cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A synthesis of current knowledge on forests and carbon storage in the United States

Using forests to mitigate climate change has gained much interest in science and policy discussions. We examine the evidence for carbon benefits, environmental and monetary costs, risks and trade-offs for a variety of activities in three general strategies: (1) land use change to increase forest area (afforestation) and avoid deforestation; (2) carbon management in existing forests; and (3) the use of wood as biomass energy, in place of other building materials, or in wood products for carbon storage. We found that many strategies can increase forest sector carbon mitigation above the current 162-256 Tg C/yr, and that many strategies have co-benefits such as biodiversity, water, and economic opportunities. Each strategy also has trade-offs, risks, and uncertainties including possible leakage, permanence, disturbances, and climate change effects. Because ;60% of the carbon lost through deforestation and harvesting from 1700 to 1935 has not yet been recovered and because some strategies store carbon in forest products or use biomass energy, the biological potential for forest sector carbon mitigation is large. Several studies suggest that using these strategies could offset as much as 10-20% of current U.S. fossil fuel emissions. To obtain such large offsets in the United States would require a combination of afforesting up to one-third of cropland or pastureland, using the equivalent of about one-half of the gross annual forest growth for biomass energy, or implementing more intensive management to increase forest growth on one-third of forestland. Such large offsets would require substantial trade-offs, such as lower agricultural production and non-carbon ecosystem services from forests. The effectiveness of activities could be diluted by negative leakage effects and increasing disturbance regimes. Because forest carbon loss contributes to increasing climate risk and because climate change may impede regeneration following disturbance, avoiding deforestation and promoting regeneration after disturbance should receive high priority as policy considerations. Policies to encourage programs or projects that influence forest carbon sequestration and offset fossil fuel emissions should also consider major items such as leakage, the cyclical nature of forest growth and regrowth, and the extensive demand for and movement of forest products globally, and other greenhouse gas effects, such as
Piperidine alkaloids in North American Pinus taxa: implications for chemosystematics

Foliage samples from 10 taxa of the genus Pinus occurring in Mexico and the southwestern US were extracted for piperidine alkaloids. Eight (P. cembroides, P. durangensis, P. engelmannii, P. leiophylla, P. leiophylla var. chihuahuana, P. lumholtzii, P. monophylla, and P. ponderosa) contained alkaloids; only a trace was detected in P. ponderosa var. arizonica; and no alkaloids were found in P. discolor. Relative concentrations of the two end products of piperidine synthesis were consistent among taxa within subsections: the Leiophyllae produced euphococcinine exclusively; the Ponderosae produced primarily pinidine; and the Cembroides produced appreciable quantities of both. Alkaloid profiles of P. leiophylla and P. l. chihuahuana were very similar, and in agreement with classification of chihuahuana as a variety of P. leiophylla. Among the Ponderosae, P. p. arizonica was unique in its lack of alkaloids, suggesting species-level distinction from P. ponderosa may be appropriate. The absence of alkaloids in P. discolor, contrary to its close relative P. cembroides, provides further evidence towards designation as a separate species. Alkaloids in a subset of seedlings subjected to water stress did not differ from controls.
The effects of probability ambiguity on preferences for uncertain two-outcome prospects

Many studies have investigated judgment and decision making under uncertainty (i.e., when the possible outcomes of a given alternative occur with some known exact probability between 0 and 1). Fewer studies, however, have investigated judgment and decision making in which the probabilities associated with different outcomes are ambiguous (i.e., known to be in a certain interval such as.40–.60, rather than known to be a specific value such as.50). Judgment under both uncertainty and ambiguity was investigated by having subjects evaluate two-outcome prospects that varied in expected value, level of probability ambiguity, and the center of the ambiguous probability range. Results indicated a preference for unambiguous probabilities when the probability of obtaining the better outcome was.50 or greater and a preference for a small amount of ambiguity when the probability of obtaining the better outcome was moderately low (.30).
Venovenous perfusion-induced systemic hyperthermia: Five-day sheep survival studies

