cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of mineral detritus on rock varnish formation

Abstract A mix of high resolution electron microscope methods imaged the textures and chemistry of rock varnish samples from 19 field sites on five continents. The vast majority of aeolian mineral is not incorporated into manganiferous rock varnish. Of those dust particles that are enveloped, submicron sized oval-shaped quartz minerals are the most common type of detritus seen, as they rest conformably between laminated layers. The dominance of quartz as the most common detrital mineral, combined with the relative rarity of feldspars – is consistent with the hypothesis that feldspars experience in situ decay into clay minerals. After the detritus is buried in varnish, mineral boundaries often develop enhanced porosity. Some porous zones around dust particles develop submicron skins of redeposited Mn–Fe. In other cases, the porous zones aid in the transport of capillary water that mobilizes and redeposits Mn–Fe as stringers in fissures. Larger dust particles ∼10 μm in diameter are deposited in microtopographic depressions, such as tubes created by acid-producing lithobionts. Varnishes growing in particularly dusty regions form alternating dust-rich and varnish-rich layers that potentially correlate to alternating dusty and less dusty periods. The very foundation of varnish, the underlying rock, is often less stable in the surficial environment than varnish – leading to enhanced porosity and mineral decay in the substrate. Sometimes, physical collapse of varnish into the underlying void space mixes varnish and rock; more commonly, however, remobilization of varnish constituents into these pore spaces creates case hardening of the weathering rind in the underlying rock.
Planning and operations benefits of high fidelity voltage collapse simulations

Abstract New extended term dynamic simulations give utility planning and operations engineers the ability to conduct detailed studies which more realistically reflect the behaviour of power systems. In the paper, cases are shown in which conventional planning simulation techniques provide insufficient information for good decision making. Potential benefits of extended term dynamic analysis are demonstrated with additional examples.
Dielectric response of a silicone liquid excited by VUV radiation and electron scattering

Abstract The frequency-dependent dielectric properties of liquid silicone diffusion pump oil, Dow-Corning DC705, were determined by two methods. First, the optical properties were redetermined from literature data and from new measurements taken in the vacuum ultraviolet to ~ 25 eV. Second, electron energy loss data were obtained by energy analysis of scattered electrons produced by incident beams of electrons with energies between 35 and 300 eV. A sharp structure near 7 eV appeared in the optical data, was reflected in the electron-scattering data, and was attributed to a π → π ★ transition in the phenyl groups of the molecule. Broad structure was observed in the optical loss function near 15 eV where conditions for surface collective effects are most closely satisfied. A direct observation of a corresponding peak in the electron energy loss data provides additional support for the existence of surface collective effects. Thus, many-body as well as single particle effects appear to have a role in the properties of this insulating dielectric liquid.
Insulin Resistance Heralds Positive Cultures after Severe Injury

Abstract Background: Insulin resistance and hyperglycemia are common in acutely injured patients, and associated with poor outcomes. In the era of tight glucose control, measures of insulin responsiveness (IR) may provide a better indicator of patient status than does the serum glucose concentration. We hypothesized that measures of IR during tight glycemic control protocols are associated with infection and may be more predictive than the serum glucose concentration. Methods: All critically injured, mechanically ventilated patients undergo protocolized tight glycemic control with the aid of a computer-based system that calculates the insulin dose using an adapting multiplier (insulin dose = [blood glucose – 60) × M). Consecutive patients on protocol were studied to identify the incidence of positive sterile-site or quantitative bronchoalveolar lavage cultures (>104 colony-forming units/mL). Patients were stratified by presence and number of positive cultures and analyzed by both serum glucose measures an...
Provincial Aspects of Some Neogene Ostracoda of United States: ABSTRACT

Marine Neogene fossil ostracod assemblages that show some degree of provinciality include those from the Louisiana subsurface, the Florida panhandle, North and South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and southern California. Nonmarine Pleistocene fossil ostracod assemblages from Illinois, Ohio, Kansas, Minnesota, Utah, Idaho, and Nevada, and Miocene and Pliocene assemblages from Nevada and Idaho also are represented to some extent by restricted species. One of the main problems in the analysis of the assemblages is determination of the limiting effects of environmental factors on the species having restricted distribution versus other less tangible limiting factors. Comparisons of the fossil distributions with those of living representatives are helpful. As an example of provincial restriction of marine Neogene Ostracoda not obviously controlled by facies, the Atlantic Coast of the United States is typified by certain species of Murrayina and Hulingsina, whereas rocks of similar age are typified (1) in the Caribbean by Ambocythere, (2) in east Africa and the Mediterranean by Chrysocythere, and (3) in Germany perhaps by Urocythereis and Kuiperiana. End_of_Article - Last_Page 657------------
Fabric computing interfaces

This paper presents a series of physical computer interfaces and computational devices that are constructed from electronic fabrics and conducting threads. We introduce two types of textile keyboards, a piecework switch matrix and a capacitive embroidered keypad. We discuss these fabric sensors in a variety of applications. We give examples of computational clothing using this technology. This clothing shows how digital technology can be imbedded into the world around us. We argue that creating computational devices with new and unexpected materials gives designers the creative freedom to radically change the appearance and “feeling” of such devices.
Inflammation and sepsis: past, present, and the future.

