cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of cytomegalovirus in the T cell changes seen in elderly individuals.

The effect of prior cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection on the immune system was evaluated in young and elderly volunteers. Prevalence of IgG antibodies to CMV was higher in the elderly volunteers. In both age groups, there was a strong association with CMV seropositivity and increased number of CD28- CD4 or CD8 T cells, as well as with increased numbers of T cells expressing CD56 or DR. Although these changes have previously been reported to be age-related, they were independent of age when CMV serological status was taken into account. In contrast, both age group and CMV status were important determinants of the total number of T cells, the number of CD8 T cells, and the number of CD8 T cells expressing CD45RA or CD28. These findings indicate that prior infection with CMV, as reflected by CMV serological status, has important effects on T cell subsets and surface markers and must be considered whenever evaluating age-related changes in immunological parameters.
Detonability of unconfined natural gas-air clouds

The transport and use of considerable quantities of liquified natural gas leads to concern over the possibility of a large spill and the consequent formation and ignition of an unconfined combustible cloud (predominantly methane and air). While such a cloud can burn, it is not clear whether detonation can occur under these unconfined conditions. This study represents a combined experimental-theoretical effort directed towards answering this question. On the experimental side, stoichiometric mixtures of CH 4 +2O 2 +XN 2 (X=7.52 for air) have been tested in a special, laboratory scale, sectored shock tube. Using a condensed explosive for initiation, it was found that detonation was easily established for small amounts of N 2 and that the wave speed was very close to theoretical Chapman-Jouguet. However, with increasing N 2 the wave gave evidence of oscillatory behavior and the initiation energy required to establish detonation increased rapidly with X. The threshold or critical initiation-energy was determined for various values of X and then extrapolated to the “air” case. The very large value of 7.5×10 6 joules per cm was indicated. Also, with higher X the detonation velocity fell increasingly below the theoretical value. In the analysis a two front model in which the detonation is replaced by a shock and reaction front separated by an induction zone was used. The flow behind the wave was computed using algebraic profiles for the velocity and density. The Mach number-radius trajectory was then computed from the overall energy equation in integral form, using different values of the initial blast energy. The critical blast energy is then that value which divides decaying trajectories from those approaching the Chapman-Jouguet Mach number. There was good agreement between the theory and measured values of critical energy for the initiation of spherical detonations in CH 4 , O 2 , N 2 mixtures. The relation of the theory to cylindrical shock tube measurements is discussed.
Skin radiosensitization studies using combined cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum (II) and radiation

Abstract Cis -dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) (cis-DDP), has been shown to interact with radiation, resulting in an apparent potentiation of radiation damage. Since the skin is a major tissue for the uptake of cis -DDP and platinum levels persist in human skin for several days, experiments were designed to evaluate the potential for enhanced normal tissue damage in rats and humans following combined platinum-radiotherapy. The results of these experiments suggest that a cis -DDP dose of 2.5 mg/kg produces an increase in damage to both irradiated hypoxic and well-oxygenated skin. This effect was observed regardless of whether the drug was administered IP 2 hours before, or immediately after, irradiation.
Teaching Electromagnetic Radiation effects on Humans

We teach electromagnetics as part of a general education course in physics (for non science majors) in which we relate physics to societial issues. The course covers the effects of electromagnetic radiation on human beings. This discussion is limited to at most one class room period (about 50 minutes) usually less. There are several important conceptual issues that must be covered before such a presentation can be meaningful. The paper presents the arguements we use in this course.
DNA polymerase gamma and mitochondrial disease: Understanding the consequence of POLG mutations

DNA polymerase γ is the only known DNA polymerase in human mitochondria and is essential for mitochondrial DNA replication and repair. It is well established that defects in mtDNA replication lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and disease. Over 160 coding variations in the gene encoding the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase γ (POLG) have been identified. Our group and others have characterized a number of the more common and interesting mutations, as well as those disease mutations in the DNA polymerase γ accessory subunit. We review the results of these studies, which provide clues to the mechanisms leading to the disease state.
The Mysterious Ways of the Chemokine CXCL5

The chemokine receptor CXCR2 binds several chemokines, some of them with functions yet to be defined. In this issue of Immunity, Mei et al. (2010) generated CXCL5-deficient mice and described a prominent role of CXCL5 in the regulation of CXCR2-dependent neutrophil trafficking during pulmonary host defense.
Lower accuracy of Tl-201 SPECT in women is not improved by size-based normal databases or Wiener filtering

Background We have shown that the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) thallium 201 myocardial perfusion imaging is lower in women than in men and that much of the difference can be explained by the smaller size of the left ventricle in women. Therefore attempts at improving the accuracy of myocardial perfusion imaging in women should focus on the problem of lower accuracy in patients with small chamber size. We evaluated two strategies for this: size- and gender-based normal databases and inverse filtering with the Wiener filter.
On the crushing of aluminum open-cell foams: Part I. Experiments

