cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bcl-2 inhibitor and apigenin worked synergistically in human malignant neuroblastoma cell lines and increased apoptosis with activation of extrinsic and intrinsic pathways

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in infants and young children. Current treatments are not always effective and new therapies are needed. We examined efficacy of combination of the small molecule Bcl-2 inhibitor HA14-1 (HA) and the dietary isoflavonoid apigenin (APG) in human malignant neuroblastoma cells. Dose-response studies indicated that treatment with HA and APG for 24 h synergistically reduced cell viability in human malignant neuroblastoma SK-N-DZ, SH-SY5Y, and IMR32 cells. For further studies, we selected SK-N-DZ cells that showed the highest sensitivity following treatment with 2.5 microM HA, 100 microM APG, or combination (2.5 microM HA+100 microM APG). Wright staining showed increase in morphological features of apoptosis. Cell cycle distribution and Annexin V assay showed that combination therapy caused more apoptosis than either treatment alone. Western blotting revealed that combination therapy downregulated angiogenic factors and also induced extrinsic pathway of apoptosis with activation of caspase-8 for Bid cleavage to tBid. Alterations in Bax and Bcl-2 levels resulted in an increase in Bax:Bcl-2 ratio to activate intrinsic pathway of apoptosis with mitochondrial release of cytochrome c into the cytosol and activation of proteases. Increases in calpain and caspase-3 activities generated 145 kD spectrin break down product (SBDP) and 120 kD SBDP, respectively. Results showed that combination of HA and APG could be used for downregulation of angiogenic factors and activation of extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis in malignant neuroblastoma cells.
System for line drawings interpretation

This paper describes an automatic system that extracts information from line drawings, in order to feed CAD or GIS systems. The line drawings that we analyze contain interconnected thin lines, dashed lines, text, and symbols. Characters and symbols may overlap with lines. Our approach is based on the properties of the run representation of a binary image that allow giving the image a graph structure. Using this graph structure, several algorithms have been designed to identify, directly in the raster image, straight segments, dashed lines, text, symbols, hatching lines, etc. Straight segments and dashed lines are converted into vectors, with high accuracy and good noise immunity. Characters and symbols are recognized by means of a recognizer, specifically developed for this application, designed to be insensitive to rotation and scaling. Subsequent processing steps include an `intelligent'' search through the graph in order to detect closed polygons, dashed lines, text strings, and other higher-level logical entities, followed by the identification of relationships (adjacency, inclusion, etc.) between them. Relationships are further translated into a formal description of the drawing. The output of the system can be used as input to a Geographic Information System package. The system is currently used by the Italian Land Register Authority to process cadastral maps.
Keratin 14 Gene Mutations in Patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex

Mutations in genes encoding the keratin intermediate filaments expressed in basal cells have been identified in some families with epidermolysis bullosa simplex as the proximate cause of the fragility. We have systematically scanned genomic sequences of one of these keratins, keratin 14, for mutations in patients from 49 apparently independent kindreds using single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis. The ten mutations identified are clustered at three sites–the ends of the helices and the L12 linker region, mutation sites that have been identified in past, more limited studies. Early onset of blistering in these ten families is correlated with more widespread distribution of lesions.
Computational Model of Cross-Bridge Cycling and Force Generation to Explain the Effect of Metabolites on Cardiac Muscle Mechanics

Despite extensive study over the past six decades the coupling of chemical reaction and mechanical processes in muscle dynamics is not well understood. We lack a theoretical description of how chemical processes (metabolite binding, ATP hydrolysis) influence and are influenced by mechanical processes (deformation and force generation). To address this need, a mathematical model of the muscle crossbridge (XB) cycle based on Huxley's sliding filament theory is developed that explicitly accounts for the chemical transformation events and the influence of strain on state transitions. The model is identified based on elastic and viscous moduli data from mouse and rat myocardial strips over a range of perturbation frequencies, and MgATP and Pi concentrations. Simulations of the identified model reproduce the observed effects of MgATP and MgADP on the rate of force development. Furthermore, simulations reveal that the rate of force re-development measured in slack-restretch experiments is not directly proportional to the rate of XB cycling. For these experiments, the model predicts that the observed increase in the rate of force generation with increased Pi concentration is due to inhibition of cycle turnover by Pi. Finally, the model captures the observed phenomena of force yielding suggesting that it is a result of rapid detachment of stretched attached myosin heads.
A Technique for Construction of Predictable Low-Capacity Critical Orifices

Abstract A rapid, inexpensive technique is described which utilizes stainless steel hypodermic needles as low capacity critical orifices. A range of needle sizes is available and manufacturers' quality controls ensure reproducible results.
The Necessity of Opportunity and Community in a Good Society

Opportunity and community are two central features of a good society. In the USA, however, due to a cultural emphasis on individualism, opportunity is much better understood than community. The meaning of community is often so vague that its critical role, even in making opportunity possible, is obscured.
Observations of Students with Learning Disabilities in General Education Classrooms

