cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Occlusion Models for Natural Images: A Statistical Study of a Scale-Invariant Dead Leaves Model

We develop a scale-invariant version of Matheron's “dead leaves model” for the statistics of natural images. The model takes occlusions into account and resembles the image formation process by randomly adding independent elementary shapes, such as disks, in layers. We compare the empirical statistics of two large databases of natural images with the statistics of the occlusion model, and find an excellent qualitative, and good quantitative agreement. At this point, this is the only image model which comes close to duplicating the simplest, elementary statistics of natural images—such as, the scale invariance property of marginal distributions of filter responses, the full co-occurrence statistics of two pixels, and the joint statistics of pairs of Haar wavelet responses.
Period Prevalence of Ketamine-Propofol Admixture "Ketofol" in the Operating Room among Anesthesia Providers at an Academic Medical Center

BACKGROUND The primary aim of this study was to determine the period prevalence of the single-syringe ketamine-propofol admixture used for sedation and induction among anesthesia providers during a 5-year period before and after educational sessions addressing barriers to its use. Secondary aims were to determine barriers to its use and address the most prevalent concerns through educational sessions. MATERIAL AND METHODS Surveys were administered to certified and student registered nurse anesthetists, anesthesia residents, and anesthesiologists at Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN before and after educational sessions addressing common barriers. Identified barriers were addressed by oral and/or electronic presentations with identical content. RESULTS Pre-education period prevalence for sedation was 110 (43%) and 64 (25%) for induction. Identified barriers were uncertainty of benefit in 62 respondents (23%), mixed controlled substance disposal in 48 (18%), regulatory/institutional policies in 20 (7%), and compatibility in 9 (3%). Post-education period prevalence for sedation was 102 (44%), and induction 63 (27%). No concerns were noted in 72% of the post-education group verses 42% in the pre-education group (p<0.01). No concerns were reported in 51% of the electronic only education group verses 64% in the oral education group (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The period prevalence of "ketofol" was greater for sedation than induction. The period prevalence following education showed a slight increase in both sedation and induction use. There was a significant reduction in barriers following education, with oral presentations being more effective than electronic only. Period prevalence was increasing following education; however, allowing more time may have shown a significant practice change.
The 41.5 day binary X-ray pulsar 4U 1223-62 (GX 301-2).

Ariel 5 and SAS 3 X-ray pulse timing data for the 700 s X-ray pulsar 4U 1223 - 62 (GX 301 - 2) are reexamined in order to deduce the orbital elements of this system. The Ariel 5/SAS 3 arrival times are first reanalyzed to obtain the best solution for an orbital period close to 41.5 days and to estimate the uncertainties in it caused by unknown variations in the underlying pulse period. Spectral measurements by OSO 8 and HEAO 1 at a variety of orbital phases are presented and the origin of an unabsorbed, unpulsed soft component is discussed. OSO 8 observations of occasions when the amplitude and shape of the pulse profile changed dramatically are discussed. The global X-ray properties of the system are explained in terms of a simple stellar wind accretion model, and the interaction of the inflowing material with the neutron star magnetosphere is considered.
The effects of kaolin, harpin, and imidacloprid on development of Pierce's disease in grape

Abstract Incidence of Pierce's disease (PD), caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, continues to increase in many vineyards in California due to the establishment and spread of the vector Homalodisca coagulata (Say) (glassy winged sharpshooter, GWSS). Commercially available materials, including kaolin, harpin, and imidacloprid, were evaluated in field experiments for their effect PD development. PD incidence was 6% in plants treated with kaolin and 14% in plots treated with conventional insecticides. Incidence of PD in plants treated with harpin were 13%, 7%, and 6% when 160, 320, and 460 g harpin a.i ha−1 were used, respectively. PD incidence in untreated control plants was 19%. Plants treated with harpin grew more vigorously than plants treated with kaolin, imidacloprid, and control plants not treated with chemicals or exposed to GWSS. Higher GWSS mortality rates were observed on plants treated with kaolin. Results from field studies as validated by a greenhouse study show that kaolin, harpin, and imidacloprid would be useful in reducing the development of PD in grape.
From regolith to rock by shock