Objective Since hyperthermia selectively kills lung cancer cells, we developed a venovenous perfusion-induced systemic hyperthermia system for advanced lung cancer therapy. Our objective was to test the safety and accuracy of our venovenous perfusion-induced systemic hyperthermia system in 5-day sheep survival studies, following Good Laboratory Practice standards. Methods Our venovenous perfusion-induced systemic hyperthermia system, which included a double-lumen cannula (Avalon Elite, Rancho Dominguez, Calif), a centrifugal pump (Bio-Pump 560; Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minn), a heat exchanger (BIOtherm; Medtronic Perfusion Systems, Brooklyn Park, Minn), and a heater/cooler (modified Blanketrol IIIl Cincinnati Subzero, Cincinnati, Ohio), was tested in healthy adult sheep (n = 5). The perfusion circuit was primed with prewarmed Plasma-Lyte A (Baxter Healthcare Corp, Deerfield, Ill) and de-aired. Calibrated temperature probes were placed in the right and left sides of the nasopharynx, bladder, and blood in/out tubing in the animal. The double-lumen cannula was inserted through the jugular vein into the superior vena cava, with the tip in the inferior vena cava. Results Therapeutic core temperature (42°C-42.5°C), calculated from the right and left sides of the nasopharynx and bladder temperatures, was achieved in all sheep. Heating time was 21 ± 5 minutes. Therapeutic core temperature was maintained for 120 minutes followed by a cooling phase (35 ± 6 minutes) to reach baseline temperature. All sheep recovered from anesthesia with spontaneous breathing within 4 hours. Arterial, pulmonary, and central venous pressures were stable. Transient increases in heart rate, cardiac output, and blood glucose occurred during hyperthermia but returned to normal range after venovenous perfusion-induced systemic hyperthermia termination. Electrolytes, complete blood counts, and metabolism enzymes were within normal to near normal range throughout the study. No significant venovenous perfusion-induced systemic hyperthermia–related hemolysis was observed. Neurologic assessment showed normal brain function all 5 days. Conclusions Our venovenous perfusion-induced systemic hyperthermia system safely delivered the hyperthermia dose with no significant hyperthermia-related complications.
Differential cross-sections for the electron impact excitation of the B 1Σ u+, c 3Π u, a 3Σ g+, C 1Π u, E, F 1Σ g+ and e 3Σ u+ states of molecular hydrogen

Using energy loss spectroscopy, normalized differential and integral cross-sections for the electron impact excitation of the lowest bound excited states of H2 from the ground X 1Σg+ state have been measured at 17.5, 20 and 30 eV impact energies and for scattering angles from 5° up to 130°. These differential cross-sections (DCSs) are an effort to improve those taken previously (Khakoo M A and Trajmar S 1986b Phys. Rev. A 34 146). Here a more sophisticated electron spectrometer and a more accurate spectrum analysis code is used to unfold the energy loss spectra. The results are compared with earlier DCS measurements for the B 1Σu+, c 3Πu, a 3Σg+, C 1Πu states of H2 and with existing theoretical results for the B 1Σu+, c 3Πu, a 3Σg+, C 1Πu, E, F 1Σg+ and e 3Σu+ states.
Preference Aversion in Mice to Bitter Substance

Preference-aversion functions demonstrable for sweet and salty stimuli have been found for a "bitter" substance, sucrose octaacetate, at individually specific concentrations for mice. The data support Schneirla's views correlating stimulus magnitudes and approach-withdrawal. The positive reinforcing value of this bitter substance as a weak stimulus is diminished with continuous exposure and no secondary reinforcement. Avoidance is related to intensity of stimulation rather than modality or postingestion effects.
Co-localization of estrogen receptor and aromatase enzyme immunoreactivities in adult musk shrew brain.

