cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in common-factor loadings as tests are altered homogeneously in length.

Formulas are derived by which, given the factor loadings and the internal reliability of a test of unit length, the following estimates can be made: (1) the common-factor loadings for a similar (homogeneous) test of lengthn; (2) the number of times (n) that a test needs to be lengthened homogeneously to achieve a factor loading of a desired magnitude; and (3) the correlation between two tests, either or both of which have been altered in length, as a function of (a) the new factor loadings in the altered tests or (b) the original loadings in the unit-length tests. The appropriate use of the derived formulas depends upon the fulfillment of four assumptions enumerated.
Nonreinforced trial procedure for probability learning.

For rats in a T-maze, nonreinforced trials were interspersed with reinforced trials to insure that .67 of all reinforcements would be dispensed on the more frequently reinforced side. At asymptote , the proportion of responses to the more frequently reinforced side was .67.
Equivalent Circuit Models for Coaxial OSLT Standards

We use a general description of transmission lines to develop analytic descriptions for offset OSLT (Open-Short-Load-Thru) standards used to calibrate vector network analyzers. We then formulate approximations for coaxial standards that implement the equivalent circuit parameters in common use. A comparison of calibrated verification device measurements demonstrates that our representations agree well with the models used in commercial instruments.
Modeling of multi-component droplet coalescence in evaporating and non-evaporating diesel fuel sprays

A new coalescence model for droplets with different mixture composition is developed and implemented in spray calculations. This model is based on an extension of Brazier-Smith et al.’s model (1972) for two colliding droplets with different densities. Based on the rotational kinetic and surface energies of a system of two droplets, coalescence efficiency for two colliding droplets with different densities is formulated. In the case of grazing collision, the effect of density of droplets is also included. The new droplet coalescence model is examined for evaporating and non-evaporating diesel sprays. Validation studies were carried out for both cases and the results were compared with available experimental data. The model shows good predictive capability and was demonstrated to improve the accuracy of multi-phase flow simulations.
The Underachievement of Supported Employment A Call for Reinvestment

A review of the status of the national supported employment initiative shows that thousands of individuals are benefiting from the initiative and that supported employment is offered by community programs in every state in the nation. Yet despite these successes, access to supported employment is severely limited, the quality of the outcomes is challenged, and the investment in change appears to be dwindling. If supported employment for persons with severe disabilities is to expand and improve to meet the growing demand, then communities and government alike must analyze both the successes and the problems of the supported employment initiative and create a new path to change. The purpose of this paper is to review the status of the supported employment initiative, explore the perception of its underachievement, and provide recommendations for recapturing the momentum of the initiative.
Experimental Investigation of the Submarine Crashback Maneuver

*† ‡ In order to decelerate a forward-moving submarine rapidly, often the propeller of the submarine is placed abruptly into reverse rotation, causing the propeller to generate a thrust force in the direction opposite to the submarine’s motion. This maneuver is known as the “crashback” maneuver. During crashback, the relative flow velocities in the vicinity of the propeller lead to the creation of a ring vortex around the propeller. This vortex has an unsteady asymmetry which produces off-axis forces and moments on the propeller that are transmitted to the submarine. Tests were conducted in the William B. Morgan Large Cavitation Channel (LCC) using an existing submarine model and propeller. A range of steady crashback conditions with fixed tunnel and propeller speeds were investigated. The dimensionless force and moment data were found to collapse well when plotted against the parameter 0, which is defined as the ratio of the actual propeller speed to the propeller speed required for self-propulsion in forward motion. Unsteady crashback maneuvers were also investigated with two different types of simulations in which propeller and tunnel speeds were allowed to vary. It was noted during these simulations that the peak out-of-plane force and moment coefficient magnitudes in some cases exceeded those observed during the steady crashback measurements. Flow visualization and LDV studies showed that the ring vortex structure varied from an elongated vortex structure centered downstream of the propeller to a more compact structure that was located nearer the propeller as 0 became more negative, up to 0 . -0.8. For more negative values of 0, the vortex core appeared to move out toward the propeller tip.
New York Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) data support emergency response, promote safety and protect public health

Abstract Surveillance is an important activity that yields a body of information and provides data that can be used to make informed decisions and direct training, education and outreach. The New York State Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) program is one of 14 state-based programs funded by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that collects data on acute releases of non-petroleum hazardous substances and their public health impacts. New York State HSEES data for 2000–2006 include 7735 hazardous substances releases and the resulting public health consequences. Through daily monitoring of hazardous substances incidents, staff identifies sentinel events and discerns atypical patterns. Staff also alerts public health officials and others, as necessary, to help ensure that the appropriate network of personnel is notified. The New York State HSEES data provide information for employee and responder training, emergency preparedness and public health response. Throughout these activities, staff works to support hazardous materials response, promote safety, protect public health, and work with communities and schools to achieve the HSEES goal of reducing the incidence of hazardous material releases and the associated morbidity and mortality. These outcomes exhibit the value of surveillance of hazardous substances releases.
Constructing the Meaning of Globalization: A Framing Analysis of The PR Strategist