A model for shock-lithification of terrestrial and lunar regolith is proposed that accounts for: (1) observed petrographic properties and densities of shock-lithified material from missile impact craters at White Sands, New Mexico and from Meteor Crater, Arizona; (2) observed petrographic textures of lunar soil and lunar soil analogues experimentally shocked to known pressures in laboratory experiments; (3) theoretical calculations of the behavior of air and water under shock compression; and (4) measured Hugoniot and release adiabat data on dry and wet terrestrial soils and lunar regolith. In this model it is proposed that air or an air-water mixture initially in the pores of terrestrial soil affects the behavior of the soil-air-water system under shock-loading. Shock-lithified rocks found at Meteor Crater are classified as ‘strongly lithified’ and ‘weakly lithified’ on the basis of their strength in hand specimen; only weakly lithified rocks are found at the missile impact craters. These qualitative strength properties are related to the mechanisms of bonding in the rocks. The densities of weakly lithified samples are directly related to the pressures to which they were shock-loaded. A comparison of the petrographic textures and densities of weakly lithified samples with textures and densities of ‘regolith’ shock-loaded to known pressures suggests that weakly lithified terrestrial samples formed at pressures well under 100 kb, probably under 50 kb. If terrestrial soils are shock-loaded to pressures between 100 and 200 kb by impact events of short duration, the pore pressure due to hot air or air-water mixtures exceeds the strength of the weak lithification mechanisms and fragmentation, rather than lithification, occurs. At pressures above 200 kb, lithification can occur because the formation of glass provides a lithification mechanism which has sufficient strength to withstand the pore pressure. During shock-lithification of lunar regolith at pressures below 50 kb, the material is compressed to intrinsic crystal density and remains at approximately that density upon release from the shocked state. It is proposed, however, that at pressures in excess of 50 kb, the release of trapped volatiles from lunar soil grains into fractures causes an expansion of the regolith during unloading from the shocked state.
Functional and Structural Impact of Site-Directed Methionine Oxidation in Myosin

We have examined the functional and structural perturbations of methionine (Met) oxidation in Dictyostelium (Dicty) myosin II. Protein oxidation by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a critical element of cell function. However, elevated production of ROS can lead to the accumulation of oxidatively modified proteins, contributing to a decline of function in biologically aged or diseased muscle. For Dicty myosin containing all native methionines, peroxide-treatment (used as an oxidative agent) decreases actin-activated myosin ATPase activity, consistent with the decline in actomyosin function previously observed in biologically aged or peroxide-treated muscle. We have recently identified a single Met that is responsible for this functional decline, Met 394, located near the myosin cardiomyopathy loop in the actin-binding interface. Oxidation of this Met also induces a redistribution of existing myosin structural states of the actin-binding cleft. We have now expanded the understanding of how oxidation at M394 affects myosin function and structure by using site-directed mutagenesis (from M to Q) to mimic oxidation. We then characterized actomyosin interaction and changes in structural states of both the force-generating region and actin-binding cleft of myosin. Our goal is to bridge our understanding of site-specific Met oxidation and muscle dysfunction with molecular-level insights into actomyosin interaction.
Monte Carlo study of a bond-diluted q -state clock model: A simple representation for the glass transition

The idea of local bond ordering is discussed further as a representation for the glass transition: in a supercooled liquid, the local ordering of bonds can lead to substantial lowering in the configurational energy in the absence of long-range structural ordering or crystallization. This concept is developed in the context of a model system using quantities such as a bond energy order parameter and the corresponding response function, the bond susceptibility, which provides a theoretical identification for the calorimetric glass transition temperature. Thermodynamic properties of the two-dimensional model system are investigated by means of Monte Carlo simulation. These simulations exhibit local bond ordering at the intermediate temperature range uncorrelated with any type of long-range structural ordering whether conventional or $\mathrm{xy}$ type, implying stronger mechanical properties such as the viscosity for the structurally disordered system.
BI-RADS guided mammographic mass retrieval

In this study, a mammographic mass retrieval platform was established using content-based image retrieval method to extract and to model the semantic content of mammographic masses. Specifically, the shape and margin of a mass was classified into different categories, which were sorted by radiologist experts according to BI-RADS descriptors. Mass lesions were analyzed by the likelihoods of each category with defined features including third order moments, curvature scale space descriptors, compactness, solidity, and eccentricity, etc. To evaluate the performance of the retrieval system, we defined that a retrieved image is considered relevant if it belongs to the same class (benign or malignant) as the query image. A total of 476 biopsy-proven mass cases (219 malignant and 257 benign) were used for 10 random test/train partitions. For each test query mass, 5 most similar masses were retrieved from the image library. The performance of the retrieval system was evaluated by ROC analysis of the malignancy rating of the query masses in the test set relative to the biopsy truth. Through 10 random test/train partitions, we found that the averaged area under the ROC curve (Az) was 0.80±0.06. With another independent dataset containing 415 cases (244 malignant and 171 benign) as a test set, the ROC analysis indicated the performance of the retrieval system had an Az of 0.75±0.03.
Resonance scattering by atmospheric sodium—II Nightglow theory

The theory of radiative transfer is applied to the layer emitting the Na D lines in the nightglow. If the Na layer has an appreciable optical thickness τ0 in the centre of the lines, resonance scattering will significantly affect the variation of intensity with zenith angle and the ratio D2D1. Earlier quantitative discussions of this effect have neglected the scattered radiation and considered only one model for the nightglow layer. Three models are considered here: primary excitation concentrated at the bottom of the Na layer, evenly distributed through the layer, and concentrated at the top. Since there is considerable uncertainty both in the van Rhijn height of the layer and in the proper model for the nightglow, it is not feasible at the present time to deduce reliable information about the Na layer from a comparison of theory and observations. However, the van Rhijn heights and the ratio D2D1 to be expected for the various assumed models and for a true height of about 85 km are discussed. Observations of the line ratio may prove valuable in ascertaining the nightglow model.
Laquinimod, a Quinoline-3-Carboxamide, Induces Type II Myeloid Cells That Modulate Central Nervous System Autoimmunity

