cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Headspace analysis of ammonium nitrate variants and the effects of differing vapor profiles on canine detection

Abstract Canines continue to be one of the most frequently deployed tool in the detection of explosives, and particularly homemade explosives (HMEs), in part, due to the ease in training to new HME materials as threats arise. The majority of HMEs encountered contain ammonium nitrate (AN), and previous research has measured the release of ammonia from AN, and found that the ammonia vapor concentration varies with form, purity, and environment, but this is has not been correlated to canine detection proficiency. In this research, the headspace analysis of AN variants was carried out using solid phase microextraction (SPME) with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Ammonia vapor from the AN was extracted using on-fiber derivatization, while the presence of other volatiles in the headspace of these variants were also characterized by a traditional SPME extraction. These results were correlated to canine testing, where canines previously trained in odor detection were provided laboratory-grade AN for odor imprinting, after which they were to locate other AN variants in a series of simple detection tasks. Headspace analysis showed variations in both the amount of ammonia as well as other volatile compounds in the headspace of the various AN samples, as well as changes in the vapor profiles due to changing environmental conditions. Canine data indicated that the differences in the headspace profiles of the samples may confound detection when canines were trained on laboratory-grade AN alone, while increased ammonia vapor availability from certain samples may have improved detection by this group of canines.
The Drosophila Microrna Bantam Regulates Excitability in Adult Mushroom Body Output Neurons to Promote Early Night Sleep

SummaryThe decision to sleep requires integration of information about the internal state of the animal and its immediate external environment. Sleep circuitry therefore evolved to have both dedicated and context-dependent modulatory neuronal elements [1-3]. Identifying these important subcircuits and understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating their roles is a major challenge for the sleep field. microRNAs, non-coding RNA transcripts which posttranscriptionally control gene expression [4], have been implicated in sleep regulation [5-10]. Our previous screen [11] identified 25 sleep-regulating microRNAs in Drosophila melanogaster , including the developmentally-important [12-15] microRNA bantam ( ban ). Here we show that ban acts in the adult brain to promote early nighttime sleep through a population of glutamatergic neurons that is intimately involved in applying contextual information to behaviors [16]- the γ5β′2a/β′2mp/β′2mp_bilateral Mushroom Body Output Neurons (MBONs). GCaMP calcium imaging revealed that bantam inhibits the neural activity of these cells during the early night, but not the day. Blocking synaptic transmission in these MBONs rescued the effect of ban knockdown. Together these results suggest ban promotes early night sleep via inhibition of the γ5β′2a/β′2mp/β′2mp_bilateral MBONs. RNAseq identifies Kelch and CCHamide-2 receptor as mediators of this role. These experiments establish a new role for bantam as an active regulator of sleep and neural activity in the adult fly brain. Notably, the gene for BRS3 (Bombesin receptor subtype-3), the human ortholog of CCHa2-R, hosts an MRE for the mammalian ortholog of ban , miR-450b-3p [17-19]. The regulation of orexin neurons by this receptor [20] implies this pathway is highly conserved.
Fully Automated Treatment Planning Using the Pareto Optimal Projection Search (POPS) Algorithm.

Purpose/Objective(s) Radiation therapy treatment planning has traditionally been a time-consuming process with potentially high inter-planner variability. The Pareto optimal projection search (POPS) algorithm, which produces Pareto optimal and clinically acceptable plans, provides a fully automated framework for treatment planning without requiring any active planning. Materials/Methods The POPS algorithm searches the feasibility boundary for desirable plans, as defined by a scoring function. Overall, POPS has two main components—gradient-free search in the decision variable space and projection of decision variables to the Pareto front using the bisection method. As treatment plan evaluation is highly nuanced with many candidate scoring functions available in literature, we evaluate the performance of the POPS automated plans under the following two conditions: 1) when POPS performs plan scoring using a normalized equivalent uniform dose (NEUD) metric and 2) when POPS performs plan scoring using a scoring function (SF) based on dose-volume histogram (DVH) limits. Results Treatment plans were generated automatically using the POPS algorithm for a dataset of 21 prostate cases collected as part of clinical workflow. Dose conformity, dose homogeneity, and sparing of organs-at-risk are assessed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In general, plans generated using the POPS algorithm were of high quality. Plans scored using the NEUD metric had improved conformity and comparable homogeneity as compared to plans scored using the SF score. Sparing of organs-at-risk for POPS generated plans was also comparable when using either of the scoring functions. Conclusion The POPS algorithm allows for fully automated treatment planning and produces plans that are pareto optimal and clinically acceptable. We anticipate that POPS will substantially improve treatment planning workflow.
Atmospheric Mercury in the Barnett Shale Area, Texas: Implications for Emissions from Oil and Gas Processing