Although the global expansion of the public relations industry is widely acknowledged, little research-based evidence exists about what globalization means to practitioners. This study examines how US-based practitioners are discursively framing the meaning of globalization within their own interpretive community. It analyzes all the articles on globalization that appeared in the first decade of this century in the US trade publication The PR Strategist. The main purpose of this discourse analysis was to unpack the ideological underpinnings of practitioner views to discuss the critical implications of the same for the profession. Findings indicate that although practitioners stress the need to be sensitive to issues of cultural diversity and avoid cultural imperialism in the profession, the overall interpretation of globalization is limited to a neoliberal economistic perspective, rather than geared toward genuine critique and creative alternatives.
Role of programmed (apoptotic) cell death during the progression and therapy for prostate cancer.

Cells possess within their epigenetic repertoire the ability to undergo an active process of cellular suicide termed programmed (or apoptotic) cell death. This programmed cell death process involves an epigenetic reprogramming of the cell that results in an energy-dependent cascade of biochemical and morphologic changes (also termed apoptosis) within the cell, resulting in its death and elimination. Although the final steps (i.e., DNA and cellular fragmentation) are common to cells undergoing programmed cell death, the activation of this death process is initiated either by sufficient injury to the cell induced by various exogenous damaging agents (e.g., radiation, chemicals, viruses) or by changes in the levels of a series of endogenous signals (e.g., hormones and growth/survival factors). Within the prostate, androgens are capable of both stimulating proliferation as well as inhibiting the rate of the glandular epithelial cell death. Androgen withdrawal triggers the programmed cell death pathway in both normal prostate glandular epithelia and androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells. Androgen-independent prostate cancer cells do not initiate the programmed cell death pathway upon androgen ablation; however, they do retain the cellular machinery necessary to activate the programmed cell death cascade when sufficiently damaged by exogenous agents. In the normal prostate epithelium, cell proliferation is balanced by a equal rate of programmed cell death, such that neither involution nor overgrowth normal occurs. In prostatic cancer, however, this balance is lost, such that there is greater proliferation than death producing continuous net growth. Thus, an imbalance in programmed cell death must occur during prostatic cancer progression. The goal of effective therapy for prostatic cancer, therefore, is to correct this imbalance. Unfortunately, this has not been achieved and metastatic prostatic cancer is still a lethal disease for which no curative therapy is currently available. In order to develop such effective therapy, an understanding of the programmed death pathway, and what controls it, is critical. Thus, a review of the present state of knowledge concerning programmed cell death of normal and malignant prostatic cells will be presented.
CXCR7/CXCR4 heterodimer constitutively recruits β-arrestin to enhance cell migration

G protein-coupled receptor hetero-oligomerization is emerging as an important regulator of ligand-dependent transmembrane signaling, but precisely how receptor heteromers affect receptor pharmacology remains largely unknown. In this study, we have attempted to identify the functional significance of the heteromeric complex between CXCR4 and CXCR7 chemokine receptors. We demonstrate that co-expression of CXCR7 with CXCR4 results in constitutive recruitment of β-arrestin to the CXCR4·CXCR7 complex and simultaneous impairment of Gi-mediated signaling. CXCR7/CXCR4 co-expression also results in potentiation of CXCL12 (SDF-1)-mediated downstream β-arrestin-dependent cell signaling pathways, including ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and SAPK as judged from the results of experiments using siRNA knockdown to deplete β-arrestin. Interestingly, CXCR7/CXCR4 co-expression enhances cell migration in response to CXCL12 stimulation. Again, inhibition of β-arrestin using either siRNA knockdown or a dominant negative mutant abrogates the enhanced CXCL12-dependent migration of CXCR4/CXCR7-expressing cells. These results show how CXCR7, which cannot signal directly through G protein-linked pathways, can nevertheless affect cellular signaling networks by forming a heteromeric complex with CXCR4. The CXCR4·CXCR7 heterodimer complex recruits β-arrestin, resulting in preferential activation of β-arrestin-linked signaling pathways over canonical G protein pathways. CXCL12-dependent signaling of CXCR4 and its role in cellular physiology, including cancer metastasis, should be evaluated in the context of potential functional hetero-oligomerization with CXCR7.
Fourier analysis, correlation functions and nonadiabatic electron transfer: Wavepackets and exact representations

We investigate the validity of several common approximations in the analysis of nonadiabatic intramolecular electron transfer rate constants. Utilizing the Fourier representation of the golden rule form, we study the evolution of the vibrational correlation function that represents the density-of-states-weighted Franck-Condon factor. In particular, we test the validity of the perturbation theoretic golden rule form and of the Gaussian wavepacket representation for the vibrational wavefunctions against numerically exact quantum mechanical propagations. Although specific cases are found in which both of these break down, for a wide range of conditions (including anharmonic behavior and frequency changes), both the Gaussian wavepacket representation and the golden rule are excellent approximations.
A model for inverse segregation: The case of directionally solidified AlCu alloys