A critical burn injury is a unique trauma that often is accompanied by significant metabolic disturbances as well as perturbation of innate and adaptive immunity. Human skin is not only a barrier against environmental insults and against colonization of pathogenic microbes but, more importantly, it is an immune organ with significant surveillance and thermoregulatory functions. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that loss of large portions of skin as the result of burns results in impaired immunity, metabolic compromises, fluid shifts, and heat loss. Through improvements in resuscitation, critical care, nutritional support, and early closure of the burn wound during the past two decades, our ability to care for burn patients has resulted in a marked reduction in morbidity and mortality. However, nosocomial wound or pulmonary infections, especially in patients requiring ventilator assistance, remain a major problem.
Multiple Controls on the Chemical and Physical Structure of Biochars

Intentional amendment of soil with charcoal (called biochar) is a promising new approach to sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide and increase soil fertility. However, the environmental properties of biochars can vary with production conditions, making it challenging to engineer biochars that are simultaneously optimized for carbon sequestration, nutrient storage, and water-holding capacity. We report here the systematic characterization of biochars produced under a variety of highly controlled pyrolysis conditions from two biomass feedstocks (corn stover and apple wood). Our results suggest that the chemical composition and physical structure of biochars are determined not just by the maximum heat treatment temperature, but also by several other factors that include the pyrolysis heating rate, treatment time at the maximum temperature and particle size. We also test a new approach that combines reactivity measurements, diffusion-reaction theory and structural models to overcome some of the challenges enco...
Enzyme-selective detector systems for high-pressure liquid chromatography

Abstract This paper describes the performance of absorbance and fluorescence detectors in two configurations of post-column reactors for selectively detecting and quantitating isoenzymes eluted from a high-pressure liquid chromatography column. Superb resolution of the isoenzymes of lactic dehydrogenase is illustrated by the use of new ion-exchange materials.
Direct recovery of regional tracer kinetics from temporally inconsistent dynamic ECT projections using dimension-reduced time-activity basis

We present an algorithm of reduced computational cost which is able to estimate kinetic model parameters directly from dynamic ECT sinograms made up of temporally inconsistent projections. The algorithm exploits the extreme degree of parameter redundancy inherent in linear combinations of the exponential functions which represent the modes of first-order compartmental systems. The singular value decomposition is employed to find a small set of orthogonal functions, the linear combinations of which are able to accurately represent all modes within the physiologically anticipated range in a given study. The reduced-dimension basis is formed as the convolution of this orthogonal set with a measured input function. The Moore-Penrose pseudoinverse is used to find coefficients of this basis. Algorithm performance is evaluated at realistic count rates using MCAT phantom and clinical 99mTc-teboroxime myocardial study data. Phantom data are modelled as originating from a Poisson process. For estimates recovered from a single slice projection set containing 2.5×105 total counts, recovered tissue responses compare favourably with those obtained using more computationally intensive methods. The corresponding kinetic parameter estimates (coefficients of the new basis) exhibit negligible bias, while parameter variances are low, falling within 30% of the Cramer-Rao lower bound.
Effect of preoperative sonographic mapping on vascular access outcomes in hemodialysis patients.

Effect of preoperative sonographic mapping on vascular access outcomes in hemodialysis patients. Background Current DOQI guidelines encourage placing arteriovenous (AV) fistulas in more hemodialysis patients. However, many new fistulas fail to mature sufficiently to be useable for hemodialysis. Preoperative vascular mapping to identify suitable vessels may improve vascular access outcomes. The present study prospectively evaluated the effect of routine preoperative vascular mapping on the type of vascular accesses placed and their outcomes. Methods During a 17-month period, preoperative sonographic evaluation of the upper extremity arteries and veins was obtained routinely. The surgeons used the information obtained to plan the vascular access procedure. The types of access placed, their initial adequacy for dialysis, and their long-term outcomes were compared to institutional historical controls placed on the basis of physical examination alone. Results The proportion of fistulas placed increased from 34% during the historical control period to 64% with preoperative vascular mapping ( P P = 0.34). For the subset of forearm fistulas, the initial adequacy increased substantially from 34 to 54% ( P = 0.06); the greatest improvement occurred among women (from 7 to 36%, P = 0.06) and diabetic patients (from 21 to 50%, P = 0.055). In contrast, the initial adequacy rate of upper arm fistulas was not improved by preoperative vascular mapping (59 vs. 56%, P = 0.75). Primary access failure was higher for fistulas than grafts (46.4 vs. 20.6%, P = 0.001), but the subsequent long-term failure rate was higher for grafts than fistulas ( P P P Conclusions Routine preoperative vascular mapping results in a marked increase in placement of AV fistulas, as well as an improvement in the adequacy of forearm fistulas for dialysis. This approach resulted in a substantial increase in the proportion of patients dialyzing with a fistula in our patient population. Fistulas have a higher primary failure rate than grafts, but have a lower subsequent failure rate and require fewer procedures to maintain their long-term patency.
Baryon-number violation in the one-instanton sector: A classical procedure of calculation☆