Abstract This two-part study is concerned with the understanding and modeling of the compressive response of open-cell metallic foams. Part I presents experimental results from Al-6101-T6 foams of three different cell sizes with relative densities of about 8%. X-ray tomography is first used to characterize the geometry of the microstructure. The cells are irregular polyhedra of nearly uniform size that are somewhat elongated in one direction. The ligaments are nearly straight with convex, three-sided cross-sections and variable area distribution along their length. Foam specimens were compressed at slow displacement rates along the rise and transverse directions and the evolution of crushing in the specimens was monitored using X-ray tomography. In both directions, the response is initially nearly linear, terminating into a limit load that is followed by an extensive load plateau. At an average strain of about 55% the load increases monotonically again due to densification. The limit load is caused by plastification due to combined compression and bending of the ligaments. Beyond this point, cells start to buckle and collapse locally, forming bands that cover the full cross-section of the specimen. Contact of the collapsing cells arrests local deformation triggering collapse in neighboring cells. In this manner, crushing gradually spreads throughout the specimen and when this is achieved the load required for further deformation starts to rise. The initial elastic modulus, the stresses at the limit load and the plateau and the extent of the plateau have been measured as a function of relative density for both directions. The stress–displacement response in the transverse direction is generally somewhat lower than in the rise direction but the prevalent events were found to be similar in the two directions.
Induction of ovulation in the prepuberal gilt by pulsatile administration of gonadotropin releasing hormone

Abstract An attempt was made to induce precocious puberty in gilts approximately 164 days of age by stimulating a luteinizing hormone (LH) secretory pattern similar to that which occurs before normal onset of puberty. Hourly iv administration of 1 μg synthetic gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) for 7 or 8 days resulted in a mean serum LH concentration of 1.7 ± .3 ng/ml in three treated gilts compared with .9 ± .1 ng/ml in three control gilts (P .33) by GnRH treatment. All treated gilts displayed estrus and ovulated within 6 days after treatment began, and all control gilts remained prepuberal throughout the study (P=.05). Only one of the three treated gilts displayed a normal estrous cycle and reovulated after treatment. Precocious ovulation but not puberty was induced in gilts by hourly administration of 1 μg synthetic GnRH, indicating that the pituitary and ovaries of 164-day-old gilts are competent and that final sexual maturation occurs at the hypothalamic level.
TREES AND THE LAW

Summary This paper aims to correct the perception by those whose main concerns are trees, arboriculture and forestry that the law is hostile and obstructive, by providing a general overview of the way in which the law impinges on trees. Even if the law still appears to be less helpful than it might, at least the rationale behind it may perhaps become slightly clearer. The particular topic of tree preservation orders has been, deliberately, dealt with only briefly. The aim has been instead to consider primarily the general provisions of the common law, which apply to all trees, rather than the special statutory provisions which apply only to some of them—although the latter will be mentioned in passing. Any comment on the law relating to those working with (and more particularly in) trees—such as the need to ensure their safety—has also been omitted since that is in principle merely a specific application of the health and safety code, and is not particular to trees.
Metal Ion Chemistry in Clusters Initiated by Ionization/Dissociation of Organometallic Precursors

A novel method is described for the initiation and observation of metal ion−molecule reactions in clusters. A heterocluster composed of organometallic molecules and reactant species is formed by coexpansion in a supersonic jet. Photoionization of the precursor molecules by a picosecond, 266 nm laser pulse efficiently strips away the ligands, leaving metal ions and metal cluster ions in close proximity to reactant molecules. Subsequent ion−molecule reactions take place which are followed by monitoring the products by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Using iron pentacarbonyl as an example, the formation of metal ions and cluster ions is demonstrated, and their reaction with nitric oxide and nitrous oxide is described.
Experiential avoidance in body dysmorphic disorder.

Abstract Experiential avoidance (i.e., the attempt to avoid certain internal experiences including bodily sensations, thoughts, emotions, memories, and urges) has been studied in various psychological disorders. However, research examining experiential avoidance in individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is limited and inconsistent. The present study compared experiential avoidance in individuals with primary BDD ( n = 23) to healthy controls ( n = 22). Standardized measures were used to assess baseline clinical characteristics as well as experiential avoidance. Compared to healthy controls, individuals with BDD presented with significantly greater experiential avoidance ( p d = −2.51). In BDD, experiential avoidance was positively correlated with depressive symptoms ( p p
Design of a passive transfemoral prosthesis using differential flatness theory

This paper investigates the feasibility of generating a natural looking walking gait during the swing phase for a transfemoral prosthetic leg. This prosthesis has a powered knee joint and a passive ankle joint, and is designed to be differentially flat. The diffeomorphism between the physical space and the flat output space provides a mathematical framework to solve the challenging trajectory attainment problem. The proposed methodology is demonstrated by both simulation and experiments.
Are clinical trial data shared sufficiently today? Yes.