A model for predicting macrosegregation during solidification of casting alloys has been developed. The continuum formulation was used to characterize the macroscopic mass, energy and momentum transports for two-phase systems. It was assumed that the interdendritic liquid flow was driven by thermal and solutal buoyancy, as well as by solidification contraction. The movement of free surface during solidification contraction and of precipitated solid phases in the early stage of solidification was taken into account. Validation of this model was performed for the case of inverse segregation in a directionally solidified Al-4.0% Cu casting with equiaxed grains. Calculated results show that positive segregation is formed in the vicinity of the bottom chill, associated with negative segregation in the mushy zone.
The Inside Track: Privileged Neural Communication through Axon-Carrying Dendrites

Whether morphology tailors functional properties of pyramidal neurons is not completely understood. In this issue of Neuron , Thome et al. (2014) show that, in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, axons frequently originate from basal dendrites rather than the soma, constituting a "privileged" channel for synaptic inputs located in these axon-carrying dendrites.
Alloy-grain-size dependence of the effectiveness of silica coatings as oxidation barriers on stainless steel

In order to determine the effect of alloy grain size on the oxidation properties of silica-coated austenitic Fe-18Cr-20Ni stainless steel, both coarse-grain (100-μm grain size) and fine-grain (5-μm grain size) forms of the alloy were produced. A 1-μm-thick vitreous silica coating was deposited by chemicalvapor deposition on the alloys, which were subjected to isothermal and cyclic oxidation in air at 900°C. The coarse-grain alloys underwent widespread oxidation below the silica coating, leading to extensive coating spallation. This was attributed to the inability of the alloy to supply a sufficient outward flux of chromium to prevent oxygen penetration through microcracks in the silica coating. Due to an abundance of chromium available at the surface of the finegrain alloy, chromia formed in the microcracks within the silica layer. As a result, the silica-coated, fine-grain alloy demonstrated superior oxidation resistance and excellent adhesion of the coating.
Localization of a brain protein metabolically linked with behavioral plasticity in the goldfish

Immunofluorescent methods were used to map the distribution of a soluble, 32,000 dalton brain protein, the synthesis of which increases when goldfish master a vestibulomotor task. The protein was found to be associated with a family of approximately 15,000 cells which vary in diameter from 8 to 15 micrometer and possess multiple processes. These cells are distributed near periventricular and external surfaces from the spinal cord up through the forebrain, but are most abundant in the broad ependymal zones of the optic tectum and vagal lobes. This localization pattern suggests that one of the major changes in brain protein metabolism associated with performance of the 'float-training' task in goldfish may reflect the activity of a non-neuronal population of brain cells.
Self-grooming by male meadow voles differs across copulation but is not affected by the risk and intensity of sperm competition

Meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus , self-groom before, during and after copulation, which may convey olfactory information to nearby conspecifics. Since males who self-groom at high rates were found to be attractive to females, it is possible that the copulating male may attempt to increase his attractiveness over that of other males who are present or nearby. In that the presence of other males affects sperm investment and can be used by males as an indicator of sperm competition, we tested the hypothesis that the presence of scent marks of other males near a sexually receptive female affects the self-grooming behaviour of males that encounter them. We did so by pairing a male and a female vole in the presence of the odours of one male conspecific, five male conspecifics, or no male conspecifics. The amount of time male voles self-groomed was not affected by the risk or intensity of sperm competition. We also tested the hypothesis that self-grooming behaviour of males differed depending on whether it was performed before, during, or after copulation. Male voles differed in the amount of time and the location on their body that they self-groomed before, during, and after copulation.
The Effect of Current Density on Zinc Whisker Growth

Zinc whiskers threaten the safety of electronic components due to their electrical conductivity. Factors that control zinc whisker growth are still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of current density (1.5, 2.25 and 3.0 A/dm2) on the formation of zinc whiskers, and to relate this to the microstructure of the deposit. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses show that the surface morphologies of deposits became rougher when current density increased; however, nodule density increased from 25/mm2 to 53/mm2 when current density increased from 1.5 to 2.25 A/dm2, and it decreased to 24/mm2 when current density increased to 3.0 A/dm2. X-ray diffraction analyses (XRD) show that the preferred orientation of deposits remain when current densities increased from 1.5 to 2.25 A/dm2, while it changed to when current density increased to 3.0 A/dm2. Results show that zinc coatings electroplated at 2.25 A/dm2 may have greater risk of whisker growth then that electroplated at 1.5 or 3.0 A/dm2.
A MEMS AlN transducer array for use as a cochlear implant