Laquinimod is a novel oral drug that is currently being evaluated for the treatment of relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS). Using the animal model for multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we examined how laquinimod promotes immune modulation. Oral laquinimod treatment reversed established RR-EAE and was associated with reduced central nervous system (CNS) inflammation, decreased Th1 and Th17 responses, and an increase in regulatory T cells (Treg). In vivo laquinimod treatment inhibited donor myelin-specific T cells from transferring EAE to naive recipient mice. In vivo laquinimod treatment altered subpopulations of myeloid antigen presenting cells (APC) that included a decrease in CD11c(+)CD11b(+)CD4(+) dendritic cells (DC) and an elevation of CD11b(hi)Gr1(hi) monocytes. CD11b(+) cells from these mice exhibited an anti-inflammatory type II phenotype characterized by reduced STAT1 phosphorylation, decreased production of IL-6, IL-12/23 and TNF, and increased IL-10. In adoptive transfer, donor type II monocytes from laquinimod-treated mice suppressed clinical and histologic disease in recipients with established EAE. As effects were observed in both APC and T cell compartments, we examined whether T cell immune modulation occurred as a direct effect of laquinimod on T cells, or as a consequence of altered APC function. Inhibition of Th1 and Th17 differentiation was observed only when type II monocytes or DC from laquinimod-treated mice were used as APC, regardless of whether myelin-specific T cells were obtained from laquinimod-treated or untreated mice. Thus, laquinimod modulates adaptive T cell immune responses via its effects on cells of the innate immune system, and may not influence T cells directly.
Towards computer-assisted coding: A case study of ‘charge by documentation’ software at an endoscopy clinic

Abstract Objectives An imminent transition to the ICD-10 diagnostic code set has increased interest in automating portions of the reimbursement process for clinical procedures. In this paper, we compare two distinct sets of billing codes generated at an endoscopy clinic using a traditional manual methods and computer-assisted coding using a ‘charge by documentation’ approach. Methods This is a retrospective, cross sectional research design analyzing data collected from all patients treated at one outpatient endoscopy clinic from July 2010 through June 2011. The collected data were the medical record number, data of service, diagnosis, procedure, CPT codes, ICD-9-CM codes, and CPT modifiers. The paired data were categorized as either an exact match or discrepant. Results 98% of the 2923 procedures were either colonoscopies or upper GI endoscopies, which have predictable workflow deviations that reliably map to changes in procedural and diagnostic codes. The codes from the two methods were an exact match for 31% of the cases. The automated approach generated 1–8 additional codes for 62% of the cases, and the manual approach generated codes without accompanying supporting documentation in the progress note for 24% of the cases. Conclusions We conclude that the automated approach was superior to the manual approach. We recommend the ‘charge by documentation’ approach for settings where the workflow is relatively predictable, including pre-identified frequently occurring branches to the workflow that affect the selection of procedural and diagnostic codes.
An entropy-based complexity measure for object-oriented designs

The use of entropy as a measure of information content has led to its use in measuring the code complexity of functionally developed software products; however, no similar capability exists for evaluating complexities of object-oriented systems using entropy. In this paper a new metric based on entropy as a complexity measure for object-oriented classes is defined and validated using several large commercial object-oriented projects. The metric is computed using information available in class definitions. The new complexity measure of classes is correlated with traditional complexity measures such as McCabe's cyclomatic metric and the number-of-defects metric, both of which were evaluated from the implementation of the methods of the classes. The correlation study used the final versions of the class definitions. The high degree of positive correlation between the entropy-based class definition measure and the traditional measures of class implementation complexity verify that the new entropy measure computed from class definitions can be used as a predictive measure for class implementation complexities provided the class definitions do not change significantly during the implementation. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Detection of Blood (Hemoglobin) Contamination in Poultry Muscle Tissue

Abstract Incidence of blood spots in fresh marketed poultry and batter or breaded frozen fried chicken may be related to certain processing parameters (i.e., stunning, bleed-out time). Spectrophotometric and cation exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedures were evaluated as potential methods to test for hemoglobin (Hb) contamination in poultry tissue. Muscle tissue was blended with TRIS-ethylenediaminetetraacetate buffer, pH 7.4, centrifuged and the extract scanned for absorbance at 540 and 580 nm. Tests with model systems gave a linear regression coefficient of r + .98 for detection of 0 to 1% blood in experimentally contaminated tissue. Analyses of extracts by cation exchange HPLC (545 nm) showed three separation peaks characteristic of hemoglobin. Isoelectrofocusing of the extracts on thin-layer polyacrylamide gels (pl 3 to 10) was also evaluated. These procedures could prove useful in subsequent studies to determine the cause of blood spotting in muscle tissue.
Vasopressin analog (DDAVP) improves memory in human males