Atmospheric mercury emissions in the Barnett Shale area were studied by employing both stationary measurements and mobile laboratory surveys. Stationary measurements near the Engle Mountain Lake showed that the median mixing ratio of total gaseous mercury (THg) was 138 ppqv (140 ± 29 ppqv for mean ± S.D.) during the June 2011 study period. A distinct diurnal variation pattern was observed in which the highest THg levels appeared near midnight, followed by a monotonic decrease until midafternoon. The influence of oil and gas (ONG) emissions was substantial in this area, as inferred from the i-pentane/n-pentane ratio (1.17). However, few THg plumes were captured by our mobile laboratory during a ∼3700 km survey with detailed downwind measurements from 50 ONG facilities. One compressor station and one natural gas condensate processing facility were found to have significant THg emissions, with maximum THg levels of 963 and 392 ppqv, respectively, and the emissions rates were estimated to be 7.9 kg/yr and 0.3...
A modular decision-tree architecture for better problem understanding

In this paper, we propose a sequential decomposition method for multi-class pattern classification problems based on domain knowledge. A novel modular decision tree architecture is used to divide a K-class classification problem into a series of L smaller (binary or multiclass) sub-problems. The set of all K classes c = {c1, c2, . . . cK} is divided into smaller subsets (c = {s1, s2, . . . sL}) each of which contains classes that are related to each other. A modular approach is then used to solve (1) the binary sub-problems (pi = {si, si}) and (2) the smaller multiclass problem si = {ci1, ci2, . . . cin}. Problem decomposition helps in a better understanding of the problem without compromising on the classification accuracy. This is demonstrated using the rules generated by the C4.5 classifier using a monolithic system and the modular system.
What to tell the patient with optic neuritis about multiple sclerosis: II. When to withhold

Abstract If the ophthalmologist tells the patient with an initial isolated attack of optic neuritis that multiple sclerosis may develop, will he/she worry the patient needlessly or provide useful information that the patient is rightfully entitled to have? In this set of articles, the philosophies and individual circumstances that should influence the opthalmologist in deciding what information to supply are discussed.
Kleene Algebra with Tests: Completeness and Decidability

Kleene algebras with tests provide a rigorous framework for equational specification and verification. They have been used successfully in basic safety analysis, source-to-source program transformation, and concurrency control. We prove the completeness of the equational theory of Kleene algebra with tests and *-continuous Kleene algebra with tests over language-theoretic and relational models. We also show decidability. Cohen''s reduction of Kleene algebra with hypotheses of the form $r=0$ to Kleene algebra without hypotheses is simplified and extended to handle Kleene algebras with tests.
mRNA Splicing: Role of snRNAs

Many small nuclear ribonucleic acids (snRNAs) of eukaryotic cells are involved in the maturation of primary transcripts of messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Certain snRNAs are involved in the formation and function of the spliceosome, a large ribonucleoprotein structure in which pre-mRNA splicing takes place. Keywords: pre-mRNA splicing; ribonucleoproteins; spliceosome
HedgeHunter: A System for Hedge Detection and Uncertainty Classification

With the dramatic growth of scientific publishing, Information Extraction (IE) systems are becoming an increasingly important tool for large scale data analysis. Hedge detection and uncertainty classification are important components of a high precision IE system. This paper describes a two part supervised system which classifies words as hedge or non-hedged and sentences as certain or uncertain in biomedical and Wikipedia data. In the first stage, our system trains a logistic regression classifier to detect hedges based on lexical and Part-of-Speech collocation features. In the second stage, we use the output of the hedge classifier to generate sentence level features based on the number of hedge cues, the identity of hedge cues, and a Bag-of-Words feature vector to train a logistic regression classifier for sentence level uncertainty. With the resulting classification, an IE system can then discard facts and relations extracted from these sentences or treat them as appropriately doubtful. We present results for in domain training and testing and cross domain training and testing based on a simple union of training sets.
Genotype-Frequency Estimation from High-Throughput Sequencing Data

Rapidly improving high-throughput sequencing technologies provide unprecedented opportunities for carrying out population-genomic studies with various organisms. To take full advantage of these methods, it is essential to correctly estimate allele and genotype frequencies, and here we present a maximum-likelihood method that accomplishes these tasks. The proposed method fully accounts for uncertainties resulting from sequencing errors and biparental chromosome sampling and yields essentially unbiased estimates with minimal sampling variances with moderately high depths of coverage regardless of a mating system and structure of the population. Moreover, we have developed statistical tests for examining the significance of polymorphisms and their genotypic deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. We examine the performance of the proposed method by computer simulations and apply it to low-coverage human data generated by high-throughput sequencing. The results show that the proposed method improves our ability to carry out population-genomic analyses in important ways. The software package of the proposed method is freely available from https://github.com/Takahiro-Maruki/Package-GFE.
Response of White Seabass to Practical Diets with Varying Levels of Protein

