cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetic reconnection in the heliosphere: new insights from observations in the solar wind

Magnetic reconnection plays a central role in the interpretation of a wide variety of observed solar, space, astrophysical, and laboratory plasma phenomena. The relatively recent discovery that reconnection is common at thin current sheets in the solar wind opens up a new laboratory for studying this fundamental plasma process and its after-effects. Here we provide a brief overview of some of the new insights on reconnection derived from observations of reconnection exhaust jets in the solar wind.
Efficient CW color center laser operation in the 1.7 to 2.2 μm range based on F+ 2 -like centers in KCl: Na+:O- 2 crystals

Abstract A new color center laser is described which is based on F + 2 -like centers in additively colored KCl:Na + :O - 2 crystals. Pumped by the 1.32/1.34 μm lines of a Nd 3+ :YAG laser, cw laser operation has been obtained with a wide tuning range from ≈ 1.71 to 2.15 μm. At 3W pump power the laser output power is ≈270 mW at 1.9 μm in the peak of the tuning curve. In order to maintain nonfading laser operation at 77 K the crystal has to be irradiated with auxilliary F band light.
Optimal design and augmentation of strongly attack-tolerant two-hop clusters in directed networks

We consider the problems of minimum-cost design and augmentation of directed network clusters that have diameter 2 and maintain the same diameter after the deletion of up to R elements (nodes or arcs) anywhere in the cluster. The property of a network to maintain not only the overall connectivity, but also the same diameter after the deletion of multiple nodes/arcs is referred to as strong attack tolerance. This paper presents the proof of NP-completeness of the decision version of the problem, derives tight theoretical bounds, as well as develops a heuristic algorithm for the considered problems, which are extremely challenging to solve to optimality even for small networks. Computational experiments suggest that the proposed heuristic algorithm does identify high-quality near-optimal solutions; moreover, in the special case of undirected networks with identical arc construction costs, the algorithm provably produces an exact optimal solution to strongly attack-tolerant two-hop network design problem, regardless of the network size.
Soil development along an elevational transect in the western Sierra Nevada, California

Soil development along an elevational transect on the western slopes of the the central Sierra Nevada was investigated to assess the effects of climate on soil properties and processes. The transect of seven soils formed in granitic residuum spans elevations from 198 to 2865 m with mean annual temperature and precipitation differences of 13°C (3.9–16.7) and 94 cm (33–127), respectively. Soil pH decreased by about two units and base saturation decreased from 90 to 10% with increasing elevation. Concentrations of organic C in the solum increased with elevation, with the largest single increase occurring between the oak woodland (5–6 kg C/m2) and mixed-conifer sites (10–15 kg C/m2). Clay mineralogy showed a general trend of desilication and hydroxy-Al interlayering of 2:1 layer silicates with increasing elevation. The degree of chemical weathering, based on clay and secondary Fe oxide concentration in the solum, showed a maximum (clay = 536 kg/m2 and Fe oxides = 24 kg/m2) at mid-elevations having intermediate levels of precipitation and temperature. While some soil properties show a continuous progression (e.g., organic carbon, base saturation, clay mineralogy) with elevation, other properties (e.g., pH, soil color, clay and secondary Fe oxide concentrations) show a pronounced change (threshold-type step over a short distance at about 1600 m. The explanation for the abrupt nature of this shift is not known; however, it coincides with the approximate elevation of the present-day average effective winter snow-line.
Advances in Flea Control

The cat flea is one of the most important ectoparasites of dogs and cats. Many natural and synthetic compounds are used for flea control. Great advances in our knowledge of the flea biology and the discovery of effective and safer compounds have facilitated flea control. The purpose of this article is to discuss the general principles. necessary to design an effective flea control program and to discuss the flea products that are currently on the market, including their mechanisms of actions, efficacy, advantages, disadvantages, and safety.
Clinical correlation of toxin and common antigen enzyme immunoassay testing in patients with Clostridium difficile disease

Clinical correlation of toxin and common antigen enzyme immunoassay testing in patients with Clostridium difficile disease
Association of interpersonal violence with self-reported history of head injury.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in interpersonal violence among individuals who reported a head injury compared with those who did not report a head injury. METHODS: We used data from an 8-year longitudinal study of youth selected by their grade point average to study those at-risk for high school dropout in 4 public high schools in a Midwestern city (N = 850). Participants were followed up from mid-adolescence to the transition into young adulthood. One-way analyses of variance were used to test for differences in levels of interpersonal violence, and repeated measures multivariate analyses of variance were used to assess differences in levels of violence over time among participants based on reports of head injury. A series of multivariate regression analyses examined whether head injury was associated with subsequent violent behavior. RESULTS: Participants who had ever experienced a head injury before young adulthood reported more interpersonal violence in young adulthood than participants who had never had a head injury. In multivariate analyses, respondents who had a head injury in the past year reported more subsequent interpersonal violence than respondents who had not had a head injury. CONCLUSION: Our findings support other studies that link history of head injury to later interpersonal violence. Language: en
Electron-transfer reactions of the reductase component of soluble methane monooxygenase from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath).

Soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) catalyzes the hydroxylation of methane by dioxygen to afford methanol and water, the first step of carbon assimilation in methanotrophic bacteria. This enzyme comprises three protein components: a hydroxylase (MMOH) that contains a dinuclear nonheme iron active site; a reductase (MMOR) that facilitates electron transfer from NADH to the diiron site of MMOH; and a coupling protein (MMOB). MMOR uses a noncovalently bound FAD cofactor and a [2Fe−2S] cluster to mediate electron transfer. The gene encoding MMOR was cloned from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) and expressed in Escherichia coli in high yield. Purified recombinant MMOR was indistinguishable from the native protein in all aspects examined, including activity, mass, cofactor content, and EPR spectrum of the [2Fe−2S] cluster. Redox potentials for the FAD and [2Fe−2S] cofactors, determined by reductive titrations in the presence of indicator dyes, are FADox/sq, −176 ± 7 mV; FADsq/hq, −266 ± 15 mV; and [2Fe−2S]ox/r...
Carbon nanotubes and other fullerenes produced from tire powder injected into an electric arc

A novel method of growing multiwall carbon nanotubes by injecting tire powder into an electric arc has been developed. The process is optimized using a DC electric arc in pressurized helium. The multiwall carbon nanotube product and the optimization process are characterized by transmission electron microscopy.
Studies on the carbohydrate moiety of vitellogenin from the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

Abstract Vitellogenin can be isolated in large quantities from the hemolymph of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta by a combination of KBr density gradient ultracentrifugation, gel permeation and cation exchange chromatography. Glycopeptides generated by exhaustive pronase digestion of vitellogenin were separated by gel permeation chromatography on a Bio-Gel P-6 column. The major glycopeptide was shown to bind to concanavalin A-Sepharose but not to lentil lectin-Sepharose and was sensitive to treatment with endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase H. Analysis of the glycopeptide by high field proton NMR spectroscopy revealed that the primary structure is of the high mannose class containing nine mannose and two N-acetylglucosamine units. These results suggested that N-glycosylation of insect proteins, as in mammals, yeasts and plants, involves the en bloc transfer of an oligosaccharide containing the unit (Glu)3(Man)9(GlcNAc)2 from a lipid intermediate to an asparagine residue followed by removal of glucose residues. Processing to more complex structures does not seem to occur in M. sexta vitellogenin. In vitro uptake with isolated M. sexta follicles showed that deglycosylation had no significant effect on uptake of 125I-labeled vitellogenin.
Recurrent croup presentation, diagnosis, and management.

Abstract Purpose The lack of clinical insight into recurrent croup often leads to underdiagnosis of an upper airway lesion, and subsequently, inadequate treatment. This study examined the underlying etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical outcome of patients with a history of recurrent croup identified at initial presentation. The aim was to present common diagnostic features and suggest new diagnostic and management recommendations. Materials and methods A retrospective chart review of 17 children diagnosed with recurrent croup. Demographic, historical, and intraoperative data as noted in clinic charts were collected. Specific collected data included age, sex, chief complaint, presenting symptoms, past medical history, previous medication history, number of emergency room visits and inpatient admissions, tests/procedures performed and corresponding findings, current treatment given, and posttreatment clinical outcome. Results Six (35.3%) patients presented initially with a past medical history of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Fourteen (82.3%) patients had positive endoscopic evidence of gastroesophageal reflux. For these 14 patients, 44 laryngopharyngeal reflux lesions were noted, with 32 (72.7%) occurring in the subglottis. All 14 patients demonstrated various degrees of subglottic stenosis ranging from 30% to 70% (Cotton-Myer grade I-II). All 17 patients (100%) demonstrated subglottic stenosis ranging from 15% to 70% airway narrowing. Conclusions History suggestive of recurrent croup requires close monitoring and expedient direct laryngoscopy/bronchoscopy for diagnosis. Long-term follow-up and antireflux treatment are necessary as well as endoscopic documentation of significant reflux resolution.
Electric vehicles in volatile power system operations

The large utilization of electric vehicles (EVs) could affect the hourly operation of electric power systems. EVs are represented as mobile storage facilities and distributed loads in power systems [1].
The impact of war on the mental health of children: A Salvadoran study