The AllTrials campaign asks for all trials to be registered and their results published. Ben Goldacre (doi:10.1136/bmj.f1880) says we need the evidence to make informed decisions about medicines. John Castellani says mandatory disclosure could affect patient privacy, stifle discovery, and allow competitors or unscrupulous actors to use the information
Effect of site-selective substitution in bulk superconducting Tl 2 Ba 2 CaCu 2 O 8

Magnetization measurements were carried out on bulk Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 (referred to as Tl-2212) and on various site-selective substituted Tl-2212 samples. At 5K between 0 and 4.5 T, the 5 at. % Mg-doped Tl-2212 (Tl,Mg-2212) samples displayed enhanced pinning as demonstrated by a field dependent increase of the magnetic critical-current density Jc by 18 to 25 percent over that of pristine Tl-2212. Excess Mg (10–15 at. %), however, is deleterious. Rietveld refinement of the x-ray diffraction pattern showed Mg on the Tl sites. Auger electron spectroscopy analysis showed part of the Mg on grain boundaries. The flux-creep activation energies are higher for flux expulsion than for flux penetration in both Tl-2212 and Tl,Mg-2212 samples; the latter displays higher individual values. Our results demonstrate an increase in the number density of flux lines as a result of increased density of atomic-size-structural, defects by Mg (5 at. %) doping. In the Tl2−yBa2(Ca1−zYz)Cu2O8−x(z=0–0.3; single phase; x and y represent oxygen and thallium vacancies) system also studied, the Tc decreases as z increases. At z=0.3, the sample becomes an antiferromagnetic semiconductor.
Comparison of 8 versus 16 Minutes Heating in the Treatment of Menorrhagia with Hot Fluid Balloon Ablation

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 8 versus 16 min of heating in the treatment of menorrhagia with hot fluid balloon ablation. Between 1995 and 1998, women with ...
G-matrix interaction in the nuclear 1p shell

Abstract A G-matrix interaction applicable to nuclear states of the configuration (1s)4(1p)A−4 is obtained by fitting the position of energy levels in the 1p shell. In addition to a simple two-body potential the three-body vector force previously shown to arise from second-order effects of the tensor force is included. A total of 18 potential parameters are fitted to 34 low-lying energy levels to an rms deviation of 0.381 MeV. An additional twelve known levels are predicted to an rms deviation of 0.402 MeV. The only well established levels for which a reasonable fit is not obtained are the strong α-emitting states in 8Be and 12C. It is concluded that α-clustering makes a significant contribution to the energy of these α-decaying states.
Hybrid silicon lasers: Integration of III–V and silicon photonics using wafer bonding

This talk will give an overview of the hybrid silicon laser device platform which heterogeneously integrates InP with SOI to fabricate silicon photonic chips with integrated lasers. Challenges associated with this integration will be discussed as well as examples of integrating hybrid silicon lasers with other silicon photonic components on the path to achieving a terabit silicon photonic link.
Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors decreases a high-threshold calcium current in spiking neurons of the Xenopus retina

Two types of spiking neuron were identified among acutely dissociated neurons from the Xenopus retina by their responses to a depolarizing current step: single spikers and multiple spikers. In culture, multiple spikers had perikaryal diameters > 15 microns, whereas single spikers had smaller somata, 5-10 microns in diameter. Using a conventional whole-cell patch-clamp technique, both T- and L-type calcium currents were identified in multiply spiking cells whereas only an L-type current was present in singly spiking cells. The metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist trans-(1S-3R)-1-amino-1,3-cyclopentane-dicarboxylic acid (trans-ACPD) significantly decreased the L-type calcium current by 46 +/- 3% (mean +/- S.E.M.) in both types of cell but had only a minor effect on the T-type current in multiply spiking neurons. In the presence of 50 microM 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), 100 microM quisqualate (a potent mGluR1/5 agonist) decreased the L-type calcium current by 47 +/- 9% but had no effect on the T-type current. The selective mGluR4/6/7 agonist (+/-) 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4, 100 microM), and the mGluR2/3 agonist (2S,3S,4S)-alpha-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycine (L-CCG1, 100 microM) decreased the L-type calcium current by 12 +/- 3% and 14 +/- 2%, respectively. The inhibition of calcium current by trans-ACPD was reduced when the patch pipette contained the G-protein inhibitor, GDP beta S. The presence of the G-protein activator GTP gamma S in the patch pipette irreversibly reduced the L-type calcium current, but was without effect on the T-type current. Heparin applied intracellularly significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of quisqualate, indicating an involvement of the inositol triphosphate (IP3) pathway in the mGluR-induced reduction of calcium current. Replacement of internal EGTA with BAPTA significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of quisqualate. In contrast, internal application of cAMP did not prevent an inhibition of calcium current by quisqualate. Thus, the mechanism by which calcium current is inhibited by mGluR seems not to involve an intracellular cAMP cascade. Our findings indicate that activation of mGluR1/5 results in the inhibition of a high-threshold calcium current. This process is mediated by the activation of a G-protein and is consistent with inhibition occurring by an IP3-stimulated release of internal calcium.
Boy with an interstitial 1q (q31q41) duplication confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridisation.

