hormones on the periodontium are documented. Confirmation of the presence and location of receptors for these hormones is important in achieving a more complete understanding of their role in periodontal disease. Biochemical studies have provided evidence of sex steroid receptors in cytosols prepared from gingival tissues, however, no morphologic data are available on the location or specific cell types with receptors. For this study, three mature male and three female baboons received tritiated 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (3H-DHT) while three similar males and three females received tritiated estradiol-17 beta (3H-E2). A control animal from each group of three was given an excess of the corresponding unlabeled hormone in addition to the tritiated dose. Gingival specimens were obtained at necropsy as part of a total body study of receptor distribution, and autoradiographs were prepared on emulsion-coated slides. Heavy nuclear uptake was observed in periosteal fibroblasts and scattered fibroblasts of the lamina propria in male given 3H-E2. Females had moderate uptake of E2 in similar but fewer sites than males. There was minimal uptake of 3H-DHT in one male and two females. These data provide additional evidence of steroid receptors in the periodontium and contribute to our understanding of responses of the periodontium to sex steroids.
Multidetector computed tomography with delay imaging for detection of left atrial thrombus.

1934 5925/$ see front matter 2009 doi:10.1016/j.jcct.2009.05.018 A 51-year-old woman with nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and symptomatic atrial fibrillation underwent preoperative dual-source gated cardiac CT (DSCT) (Somatom Definition; Siemens Medical Solutions Forchheim, Germany). A filling defect was identified in the left atrial appendage (LAA) by DSCT which persisted on repeat images at a 1-minute delay. (Fig. 1A and B and Supplementary Movies 1 and 2). Transesophageal echocardiography performed later that day (Fig. 1C) showed moderate spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) but no thrombus. Left atrial ablation was done with the use of intracardiac echo before transseptal puncture, which confirmed the absence of an LAA thrombus. The strength of DSCT for evaluation of the LAA is its high negative predictive value (ie, a normal contrast-filled LAA excludes LAA thrombus with high probability).
Commentary to ‘Long-term incidence of urinary tract infection after ureteral reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux’

The authors present a large retrospective series of patients who underwent surgical correction of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The specific aim of the study was to determine the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) following ureteral reimplantation (UR). They observed a 7% incidence of postoperative pyelonephritis (POP), and therefore, suggest in the conclusion that UR is effective in reducing pyelonephritis in this population. But does surgical correction of VUR really reduce POP? This cannot be conclusively answered by this study ‒ not only because it suffers from the classic weaknesses of a retrospective review, including missing events, missing data, patients lost to follow-up and selection bias, but also because no comparator groups were included. Comparing the infection rates in children in whom reflux resolved spontaneously, or those observed off prophylactic antibiotics, to their surgical group would have been useful. VUR is a wide-spectrum condition, with many variables impacting the risk for recurrent pyelonephritis and renal injury. A female infant presenting with high-grade VUR after multiple febrile UTIs is clearly at higher risk to acquire renal scars than an older child with low-grade VUR. The benefit of VUR correction in reducing febrile UTIs is more obvious in the former patient. To add confusion to the VUR conundrum, one
Combined K+ and Cl- repletion corrects augmented H+ secretion by distal tubules in chronic alkalosis

NaCl administration enhances HCO3 secretion in the distal tubule of animals with chronic metabolic alkalosis but does not correct the augmented H+ secretion characteristic of this disorder. The present studies used in vivo microperfusion micropuncture to investigate whether combined repletion of K+ and Cl- corrected the augmented H+ secretion in the distal tubule of rats with chronic furosemide-induced metabolic alkalosis. Correction of alkalosis was induced in one group of animals with NaCl and in another group with a similar amount of Cl- as NaCl + KCl for 24 h; each group was compared with animals with maintained alkalosis. Total 24-h urine HCO3 excretion by each Cl(-)-repleted group comprised > or = 70% of the calculated HCO3 loss necessary to induce the respective decrease in plasma total CO2. Alkalotic animals given NaCl+KCl had significantly lower H+ secretion in the distal tubule compared with animals with maintained alkalosis (15.5 +/- 1.2 vs. 34.6 +/- 1.8 pmol.mm-1.min-1, P < 0.01) but those given only NaCl did not (28.3 +/- 1.5 pmol.mm-1.min-1, P = 0.14). H+ secretion was not different among control animals given similar amounts of Na+, K+, and Cl-. These studies demonstrate that Cl- repletion corrects chronic furosemide-induced metabolic alkalosis predominantly by a renal mechanism and that combined administration of K+ and Cl-, but not of Cl- alone, corrects the augmented H+ secretion in the distal tubule in this model of chronic alkalosis.
Journey to the ‘new normal’ and beyond: reflections on learning in a community of practice