A piezoelectric cantilever array was fabricated, for use as a cochlear implant. An array of 4.2μm thick aluminum nitride (AlN) bimorph cantilevers, laminated with platinum and mounted on a silicon backbone, are designed to transduce incident sound pressure waves into electrical current when submerged in ionic cochlear fluid. The ability to prescribe the desired geometry and to deposit high quality piezoelectric films are two key aspects crucial to the success of this design concept. A 3cm parylene - gold - parylene ribbon cable extends from the probe to an electrode bay, for external measurements of the transducer array response. The AlN film is measured to have a rocking curve of 0.94° full width half maximum (FWHM), a d31 of 2.1 pm/V, and a dissipation factor of 0.002. The actuated response of a single cantilever element in air shows good agreement with model predictions.
Statistical properties of chaotic wavefunctions in two and more dimensions

Starting with Berry's hypothesis for fixed energy waves in a classically chaotic system, and casting it in a Green function form, we derive wavefunction correlations and density matrices for few or many particles. Universal features of fixed energy (microcanonical) random wavefunction correlation functions appear which reflect the emergence of the canonical ensemble as N↦∞. This arises through a little known asymptotic limit of Bessel functions. The Berry random wave hypothesis in many dimensions may be viewed as an alternative approach to quantum statistical mechanics, when extended to include constraints and potentials.
Tachyarrhythmias associated with programmable automatic atrial antitachycardia pacemakers.

Abstract A multiprogrammable automatic antitachycardia pacemaker (Cybertach-60), connected to a tined “J” wire electrode, was positioned in the right atrial appendage in three patients with recurrent supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Mechanisms of SVT included atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentry (two patients) and reciprocating tachycardia using an accessory pathway (one patient). Indications for implantation included frequent symtomatic episodes, multiple drug failures, and reproducible termination of the arrhythmia by the atumatic pacemaker during electrophysiologic studies. Following discharge, multiple episodes of pacemaker malfunction were recorded. The three types of malfunction included: undersensing with induction of SVT by a single atrial premature depolarization, oversensing of extraneous electromechanical potentials triggering burst pacing which initiated SVT, and inappropriate burst pacing in response to sinus tachycardia with and without initiation of SVT. Treatment with a beta-blocking agent prevented pacemaker triggering by sinus tachycardia, and replacement of the electrode catheter resolved pacemaker triggering by electromechanical potentials. One patient required removal of the pacemaker because undersensing could not be corrected by repositioning the atrial electrode. This report illustrates three potential complications that may result with either normal or faulty sensing when employing automatic atrial antitachycardia pacemakers for control of SVT. It also stresses the importance of careful electrophysiologic evaluation before implantation and meticulous follow-up after implantation.
Forest and laboratory evaluations of hybridizedApanteles melanoscelus [Hym.: Braconidae], a parasitoid ofPorthetria dispar [Lep.: Lymantriidae]

Hybrids ofApanteles melanoscelus (Ratzeburg) were produced from colonies originating from France, Yugoslavia, and Connecticut. All strains, as well as freshly collected “wild” Connecticut parasitoids of the same species were evaluated in the laboratory for developmental rate, host attack rate, and sex ratios. Development was significantly slower in all the laboratory strains compared to the progeny of forest collected Connecticut females. Progeny production was greater (almost 2X) for the “wild” females and the French-Yugoslavian-Connecticut hybrid than for the laboratory Connecticut strain. The proportion of females collected from the “wild” (Connecticut) strain was higher than that observed in any laboratory strain.
Acidulation Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Ecology of Nitrifying Bacteria

Abstract The acidulation effects of the prolonged use of nitrogenous fertilizers and lime application on nitrifying bacteria and nitrification activity were assessed. Soil samples were collected between November 1995 and November 1996 from experimental plots established in 1971 that were annually treated for ten consecutive years with nine nitrogen (N) fertilizers and planted to corn. Each fertilizer was applied at 300 kg N ha−1 except for an additional anhydrous treatment at 150 kg N ha−1. The acidifying affect of these N fertilizers, 16 years following the termination of the experiment were found to be of the order: ammonium chloride > anhydrous ammonia (300 kg N ha−1) = ammonium sulfate = urea = ureaform > anhydrous ammonia (150 kg N ha−1) = ammonium nitrate = calcium nitrate > sodium nitrate. No significant differences in the populations of the nitrifying bacteria were detected between limed and nonlimed treatments. However, both the limed and nonlimed treatments contained high populations of nitrifyi...
Weak signal detection in hyperspectral imagery using sparse matrix transform (smt) covariance estimation

