cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An ‘assumed deviatoric stress-pressure-velocity’ mixed finite element method for unsteady, convective, incompressible viscous flow: Part II: Computational studies

SUMMARY In Part I of this paper we presented a mixed finite element method, for solving unsteady, incompressible, convective flows, based on assumed ‘deviatoric stress-velocity-pressure’ fields in each element, which have the features: (i) the convective term is treated by the usual Galerkin technique; (ii) the unknowns in the global system of finite element equations are the nodal velocities, and the ‘constant term’ in the arbitrary pressure field over each element; and (iii) exact integrations are performed over each element. In this paper we present numerical studies, both for steady as well as unsteady cases, of the problems: (a) the driven cavity, (b) Jeffry-Hamel flow in a channel, (c) flow over a ‘backward’ or ‘downstream’ facing step, and (d) flow over a square step. All these problems are two-dimensional in nature, although certain 3-D solutions are to be presented in a separate paper. The present results are compared with those which are available in the literature and are based on alternative approaches to treat incompressibility and convective acceleration. The possible merits of the present method are thus pointed out.
The Effect of Faults on Dynamics of CO2 Plumes

Abstract The injected CO 2 in a target formation can continue to migrate through permeable pathways due to geological heterogeneity as well as buoyancy. This movement drives a countercurrent flow of brine leading to increased residual phase trapping. The purpose of this simulation study is to understand the effects of geological structures, especially faults, on the dynamic behavior of the buoyancy-driven CO 2 plume and the amount of residual trapping. We studied the behavior of CO 2 plumes (speed, direction, saturation at displacement front, residual phase trapping) in 2D and 3D formations with a range of fault properties (conductive vs. sealing, angle relative to dip, distance from initial plume location). Before CO 2 plumes enter the fault-influenced region of the aquifer, the reservoir properties determine the plume behavior. The analytical approach for estimating plume movement based on Buckley-Leverett theory compares favorably with the simulation results; thus, it can explain the basic behavior of CO 2 plume in this simplified reservoir model, which is homogeneous, anisotropic and tilted. If the plume encounters a fault within the reservoir, the fault can create new virtual source (CO 2 build-up at the plume/fault intersection) for migration. It also leads to more complicated fluid movement, including counter current flow and/or dissolution. A sealing fault, which acts as another boundary for CO 2 plume, divides the aquifer into two parts: fault-independent zone and fault dependent zone. The analytical solution can predict the properties of CO 2 plume in the first zone, but not in the latter one due to the countercurrent flow. In both cases of a declined and an inclined fault, CO 2 accumulates along the fault due to anisotropy causing dominantly parallel migration. The build-up continues until saturation approaches the endpoint dictated by the relative permeability curves (forming a virtual source), and then CO 2 moves upward along the fault. According to Land’s model the larger the gas saturation reached as gas invades, the larger the residual gas saturation when water invades. Therefore, the saturation of CO 2 plumes moving in the reservoir will determine the efficiency of residual saturation trapping. On the other hand, a conductive fault, which acts as a new pathway for migration, may cause considerable leakage of CO 2 toward the top boundary of the reservoir (inclined fault) or increase the width of CO 2 plume (declined fault). In the latter case, the CO 2 plume passes through larger area, which improves the efficiency of residual saturation trapping. To understand the dynamics of CO 2 behavior, especially countercurret flow, in the faulted reservoir we analyze flow vectors of both CO 2 and brine phases, which explain the process of CO 2 phase build-up and/or leakage due to structural heterogeneity.
Physico-Chemical Model of Toxic Substances in the Great Lakes

A physico-chemical model of the fate of toxic substances in the Great Lakes is constructed from mass balance principles, incorporating principal mechanisms of paniculate sorption-desorption, sediment-water and atmosphere-water interactions, and chemical and biochemical decay. The steady state mass balance model of the suspended solids in the open lake water yields net solids loss rates from 0.02 mjdfor Saginaw Bay to 1.22 m/dfor Lake Ontario. Calibration of the toxic model is through comparison to plutonium-239 data collected in the 1970s using a 23-year time variable calculation. The results indicate that, in general, the sediments are interactive with the water column in the Great Lakes through resuspension and horizontal transport. Fifty percent response times of 239Pu following a cessation of load extend beyond 10 years with sediment resuspension. The calibrated model was also applied to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) using a high and low estimate of contemporary external load and with and without volatilization. The lower load level (lake range 640 to 1,390 kg/yr) with volatilization (at an exchange rate of 0.1 m/d) appears to be more representative of observed surface sediment data for the open lake waters. Calculated water column concentrations for the lower load level with and without volatilization ranged from 0.25 to 0.90 ng/Lfor open lake waters. Fifty percent response times for PCB following cessation of load varied from less than 5 years when volatilization was included to 10 to 20 years without volatilization. Comparison of these response times to decline of concentrations of PCB in Lake Michigan bloaters indicates that, at least for that lake, volatilization is occurring at an exchange rate of about 0.1 m/d.
The effect of frequency domain measurement errors on the time domain signal