Abstract Objective: This ecologically conceptualized, intensive study assesses the mental health impact of the Salvadoran Civil War on 54 12-year-olds, born into the war, exposed to different levels of war violence. Methods: Half of the students came from a repopulated country village and half from an industrial neighborhood near the capital city. Children, their mothers or caretakers, and their teachers responded to interviews and some instruments. Results: Children from the repopulated village reported higher war experience and lower mental health. The personal/social impact of the war was more important than family togetherness or war intensity in determining the mental health of the children. Children's intelligence was highly related to surviving with higher mental health. Higher socioeconomic status (SES) and education of parents was related to better mental health. Controlling for intelligence, children who experienced the highest personal-social impact of war showed the poorest mental health. Children with high war experience were most likely to have difficulty in imagining the future. Conclusions: Intelligence and the foreshortening of future vision are variables that should be controlled for and investigated in outcome studies of trauma. Treatment for survivors should include aid in planning for the future.
Transesophageal echocardiography diagnosis of intramural hematoma of the ascending aorta: A word of caution.

Abstract The diagnosis of intramural hematoma by echocardiography classically requires the presence of an echolucent, crescentic region in the wall of the aorta. Recently we have encountered 2 patients in whom intramural hematoma was characterized only by thickening of the aortic wall, which was circumferential in one patient, thus making the diagnosis difficult to distinguish from common atherosclerotic thickening of the aorta. In one case, computed tomography showed more clearly the abnormal tissue signature of the intramural blood. In summary, absence of an echolucent zone does not exclude the diagnosis of intramural hematoma. Alternative imaging procedures such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging may enhance the diagnostic accuracy. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 1999;12:866-70.)
A numerical solution based parameter estimation method for flash thermal diffusivity measurements

Abstract A data reduction method based on numerical solutions of the heat conduction equation has been developed for obtaining thermal diffusivity values from thermal flash measurements. Using the new method, the computed evolution in temperature is fitted to the measured temperature evolution instead of using the t1/2 point alone, as is done in many other analyzes. The numerical solutions used are based on the finite-difference technique applied to the heat conduction equation including all the boundary conditions. A nonlinear least-squares regression technique is used to estimate simultaneously the thermal diffusivity, the heat transfer coefficient and the absorbed energy. Also, the effect of a finite pulse-width can be corrected without knowing the exact shape of the heat pulse.
Automation of a Brazing Process with an Intel 8008 Microprocessor

A production brazing machine was adapted for automatic control by an Intel 8008 microprocessor. Previously, the process was run open loop with no control whatsoever, and quality assurance suffered from poor repeatability. A noncontact temperature sensor provides feedback information to the microprocessor which manipulates the process via a stepping motor. The stepping motor regulates the power applied to an induction heating coil. The microprocessor exhibited excellent noise immunity and reliability. System flexibility was considerably enhanced by virtue of the programmability of the processor. Several major redirections of the project were made during development without affecting the microprocessor hardware.
Phase transition in a traffic model with passing

We investigate a traffic model in which cars either move freely with quenched intrinsic velocities or belong to clusters formed behind slower cars. In each cluster, the next-to-leading car is allowed to pass and resume free motion. The model undergoes a phase transition from a disordered phase for the high passing rate to a jammed phase for the low rate. In the disordered phase, the cluster size distribution decays exponentially in the large size limit. In the jammed phase, the distribution of finite clusters is independent on the passing rate, but it accounts only for a fraction of all cars; the ``excessive'' cars form an infinite cluster moving with the smallest velocity. Mean-field equations, describing the model in the framework of Maxwell approximation, correctly predict the existence of phase transition and adequately describe the disordered phase; properties of the jammed phase are studied numerically.
Community Integration and Well‐Being: Toward the Goals of Community Care

This study examined the effects of social competence, social support, and their interaction in predicting the community integration and well-being of young chronically disabled, mentally ill adults. The 159 participants, all between the ages of 18 and 45, were residents of New York City's supervised and supportive community residences, and single room occupancy hotels with mental health services. Significant positive relationships were found between social competence and community integration, emotional support and well-being, and community integration and well-being. The interaction of emotional support and community integration was significant in its prediction of well-being. The interaction of social competence and community integration was significant in predicting well-being when emotional support was held constant. Implications for housing, research, and policy for community care are discussed.
Composition of the amino acid pools of some cestodes of Elasmobranch fishes of the Woods Hole area.

Abstract Ninhydrin-positive pool components of the cestodes Lacistorhynchus tenuis and Calliobothrium verticillatum from the smoothhound shark (Mustelus canis) and Phyllobothrium foliatum, Rhodobothrium pulvinatum, and Acanthobothrium sp. from the northern sting ray (Dasyatis centroura) were extracted and quantitatively determined. Total pool concentrations of the different species ranged from 46.05 to 112.06 μmoles norleucine equivalents per gram wet tissue. These quantities were distributed among 26 identified compounds and at least three unidentified constituents of relatively low concentration. All species examined were particularly rich in taurine and glycine (respectively, 6.73–10.39 and 5.50–9.78 μmoles norleucine equivalents per gram wet tissue), both of which are known to be particularly abundant in certain free-living marine invertebrates.
A germline-competent embryonic stem cell line from NOD.Cg-Prkdc ( scid ) Il2rg ( tm1Wjl )/SzJ (NSG) mice.

