cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pentose shunt enzyme activities in non-inflamed attached gingiva of dogs

Ultramicrochemical methods were used to assay glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) and 6-phosphogluconale dehydrogenase (6-PGDH) activities in non-inflamed attached gingiva of dogs, these enzymes being an integral part of the pentose shunt. Precautions were taken to assure the clinical non-inflamed status of the gingivectomy specimens. Frozen dried sections were dissected under a stereomicroscope into representative morphologically distinct fragments which ranged in weight from 12 to 240 nanograms (10-9 grams). Quantitative results for various strata of epithelium, connective tissue and whole epithelium were calculated. The mean combined G-6-PDH and 6-PGDH activities in micromoles of substrate converted., per gram of dry tissue per minute at 37° C. were: surface layer, 17.7; granular layer, 56.4; spinous layer, 58.1; basal layer, 49.5; connective tissue, 15.8; and whole epithelium, 46.6. The mean 6-PGDH activities in micromoles of substrate converted per gram of dry tissue per minute at 37° C. were: surface layer, 6.8; granular layer, 22.1; spinous layer, 17.5; basal layer, 20.8; connective tissue, 4.2; and whole epithelium, 16.9. The mean values for G-6-PDH activity were: surface layer, 10.9; granular layer, 34.4; spinous 40.6; basal 28.7; connective tissue, 11.6; and whole epithelium, 29.7. The results are compatible with the pattern of enzyme activity previously reported for primate skin (lm and Adachi, 1966) and rat palate (Gerson. 1967).
Derivation of herpesvirus saimiri-transformed CD8+ T cell lines with noncytotoxic anti-HIV activity.

Abstract Herpesvirus saimiri (HVS), strain 488-77, was used to derive continuously growing transformed human CD8 + T cell lines that can suppress HIV replication in CD4 + cells via the production of an antiviral factor(s). Transformed CD8 + cell lines were obtained by HVS infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells or purified CD8 + T cells from HIV-infected or uninfected individuals. Suppression of primary or laboratory isolates of HIV was mediated by factor permeation of a transwell membrane or by cell-free culture supernatants. Suppressing and nonsuppressing cell lines were IL-2-dependent for good growth and showed a similar activated cell surface phenotype. The cell lines produced varying amounts of the cytokines IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, TNF-β, RANTES, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β, but not IFN-α. No correlation was observed between the level of any of these cytokines and the presence or absence of antiviral activity in cell line culture supernatants. These cell lines have become an important resource for studying antiviral factors produced by CD8 + T cells from HIV-infected individuals.
Analysis of location uncertainty for a microearthquake cluster: A case study

United States. Dept. of Energy (Grant DE-FG36-08GO18197); National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant DMS1115406); Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Earth Resources Laboratory (Founding Members Consortium)
A method for fatigue based reliability when the loading of a component is unknown

Abstract When the loading of a component is unknown, it is not possible to perform fatigue evaluation without some additional knowledge of the applied loading. A model is presented which considers problems of this type. In this situation, the components will have experienced some degree of fatigue damage during operation. However, the loading during use is unknown, and thus direct calculation of the remaining service life is not possible without additional data. The use of components removed from service to conduct fatigue tests can provide the required test data. The test data contains additional information associated with the loading which can be used to determine the residual fatigue damage resistance of the components. Comparing the residual fatigue damage resistance of the tested components with the fatigue damage resistance of new components can make it possible to, indirectly, describe the fatigue damage accumulation which has occurred in the components during the time in service. Thus, the fatigue damage accumulated in the components can be determined by additional fatigue tests, in spite of the absence of direct knowledge of applied service loading. The fatigue evaluation of untested components can be performed using the probabilistic fatigue model which is presented in this paper. The model is demonstrated by performing an evaluation of compressor blades for which the applied loading is unknown. The calculated results are shown to be close to the statistical results obtained in-service for the blades.
Analysis and optimization of a multieffect multistage flash distillation system—Part I. Process analysis

Abstract A mathematical model of a multieffect multistage flash distillation system that can be used in process optimization studies is developed. The model enables the heat input to the brine heater, the recycle flow rate in each effect, the concentration and temperature of the flashing brine leaving each effect, and the number of stages in each effect to be treated as variables in an optimization study. The model is believed to be accurate enough to describe the process yet simple enough to be used in the simulation, design, and optimization of the process.
Dual-electrode electrochemical detection for poly(dimethylsiloxane)-fabricated capillary electrophoresis microchips.