Through poetry and strips of narrative, this paper discusses the embodied experience of chemical sensitivity and the anthropologist author's and other patients' journey through altered perception towards knowledge, community and transformation in the context of a medical clinic. The narratives are situated in several strands of relevant theory, including Merleau‐Ponty's work on the primacy of perception, feminist perspectives on embodied experience and standpoint epistemology, disability studies, identity creation through narrating the self, and Lave and Wenger's situated learning in a community of practice.
The effect of administration of epinephrine on the leukocyte counts of normal subjects.

1905, itwas not until 1948 that Godlowski5 and Laragh and Almy7 reported the eosinopenia that occurs in normal subjects some two hours after epinephrine is injected. At the present time, the changes in the leukocytes resulting from the injection of epinephrine need to be re-examined in the light of the changes known to be produced by adrenocortical hormone and by adrenocorticotrophic hormone; for the work of Vogt,’3 of LongS and of Sayers and Sayers” indicates that epinephrine leads to an increased output of these two hormones. In the course of this re-examination we have obtained some new qualitative and quantitative information about the effect of epinephrine on the leukocyte count of human beings. The earlier literature on the subject has been summarized by Garrey and Bryan,3 and there is fairly wide agreement upon the general features of the reaction. The lymphocytes usually increase quickly, and then within one hour fall below the initial level; but if the dose of epinephrine is very large, the lymphocytosis persist for as long as six hours. There is also a neutrophilia which develops more slowly and lasts for a longer time than in the usual type of lymphocytosis. One of the most interesting additions to the literature since the above review appeared is the finding of the late eosinopenia already referred to. Other contributions come from Lucia, Leonard and Falconer,9 who have shown that patients from whom the spleen has been removed respond to epinephrine in the same way as do normal subjects, and from Gabrilove, Volterra, Jacobs and Soffer,4 who found that normal subjects and patients with Addison’s disease react in the same way, so far as their leukocytes are
A grounded theory of software process improvement model adoption

This study, using a grounded theory methodology, analyzed data collected from software developers and IT professionals on software process improvement (SPI) adoption. The study is presented within a backdrop of organizational change steps described by John P. Kotter in his 1996 book, Leading Change. Software quality problems and failures have caused many financial losses, injuries, and even deaths. In the mid 1980s, as a means of mitigating these problems, the Department of Defense (DoD) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) began work on the Capability Maturity Model (CMM®) In 2001, the model was superseded by a more robust model, the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI®) These models were designed to provide descriptive, key process improvement areas for organizations to achieve greater maturity in their software and systems development. Organizations could then be appraised at specific maturity levels. According to CMU, SPI improves quality and reliability of software products. The DoD and several organizations now require companies to be appraised at a certain maturity level prior to being awarded a contract. From the onset, there have been difficulties in the adoption of these SPI models. Some of these difficulties can be attributed to organizational change issues. Through grounded theory analysis, a substantive theory was developed, The Theory of Software Process Improvement Model Adoption. This theory contributes to the body of knowledge by providing data and analysis from numerous IT professionals and software developers. This study also provides suggested key organizational change concerns for better SPI adoption practices.
Job Switching in Autonomous Work Groups: An Exploratory Study in a Pennsylvania Coal Mine

This 13-month field study explores the phenomenon of job-switching behavior and attempts to isolate some of the critical variables associated with job switching in autonomous work groups. Results i...
Iron Substituted SrRuO 3 Thin Films

Fe-doped SrRuO3 thin films were grown on SrTiO3 (STO) substrates by using the Pulse Laser Deposition (PLD) method. Fe concentrations in the SrRuO3 thin films ranged from 0 % to 11 % to manifest the effect of Fe doping on their microstructure. Lattice constants of the films did not show obvious changes with the Fe doping whereas surface morphologies drastically changed from stepped to island structure with increasing Fe. X-ray reflectivity revealed that the surface and interfacial roughness decreased with increasing concentration of Fe. Surface roughness of the films was confirmed by atomic force microscopy. Therefore, a precise determination of film roughness as well as its growth mechanism using X-ray and AFM is exploited to correlate the Fe doping with structural disorder.
'Remote' adiabatic photoinduced deprotonation and aggregate formation of amphiphilic N-alkyl-N-methyl-3-(pyren-1-yl)propan-1-ammonium chloride salts.