Abstract By choosing a particular form for zero-mode constraints we show that initial-state-initial-state corrections can be eliminated. With these constraints, initial-state interactions with a single, soft, final-state particle reduce to the solution of a classical field equation with a source. Interactions involving more than one final-state particle are given by applying the KRT procedure to the solution of the classical equation mentioned above.
Hard Correlation Gap Observed in Quench-Condensed Ultrathin Beryllium

We report on the tunneling density of states (DOS) in strongly disordered ultrathin Be films quench condensed at 20 K. Above 5 K, the DOS shows the well-known logarithmic anomaly at the Fermi level. Only in a narrow temperature range near 2 K is the DOS linearly dependent on energy, as predicted by Efros and Shklovskii. However, both the zero-bias conductance and the slope of the linear DOS are found to decrease drastically with decreasing temperature. Tunneling measurements at mK temperatures have revealed conclusively that a hard correlation gap opens up in the DOS.
A brief alcohol intervention for hazardously drinking incarcerated women.

Objective To test the hypothesis that among hazardously drinking incarcerated women who are returning to the community, a brief alcohol intervention will result in less alcohol use at follow-up relative to standard of care.
Plant transposable elements: where genetics meets genomics

Transposable elements are the single largest component of the genetic material of most eukaryotes. The recent availability of large quantities of genomic sequence has led to a shift from the genetic characterization of single elements to genome-wide analysis of enormous transposable-element populations. Nowhere is this shift more evident than in plants, in which transposable elements were first discovered and where they are still actively reshaping genomes.
Pulmonary lobar vascular resistances during constant and pulsatile flows

We measured arterial and venous occlusion pressure profiles in left lower lobes of dog lungs perfused in constant flow and pulsatile flow. Initially, pulmonary arterial pressure, flow rate, and venous pressure were recorded during a series of inflow and outflow occlusions effected during constant flow perfusion. The perfusion was then made pulsatile and while keeping the same flow rate, a second series of vascular occlusions was performed. The arterial occlusion pressures measured with the two modes of perfusion were similar. During pulsatile perfusion, the variation in arterial pressure following an arterial occlusion varied with the timing of occlusion in the pressure cycle. The arterial pressure drop could be recovered by selecting the time-averaged pulmonary arterial pressure as the upstream pressure. During both types of perfusion, the venous occlusion curves were similar. The arterial and venous pressure drops were approximately 4.8 mm Hg and 4.2 mm Hg, respectively. We concluded that the longitudinal distribution of pulmonary vascular pressures can be inferred from occlusion measurements obtained in pulsatile flow.
Two theorems on nielsen cores

Two theorems on Nielsen cores are proven. The first gives an inequality for the lengths of boundary curves: the second deals with the lengths of curves connecting boundary curves.
How Will Outcomes Management Work

Abstract: A consortium of employers and managed health care organizations has come together to test the feasibility and usefulness of an outcomes management system, a new strategy for providing information on what types of medical care are effective, for whom, and under what circumstances. Systematic measurement of health outcomes can provide the information that patients, providers, and insurers/employers need to make informed choices among alternative treatments and services. A pilot project in thirteen sites found that outcomes management is feasible for evaluating ongoing care for chronic conditions but is difficult to apply for short-term diagnostic or treatment episodes. Further, successful implementation requires a commitment of substantial organizational resources.
System identification approach for modeling and parameter estimation of power system elements

Abstract This paper presents the application of system identification techniques in the modeling of power system elements. In particular, the structural identification and initialization requirements for identifying a network model from the high-frequency response data of a laboratory network winding model which depicts an air-core reactor are investigated. The objective of the study is to show the step-by-step use of the system identification approach in identifying models for power system elements.
Worldwide Initiation of Holocene Marine Deltas by Deceleration of Sea-Level Rise

Radiocarbon-dated deltaic sequences of Holocene age from different parts of the world began to accumulate within a restricted time range, from about 8500 to 6500 years ago. Evaluation of major delta processes indicates that deceleration in sea-level rise was the key factor in Holocene delta formation. Within many deltas, there is as much as a 2000-year age range between basal deposits in seaward and landward cores. This age difference records the progressive landward migration of near mean sea-level depositional environments during the lower to mid-Holocene. Establishment of a chronostratigraphic framework for Holocene delta development provides a fundamental global baseline for distinguishing sea-level change from vertical land motion by tectonism and isostasy, and for evaluating rates of future marine incursion into low-lying deltas.
Tillage effects on quality of organic and mineral soils under on-farm conditions in Ohio