Many detection algorithms in hyperspectral image analysis, from well-characterized gaseous and solid targets to deliberately uncharacterized anomalies and anomalous changes, depend on accurately estimating the covariance matrix of the background. In practice, the background covariance is estimated from samples in the image, and imprecision in this estimate can lead to a loss of detection power. In this paper, we describe the sparse matrix transform (SMT) and investigate its utility for estimating the covariance matrix from a limited number of samples. The SMT is formed by a product of pairwise coordinate (Givens) rotations. Experiments on hyperspectral data show that the estimate accurately reproduces even small eigenvalues and eigenvectors. In particular, we find that using the SMT to estimate the covariance matrix used in the adaptive matched filter leads to consistently higher signal-to-clutter ratios.
Managing hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes: the partnership between genetic counselors and gastroenterologists

Numerous hereditary cancers involve the gastrointestinal tract, and identification of these familial cancer syndromes should improve the detection, diagnosis and management of affected patients. This Review addresses the role of gastroenterologists and genetic counselors in the recognition of hereditary cancer syndromes, and suggests how a partnership between these two professions can influence the management of the patient and their family. A standard of care for the recognition and management of patients and families with hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes is emerging, and both gastroenterologists and genetic counselors have an important role. This Review considers these roles and outlines the partnership needed between gastroenterologists and genetic counselors. The role of the gastroenterologist involves careful sampling of polyps and tumors, and requires a basic working knowledge of the features of hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes. The role of the genetic counselor is to gather and synthesize family history and pathology information, formulate a genetic differential diagnosis, determine a genetic testing strategy, guide medical management and help patients communicate information to their relatives. Managing the complex logistics of testing the best candidate in the family, facilitating informed consent, outlining costs to patients and interpreting test results are also responsibilities assumed by genetic counselors. In addition, genetic counselors help physicians meet their ethical and medicolegal obligations with respect to patient management and family communication. Referral schemata for patients with polyposis and nonpolyposis features are presented in this Review, along with comprehensive tables that outline the features of well-known and rare syndromes that heighten the risk of gastrointestinal malignancy.
Using Varied Microphysics to Account for Uncertainty in Warm-Season QPF in a Convection-Allowing Ensemble

AbstractTwo approaches for accounting for errors in quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) due to uncertainty in the microphysics (MP) parameterization in a convection-allowing ensemble are examined. They include mixed MP (MMP) composed mostly of double-moment schemes and perturbing parameters within the Weather Research and Forecasting single-moment 6-class microphysics scheme (WSM6) MP scheme (PPMP). Thirty-five cases of real-time storm-scale ensemble forecasts produced by the Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms during the NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed 2011 Spring Experiment were examined.The MMP ensemble had better fractions Brier scores (FBSs) for most lead times and thresholds, but the PPMP ensemble had better relative operating characteristic (ROC) scores for higher precipitation thresholds. The pooled ensemble formed by randomly drawing five members from the MMP and PPMP ensembles was no more skillful than the more accurate of the MMP and PPMP ensembles. Significant positive impact w...
Local improvements that degrade system performance : case studies and discussion for throughput analysis

Much of our intuition about production system performance dynamics is grounded in an understanding of simple serial lines. For this reason, practitioners tend to rely on concepts and principles that have successfully guided the design and improvement of these lines, even in the analysis of significantly more complex systems. Based on this intuition, there is a natural tendency to believe that improving any specific feature of a system will result in comparable or improved overall performance. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In this paper, we present three case study examples which demonstrate that local improvements to station speed or buffer capacity can result in an overall degradation of system performance for non-serial production systems.
An automatic differentiation technique for sensitivity analysis of numerical advection schemes in air quality models

Sensitivity analysis, which characterizes the change in model output due to variations in model input parameters, is of critical importance in simulation models. Sensitivity coefficients, defined as the partial derivatives of the model output with respect to the input parameters, are useful in assessing the reliability of the output from a complex model with many uncertainty parameters. Most existing sensitivity methods, however, have one or more of the following limitations: inaccuracy in the results, high cost in human effort, and difficulty in mathematical formulation and computer program implementation. To overcome these limitations, we are exploring ADIFOR, an automatic differentiation technique for systematically studying sensitivities. One can apply ADIFOR without having an intimate knowledge of the algorithms implemented in a model, so manual preparation of sensitivity code is avoided. In this paper, ADIFOR's accuracy and computational efficiency are demonstrated by calculating the sensitivity of concentration to a global perturbation of wind velocity in advection models and comparing this with results from the brute-force method of sensitivity analysis. ADIFOR-generated code can produce exact sensitivity information up to the machine epsilon, and can reduce computer CPU time requirements by up to 57% compared with the brute-force method for a single sensitivity calculation (and the savings increases with the number of parameters). Furthermore, we demonstrate the applicability of ADIFOR to models with a large number of uncertainty parameters by calculating the sensitivity of model output to initial conditions in a two-dimensional advection model.
The effect of cellobiose, glucose, and cellulose on the survival of Fibrobacter succinogenes A3C cultures grown under ammonia limitation.