Abstract One specific analog of arginine vasopression, 1-desamine-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP), has been shown to improve learning and memory in humans. Healthy young male adult subjects treated with DDAVP demonstrated better memory for implicational sentences than did control subjects. The same treatment had no influence on women given the same memory task. These results suggest that DDAVP may have a sexually dimorphic effect on learning and memory.
A broadly tunable high-resolution IR cavity ring-down spectrometer based on difference frequency generation in orientation-patterned GaAs

The advent of novel quasi-phase matched materials based on patterned growth gallium arsenide offer the possibility of broadly tunable IR sources covering the long- (5-12μm) and mid-wave (3-5μm) infrared spectral regions. From the standpoint of chemical sensing, the long-wave infrared region between 8-12μm is attractive since it is an atmospheric window, many functional groups absorb in this region and absorptions tend to be strong compared to the mid-IR. We are employing orientation patterned GaAs as part of cw difference frequency spectrometer. In this system, light from two, tunable external cavity diode lasers covering the 1.3μm and 1.5μm telecom bands was amplified then mixed in an orientation- patterned GaAs crystal, producing radiation in the 7-9μm region. The system serves as a source for a cw cavity ring-down spectrometer for ultra-trace gas detection applications. The combined tunability of the source, coupled with the sensitivity of cavity ringdown spectroscopy will allow both detection and identification of a wide range of species with unprecedented performance.
A new efficient method for determining the collapse margin ratio using parallel computing

Abstract The collapse margin ratio (CMR) is an important value in the FEMA P-695 process. However, determination of the CMR is computationally intensive and the duration for running a full incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) using serial computing to calculate the CMR can be prohibitive. In response to this restriction, a new efficient search method was created for finding the collapse margin ratio for a structural model using parallel computing. The proposed method does not require a full IDA and provides a significant decrease in the time required to determine the CMR compared to running a full IDA using serial computing. The new method is compared against similar methods for finding the CMR in parallel using both a four-story buckling restrained braced frame and a four-story steel moment resisting frame. Recommendations for overcoming convergence issues are discussed to aid in the application of the search method.
IgG but not IgM anti-phospholipid antibody binding is temperature dependent.

We examined the effect of temperature on the measurement of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-defined human polyclonal antiphospholipid antibody. Both IgG and IgM antibodies were easily demonstrable when sera were incubated on phospholipid-coated ELISA plates at 4–22° C. When incubations were done at 37–45° C IgG antibody binding markedly decreased but IgM antibody binding did not. Warming the phospholipid-coated ELISA plate alone, the serum alone, the buffer alone, or the blocking reagent alone had no effect. When the antigen content of the wells was increased fourfold the effect of warming still occurred. The effect of warmth was reversible and was seen with affinity-purified antibody as well as with whole serum. Phospholipid vesicles in suspension, however, absorbed antibody in a dose-dependent fashion at 4, 22, and 42° C. These results indicate that antibody binding to phospholipid is temperature dependent when phospholipid is adherent to the solid phase. Whether the change in IgG-phospholipid interaction results from a change in antigen or in antibody remains unknown.
Carbon Dioxide Effects on Fruit Respiration . II. Response of Avocados, Bananas, & Lemons.

Most studies concerning the effects of the gas composition of the atmosphere surrounding fruit have been directed toward the response of the combined changes of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This was a
Breit-Pauli Transition Probabilities and Electron Excitation Collision Strengths for Singly Ionized Sulfur

New improved calculations are reported for transition probabilities and electron impact excitation collision strengths for the astrophysically important lines in S II. The collision strengths have been calculated in the close-coupling approximation using the B-spline Breit-Pauli R-matrix method. The multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock method with term-dependent non-orthogonal orbitals is employed for an accurate representation of the target wave functions. The close-coupling expansion includes 70 bound levels of S II covering all possible terms of the ground 3s 23p 3 and singly excited 3s3p 4, 3s 23p 23d, 3s 23p 24s, and 3s 23p 24p configurations. The present calculations are more extensive than previous ones, leading to a total 2415 transitions between fine-structure levels. The effective collision strengths are obtained by averaging the electron collision strengths over a Maxwellian distribution of velocities and these are tabulated for all fine-structure transitions at electron temperatures in the range from 5000 to 100,000 K. The present results are compared with a variety of other close-coupling calculations and available experimental data. There is an overall good agreement with the recent 18-state calculations by Ramsbottom, Bell, & Stafford and with the 19-state calculations by Tayal for the most part, but some significant differences are also noted for some transitions.
Adaptive change in ammonia excretion in renal insufficiency