The development of a poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based (PDMS-based) microchip electrophoresis system employing dual-electrode electrochemical detection is described. This is the first report of dual-electrode electrochemical detection in a microchip format and of electrochemical detection on chips fabricated from PDMS. The device described in this paper consists of a top layer of PDMS containing the separation and injection channels and a bottom glass layer onto which gold detection electrodes have been deposited. The two layers form a tight reversible seal, eliminating the need for high-temperature bonding, which can be detrimental to electrode stability. The channels can also be temporarily removed for cleaning, significantly extending the lifetime of the chip. The performance of the chip was evaluated using catechol as a test compound. The response was linear from 10 to 500 μM with an LOD (S/N = 3) of 4 μM and a sensitivity of 45.9 pA/μM. Collection efficiencies for catechol ranged from 28.7 to 25.9% at fie...
Steroids and Sepsis: Time for Another Reevaluation

Treatment of sepsis has changed little in the past few decades and the lack of improvement is reflected in the relatively steady mortality rate. Much of the initial disappointment surrounding many of the past multicentered clinical trials in sepsis centers on the use of short-term, high-dose steroids. While recent advances focusing on the interplay between inflammation and coagulation are expected to result in important new treatments in sepsis, rekindled enthusiasm for the role of supraphysiologic-dose steroids is adding to the excitement. Specifically, emerging evidence suggests that moderate-dose glucocorticoids may improve outcomes in septic shock patients, in part, by treating occult adrenal insufficiency. One preliminary study that has sparked considerable interest reported a 30% relative reduction in mortality in sepsis patients treated with modest doses of hydrocortisone for 1 week. It appears clear the role of adrenal insufficiency and steroids in septic shock is deserving of a reevaluation.
Charles Taylor on purpose and causation

Charles Taylor analyzes purposive action as involving both teleological explicability and intentionality on the part of the agent. This paper examines (a) the adequacy of this analysis of purposiveness, and (b) an incompatibility that Taylor finds between purpose, thus analyzed, and causal explicability. My conclusions are that (1) there is at least one aspect of our concept of purpose that Taylor's analysis does not capture, and (2) even if his account were correct, it would not rule out the possibility that all actions are caused.
The relationship of peanut maturity to 2-methylpropanal in headspace volatiles

Headspace volatiles from peanuts of five consecutive maturity classes from three soil temperatures were determined to evaluate the relationship of peanut maturity and 2-methylpropanal. Cured, ground peanuts were held in closed vials for 30 min at 150 C before headspace sampling. Quantitation as percent of total volatiles and ppm in the peanuts revealed a decrease in 2-methylpropanal as peanuts matured regardless of seed size within maturity class. From peanut lots in which maturity-size relationships had been determined, headspace analysis of commercial sized lots indicated that the concentration of 2-methylpropanal was related to the maturity distribution (percent of each maturity class) within each sized lot. These data/techniques may have application in estimating lot-to-lot maturity-related peanut flavor/quality potential.
Reduction of Flow Separation and Energy Head Losses in Expansions Using a Hump

AbstractIrrigation channels need expansions to provide a cross-sectional transition. Expansions often cause flow separation, turbulent eddy motions, channel erosion, and flow energy dissipation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of fitting a hump at the expansion’s bottom in reducing flow separation and energy loss. This paper reports analytical solutions to the problem of flow transition and associated energy head loss, by using the momentum and energy concepts complementarily, as well as experimental results for verifying the solutions. The use of a triangular hump can effectively reduce head loss; the head loss coefficient drops by a factor of up to 4. The mechanism at work is that the presence of a hump forces the flow to accelerate, neutralizes the decelerating effects of expanding width, and creates favorable pressure gradients working against flow separation. Humps with a crest height of 5–9% of the depth of approach flow are recommended, with a good potential to save a ...
Vertical incidence absorption calculated using electron density profiles from rocket experiments and comparison with observations during the winter anomaly

Abstract In the first part of this paper ground-based measurements of vertical incidence absorption are compared with values calculated from electron density profiles from simultaneous rocket experiments. These data were obtained at Wallops Island during an investigation of the winter anomaly in radiowave absorption. The measurements were made at 3.03 MHz during five of the rocket flights and at 1.8 MHz on four others. Satisfactory agreement between observed and calculated values of absorption is obtained for an electron collision frequency model vm = 6.3 × 105p where p is the pressure (in N m−2) from CIRA 1972. In the second part of the paper this electron collision frequency model is used in the calculation of vertical incidence absorption as a function of frequency between 1.7 and 3.0 MHz. The nine electron density profiles from the winter season are used together with five additional profiles from rocket flights in other seasons, all profiles being for a solar zenith angle of about 60°. Examination of the calculated values shows that the absorption is more sensitive to frequency changes than expected particularly for winter days, even at frequencies much less than ƒoE . The occurrence and number of multiple echoes in the ionograms is consistent with the calculated absorption values.
Acetone enhancement of cumene hydroperoxide supported microsomal aniline hydroxylation.