AbstractInterest in the commercial culture of White Seabass Atractoscion nobilis on the western coast of the United States has been increasing in recent years. Despite this interest, there is a scarcity of knowledge on the dietary requirements of this species, particularly as it relates to basic nutrient requirements and selection of feeds. Hence, we evaluated a wide range of protein levels (31, 34, 37, 40, 43, and 46%) with practical lipid levels (5.75, 7, 8.25, 9.5, 10.75, and 12%) to initiate the development of a species-specific commercial diet for White Seabass. A 56-d trial was conducted in a recirculating system at Hubbs–SeaWorld Research Institute's marine fish hatchery in Carlsbad, California. Diets were formulated to contain 20–30% fish meal and offered to juvenile White Seabass (3.6 g mean initial weight). At the conclusion of the growth trial final weights ranged from 13.9 to 15.9 g, and percent weight gain ranged from 278.2% to 345.6% and generally increased with protein level. Protein retent...
Bouveret syndrome and gallstone ileus

Intestinal obstruction from gallstones is a rare complication of gallstone disease. These ectopic gallstones can cause obstruction anywhere from the duodenum to the colon and are accompanied by a cholecystoduodenal/enteric/colic fistula. We report an 81-year-old male who presented with gallstone obs
P02.186. CAST (Centella asiatica selected triterpenes): stability, safety, and effect on diabetic neuropathy (DN)

Methods The stability of CAST was monitored throughout the study using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. CAST or placebo capsules were administered to 33 DN subjects, in a randomized double-blind, placebocontrolled study. The dose of CAST was escalated from 60 mg to 240 mg/day over the first 12 weeks, followed by a stable dose of 240 mg/day for the remaining 40 weeks. The primary outcome was total symptom score (TSS), while secondary outcomes were nerve conduction studies, neurological disability score (NDS) and qualitative sensory testing (QST).
Probing multiferroicity and spin-spin interactions via dielectric measurements on Y-doped Ho Mn O 3 in high magnetic fields

The magnetic field dependent phase diagrams of the ferrielectric material ${\mathrm{Ho}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Y}}_{x}\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ have been investigated for $x=0$, 0.6, and 0.8 for fields directed along both the ab in-plane and the $c$-axis directions. Dielectric measurements are used to map out the reentrant temperature-magnetic field phase transitions which involve in-plane Mn spin rotations in the antiferromagnetic state below the N\'eel temperature. We describe this behavior in terms of the interaction of the Ho sublattice spin system with the underlying, robust $\mathrm{Y}\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ antiferromagnetic triangular lattice, where the Ho-Y spin interactions are highly sensitive to concentration and field direction.
Opposing effects of chronic alcohol consumption on hepatic gluconeogenesis for female versus male rats.

Background The impact of chronic alcohol consumption on hepatic gluconeogenesis (HGN) between males and females is unknown. To determine the effects of chronic alcohol consumption (8 weeks) on HGN, the isolated liver perfusion technique was used on 24-hr-fasted male and female Wistar rats. Methods After surgical isolation, livers were perfused (single pass) for 30 min with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer and fresh bovine erythrocytes with no added substrate (washout period). After the washout period, livers were perfused with lactate (10 mM) and [U-14C]lactate (15,000 dpm/ml) using the recirculation method. Results There was no significant difference in HGN between males and females fed the control diet. In contrast, the females chronically fed the ethanol diet (FE) had significantly lower HGN rates (2.73 +/- 0.37 micromol/min x g liver protein(-1)), whereas males fed the ethanol diet (ME) had significantly higher HGN rates (4.99 +/- 0.45 micromol/min x g liver protein(-1)) than controls (3.83 +/- 0.34 micromol/min x g liver protein(-1)). Concomitant decreases were also observed for both 14C-lactate incorporation into 14C-glucose and rates of lactate uptake for FE, while corresponding increases were observed for 14C-lactate incorporation into 14C-glucose for ME. The livers from ME were able to convert a greater percentage of the lactate into glucose, resulting in the elevation in gluconeogenic capacity. Conclusion Chronic alcohol consumption lowers the hepatic gluconeogenic capacity from lactate in females and elevates HGN in males.
Interactive data preprocessor program for Michigan SAP (MSAP)

Abstract To extend the usefulness of the Michigan Structural Analysis Program (MSAP), a data preprocessing program called PREMSAP has been developed. It is a format free interactive program to prepare the input data for MSAP, and can be run from any terminal on a time sharing computer system. PREMSAP provides the student/engineer an easy and efficient way of communicating the mathematical model of his simple structure to the computer and obtaining his results in a matter of minutes without the tedious work of learning and preparing formatted statements for MSAP and MSAPLOT its graphic display partner. It can be used equally well with SOLID SAP or SAP IV. Use of PREMSAP in teaching structural subjects proved successful.
929-121 Impact of Ventricular Wall Curvature on Regional Function in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Assessment with MRI Tagging