The ruminal, cellulolytic bacterium, Fibrobacter succinogenes A3C, grew rapidly on cellulose, cellobiose, or glucose, but it could not withstand long periods of energy source starvation. If ammonia was limiting and either cellobiose or glucose was in excess, the viability declined even faster. The carbohydrate-excess, ammonia-limited cultures did not spill energy, but they accumulated large amounts of cellular polysaccharide. Cultures that were carbohydrate-limited had approximately 4 nmol ATP mg cell protein−1, but ATP could not be detected in cultures that had an excess of soluble carbohydrates. However, if F. succinogenes A3C was provided with excess cellulose and ammonia was limiting, ATP did not decline, and the cultures digested the cellulose soon after additional nitrogen sources were added. From these results, it appears that excess soluble carbohydrates can promote the death of F. succinogenes, but cellulose does not.
A syngeneic splenic cell antigen induces a suppressor T cell in lymph nodes that controls cytotoxic T-cell and primary antibody responses.

Abstract The nonspecific suppression of immunological responses that is generated within host popliteal lymph nodes upon exposure to syngeneic normal spleen cells has been examined. The suppression, which had previously been described as being capable of preventing initiation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to hapten-altered self antigens, arises within 3 to 7 days after injecting the spleen cells. Suppression was shown to be attributable to an induced T cell that was functional when transferred intravenously. Although the cell surface marker(s) on both splenic B and T cells that stimulates appearance of Ts has not yet been identified, the cells possessing the marker were not required to be viable to cause the induction. We have shown here that the Ts is fully functional when it is put in the antigenic site used for CTL immunization. The induced Ts has been identified as bearing the Lyt 2.1 cell surface marker. Furthermore, it has been shown to be insensitive to cyclophosphamide (CY), thus differentiating it from the naturally occurring Ts cell (Ts0) that is known to be CY sensitive. In addition to preventing induction of CTLs toward hapten-altered self antigens, exposing popliteal lymph nodes to syngeneic spleen cells induced Ts capable of suppressing the primary IgM antibody response to sheep red blood cells. The Ts cells that suppressed the primary antibody response possessed the same Lyt cell surface markers and CY insensitivity as the Ts that mediated suppression of the CTL response. Thus, evidence that two dissimilar immunological reactions may be down-regulated by the same suppressor mechanism has been provided. Results of a kinetic study showed that the Ts prevented development of both the humoral and the cell-mediated immune responses by affecting their inductive phases. Possible targets for suppression that more than likely would have to be common to the two widely different immune responses have been indicated.
Definitive radiotherapy for T1-T2 squamous cell carcinoma of pyriform sinus.

Purpose To report the long-term results after definitive radiotherapy (RT) for T1-T2 pyriform sinus squamous cell carcinoma. Patients and Methods The data from 123 patients with T1-T2 pyriform sinus squamous cell carcinoma treated with RT with or without neck dissection between November 1964 and June 2003 were analyzed. The median follow-up for all patients was 3.2 years, and the median follow-up for living patients was 10.7 years. Results The 5-year local control, locoregional control, freedom from distant metastasis, cause-specific survival, and overall survival rate was 85%, 70%, 75%, 61%, and 35%, respectively. The ultimate local control rate, including successful salvage of RT failure, for T1 and T2 cancer patients was 96% and 94%, respectively. The overall local control rate with a functional larynx was 83%. Pretreatment computed tomography tumor volume data were available for 55 patients. The median computed tomography tumor volume was 4.2 cm3 (range, 0–22.4). Local control was worse for patients with a tumor volume >6.5 cm3 compared with those with a smaller tumor volume. Of the 123 patients, 16% developed moderate to severe acute (2%), late (9%), or postoperative (5%) complications. Conclusions Local control with larynx preservation after definitive RT for T1-T2 pyriform sinus squamous cell carcinoma likely results in local control and survival similar to that after total laryngectomy or larynx-conserving surgery. Two-thirds of our living patients retained a functional larynx.
Inhibition of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y gene expression by insulin

Insulin acts in the brain to suppress feeding, whereas neuropeptide Y (NPY) has the opposite effect. Since fasting lowers plasma insulin levels and increases hypothalamic synthesis of NPY, we proposed that insulin may inhibit hypothalamic NPY gene expression. To test this hypothesis, we used RIA and in situ hybridization histochemistry to determine if centrally administered insulin could reduce levels of both NPY and its messenger RNA (mRNA) in discreet hypothalamic regions during fasting. Three groups of Long-Evans rats were entered into a 72-h study protocol. One group was fed ad libitum during this period, while the others were fasted. Fed rats received intracerebroventricular (icv) injections of saline vehicle at 12-h intervals, whereas fasted groups received icv vehicle alone or with insulin (4 mU/12 h). In vehicle-only treated rats, fasting significantly increased expression of preproNPY mRNA in the arcuate nucleus to 179 +/- 20% of fed controls. Administration of icv insulin during fasting abolishe...
Comparison of traditional enterocystoplasty and seromuscular colocystoplasty lined with urothelium