This study examined 60 general education teachers' classrooms, K-12, that included students with learning disabilities. The study examined how general education teachers' behaviors toward mainstreamed students with learning disabilities compared with their behavior toward students without disabilities, and the interactions between students, and between students and teacher. Observations using the Classroom Climate Scale indicated that few teacher behaviors and classroom practices were different for the two groups of students. However, differences were found in student behaviors. Overall, students with learning disabilities interacted with the teacher, other students, and classroom activities at much lower rates than did other students.
Negative Selection in the Thymus Includes Semimature T Cells

The thymic medulla plays a key role in negative selection (self-tolerance induction) and contains differentiated T cells en route to the extrathymic environment. However, being relatively mature, medullary T cells are thought to be beyond the stage of tolerance induction. This paradox is resolved by the finding that medullary T cells (CD4+8− thymocytes) comprise two distinct subsets. Medullary thymocytes expressing a fully mature (HSAlo) phenotype are strongly resistant to tolerance induction, whereas cells with a semimature (HSAhi) phenotype are tolerance susceptible. These findings suggest that the differentiated T cells reaching the medulla from the cortex remain sensitive to tolerance induction for a brief period before acquiring a fully mature tolerance-resistant phenotype. The semimature subset of medullary T cells displays unique requirements for tolerance induction; depending upon the conditions used, tolerizing these cells can involve either a Fas (CD95)-dependent or a Fas-independent pathway.
A New Crosstalk Noise Model for DOMINO Logic Circuits

A new crosstalk noise model is proposed for DOMINO logic gates. Our noise model takes the effect of the keeper into account and provides a more accurate noise measure.
The Albedo Distribution of Jovian Trojan Asteroids

We present radiometrically derived V-band geometric albedos and effective radii for 32 Jovian Trojan asteroids, using near-simultaneous mid-infrared and visible observations. We sampled the large end of the group’s size distribution, down to a radius of 25 km, using 14 objects in the L4 swarm and 18 in the L5 swarm. We find that the albedo distribution is much narrower than previously derived from IRAS measurements. The Trojans, for the most part, have very similar albedos. The actual mean and standard deviation of the distribution depend on the average Trojan beaming parameter � . The ‘‘ standard ’’ value of 0.756, which was used for the IRAS analysis, yields a mean albedo of 0.056 � 0.003 and a standard deviation of 0.009. However, a value of � = 0.94, which we found represented our data better, yields 0.041 � 0.002 and a standard deviation of just 0.007. The thermal behavior of the Trojans seems to follow the ‘‘ slow rotator ’’ model, and the thermal inertia itself can be no greater than about half the Moon’s value. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to compare the Trojans’ albedo distribution with that of cometary nuclei, dead-comet candidates, and outer solar system objects. We find that the Trojan distribution is similar only to the cometary ones, and only if the Trojans’ � � 1. Observations of the binary (617) Patroclus reveal that its albedo is rather typical among the distribution. We have also discovered that (4709) Ennomos has an extremely elevated albedo, about 0.15. This object may have a very unusual thermal behavior or have recently suffered a large impact that excavated the surface down to a layer of highly reflective, pristine ice.
Exacerbation of Citrus Canker by Citrus Leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella in Florida

ABSTRACT Citrus canker (caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, Xcc) is an important bacterial disease of citrus that is spread naturally by rain and wind. Feeding damage to citrus leaves by the citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), has been shown to promote infection levels of citrus canker in a number of citrus-growing regions around the world. We conducted 2 studies to document that CLM damage exacerbates canker in Florida citrus. In 1 study, young citrus trees of 5 cultivare commonly grown in Florida were inoculated with a culture of Xcc. Two groups of trees were studied, 1 group with leaves damaged by CLM and 1 group that was treated with a pesticide to prevent CLM damage. Over all 5 cultivars, comparisons between the 2 groups of trees indicated that CLM damage resulted in 6-fold increase in the number of lesions. No difference was found between the 2 groups with respect to numbers of canker lesions on leaves without CLM damage. In the second study, ...
A decision model for purchasing the highest value printer for home use for the least cost

Students have a wide selection of printers to choose from, with a variety of technologies and features making a purchasing decision difficult. Using our group members as experts, and scope focused on multifunction, or “all-in-one”, printers to provide a single solution for all of our printing, copying, and scanning needs. Multi-function printers have become more popular and affordable. This paper presents six criteria expert users of all-in-one printers, have identified as critical in purchasing an all-in-one printer for student home use. These six criteria were applied to an HDM (Hierarchical Decision Model), a decision making tool for addressing this problem. A review of related literature and studies provided background information on hierarchical decision-making. Pairwise Comparisons and the Pairwise Comparison Method (PCM)[3] were used to analyze the numerical rankings for each criterion given by each expert. By referencing the hierarchical decision-making model and the results gathered from Pairwise Comparisons, a prospective printer buyer could optimise their selection of a printer for student home use. The paper concludes with sensitivity analysis and recommendations for purchasing a multifunctional printer for student home use, based on the HDM presented in the study. The results and analysis demonstrated that HP PhotoSmart C4580 is the most important alternative that meets the problem objective “Highest Value All in one Printer” between $100 and $200.
Disseminated T-cell lymphoma in a bonobo (Pan paniscus):