Abstract Acetone was found to enhance both cumene hydroperoxide and NADPH/oxygen supported microsomal aniline hydroxylation. Since cumene hydroperoxide supported aniline hydroxylation does not involve an electron transport system, these results suggest that acetone produces its enhancing effect by facilitating either the formation of an activated oxygen species or the insertion of oxygen into the substrate.
"It's the RUSH": Sites of the Sensually Extreme

Fieldwork can be a dance of disorientation. The encounters in the field often directly reveal contrasting constructs of reality that challenge the researcher's core sensibilities and act as catalysts for profound change through the sensuous nature of extreme experiences.
Interannual ENSO variability forced through coupled atmosphere-ocean feedback loops

[1] El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events are known to force atmospheric teleconnections that impact extratropical sea surface temperatures and surface winds. In this paper we use focused model experiments to investigate whether this extratropical variability can feedback to, and significantly impact, the Tropics through ocean Rossby waves. We use an atmospheric general circulation model coupled to a reduced gravity Pacific Ocean model to isolate these potential feedback loops and quantify their impact on ENSO variability. We find that anomalous winds and heat fluxes located in regions of maximum mean subduction in the subtropical North Pacific trigger ocean Rossby waves that take approximately four years to reach the equator. Most notably, we demonstrate that this feedback loop causes a primarily 2-year ENSO, when only the Tropics is coupled, to shift to a more realistic broad 2–5 year range by damping ∼2 year variability and amplifying ∼4 year variability.
Graphitrohrofen‐AAS: auf dem Weg zu absoluter Analyse

20 Jahre nach der kommerziellen Einfuhrung der Graphitrohrofen-AAS dokumentieren insgesamt fast 10000 Publikationen Anwendungsbreite und Grundlagenverstandnis dieser Technik. In vielen Fallen erlaubt das Absorptionssignal einer unbekannten Probe bereits ohne Kalibrierung eine Voraussage uber den Analytgehalt mit einer Abweichung von weniger als 20% vom wahren Wert. Modelle erlauben es, den Verlauf von Absorptionssignalen aus physikalischen Daten vorherzusagen. Die zeitlich aufgeloste Extinktion ermoglicht daruber hinaus Aussagen uber physikalisch-chemische Vorgange an Graphitoberflachen und in der Gasphase einer bis zu 3000 K heisen Meszelle.
Bax can associate with ferritin heavy chain (FHC) resulting in inhibition of bax-mediated apoptosis

Materials and Methods: A yeast two-hybrid system was used with the Bax BH3 domain serving as the “bait” to find potential interacting proteins from a HeLa cell cDNA library. A glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-FHC and a histidine (His)-tagged Bax were bacterially expressed and isolated using either glutathione or nickel beads. In vitro translation of FHC was performed using rabbit reticulocyte lysate with T7 transcribed FHC RNA. A hemaglutinin (HA)-tagged Bax was expressed stably under the control of a tetracycline promoter in GM701, a human fibroblast cell line (GM701/tet-Bax). In vitro associations were demonstrated by mixing either GST-FHC bound to glutathione beads with purified His-Bax or HA-Bax bound to anti-HA antibody:protein A sepharose bead with in vitro translated FHC and assessing on immunoblots for bound Bax or FHC, respectively. Transient transfections into 293T cells were performed using a standard calcium phosphate precipitation method with the pcDNA-3 vector used to express the genes of interest. In vivo association was detected by performing immunoprecipitation (IP) with anti-FHC antibody using 293T lysates transiently expressing HA-Bax and FHC, and subsequently, immunoblotting this IP using anti-HA antibody to detect Bax in the complex. Apoptosis was assessed 24 hours following either transfection in 293T cells or withdrawal of tetracycline in the GM701/tet-Bax cells by determining the percentage of propidium iodide-stained cells with sub-diploid DNA content on a fluorescence-activated cell sorter.
Tolerization of Inflammatory Gene Expression

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent inducer of inflammation. However, in a phenomenon known as LPS tolerance, prolonged exposure to LPS reprograms the host response to subsequent LPS reexposure. Proinflammatory cytokine production is suppressed, while production of antimicrobial genes is increased. In vivo models suggest that LPS tolerance dramatically reduces susceptibility to septic shock, while keeping the capacity for clearance of certain pathogens intact. These observations imply that artificial induction of tolerance may be an attractive means to intervene in the progression of sepsis and other inflammatory diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms that govern the tolerogenic response remain poorly understood, hindering efforts to evaluate LPS tolerance induction as a therapeutic approach. Recent advances indicate that chromatin modifications and microRNA mediators may be particularly important in the tolerogenic response. In this review, we discuss possible mechanisms to account for the phenomenon of LPS tolerance, with particular emphasis on the role of newly identified mediators.
1H and 13C NMR assignments and X‐ray structures for three monocyclic benzoannelated dilactam polyethers

Three monocyclic polyether dilactams, 17,18-dihydro-5H, 9H-dibenzo[e,n]1,4,10,7,13trioxadiazacyclopentadecine-6,10(7H,11H)-dione (1); 9,10,20,21-tetrahydro-5H, 12H-dibenzo[e,q]1,4,10,13,7,16tetraoxadiazacyclooctadecine-6, 13(7H,14H)-dione (2); and 6,7,9,10-tetrahydro-16H, 20H-dibenzo[h,q]1,4,7,13, 10,16tetraoxadiazacyclooctadecine-17, 21(18H,22H)-dione (3) were isolated during the synthesis of several benzoannelated cryptands. The complete assignments of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of 1, 2 and 3 in CDCl3 were made using gCOSY, gHMBC, gHMQC, HMQC, HSQC, and NOESY 1D techniques. The ortho (H2) benzene protons show significant downfield shifts (1.16–1.43 ppm) that are consistent with an exodentate orientation for the amide carbonyl groups. The X-ray crystal structures of 1, 2 and 3 show that the carbonyl groups adopt an exodentate conformation in the solid state. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcription of equine herpesvirus type 1: evidence for classes of transcripts differing in abundance.