The absorption and emission properties of a series of amphiphilic N-alkyl-N-methyl-3-(pyren-1-yl)propan-1-ammonium chloride salts were investigated in solvents of different polarities and over a wide concentration range. For example, at 10–5 M concentrations in tetrahydrofuran (THF), salts with at least one N–H bond exhibited broad, structureless emissions even though time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) experiments indicated negligible static or dynamic intermolecular interactions. Salts with a butylene spacer or lacking an N–H bond showed no discernible structureless emission; their emission spectra were dominated by the normal monomeric fluorescence of a pyrenyl group and the TCSPC histograms could be interpreted on the basis of intramolecular photophysics. The broad, structureless emission is attributed to an unprecedented, rapid, adiabatic proton-transfer to the medium, followed by the formation of an intramolecular exciplex consisting of amine and pyrenyl groups. The proposed mechanism inv...
Why is it easier to run in the cold

Overheating is one of the main factors limiting physical activity. During running, thermoregulatory metabolism, which keeps core temperature steady at rest, is adjusted through a body temperature i...
Joyce’s Concept of a Hero

Like Vico, Joyce believed that history is cyclical rather than progressive, and like Vico, he believed that the essential values of cultures could be discovered by examining their language, myths, and literature. He chose literary and historical sources that present what he believes to be the central recurring issues that appear within each cycle and that illustrate the universal values on which man’s survival depends. Joyce chose the Odyssey as his primary epic model because it was the one major European epic that depends on the centrality of family and personal relationships — parent and child, particularly father and son; male friendship and rivalry; and heterosexual lovers, especially the complex ties between a long married husband and wife. Indeed, it begins with the son’s quest for a missing father and soon turns to the hero’s quest to displace a rival for his wife’s affections and resume his proper place in his home.
Family Qualities, Self-Deprecation, and Depressive Symptoms of Zoroastrian Young Adults in Immigrant Families.

The aim of this study was to examine family qualities and self-deprecation in relation to depressive symptoms of young adult Zoroastrians from immigrant families in North America. Using snowball sampling and online surveys, self-report data were collected from 171 Zoroastrian young adults (i.e., 18-30 years old) about their perception of cohesion in their families, conflict with their parents, and the extent that they met parental general expectations (e.g., not embarrassing the family). The findings from a path analysis showed that parent-child conflict and meeting parental expectations were indirectly related to depressive symptoms through self-deprecation. Also, higher family cohesion predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms among Zoroastrian young adults. These results are similar to findings in studies with non Zoroastrians. The results suggested prevention and interventions to decrease depressive symptoms could target self-deprecating thoughts as well as perceived family dynamics.
Mechanical Ventilator Discontinuation Process

The goal of this article is to discuss approaches to discontinuing invasive mechanical ventilation in a general intensive care unit (ICU) population. It considers approaches in which the clinician expects patient survival, as well as those that do not. Additionally, approaches to acute and chronic critical illness are included.
Energy-efficient high-speed links using BER-optimal ADCs

We recently explored the concept of using BER-optimal ADCs for high-speed links. In this paper, we study the benefits of BER-optimal ADCs in terms of power savings and relaxation of component specifications in a 90 nm 1.2V CMOS process. These analyses are based on component models for a flash ADC that capture bandwidth limitation of pre-amplifiers and metastability of latches. We show that in the presence of these ADC non-idealities, a 3-bit BER-optimal ADC can provide a 3 dB ADC shaping gain over a 4-bit conventional ADC. The one bit reduction offers power savings of 75% in the VGA and 50% in the ADC. Further, the 3dB ADC shaping gain can be traded-off for a 50% reduction of transmit driver power, a 75% reduction of the pre-amplifier bandwidth, or a saving of one latch stage that leads to a 20% additional power reduction in the ADC.
Increasing the Spectral Efficiency and Circuit Capacity of the VHF Air/Ground Radio System

Until recently, it was taken for granted that radio frequencies for the operation of aeronautical communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems would be available to meet the requirements of aviation industry growth. Recent Congressional actions aimed at transferring spectrum from the Federal Government to private use, highlight the need to assess carefully the present and future spectral requirements of aviation CNS systems and to use available frequency resources as efficiently as possible when implementing those systems.To illustrate one way in which the Federal Aviation Administration is working to utilize its spectral resources more efficiently, a specific example is presented: the transition of air/ground communications in the 118–137 MHz VHF band from the current analog format to a digital one.
Mechano-Electrochemical Interaction Gives Rise to Strain Relaxation in Sn Electrodes