Disseminated lymphoma was diagnosed in an 8-year-old male bonobo (Pan paniscus). The male bonobo presented with a 4–6 week history of dyspnea and facial swelling around the eyes; thoracic radiographs and computed tomography scan indicated a craniodorsal mediastinal soft tissue mass. Upon gross examination, there was a large, cream to white mass expanding the mediastinum and pericardial sac. The mass extended along the thoracic aorta and cranial vena cava, through the thoracic inlet, along and encircling the trachea, and bilaterally into the thyroid glands. Microscopically, neoplastic lymphocytes were present in the thymus, trachea, lungs, kidney, heart, and numerous other tissues. Immunohistochemical staining of neoplastic lymphocytes revealed diffuse immunoreactivity for cluster of differentiation (CD)3 indicating T-cell lymphoma. Routine viral screening was negative via polymerase chain reaction.
Wetting behaviour of laser synthetic surface microtextures on Ti-6Al-4V for bioapplication.

Wettability at the surface of an implant material plays a key role in its success as it modulates the protein adsorption and thereby influences cell attachment and tissue integration at the interface. Hence, surface engineering of implantable materials to enhance wettability to physiological fluid under in vivo conditions is an area of active research. In light of this, in the present work, laser-based optical interference and direct melting techniques were used to develop synthetic microtextures on Ti–6Al–4V alloys, and their effects on wettability were studied systematically. Improved wettability to simulated body fluid and distilled water was observed for Ca–P coatings obtained by direct melting technique. This superior wettability was attributed to both the appropriate surface chemistry and the three-dimensional surface features obtained using this technique. To assert a better control on surface texture and wettability, a threedimensional thermal model based on COMSOL’s multiphysics was employed to predict the features obtained by laser melting technique. The effect of physical texture and wetting on biocompatibility of laser-processed Ca–P coatings was evaluated in the preliminary efforts on culturing of mouse MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells.
Multi-angle geometric processing for globally geo-located and co-registered MISR image data

This paper focuses on the high accuracy geo-location and co-registration performance operationally obtained for the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) data via a robust production algorithm. The MISR instrument (which is part of the payload for NASA's Terra spacecraft) continuously acquires systematic, global, multi-angle imagery in reflected sunlight since it was launched in December 1999, with the objective of supporting ecology and climate studies. The moderate resolution data need to be autonomously geo-rectified prior to being used in subsequent scientific retrievals. This is particularly critical to the unique cloud height/wind retrievals which require sub-pixel co-registration accuracies on a global basis. In order to address this problem, the MISR ground data processing system is based on a fully photogrammetric approach and is complemented with a quality monitoring system used to verify performance globally and over desired time periods. The georectification requirements were developed from a series of data quality investigations based partially on sensitivity requirements for the cloud height/wind retrieval algorithm. An update to the nominal production algorithm has been implemented, and the final operational results are presented in this paper.
Awareness and Perceived Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act Among Human Resources Professionals in Three Minnesota Cities

The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 created a flurry of activity among human resource professionals striving to comply with the new law. Since that time, there have bee...
What Executives Can Learn From Bono

The purpose of this research is to determine what executives can learn from Paul David Hewson (aka Bono). To determine this information, a historical study of Bono’s life was conducted with the hopes of uncovering key learning points and takeaways for executives. The main findings of this study indicate that there are various lessons executives can learn from Bono’s unconventional voyage to stardom and power. The results of this exploratory study can potentially ignite increased research on Bono’s journey and what executives and corporate America can learn from this musician from Dublin.
Thinning of young Douglas-fir forests decreases density of northern flying squirrels in the Oregon Cascades

Abstract Large-scale commercial thinning of young forests in the Pacific Northwest is currently promoted on public lands to accelerate the development of late-seral forest structure for the benefit of wildlife species such as northern spotted owls ( Strix occidentalis caurina ) and their prey, including the northern flying squirrel ( Glaucomys sabrinus ). Attempts to measure the impact of commercial thinning on northern flying squirrels have mostly addressed short-term effects (2–5 years post-thinning) and the few published studies of longer-term results have been contradictory. We measured densities of northern flying squirrels 11–13 years after thinning of young (55–65 years) Douglas-fir forest stands in the Cascade Range of Oregon, as part of the Young Stand Thinning & Diversity Study. The study includes four replicate blocks, each consisting of an unthinned control stand and one stand each of the following thinning treatments: Heavy Thin; Light Thin; and Light Thin with Gaps. Thinning decreased density of northern flying squirrels, and squirrel densities were significantly lower in heavily thinned stands than in more lightly thinned stands. Regression analysis revealed a strong positive relationship of flying squirrel density with density of large (>30 cm diameter) standing dead trees and a negative relationship with percent cover of low understory shrubs. Maintaining sufficient area and connectivity of dense, closed canopy forest is recommended as a strategy to assure that long-term goals of promoting late-seral structure do not conflict with short-term habitat requirements of this important species.
Use of geocoding and surname analysis to estimate race and ethnicity