Because ventricular wall tension is related to wall curvature by the Laplace law, the curvature should affect regional wall function. We hypothesized that the ineffective (isometric) contraction of the interventricular septum observed in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) may be related to its abnormal curvature. Methods To address this issue, we studied 17 HCM patients with various septal morphologies and normal overall systolic function (mean echocardiographic fractional shortening, 48 ± 9%) using MRI tagging (spatial modulation of magnetization); there was asymmetric septal hypertrophy, prominent basal septal bulge and concentric hypertrophy in 7, 4, and 6 patients, respectively. Localized endocardial (endo %S) and epicardial (epi %S) intra-myocardial circumferential shortening was measured in the septal and lateral walls on a basal short-axis slice. Short-axis curvature (SXC) and long-axis curvature (LXC) of the basal septal and basal lateral walls were determined as the reciprocal of the radius of the arc best fit to the wall curvature, which can be negative if the wall is convex to the LV cavity. Wall thickness was also measured at end-diastole. Results Endo %S and epi %S were significantly lower in the septum than in the lateral wall, suggesting isometric septal contraction (20 ± 14 vs 45 ± 11%, P l 0.0001 for endo %S and 10 ± 9 vs 20 ± 11%, p l 0.001 for epi %S). Septal walls were flatter in the short axis plane and more convex toward the LV cavity in the long-axis plane than lateral walls as indicated by smaller SXC and LXC (0.08 ± 0.03 vs 0.11 ± 0.03 mm-1for SXC, -0.02 ± 0.02 vs 0.03 ± 0.01 mm-1for LXC both p l 0.0001). There were significant correlations between %S and curvature and thickness as follows. septal wall lateral wall endo %S epi%S endo %S epi%S SXC NS NS NS r = 0.57 LXC r = 0.56 r = 0.62 r = 0.55 NS thickness r = -0.63 r = -0.49 NS NS Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that both wall thickness and LXC significantly contributed to %S in the septum (r = 0.79 for endo %S, r = 0.74 for epi %S, both p l 0.005). Conclusions 1) Wall thickness and long-axis curvature appear to predict the septal function, whereas they have little impact on lateral wall function. 2) The thicker and more convex (toward the ventricular cavity) the septum is, the less it thickens in systole. 3) Isometric contraction of the interventricular septum in HCM may be partly due to its abnormal curvature.
Species diversity, biogeography, and the evolution of biotas

SYNOPSIS. A central scientific problem for ecologists and systematists has been to explain spatiotemporal patterns of species diversity. One aspect of this question is how to understand the taxonomic assembly of biotas and their included ecosystems and communities. Four processes add or subtract species from a region: speciation, extinction, biotic dispersion, and long-distance dispersal. Speciation and biotic dispersion are postulated to result in historically structured (hierarchical) species assemblages, whereas long-distance dispersal results in assemblages that would be expected to be historically unstructured (nonhierarchical). Continental biotas, as exemplified by the Australian avifauna, are historically structured: they are segregated into areas of endemism having hierarchical relationships that presumably arose as a result of their history being dominated by cycles of biotic dispersion and vicariance. It is also proposed that these latter two processes are necessary, and in many cases probably sufficient, to explain the taxonomic composition of communities within these areas of endemism. Long-distance dispersal appears to play a much more minor role in the assembly of either continental biotas or their communities than current ecological theory would predict.
Dynamic Void Growth and Shrinkage in Mg under Electron Irradiation

We report in situ atomic-scale investigation of late-stage void evolution, including growth, coalescence and shrinkage, under electron irradiation. With increasing irradiation dose, the total volume of voids increased linearly, while the nucleation rate of new voids decreased slightly and the total number of voids decreased. Some voids continued to grow while others shrank to disappear, depending on the nature of their interactions with nearby self-interstitial loops. For the first time, surface diffusion of adatoms was observed to be largely responsible for the void coalescence and thickening. These findings provide fundamental understanding to help with the design and modeling of irradiation-resistant materials.
The Case for Course Substitutions as a Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Foreign Language Learning Difficulties

It has been observed for decades that some students have a particularly difficult time learning another language. Colleges and universities have an obligation to offer special language programs designed to help these students succeed in their attempts to learn another language. However, for those few students who cannot learn another language even with special instruction, allowing them to meet the foreign language requirement though the substitution of related courses is appropriate and does not constitute a fundamental alteration of the goals of a liberal education.
Separation of hot electron current component induced by hydrogen oxidation on resistively heated Pt/n-GaP Schottky nanostructures

Studies of chemically induced hot electron flow over Schottky barriers in catalytic planar nanostructures provide a direct insight into underlying charge transfer processes involved in chemical energy dissipation at solid surfaces. A systematic approach is described here to separate the hot electron and thermal current contributions to the total generated current based on in-situ resistive heating of cathode nanolayer of the Schottky structure. The method is applicable at high pressures in the gas phase. Analysis of the current induced by H2 oxidation to H2O on Pt/n-GaP nanostructure is performed for surface temperatures in the range of 453–513 K, and 120 Torr oxyhydrogen environment with 15 Torr H2. All the current components grow monotonously with temperature, while relative fraction of the hot electron current decreases with temperature from 85 to 52%.
The Invention of the Slide Rule