Estrogens are produced by the aromatization of androgens. These steroids exert their actions after binding to their receptors. Past studies have shown that estrogen receptors (ER) and aromatase enzyme (AROM) reside in many of the same brain regions. Few studies, however, have examined the neural co-localization of these important components involved in estrogen-activated behaviors. In the present study we examined the co-localization of ER and AROM immunoreactive (ir) neurons in musk shrew (Suncus murinus) brains. Data were collected from a representative section from three neural regions, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), medial preoptic area (mPOA), and ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN). Here we report a sex difference in the number of ER-ir neurons from the analyzed section of the mPOA and BNST. Females have more ER-ir neurons in the mPOA and males have more in the BNST. In the sections we examined, males tended to have more aromatase containing neurons than females. Although there were no significant differences in the numbers of double-labeled cells, the VMN contains the greatest percentage of these cells in both males and females; followed by the mPOA and the BNST. In addition, in the mPOA of both sexes, a distinct nucleus of aromatase containing neurons which was devoid of ER immunoreactivity was noted. Area measurements of the AROM-ir nucleus showed that it was significantly larger in males than in females. Taken together, these data suggest that there is not extensive cellular co-localization of estrogen receptors and aromatase enzyme in the musk shrew brain. However, the presence of other genomic forms of ER (membrane and/or ERβ) in AROM containing neurons has not been ruled out by this study. Thus, we hypothesize that estrogens produced in brain affect behavior by binding to ER in neurons other than those that contain aromatase enzyme.
The chemistry of dimethyltetrazine on Pt(111)

Abstract As part of a program to further document the chemistry of CN on transition metal surfaces we have studied the decomposition of dimethyltetrazine on Pt(111). Products of the decomposition of dimethyltetrazine are H 2 , N 2 , HCN, C 2 N 2 and small amounts of CH 3 CN. Most of the methyl groups (>90%) are totally dehydrogenated leaving residual carbon on the surface. At low coverage the initial decomposition is CH bond cleavage. At higher coverage direct production of molecular N 2 at ~30°C is observed as the initial decomposition mode. Pretreatment of the Pt with H 2 , shifts the high coverage decomposition to higher temperatures. Changes in the decomposition with coverage is explained as due to a change in bonding geometry. We suggest that at low coverage the molecular plane is parallel to the surface with the methyl groups in proximity to the surface, while at high coverage the molecule bonds on edge possibly through two adjacent nitrogens.
Gene expression in Deinococcus radiodurans.

Abstract We previously reported that the Escherichia coli drug-resistance determinants aphA (kanamycin-resistance) and cat (chloramphenicol-resistance) could be introduced to Deinococcus radiodurans by transformation methods that produce duplication insertion. However, both determinants appeared to require dramatic chromosomal amplification for expression of resistance. Additional studies described here, confirming this requirement for extensive amplification, led us to the use of promoter-probe plasmids in which the E. coli promoter has been deleted, leaving only coding sequences for the marker gene. We find that the insertion of D. radiodurans sequences immediately upstream from the promoterless drug-resistance determinant produces drug-resistant transformants without significant chromosomal amplification. Furthermore, a series of stable E. coli-D. radiodurans shuttle plasmids was devised by inserting fragments of D. radiodurans plasmid pUE10 in an E. coli plasmid directly upstream from a promoterless cat gene. These constructions replicated in D. radiodurans by virtue of the pUE10 replicon and expressed the cat determinant because of D. radiodurans promoter sequences in the pUElO fragment. Of three such constructions, none expressed the cat gene in E. coli. Similar results were obtained using a promoterless tet gene. Translational fusions were made between D. radiodurans genes and E. coli 5'-truncated lacZ. Three fusions that produced high levels of βGal in D. radiodurans were introduced into E. coli, but βGal was produced in only one. The results demonstrate that the E. coli genes cat, tet and lacZ can be efficiently expressed in D. radiodurans if a D. radiodurans promoter is provided, and that D. radiodurans promoters often do not function as promoters in E. coli.
KINETICS OF THE REACTION OF RENIN WITH NINE SYNTHETIC PEPTIDE SUBSTRATES

A number of peptides have been synthesized which represent portions of the tetradecapeptide renin substrate molecule, and which contain the hydrolyzable leu-leu bond. An automatic chemical method for determination of the velocity of the reaction of renin with these compounds was developed. Application of the method at several levels of substrate concentration permitted construction of Lineweaver-Burk plots, and calculation of Michaelis constants (Km) and maximal velocities (Vmax). The results show that the maximum affinity of the enzyme (lowest Km) for substrate is achieved only with the full tetradecapeptide molecule (asp1-arg2-val3-tyr4-ileu5-his6-pro7-phe8-his9-leu10-leu11-val12-tyr13-ser14). Removal of asp1 and arg2 from the N-terminal increases the Km eight-fold. Further, moderate increase in Km occurs when the next amino acids, val3, tyr4 and ileu5, are removed. The further removal of his6 results in a marked reduction in the Vmax. Removal of ser14 from the C-terminal of the nonapeptide his6-pro7-phe8-his9-leu10-leu11-val12-tyr13-ser14 does not greatly affect the Km nor the Vmax. Further removal of tyr13 from this compound results in complete loss of substrate activity. It is suggested that the compounds his6-pro7-phe8-his9-leu10-leu11-val12-tyr13-ser14 or his6-pro7-phe8-his9-leu10-leu11-val12-tyr13 might be used as substrates for the chemical assay and standardization of renin.
The regulation of COUP-TFII gene expression by Ets-1 is enhanced by the steroid receptor co-activators