Objective. To review two indirect methods, geocoding and surname analysis, for estimating race/ethnicity as a means for health plans to assess disparities in care. Study Design. Review of published articles and unpublished data on the use of geocoding and surname analyses. Principal Findings. Few published studies have evaluated use of geocoding to estimate racial and ethnic characteristics of a patient population or to assess disparities in health care. Three of four studies showed similar estimates of the proportion of blacks and one showed nearly identical estimates of racial disparities, regardless of whether indirect or more direct measures (e.g., death certificate or CMS data) were used. However, accuracy depended on racial segregation levels in the population and region assessed and geocoding was unreliable for identifying Hispanics and Asians/Pacific Islanders. Similarly, several studies suggest surname analyses produces reasonable estimates of whether an enrollee is Hispanic or Asian/Pacific Islander and can identify disparities in care. However, accuracy depends on the concentrations of Asians or Hispanics in areas assessed. It is less accurate for women and more acculturated and higher SES persons due intermarriage, name changes, and adoption. Surname analysis is not accurate for identifying African Americans. Recent unpublished analyses suggest plans can successfully use a combined geocoding/surname analyses approach to identify disparities in care in most regions. Refinements based on Bayesian methods may make geocoding/surname analyses appropriate for use in areas where the accuracy is currently poor, but validation of these preliminary results is needed. Conclusions. Geocoding and surname analysis show promise for estimating racial/ ethnic health plan composition of enrollees when direct data on major racial and ethnic groups are lacking. These data can be used to assess disparities in care, pending availability of self-reported race/ethnicity data.
Components of EMG symmetry and variability in parkinsonian and healthy elderly gait

Variability and bilateral symmetry of EMG gait-cycle profiles were studied in parkinsonian and healthy elderly subjects in the gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and vastus lateralis muscles. Components reflecting shape and timing were defined by the magnitude and phase of the cross-correlation function between individual stride profiles and the latency corrected ensemble average (LCEA) (variability), and between bilateral LCEAs (symmetry). Statistical significance was set at a confidence level of 0.01 reflecting a Bonferroni adjustment due to multiple measures. Parkinsonian gait was significantly different from the healthy elderly in several measures: increased shape variability and asymmetry in the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles, and reduced timing variability in the gastrocnemius. A portion of the parkinsonian group participated in a 3 week therapy program where they walked to rhythmic auditory stimulation. Gait parameters shifted toward healthy elderly values in each measure where population differences were found. Significant changes were observed in decreased tibialis anterior shape variability and asymmetry, and gastrocnemius shape variability. Strong trends were also observed in increased gastrocnemius timing variability and reduced bilateral asymmetry. In addition to the expected decreased in variability and asymmetry of healthy elderly, increased timing variability in the gastrocnemius was associated with a more normal gait, possibly reflecting feedback adaptability of muscle activity which may be useful in generating stable locomotion.
A framework for expressing and controlling imprecision in databases

The concept of precision in databases for both queries and data is introduced and formalized. Algorithms for maintaining a database at a specified degree of precision are presented and analyzed. It is shown how these algorithms can be used to choose an optimal query plan by means of a query optimizer. >
Optimal classical-communication-assisted local model of n-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger correlations

We present a model, motivated by the criterion of reality put forward by Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen and supplemented by classical communication, which correctly reproduces the quantum-mechanical predictions for measurements of all products of Pauli operators on an n-qubit GHZ state (or 'cat state'). The n-2 bits employed by our model are shown to be optimal for the allowed set of measurements, demonstrating that the required communication overhead scales linearly with n. We formulate a connection between the generation of the local values utilized by our model and the stabilizer formalism, which leads us to conjecture that a generalization of this method will shed light on the content of the Gottesman-Knill theorem.
Crisis nursery effects on child placement after foster care

Abstract The results of a study of the relationship between receiving crisis nursery services and the placement outcomes for young children leaving the child welfare system in Illinois are reported in this paper. The placement outcomes for children leaving foster care whose families received crisis nursery support prior to the children's placement in foster care is compared to the placement outcomes for children whose families received only foster care services. The children in two samples were identified by matching crisis nursery children's data from FY 2006 with children's data in the Illinois Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System and Children Youth and Services Information System databases. After children served by crisis nursery and foster care services were identified, a comparison group of children with like-characteristics whose families received only foster care services was identified using propensity score matching. The children were followed until their out-of-home placement was terminated or until June 30, 2009. The placement outcomes and the length of stay were compared for the two groups. Using logistical regression analysis the results showed that children whose families received crisis nursery services prior to foster care placement were twice as likely to be reunited with their biological families (birth or extended family members) when compared to children whose families received only foster care services. The difference in the length-of-stay in foster care was not statistically significant when the two groups were compared. This preliminary study using administrative data shows that receiving crisis nursery services may have positive effects on the children's ultimate placement outcome after foster care. Additional research is needed to further explore the relationship between placement outcome and crisis nursery services.
Enhanced dominant mode operation of shielded multilayer coplanar waveguide