Tin (Sn) anode active particles were electrochemically lithiated during simultaneous imaging in a scanning electron microscope. Relationships among the reaction mechanism, active particle local strain rate, particle size, and microcrack formation are elucidated to demonstrate the importance of strain relaxation due to mechano-electrochemical interaction in Sn-based electrodes under electrochemical cycling. At low rates of operation, due to significant creep relaxation, large Sn active particles, of size 1 μm, exhibit no significant surface crack formation. Microcrack formation within Sn active particles occurs due to two different mechanisms: (i) large concentration gradient induced stress at the two-phase interface, and (ii) high volume expansion induced stress at the surface of the active particles. From the present study, it can be concluded that majority of the microcracks evolve at or near the particle surface due to high volume expansion induced tension. Concentration gradient induced damage prevails near the center of the active particle, though significantly smaller in magnitude. Comparison with experimental results indicates that at operating conditions of C/2, even 500 nm sized Sn active particles remain free from surface crack formation, which emphasizes the importance of creep relaxation. A phase map has been developed to demonstrate the preferred mechano-electrochemical window of operation of Sn-based electrodes.
Abstract 1207: Nrf2 suppression results in growth inhibition and enhances response to chemotherapy and radiation therapy in triple-negative breast cancer cells

Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key transcriptional activator that specifically binds to the Antioxidant Response Element (ARE) to initiate expression of various anti-oxidative and anti-inflammation genes to protect cells from oxidative stress. Recently, Nrf2 has been shown to redirect glucose and glutamine into anabolic pathways to promote cell proliferation. Constitutive stabilization of Nrf2 has been observed in many human cancers and confers chemo- and radio-resistance of cancer cells. We examined Nrf2 expression and function in triple negative breast cancer cells (TNBC). mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 were higher in the TNBC cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436 compared to immortalized breast epithelial cell lines (MCF10A and MCF12A) and estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and T47D). shRNA knock-down of Nrf2 in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436 TNBC cells showed decreased mRNA expression of multiple Nrf2 regulated anti-oxidant (SLC7A11, NQO-1, GCLC, GCLM, SLC7A5, etc) and pentose phosphate pathway genes (G6PD, PGD, ME-1, TKT, TALDO1, PPAT, etc), enhanced basal levels of cellular reactive oxygen species, impaired mitochondrial function as determined by measuring mitochondrial potentials in living cells, and reduced S phase entry. Cells with decreased Nrf2 had reduced cell growth in monolayer and anchorage independent growth assays. In addition, Nrf2 suppression reduced cell migration. Nrf2 down-regulated MDA-MB-231 cells also showed increased response towards ionizing radiation and mitomycin C treatment in clonogenic and soft agar assays. Furthermore, reduced Nrf2 expression decreased the number of stem-like (CD44+/CD24-) cells in MDA-MB-231 cell populations. Thus, Nrf2 regulated many aspects of the malignant phenotype in TNBC and suggest that inhibition of Nrf2 might be a therapeutic target for TNBC. Citation Format: Yuzhe Yang, Douglas Yee. Nrf2 suppression results in growth inhibition and enhances response to chemotherapy and radiation therapy in triple-negative breast cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1207. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1207
Sleep and Epilepsy

Over a century of investigation has confirmed crucial links between epilepsy and sleep. Synchronized nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep facilitates and desynchronized rapid eye movement (REM) sleep discourages seizures and epileptic electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities. The sleep EEG is useful in the diagnosis and localization of epilepsy as new epileptic foci can appear in sleep, and REM sleep may demonstrate the narrowest localization of the primary focus. A number of epilepsy syndromes are characterized by seizures occurring predominately or exclusively in sleep or on awakening. Polysomnography with expanded EEG aids in the differentiation of seizures, parasomnias, and other types of events arising from sleep.
Childhood Disadvantage, Psychosocial Resiliency, and Later Life Functioning: Linking Early-Life Circumstances to Recovery From Mobility Limitation.

Objective: There is limited knowledge about whether childhood disadvantage, defined as economic and health disadvantage, influences recovery from functional impairment. Method: Using data from the ...