The NOD.Cg-PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ mouse strain, commonly known as NSG (for NOD SCID Gamma) is severely immunodeficient and thus is an excellent recipient for xenografts, and in particular for engrafting human tumor cells and human hematopoietic stem cells. In the latter case, these cells give rise to many human hematopoetic lineages in their NSG hosts, resulting in recapitulation of many of the features of a human immune system. However, the immune system of these “humanized mice” (huMice) is not completely functional, in part because of a lack of expression of necessary human cytokines and HLA molecules by NSG host tissues. In order to facilitate the genetic modification of this strain in order to improve the huMouse model, we have created germline competent ES cells of this strain in which such modifications can be carried out.
An analysis of US fertility centre educational materials suggests that informed consent for preimplantation genetic diagnosis may be inadequate

The use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has expanded both in number and scope over the past 2 decades. Initially carried out to avoid the birth of children with severe genetic disease, PGD is now used for a variety of medical and non-medical purposes. While some human studies have concluded that PGD is safe, animal studies and a recent human study suggest that the embryo biopsy procedure may result in neurological problems for the offspring. Given that the long-term safety of PGD has not been clearly established in humans, this study sought to determine how PGD safety is presented to prospective patients by means of a detailed website analysis. The websites of 262 US fertility centres performing PGD were analysed and comments about safety and risk were catalogued. Results of the analysis demonstrated that 78.2% of centre websites did not mention safety or risk of PGD at all. Of the 21.8% of centres that did contain safety or risk information about PGD, 28.1% included statements highlighting the potential risks, 38.6% presented information touting the procedure as safe and 33.3% included statements highlighting potential risks and the overall safety of the procedure. Thus, 86.6% of PGD-performing centres state that PGD is safe and/or fail to disclose any risks on their websites despite the fact that the impact of the procedure on the long-term health of offspring is unproven. This lack of disclosure suggests that informed consent is inadequate; this study examines numerous factors that are likely to inhibit comprehensive discussions of safety.
Calcium-induced Human Keratinocyte Differentiation Requires src- and fyn-mediated Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase–dependent Activation of Phospholipase C-γ1

We have previously demonstrated that phospholipase C (PLC)-gamma1 is required for calcium-induced human keratinocyte differentiation. In the present study, we investigated whether the activation of PLC-gamma1 by nonreceptor kinases such as src and fyn plays a role in mediating this process. Our results showed that the combination of dominant negative src and fyn blocked calcium-stimulated PLC-gamma1 activity and human keratinocyte differentiation, whereas each separately has little effect. However, unlike the activation of PLC-gamma1 by epidermal growth factor, calcium-induced activation of PLC-gamma1 was not a result of direct tyrosine phosphorylation. Therefore, we examined an alternative mechanism, in particular phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3) formed as a product of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity. PIP3 binds to and activates PLC-gamma1. The combination of dominant negative src and fyn blocked calcium-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the regulatory subunit of PI3K, p85alpha, and the activity of the catalytic subunit of PI3K. PI3K inhibitors blocked calcium activation of PLC-gamma1 as well as the induction of keratinocyte differentiation markers involucrin and transglutaminase. These data indicate that calcium activates PLC-gamma1 via increased PIP3 formation mediated by c-src- and fyn-activated PI3K. This activation is required for calcium-induced human keratinocyte differentiation.
Phylogenies and Community Ecology

▪ Abstract As better phylogenetic hypotheses become available for many groups of organisms, studies in community ecology can be informed by knowledge of the evolutionary relationships among coexisting species. We note three primary approaches to integrating phylogenetic information into studies of community organization: 1. examining the phylogenetic structure of community assemblages, 2. exploring the phylogenetic basis of community niche structure, and 3. adding a community context to studies of trait evolution and biogeography. We recognize a common pattern of phylogenetic conservatism in ecological character and highlight the challenges of using phylogenies of partial lineages. We also review phylogenetic approaches to three emergent properties of communities: species diversity, relative abundance distributions, and range sizes. Methodological advances in phylogenetic supertree construction, character reconstruction, null models for community assembly and character evolution, and metrics of community ...
The senior research project at Stetson University