Recent phenotypic analysis of orphan nuclear receptor chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII) [NR2F2] knockout mice shows that COUP-TFII is involved in the angiogenic process in the developing embryos. Since Ets-1 expression is also correlated with angiogenesis, and both Ets-1 and COUP-TFII mRNA are present in mesenchymal cells, we have sought to determine whether Ets-1 is a potential regulator of COUP-TFII gene expression. For this purpose, we performed transient transfection experiments using a luciferase reporter construct containing the mouse COUP-TFII promoter. We found that the COUP-TFII promoter activity is indeed regulated by Ets-1. We have identified two identical inverted potential ETS-binding sites located 47 nucleotides downstream of the start site. Mutation of both sites reduced the ability of Ets-1 to enhance the COUP-TFII promoter activity. Furthermore, other members of the ETS family such as Ets-2 or ETV1 are also potent regulators of the COUP-TFII promoter. Finally, the induction of the COUP-TFII gene is strongly enhanced by the expression of steroid receptor co-activator factors through a direct interaction with Ets-1. These results indicate that COUP-TFII is a potential downstream target of Ets-1 and it may partially mediate the Ets-1 function in angiogenesis.
RESERVOIR SEDIMENTATION AND ITS CAUSES IN ILLINOIS

: During the years 1930 to 1978 a research program has been carried out in Illinois dealing with reservoir sedimentation. Detailed surveys have been made on 107 lakes. A generalized graph allows annual reservoir capacity loss in percent to be estimated based on size of watershed, lake capacity, and watershed ratio. For the 258 square miles of land on the watershed of Lake Springfield, complete soil maps were measured using a graphic digitizer. A computer readable map was produced. The Universal Soil Loss Equation was solved to provide upland soil losses for each acre of the watershed. Average watershed soil loss was 3.96 tons per acre per year, and 24 percent of this was delivered to the lake.
Oxygen diffusion in the trout retina.

Abstract Oxygen tensions were measured in vivo within the different layers of the rainbow trout retina. Oxygen microelectrodes were advanced in 10 μm increments through the retinas and the P O 2 measured at each location. Mean retinal P O 2 ranged from 124 mm Hg at the retinal-vitreal interface to 281 mm Hg at the choriocapillaris. These data reaffirm that the cellular layers of the normal trout retina are continually exposed to supra-arterial oxygen tensions that are known to cause toxicity in other species. The intraretinal P O 2 gradient was mathematically characerized and results indicate that the in vivo oxygen profile can be described by a two-component exponential function. In order to gain a better understanding of oxygen delivery to the retina, the data were also subjected to an analysis based upon the classical equation for planar diffusion. The trout retina is an excellent model for studying oxygen diffusion in vivo since this tissue is supplied with oxygen from a single source, thereby simplifying the mathematical analysis. Calculations yielded values of 1·86 × 10 −5 and 0·58 × 10 −5 ml O 2 min −1 cm −1 atm −1 (at 9°C) for the Krogh permeation coefficient ( DS ) for the photoreceptor region and the remaining neural retina, respectively.
On liberty and learning