Abstract Objective To evaluate long-term outcomes between various methods of augmentation cystoplasty. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of patients undergoing seromuscular colocystoplasty lined with urothelium (SCLU, n = 26), and their outcomes compared to a similar population of patients in the same institution who had received traditional forms of bladder augmentation (colocystoplasty and ileocystoplasty, n = 32). Measurements included efficacy of the procedure in increasing bladder capacity and achieving urinary continence, and the need of subsequent surgery for complications. Results There was no statistically significant difference in achieved bladder capacity, subjective urinary continence and the rates of subsequent surgery for stones, vesicoureteral reflux, augment failure, bladder neck continence and catheterizable channel. None of the patients in the SCLU group had spontaneous perforation or small bowel obstruction. Conclusion Patients with SCLU are at decreased risk for bowel obstruction and spontaneous perforation, but are not devoid of other long-term complications including bladder stones, vesicoureteral reflux and augment failure. Most of the risks and benefits of augmentation cystoplasty performed using ileum, colon, or SCLU appear similar.
Superlattice effects on solid-state amorphization

Solid-state amorphization (SSA) is observed in Ni/Ti multilayers. Microscopy and diffraction analyses have shown that the sputter deposited structures are epitaxial with crystalline interfaces. The amorphization reaction nucleates at the multilayer interfaces, i.e. the lattice sites of disorder. The interfacial disorder that arises from lattice distortions is dependent on the layer pair spacing. The onset temperature of SSA as measured using differential thermal analysis is shown to depend on the layer pair spacing.
Income tax reform in Colombia and Venezuela: A comparative history

Abstract This paper compares the history of income tax reform in Colombia and Venezuela since the late 1950s. Brief histories of income tax reform in each country describe both what was proposed in major studies and what was enacted. The present Colombian income tax is seen to be much better than the Venezuelan system. Colombia has also made more use of local tax experts than Venezuela. The final section speculates that the ready availability of oil revenues explains why Venezuela does not have a better income tax and more local analysis of tax policy.
The effects of driver speed prediction-based battery management system on Li-ion battery performance for electric vehicles

The electric vehicle (EV) technologies have received great attention due to the potential contributions to reducing emissions and energy consumption. The relatively short travel distance and battery lifetime of EV are major concerns for consumers. It is suggested that driver behavior plays important role in determining EV battery’s electric current and heat generation, which have effects on travel distance of EV and its battery lifetime. To address this problem, the current work proposes a Driver Speed Prediction-Based Battery Management System (P-BMS). P-BMS is able to innovatively predict both electric current and temperature of EV battery based on driver behavior, proactively manage and control both electric current and temperature level of the EV battery in order to minimize energy consumption and maximize both travel distance of EV and EV battery lifetime. Results suggest that P-BMS can significantly reduce energy, extend travel distance in one charge and prolong EV battery lifetime.
Reproductive strategies of two Neotropical killifish, Austrolebias vandenbergi and Neofundulus ornatipinnis (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) in the Bolivian Gran Chaco

Informacion sobre la ecologia e historia de vida de varias especies de rivulidos no ha sido estudiada, por lo tanto se analiza la biologia reproductiva de dos especies neotropicales (Austrolebias vandenbergi y Neofundulus ornatipinnis) que habitan pozos semipermanentes y temporales en el Gran Chaco Boliviano. Las recolectas se realizaron al inicio y al final de la estacion lluviosa. Dimorfismo sexual, fecundidad absoluta, diametro de los ovocitos y proporcion sexual fue determinada para cada especie de rivulido. Machos en las dos especies presentaron mayor tamano de longitud estandar y altura del cuerpo cuando fue comparado con las hembras. Austrolebias vandenbergi tuvo menor fecundidad por hembra y huevos mas pequenos que N. ornatipinnis, pero hembras en ambas especies presentaron una relacion estrecha y positiva entre fecundidad y tamano cuerpo. La presencia de varios estadios gonadales sugiere un desove fraccionado, lo cual es una estrategia reproductiva que promueve la viabilidad y sobrevivencia de estos peces en habitats de extremas condiciones. La proporcion sexual no vario entre machos y hembras de A. vandenbergi (1:1), pero en N. ornatipinnis la proporcion sexual fue dominada por las hembras (1:1.8). Este estudio representa uno de los primeros que investiga aspectos de la biologia reproductiva de A. vandenbergi y N. ornatipinnis, lo cual es importante para la conservacion de rivulidos en regiones tropicales.
Long-Term Supplementation With Resveratrol Alleviates Oxidative Stress but Does Not Attenuate Sarcopenia in Aged Mice