Stetson University is Florida’s first private university, classified as a Masters Comprehensive School with a School of Business Administration, College of Law, School of Music, and College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences requires every to student complete an in-depth piece of individual scholarship in their last year, the senior project. Learning outcomes and format are determined at the departmental level, so projects in the humanities typically differ from those in the natural sciences. Because it is a multidisciplinary program, Environmental Science projects represent the range of diversity encountered in the College of Arts and Sciences with its Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences degrees. Environmental Science senior research projects unfold through two courses over the academic year. The sequence includes a research proposal, data collection and analysis, a report of findings, and public presentations, all of which are subject to peer review by classmates and evaluation by the instructor. Output from the course has led to several collaborative, peer-reviewed publications. Challenges of this pedagogy are motivating students to create knowledge of their own and timing research to coincide with the academic calendar.
Electron-beam patterning of biological molecules

We used a focused electron beam to crosslink hydroxyl- and amineterminated poly(ethylene glycol) to create nanosized hydrogels and thus present a new method to bring the attractive biocompatibility associated with macroscopic hydrogels into the submicron length-scale regime. Using poly(ethylene glycol) thin films on silicon and glass substrates, we generate nanohydrogels with lateral dimensions of order 200 nm which can swell by a factor of at least five, and high-density arrays of such nanohydrogels can be flexibly patterned onto silicon or glass surfaces. Significantly, the amine groups remain functional after e-beam exposure, and we show that they can be used to covalently bind proteins and other molecules. We use bovine serum albumin to amplify the number of amine groups, and we further demonstrate that different proteins can be covalently bound to different hydro gel pads on the same substrate to create multifunctional surfaces. This approach opens a new means for patterning of proteins and other biological molecules on surfaces and may be useful for controlling surface bioactivity in emerging bio/proteomic and sensor technologies.
M&A in Greater China

Many articles have discussed M&A activity in the United States and Europe. But what has been happening in one of the world's biggest potential markets—Greater China? © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insulin and epidermal growth factor influence guanine nucleotide-releasing factor by distinct mechanisms

Both insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) significantly increased the activation of p21Ras in Rat-1 fibroblasts transfected with human insulin receptors. As both growth factors have been shown to stimulate guanine nucleotide exchange on p21Ras in permeabilized cells, we examined their effects on total cellular guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) activity in a direct assay, using the rate of dissociation of [3H]GDP from p21Ras as a measure of GEF activity. Insulin increased GEF activity in a time-dependent manner, whereas EGF had no effect on GEF activity at any time point studied. To assess whether EGF stimulates guanine nucleotide exchange by recruiting Grb-2-Sos complexes to the plasma membrane, we measured GEF activity in both the cytosol and the plasma membrane fractions of the insulin- and EGF-treated cells. Insulin increased GEF activity in both fractions (48 +/- 12% [3H]GDP released vs. 24 +/- 6% in control plasma membranes, and 65 +/- 13% vs. 13 +/- 4% in control cytosolic fractions), wh...
Performance of Video-Chat Applications under Congestion

We study the performance of four popular IM clients focusing our attention on video-chat. In particular, we analyze how Skype, Windows Live Messenger, Eyebeam and X-Lite react to changes in available bandwidth, presence of HTTP and bit-torrent traffic and random packet losses.
How I treat heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a prothrombotic adverse drug effect induced by platelet-activating antibodies against multimolecular complexes of platelet factor 4 and heparin. Diagnosis rests on a clinical assessment of disease probability and laboratory testing. Management involves immediate discontinuation of heparin and initiation of an alternative anticoagulant. Because of the frequency of thrombocytopenia among heparinized patients, the limited specificity of widely available immunoassays, the limited availability of more specific functional assays, and clinicians' fears of missing a case of true disease, overtesting, overdiagnosis, and overtreatment have become common. As a result, a substantial number of thrombocytopenic patients are unnecessarily exposed to costly alternative anticoagulants and their attendant risk of bleeding. In this review, we describe not only our approach to the evaluation and management of patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, but also the measures we use to minimize misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment of patients without the disease. In addition, we propose areas of investigation for improvement of the diagnosis and management of this potentially fatal disorder.
Experimental Evaluation of Iris Recognition

Iris is an important biometric method with high reported accuracy. However, current iris recognition systems require substantial user cooperation in the image acquisition. Relatively little is known about how iris recognition might perform with less stringent control of image quality. We have re-implemented a Daugman-like iris matchingmethod, and evaluated its performance on an image dataset of over 12,000 images from over 300 persons, with iris images of different qualities. We find an overall rank-one recognition rate using of 89.64%. Poor quality images account for most of the instances of incorrect recognition. Inaccurate segmentation is also a key problem. These results show that greater flexibility in use of iris recognition will require further work on handling images of non-ideal quality. We also explore the use of multiple images for representing a person.
Requirements development, verification, and validation exhibited in famous failures

Requirements Development, Requirements Verification, Requirements Validation, System Verification, and System Validation are important systems engineering tasks. This paper describes these tasks and then discusses famous systems where these tasks were done correctly and incorrectly. This paper shows examples of the differences between developing requirements, verifying requirements, validating requirements, verifying a system, and validating a system. Understanding these differences may help increase the probability of success of future system designs. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 8: 1–14, 2005
Improving the Connectivity of Heterogeneous Multi-Hop Wireless Networks