The objective of this research is to study the effect that a measurement perturbation has on the signal in the transform domain. Each measured frequency component is modeled as the error-free frequency component scaled in amplitude and phase. The errors are independent, though identically distributed, from frequency to frequency. Analytical expressions for the first and second moments of each time-domain signal component have been derived and verified experimentally. Further, the results of this research have been applied to determine the expected antenna pattern when the current values are perturbed and the expected antenna pattern is shown to agree with known results. >
Airplanes aloft as a sensor network for wind forecasting

We explore the feasibility of using commercial aircraft as sensors for observing weather phenomena at a continental scale. We focus specifically on the problem of wind forecasting and explore the use of machine learning and inference methods to harness air and ground speeds reported by aircraft at different locations and altitudes. We validate the learned predictive model with a field study where we release an instrumented high-altitude balloon and compare the predicted trajectory with the sensed winds. The experiments show the promise of using airplane in flight as a large-scale sensor network. Beyond making predictions, we explore the guidance of sensing with value-of-information analyses, where we consider uncertainties and needs of sets of routes and maximize information value in light of the costs of acquiring data from airplanes. The methods can be used to select ideal subsets of planes to serve as sensors and also to evaluate the value of requesting shifts in trajectories of flights for sensing.
The role of dynamic modulation in the stability of viscoelastic flow down an inclined plane

In this study we have theoretically investigated the effect of parallel superposition of modulation on the stability of single-layer Newtonian and viscoelastic flows down an inclined plane. Specifically, a spectrally based numerical technique in conjunction with Floquet theory has been used to investigate the linear stability of this class of flows. Based on these analyses we have demonstrated that parallel superposition of modulation can be used to stabilize or destabilize flow of Newtonian and viscoelastic fluids down an inclined plane. In general at low Reynolds number Re (i.e. O(1)) and in the limit of long and O(1) waves the effect of dynamic modulation on the stability of viscoelastic flows is much more pronounced; however, relatively large modulation amplitudes are required to achieve significant stabilization/destabilization. In addition, the dependence of the most dominant modulation frequencies on Re and the Weissenberg number We have been identified. Specifically, it has been shown that for Newtonian flows low-frequency modulations are destabilizing and the most dominant modulation frequency scales with 1/Re. On the other hand, for viscoelastic flows in the absence of fluid inertia low-frequency modulations are stabilizing and the most dominant modulation frequency scales with 1/We. In finite-Re viscoelastic flows the most dominant destabilizing modulation frequency scales with 1/Re while the most stabilizing modulation frequency scales with 1/WeRe. Finally, it has been demonstrated that the mechanism of both purely elastic and inertial instabilities in flows down an inclined plane is unchanged in the presence of dynamic modulation.
Shape characteristics of biological spores

ABSTRACT Calculation of scattering properties of biological materials has classically been addressed using numerical calculations based on T-matrix theory. These calculations use bulk optical pr operties, particle size distribution, and a limited selection of shape descriptors to calculate the resulting aerosol properties. However, the most applicable shape available in T-matrix codes, the spheroid, is not the best descriptor of most biological materials. Based on imagery of the spores of Bacillus atrophaeus and Bacillus anthracis , capsule and egg shapes are mathematically described and programmed into the Amsterdam Discrete Dipole Approximation (ADDA). Spectra lly dependent cross sections and depolarization ratios are calculated and a comparison made to spheroidal shapes of equivalent sizes. Keywords: backscatter, cross section, aerosol, particle shape, discrete dipole approximation, depolarization 1. INTRODUCTION The scattering properties of aerosol particles is of interest to many fields, one of which being the remote standoff detection of biological agents in aerosol clouds. Many factors contribute to the scattering properties of such clouds, including particle size, index of refraction, shape, density, and clustering. Of these factors, it has been determined that particle shape produces the least pronounced effect with rega rds to the sensitivity of backscatter (amplitude), extinction, and absorption [1]. However, the effects of particle shape on backscatter depolar ization are undetermined and potentially significant; measurements of lidar depolarization could be used for discrimination purposes. Classically, numerical simulations based on T-matrix theory have been used to calculate the scattering properties of biological spores. However, T-matrix codes have a limited selection of shape descriptors. The most suitable T-matrix shape, the spheroid, is not an ideal descriptor of either Bacillus anthracis nor its main simulant, Bacillus atrophaeus (formerly Bacillus globigii). These spores are best described by egg and capsule shapes, respectively, defined mathematically hereafter and programmed into the Amsterda m Discrete Dipole Approximation (ADDA) [2]. This code is used to calculate the extinction and backscatter cross sections and depolarization ratios of the spores. Results are compared to the scattering properties of spheroidal shapes of equivalent sizes, calculated using both the ADDA and T-matrix code written by Mishchenko [3].
Polyboranes, their synthesis and applications in functional polyolefins