A 20-year-old man with multiple anomalies caused by a de novo duplication of the long arm of chromosome 1 is presented. The patient suffers from severe mental retardation, epilepsy, bronchial stenosis, and minor anomalies (e.g., hirsutism, midface dysplasia, and beaked nose). A G-banding analysis of the patient's chromosomes showed additional segments in chromosome 1. Fluorescent in situ hybridisation analysis with a chromosome 1 painting probe showed that the extra material originated from chromosome 1. Further analysis with cosmid probes demonstrated that the region involving chromosome bands 1q31 to q41 is present in a tandem duplication.
The use of a defined formula diet in infants with a “sick gut”

. A low osmolar modular defined formula diet has been successfully used in the treatment of 46 patients for a total treatment time in excess of 15 years. The diet is unique in that each constituent can be varied independently of any other, thus giving maximum flexibility in management. The diet is well tolerated in circumstances when the gastro-intestinal tract is unable to tolerate other nutrients. Also it will support normal growth and development over lengthy periods. The use of this diet may lessen the need for the more invasive and potentially dangerous technique of parenteral nutrition.
Smart Materials, Precision Sensors/Actuators, Smart Structures, and Structronic Systems

ABSTRACT Many electroactive functional materials have been used in small- and microscale transducers and precision mechatronic control systems for years. It was not until the mid-1980s that scientists started integrating electroactive materials with large-scale structures as in situ sensors and/or actuators, thus introducing the concept of smart materials, smart structures, and structronic systems. This paper provides an overview of present smart materials and their sensor/actuator/structure applications. Fundamental multifield optomagnetopiezoelectric-thermoelastic behaviors and novel transducer technologies applied to complex multifield problems involving elastic, electric, temperature, magnetic, light, and other interactions are emphasized. Material histories, characteristics, material varieties, limitations, sensor/actuator/structure applications, and so forth of piezoelectrics, shape-memory materials, electro- and magnetostrictive materials, electro- and magnetorheological fluids, polyelectrolyte gel...
Vitamin A deficiency and the expression of retinoic acid receptors during early cardiogenesis in quail embryo.

The vitamin A deficiency-associated lethal syndrome observed in avian embryos may be linked to dysfunction of vitamin A-dependent genes. We tested this hypothesis in a quail embryo model by examining the expression of retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and cytosolic retinoic acid binding protein (CRABP) in normal and vitamin A-deficient embryos during early development. RARα and RARγ mRNA were expressed at the same level in normal and vitamin A-deficient embryos during all stages studied. Expression of CRABP I was low in normal and vitamin A-deficient quail embryos during early development, but increased rapidly at later stages. Two transcripts of RARβ, 3.2 and 3.5 kb, were detected in quail embryos during developmental stages 6–12. In normal emryos the level of the 3.2-kb isoform increased as embryonic development advanced. The expression of the 3.5-kb transcript was significantly decreased in vitamin A-deficient embryos, while the 3.2-kb transcript was undetectable by northern analysis. In situ hybridization of stage 7–8 normal quail embryos using a chicken RARβ2 riboprobe revealed that RARβ2 expression was predominantly associated with the cell populations in heart-forming regions, somites, neural folds, notochord and the presumptive thyroid. In stark contrast, in the vitamin A-deficient quail embryo RARβ2 was not expressed in any of the above cell populations. We conclude that the expressions of RARβ and CRABP I are developmentally regulated. Additionally, the expression of RARβ2 during early embryogenesis is regulated by vitamin A status. We propose that RARβ2 plays an important role in the mechanism of action of retinoids in early avian development. The lack of expression of RARβ2 may be linked to abnormalities of the cardiovascular system.
B cell depletion as a novel treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus: A phase I/II dose-escalation trial of rituximab

Objective Safer and more effective therapies are needed for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). B lymphocytes have been shown to play fundamental pathogenic roles in SLE, and therefore, elimination of B cells with the use of rituximab may represent a new therapy for SLE. Methods A phase I/II dose-escalation trial of rituximab added to ongoing therapy in SLE was conducted. Rituximab was administered as a single infusion of 100 mg/m2 (low dose), a single infusion of 375 mg/m2 (intermediate dose), or as 4 infusions (1 week apart) of 375 mg/m2 (high dose). CD19+ lymphocytes were measured to determine the effectiveness of B cell depletion. The Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM) score was used as the primary outcome for clinical efficacy. Results Rituximab was well tolerated in this patient population, with most experiencing no significant adverse effects. Only 3 serious adverse events, which were thought to be unrelated to rituximab administration, were noted. A majority of patients (11 of 17) had profound B cell depletion (to <5 CD19+ B cells/μl). In these patients, the SLAM score was significantly improved at 2 and 3 months compared with baseline (P = 0.0016 and P = 0.0022, respectively, by paired t-test). This improvement persisted for 12 months, despite the absence of a significant change in anti–double-stranded DNA antibody and complement levels. Six patients developed human antichimeric antibodies (HACAs) at a level ≥100 ng/ml. These HACA titers were associated with African American ancestry, higher baseline SLAM scores, reduced B cell depletion, and lower levels of rituximab at 2 months after initial infusion. Conclusion Rituximab therapy appears to be safe for the treatment of SLE and holds significant therapeutic promise, at least for the majority of patients experiencing profound B cell depletion. Based on these results, controlled trials of rituximab appear to be warranted.
Nonreplication of Jamestown Canyon and Keystone (California group) viruses in tabanids (Diptera: Tabanidae).