Assessment of management-induced changes in soil quality is important for sustaining crop yield. The purpose of conducting on-farm field research is to come up with fact-based answers to farming’s challenging questions and this type of research targets “real-world” data. However, research information on impacts of tillage on organic (muck) soils is scanty, and underlying processes of management-induced changes in soil characteristics are poorly understood. In addition, data are scarce on impacts of immediate short-term tillage on historically no-tilled mineral soils. Thus, the objectives of this research are to evaluate impacts of (1) long-term conventional tillage (CT) on organic or muck (Mc) soil compared to non-cropped no-till (NT) condition and (2) short-term CT on mineral (CrB) soil, which has been under NT management under corn. All monitored soil properties were significantly affected by soil type. Compared to CrB, Mc had 6.4 and 5 times higher soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) concentrations, respectively for all sampling depths. Long-term tillage had no impact on Mc probably due to its porous nature, weak structure and high organic matter content. In the mineral soil, short-term CT significantly affected bulk density (BD), water-stable aggregates (WSA), and available water capacity (AWC), especially, in the surface (0–10 cm) layer. The BD was reduced by CT for CrB by up to 14 % (NT 1.6 Mg m−3), compared to NT. Residue incorporation in the plow layer under CT (~20 cm) may have increased aggregation by up to 19 % (70–83 %) and SOC by up to 15 % (2–2.3 %) in CrB compared with that under NT (total aggregation 70 %, SOC 2 %). The data of this study demonstrate that (1) selected muck soil had significantly improved soil properties (higher WSA, AWC, SOC and N, and lower BD and penetration resistance) than those of the studied mineral soil, (2) long-term tillage did not affect the properties of the native muck soil, and (3) surface layer of the long-term no-tilled mineral soil was significantly affected by introduction of only 1 year of CT management.
Design and initial performance evaluation of a portable short-wave infrared spectroradiometer

The design, initial calibration, and performance evaluations of a portable short wave infrared (SWIR) spectroradiometer are described. The spectroradiometer covers the range from 1.1 to 2.5 microns with a spectral resolution that may be varied from less than 10 nm to more than 100 nm. A single spectrum is acquired in about 2 sec. The SNR is about 230 at a wavelength of 2.2 microns for a Lambertian surface of 90-percent reflectance illuminated by the sun at normal incidence with 14.8-nm resolution, a 25 C background temperature, and no atmospheric attenuation. FOV-defining optics are coupled by a flexible fiber-optics bundle to the spectroradiometer, which consists of a concave holographic diffraction grating with a flat focal field imaged onto a 1024-element platinum silicide linear-array detector.
First science observations with the ACES echelle spectrograph

The use of spectrographs with telescopes having high order adaptive optics (AO) systems offers the possibility of achieving near diffraction-limited spectral resolution with ground-based telescopes, as well as important advantages for instrument design. The use of an optical fiber to couple the instrument to the telescope affords additional advantages such as flexibility in the placement of the instrument and improved homogeneity of the input illumination function. In the case of Steward Observatory's Adaptively Coupled Echelle Spectrograph (ACES), the instrument is normally coupled to the telescope with an 8 micron diameter near single-mode optical fiber, although the instrument can be used at fixed focus locations without the fiber for telescopes so equipped. The use of a fiber coupler results in the phenomenon known as 'modal noise', where the transmission of multiple modes in the fiber leads to a wavelength-dependent variation in illumination that limits flat fielding precision. We have largely eliminated this effect through the use of an automated fiber stretcher device. We report here on improvements to the fiber feed optics and on interim observations made with the instrument at a conventional telescope not equipped with adaptive optics.
T cell contributions to the different phases of granuloma formation

Granulomatous inflammation is a form of delayed type hypersensitivity reaction that is involved in protection against chronic infections. Granulomatous inflammation can also occur without any clear inciting stimulus such as in sarcoidosis. An in depth knowledge of granuloma formation is essential to our understanding of protection against chronic infection as well as the dysregulation which occurs in granulomatous diseases of unknown origin. Granuloma formation is a complex and dynamic process involving the recruitment and coordination of diverse cell types. This review is focused on the important roles that T cells play in initiating and building the granuloma as well as in mediating effector functions and eventually resolving granulomatous inflammation. CD4(+) T cells emerge as the central mediators of this process, with T cells from other subsets also participating in the later phases of granuloma formation.
School-Age Children and Adolescents: Norms for Word Definition.

Word definition, as it is usually examined, is a prime example of decontextualized language use. Current trends in speech-language pathology emphasize the use of contextualized activities for asses...
Secondary structure in heterogeneous nuclear RNA: involvement of regions from repeated DNA sites.