Heterogeneous conditions can occur in multi-hop wireless networks due to a variety of factors such as variations in transmission power and signal propagation environments. Directed links can occur when the environment and/or the nodes are heterogeneous. In this paper, we examine the network connectivity for heterogeneous multi-hop wireless networks and propose an algorithm to identify the connectivity of the network. We follow this with a numerical study of the connectivity in random topologies. Lastly, we propose two schemes for constructing additional links to enhance the connectivity of the network. Our proposed schemes identify the links to be improved or created via a cluster based approach.
Temporal Patterns in Capture Rate and Sex Ratio of Forest Bats in Arkansas

Abstract We quantified changes in capture rates and sex ratios from May to Sept. for eight species of bats, derived from 8 y of extensive mist netting in forests of the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas. Our primary goal was to determine patterns of relative abundance for each species of bat captured over forest streams and to determine if these patterns were similar to patterns of abundance found in other types of studies, including studies of bat mortality at wind turbines. We also wanted to discern regional patterns in sex ratios that have implications for seasonal distributions and migration. Capture rates for eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) were up to 25 times greater in Aug. and Sept. than in spring or early summer. Although not significant (P = 0.063), capture rates of hoary bats (L. cinereus) peaked in both late spring and late summer. Silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) were abundant in late spring and late summer but were absent during mid summer, suggesting they migrated from the a...
Operative Treatment of Nonunion Following Distal Fibula and Medial Malleolar Ankle Fractures

Background:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes following operative treatment of nonunited rotational distal fibula and medial malleolar ankle fractures.Methods:Seventeen patients...
Contraception and abortion coverage: what do primary care physicians think?

Abstract Background Insurance coverage for family planning services has been a highly controversial element of the US health care reform debate. Whether primary care providers (PCPs) support public and private health insurance coverage for family planning services is unknown. Study Design PCPs in three states were surveyed regarding their opinions on health plan coverage and tax dollar use for contraception and abortion services. Results Almost all PCPs supported health plan coverage for contraception (96%) and use of tax dollars to cover contraception for low-income women (94%). A smaller majority supported health plan coverage for abortions (61%) and use of tax dollars to cover abortions for low-income women (63%). In adjusted models, support of health plan coverage for abortions was associated with female gender and internal medicine specialty, and support of using tax dollars for abortions for low-income women was associated with older age and internal medicine specialty. Conclusion The majority of PCPs support health insurance coverage of contraception and abortion, as well as tax dollar subsidization of contraception and abortion services for low-income women.
Dielectric property measurement of nonlinear grading materials

Programs are being developed which can solve the electric field distribution in systems which include nonlinear dielectric materials, i.e., materials for which the dielectric constant and/or electrical conductivity is a function of field parameters such as electric field and, possibly, temperature. However, measurement of input parameters for such programs, i.e., the dielectric properties as a function of field and temperature, is problematic. This paper considers the options for such measurements.
Altered Texts, Altered Worlds, Altered Styles

This article uses text alteration to illuminate literary style, the creation of the fictional world within literary texts, and the connections between textual features and interpretation. After briefly examining some previous uses of this technique, it discusses some recent work on how the world of the text is created and understood and then argues that altering texts can help us to understand text world creation and mind style. A series of changes of different kinds in the opening paragraph of Henry James’s The Ambassadors illustrates some of the uses of text alteration in the characterization of authorial style. The results are sometimes surprising and suggest that making focused alterations in texts can be an effective analytic tool for stylistic study more generally. Finally, I briefly re-examine the question of the connection between stylistic features and interpretation through the lens of text alteration.
Motion coordination through cooperative payload transport

In this paper we consider a group of agents collaboratively transporting a flexible payload. The reaction forces between the agents and the payload are modeled as the gradients of the nonlinear potentials that describe the deformation of the payload. We develop decentralized control laws without explicit communication such that the agents and the payload will eventually move with the same velocity meanwhile the contact forces are regulated.
Gastric cancer--surgical approach.

Although the incidence of carcinoma of the stomach has steadily declined over the last 50 years. approximately 23 200 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States this year and 13 700 patients will die. Despite marked improvement in operative techniques, fewer than 20 per cent of those diagnosed with gastric cancer beyond the most superficial levels of invasion will survive for over five years. Gastric tumours spread by local, lymphatic, and aggressive intra-peritoneal routes as well as hematogenous dissemination. Over 87 per cent of recurrences have local or regional components. Radiation therapy may decrease local and regional recurrences in those patients with transmural tumours. The neoadjuvant use of etoposide, adriamycin, and platinum may yield complete clinical and pathologic responses in patients found to have ‘unresectable’ tumours. Other chemotherapy regimens have been shown to have some effect on advanced disease and may have a role in the neoadjuvant setting. Our current recommendations for the treatment of gastric cancer in a controlled trial setting would be neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by R2 resection, postoperative intraoperative radiation therapy with the possibility of postoperative ± chemotherapy. Hopefully, this aggressive multimodality approach will significantly improve the five year survival for this disease.
Unsuccessful trial of labor in women with and without previous cesarean delivery.