Tabanus nigrovittatus, Chrysops fuliginosus, Chrysops obsoletus , and Chrysops atlanticus were examined for their ability to become parenterally infected with Jamestown Canyon (JC) and Keystone (KEY) viruses. Tabanus nigrovittatus was also tested for its ability to become orally infected with JC and KEY viruses. No evidence of virus infection and replication was demonstrable by immunofluorescence or by virus isolation in any of the flies tested. An improved technique for inducing T. nigrovittatus to engorge on blood under in vitro conditions is described.
The roles of nitric oxide in murine cardiovascular development

Nitric oxide (NO) participates in a diverse array of biological functions in mammalian organ systems. Depending on the biochemical environment, the production of NO may result in cytoprotection or cytotoxicity. The paradoxical actions of NO arise from the complexities generated by the redox milieu, NO concentration/bioavailability, and tissue/cell context, which ultimately result in the wide range of regulatory roles observed. Additionally, in physiological versus pathological states, NO often displays diametrically opposing affects in several organ systems. Here, we will discuss the roles of NO during reproduction, organ system development, in particular, the cardiovascular system, and its potential implications in diabetes-induced fetal defects.
Fragile X mental retardation protein controls gating of the sodium-activated potassium channel Slack

In humans, the absence of Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein, results in Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited form of intellectual disability. Using biochemical and electrophysiological studies, we found that FMRP binds to the C terminus of the Slack sodium-activated potassium channel to activate the channel in mice. Our findings suggest that Slack activity provides a link between patterns of neuronal firing and changes in protein translation.
The unusual occurrence of 4-aminoantipyrine (4-aminophenazone) in human biological fluids.

During toxicology screening of human biological fluids, 4.aminoantlpyrtne (4-AAP) was detected in 19 patients and identified by two-dimensional TLC and UV spectrophotometry with whole blood concentrations of 4-AAP ranging from 0.4 to =- 4.9 mg/dL. Of the 19 patients, 15 had received prior treatment at a Mexican health-care facility before transfer to this medical center. Since 4-AAP is a known metabolite of aminopyrine, it is likely that the patients had ingested this anti-inflammatory, analgesic agent in Mexico; however, the clinical histories in this respect were vague. Recognition of the presence of 4-AAP in biological fluids is important, since the parent drug may produce fatal agranulocytosis and the compound may complicate the detection of other
Shear Stress-Induced Mitochondrial Biogenesis Decreases the Release of Microparticles from Endothelial Cells

This study assesses effects of aerobic exercise training on the release of microparticles from endothelial cells and corroborates these findings using an in vitro experimental exercise stimulant, l...
Exfoliation and reassembly of cobalt oxide nanosheets into a reversible lithium-ion battery cathode.

Abstract : An exfoliation reassembly activation (ERA) approach to lithium-ion battery cathode fabrication is introduced, demonstrating that inactive HCoO2 powder can be converted into a reversible Li(sub 1-x)H(sub x)CoO(sub 2) thin-film cathode. This strategy circumvents the inherent difficulties often associated with the powder processing of the layered solids typically employed as cathode materials. The delamination of HCoO(sub 2) via a combination of chemical and mechanical exfoliation generates a highly processable aqueous dispersion of [CoO(sub 2)] nanosheets that is critical to the ERA approach. Following vacuum-assisted self-assembly to yield a thin-film cathode and ion exchange to activate this material, the generated cathodes exhibit excellent cyclability and discharge capacities approaching that of low-temperature-prepared LiCoO(sub 2) (83 mAh g[expn 1]), with this good electrochemical performance attributable to the high degree of order in the reassembled cathode.
Dependence of sugar beet yield on light interception and evapotranspiration

Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the growth of sugar beet crops in the UK between 1980 and 1991. The objective was to account for considerable variation in yield, in response to the weather and to irrigation, using simple relationships between yield and foliage cover, irradiance, vapour pressure deficit ( D ) and evapotranspiration ( E T ). The analysis considers an adaptation of the model of Doorenbos and Kassan [Doorenbos, J., Kassan, A.H., 1979. Yield response to water. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33, FAO/UN, Rome.] in which yield could be expressed in terms of both intercepted radiation ( I ) and E T . The relative importance of either depends on the parameter k y . Average growth rates of rain-fed and irrigated crops were 1.44 and 1.52 g MJ −1 ( ϵ ), with respect to I alone, and 6.49 and 5.87 g kg −1 ( q ) with respect to E T alone, but there was significant year to year variation. In rain-fed crops, ϵ was inversely correlated with average solar radiation and in irrigated crops, q was inversely correlated with D , but the expected constancy of qD was not found. Instead, variation in yields could be better accounted for by relating yield to both I and E T . Further improvements were possible by allowing crop growth rates to decay during the season, particularly with respect to I , when a common initial ϵ (1.76 g MJ −1 ) could be fitted that declined faster in rain-fed crops. The balancing parameter, k y , was estimated at 0.62, the amount of yield loss per unit of E T loss. These analyses provide a basis for simple yield forecasting models which rely on few meteorological variables and have only few easily estimated parameters.
Signal Design and Detection in Presence of Nonlinear Phase Noise

In optical fiber transmission systems using inline amplifiers, the interaction of a signal and amplifier noise through the Kerr effect leads to nonlinear phase noise that can impair the detection of phase-modulated signals. We present analytical expressions for the maximum-likelihood (ML) decision boundaries and symbol-error rate (SER) for phase-shift keying and differential phase-shift keying systems with coherent and differentially coherent detection, respectively. The ML decision boundaries are in the form thetas(r) = c2r2 + c1r + c0, where thetas and r are the phase and the amplitude of the received signal, respectively. Using the expressions for the SER, we show that the impact of phase error from carrier synchronization is small, particularly for transoceanic links. For modulation formats such as 16-quadrature amplitude modulation, we propose various transmitter and receiver phase rotation strategies such that the ML detection is well approximated by using straight-line decision boundaries. The problem of signal constellation design for optimal SER performance is also studied for a system with four signal points.
Beach erosion and nest site selection by the leatherback sea turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Testudines: Dermochelyidae) and implications for management practices at Playa Gandoca, Costa Rica.

La tortuga baula (Dermochelys coriacea) anidan en las playas dinamicas, propensas a la erosion. Los procesos erosivos y la perdida resultante nido desde hace mucho tiempo ha presumido de ser un obstaculo para la supervivencia del embrague. A fin de comprender mejor como hacen frente la tortuga baula a la inestabilidad de las playas de anidacion, se investigo el papel de la erosion de las playas en la seleccion del sitio donde anidan en Playa Gandoca, Costa Rica. Tambien se examino el efecto potencial de la reubicacion del nido, como una estrategia de conservacion en Playa Gandoca y asi evitar la perdida de nidos en la erosion, de la temperatura de incubacion de embragues. Estuve escuchando los cambios en la estructura de playa como consecuencia de la erosion en los sitios de nidos naturales durante el tiempo que se coloco el nido, asi como en las semanas siguientes. Para investigar la pendiente como una senal para la seleccion de sitios de anidacion, que mide la pendiente de la playa donde las tortugas del mar subio al nido, asi como las pistas en otros lugares al azar en la playa para la comparacion. He examinado las diferencias de temperatura entre los nidos naturales y se traslado con termopares colocados en la arena a una profundidad tipica de nidos. Los nidos fueron distribuidos al azar no en una distribucion agrupada a lo largo de la playa y puso en lugares que no estaban sometidos a la erosion. La pendiente en los nidos fue significativamente diferente en los lugares elegidos al azar en la playa. La temperatura de la arena cierta profundidad el nido fue significativamente mas calido en los sitios naturales que anidan en lugares de nidos reubicados. Los resultados de este estudio sugieren activamente seleccionar sitios para anidar que no son sometidos a procesos erosivos, con una pendiente potencialmente ser utilizado como un criterio de seleccion del sitio. La reubicacion de los nidos que parece ser sin querer enfriar el ambiente nido. Debido al hecho de que los embragues laud someterse a la temperatura dependiendo del sexo, la reubicacion de los nidos pueden estar produciendo una polarizacion natural de las crias macho. Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que la necesidad de las practicas de traslado, en gran parte para proteger los nidos de la erosion, deben ser reevaluados para asegurar la adecuada conservacion de esta especie en peligro critico.
Fungal infections as a complication of therapy for sarcoidosis

Background: Treatment of symptomatic sarcoidosis usually includes systemic immunosuppressive agents. These agents may render the patient more susceptible to opportunistic infections. In addition, the fungal infection may be difficult to distinguish from the underlying sarcoidosis. Aim: To examine the presentation and management of invasive fungal infections in sarcoidosis patients. Design: Retrospective record review. Methods: We reviewed the notes of all sarcoidosis patients ( n = 753) seen at our clinic over an 18-month period. Results: Seven patients (0.9%) with previously diagnosed sarcoidosis developed fungal infections: two each with Histoplasma capsulatum and Blastomyces dermatitidis and three others with Cryptococcus neoformans . No cases of invasive aspergillus or tuberculosis were identified. The diagnosis of fungal infection was made by bronchoscopy (four cases), open-lung biopsy (one case), bone-marrow aspirate (one case), and spinal fluid examination (one case). All patients were receiving corticosteroids at the time of worsening chest X-ray or clinical status. Four patients were also receiving methotrexate prior to infection. No patient with systemic fungal infection was receiving either infliximab or cyclophosphamide. All patients responded to anti-fungal therapy and a reduction in immunosuppression. Discussion: Fungal infections occur rarely in treated patients with sarcoidosis. Deterioration of chest X-ray, especially a localized infiltrate, warrants investigation.
Chaining Algorithms for Alignment of Draft Sequence