IN NATURE of January 13 (p. 307) Dr. Alexander Russell, in writing of the invention of the slide rule, says:—“Supporting the latter view is the fact that he (Oughtred) published (1633) his ‘Mathematicall Recreations’ under the pseudonym of Henry Van Etten.” This evidently implies that Oughtred was the author of the said “Mathematicall Recreations”, whereas the very title of the work shows that it was a translation, and not an original contribution. It reads:—“Mathematicall Recreations; or a collection of sundrie problemes and experiments in arithmeticke, cosmographie, astronomie, architecture, chimistrie, &c., extracted out of the ancient and moderne philosophers, now delivered into English tongue with the examinations, corrections and augmentations by W. Oughtred.”
Acoustic-speed correction of photoacoustic tomography by ultrasonic computed tomography based on optical excitation of elements of a full-ring transducer array

Photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) is a hybrid technique that combines optical excitation and ultrasonic detection to provide high resolution images in deep tissues. In the image reconstruction, a constant speed of sound (SOS) is normally assumed. This assumption, however, is often not strictly satisfied in deep tissue imaging, due to acoustic heterogeneities within the object and between the object and coupling medium. If these heterogeneities are not accounted for, they will cause distortions and artifacts in the reconstructed images. In this paper, we incorporated ultrasonic computed tomography (USCT), which measures the SOS distribution within the object, into our full-ring array PACT system. Without the need for ultrasonic transmitting electronics, USCT was performed using the same laser beam as for PACT measurement. By scanning the laser beam on the array surface, we can sequentially fire different elements. As a first demonstration of the system, we studied the effect of acoustic heterogeneities on photoacoustic vascular imaging. We verified that constant SOS is a reasonable approximation when the SOS variation is small. When the variation is large, distortion will be observed in the periphery of the object, especially in the tangential direction.
Individual Differences in Behavioral and Electrophysiological Measures of Binaural Processing Across the Adult Life Span.

Purpose The purpose of the present study was to examine individual differences in binaural processing across the adult life span. Method Sixty listeners (aged 23–80 years) with symmetrical hearing were tested. Binaural behavioral processing was measured by the Words-in-Noise Test, the 500-Hz masking level difference, and the Dichotic Digit Test. Electrophysiologic responses were assessed by the auditory middle latency response binaural interaction component. Results No correlations among binaural measures were found. Age accounted for the greatest amount of variability in speech-in-noise performance. Age was significantly correlated with the Words-in-Noise Test binaural advantage and dichotic ear advantage. Partial correlations, however, revealed that this was an effect of hearing status rather than age per se. Inspection of individual results revealed that 20% of listeners demonstrated reduced binaural performance for at least 2 of the binaural measures. Conclusions The lack of significant correlations a...
What Do We Know About Groundwater Values? Preliminary Implications from a Meta Analysis of Contingent-Valuation Studies

Groundwater is an important natural resourceproviding 35% of the public supply of potable water and 80% of the rural supply of potable water for domestic consumption and livestock watering (American Institute of Professional Geologists). The extensive use of groundwater in the United States, accompanied by varied threats to groundwater quality and a proliferation of laws and regulations being promulgated to protect groundwater resources, has motivated the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take a serious look at the benefits and costs of
Light and Electron Microscopic Observations of Osteoclastic Alveolar Bone Resorption in Rats Monoinfected with Actinomyces Naeslundii

Alveolar bone destruction in rats monoinfected with Actinomyces naeslundii proceeds via osteoclastic resorption. The osteoclastic activity is discontinuous, i.e. short periods of vigorous osteoclastic activity are followed by longer periods of inactivity during which the alveolar crest may be covered with osteoblastic cells or in many cases devoid of bone cells. The net effect in the monoinfected rats is rapid bone loss. Periods of osteoclastic activity were associated with dense inflammatory infiltration of the interdental tissue, ulceration of col epithelium and the presence of large adherent plaques of Actinomyces. Ultrastructural examination revealed uninuclear as well as multinuclear osteoclasts. These cells contained numerous mitochondria, abundant Golgi apparatuses, and well developed ruffled borders indicating that they were physiologically active in bone resorption.
Effect of coupled oscillations on microbubble behavior

Ultrasound contrast agents are encapsulated microbubbles whose nonlinear acoustic scattering signatures have been the foundation of their use in diagnostic imaging. The coupled oscillations of microbubbles along their lines of center are investigated theoretically using radial equations in the monopole approximation and an energy balance, which is obtained for the system. Coupled microbubble pairs of different initial radii are investigated numerically relative to the normal modes for the linearized system. For microbubble pairs of different size bubbles driven below the mode of the smaller bubble and above the mode of the larger bubble, it is shown that oscillations of the smaller agent are affected substantially more by the coupling than those of the larger one. For separation distances of 10 and 500 microns, a difference of approximately 10 dB occurs in the second harmonic output of a 1.0-micron radius agent coupled with a 2.2-micron radius agent forced at 2.0 MHz and 0.3 MPa. The subharmonic spectral peak is shown to decrease approximately 19 dB for the coupling of 1.5- and 2.2-micron radius agents at 10- and 500-micron distances under the same acoustic forcing conditions. These coupling effects on the radiated pressure and its spectral power are highlighted for contrast agent imaging applications.
Meeting the challenges facing prosthodontics