The effects of substrate height and dielectric constant on the propagation characteristics of a multilayer shielded symmetrical coplanar waveguide (CPW) are examined using a full-wave spectral-domain analysis (SDA). It was found that the effective dielectric constant of the shielded CPWs displayed a cutoff frequency for the even mode which can be controlled by varying the height and dielectric constant of the substrate, especially those directly below the coplanar slots. The highest cutoff frequencies found in three-layer CPW configurations utilized air as the lower substrate dielectric. In certain multilayer CPW combinations, when the lower substrate was not air, a bandwidth maximization effect was demonstrated using internal substrates. >
Responses of Calves Fed Diets Supplemented with Different Sources of Nitrogen and with Volatile Fatty Acids

Abstract Responses of young calves to starters containing supplements as follows: (I) soybean meal (44%), (II) soybean meal and branched-chain volatile fatty acids, (III) urea, and (IV) urea and branched-chain volatile fatty acids were studied. Calf starters and high quality alfalfa hay were fed ad libitum. Calves fed starters containing supplements of soybean meal (I and II) gained faster (P 0.05). Hay consumption and concentrate consumption among groups were not different (P > 0.05). Molar proportions of rumen volatile fatty acids were not different even though branched-chain acids were fed to two of the groups.
Low molecular weight dextran in experimental pancreatitis : effects on pancreatic microcirculation

Although low molecular weight (LMW) dextran has been said to decrease the lethality of experimental acute pancreatitis (AP) by reversing stasis in the pancreatic microcirculation, the actual mechanism(s) of action is unknown. This investigation was designed to measure the effects of low molecular weight dextran on pancreatic capillary flow (Q,--r) and arteriovenous shunt flow (QAvs), and on pancreatic oxygen consumption (Or&) following bile-trypsin-induced AP in dogs. Total pancreatic blood flow (QT) was measured with an electromagnetic flow probe on the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery (SPDA). QAvs was measured by liver trapping of 99mTc-aIbumin microspheres after SPDA injection. Qc-r was calculated as QT minus QAvs. Seventeen dogs were treated with lactated Ringer’s (LR) solution at 6.5 ml/kg/hr; 10 dogs were treated with LMW dextran 10% in normal saline at 1.5 ml/kg/hr plus LR at 5.0 ml/kg/hr. Mean arterial and central venous pressures remained constant throughout the 4hr experiment. In the dogs receiving LR only, Qr decreased from 42.7 to 24.4 ml/min (P < 0.001); QAvs remained constant at 1.35 f 0.04 ml/mitt. During the first 30 min O,C, decreased from 1.17 to 0.76 ml Oz/min (P < 0.05) and remained constant thereafter. LMW dextran treatment altered none of these hemodynamic or metabolic parameters significantly. Conclusions: bile trypsin AP in the dog causes significant decreases in Qr and QcAp without altering QAvs . The decrease in O&. in association with a constant Q*vs suggests a metabolic block to oxygen uptake at the cellular level. Continuous infusion of LMW dextran at a dose of 1.5 ml/kg/hr in the dog does not reverse these abnormalities.
The Effects of Non-Neutral Network Management Policies on the Price and Diffusion of Broadband in the Developing World

Increased global deployment of and access to the Internet are seen as vital to the advancement of developing economies. A 2014 report from the World Bank concludes the development of broadband has pervasive effects on the productivity of several essential sectors of a nation’s economy and increases a nation’s ability to attract foreign direct investment. Having affordable broadband prices are essential to increasing broadband access (Tajiri, 2009). Previous studies have looked at competition between broadband providers in Spain (Fageda et. al, 2014) and in the European Union (Calzada and Martinez-Santos, 2014) as determinants of price; however, research is lacking that analyzes how the network management policies of individual broadband providers affect Internet prices. Specifically, no previous research has looked at the effect bandwidth caps, or data caps, have on price. In this paper, cross-sectional data collected in 2013 surveying 1,590 broadband plans from 94 countries is used to analyze the effects of bandwidth caps on broadband prices. This study demonstrates that the use of bandwidth caps has a significant and differentially greater impact on broadband prices in developing countries. Specifically, equal decreases in the size of bandwidth caps are shown to have greater than twice the effect on decreasing broadband prices in developing countries than developed countries.
Mössbauer parameters of iron in phosphate minerals: Implications for interpretation of martian data