In this paper we propose a chaining method that can align a draft genomic sequence against a finished genome. We introduce the use of an overlap tree to enhance the state information available to the chaining procedure in the context of sparse dynamic programming, and demonstrate that the resulting procedure more accurately penalizes the various biological rearrangements. The algorithm is tested on a whole genome alignment of seven yeast species. We also demonstrate a variation on the algorithm that can be used for co-assembly of two genomes and show how it can improve the current assembly of the Ciona savignyi (sea squirt) genome.
Composite chitosan and calcium sulfate scaffold for dual delivery of vancomycin and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2

A biodegradable, composite bone graft, composed of chitosan microspheres embedded in calcium sulfate, was evaluated in vitro for point-of-care loading and delivery of antibiotics and growth factors to prevent infection and stimulate healing in large bone injuries. Microspheres were loaded with rhBMP-2 or vancomycin prior to mixing into calcium sulfate loaded with vancomycin. Composites were evaluated for set time, drug release kinetics, and bacteriostatic/bactericidal activity of released vancomycin, induction of ALP expression by released rhBMP-2, and interaction of drugs on cells. Results showed the composite set in under 36 min and released vancomycin levels that were bactericidal to S. aureus (>MIC 8–16 μg/mL) for 18 days. Composites exhibited a 1 day-delayed release, followed by a continuous release of rhBMP-2 over 6 weeks; ranging from 0.06 to 1.49 ng/mL, and showed a dose dependent release based on initial loading. Released rhBMP-2 levels were, however, too low to induce detectable levels of ALP in W20-17 cells, due to the affinity of rhBMP-2 for calcium-based materials. With stimulating amounts of rhBMP-2 (>50 ng/mL), the ALP response from W-20-17 cells was inhibited when exposed to high vancomycin levels (1,800–3,600 μg/mL). This dual-delivery system is an attractive alternative to single delivery or preloaded systems for bone regeneration since it can simultaneously fight infection and deliver a potent growth factor. Additionally, this composite can accommodate a wide range of therapeutics and thus be customizable for specific patient needs, however, the potential interactive effects of multiple agents must be investigated to ensure that functional activity is not altered.
Julia sets that are full of holes

Many of the most fundamental properties, such as measure and dimension, remain unknown for most Julia sets. Although there are Julia sets that are the whole Riemann sphere and so have dimension two and positive measure, no other Julia sets of measure bigger than zero have been found. Shishikura’s surprising result (1998) shows that there are other Julia sets of dimension 2, which makes it appear possible that there are other Julia sets of positive measure. Proving that a Julia set is full of holes, or porous, provides a bound on the upper box dimension, but this has so far been possible only for special classes of Julia sets. Mean porosity and mean e-porosity, both found in Koskela and Rohde (1997), provide better dimension bounds; nonuniform porosity (Roth 2006) implies measure zero, but is not known to provide dimension bounds. These notions can be used in some cases when it is not possible to prove porosity. In the end, we do not know in general which Julia sets are porous and which are not. In fact, forJR, little is known about its dimension or measure. There is much left to explore.
Oral brush biopsy technique instruction outcomes for senior dental students.

Computerized oral brush biopsy became commercially available in 1999. The objectives of this study were to provide senior dental students with the clinical competency to perform oral brush biopsy and to evaluate the extent to which students used this technique and the outcomes of their biopsy techniques. During the 2004–05 academic year, 114 senior dental students at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry participated in a brush biopsy instructional program. Brush biopsy training was part of their outreach and engagement experience. Technique instruction included 1) completion of thirteen interactive online educational modules, 2) discussion of a written protocol including clinical photographs and an oral pathology position paper, and 3) performance of a trial demonstration brush biopsy on each other. Eighty-one students submitted brush biopsies on clinical patients. Lesions were found in approximately one out of every twenty patients. Seventy-four biopsy results (91 percent) were diagnostic although seventeen (21 percent) were limited by suboptimal cellular representation and seven (9 percent) were inadequate. The high percentage (71 percent) of students who actually applied their training in a true clinical setting indicates that the program was successful in providing dental students the information necessary to perform this procedure on their own. However, the number of incomplete specimens suggests the need for technique refinement and additional clinical experience.
5-Cyano-1,3-phenyl-ene di-acetate.