T he responsibility and challenge of the office of President has caused me to critically consider the problems confronting prosthodontics. Unfortunately, the disturbing factors of inflation, consumerism, denturism, the Federal Trade Commisssion (FTC), National Health Insurance, and dental education will not go away. The very way dentists practice, our dental laws, and our delivery system are challenged. We must meet these challenges with positive and constructive answers at the national, state, local, and most important of all, at a personal level.
Hip Pain Referral Patterns in Patients with Labral Tears: Analysis Based on Intra-articular Anesthetic Injections, Hip Arthroscopy, and a New Pain “Circle” Diagram

Background: Fluoroscopically guided intra-articular (FGIA) anesthetic hip joint injections have been used to determine whether the hip joint is the source of a patient's hip pain. However, there have been no reports documenting the efficacy of their use for defining the pain referral patterns (PRPs) of patients with labral tears. The aim of this study was to determine the PRPs of patients with labral tears and evaluate a new pain “circle” diagram (PCD) developed for this analysis. Methods: Fifty-two patients were evaluated at our institution who had: 1) a preoperative FGIA anesthetic hip joint injection; 2) completed our PCD and a visual analog pain scale pre- and postinjection; 3) significant (≥ 80%) pain reduction after their FGIA injection; and 4) a labral tear and minimal (≤ grade II) degenerative joint disease, as documented by hip arthroscopy. The PCD had circles in which patients put an “X” in to indicate pain in the following locations: anterior superior spine, lateral peritrochanteric area, centr...
A numerical computer investigation of the polar F-region ionosphere

Abstract Results of a numerical computer investigation of the geomagnetically quiet, high latitude F-region ionosphere are presented. A mathematical model of the steady state polar convective electric field pattern is used in conjunction with production and loss processes to solve the continuity equation for the ionization density in a unit volume as it moves across the polar cap and through the auroral zones. Contours of electron density (∼ 300 km altitude) over the polar region are computed for various geophysical conditions. Results show changes in the F-region morphology within the polar cap in response to varying the asymmetry of the global convective electric fields but no corresponding change in the morphology of the mid-latitude ionospheric trough. The U.T. response of the ionosphere produces large diurnal changes in both the polar cap densities and trough morphology. In agreement with observations, the model shows diurnal variations of the polar cap density by a factor of about 10 at midwinter and a negligible diurnal variation at midsummer. The phase of the polar cap diurnal variation is such that the maximum polar cap densities occur approximately when the geomagnetic pole is nearest to the Sun (i.e. when the polar cap photo-ionization is a maximum). Within the accuracy of this model, the results suggest that transport of ionization from the dayside of the auroral zone can numerically account for the maintenance of the polar cap ionosphere during winter when no other sources of ionization are present. In addition, east-west transport of ionization, in conjunction with chemical recombination is responsible for the major features of the main trough morphology. There is little seasonal variation in the depth or latitude of the ionization trough, the predominant seasonal change being the longitudinal extent of the trough. The polar wind loss of ionization is of secondary importance compared to chemical recombination.
Immunologic detection of myocardial infarction with a radioimmunoassay for MB creatine kinase.

Abstract Although antibodies to plasma isoenzymes have been induced, a radioimmunoassay (RIA) has not previously been developed in part because of lack of specificity and loss of enzymatic activity incurred during radioactive labelling. A RIA for human MB CK (‘myocardial’), a creatine kinase isoenzyme, would provide a specific and quantitative test for myocardial infarction, and perhaps more important, it would aid in elucidating the nature of MB CK protein turnover in the circulation independent of enzymatic activity. Assuming that MB, but not MM (the only other isoenzyme present appreciably in blood from patients with myocardial infarction) would bind to B subunit antibody, we harvested BB antiserum from rabbits immunized with human brain BB purified by chromatography. BB, MB, and MM for use as antigens in the RIA were labelled with radioactive N -succinimidyl 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl-propionate), a procedure that avoided oxidation of the antigen and yielded 200 000 cpm/μg and 97% of initial CK enzymatic activity. After incubation in 1.6 M Tris, pH 7.4, 2% albumin, and 20 mM CH 3 CH 2 SH, labelled BB and MB bound to anti-BB (93 and 56%) and precipitated in 44% (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 , but 125 I-MM in 5000-fold excess did not. Unlabelled MB (20 pg/ml) but not MM (up to 5000 pg/ml) competitively displaced precipitable counts. Development of a sensitive and specific RIA based on this phenomenon accurately detected MB (20 pg/ml) despite excess MM (5000-fold excess) in plasma samples constituted with standard. In patients with myocardial infarction, MB CK determined by the RIA was elevated in all cases.
Variation in the temporal and spatial use of signals and its implications for multimodal communication