Adaptive change in ammonia excretion in renal insufficiency. Experiments were performed to study the mechanism of the compensatory increase in the excretion of metabolic acid by residual nephrons after reduction in renal mass. Despite a decrease in nephron population to 20% of control, total excretion of acid remained similar to pair-fed controls due to an increase in nephron excretion from 5.4 ± 0.5 in controls to 22.3 ± 1.9 nEq/24 hr (P Modifications adaptatives de l'excretion d'ammoniaque au cours de l'insuffisance renale. Le but du travail a ete d'etudier le mecanisme de l'augmentation compensatrice de l'excretion d'acide par les nephrons residuels apres une reduction de la masse renale. Malgre une diminution de la population des nephrons a 20% de la valeur controle, l'excretion totale d'acide est restee semblable a celle observee chex des controles du fait d'une augmentation de l'excretion par nephron de 5,4 ± 0,5 nEq/24 heures chez les controles a 22,3 ± 1,9 (P
Magnetic resonance cholangiography: comparison with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) is a noninvasive diagnostic modality capable of producing high-quality images of the biliary tree. The purpose of this study was to determine in a prospective, blinded fashion the sensitivity and specificity of three-dimensional fast spin-echo (3D FSE) MRC for the evaluation of biliary tract abnormalities. METHODS: Forty-six patients referred for elective direct cholangiography (45 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and 1 percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography) were studied prospectively with 3D FSE MRC during a 1- year period. All images were interpreted blindly by two radiologists. The presence of dilatation, strictures, and intraductal abnormalities was recorded. Sensitivity and specificity of 3D FSE MRC were determined using findings on direct cholangiography as the gold standard. RESULTS: MRC images of diagnostic quality were obtained in 44 (95.7%) of the patients. Sensitivity for the detection of bile duct dilatation (n = 27), biliary strictures (n = 10), and intraductal abnormalities (n = 7) was 96.3%, 90%, and 100%, respectively. In addition, the MRC showed 16 of 17 patients with normal bile ducts (specificity, 94.1%). CONCLUSIONS: MRC has a very high sensitivity and specificity in the evaluation of the biliary tract. Based on these data, we believe that the efficacy of MRC using 3D FSE is sufficient to warrant its use in the routine diagnosis of biliary tract disease. (Gastroenterology 1996 Feb;110(2):589-97)
Genetically haploid spermatids are phenotypically diploid

Because chromosomal homologues segregate from one another during meiosis, spermatids are genetically different. Post-meiotic gene expression could lead to gametic differences, some of which might lead to preferential transmission of certain alleles over others. In both insects and mammals, however, all the cells derived from a single spermatogonial cell develop within a common syncytium formed as a result of incomplete cytokinesis at each of the mitotic and meiotic cell divisions. It has been proposed that the intercellular bridges connecting the cells, which are about 1 micron in diameter, permit the sharing of cytoplasmic constituents, thus ensuring the synchronous development of a clone of cells and gametic equivalence between haploid spermatids. By analysing the product of a transgene which is expressed exclusively in post-meiotic germ cells in hemizygous transgenic mice, we have shown that genetically distinct spermatids share the product of the transgene and hence can be phenotypically equivalent.
Quantum supergravities in two dimensions

Abstract We give a supersymmetrized version of Polyakov's two-dimensional gravity model in light-cone gauge. Both N= 1 2 and N =1 supergravities are discussed.
Maladaptive autonomic regulation in PTSD accelerates physiological aging

A core manifestation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disconnection between physiological state and psychological or behavioral processes necessary to adequately respond to environmental demands. Patients with PTSD experience abnormal oscillations in autonomic states supporting either fight and flight behaviors or withdrawal, immobilization, and dissociation without an intervening “calm” state that would provide opportunities for positive social interactions. This defensive autonomic disposition is adaptive in dangerous and life threatening situations, but in the context of every-day life may lead to significant psychosocial distress and deteriorating social relationships. The perpetuation of these maladaptive autonomic responses may contribute to the development of comorbid mental health issues such as depression, loneliness, and hostility that further modify the nature of cardiovascular behavior in the context of internal and external stressors. Over time, changes in autonomic, endocrine, and immune function contribute to deteriorating health, which is potently expressed in brain dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. In this theoretical review paper, we present an overview of the literature on the chronic health effects of PTSD. We discuss the brain networks underlying PTSD in the context of autonomic efferent and afferent contributions and how disruption of these networks leads to poor health outcomes. Finally, we discuss treatment approaches based on our theoretical model of PTSD.
Analysis of a diallel cross to estimate effects of crossing on resistance to enteric septicemia in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