Abstract Heterogeneous nuclear RNA was found to contain regions of secondary structure based on a relative resistance to nuclease treatment compared with mRNA or poliovirus RNA and a shift in density toward double-stranded RNA early in the course of nuclease digestion. The regions involved in this secondary structure are enriched for RNA segments transcribed from repeated sites in the DNA. Thus, to maximize hybridization to repetitive sites heterogeneous nuclear RNA molecules must be both denatured and fragmented. Some of the self-complementary regions in heterogeneous nuclear RNA are released by alkali denaturation and fragmentation below 1500 nucleotides but maximum release is not achieved until fragmentation below 500 nucleotides. These results indicate that these self-complementary regions (“loops” plus “stems”) are mainly below 500 nucleotides in length.
Two new species of Actenodes Dejean (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) from southern Mexico, with distributional and biological notes on Buprestidae from Mexico and Central America

Actenodes scabrosus sp. nov. from Michoacan, Guerrero, Oaxaca and Puebla, and Actenodes michoacanus sp. nov. from Michoacan, are described, illustrated, and compared to related species. Distributional and biological notes are presented for 65 other species of Buprestidae from Mexico and Central America in the following genera: Acmaeodera (s. str.) Eschscholtz 1829, Actenodes Dejean 1833, Agrilaxia Kerremans 1903, Agrilus (s. str.) Curtis 1825, Amorphosoma Laporte 1835, Aphanisticus Latreille 1829, Brachys Dejean 1833, Chrysobothris (s. str.) Eschscholtz 1829, Halecia Laporte & Gory 1837, Hiperantha (s. str.) Gistel 1834, Jelinekia Cobos 1980, Mixochlorus Waterhouse 1887, Oaxacanthaxia Bellamy 1991, Pachyschelus Solier 1833, Paragrilus Saunders 1871, Paratyndaris (s. str.) Fisher 1919, Pelycothorax Bellamy & Westcott 1996, Polycesta (Arizonica) Cobos 1981, and Polycesta (Tularensia) Nelson 1997. The records presented represent four new country and 25 new state records for Mexico, one species removed from the list of species from Mexico, one new country record for Nicaragua, 75 new adult host records and 24 new flower visitation records.
Help seeking behaviors in computer-based tasks: preliminary analysis

Few studies have examined the relationships among personal factors, help-seeking behaviors, and task performance within the context of accomplishing a novel computer task. This article reports preliminary findings from a dissertation study focusing on identifying personal factors influencing help-seeking effectiveness and task performance as well as perceived usefulness of different help types.
Information and Insurer Financial Strength Ratings: Do Short Sellers Anticipate Ratings Changes?

Ratings of financial institutions have been shown to provide informational value as stock prices generally decrease in response to ratings downgrades. Moreover, insurer's stock prices have been observed to decrease 2 days prior to downgrades, suggesting that informed trading occurs during the predowngrade period. This study examines the trading activity of short sellers surrounding insurer financial strength ratings. We show that short selling is abnormally high during the predowngrade period—indicating that short sellers can predict rating downgrades. Interestingly, we find that predowngrade short selling is driven by stocks of insurers with the most transparent balance sheets. This result suggests that while short sellers can predict rating downgrades generally, the opaqueness of an insurer's assets and liabilities can inhibit informed trading during the predowngrade period.
Maternal oxygen administration and fetal cerebral oxygenation: studies on near-term fetal lambs at both low and high altitude.

Objective We tested the hypothesis that O 2 administration to the mother would increase arterial O 2 tension (PaO 2 ) and cortical tissue O 2 tension ( t PO 2 ) in both the normoxic control fetus and that acclimatized to high altitude, and that this effect might be greater in the high altitude fetus than that at sea level. Study design Pregnant ewes were divided into either low-altitude group or high-altitude group (3820 m; maintained from day 30 of gestation to near-term, term=145 days; n=6 each). In near-term fetuses we instrumented the cerebral cortex with tissue PO 2 -laser Doppler flow probes, and placed arterial catheters. With the ewe breathing either air or 50% O 2 , we measured fetal arterial and brain tissue PO 2 and cerebral blood flow (CBF). Results In response to maternal O 2 administration, in both low- and high-altitude fetuses, PaO 2 , O 2 content, and brain tissue PO 2 increased significantly. Nonetheless, the fetuses at high altitude showed significantly greater increase in both PaO 2 and cerebral t PO 2 , than that seen in fetuses at low altitude. In neither group was there a change in CBF or cerebral metabolic rate for O 2 . Conclusion Maternal O 2 administration significantly increased PaO 2 and cerebral t PO 2 of the fetus both at low altitude and at high altitude, with this increase being greater in the high altitude animals. We suggest that maternal O 2 administration can have an important effect in ameliorating nonreassuring fetal status, and perhaps be of value in instances of mothers who smoke heavily or with cardiopulmonary disease.
CCARCH: Architecting Common Criteria Security Requirements