Objective. To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes after unsuccessful labor in women with and those without prior cesarean delivery.Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study of all women in labor delivered by cesarean section (CS) from November 2004 through December 2006. The study population was dichotomized by previous CS and compared for various maternal and neonatal outcomes. Student t-test, χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used for analysis.Results. There was a significantly higher rate of symptomatic uterine rupture [3/100 (3%) vs. 0/449 (0%), p = 0.006], asymptomatic uterine scar dehiscence [6/100 (6%) vs. 0/449 (0%), p = 0.0001], and bladder injury [2/100 (2%) vs. 0/100 (0%), p = 0.001], among women with prior cesarean delivery compared to those without. The rate of respiratory distress syndrome [(6/100) (6%) vs. 10/449 (2.2%), p = 0.05] and meconium aspiration [4/100 (4%) vs. 2/449 (0.4%), p = 0.01] was also significantly higher among neonates of women with prior cesarean delivery. However, ...
The effect of micronutrient supplementation on disease progression and death in simian immunodeficiency virus-infected juvenile male rhesus macaques.

Background. We investigated the impact that micronutrient supplementation has on the progression of simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (SAIDS). Methods. Twenty-four simian immunodeficiency virus-infected juvenile male rhesus macaques were randomized into 2 groups. One group was given certified chow, and the other group was given chow and a supplement that contained 2-3 times the estimated nutritional requirement of micronutrients. Virological, immunological, and body composition measurements were taken every 4 weeks for 120 weeks. Results. There was no difference between groups in weight gain, body mass index (BMI), crown-heel length, waist circumference, total tissue mass, lean mass, bone mineral content, or bone mineral density. The rhesus macaques on the supplemented diet had a higher death rate (hazard ratio, 2.39; P<.001) than those on the nonsupplemented diet; death in both groups was associated with a higher viral load set point during the early phase of infection. Additionally, higher body weight, BMI, crown-rump length, and lower viral load set point were protective from death in both groups. Conclusions. Micronutrient supplementation did not significantly alter the progression of SAIDS with respect to changes in body composition and immunological characteristics. A significantly higher rate of death was observed in rhesus macaques on the supplemented diet.
Cholera Toxin Directly Enhances IL-17A Production from Human CD4+ T Cells

The significance of Th17 cells and IL-17A signaling in host defense and disease development has been demonstrated in various infection and autoimmune models. Additionally, the generation of Th17 cells is highly influenced by microbes. However, the specific bacterial components capable of shaping Th17 responses have not been well defined. The goals of this study were to understand how a bacterial toxin, cholera toxin (CT), modulates Th17-dominated response in isolated human CD4(+) T cells, and what are the mechanisms associated with this modulation. CD4(+) cells isolated from human peripheral blood were treated with CT. The levels of cytokine production and specific Th cell responses were determined by ELISA, Luminex assay, and flow cytometry. Along with the decreased production of other proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2), we found that CT could directly enhance the IL-17A production through a cAMP-dependent pathway. This enhancement is specific for IL-17A but not for IL-17F, IL-22, and CCL20. Interestingly, CT could increase IL-17A production only from Th17-committed cells, such as CCR6(+)CD4(+) T cells and in vitro-differentiated Th17 cells. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that this direct effect occurs at a transcriptional level because CT stimulates the reporter activity in Jurkat and primary CD4(+) T cells transfected with the IL-17A promoter-reporter construct. This study shows that CT has the capacity to directly shape Th17 responses in the absence of APCs. Our findings highlight the potentials of bacterial toxins in the regulation of human Th17 responses.
Developing useful evaluations: A case history and some practical guidelines

Institutional factors that constrain the Congress's use of evaluation research are illustrated by a case history of congressional deliberations about the Professional Standards Review Organization program, and concrete guidelines are offered for evaluators.
The effect of varying molar ratios of potassium-magnesium citrate on thiazide-induced hypokalemia and magnesium loss.