Abstract The trend in commercial channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus , production is toward increased stocking densities and feeding rates, and is often accompanied by disease problems. Enteric septicemia, caused by the bacterium, Edwardsiella ictaluri , is responsible for many disease losses in channel catfish cultured in the southern United States. A complete diallel cross among three strains, Red River, Norris, and M X K (Marion X Kansas), was used to estimate effects of crossing on resistance to E. ictaluri . Juveniles (mean weight 15.2 ± 3.8 grams) from all nine crosses were challenged by immersion, and survival determined 28 days following bacterial exposure. Mean survival of all crosses was 62.2% and ranged from 35.8% in the M X K female X Norris male cross to 90.0% in the Norris female X M X K male cross. Estimates for heterosis, line, maternal, reciprocal effects, and general combining ability corrected for maternal effects were obtained from contrasts among appropriate mean squares. Average, line or specific heterosis effects were not significant suggesting that crossbreeding these strains would not increase disease resistance due to heterosis. Significant line effects in Norris and M X K strains demonstrated differences for disease resistance in these strains. Significant maternal effects conveyed increased disease resistance to offspring in the Norris strain. Significant general combining ability indicated additive genetic differences for enteric septicemia resistance in Norris and M X K strains.
Evaluating Benefits and Challenges of Knowledge Transfer Across Projects

Abstract:The complex and unpredictable nature of projects generates serious challenges for managers of projects and project-based organizations. Knowledge represents one of the key project capabilities that enables projects and project-based organizations to cope with these challenges. Knowledge transfer across projects moves knowledge from project sources of knowledge to project recipients with the goal of improving performance and capabilities. The goal of this study is to examine the associations between the level of knowledge transfer across project effort, the body of knowledge of projects obtained from other projects, and the project performance. A survey of 46 closed projects provided the data to test 3 hypotheses. The results show that the body of knowledge of projects obtained from other projects is positively associated with project performance. Other results demonstrate that the level of knowledge transfer across project effort is associated with an increase in the capabilities and performance ...
The developmental relationship between infants' exploration and action on slanted surfaces

Abstract This research provides converging evidence that infants use exploratory activity to differentiate slant around a horizontal axis before they relate information about slant to consequences for locomotion. In Experiment 1, 14-month-old toddlers walked down safe, shallow 10° hills and slid down or avoided risky, steep 36° hills when height of the hills was held constant. Results indicate that judgements were based on slant. In Experiment 2, 9-month-old crawling infants explored shallow 10° and steep 30° slopes differentially in a nonlocomotor task. Exploration was similar to previous locomotor research with full-size hills, even though crawlers plunged head-long over both shallow and steep hills in the earlier study.
Efforts to enhance operating room teaching.

Objective To identify the learning needs of faculty members who are not perceived by residents as outstanding teachers in the operating room. Design General surgery residents electronically evaluated each faculty surgeon with whom they had significant contact upon completion of each clinical rotation between July 2005 and October 2006. Evaluation forms requested global ratings (1–5 scale ranging from poor to excellent) in 10 separate teaching-related areas, 1 of which was operating room teaching. Residents also rated faculty on 10 specific operating room teaching behaviors identified during a previous observational study. Results In total, 134 faculty surgeons were evaluated by 63 residents. Faculty who were evaluated by at least 5 residents (n = 99) were included in the study (mean = 21.9; range, 5–118 evaluations). The ratings of overall operating room teaching (M ± SD: 4.46 ± 0.52) correlated significantly (p r = 0.80) and each of the 10 teaching behaviors (range, r = 0.65 {confident in role as teacher and surgeon} to r = 0.85 {teaches with enthusiasm}). Stepwise multiple regression analysis (R2 = 0.76, p Conclusions Resident perceptions of operating room teaching by faculty surgeons are strongly associated with overall perceptions of the surgeon and with perceptions of specific teaching behaviors exhibited in the operating room. Regression analysis suggests that approximately 76% of the variability in resident evaluations of operating room teaching may be associated with the extent to which a surgeon demonstrates a positive attitude toward teaching, remains calm and courteous, and provides a "hands on" learning experience. Faculty development efforts aimed at operating room teaching that focus on reinforcing or modifying these behaviors may contribute to improved overall perceptions of faculty by residents.
Urban sprawl, density, and accessibility

Suburban sprawl is often criticized on the grounds that it results in low density land uses. A model is developed and calibrated in which a planning agency can influence the sequencing and densities of two phases of suburban development on the urban fringe. In this model an Ogawa-Fujita accessibility function plays an important role in determining rents per unit of built space and hence land values at any location. If the planner opts for a continuous rather than discontinuous development pattern, the result is lower densities but higher property values. It is concluded that planning efforts to limit sprawl are more consistent with tax base considerations than with concerns over density.
Hemiplegia following spinal anesthesia

Abstract A case of a right-sided hemiplegia with aphasia following spinal anesthesia is presented and the role of stagnant anoxia as the precipitating factor of such a complication is discussed.
Momentum Transfer in Heavy-Ion-Induced Fission