In the title mol­ecule, C11H9NO4, the two acet­oxy groups are twisted from the plane of the benzene ring by 67.89 (4) and 53.30 (5)°. Both carbonyl groups are on the same side of the aromatic ring. In the crystal, weak C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link mol­ecules into layers parallel to the ac plane. The crystal packing exhibits π–π inter­actions between the aromatic rings, indicated by a short inter­centroid distance of 3.767 (3) A.
A Review of Alcoholism Screening Instruments and Their Appropriateness for Women

The purpose of this paper is to review empirical data on currently used alcoholism screening instruments. It is the contention of this article that current established instruments have incorporated items significantly more characteristic of males' alcoholism or late stage problem drinking of women. They omit areas more germane to women's life course experiences, such as reproductive health issues and exposure to physical and sexual abuse. Indicators more appropriate for detecting problem drinking in women are proposed.
Research on correlation evaluation and joint probability model of multi-wind generation scenarios

In this paper, in order to quantify the correlation and joint probability character between different wind farms, the relativity analysis theory is used in the correlation evaluation of multi-wind farms, located in different positions. And then a method for modeling the joint probability distribution of wind resource in multi-wind farms is provided, which is based on the copula function. The availability of this method are demonstrated by an actual case with two wind farms, located in northwest of China.
The moral concerns of biobank donors: the effect of non-welfare interests on willingness to donate.

Donors to biobanks are typically asked to give blanket consent, allowing their donation to be used in any research authorized by the biobank. This type of consent ignores the evidence that some donors have moral, religious, or cultural concerns about the future uses of their donations – concerns we call “non-welfare interests”. The nature of non-welfare interests and their effect on willingness to donate to a biobank is not well understood. In order to better undersand the influence of non-welfare interests, we surveyed a national sample of the US population (in June 2014) using a probability-based internet panel. Logistic regression models assessed the demographic and attitudinal characteristics associated with participants’ willingness to give consent for unspecified future uses of their donation when presented with 7 research scenarios that raised possible non-welfare interest concerns. Most people had non-welfare interests that significantly affect their willingness to donate to a biobank using blanket consent. Some non-welfare interests are associated with subgroups but others are not. A positive attitude toward biomedical research in general was associated with increased willingness to donate, while concerns about privacy and being African American were associated with decreased willingness. Non-welfare interests matter and can diminish willingness to donate to a biobank. Our data suggest that trust in research promotes willingness to donate. Ignoring non-welfare interests could erode this trust. Donors’ non-welfare interests could be accommodated through greater transparency and easier access to information about the uses of donations.
Pregnancy Maintenance in Hypophysectomized-Oöphoreetomized Rats Injected with Estrone and Progesterone.

SummaryLevels of estrone and progesterone have been determined which, when given in combination to rats oophorectomized and hypophysectomized on day 7 or 8 of pregnancy, will permit most of them to carry a slightly less than average number of apparently normal young through the usual gestational period. Of 7 rats given 1 fxg of estrone and 4 mg of progesterone daily, one died on day 22 following an attempt to deliver 6 large and 2 resorbing fetuses, and the other 6 when sacrificed on days 22 or 23 were found to have a total of 39 (3 to 9) living young and 16 (1 to 6) fetuses in various stages of resorption. Of the 10 rats given 1 μg of estrone and 3 mg of progesterone, one died on day 21 without being able to deliver 9 term-size fetuses, 6 when sacrificed on days 21 or 22 were found to have a total of 36 (4 to 8) living young and 8 either recently dead or in various stages of resorption, and the remaining 3 when sacrificed on days 22 or 23 were found to have resorbing implants or no visible-implantation s...
A Generalized Materials Handling Simulation System

Abstract Materials handling systems have been found to follow a general model, consisting of moves and equipment required to execute these moves. The model is described and some results of its application are discussed. The use of the model enables an engineer or manager to simulate his own materials handling system quickly and easily, and test proposed changes.
The Red Peasant International in America

THE Third or Communist International was born in 1919, and it bore numerous progeny in turn. The 1920s were the heyday of worldwide organizations with headquarters in Moscow. Leaders of the Red Trade Union International rubbed shoulders with those of the Red Youth International, the International of Communist Women, the International Red Relief, and various other organizations.' For a period of time one of the more promising of all these in the eyes of some Soviet leaders was the Red Peasant International, often known by the contraction of its Russian title as the Krestintern or, in the United States-bowing to rural sensibilities-as the Farmers International. Probably very few North Dakotans remember that their capital city, Bismarck, was the home of the American section of the organization from 1926 until 1930. The founding congress of the Red Peasant International had met in the great throne room of the czars from October 10 to 15, 1923, with 158 delegates representing over forty nationalities.2 The date of the conference was significant for a number of reasons. The Soviet government was in the midst of its New Economic Policy (NEP) adopted in 1921, making widespread concessions to the Russian peasantry in return for their support. Postwar revolutions had failed in Hungary and Germany, and the French had thwarted a Red Army march on Warsaw. As a result, Russian leaders talked more and more of a period of stabilization in the capitalist world during which Communist parties would be forced to operate within that framework in order to recruit, educate, and discipline new members.3 Lowell K. Dyson is a assistant professor of history in Virginia Polytechnic Institute.