This study analyzed the capacity of resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol, to reduce aging-induced oxidative stress and protect against sarcopenia. Middle-aged (18 months) C57/BL6 mice were randomly assigned to receive either a control diet or a diet supplemented with 0.05% trans-resveratrol for 10 months. Young (6 months) and middle-aged (18 months) mice were used as controls. Resveratrol supplementation did not reduce the aging-associated loss of muscle mass or improve maximal isometric force production, but it appeared to preserve fast-twitch fiber contractile function. Resveratrol supplementation did not improve mitochondrial content, the subcellular localization of cytochrome c protein content, or PGC1 protein content. Resveratrol increased manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), reduced hydrogen peroxide, and lipid peroxidation levels in muscle samples, but it was unable to significantly reduce protein carbonyl levels. The data suggest that resveratrol has a protective effect against aging-induced oxidative stress in skeletal muscle, likely through the upregulation of MnSOD activity, but sarcopenia was not attenuated by resveratrol.
Overview of System Architectural Implications of Third‐Party Liability and Government Indemnification for GPS Augmentation

: Increased third-party tort liability resulting from GPS augmentation is an important issue to consider in selecting a system architecture. There are different liabilities for the U.S. Government, private and commercial parties, and foreign partnership countries. The paper explores the extent of liability by reviewing the relevant treaty, statutory, and case law. Five alternative system ownership scenarios are presented, and the impact of third-party liability is assessed for each. The conclusion reached is that the U.S. Government has significant liability exposure; however, private and commercial system owners have even higher exposure.
Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Impairs Early and Long-Term Experimental Stroke Recovery

Background and Purpose— Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1; Enzyme Commission 2.4.30) is a nuclear DNA repair enzyme that mediates early neuronal ischemic injury. Using novel 3-dimensional, fast spin-echo-based diffusion-weighted imaging, we compared acute (21 hours) and long-term (3 days) ischemic volume after middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in PARP-1-null mutants (PARP−/−) versus genetically matched wild-type mice (WT mice). PARP−/− mice were also treated with viral transfection of wild-type PARP-1 to determine whether protection from MCA occlusion is lost with restoration of the gene product. Methods— Halothane-anesthetized mice were treated with reversible MCA occlusion via intraluminal suture technique. Ischemic volumes were delineated by diffusion-weighted imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution during MCA occlusion and reperfusion. Recombinant Sindbis virus carrying β-galactosidase (lacZ) or PARP-1 was injected into ipsilateral striatum, then animals underwent MCA occlusion 3 days...
Social Network Analysis of Social Capital in Collaborative Planning

Social capital is an important primary outcome of collaborative planning and is deemed a precursor to arriving at successful collaborative planning outcomes such as more effective collective action and both individual and social benefits. Although commonly used definitions of social capital stress the importance of social networks, recent scholarly research tends to overlook the importance of understanding how collaborative efforts influence the formation of new relationships and the structures of these relations (social networks) and in turn how these influence success. This article documents the application of social network analysis methods in the evaluation of a collaboration's effectiveness at building social capital, the structures of these relations, the factors that influenced positively and negatively their formation, and finally, the influence of the social networks on realizing successful outcomes.
Pathologic changes in sensitized rats exposed to stress.

Male rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain were subjected to unilateral nephrectomy and were given a high sodium chloride diet to eat ad libitum. These sensitized rats were exposed to various stressors (limb ligation once each week, surgery once each week, hemorrhage twice each week, a burn once each week, a fracture once each week, or an injection of 1 per cent formaldehyde twice each day) for 8 weeks. It should be emphasized that each form of stress was near the maximum severity which could be tolerated by the rats. Some pathology occurred in the kidneys of non-stressed sensitized rats and was aggravated by exposure to some of the stressors. Three of the stressed rats had elevated blood pressures. Myocardial changes were seen in only a few of the stressed animals. The pathology caused by these stressors was less severe than that seen in sensitized rats overdosed with hormones and in sensitized rats exposed to cold in other experiments.
Blood Pressure, C-Reactive Protein, and Risk of Future Cardiovascular Events

Background— Accumulating data suggest a link between blood pressure and vascular inflammation. Methods and Results— We examined the relationship between blood pressure, C-reactive protein (CRP), and incident first cardiovascular events among 15 215 women followed prospectively over a median of 8.1 years. In cross-sectional analyses at baseline, median levels of CRP for women with blood pressure <120/75, 120 to 129/75 to 84, 130 to 139/85 to 89, 140 to 159/90 to 94, and ≥160/95 mm Hg were 0.96, 1.42, 2.20, 2.82, and 3.34 mg/L, respectively (P for trend <0.0001). Increasing categories of blood pressure were significant predictors of CRP levels at baseline. In prospective analyses, both elevated CRP levels (≥3 mg/L) and increasing categories of blood pressure were independent determinants of future cardiovascular events, and CRP had incremental prognostic value at all levels of blood pressure. The adjusted hazard ratio for women with blood pressure ≥160/95 mm Hg and CRP levels ≥3 mg/L was 8.31 (95% CI, 4.44 ...