T he idea that the university should act in loco parentis was one of the many traditional concepts of education abandoned during the campus upheavals of the late sixties and early seventies in favor of a laissez-faire attitude toward the personal conduct of students. Many colleges and universities with a sense of religious mission have steadfastly clung to such codes, while several secular institutions, motivated by growing concern about drugs and crime, are cautiously reconsidering their propriety. Furthermore, a new form of ideological in loco parentis, centering on the enforcement of politically correct speech and behavior, has lately surfaced as a means of furthering progressive social change. Four respondents--Alan Charles Kors, Lynne A. Munson, Quentin L. Quade, and Robert Royal--inquire whether some form of in loco parentis is still a necessary aspect of a decent and civil campus life, or art antiquated custom we are well rid of.
Remarks on Modeling the Formation of Uranus and Neptune

We have studied two scenarios for the in situ formation of Uranus and Neptune from a hundred or so sub-Earth-sized planetary embryos initially on low-inclination, nearly circular orbits beyond Saturn. We find that giant planets do not form during integrations of such systems. Almost no accretion occurs at all because the embryos are dynamically excited by each other and the gravitational effects of Jupiter and Saturn on a timescale that is short compared to the collision timescale. This produces large eccentricities and inclinations that significantly decrease the collisional cross section of the embryos because it decreases the effects of gravitational focusing. As a result, giant planets do not grow. These simulations show that the standard model for the formation of the Uranus and Neptune is most likely not correct.
5-Keto-D-fructose. VII. Phosphorylation by liver fructokinase and the monophosphate ester as an inhibitor of liver aldolase.

Abstract 1. 1. Liver fructokinase (ATP: D -fructokinase I -phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.3) was shown to catalyze the phosphorylation of 5- keto - D -fructose ( D - threo -2,5-hexodiulose) in the presence of ATP. The product was identified as 5- keto - D -fructose I -phosphate. 2. 2. The monophosphate ester of 5- keto - D -fructose was found to inhibit competitively the action of liver aldolase (ketose I -phosphate aldehyde-lyase, EC 4.1.2.7) on fructose I -phosphate and to form a Schiff base intermediate with the enzyme.
Performance Measures For Statistical Segmentation

Performance measures for statistical segmentation have been developed for a space-and-time critical Bayesian statistical tracker. They are intended to become an integral part of a knowledge-based tracking algorithm, which has been developed by RCA. The performance measures are serving to quantify the usefulness of the processed input, to assist in the identification of each tracking state and give its reliability, and to predict impending changes of state. They have been tested using stochastically generated target-background frames. Performance measure results have correlated well with the parameters which characterize the difference in the target and background distributions. A host of possible performance measures are discussed in relation to their strengths and weaknesses. Experimental results for the measures currently being employed by RCA are given, and areas for future research are indicated.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
WA1 - Far-infrared molecular lasers

A summory is presented of recent accomplishments and the state of the art of far-infrared (far-IR) molecular lasers. Problems of excitation, laser line assignments, relaxation, and absolute frequency measurements are discussed. Predictions of future far-IR developments are made.
Carbon co-benefits of tighter SO2 and NOx regulations in China

Abstract Air pollution has been recognized as a significant problem in China. In its Twelfth Five Year Plan, China proposes to reduce SO 2 and NO x emissions significantly, and here we investigate the cost of achieving those reductions and the implications of doing so for CO 2 emissions. We extend the analysis through 2050, and either hold emissions policy targets at the level specified in the Plan, or continue to reduce them gradually. We apply a computable general equilibrium model of the Chinese economy that includes a representation of pollution abatement derived from detailed assessment of abatement technology and costs. We find that China's SO 2 and NO x emissions control targets would have substantial effects on CO 2 emissions leading to emissions savings far beyond those we estimate would be needed to meet its CO 2 intensity targets. However, the cost of achieving and maintaining the pollution targets can be quite high given the growing economy. In fact, we find that the near term pollution targets can be met while still expanding the use of coal, but if they are, then there is a lock-in effect that makes it more costly to maintain or further reduce emissions. That is, if firms were to look ahead to tighter targets, they would make different technology choices in the near term, largely turning away from increased use of coal immediately.
Using adaptive scheduling for increased resiliency in passive asynchronous replication