Abstract Scatchard analysis of RNA-DNA hybridization saturation kinetics of viral RNA from equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1)-infected cells revealed the synthesis of two classes of RNA's distinguishable by relative molar concentration. A relationship between the time of infection and the concentration of each viral RNA class was detected such that at 1.5–3.5 hr postinfection, a period before the initiation of viral DNA synthesis, the ratio of the major to minor class was observed to be 82.7 to 1. However at 4.5–6.5 hr. a period after the initiation of viral DNA synthesis, this ratio had decreased to 24.0 to 1. indicating that regulation of the synthesis of the major and minor classes was occurring. Summation hybridization analyses using a mixture of RNA's from 3.5 (early RNA) and 6.5 (late RNA) hr postinfection demonstrated that the transcripts present in each class remained relatively constant throughout the infection. These studies show that the transcriptional pattern of the genome of EHV-1 is similar to that of herpes simplex virus type 1.
Examining the Distinct Effects of Emotive Triggers on Public Reactions to International Terrorism

In recent years, a growing body of research has set out to examine the role that emotions play in shaping political attitudes and behaviors regarding terrorism. However, one major issue that is generally overlooked is whether the thematic relevance of emotive triggers leads to differential effects on people's reactions to international terrorism. Specifically, does anger—regardless of its source—tend to drive people towards supporting an aggressive foreign policy option to counter terrorism, or do the thematic underpinnings of anger (i.e., the specific contents that trigger this particular emotion, such as watching a news story about a recent terrorist attack) matter vis-a-vis the policy choice? To address this gap, this study experimentally examines the impact of anger—induced by thematically relevant versus irrelevant emotive triggers—on people's cognitive processing and foreign policy preferences regarding international terrorism. Overall, we find that the induction of anger via thematically relevant e...
Evaluating the Impacts of Agricultural Exports on a Regional Economy

Agricultural exports are important to many regional economies, as is the case for agricultural exports either produced in or shipped through Louisiana. A hybrid (revised and verified) IMPLAN model of the Louisiana economy is used to estimate the direct and indirect impact of agricultural exports. Original model estimates of foreign exports lacked holistic (overall) accuracy. However, other, more general uses of the model were unaffected by this lack of accuracy. While the contributions of agricultural exports to the state economy were substantial, impacts were concentrated in unprocessed products. Increasing the export of processed agricultural products should enhance economic activity.
The flux of barium to the coastal waters of the southeastern USA: the importance of submarine groundwater discharge

Dissolved Ba concentrations in the inner shelf waters of the South Atlantic Bight (SAB) are two- to three-fold enriched in Ba when compared to Atlantic surface water. We determined that river input could account for about 25% of the observed enrichment. However, salty groundwaters are enriched in Ba by as much as an order of magnitude over calculated river water endmembers. The resultant input of Ba to the coastal environment, via enriched groundwater, is the likely source for the observed Ba enrichment on the inner shelf. The flux of Ba from the inner shelf to the ocean is 70 × 103 moles per day. The flux of Ba reaching the inner shelf from salty groundwaters ranges from 25 to 100 × 103 moles of Ba per day. Groundwater input of Ba appears to be much more important than river input for the Southeastern coast of the US.
PERFORMANCE LEVERAGE, AND OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE IN REVERSE LBOs

Previous studies have provided convincing evidence of improvements in the performance of companies that undergo leveraged buyouts (LBOs). This article presents evidence from the authors' recent study of the performance of 90 “reverse LBOs–LBO firms that go public again in an IPO—after they return to public ownership. The aim of the study was to track the performance of reverse LBOs and to reveal any association between operating performance and changes in leverage and equity ownership. Among the principal findings of the study were the following: Despite a substantial decline in leverage ratios and equity ownership by insiders at the time of the IPOs, equity ownership of reverse LBOs remained more concentrated and leverage higher than that of public companies in the same industries. The operating performance of reverse LBOs was significantly better than that of the median firm in their industries in the year prior to and in the year of the IPO. Although there is some evidence of a deterioration in the performance of the reverse-LBO firms, they continue to outperform their industry competitors for at least four full fiscal years after the IPO. Greater reductions in the percentage equity owned by managers and other insiders at the time of the reverse LBO are associated with larger declines in operating performance. The stock price performance of reverse LBOs after going public appears more “rational” than that of other IPOs—that is, there is less initial under pricing and no sign of the negative, longer-term abnormal returns reported by recent studies of IPOs.
Design sensitivity analysis and optimization of non‐linear transient dynamics. Part I—sizing design