This paper summarizes our research results on the synthesis of polyboranes and their applications in the functionalization of polyolefins. The method involves the borane monomers and transitional metal catalysts, such as Ziegler-Natta and metathesis catalysts. Our results show that most trialkylboranes are stable to a broad range of transitional metal catalysts. The borane-containing olefins can be homo- or copolymerized with olefins to the corresponding polyborane homo- and copolymers. The molecular weights of polyboranes are usually very high. Some of the reasons are attributed to the good solubility of polyboranes in hydrocarbon solutions during the polymerization processes. In turn, the borane groups in polymers are easily converted to other functional groups, such as hydroxyl groups, under mild conditions. Some high molecular weight functional polyolefins have been prepared with unique polymer structures, such as isotactic comb-like functional polymers, block copolymers, and alternating functional copolymers.
Surrogates of Long-Term Vitamin D Exposure and Ovarian Cancer Risk in Two Prospective Cohort Studies

Experimental evidence and ecologic studies suggest a protective role of vitamin D in ovarian carcinogenesis. However, epidemiologic studies using individual level data have been inconsistent. We evaluated ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation, vitamin D intake, and predicted plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels as long-term surrogates of vitamin D exposure within the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and NHSII. We estimated incidence rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk of overall ovarian cancer and by histologic subtype using Cox proportional hazards models. Between 1976 and 2010 in NHS and 1989 and 2011 in NHSII, we identified a total of 1,225 incident epithelial ovarian cancer cases (NHS: 970, NHSII: 255) over 4,628,648 person-years of follow-up. Cumulative average UV-B exposure was not associated with ovarian cancer risk in NHS (Ptrend = 0.08), but was associated with reduced risk in NHSII (highest vs. lowest category RR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.89; Ptrend < 0.01). When stratified by histologic subtype, UV-B flux was positively associated with risk of serous tumors in NHS (Ptrend < 0.01), but inversely associated in NHSII (Ptrend = 0.01). Adjusted for confounders, ovarian cancer risk was not associated with vitamin D intake from food or supplements or with predicted 25(OH)D levels. Our study does not strongly support a protective role for vitamin D in ovarian cancer risk.
New methods & non-linear measurements for active differential devices

This paper presents new results for nonlinear measurements of active differential devices based on a novel source system. The system provides both true-differential and common-mode stimulus for CW and modulated RF signals, and presents results of non-linear operation of differential devices driven with such signals, which are compared with the same devices driven at the same levels using single ended drive and calculating the differential response. A remarkable result is that the latter method performs very well for devices having common-to-differential isolation.
Differential Classical Conditioning: Verbalization of Stimulus Contingencies

The verbal activity of feumtale subjects undergoing differential classical conditioning was investigated through their verbal reports between conditioning trials and interviews with them after conditioning Condlitional differentiation, in galvanic skin responses occurred only in the group of subjects who accurately verbalized the stimulus contingencies.
Development of Antigen-Specific CD8+ CTL in MHC Class I-Deficient Mice through CD4 to CD8 Conversion

CD8+ CTL are the predominant tumoricidal effector cells. We find, however, that MHC class I-deficient mice depleted of CD8+ T cells are able to mount an effective antitumor immunity after immunization with fused dendritic/tumor cells. Such immunity appears to be mediated by the generation of phenotypic and functional CD8+ CTL through CD4+ to CD8+ conversion, which we have demonstrated at the single cell level. CD4+ to CD8+ conversion depends on effective in vivo activation and is promoted by CD4+ T cell proliferation. The effectiveness of this process is shown by the generation of antitumor immunity through adoptive transfer of primed CD4 T cells to provide protection against tumor cell challenge and to eliminate established pulmonary metastases.
Kinesin-13s form rings around microtubules

Kinesin is a superfamily of motor proteins that uses the energy of adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis to move and generate force along microtubules. A notable exception to this general description is found in the kinesin-13 family that actively depolymerizes microtubules rather than actively moving along them. This depolymerization activity is important in mitosis during chromosome segregation. It is still not fully clear by which mechanism kinesin-13s depolymerize microtubules. To address this issue, we used electron microscopy to investigate the interaction of kinesin-13s with microtubules. Surprisingly, we found that proteins of the kinesin-13 family form rings and spirals around microtubules. This is the first report of this type of oligomeric structure for any kinesin protein. These rings may allow kinesin-13s to stay at the ends of microtubules during depolymerization.
First-in-Human Evaluation of 18F-Mefway, a PET Radioligand Specific to Serotonin-1A Receptors