Phosphate minerals, while relatively rare, show a broad range of crystal structure types with linkages among PO 4 tetrahedra mimicking the hierarchy of polymerization of SiO 4 tetrahedra seen in silicate minerals. To augment previous Mossbauer studies of individual phosphate species and groups of species, this paper presents new Mossbauer data on 63 different phosphate samples, and integrates them with data on more than 37 phosphate species in 62 other studies from the literature. Variations in Mossbauer parameters of different sites in each mineral are then related to both the local polyhedral environment around the Fe cations and the overall structural characteristics of each species. The entire aggregated Mossbauer data set on phosphate minerals is juxtaposed against parameters obtained for spectra from the MIMOS spectrometers on Mars. This comparison demonstrates that signatures from many different phosphate or sulfate mineral species could also be contributing to Mars Mossbauer spectra. Results underscore the conclusion that unique mineral identifications are generally not possible from Mossbauer data alone, particularly for paramagnetic phases, although combining Mossbauer results with other data sets enables a greater level of confidence in constraining mineralogy. This study provides a wealth of new data on Fe-bearing phosphate minerals to bolster future analyses of Mossbauer spectra acquired on Mars.
Wood extract and growth of morchella

lenta Fr. and reported his own findings (2). The minimum nutritional requirements of this fungus are relatively simple. It grows quite well at neutral reaction in a mineral-salt-glucose medium with nitrate as the sole source of nitrogen. Brock found starch, maltose, fructose, turanose and sucrose, as well as dextrose, to be good sources of carbon, and cysteine-HCl, aspartic acid, asparagine, urea, nitrite, ammonium salts and glutamic acid, in addition to nitrate, good sources of nitrogen. A neutral or slightly alkaline reaction was found by Fron (6) and Brock (2) to be more favorable for growth than more acid or more alkaline reactions. Although the nutritional requirements for the growth of M. esculenta are simple, the conditions for the formation of sporophores are not defined and their production in culture has been only rarely reported. The favorable action of wood, tomato or malt extract on the growth of some of the higher fungi has been reported from this laboratory previously (9, 10, 11, 12). The present paper concerns the effect of these natural substances, especially a water extract of dry beech wood, on the growth of Morchella esculenta Fr. and Morchella crassipes Fr. MATERIALS AND METHODS-The culture of M. crassipes was kindly furnished by Dr. W. D. Gray; that of M. esculenta was a tissue culture prepared from a sporophore in our laboratories. The basal media included medium (A), Brock's medium, which contains mineral salts and dextrose with nitrogen furnished as NaN03, and medium (B), a complex medium of mineral salts, dextrose, vitamins of the B-complex, purine and pyrimidine bases, and "vitamin-free" casein hydrolysate which had been netutralize(l with CaC03 (see reference 11 for composition). The fungi were grown as still cultures in 25 or 30 ml of liquid medium in 125 ml Erlenmeyer flasks or in 10 ml of medium in test tubes. Cultures were inoculated from colonies grown on 2 per cent malt-extract
Systematic Design of High Transmission and Low Dispersion Wide-bandwidth Photonic Crystal Waveguide Bends

We present a method for systematic design of photonic crystal waveguide (PCW) bends to achieve high transmission and low dispersion over large bandwidths. We also identify the factors affecting transmission and dispersive properties of bends.
Case 2: Corrected QT Prolongation and Bradycardia During Therapeutic Hypothermia in an Infant

A male term infant is born at 40 weeks’ gestation to a 23-year-old, gravida 1 para 0 mother by emergency cesarean delivery due to cardiotocographic abnormalities. The mother has no significant medical history. Pregnancy was complicated by twin gestation with early fetal loss of twin B and maternal obesity (body mass index of 40) without evidence of gestational diabetes. Delivery is complicated by meconium aspiration. Apgar scores are 0, 3, and 5 at 1, 5, and 10 minutes respectively. Chest compressions are performed for hemodynamic instability for a total of 2 minutes. With the onset of seizure activity, the infant is intubated, given a loading dose of phenobarbital, and administered fentanyl sedation. Passive cooling is started at the referring facility. Blood cultures are drawn and ampicillin and gentamicin administered. Significant respiratory distress is treated with a single dose of surfactant. On initial physical examination, the infant weighs 3,580 g with a length of 50 cm and an occipitofrontal circumference of 38.3 cm. Vital signs include a rectal temperature of 92.7°F (33.7°C), heart rate of 117 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 75 breaths per minute, blood pressure of 69/43 mm Hg, and oxygen saturation of 98%. The infant arrives intubated, muscle relaxed, and sedated with a fentanyl infusion. There are no obvious dysmorphic features. Breath sounds are coarse with diffuse crackles. Heart has a regular rate and rhythm without …
Allowable thermal pollution limits—a physico-chemical approach

The occurrence of thermal anomalies in various properties of (aqueous) physico-chemical, biochemical, and biologically interesting systems is discussed. Thermal anomalies are frequently encountered and on this basis, it is proposed that certain temperature ranges (especially 30–33 C and 44–46 C) may exert a profound and sometimes dominating effect on biological activity through changes in the structure of water. The “site” of these structure-sensitive effects in living organisms may be the water associated with various membranes or other interfacial regions, or the water of hydration of different macromolecules (for instance, enzymes). On this basis, general limits on thermal pollution may possibly be derived on a purely physico-chemical basis.
A study of the role of the Tibetan Plateau′s thermal forcing in modulating rainband and moisture transport in eastern China