The use of signals across multiple sensory modalities in communication is common in animals and plants. Determining the information that each signal component conveys has provided unique insights into why multimodal signals evolve. However, how these complex signals are assessed by receivers will also influence their evolution, a hypothesis that has received less attention. Here, we explore multimodal signal assessment in a closely related complex of island flycatchers that have diverged in visual and acoustic signals. Using field experiments that manipulated song and plumage colour, we tested if song, a possible long-range signal, is assessed before plumage colour in conspecific recognition. We find that divergent song and colour are assessed in sequence, and this pattern of sequential assessment is likely mediated by habitat structure and the extent of differences in signal characteristics. A broad survey of the literature suggests that many organisms from a wide range of taxa sequentially assess multimodal signals, with long-range signals attracting conspecifics for further assessment of close-range signals. Our results highlight the need to consider how signals are assessed when understanding multimodal signal evolution. Finally, given the results of our field experiments indicating sequential assessment of divergent song and colour in the recognition of conspecifics, we discuss the consequences of multimodal signal divergence for the origin of species, as changes in signals across different sensory modalities may influence the evolution of premating reproductive isolation.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSE TO LABOR, LEGAL AND SHAREHOLDER ENVIRONMENTS.

Drawing on neoinstitutional research in organizational sociology, we show that corporations have been aggressive in adopting CSR practices when they are (1) publicly traded, (2) in areas that are h...
Habitat restoration after pipeline construction in a tropical estuary: Seagrasses

Abstract In 1981 the Florida Keys Aquaduct Authority permitted the construction of a new water transmission pipeline through the Florida Keys, USA. The seagrasses Halodule wrightii and Thalassia testudinum in an estuary and wetland area north of Key Largo would be removed by a portion of the pipeline construction. Consequently, government construction permit conditions required restoration of these seagrasses. After construction, Halodule shoots were planted over the pipeline trench in an area 6.1 × 975 m on 0.9 m centres. Additional transplantation of Halodule and Thalassia was deemed necessary, especially in areas lateral to the pipeline trench, and was done later in 1981 by a second party. Results after ten months showed that 31.1 ± 0.9% ( X ± S.E. ) of the area in the pipeline trench was covered by Halodule shoots. 1261 Thalassia seedlings were observed in the entire affected pipeline area. This is the first report of pipeline damage restored with seagrasses.
A Robust Technique for Lumped Parameter Inverse Boundary Value Problems

A natural approach to the inverse coupled nonlinear lumped parameter problem is to use a continuous approximation of the data and its derivatives using Bezier functions. The method is robust and does not need regularization or other transformation to convert the inverse problem to a well-posed one. The Bezier function technique first identifies continuous Bezier functions to represent the measured data using a recursive Bezier filter. These Bezier functions also provide information on the derivatives of the functions over the range of the independent variable. This is used in two ways. First, the residuals of the differential equations now depend on the distributed parameters alone. Second, the boundary conditions for a reduced range of the independent variable are easily generated. The lumped parameters are determined through two applications of standard unconstrained optimization. The first application identifies the parameters by minimizing the sum of the least squared error in the residuals over the range of the data. This also provides a robust initial guess for the second optimization. In the second optimization, the parameters are determined once again using a collocation technique to integrate the solution and reduce the sum of the absolute error with respect to the smooth representation of the data. Fluid flow in a long vertical channel with fluid injection is used to illustrate the procedure. The measured data is simulated using random perturbations about the smooth solution to the forward problem. The results show that the Bezier function technique can identify a solution even with severe perturbations in the data. It is also shown that using the information from a clipped region can lead to a well-posed problem.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Simulating Protein and Nucleic Acid Dynamics on the Microsecond to Millisecond Timescale

Molecular dynamics simulation is an invaluable tool for studying biomolecular structure, dynamics and function. Currently this approach suffers from high computational cost, restricting direct simulation of dynamics to the microsecond timescale. Implicit treatment of solvent can offers orders of magnitude increases in sampling, due to both reduced viscosity and high computational efficiency on consumer graphics processors (GPUs). In the past, these fast implicit solvent models typically had significant weaknesses, and thus the advantages in speed were offset by poor accuracy. We present the application of our newly developed implicit solvent model and physics-based force field, with application to unraveling puzzles in protein and nucleic acid folding. Specifically, we show that within weeks of simulation in implicit solvent, we were able to fold a benchmark series of protein with a variety of sizes and topologies. Comparable calculations in explicit solvent would take years and are largely intractable. Our solvent model is also extended to highly charged (and more challenging) systems such as DNA and RNA.
Climate change effects on northern Great Lake (USA) forests: A case for preserving diversity