As technology continues to evolve, so do different entities that threaten the security of this technology. We believe that in order to build dependable software security should be treated just as any other important aspect of a system; to do this we must emphasize it at the beginning of our development cycle and be able to carry these security requirements down the cycle. We focus on a technique known as the Common Criteria, which allows for the development of security requirements. We extend the capabilities of Common Criteria beyond the requirements phase, to allow us to take security requirements into further stages of the cycle. In this paper we describe CCARCH, a technique accompanied by a set of tools, that takes Common Criteria expressed security requirements to the architectural level. Our approach aids in making the usage of Common Criteria more beneficial and applicable.
A Shallow Varactor-Tuned Cavity-Backed Slot Antenna With a 1.9:1 Tuning Range

A shallow (0.025 wavelengths) microstrip-fed cavity-backed-slot (CBS) antenna has been demonstrated that tunes from 1 to 1.9 GHz with better than -20 dB reflection coefficient using a single varactor diode (0.45-2.5 pF). This is possible because the slot and the cavity combine to form a single resonance, and therefore, do not need to be tuned independently. The cavity is 72 × 72 × 3.18 mm3, and is dielectrically loaded (?r = 2.1). The impedance match over the tuning range has been achieved by searching for combinations of feed and varactor locations for which the impedance is matched to 50 ? by a single series inductor, and the input impedance is nearly identical whether the antenna is in free-space or conformally mounted on a 1.2 × 1.2 m2 ground plane. The cross-polarization is better than -25 dB at 1.0, 1.5, and 1.9 GHz. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a varactor-tuned CBS antenna.
SOCIAL SUPPORT AND SUICIDE

Although considerable research from varied theoretical perspectives and across multiple disciplines has linked social support and suicide, few researchers have explored the relationship directly with any specificity. Investigators are encouraged to consider not only the type or source of support and related network characteristics, but also the specific role of support, the type of suicidal behavior examined, the type or source of stress across both temporal (i.e., acute vs chronic) and qualitative dimensions (i.e., desirable vs undesirable), particular features of the samples accessed, as well as potential interactions with a host of theoretically related variables such as problem-solving skills or adaptive coping.
The Impossibility of a “Political” Conception

Justice as fairness is understood to be freestanding in that it is to be presented apart from any specific comprehensive doctrine. It is, in other words, "political, not metaphysical." The idea of a such a political conception, however, raises a number of very serious problems with respect to justification and rationality. Ultimately, to ask if political philosophy should be done without metaphysics is to overlook the sense in which any political claim unavoidably reflects serious and controversial commitments of a moral and metaphysical nature.
Elevated serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) in solid-organ transplant recipients is positively associated with tissue destruction and IL-6 gene expression in the periodontium.

Background: The number of transplanted solid organs and life expectancy after transplantation are steadily rising worldwide. Inflammation is widely recognized as playing a pivotal role in transplant rejection, and several studies have shown that serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels can identify individuals who are at greater risk for rejection. Given the known association between IL-6 and chronic periodontitis, the aim of our study was to assess the periodontal status of solid-organ transplant subjects compared to systemically healthy controls, to quantify the IL-6 levels in the serum and periodontal tissues, and to explore their association.Methods: Forty-seven heart and kidney transplant and 18 systemically healthy age-matched individuals were recruited. Subjects received a complete periodontal examination, and blood and periodontal tissue samples were collected for quantification of IL-6 protein and mRNA levels, respectively.Results: Transplant subjects had significantly higher serum IL-6 levels and sligh...
Design Options for High Efficiency Linear Handset Power Amplifiers

Design techniques for handset power amplifiers are discussed, with emphasis on high efficiency architectures and CMOS technology. Experimental results with prototype circuits including Doherty, envelope tracking, outphasing and digital polar modulation are presented. Future design challenges are also highlighted. Index Terms — Power amplifiers, RF transmitters, wireless integrated circuit technology.
Platelet interaction with poly(ethylene oxide) networks

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and a polyether substituted polysiloxane were synthesized containing variations of PEO content (35 and 65% dry network weight) and PEO systematically varied from low to high molecular weight (2,000, 8,000, and 20,000). Biocompatibility was assessed by measureing 111In platelet deposition in a baboon femoral ex vivo shunt. Mass transfer analysis revealed that platelet transport to PEO/polysiloxane surfaces was kinetically limited and correlated with both PEO content and molecular weight. Differences in material performance were noted particularly after the initial 30 min blood contact period. In mid and high PEO molecular weight networks (8,000 and 20,000), reduced platelet deposition was noted with increased PEO content. In materials of high PEO content (65%), mid and high PEO molecular weight samples had significantly lower levels of platelet adsorption than PDMS (60 min; p< 0.05) or networks of low PEO molecular weight, coded 2K-65 (30 and 60 min; p < 0.05). The lowest level of platelet deposition was noted on 20K-65 networks, less than one platelet per 1,000 μm2.
Decentralized swarming beliefs of distributed autonomous heterogeneous system