The forward linear momentum transfer in reactions leading to fission between heavy ions such as ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$, ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$, ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$, and ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{20}$ and the target nuclei Ho, Au, Bi, and ${\mathrm{U}}^{238}$ has been investigated by measuring the angular correlation between the fragments. The experimental values for the most probable parameters for center-of-mass transformation for these systems are compared with calculated values. For all the systems, the dominant reaction involves a full momentum transfer by the heavy ion to the fissioning nucleus. It is observed that for the system Au+${\mathrm{Ne}}^{20}$ and Bi+${\mathrm{Ne}}^{20}$, reactions with incomplete momentum deposition contribute 5.1% and 8.6%, respectively, to the total fission cross section. For ${\mathrm{U}}^{238}$ targets this admixture amounts to 12 to 17% for all ions at the highest bombarding energy and decreases with decreasing projectile energy. Possible reaction mechanisms leading to fission are suggested. A brief discussion of the method and its application is given.
Separating age, period, and cohort effects in white U.S. fertility, 1920–1970

Abstract Four models are developed to describe the odds transformation of period- and age-specific fertility rates as products of age, period, and cohort effects. These are applied to data for white U.S. women age 15–44 from 1920 to 1970, with equal weights given to each rate. All models which include age fit subsets of the data extremely well. Per effect, the incorporation of periods improves the fit much more than the incorporation of cohorts. It is shown that first differences are invariant in two-effect models, and second differences are invariant in the three-effect models.
Curcumin protects retinal cells from light-and oxidant stress-induced cell death

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex disease that has potential involvement of inflammatory and oxidative stress-related pathways in its pathogenesis. In search of effective therapeutic agents, we tested curcumin, a naturally occurring compound with known anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, in a rat model of light-induced retinal degeneration (LIRD) and in retina-derived cell lines. We hypothesized that any compound effective against LIRD, which involves significant oxidative stress and inflammation, would be a candidate for further characterization for its potential application in AMD. We observed significant retinal neuroprotection in rats fed diets supplemented with curcumin (0.2% in diet) for 2 weeks. The mechanism of retinal protection from LIRD by curcumin involves inhibition of NF-kappaB activation and down-regulation of cellular inflammatory genes. When tested on retina-derived cell lines (661W and ARPE-19), pretreatment of curcumin protected these cells from H(2)O(2)-induced cell death by up-regulating cellular protective enzymes, such as HO-1, thioredoxin. Since, curcumin with its pleiotropic activities can modulate the expression and activation of many cellular regulatory proteins such as NF-kappaB, AKT, NRF2, and growth factors, which in turn inhibit cellular inflammatory responses and protect cells; we speculate that curcumin would be an effective nutraceutical compound for preventive and augmentative therapy of AMD.
Histopathology of loblolly pine needles infected by Mycosphaerella dearnessii, the brown-spot needle disease pathogen

The histopathology of green Pinus taeda needles infected with Mycosphaerella dearnessii was investigated. Cellular abnormalities observed were predominately the collapse of mesophyll cells within the limits of the symptom lesions. The epidermis, hypodermis, endodermis, transfusion tissue, and the vascular system within the lesions were not affected. Resin ducts exhibited cell necrosis and dissolution within and distal from the visible limits of lesions. An intercellular interface was present in non-collapsed mesophyll cells at lesion limits, and the lateral extension of the interface usually corresponded to the effects observed in resin ducts distal from the lesions. Non-stromatic hyphae were rare in and distal from lesion tissue, indicating the host tissues were affected in advance of the pathogen. The production of a toxin by M. dearnessii is suspected.
Effects of Sulfate Ions on Alzheimer β/A4 Peptide Assemblies: Implications for Amyloid Fibril‐Proteoglycan Interactions

To model the possible involvement of sulfated proteoglycans in amyloidogenesis, we examined the influence of sulfate ions, heparan, and Congo red on the conformation and morphology of peptides derived from the Alzheimer beta/A4 amyloid protein. The peptides included residues 11-28, 13-28, 15-28, and 11-25 of beta/A4. Negative-stain electron microscopy revealed a sulfate-specific tendency of the preformed peptide fibrillar assemblies of beta(11-28), beta(13-28), and beta(11-25), but not beta(15-28), to undergo extensive lateral aggregation and axial growth into "macrofibers" that were approximately 0.1-0.2 micron wide by approximately 20-30 microns long. Such effects were observed at low sulfate concentrations (e.g., 5-50 mM) and could not be reproduced under comparable conditions with Na2HPO4, Na2SeO4, or NaCl. Macrofibers in NaCl were only observed at 1,000 mM. At physiological ionic strength of NaCl, fibril aggregation was observed only with addition of sulfate ions at 5-50 mM. Selenate ions, by contrast with sulfate ions, induced only axial and not substantial lateral aggregation of fibrils. X-ray diffraction indicated that the original cross-beta peptide conformation remained unchanged; however, sulfate binding did produce an intense approximately 65 A meridional reflection not recorded with control peptides. This new reflection probably arises from the periodic deposition of the electron-dense sulfate along the (long) axis of the fibril. The sulfate binding could provide sites for the binding of additional fibrils that generate the observed lateral and axial aggregation. The binding of heparan to beta(11-28) also produced extensive aggregation, suggesting that in vivo sulfated compounds can promote macrofibers. The amyloid-specific, sulfonated dye Congo red, even in the presence of sulfate ions, produced limited aggregation and reduced axial growth of the fibrils. Therefore, electrostatic interactions are important in the binding of exogenous compounds to amyloid fibrils. Our findings suggest that the sulfate moieties of certain molecules, such as glycosaminoglycans, may affect the aggregation and deposition of amyloid fibrils that are observed as extensive deposits in senile plaques and cerebrovascular amyloid.
Second harmonic detection for rotation sensing in fiber optic gyros