Distributed systems commonly replicate data to enhance system dependability. In such systems, a logical update on a data item results in a physical update on a number of copies. The synchronization and communication required to keep the copies of replicated data consistent introduce a delay when operations are performed. In systems distributed over a bandwidth-constrained area, such operational delays generally prove unacceptable and passive asynchronous replication is often used to mitigate the delays. The research described in this paper looks to develop a new methodology for passive asynchronous replication that includes the introduction of an adaptive data replication scheduler to increase the data redundancy of the most valued data objects in overloaded situations. The approach we describe relies on the batch processing nature of passive asynchronous replication to make update decisions based on a defined policy. The methodology uses an adaptive scheduling algorithm providing near real-time selection of which objects to replicate during overloaded conditions based on a trained multilayer perceptron neural network. Historical replication logs are used for the initial training of the network and supervised training continues as replication logs are created providing periodic improvement through a feedback mechanism. This paper presents summary results of data replication scheduling simulations with an emphasis on the design selection of the adaptive distributed scheduler.
Outriggers as a means of improving landing stability of legged vehicles.

Apollo four legged lunar module vehicles landing stability improvement by outrigger shock absorbers, discussing scale model landing tests
Representative bureaucracy, public‐private partnerships, and urban development

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to expand the study of representative bureaucracy by exploring attitudes about the use of public funds to support privately-owned real estate development projects. Data collected from over 1,400 members of the American Planning Association are used to determine if urban planners' demographic characteristics influence attitudes about public-private partnerships designed to achieve different policy goals. By examining these linkages, conclusions can be drawn as to whether diversity in the planning profession offers a means of ensuring citizen preferences are taken into account when collaborative arrangements are formed to encourage urban development. Design/methodology/approach – Ordinal logistic regression models are estimated to determine if the characteristics of urban planners influence perceptions about real estate projects designed to: provide affordable housing; eliminate urban blight; encourage the use of public transportation; prevent urban sprawl; enhance ped...
Coronary steal phenomenon from a coronary artery to left ventricular fistula.

An 83-year-old female with well-controlled hypertension presented with gradually worsening dyspnoea on exertion. An exercise stress echocardiogram showed left ventricular hypertrophy with high-risk features for ischaemia at peak stress. Her left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) deteriorated from 65% at rest to 40% post-exercise, despite a submaximal stress test, …
Lower esophageal sphincter pressure and serum motilin levels.

The gastrointestinal hormone motilin has recently been proposed as having a physiological role in the determination of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) strength. The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of gastric alkalinization on LES pressure and serum motilin levels. Instillation of 0.1N NaHCO3 into the stomach resulted in a significant increase in LES pressure (P<0.01) without affecting serum motilin levels. No correlation was found between fasting serum motilin levels and resting LES pressure (r=−0.31). These observations do not support the theory that LES pressure increases during gastric alkalinization are mediated through motilin release.
The conventional wisdom

American Labor: from Conspiracy to Collective Bargaining. Created by Leon Stein and Philip Taft. New York: Arno Press. 1969.60 volumes. $744.50.1 Women in Industry: A Study in American Economic History. By Edith Abbott. New York and London: D. Appleton. 1910. 408 pp. $14.50. The Working‐Class Movement in America. By Edward and Eleanor Marx Aveling. Second edition. London: Swan Sonnenschein & Co. 1891. 239 pp. $9.00. The American Labor Movement: A Short History. By Mary Ritter Beard. New York: Macmillan. 1931. 206 pp. $7.50. The Strike for Union. By Heber Blankenhorn. New York: H. W. Wilson. 1924. 259 pp. $9.50. Labor Economics. By Solomon Blum. New York: Henry Holt. 1925. 579 pp. $20.00. Women in Industry. By Louis D. Brandeis and Josephine Goldmark. New York: National Consumers' League. 1907.121 pp. $5.00. American Syndicalism: The I.W.W. By John Graham Brooks. New York: Macmillan. 1913. 264 pp. $9.50. Women and the Trades. Pittsburgh, 1907–1908. By Elizabeth Beardsley Butler. New York: Russell Sage Foun...
In-Hospital Mortality after Pancreatic Resection for Chronic Pancreatitis: Population-Based Estimates from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Background Pancreatic resection can be performed to ameliorate the sequelae of chronic pancreatitis in selected patients. The perceived risk of pancreatectomy may limit its use. Using a national database, this study compared mortality after pancreatic resections for chronic pancreatitis with those performed for neoplasm. Study Design Patient discharges with chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic neoplasm were queried from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 1998 to 2006. To account for the Nationwide Inpatient Sample weighting schema, design-adjusted analyses were used. Results There were 11,048 pancreatic resections. Malignant neoplasms represented 64.2% of the sample; benign neoplasms and pancreatitis comprised 17.1% and 18.7%, respectively. In-hospital mortality rates were 2.2% and 1.7% for the pancreatitis and benign tumor cohorts, respectively, compared with 5.9% for the malignancy cohort (overall p Conclusions Pancreatectomies for chronic pancreatitis have lower in-hospital mortality than those performed for malignancy and similar rates as resection for benign tumors. Pancreatic resection, which can improve quality of life in chronic pancreatitis patients, can be performed with moderate mortality rates and should be considered in appropriate patients.
Filter-feeding bivalves can remove avian influenza viruses from water and reduce infectivity.