This paper reviews the recent progress in the studies of effects of the Tibetan Plateau′s thermal forcing on the rainband and moisture transport pattern and their decadal variability in eastern China in the four respects:(1)variations in the thermodynamic process of the three-ladder terrain in China and seasonal advance of the monsoonal rainband,(2)thermal forcing of the TP′s land-air process and monsoonal vapour transport pattern,(3)cooling effect of the TP′s snowcover on the distribution of moisture transport and rainband in eastern China,and(4)the relations of changes in the TP′s apparent heat source and decadal variation in monsoonal rainband as well as the possible modulation.The major research results are concluded as:(1)The special three-ladder terrain in western China intensifies the thermal contrast between the land and the ocean.In particular,the cascade of western China′s elevated lands with the seasonal variations in thermal forcing extending toward the northeast seems to act as a "dynamic attractor" driving the monsoonal rainband to move to the northwest.(2)The decreases/increases in the TP′s heat source could lead to the anomalies in the pathway and strength of vapour transport from the low-latitude oceans to the continents,regulating changes in East Asian monsoons and the spatial-temporal evolvement of rainfall in China.During the TP′s strong and weak heating years,the monsoonal precipitation patterns in China tend to be characterized as " North floods-South droughts" and " North droughts-South floods",respectively.As a strong precursor signal,the anomalies of heating over the TP result in distinctive patterns of moisture transport in the East and South Asian regions and summer precipitation in China.(3)The mid-lower reaches of the Yangtze River are a distinctive confluent area of southward and northward air flows,where the differences in summertime column vapour fluxes between winter high and low snow cover years of the TP-key area were in a similar pattern of correlation vector between the TP′s summer heat source and vapour transport fluxes.The winter TP snow cover condition might significantly affect the structure of subsequent summer moisture transport for the Meiyu rainfall in the reaches of the Yangtze River.(4)The patterns of the inter-decadal variability in China′s precipitation are generally identified with the pattern of "southern flooding and northern drought" as well as trends of turning wet in the west over the last decades.In association with the trends in the TP's spring apparent heat source rising again after a fall in recent 10 years,a turning point could be expected in the eastern China′s precipitation patterns.
Research Progress in Rice Blast Resistance Gene and Its Application in Breeding

In this paper,the research progress in molecular mapping and cloning of rice blast resistance genes has been reviewed.In addition,the application of rice blast resistance genes in breeding practice was prospected according to the current domestic application of these resistance genes.
Adding wheat middlings, microbial phytase, and citric acid to corn-soybean meal diets for growing pigs may replace inorganic phosphorus supplementation.

Three experiments were conducted with 96 growing Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc crossbreds to determine the collective effectiveness of cereal phytase from wheat middlings, microbial phytase, and citric acid in improving phytate-P bioavailability in corn-soy diets. In Exp. 1, 40 gilts (7 wk old) were fed five diets for 8 wk. Diets 1, 2, and 3 were low-P, corn-soybean meal diets (CSB) + 0,.1, or.2% inorganic P (P i ) as calcium phosphate, respectively. Diet 4 was a similar corn-soy diet that included 15% wheat middlings (461 cereal phytase U/kg). Diet 5 was the CSB + microbial phytase (1,200 U/kg; Natuphos, BASF, Mount Olive, NJ). In Exp. 2, 16 barrows (8 wk old) were fed two diets for 6 wk. Diet 1 was the same as Diet 3 of Exp. 1 (.2% P i ). Diet 2 was Diet 4 of Exp. 1 + microbial phytase (300 U/kg). In Exp. 3, 40 barrows and gilts (6 wk old) were fed four diets for 6 wk. Diets 1 and 2 were the same as those in Exp. 2. Diet 3 was Diet 2 of Exp. 2 + 1.5% citric acid. Diet 4 was similar to Diet 3 but contained 10 instead of 15% wheat middlings. In Exp. 1, pigs fed the low-P, CSB (Diet 1) had lower (P<.05) ADG, ADFI, plasma P i concentration, bone strength, and mobility score than pigs of the other four treatments. Measurements for pigs fed the 15% wheat middlings diet were not significantly different from those of pigs fed the CSB + .1% P i or microbial phytase. In Exp. 2, ADG ( P =.06) during wk 1 to 3 and gain:feed ratio (P <.02) and plasma P i concentration (P <.005) during all weeks favored pigs fed the CSB +.2% P i compared with the other diet including 15% wheat middlings. In Exp. 3, identical ADG during all weeks and similar plasma P i concentrations at wk 4 and 6 were observed between pigs fed the two citric acid diets (Diets 3 and 4) and the CSB +.2% P i (Diet 1). Pigs fed Diet 4 (10% wheat middlings) had even higher (P <.02) gain:feed ratio during wk 1 to 3 than those fed Diet 1. It seems feasible to completely replace calcium phosphate with 10 to 15% wheat middlings, 300 U microbial phytase/ kg, and 1.5% citric acid in the corn-soy diets for growing pigs.
Ethosuximide, Valproic Acid, and Lamotrigine in Childhood Absence Epilepsy