Under business as usual (BAU) management, stresses posed by climate change may exceed the ability of Great Lake forests to adapt. Temperature and precipitation projections in the Great Lakes region are expected to change forest tree species composition and productivity. It is unknown how a change in productivity and/or tree species diversity due to climate change will affect the relationship between diversity and productivity. We assessed how forests in two landscapes (i.e., northern lower Michigan and northeastern Minnesota, USA) would respond to climate change and explored the diversity-productivity relationship under climate change. In addition, we explored how tree species diversity varied across landscapes by soil type, climate, and management. We used a spatially dynamic forest ecosystem model, LANDIS-II, to simulate BAU forest management under three climate scenarios (current climate, low emissions, and high emissions) in each landscape. We found a positive relationship between diversity and productivity only under a high emissions future as productivity declined. Within landscapes, climate change simulations resulted in the highest diversity in the coolest climate regions and lowest diversity in the warmest climate region in Minnesota and Michigan, respectively. Simulated productivity declined in both landscapes under the high emissions climate scenario as species such as balsam fir (Abies balsamea) declined in abundance. In the Great Lakes region, a high emissions future may decrease forest productivity creating a more positive relationship between diversity and productivity. Maintaining a diversity of tree species may become increasingly important to maintain the adaptive capacity of forests.
Extended in vitro maturation of immature oocytes from stimulated cycles: an analysis of fertilization potential, embryo development, and reproductive outcomes

Purpose To investigate 24 h in vitro maturation (IVM) of cumulus-stripped immature oocytes from stimulated cycles.
Modeling progressive non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the laboratory mouse

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the world and its prevalence is rising. In the absence of disease progression, fatty liver poses minimal risk of detrimental health outcomes. However, advancement to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) confers a markedly increased likelihood of developing severe liver pathologies, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, organ failure, and cancer. Although a substantial percentage of NAFLD patients develop NASH, the genetic and molecular mechanisms driving this progression are poorly understood, making it difficult to predict which patients will ultimately develop advanced liver disease. Deficiencies in mechanistic understanding preclude the identification of beneficial prognostic indicators and the development of effective therapies. Mouse models of progressive NAFLD serve as a complementary approach to the direct analysis of human patients. By providing an easily manipulated experimental system that can be rigorously controlled, they facilitate an improved understanding of disease development and progression. In this review, we discuss genetically- and chemically-induced models of NAFLD that progress to NASH, fibrosis, and liver cancer in the context of the major signaling pathways whose disruption has been implicated as a driving force for their development. Additionally, an overview of nutritional models of progressive NAFLD is provided.
A recombination analysis of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells with low and high Ga compositions

Abstract Separation and quantification of recombination losses in thin-film Cu(In 1− x Ga x )Se 2 solar cells is paramount to understanding the current state-of-the-art and future improvements, but an effective characterization technique has been lacking. We use the recently developed temperature–illumination-dependent open-circuit voltage method to extract individual recombination rates at the buffer/absorber interface, in the space-charge region, and in the quasi-neutral region, as well as the carrier lifetime and surface recombination velocity for devices with low ( x =30%) and high ( x =84%) Ga absorbers. In the low-Ga absorber, recombination in the quasi-neutral region dominates. In the high-Ga absorber, interface recombination dominates. The open-circuit voltage deficit of the high-Ga device originates from an inadequacy of band bending in the absorber and a lack of strong inversion at the buffer/absorber interface. As two promising mitigating strategies for the open-circuit voltage deficit problem at high-Ga levels, we highlight a homojunction in the absorber or alternative transparent conducting oxides with low work function.
Allelic allotype inclusion and exclusion among rabbit Ig-bearing lymphocytes of peripheral blood and lymphoid organs.

Abstract Mononuclear cells isolated from peripheral blood, appendix, sacculus rotundus, mesenteric lymph nodes, and spleen of b 4 b 5 heterozygous rabbits were examined for surface Ig allotypes of the b locus. Ig allotype-bearing cells were detected as cells binding erythrocytes or bacteria coated with monospecific anti-b4 or anti-b5 antibody (Ab). Rosetting the cells with Ab-coated erythrocytes indicated that many peripheral blood lymphocytes, but relatively few appendix cells, bore both the b4 and b5 allotypes. Lymphocytes bearing both the b4 and b5 allotypes were also detected by incubating the cells with a mixture of Escherichia coli coated with anti-b4 Ab and Gaffkya tetragena coated with anti-b5 Ab. The percentage of Ig-positive lymphocytes binding both bacteria was 22–31% in the peripheral blood, 4–6% in the appendix, 3–5% in the sacculus rotundus, 4–10% in the mesenteric lymph nodes, and 5% in the spleen. Thus, the percentage of double-bearing lymphocytes was higher in the blood than in the appendix, sacculus rotundus, mesenteric lymph nodes, or spleen. The b4b5-bearing cells in the blood were not cells with adsorbed cytophilic Ab, since these cells still bore both the b4 and b5 allotypes after pronase digestion and Ig regeneration. These double-bearing lymphocytes, i.e., cells exhibiting allelic allotype inclusion, are probably less differentiated cells.
REPRESSION IN GREAT BRITAIN: 1792–1795

(1975). REPRESSION IN GREAT BRITAIN: 1792–1795. Free Speech Yearbook: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 57-66.