This study was conducted to compare the value of an older formulation of potassium-magnesium citrate (K 4 MgCit 2 ) with newer formulations (K 3 MgHCit 2 and K 5 MgCit 2 Cl) with respect to the correction of thiazide-induced hypokalemia and magnesium loss, alkalinizing effect, and citraturic action. Sixty-two healthy volunteers first took hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg/day. After 3 weeks of thiazide treatment (or earlier if hypokalemia developed), they were randomized to take one of three drugs for 3 weeks while continuing thiazide: K 4 MgCit 2 (49 mEq K, 25 mEq Mg, and 74 mEq citrate/day), K 3 MgHCit 2 (49 mEq K, 33 mEq Mg, and 98 mEq citrate/day), and K 5 MgCit 2 Cl (49 mEq K, 20 mEq Mg, 10 mEq Cl and 59 mEq citrate/day). Outcome measures were changes in serum potassium and magnesium, and urinary potassium, magnesium, pH, and citrate. The three drugs were equally effective in correcting thiazide-induced hypokalemia. K 3 MgHCit 2 and K 4 MgCit 2 produced a small but significant increase in serum magnesium concentration, whereas K 5 MgCit 2 Cl did not. Although all three supplements significantly increased urinary pH and citrate, these effects were more marked with K 3 MgHCit 2 and K 4 MgCit 2 than with K 5 MgCit 2 Cl. All three supplements were generally well tolerated, with the lowest side effect profile obtained with K 4 MgCit 2 ) The new formulation of K 3 MgHCit 2 exerts similar correction of thiazide-induced hypokalemia and magnesium loss, and enhancement of urinary pH and citrate, compared with the older K 4 MgCit 2 . However, it is less well tolerated. The new formulation of K 5 MgCit 2 Cl does not avert magnesium loss, and has less prominent alkalinizing and citraturic effects than the older preparation.
Successes and Failures Teaching Visual Ethics: A Class Study.

This article discusses and evaluates the inclusion of ethics learning modules in a graduate-level visual design theory course. Modules were designed as a part of an NEH grant. Students grappled with case studies that probed the ethics of visuals at the crux of the BP oil refinery accident, NASA space shuttle disasters, the Enron collapse, and biomedical research in the Texas Medical Center. The article assesses evidences of learning and ethical absorption, including student surveys, self-reflections and final project rationales. Ultimately, in terms of Rest’s Four-Component Model of ethical behavior, integrating the readings and activities helped heighten moral sensitivity and judgment, but failed to yield measurable evidence of moral motivation or character and behavior. The article describes course adjustments to help facilitate student development in the latter two aspects.
Comparison of Bone Marrow Progenitors Responsive to Granulocyte‐Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor and Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor‐1

The responsiveness of bone marrow progenitors (BMP) from C3H mice to highly purified or recombinant preparations of Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor-1 (CSF-1) and Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) was compared by counting the number of colonies (greater than or equal to 50 cells) after 10 days in culture with CSF. Cells responsive to CSF-1 or GM-CSF exhibited maximum colony formation over a wide dose range, although GM-CSF supported colony formation at lower concentrations. The response of BMP to optimal concentrations of CSF-1 was greater than or equal to 5 times greater than the response of BMP to GM-CSF. Analysis of the kinetics of colony formation revealed that, at day 5, the number of BMP responsive to GM-CSF or CSF-1 was approximately equal; the number of CSF-1 colonies increased significantly through day 10, while those cultured in GM-CSF did not. The response of BMP to CSF-1 and GM-CSF was also studied in liquid culture; the differences in yield of mature macrophages was consistent with the differences observed in agar culture. Although both cell populations were shown to be 100% mononuclear by day 7, Coulter Channelyzer analysis of these mature macrophages showed marked differences in cell size distribution. By day 7, cells grown in CSF-1 resulted in a homogeneous population of large cells, whereas GM-CSF cultures showed a heterogeneous distribution. Finally, CSF-1-derived cells possessed increased nonspecific and specific phagocytic capabilities when compared to GM-CSF-derived macrophages. These findings indicate that the actions of GM-CSF and CSF-1 upon the bone marrow compartment results in the generation of mature macrophages which differ morphologically and functionally and may account for the heterogeneity in macrophage populations.
Experimental verification of dynamic contour error estimation for high-precision contouring of two-axis servo-systems

High-precision contouring is important in machining. A practically proven method to improve contouring precision is adding a cross-coupling algorithm, which acts on contour error, to the existing position control loops. The contour error estimate (CEE) significantly affects performance of the cross-coupling algorithm. Conventional CEE methods rely on static single-point algorithms. A Newton-based CEE algorithm which effectively improves CEE and dramatically reduces contouring error has recently been proposed [22]. In this paper, instead of a separate cross-coupling control it is proposed to modify the position control loops, in this case integral sliding mode control, to incorporate the contour error in the control loop. Various experiments to identify the effect of 1) number of required iterations of the Newton-based CEE, 2) reference feedrate and curvature, and 3) sharp corners on overall performance of the proposed cross-coupling algorithm are reported. The experimental setup includes a two-axis servo-system. Control and estimation algorithms are implemented on two sbRIO 9632 from National Instruments.Copyright © 2015 by ASME