SUMMARY A continuum-based sizing design sensitivity analysis (DSA) method is presented for the transient dynamic response of non-linear structural systems with elastic}plastic material and large deformation. The methodology is aimed for applications in non-linear dynamic problems, such as crashworthiness design. The "rst-order variations of the energy forms, load form, and kinematic and structural responses with respect to sizing design variables are derived. To obtain design sensitivities, the direct di!erentiation method and updated Lagrangian formulation are used since they are more appropriate for the path-dependent problems than the adjoint variable method and the total Lagrangian formulation, respectively. The central di!erence method and the "nite element method are used to discretize the temporal and spatial domains, respectively. The Hughes}Liu truss/beam element, Jaumann rate of Cauchy stress, rate of deformation tensor, and Jaumann rate-based incrementally objective stress integration scheme are used to handle the "nite strain and rotation. An elastic}plastic material model with combined isotropic/kinematic hardening rule is employed. A key development is to use the radial return algorithm along with the secant iteration method to enforce the consistency condition that prevents the discontinuity of stress sensitivities at the yield point. Numerical results of sizing DSA using DYNA3D yield very good agreement with the "nite di!erence results. Design optimization is carried out using the design sensitivity information. Copyright ( 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Benefits of Assistive Technology User Groups for Early Childhood Education Professionals

Assistive technology (AT) has the potential to increase developmental skills and provide solutions to challenges, such as behavior, attention, and communication, faced by students identified with disabilities or at risk in early childhood settings. Early childhood education professionals must have AT knowledge and competency to effectively use AT with young children and to include AT in the curriculum. Teachers share responsibility for effectively preparing all young children to develop important readiness and literacy skills enabling them to successfully participate in public school settings. This paper discusses the effectiveness of AT User Groups to prepare teachers to incorporate AT in the early childhood setting. User Group benefits to teachers, (i.e., increased knowledge and skills, effective use of time, collaboration, individualization of training, and onsite support) as well as distracters and strategies for involving “new” teachers are discussed. Reported child outcomes, such as increased attending, behavior, and communication are also presented.
On covariance propagation using matrix continued fractions

The use of matrix continued fractions provides new methods to study the covariance matrix of the discrete Kalman filter. This approach can be used to obtain approximations to the covariance matrix using a reduced number of calculations and computer storage. Sequential bounds can also be calculated from this procedure and the bias resulting from the use of these bounds is determined. This approach has application for very large dimensional systems in which it is not possible, in practice, to store large matrices in computer memory or to perform many matrix computations.
Summit erosion rates deduced from 10Be: Implications for relief production in the central Appalachians

We have measured erosion rates using 10 Be from bare-bedrock surfaces exposed at high elevations at Dolly Sods, West Virginia, a classic Appalachian paleoperiglacial plateau. The mean erosion rate from nine samples is 5.7 m/m.y., signifi cantly lower than previously estimated periglacial erosion rates in this region. Measured bare-bedrock erosion rates likely represent the rate at which the highest portions of this broad upland are being lowered. Fluvial incision rates measured in the region over similar time scales are ≥2 times faster, suggesting relief is increasing in this portion of the Appalachians. This observation of increasing relief is inconsistent with prior work suggesting that the central Appalachian landscape is in dynamic equilibrium or currently decreasing in relief. We hypothesize that late Cenozoic climate change has accelerated fl uvial incision rates, creating a disequilibrium landscape with growing relief with hillslopes undergoing adjustment to increased fl uvial incision rates.
The Triumph of Chauvinistic Nationalisms in Yugoslavia: Bleak Implications for Anthropology

While nineteenth century anthropology often served as handmaid to colonialism, the dominant intellectual trends in the field in the present century, and particularly since the second world war, have largely been antithetical to colonialism and imperialism and hostile to the myths of racial or cultural superiority used to justify them. Although these trends may appear to some to be evidence of the "humanistic" orientation of modern anthropology, the humanism was explicitly grounded in "science." Thus, the founder of modern American anthropology, Franz Boas, was so empirically oriented as to appear atheoretical. Yet Boas' works were always based on and illustrative of the postulates that race, language and culture are not related mechanically, and particularly that "race" or biology does not determine the specific content of either language or culture (Boas 1940). Boas' pronounced opposition to fascism, and his more popularly oriented writings (e.g. Boas 1945) make this theoretical position clear. With this in mind, it can be seen that Boasian historical particularism served to invert the previously dominant relationship of anthropological "science" to imperialism and colonialism. If races and cultures cannot be ranked as inherently superior or inferior, all justifications for colonialism and imperialism disappear except for arguments based on rights derived from conquest, or simply force.
Variable effects of a generalist parasitoid on a biocontrol seed predator and its target weed