The serotonin-1A (5-HT1A; 5-HT is 5-hydroxytryptamine) receptor is implicated in an array of neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Current PET radioligands targeting 5-HT1A receptors have limitations hindering widespread PET studies of this receptor system. The 5-HT1A–specific antagonist radioligand N-{2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]ethyl}-N-(2-pyridyl)-N-(trans-4-18F-fluoromethylcyclohexane)carboxamide (18F-mefway) exhibited promising in vivo properties in rhesus monkeys. The goal of this work was to examine the in vivo cerebral binding profile and metabolism of 18F-mefway in humans. Methods: Dynamic 18F-mefway PET data were acquired for 6 healthy volunteers (4 women, 2 men; age, 22–38 y). Scans were initiated with the injection of 192–204 MBq of radiotracer, and data were acquired for 2 h. Venous blood samples were collected and assayed to examine the in vivo metabolism profile of 18F-mefway. To examine the test–retest variability of 18F-mefway, a second PET scan was acquired at least 2 wk later for 4 subjects. Regional binding potentials (BPNDs) were calculated with the multilinear reference tissue model, and voxelwise BPND maps were calculated with Logan graphical analysis. Regions surrounding the brain were carefully inspected for uptake of radiolabeled species in bone. Results:18F-mefway uptake in the brain occurred quickly, with a peak standardized uptake value (SUV) of 1.7. Rapid washout in the cerebellum resulted in SUVs of 0.2 at 120 min, whereas regions with specific 5-HT1A binding exhibited retention of radioligand, yielding SUVs of 0.4–0.9 at 120 min. Rapid metabolism of 18F-mefway was observed, with no detected 18F-fluoride ions in plasma. BPND values of 2.4 were measured in the mesial temporal lobe, with values of 1.6 in the insular cortex and 0.7–1.0 in other cortical regions. Stable BPND estimates were obtained using 90 min of dynamic data. Average test–retest variability was 8%. No evidence of radioactivity uptake in bone was observed. Conclusion:18F-mefway exhibits favorable in vivo properties for serotonin 5-HT1A receptor measurements in humans. The simple radiosynthesis, high specific binding profile, and absence of PET signal in bone make 18F-mefway an attractive radiotracer for PET experiments examining the 5-HT1A receptor in neuropsychiatric disorders and drug intervention.
Feeding Roasted Corn to Broilers, Roasters and Laying hens

Abstract Broiler type cockerels were fed rations containing either dry roasted or normal corn to 13 weeks of age. The roasted corn ration had no significant effect on weight gain or feed efficiency at 4, 8 or 13 weeks of age. The roasted corn had no significant effect on carcass finish at 8 weeks or at 13 weeks. Fifty-two week old White Leghorns were fed rations containing either dry roasted or normal corn for 16 weeks. The roasted corn had no significant effect on egg production, feed efficiency or egg weight. There is no apparent benefit from the feeding of dry roasted corn to broilers, roasters or layers.
Oral clefts and maternal biomarkers of folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism in utah

BACKGROUND Maternal folate intake and related biomarkers have been inconsistently associated with a risk of oral clefts. METHODS Maternal concentrations of plasma folate (PF) and erythrocyte folate (EF), plasma pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP; active vitamin B6) and total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) were measured in a Utah study with 347 cases and 469 controls. RESULTS Risk of all clefts combined, including cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) and cleft palate only (CP), was 65% lower in the highest versus lowest PF quartile (odds ratio [OR], 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23–0.53; p-trend < 0.001). Results remained significant in the subgroups with isolated CL/P and CP (p-trend < 0.001 in each). EF results were similar. In the highest versus lowest PLP quartile, risk of CP with other malformations was lower (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.07–0.95); however, no other associations were significant for PLP or tHcy. Differences in mean biomarker levels between cases and controls widened with an increasing interval between delivery and maternal blood collection. Decreased cleft risk with increasing quartiles of PF, EF, and PLP and decreasing tHcy was more apparent in mothers with a longer versus shorter interval between the index child delivery and blood collection. CONCLUSION Low maternal blood folate concentration was associated with an increased risk of clefts, and the differences in mean case and control PF, EF, PLP, and tHcy concentrations widened over time. Additional mechanistic studies are warranted to elucidate whether an acquired or inherited disorder of folate metabolism plays a role in the etiology of clefts. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Systemic therapy of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease. Topical therapy is the mainstay, but patients with widespread moderate to severe atopic dermatitis may require systemic therapy. Immunosuppressants, immune response modifiers, antihistamines and antibiotics are among the classes of systemic medications frequently used to treat extensive atopic dermatitis; the indications and scientific support for the use of these and other less commonly used medications will be reviewed in this article.
Cerebral metabolism in dogs assessed by 18F-FDG PET: A pilot study to understand physiological changes in behavioral disorders in dogs

The positron emission tomography (PET) imaging technique, which is utilized in human behavior and psychiatric disorder research, was performed on the brains of clinically normal mixed breed dogs, 3 hound-type (long floppy ears) mixed breed dogs and 3 non-hound retriever-type mixed breed dogs. Glucose metabolism was obtained with F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), and quantitative analysis was performed by standardized uptake value (SUV) measurement. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were obtained in each dog, and these images were superimposed on PET images to identify anatomical locations. The glucose metabolism in each region of interest was compared between the three hound-type dogs and 3 non-hound-type dogs. The two anatomically different types of dog were compared to assess whether breed-typical behavioral tendencies (e.g., sniffing behavior in hound-type dogs, staring and retrieving in Labrador-type dogs) are reflected in baseline brain metabolic activity. There were no significant differences between the hound-type dogs and non-hound-type dogs in cerebral SUV values. These data might serve as normal canine cerebral metabolism data for FDG PET studies in dogs and form the basis for investigations into behavioral disorders in dogs such as compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders and cognitive dysfunction.
Estimating the Potential of Signal and Interlocutor-Track Information for Language Modeling