Recirculating light in a fiber optic gyro can cause significant scale factor distortions and uncertainty when the signal processing makes use of the second harmonic of the bias modulation to sense rotation. Significant reduction of this problem can be realized by operating the gyro at particular modulation depths and/or at one-half the proper frequency.
RATE OF EXCHANGE OF SUBSTITUTED PYRIDINES WITH THEIR BIS(β-DIKETONATO)NICKEL(II) ADDUCTS

Abstract The exchange rates of various substituted pyridines coordinated with a bis-(β-diketonato)nickel(II) complex and the corresponding uncomplexed ligands are first order over a wide ligand concentration range. They decrease slightly in nonpolar solvents and decrease only slightly and irregularly with increase in pyridine base strength. These results lend further support for a dissociative mechanism in these reactions.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 gene haploinsufficiency reduces AP-1 gene expression without abrogating the anabolic effect of parathyroid hormone.

Approximately 50% of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients exhibit skeletal pathology, such as premature osteoporosis or pseudoarthroses. Loss of neurofibromin deregulates Ras signal transduction to affect generation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt, both of which have been implicated in parathyroid hormone (PTH) anabolic mechanisms. Our aim was to determine if loss of neurofibromin impaired the anabolic effect of PTH on bone mass. Nf1 heterozygote (Nf1+/−) and wild type (Nf1 +/+ ) mice were treated with recombinant human PTH1–34 or vehicle once daily for 3–28 days. PTH enhanced mRNA expression of c-fos, junB, and fra2 in the distal femur metaphyses of both genotypes; expression of these transcripts was consistently lower in PTH-treated Nf1+/− mice. Despite lowered c-fos expression in Nf1+/− mice, PTH increased bone mass equivalently in both genotypes by 28 days. Ex vivo, Nf1 heterozygosity was associated with increased inducible osteoclasts in PTH-treated bone marrow cells and impairment of the actin stress fiber and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response to PTH in osteoprogenitors. Lower c-fos expression was previously thought to abrogate PTH responsiveness. Our results suggest crosstalk might occur between Ras signal transduction and the protein kinase A pathway in Nf1+/− mice. Ras signal transduction does not appear to be essential for the anabolic actions of PTH on bone. Because PTH was effective in the absence of Nf1, it may offer a useful approach to treat osteoporosis in NF1 patients.
The Effects of Defects on Localized Plating in Lithium-Ion Batteries

This work investigates how local cell defects can induce local lithium deposition and dendrite growth in a lithium-ion cell that appears to otherwise be performing correctly. Using local pore closure in the battery separator as a model defect, we experimentally demonstrate the occurrence of local lithium deposition during cycling in coin cells containing deliberately manufactured local regions of separator pore closure. We further investigate the local plating phenomena observed in these experiments using an axisymmetric finite element model of the defect-containing coin cell geometry. Our simulations show that the pore closure acts as an “electrochemical concentrator,” creating locally high currents and overpotentials in the adjacent electrodes. This leads to lithium plating if the local overpotential exceeds equilibrium potential in the negative electrode. We examine the sensitivity of the local plating behavior to various materials, geometric, and operating parameters to identify mitigation strategies. The results of this work can be generalized to any defect that creates spatially non-uniform current distributions. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by ECS. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (CC BY, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse of the work in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. [DOI: 10.1149/2.1051507jes] All rights reserved.
An Approximate Model for the Liberation and Ionization of Atoms from Individual Solute Particles in Flame Spectrometry.

Abstract A model is described which incorporates the generation and ionization of atoms during the vaporization of individual solute particles in flames. Particles initially larger than a critical radius have two vaporization rate constants because of a change in the vaporization mechanism related to size. Consequently, the mathematical formulation of the model consists of a series of three equations which are used to curve-fit different portions of emission intensity-time profiles in an air-acetylene flame. Values for the vaporization rate constants for three alkali chlorides found for this fitting process are: Na (244 μm 2 /s, 127 μm/s), K (650 μm 2 /s, 299 μm/s), and Cs (385 μm 2 /s, 847 μm/s). First-order ionization rates are 58 s −1 for Na, 268 s −1 for K, and 1128 s −1 for Cs.