Biological control (the importation of enemies from an invader's native range) is often considered our best chance of controlling the most widespread invaders. Ideally, the agent reduces invader abundance to some acceptably low level, and the two coexist at low density with the agent providing continuous control over the long term. But the outcome may be complicated when the agent is attacked by native predators and parasites. We used a spatially explicit, discrete-time, individual-based, coupled plant-seed predator-parasitoid model to estimate the impact of the biocontrol agent Eustenopus villosus (a seed predator) on the invasive, annual weed Centaurea solstitialis, both with and without the generalist parasitoid Pyemotes tritici. We estimated the agent's ability to reduce plant density, spread rate, and population growth rate over 50 years. We used long-term demographic data from two sites in central California, USA, to parameterize the model and assess how populations in different climatic zones might respond differently to the agent and the parasitoid. We found that the biocontrol agent reduced plant density (relative to predictions for an uncontrolled invasion), but its impact on the invader's spread rate was modest and inconsistent. The agent had no long-term impact on population growth rate (k). Parasitism caused a trophic cascade, the strength of which varied between sites. At our coastal site, the parasitoid entirely eliminated the impact of the agent on the plant. At our Central Valley site, even when parasitized, the agent significantly reduced plant density and spread rate over several decades (although to a lesser degree than when it was not parasitized), but not invader k. Surprisingly, we also found that the length of time the invader was allowed to spread across the landscape prior to introducing the agent (5, 25, or 50 years) had little influence over its ability to control the weed in the long term. This is encouraging news for land managers attempting to control invasive plants that have already established widespread, high-density populations. Unfortunately, our results also show that attack by the native generalist parasitoid had a larger influence over how effectively the agent reduced invader performance.
Evaluation of the Brief Problem Checklist: child and caregiver interviews to measure clinical progress

Objective To support ongoing monitoring of child response during treatment, we sought to develop a brief, easily administered, clinically relevant, and psychometrically sound measure. Method We first developed child and caregiver forms of a 12-item Brief Problem Checklist (BPC) interview by applying item response theory and factor analysis to Youth Self-Report (YSR; Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL;Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001) data for a sample of 2,332 youths. These interviews were then administered weekly via telephone to an ethnically diverse clinical sample of 184 boys and girls 7-13 years of age and their caregivers participating in outpatient treatment, to examine psychometric properties and feasibility. Results Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were excellent, and factor analysis yielded 1 internalizing and 1 externalizing factor. Validity tests showed large and significant correlations with corresponding scales on paper-and-pencil administrations of the CBCL and YSR as well as with diagnoses obtained from a structured diagnostic interview. Discriminant validity of the BPC interviews was supported by low correlations with divergent criteria. Longitudinal data for the initial 6 months of treatment demonstrated that the BPC significantly predicted change on related measures of child symptoms. Estimates obtained from random coefficient growth models showed generally higher slope reliabilities for the BPC given weekly relative to the CBCL and YSR given every 3 months. Conclusions Given their combination of brevity and psychometric strength, the child and caregiver BPC interviews appear to be a promising strategy for efficient, ongoing assessment of clinical progress during the course of treatment.
Numerical simulation of nanoparticle transport during plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition

The transport of nanoparticles is simulated under conditions of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. A fluid model solves the spatial and periodic variation in plasma properties and a Monte Carlo method is applied to simulate momentum and charge transfer collisions between nanoparticles and surrounding plasma species. Electrostatic trapping and particle deposition are observed and simulation results reveal the motion of individual nanoparticles.
Synthetic gecko foot-hair micro/nano-structures for future wall-climbing robots

This paper proposes techniques to fabricate synthetic gecko foot-hairs for future wall-climbing robots, and models for understanding the synthetic hair design issues. Two nanomolding fabrication techniques are proposed: the first method uses nanoprobe indented flat wax surface and the second one uses a nano-pore membrane as a template. These templates are molded with silicone rubber, polyimide, etc. type of polymer under vacuum. Next, design parameters such as length, diameter, stiffness, density, and orientation of hairs are determined for non matting and rough surface adaptability. Preliminary nano-hair prototypes showed adhesion close to the predicted values for natural specimens.
Baclofen Neurotoxicity in Uremic Patients: Is Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Less Effective Than Intermittent Hemodialysis?

Objectives. To compare the efficacy between continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and intermittent hemodialysis in the treatment of baclofenassociated neurotoxicity. Methods. Three uremic patients suffering baclofenassociated neurotoxicity were treated by CAPD at our hospital. We obtain 12 cases with detailed clinical course of baclofen-associated neurotoxicity treated by hemodialysis from a literature review using the Medline and Science Citation Index, six of these patients were treated by early hemodialysis which was defined as hemodialysis intervention within 48 h of the onset of clinical toxicity. Results. Our cases regain full consciousness within 2–3 days after the onset of neurotoxicity. Clinical characteristics of our cases including age, dialysis time, preexisting central nervous system (CNS) lesion, concomitant use of CNS depressant, total baclofen dose, onset of neurotoxicity, and duration of neurotoxicity are not significantly different from reported cases that treated by either
On the “rigorous proof of fuzzy error propagation with matrix-based LCI”