This paper outlines a novel method for Cooperative Behavioral Control of distributed heterogeneous autonomous systems, emulating the methods in which humans collaborate. This method allows autonomous systems to collaborate on tasks and mission goals, similar to how humans interact, and is effective and efficient for real-time resource allocation. The proposed method fundamentally reduces the required communication bandwidths by significantly decreasing the amount of data necessary for real-time information exchange between cooperating agents. This is done by creating a swarm to estimate the beliefs of the collective, and not on physical states which is usually done by classical approaches. In sharing core beliefs, a collective of heterogeneous agents can plan as an individual, inherently and naturally deconflicting the notion of cost and optimality.
Effects of authoritative structure in the measurement of identity formation: individual computer-managed versus group paper-and-pencil testing

Abstract A total of 113 university undergraduates completed paper-and-pencil versions of the Ego Identity Process Questionnaire ( Balistreri, Busch-Rossnagel, & Geisinger, 1995 ) and the Identity Style Inventory ( Berzonsky, 1992b ) in a group-testing format. Another 100 undergraduates from the same university and with the same general demographic characteristics completed the same measures in an individually administered, computerized form. Results show significant differences in identity status and style variables between the two methodologies. The individual-testing, computer-managed approach appeared to increase the frequency of foreclosure and to raise reported use of all three identity processing styles for non-exploring participants, whereas for exploring participants, the mean exploration score was greater in this condition. In paper-and-pencil testing, much more diffusion was expressed. The results suggest that the presence of authoritative structure may be important in identity measurement and identity manifestation generally. Also, individual differences in identity status and style may produce differential response tendencies between computer-managed and paper-and-pencil modes of administration of identity formation measures.
Preschool neurological assessment in congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors: Outcome and perinatal factors associated with neurodevelopmental impairment

Abstract Objective To evaluate the preschool neurodevelopmental outcome in CDH survivors between 2 and 5 years of age and to identify perinatal and postnatal factors that may be predictive of persistent neurological deficits. Methods The study cohort consists of 60 CDH survivors that were enrolled in our prospective, follow-up program between January 2006 and September 2012. Developmental assessment of study participants between 2 and 3 years of age was performed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd Edition (BSID-III). Cognitive outcomes of CDH children older than 3 years of age were evaluated using The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, 3rd Edition (WPPSI-III). Neurodevelopmental delay was defined by a score of ≤ 85 in any of the evaluated composite scores. Severe impairments were defined as a score of ≤ 69 in at least one domain tested. Results Mean follow-up for children assessed by BSID-III (n = 42) and WPPSI-III (n = 18) was 28 ± 4.5 months and 58 ± 4.0 months, respectively. As a group, mean composite and subdomain BSID-III and WPPSI-III scores were within the expected normal range. For the BSID-III group, 9 (22%) had mild deficits in at least one domain, and 6 (14%) had severe deficits in at least one. Only 3 (7%) patients demonstrated severe neurological delays for all BSID-III composite scales. For the WPPSI-III group, 4 (22%) patients scored within the borderline-delayed range for at least one subscale and only one (6%) child had a WPPSI-III VIQ score in the severe delay range. Abnormal muscle tonicity was found in 35% (hypotonicity 33%, hypertonicity 2%). Need for ECMO, prolonged ventilation, hypotonicity, and other surrogate markers of disease severity (P Conclusion The majority of CDH children are functioning in the average range at early preschool and preschool age. Neuromuscular hypotonicity is common in CDH survivors. CDH severity appears to be predictive of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome.
Heterochromatin Protein 1 Is Extensively Decorated with Histone Code-like Post-translational Modifications

Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) family members (α, β, and γ) bind histone H3 methylated at Lys-9, leading to gene silencing and heterochromatin formation. Several previous reports have suggested that HP1s are post-translationally modified, yet sites of modification have not yet been exhaustively determined. Here we perform the first comprehensive proteomic analysis of all HP1 isoforms using tandem mass spectrometry. Our data reveal that all HP1 isoforms are highly modified in a manner analogous to histones including phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, and formylation, including several sites having multiple different types of modifications. Additionally, many of these modifications are found in both the chromo- and chromoshadow domains, suggesting that they may have an important role in modulating HP1 interactions or functions. These studies are the first to systematically map the abundant sites of covalent modifications on HP1 isoforms and provide the foundation for future investigations to test whether these modifications are essential in heterochromatin maintenance or other nuclear processes.
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone: a Novel Vitamin?