Although today most language models treat language purely as word sequences, there is recurring interest in tapping new sources of information, such as disfluencies, prosody, the interlocutor’s dialog act, and the interlocutor’s recent words. In order to estimate the potential value of such sources of information, we extend Shannon’s guessing-game method for estimating entropy to work for spoken dialog. Four teams of two subjects each predicted the next word in a dialog using various amounts of context: one word, two words, all the words spoken so far, or the full dialog audio so far. The entropy benefit in the full-audio condition over the full text condition was substantial, .64 bits per word, greater than the .54 bit benefit of full text context over trigrams. This suggests that language models may be improved by use of the prosody of the speaker and context from the interlocutor. Index Terms: entropy, perplexity, Shannon’s guessing game, prediction, context, prosody
Induction of keratinocyte type-I transglutaminase in epithelial cells of the rat

Using immunogold-silver techniques, we have demonstrated that, in rats, type-I (keratinocyte) transglutaminase is expressed primarily in stratified squamous epithelia of the integument, the upper digestive tract, and the lower female genital tract. In these epithelia, the enzyme was found to be present predominantly in the granular layer, but was evident at low levels even in the basal layer, especially in the genital tract. No immunoreactivity was detected in glandular, columnar, or transitional epithelia or in soft tissues. However, considerable enzyme antigenicity was observed in the endometrium and in major ducts of the pancreas and mammary glands of near-term pregnant and early postpartum females. In cultures, substantial immunoreactivity was readily identifiable not only in epidermal, vaginal, and esophageal epithelial cells (immunopositive in vivo), but also in urinary bladder, seminal vesicle, and tracheal epithelial cells (immunonegative in vivo). Primary epithelial outgrowths from bladder and seminal vesicle tissue explants were immunopositive, demonstrating rapid adaptation to the culture environment. These results reveal three distinct levels of regulation of transglutaminase expression in various cell types: during the differentiation of keratinocytes, during pregnancy, being evident principally in the endometrium but detectable elsewhere as well, and during the cultivation of certain epithelia which do not normally express the enzyme in vivo. We conclude that type-I transglutaminase may be a valuable marker for elucidating the regulation of normal epithelial differentiation and squamous metaplasia.
HOST VARIATION FOR INTERACTIONS WITH BENEFICIAL PLANT-ASSOCIATED MICROBES

▪ Abstract Beneficial plant-associated microbes can profoundly influence plant health by suppressing disease, enhancing nutrient uptake, fixing atmospheric nitrogen, and promoting plant growth. Host variation, among cultivars or plant genotypes, for response to beneficial microorganisms suggests that plant genes play a role in supporting these interactions. Such host variation can be found among diverse groups of microorganisms including rhizobia, mycorrhizal fungi, and microbial biocontrol agents. Discrete variation among plant genotypes for interaction with beneficial microbes has led to the discovery of single genes that specify compatible interactions. Continuous variation for interaction phenotypes such as disease suppression, plant growth, or nutrient uptake have led to hypotheses, and in some cases genetic descriptions, of multigenic control of these interactions. Future research into the role of plant genes involved in hosting beneficial plant-associated microbes will provide greater insight into ...
Simulation of human radar signatures in the presence of ground

A technique for simulating the high range-resolution and microDoppler signatures of a human moving on the ground has been presented. The direct path and the ground reflected path from the radar to the human give rise to three distinct two-way propagation paths between the radar and the human. The simulated signatures are studied as functions of ground reflectivity, radar elevation and type of motions.
Promoting return of function in multiple sclerosis: An integrated approach

Multiple sclerosis is a disease characterized by inflammatory demyelination, axonal degeneration and progressive brain atrophy. Most of the currently available disease modifying agents proved to be very effective in managing the relapse rate, however progressive neuronal damage continues to occur and leads to progressive accumulation of irreversible disability. For this reason, any therapeutic strategy aimed at restoration of function must take into account not only immunomodulation, but also axonal protection and new myelin formation. We further highlight the importance of an holistic approach, which considers the variability of therapeutic responsiveness as the result of the interplay between genetic differences and the epigenome, which is in turn affected by gender, age and differences in life style including diet, exercise, smoking and social interaction.
Salmeterol powder provides significantly better benefit than montelukast in asthmatic patients receiving concomitant inhaled corticosteroid therapy.