Avian influenza (AI) viruses are believed to be transmitted within wild aquatic bird populations through an indirect faecal‐oral route involving contaminated water. This study examined the influence of filterfeeding bivalves, Corbicula fluminea, on the infectivity of AI virus in water. Clams were placed into individual flasks with distilled water inoculated 1:100 with a low pathogenic (LP) AI virus (A/Mallard/MN/190/99 (H3N8)). Viral titres in water with clams were significantly lower at 24 and 48 h post-inoculation compared to LPAI-infected water without clams. To determine whether clams affected the infectivity of AI viruses, 18 wood ducks (Aix sponsa) were divided into test groups and inoculated with a variety of treatments of clam supernatants, whole clams and water exposed to a high pathogenic (HP) AI (A/whooper swan/Mongolia/244/05 (H5N1)). None of the wood ducks inoculated with HPAI-infected water that was filtered by clams or that was inoculated with or fed tissue from these clams exhibited morbidity or mortality. All wood ducks exposed to either HPAI-infected water without clams or the original viral inoculum died. These results indicate that filter-feeding bivalves can remove and reduce the infectivity of AI viruses in water and demonstrate the need to examine biotic environmental factors that can influence AI virus transmission.
Differences in oxygen uptake but equivalent energy expenditure between a brief bout of cycling and running

Background We examined aerobic and anaerobic exercise energy expenditure and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) between a 250 Watt, 1-minute bout of cycling and uphill treadmill running.
Molecular Regulation of the Bovine Endothelial Cell Nitric Oxide Synthase by Transforming Growth Factor–β1

The promoter region of the endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) gene contains potential response elements for transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF beta 1). TGF beta 1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, vascular hypertrophy, and angiogenesis. We therefore sought to determine whether TGF beta 1 might modulate ecNOS expression in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). TGF beta 1 increased ecNOS mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. TGF beta 1 also increased ecNOS protein content. The production of nitrogen oxides (NOx), assessed by chemiluminescence, and nitric oxide synthase activity, assessed by arginine/citrulline conversion were increased in TGF beta 1-treated cells. Transcriptional activity of the 5'-flanking promoter region of the ecNOS gene was increased by TGF beta 1, as assessed by transfection with promoter/luciferase constructs. Deletion analysis suggested that the TGF beta 1-response element was present between nucleotides -1269 and -935 from the first transcription start site, in which a putative nuclear factor-1 (NF-1) binding site existed. Gel shift assays showed that nuclear protein(s), immunologically similar to CCAAT transcription factor/NF-1, bound to the putative NF-1 binding site in a sequence-specific manner. Mutation of the putative NF-1 binding site in the promoter/luciferase construct significantly decreased the responsiveness to TGF beta 1. In conclusion, TGF beta 1 increases ecNOS expression associated with an increase in production of NO in BAEC. This response is probably mediated by transcriptional activation of the ecNOS gene promoter.
Ensuring network connectivity of UAV’s performing video reconnaissance

Current and emerging military missions require image-feedback from camera-equipped assets. Motivated by mission scenarios and sensor restrictions, operations may require the collaboration of assets over an ad-hoc network. The development in this paper represents the first efforts to examine the problem of balancing tradeoffs between asset/sensor cone positioning to satisfy mission requirements and network requirements such as maintaining network connectivity. To address the trade-offs between asset positioning and network connectivity, a prioritized task-function based guidance law is developed for a simple scenario containing three assets. One developed task function maintains a communication network by ensuring the distance between the UAVpsilas does not exceed a critical threshold. Additional task-functions enable assets to keep targets of interest in the image cone by regulating image features derived from the camera view. Simulation results are provided to examine the behavior of the assets for different configurations of objects observed by the asset cameras.
2D and 3D X-Ray Structural Microscopy Using Submicron-Resolution Laue Microdiffraction