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), otherwise known as methoxatin, is a water-soluble, redox-cycling orthoquinone that was initially isolated from cultures of methylotropic bacteria. It has been found to be a cofactor of some bacterial alcohol dehydrogenases, and is present in many animal tissues. It may be a novel vitamin because it has been shown to be essential for normal growth and development. The redox-cycling ability of PQQ enables it to scavenge or generate superoxide. When fed to animals as a supplement, PQQ prevents oxidative changes that would ordinarily occur. It has been reported to inhibit glutamate decarboxylase activity and protect against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated neurotoxicity in the brain. It appears that in the whole animal, however, PQQ does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, it increases nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in mouse astroglial cells, but has to be bound to glycine to penetrate and exert this effect in whole brain. It may therefore be regarded as a "Janus faced" molecule, with its potential for a therapeutic role in the brain still in question.
The use of advanced imaging software applications with FDG-PET to differentiate Alzheimer’s disease from frontotemporal dementia in an academic clinical setting

1868 Objectives From 2006-2011, 249 patients with dementia were studied using FDG-PET as part of their clinical evaluation to differentiate FTD from AD as outlined in the CMS NCD for PET dementia imaging. To date 29 individuals have had pathological confirmation of disease. We tested the ability of a commercially available software application (Cortex ID, GE Healthcare) to blindly differentiate pathologically confirmed FTD from AD (including Dementia with Lewy bodies) in these 29 patients based upon pontine normalized visual assessment Z score SSP images and regional Z scores. Methods Standard FDG PET brain imaging was performed using the ADNI protocol. The patients were dichotomized into AD or FTD based on a visual assessment of the Z score surface maps of the 3D SSP image. In addition, regional (L or R) Z scores or regional average Z scores (L+R/2) were assessed as to their ability to differentiate AD from FTD using a Mann-Whitney analysis. Results The patient population consisted of 9 FTD [4M, (58-76 years) and 5F, (61-79 years)] and 20 AD patients [14M (56-79 years) and 6F (59-81 years)]. From the visual Z score SSP analysis, sensitivity = 85%, specificity = 78%, and accuracy = 83% for determining AD. For determining FTD, sensitivity = 78%, specificity = 85%, and accuracy = 83%. Using a p-value of 0.05, frontal association and medial frontal regions were associated with FTD; medial parietal, visual, and occipital association regions were associated with AD. Conclusions We were able to show that a commercially available software application was accurate at differentiating FTD from AD with both a visual and a regional Z-score analysis approach in a cohort of pathologically proven patients imaged with FDG-PET to differentiate AD vs FTD. This further substantiates the ability to differentiate AD from FTD with advanced software applications in a clinical setting. Research Support Center for Quantitative Cancer Imaging, Huntsman Cancer Institute
Impacts of invasive nonnative plant species on the rare forest herb Scutellaria montana

Abstract Invasive plant species and overabundant herbivore populations have the potential to significantly impact rare plant species given their increased risk for local extirpation and extinction. We used interacting invasive species removal and grazer exclusion treatments replicated across two locations in an occurrence of rare Scutellaria montana (large-flowered skullcap) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, to assess: 1) competition by invasive Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet) and Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) and 2) the role of invasive species in mediating Oedocoilus virginianus (white-tailed deer) grazing of S. montana. Contrary to our hypothesis that invasive species presence would suppress S. montana directly via competition, S. montana individuals experienced a seasonal increase in stem height when invasive species were intact but not when invasive species were removed. Marginally significant results indicated that invasive species may afford S. montana protection from grazers, and we suggest that invasive species also could protect S. montana from smaller herbivores and/or positively influence abiotic conditions. In contrast to growth responses, S. montana individuals protected from O. virginianus exhibited a decrease in flowering between seasons relative to unprotected plants, but invasive species did not affect this variable. Although it has been suggested that invasive plant species may negatively influence S. montana growth and fecundity, our findings do not support related concerns. As such, we suggest that invasive species eradication efforts in S. montana habitat could be more detrimental than positive due to associated disturbance. However, the low level of invasion of our study site may not be representative of potential interference in more heavily infested habitat.
Nationalism, “Philosemitism,” and Symbolic Boundary-Making in Contemporary Poland

This article analyzes the growing interest in Jews and all things Jewish in contemporary Poland—from the spectacular popularity of festivals of Jewish culture to the opening of Judaica bookstores and Jewish cuisine restaurants; from the development of Jewish studies programs at various universities and the creation of several museums to artists’ and public intellectuals’ engagements with Poland's Jewish past and Polish-Jewish relations more broadly. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, over sixty formal interviews with Jewish and non-Jewish activists, and informal conversations with participants in various Jewish-centered initiatives, I argue that this cultural phenomenon is related to the attempt by specific political and social groups to build a pluralistic society in an ethnically and denominationally homogenous nation-state. I build on the literature on nationalism and symbolic boundaries by showing that bringing back Jewish culture and “resurrecting the Jew” is a way to soften, stretch, and reshape the symbolic boundaries of the nation that the Right wants to harden and shrink using Catholicism as its main tool.
Bacteriocins of lactic acid bacteria in combination have greater antibacterial activity

Antibacterial efficiency of two bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria, pediocin AcH, and nisin was tested individually and in combination against several gram-positive bacterial strains including some involved in food spoilage and foodborne diseases. Pediocin AcH and nisin were more antibacterial in combination than when they were used alone. The principles of this greater antibacterial spectrum have been proposed. Bacteriocins in combinations can be used advantageously to design efficient natural food biopreservative(s).