Study objectives: Comparison of inhaled salmeterol powder vs oral montelukast treatment in patients with persistent asthma who remained symptomatic while receiving inhaled corticosteroids. Design: Randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group, multicenter trials of 12-week duration. Setting: Outpatients in private and university-affiliated clinics. Patients: Male and female patients > 15 years of age with a diagnosis of asthma (baseline FEV1 of 50 to 80% of predicted) and symptomatic despite receiving inhaled corticosteroids. Interventions: Inhaled salmeterol xinafoate powder, 50 mg bid, or oral montelukast, 10 mg qd. Measurements and results: Treatment with salmeterol powder resulted in significantly greater improvements from baseline compared with montelukast for most efficacy measurements, including morning peak expiratory flow (35.0 L/min vs 21.7 L/min; p < 0.001), percentage of symptom-free days (24% vs 16%; p < 0.001), and the percentage of rescue-free days (27% vs 20%; p 5 0.002). Total supplemental albuterol use was decreased significantly more in the salmeterol group compared with the montelukast group (2 1.90 puffs per day vs 2 1.66 puffs per day; p 5 0.004) and nighttime awakenings per week decreased significantly more with salmeterol than with montelukast (2 1.42 vs 2 1.32; p 5 0.015). Patients treated with inhaled salmeterol were significantly more satisfied with their treatment regimen and how well, how fast, and how long it worked than were patients who were treated with oral montelukast. The safety profiles for the two treatments were similar. Conclusion: In patients with persistent asthma who remain symptomatic while receiving inhaled corticosteroids, adding inhaled salmeterol powder provided significantly greater improvement in lung function and asthma symptoms and was preferred by patients over oral montelukast. (CHEST 2001; 120:423‐430)
N, N-Dimethyl Leucines as Novel Isobaric Tandem Mass Tags for Quantitative Proteomics and Peptidomics

Herein, we describe the development and application of a set of novel N,N-dimethyl leucine (DiLeu) 4-plex isobaric tandem mass (MS2) tagging reagents with high quantitation efficacy and greatly reduced cost for neuropeptide and protein analysis. DiLeu reagents serve as attractive alternatives for isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and tandem mass tags (TMTs) due to their synthetic simplicity, labeling efficiency, and improved fragmentation efficiency. DiLeu reagent resembles the general structure of a tandem mass tag in that it contains an amine reactive group (triazine ester) targeting the N-terminus and e-amino group of the lysine side chain of a peptide, a balance group, and a reporter group. A mass shift of 145.1 Da is observed for each incorporated label. Intense a1 reporter ions at m/z 115.1, 116.1, 117.1, and 118.1 are observed for all pooled samples upon MS2. All labeling reagents are readily synthesized from commercially available chemicals with greatly reduced cost. Lab...
Chloroplast Isolation in Nonaqueous Media.

An understanding of the physiological role of a particular enzyme in cell metabolism rests in part on a knowledge of the exact intracellular site of action of that enzyme. Both histochemical tests (22) and the differential centrifugation of cell free homogenates (10) have yielded valuable information concerning the intracellular location of some enzymes in plants. Unfortunately, reliable histochemical tests are available for only a few enzymes, and the possibility of artifacts arising as a result of isolation procedures often negates the conclusions obtained by means of the differential centrifugation technique. Of particular importance in this connection are the leaching of enzymes from morphological units and the possibility of adsorption of soluble enzymes by such structures during their isolation in aqueous media. A further difficulty that may be encountered is the inactivation of enzymes resulting from a mixing of the cell contents during grinding and separation in aqueous media (7). The extensive use, in physiological and biochemical studies, of chloroplast isolation in aqueous media makes it imperative that we increase our knowledge concerning the effects of these techniques on the loss of large molecular weight substances such as enzymes and cofactors from the plastids during their isolation. This point has been emphasized by McClendon (14) in his studies on the effect of polyethylene glycol upon the loss of phycocyanin from red algal chloroplasts. The necessity of adding a "cytoplasmic factor" back to isolated chloroplasts to attain maximum activity is indicative of the problem. A water soluble chloroplast extract appears to function in phosphorylation by reducing triphosphopyridine nucleotide in the light (4, 17). Similarly Avron and Jagendorf (5) found an extractable chloroplast factor associated with photosynthetic phosphorylation. Certain water soluble enzymes, which because of their role in photosynthesis or in starch synthesis would be expected to be found chiefly in chloroplasts, have been reported to be present primarily in the supernatant from chloroplasts isolated in aqueous media. This is true of aldolase (21) and phosphorylase (15,20). In order to overcome some of the difficulties involved in the isolation of nuclei in aqueous media, Behrens (6) developed a procedure whereby nuclei could be isolated from lyophilized heart muscle without the use of aqueous solutions. This method has been modified recently and used in the study of nuclei isolated from animal tissue (1, 8, 9, 12). However, with the exception of the isolation of wheat germ nuclei (19), the nonaqueous technique has not been reported to have been employed on plant material.
The Effect of Selective Breeding for Body Weight on Geometric Properties in Turkey Femurs