Efficacy, tolerability, and neuropsychological effects of ethosuximide, valproic acid, and lamotrigine in children with newly diagnosed childhood absence epilepsy were compared in a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial performed at six centers in the US and organized as a Study Group.
Short Paper: Bounding Information Leakage Using Implication Graph

Quantitative information-flow analysis (QIF) is an important approach to assess confidentiality property of software systems. A crucial step towards its practical application is to develop automatic techniques for measuring the information leakage in a system. In this paper, we address this question in the context of deterministic imperative programs and under the min-entropy measure of information leakage. In this context, calculating the maximum leakage of a program reduces to counting the number of possible outputs that it can produce. Our approach is based on an new abstract domain over implication graphs. Unlike numeric abstract domains, implication graphs describe relationships among bits. By executing a program on the domain over implication graphs, we can determine some implication constraints among pairs of bits in the output. By counting the number of solutions to the implication constraints, we can deduce an upper-bound on the leakage. We present the mathematical definition of the abstract domain, and explore its effectiveness in measuring leakage on a few case studies.
In a moral dilemma, choose the one you love: Impartial actors are seen as less moral than partial ones

Although impartiality and concern for the greater good are lauded by utilitarian philosophies, it was predicted that when values conflict, those who acted impartially rather than partially would be viewed as less moral. Across four studies, using life-or-death scenarios and more mundane ones, support for the idea that relationship obligations are important in moral attribution was found. In Studies 1-3, participants rated an impartial actor as less morally good and his or her action as less moral compared to a partial actor. Experimental and correlational evidence showed the effect was driven by inferences about an actor's capacity for empathy and compassion. In Study 4, the relationship obligation hypothesis was refined. The data suggested that violations of relationship obligations are perceived as moral as long as strong alternative justifications sanction them. Discussion centres on the importance of relationships in understanding moral attributions.
Wide-Field OCT Angiography Investigation of the Relationship Between Radial Peripapillary Capillary Plexus Density and Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness.

Purpose To characterize the density and distribution of the radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP) and its relationship with retinal nerve fiber layer (NFL) thickness in healthy subjects. Methods Using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), split-spectrum amplitude decorrelation angiography algorithm and automated montaging, wide-field OCT angiography (OCTA) was used to measure the RPCP capillary density (CD) and NFL thickness. Polar sector-average CD and thickness maps were also created on each eye. Results Wide-field OCTA (8 × 8 mm) in 10 healthy eyes from 10 subjects demonstrated the distribution of the RPCP throughout the posterior pole. RPCP-CD decreases with distance from the disc, but along the arcuate nerve fiber bundles relatively dense (> half maximum density) RPCP extends more than 5 mm from the disc and includes regions superior to and inferior to the macula. The RPCP-CD and NFL thickness are highly correlated (R2 = 0.85, P < 0.001) and fit well with a nonlinear stacked-layer model. The model fit suggests that the RPCP is present when the NFL is thicker than 17.9 μm and reaches a ceiling area density of 84% and that the RPCP has an apparent volume density of 19% at the current instrument transverse resolution. This indicates that capillary overlap can be expected to occur when NFL thickness reaches 40 μm. Conclusions The wide distribution of dense overlapping RPCP suggests that wider (up to 8 mm vertical and 7 mm horizontal) OCTA scans may be better investigate capillary loss in the early stages of glaucoma or other optic neuropathies.
1H-Detected REDOR with Fast Magic-Angle Spinning of a Deuterated Protein

Rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) is a highly successful method for heteronuclear distance determination in biological solid-state NMR, and 1H detection methods have emerged in recent years as a powerful approach to improving sensitivity and resolution for small sample quantities by utilizing fast magic-angle spinning (>30 kHz) and deuteration strategies. In theory, involving 1H as one of the spins for measuring REDOR effects can greatly increase the distance measurement range, but few experiments of this type have been reported. Here we introduce a pulse sequence that combines frequency-selective REDOR (FSR) with 1H detection. We demonstrate this method with applications to samples of uniformly 13C,15N,2H-labeled alanine and uniformly 13C,2H,15N-labeled GB1 protein, back-exchanged with 30% H2O and 70% D2O, employing a variety of frequency-selective 13C pulses to highlight unique spectral features. The resulting, robust REDOR effects provide (1) tools for resonance assignment, (2) restraints of sec...
The Parallax Visions of Economic Democracy in South Korea: A Critique

In the 2012 South Korean presidential election, ‘Economic Democratization’ became the most decisive issue. In fact, past and current drives for economic democratization have been part of an overall process that has involved people designing alternative visions of the economy. In order to understand better the origins of this process, this chapter traces and analyzes the intersection between economic democracy and neoliberalism in Korea. This chapter explains the role of agricultural and rural matters in surmounting the limits of economic democracy and in determining the make-up and direction of drives for alternative economies. It especially focuses on a new food movement led by agricultural cooperatives, such as Hansalim and iCOOP Korea.