Purpose This short note re-examines the proof of fuzzy error propagation with matrix-based LCI in Heijungs and Tan (Int J Life Cycle Assess 15:1014–1019, 2010) paper (referred to as HT hereafter), published in this journal. We provide counter examples to the claims made therein, point out the key error in their proof and identify correct sufficient conditions under which the largest (smallest) values of the given α-cuts of fuzzy numbers in the technology matrix yield the smallest (largest) scaling factors.
Description of Schistocerca cohni n. sp. and redescription of S. socorro (Dirsh) (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Cyrtacanthacridinae) from Mexico

Schistocerca cohni n. sp. is described from central Mexico and a Socorro Island endemic species, S. socorro, is redescribed with status change and justified emendation. Male external and internal genitalia are described and illustrated. Biology of the endemic species briefly described.
CONSTRUCTION OF ONE GLUON AND ONE PION EXCHANGE FORCES IN THE CHIRAL BAG

Abstract In the framework of a spherical chiral bag model we use the one-gluon exchange mechanism (inside) and the one-pion exchange (on the surface) to derive an interaction between quarks. In order to apply the force together with two-component (Pauli-spinor) wave functions, which considerably facilitates the elimination of center-of-mass motion, two approximately unitary transformations are performed. The salient features of the derived force are that the relativistic nature is maintained and that quark and gluon confinement is made explicit by force terms originating from the bag boundary conditions.
Study on Machining Single-Crystal Nickel by Molecular Dynamics Simulation

In this paper, molecular dynamics (MD) model is explored to study single-crystal nickel micro-nanomachining mechanism. Accordingly, LAMMPS would implement the simulation of nanometric cutting process, and snapshots at different steps are obtained by VMD and OVITO. On this basis, a reasonable explanation is given to the forming mechanism of chip and surface machined in the machining process of single-crystal nickel. The result of work-piece temperature distribution shows that there is a temperature gradient around the machining zone, where chip part achieved the highest temperature. Moreover, a large number of dislocations are observed. Part of dislocation atoms move forward and generate the chips, taking a lot of heat. Another part of dislocation atoms combine with the work-piece surface atoms with elastic recovery, and form the machined surface.
Allosteric Mechanisms of Molecular Machines at the Membrane: Transport by Sodium-Coupled Symporters

Solute transport across cell membranes is ubiquitous in biology as an essential physiological process. Secondary active transporters couple the unfavorable process of solute transport against its concentration gradient to the energetically favorable transport of one or several ions. The study of such transporters over several decades indicates that their function involves complex allosteric mechanisms that are progressively being revealed in atomistic detail. We focus on two well-characterized sodium-coupled symporters: the bacterial amino acid transporter LeuT, which is the prototype for the “gated pore” mechanism in the mammalian synaptic monoamine transporters, and the archaeal GltPh, which is the prototype for the “elevator” mechanism in the mammalian excitatory amino acid transporters. We present the evidence for the role of allostery in the context of a quantitative formalism that can reconcile biochemical and biophysical data and thereby connects directly to recent insights into the molecular struc...
Explicit formulations for sensitivity analysis of structural systems

This paper, based on the author's previous works, brings to light a useful property of finitedimensional structural systems ( skeletal structures and finite element systems in solid continuum ), being stated as the Gradient Orthogonality Theorem of basic displacements. Further, from this theorem, a set of explicit formulations will be derived for the static design sensitivities of displacements, internal forces, stresses and even the inverse of the global stiffness matrix of the system. These formulations are expressed in terms of the so-called basic displacements which are the key quantities in the theory and method of structural variations established in the author's previous works. Thus, the sensitivity calculations can be done readily by invoking them provided that the structural variation method ( SVM ) is taken as the analysis tool to get the basic displacements. The advantage is obvious since SVM eliminates the need of assembling and solving simultaneous equations as required by the commonly used methods.
Thyroid and parathyroid gland pathology: Role of imaging

There are many imaging modalities available for studying thyroid and parathyroid masses. For the thyroid gland, the demonstration of a hyperfunctioning or purely cystic mass by scintigraphy and ultrasound reassures that a palpable nodule is not cancer. Solitary, cold, or solid nodules often requires biopsy because of suspicion of malignancy. Metabolic and inflammatory disorders are imaged best with nuclear medicine studies whereas congenital thyroid lesions are evaluated best with computed tomography or MR imaging. In the search for a parathyroid adenoma, MR imaging and technetium-99m sestamibi studies appear to be most accurate, but because of its low cost, ultrasound has a favorable role. In previously operated patients with persistent hyperparathyroidism, MR imaging is probably most useful, but multiple imaging studies may be needed for definitive localization of adenomas.
Aggregate Tail Risk, Economic Disasters, and the Cross-Section of Expected Returns