Crespo et al. (1999) was the first to identify the problem of turkey femoral fractures in breeding farms [3]. It was suggested that this type of failure was the result of fatigue under daily activities as opposed to acute trauma [1]. There are a number of factors that can lead to decreased bone integrity including ineffective bone mineralization, microcrack propagation and changes in collagen fibril orientation [1, 4, 5].Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Atrial flutter and thromboembolic risk

It is humbling to consider that not long ago, the optimal thromboembolic risk management in patients with atrial flutter (AFl), let alone atrial fibrillation (AF), was considered an unknown. Indeed, it was only as recently as 2001 that the issue was addressed in published guidelines. Even then, the recommendation was a tepid one, reflecting the paucity of data to provide strong guidance: ‘Until more robust data become available, and although the overall thromboembolic risk associated with atrial flutter can be lower than with AF, it seems prudent to estimate risk by use of similar stratification criteria’. Up until that time, the argument for anticoagulation in patients with AF was gaining strength, but the data for AFl were limited. Up to 2001, the data consisted mostly of small, observational and retrospective studies subject to the usual limitations of small event rates and heterogeneity with regard to important inclusion or exclusion criteria such as the presence or absence of structural heart disease (valvular disease, cardiomyopathy), the presence or absence of hypertension and importantly the coexistence of AF in a particular patient with AFl. Despite the heterogeneity, however, the data began to paint a picture of increased thromboembolic risk in patients with flutter, particularly those undergoing cardioversion.1 In their Heart publication, Vadmann et al 2 offer a systematic review of the literature related to AFl and thromboembolic risk. A key study included in the present review was a case–control study by Biblo et al 3 that examined 8-year outcomes in 749 988 Medicare patients …
Targeted, Not Tracked: Client-Side Solutions for Privacy-Friendly Behavioral Advertising

The current discussion of potential Do Not Track regulation for online advertising is worrisome for the advertising industry, as it may signif cantly limit the capability for targeted advertising, a key revenue source for online content. The present discourse conates the behavior tracking and ad targeting processes, leading to the presumption that providing privacy must come at the cost of eliminating advertisers' targeting capability. This paper focuses on a family of methods that facilitate behavioral targeting while providing consumer privacy protections. This is achieved by di erentiating between client-side and server-side tracking. Client-side solutions provide for mechanisms and policies that address the privacy concerns over lack of user control over data while providing advertising platforms with the ability to target users. We compare and contrast several client-side methods along several dimensions of user privacy, adoption e ort, and trust. A novel client-side pro ling method is proposed that di ers from prior work in not requiring installation of additional software by the user and providing compatibility with existing ad serving infrastructure. Empirical evaluation of the method on large-scale real-world datasets demonstrates the potential for high targeting performance of client-side techniques. We hope that by considering such middle-ground approaches, the present debate will converge towards solutions that satisfy both advertisers' desire for targeting and users' desire for privacy.
Tocqueville, Pascal, and the Transcendent Horizon

AbstractThis article traces the contours of Pascal’s influence on Tocqueville’s understanding of the human condition and our appropriate response to it. Similar temperaments lead both authors to emphasize human limitations and contingency, especially our mortality, our ignorance of the most important subjects, and the effects of historical contingency on human nature, and both represent the complex internal dynamic of human nature in terms of the interplay of “angel” and “brute.” They disagree over the power and significance of human action. Whereas the motif of human weakness is fundamental for Pascal, Tocqueville repeatedly affirms that, under the right conditions, human beings are “powerful and free.” Beginning from Pascalian premises, and endeavoring to be more faithful to some of those premises than Pascal himself was, Tocqueville aims to illuminate the possibility of an amelioration of the human condition through a “new political science” that redeems the political realm without divinizing it.
Adherence to the 2010 American College of Cardiology Foundation Appropriate Use Criteria for Cardiac Computed Tomography: Quality Analysis at a Tertiary Referral Center.

BACKGROUND In November 2010, the American College of Cardiology Foundation published revised appropriateness criteria (AC) for cardiac computed tomography (CT). We evaluated adherence to these criteria by providers of different subspecialties at a tertiary referral center. METHODS Reports of 383 consecutive patients who underwent clinically indicated cardiac CT from December 1, 2010, to July 31, 2011, were reviewed by physicians with appropriate training in cardiac CT. Scans were classified as appropriate, inappropriate, or uncertain based on the revised 2010 AC. Studies that did not fall under any of the specified indications were labeled as unclassified. Adherence to the AC was also analyzed as a function of provider type. Research scans were excluded from this analysis. RESULTS Three hundred eight exams (80%) were classified as appropriate; 26 (7%), as inappropriate; 30 (8%), as uncertain; and 19 (5%), as unclassified. Of the 19 (5%) unclassified cardiac CT exams, the most common indication was for evaluation of suspected aortic dissection. Three hundred five exams (80%) were referred by cardiologists; 73 (19%), by internists; and 5 (1%), by neurologists. Of the 305 cardiology-referred studies, 221 (73%) were ordered by general cardiologists; 28 (9%), by interventional cardiologists; and 56 (19%), by electrophysiologists. There was no significant difference in adherence to the criteria between provider specialties or between cardiology subspecialties (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS high across provider specialties.
A definitive cloning technique for human fibroblast cultures.

SummaryEstablished human fibroblast cultures were cloned by isolating single cells on 3 mm square coverslips and growing them in medium containing pre-tested fetal calf serum. Coverslips with single cells were readily obtained by dilute plating combined with mechanical removal of surplus cells. The mean cloning efficiency was 19.1%. Sub-clones were obtained with a mean frequency of 23%.
A CASE STUDY: INTEGRATING A GAME APPLICATION-DRIVEN APPROACH AND SOCIAL COLLABORATIONS INTO SOFTWARE ENGINEERING EDUCATION

Teaching software engineering to undergraduate students is a challenge task. Students are expected to understand both technical and social aspects of software engineering. This paper presents a complete case study of a hybrid approach that systematically combines a game application-driven approach and social collaborations into the software engineering curriculum at the undergraduate level. The case study consists of 1) proposing a new curriculum design process, 2) identifying a set of software engineering principles, practices, and online collaborative learning tools by following the design process, 3) proposing a semesterlong game project, 4) integrating the principles, practices, and the collaborative learning tools into the game development process and 5) delivering the principles, practices, and tools to students during the game devolvement. The results of the case study, including analysis of the related project documentation and students’ feedback indicate that adopting the games app-driven approach motivate students to learn in teams, help transferring knowledge effectively between instructors and students and facilitate achieving the student learning objectives.
The economics of emergent public information

In part I, dealing with the economics of uncertainty , after covering the “terminal” decisions of the individual in chapters 1 through 3 we moved on in chapter 4 to consider market equilibrium. And similarly here in the realm of the economics of information : having examined individuals' “nonterminal” (informational) decisions in chapter 5, we now turn to the analysis of the market equilibrium generated thereby. A first key distinction is between public and private information. If an information service provides public information, decision-makers through-out the economy will be attempting to revise their portfolios in the light of their changed beliefs. Consequently, asset prices will adjust. In particular, market values will rise for those assets paying off more handsomely in states of the world now regarded as more likely. If on the other hand the message provided is strictly private, an informed party may be able to profit in various ways without any noticeable effect upon prices. However, as we shall see, almost always there are processes at work tending to “publicize” private information. Sometimes this occurs because the informed individual can gain by intended disclosure of his data, for example if he sells it to others. Or sometimes there may be unintended leakage into the public domain – owing, perhaps, to the fact that the uninformed can monitor the behavior of those who are informed. These more difficult problems are reserved for later chapters; only fully public information will be examined in this chapter.
Public engagement with CEOs on social media: Motivations and relational outcomes

Abstract This study provides one of the earliest empirical analyses to explore how and why publics engage with corporate CEOs on social media and why such engagement matters. It tested a conceptual model linking CEO-public engagement to the interpersonal communicative variables of perceived authenticity and approachability as well as organization-public relational outcomes. Through a web survey of 332 social media users, results showed that publics are primarily motivated by reasons of thought leadership and task attraction when they engage with CEOs on SNSs. CEO-public engagement showed significant positive effects on perceived CEO authenticity and approachability, which in turn, positively influenced public trust and satisfaction. Public engagement with CEOs on social media also directly influenced the quality of organization-public relationships.
The Effect of the cis-donor in pincer ligands on hydrogenolysis of Pd-OH: A DFT study

Abstract The hydrogenolysis of pincer palladium hydroxides was examined using DFT methods. Two possible mechanistic pathways -- oxidative addition/reductive elimination and internal electrophilic substitution -- were considered for each of five different PdOH complexes that varied in the identity of the donor atoms of the tridentate pincer ligand cis to the hydroxide. For each of the complexes examined, the internal electrophilic substitution pathway was found to be significantly lower in energy than an oxidative addition/reductive elimination pathway. For a PdOH complex bearing a hemilabile pincer ligand, addition of hydrogen resulted in dissociation of the labile arm of the ligand and hydrogenation of the Pd-OH bond to yield a hydride and bound water. This result is consistent with experimental observations for a similar system.
Damming, Lost Connectivity, and the Historical Role of Anadromous Fish in Freshwater Ecosystem Dynamics

Recent research has demonstrated the important role that high-biomass species play in the transfer of energy and nutrients across habitat boundaries, as well as the ecosystem consequences of their loss. To contrast the historical and current biomass of historically abundant anadromous forage fish, we combined historical records of habitat loss from damming with contemporary freshwater productivity of alewives and diet data of freshwater predator fish. Significant declines in production occurred by 1850 in the northeastern United States, long before any direct abundance data were available, which would have had significant effects on freshwater prey resources for the numerous predators directly affected by the transfer of nutrients across the freshwater–marine nexus. Current freshwater systems operate at approximately 6.7% of historical capacity of anadromous alewife biomass and abundance. This provides an example of habitat-mediated changes in connectivity limiting nutrient flux and energy flow among populations and species that alter ecosystem function at multiple scales.