The aggregate tail risk measure constructed in Kelly and Jiang (2014) has no additional explanatory power when added to a standard model of the unconditional crosssection of expected returns. In conditional predictive regression systems and vectorautoregressions of the market portfolio and the long- and short-sides of the SMB and HML portfolios, the tail measure appears to forecast expected returns ‐ and not cash flows ‐ on both small and large stocks and on growth stocks. This is inconsistent with a rare disaster model of asset prices which should operate primarily through a cash flow channel. The tail measure appears to be related to decades long movements in expected returns which may be more consistent with a long-run risks model.
Disasters, Development, and Resilience: Exploring the Need for Comprehensive Vulnerability Management

This chapter recognizes that disasters are rising in frequency and intensity, and explores the importance of policies that promote improved disaster management. It first seeks to understand disasters and development, paying special attention to the unique nature of this complex relationship. The chapter then describes the need for a progressive approach to dealing with disasters that are socially constructed. In particular, the chapter suggests that all types of vulnerabilities must be reduced while simultaneously enhancing a broad range of emergency management capabilities. The chapter concludes with theoretical implications and practical recommendations.
Implementing Integrated Care in Pediatric Mental Health: Principles, Current Models, and Future Directions

Traditional models of health care delivery are inadequate for addressing all the needs of the child and adolescent population that has mental illness. The integrated care model seeks to partner pediatric mental health specialists with primary providers to better meet these needs. The authors outline the core principles guiding integrated care for youths and describe key characteristics of the team members involved. Three models of integrated care have emerged and have proven effective. Several representative programs are described, and the advantages and disadvantages of each are reviewed. The review concludes by identifying the challenges that have prevented wider dissemination of the integrated care model and by exploring potential future directions for the field.
Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 Levels in Relation to Systemic Immune Activation and Subclinical Coronary Plaque in HIV.

Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is known to mediate homeostasis of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), but it may also participate in immune reactivity and atherogenesis. Methods We compared circulating PCSK9 levels among asymptomatic individuals with and without HIV. Further, within each group, we assessed the relationship between PCSK9 levels, traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, immune activation, and subclinical coronary atherosclerotic plaque. Results PCSK9 levels were higher among HIV-infected (n = 149) vs matched non-HIV-infected subjects (n = 69; 332 [272, 412] ng/mL vs 304 [257, 375] ng/mL; P = .047). Among HIV-infected subjects, significant albeit modest positive associations were noted between PCSK9 levels and markers of systemic monocyte activation including sCD14 (rho = 0.22; P = .009) and sCD163 (rho = 0.23; P = .006). In this group, PCSK9 levels related weakly to LDL-c (rho = 0.16; P = .05) and also to Framingham Point Score but did not relate to subclinical coronary atherosclerotic plaque parameters. Conclusions Among HIV-infected individuals, circulating PCSK9 levels are elevated and related to systemic markers of monocyte activation but not to coronary plaque parameters. Additional studies are needed to determine the effects of PCSK9 on immune activation and atherogenesis in HIV and to assess whether PCSK9 inhibition reduces immune activation and coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden. Clinical trial registration NCT00455793.
Integrated Element Cycling

Element cycling is a simple concept that describes a vast and complex set of interacting processes that govern the distribution and movement of elements in the biosphere. For any given nutrient or element, it is possible to describe pools where the element is stored or accumulated and fluxes or transfers of the element between storage compartments or pools. Element pools include living biomass, geologic substrates, soil organic matter, and the soil exchange complex. Element fluxes include transfers in leaf litter, canopy leaching, soil leaching, stream export, and atmospheric deposition. This chapter integrates processes from previous chapters to examine system-level cycling of nutrients and other elements at scales ranging from local forest stands to regional drainage basins, and includes a final section on global-scale cycling. Examples from a range of studies illustrate the different ways in which elements accumulate and cycle under varying environmental conditions.
Abstract 164: The Michigan Stroke Transitions Trial: Assessment of Unmet Needs and Case Management Activities from an In-home Patient-Centered Social Work Case Management Program

Background: Inadequate stroke transitions adversely affect survivors, caregivers and families, contributing to hospital readmissions, recurrent stroke, and poor quality of life. Unfortunately few e...
Effect of Positioning of the ROI on BMD of the Forearm and Its Subregions.

Abstract Inconsistent positioning of patients and region of interest (ROI) is known to influence the precision of bone mineral density (BMD) measurements in the spine and hip. However, it is unknown whether minor shifts in the positioning of the ROI along the shaft of the radius affect the measurement of forearm BMD and its subregions. The ultradistal (UD-), mid-, one-third, and total radius BMDs of 50 consecutive clinical densitometry patients were acquired. At baseline the distal end of the ROI was placed at the tip of the ulnar styloid as usual, and then the forearm was reanalyzed 10 more times, each time shifting the ROI 1 mm proximally. No corrections for multiple comparisons were necessary since the differences that were significant were significant at p p
The effect of housing supply regulation on housing affordability: A review

•Housing supply regulations raise average house prices and rents.•Effects on housing affordability are not well understood.•We need further research on the effects on the distributions of prices and rents.•Also need more research on effects on household sorting across locations.