We have developed a scanning, polychromatic x-ray microscopy technique with submicron spatial resolution at the Advanced Photon Source. In this technique, white undulator radiation is focused to submicron diameter using elliptical mirrors. Laue diffraction patterns scattered from the sample are collected with an area detector and then analyzed to obtain the local crystal structure, lattice orientation, and strain tensor. These new microdiffraction capabilities have enabled both 2D and 3D structural studies of materials on mesoscopic length-scales of tenths-to-hundreds of microns. For thin samples such as deposited films, 2D structural maps are obtained by step-scanning the area of interest. For example, 2D x-ray microscopy has been applied in studies of the epitaxial growth of oxide films. For bulk samples, a 3D differential-aperture x-ray microscopy technique has been developed that yields the full diffraction information from each submicron volume element. The capabilities of 3D x-ray microscopy are demonstrated here with measurements of grain orientations and grain boundary motion in polycrystalline aluminum during 3D thermal grain growth. X-ray microscopy provides the needed, direct link between the experimentally measured 3D microstructural evolution and the results of theory and modeling of materials processes on mesoscopic length scales.
Studies of Interferon Production and Natural Killing by Lymphocytes from Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have been shown by numerous investigators to function abnormally in a variety of immunological tests in vitro. In this article, data concerning defective natural killer (NK) cell function and interferon production by MS patients' lymphocytes have been reviewed. Production of IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma by appropriately stimulated lymphocytes has been shown to be significantly reduced in many patients with acute remitting or chronic progressive disease. Furthermore, a significant proportion of these patients has been found to exhibit reduced levels of endogenous and augmented NK cell activity. A likely explanation for these phenomena is that altered traffic occurring as a consequence of disease has led to a relative loss of NK and IFN-producing cells from the peripheral circulation. Flow cytometric data obtained using monoclonal antibodies that selectively label these effector populations were presented. Possible explanations for the observed defects and their significance relative to our understanding of the etiopathogenesis of MS were discussed.
Optimization Methods in Finance

1. Introduction 2. Linear programming: theory and algorithms 3. LP models: asset/liability cash flow matching 4. LP models: asset pricing and arbitrage 5. Nonlinear programming: theory and algorithms 6. NLP volatility estimation 7. Quadratic programming: theory and algorithms 8. QP models: portfolio optimization 9. Conic optimization tools 10. Conic optimization models in finance 11. Integer programming: theory and algorithms 12. IP models: constructing an index fund 13. Dynamic programming methods 14. DP models: option pricing 15. DP models: structuring asset backed securities 16. Stochastic programming: theory and algorithms 17. SP models: value-at-risk 18. SP models: asset/liability management 19. Robust optimization: theory and tools 20. Robust optimization models in finance Appendix A. Convexity Appendix B. Cones Appendix C. A probability primer Appendix D. The revised simplex method Bibliography Index.
Smartphone-Imaged HIV-1 Reverse-Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) on a Chip from Whole Blood

Viral load measurements are an essential tool for the long-term clinical care of hum an immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. The gold standards in viral load instrumentation, however, are still too limited by their size, cost, and sophisticated operation for these measurements to be ubiquitous in remote settings with poor healthcare infrastructure, including parts of the world that are disproportionately affected by HIV infection. The challenge of developing a point-of-care platform capable of making viral load more accessible has been frequently approached but no solution has yet emerged that meets the practical requirements of low cost, portability, and ease-of-use. In this paper, we perform reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) on minimally processed HIV-spiked whole blood samples with a microfluidic and silicon microchip platform, and perform fluorescence measurements with a consumer smartphone. Our integrated assay shows amplification from as few as three viruses in a ~ 60 nL RT-LAMP droplet, corresponding to a whole blood concentration of 670 viruses per µL of whole blood. The technology contains greater power in a digital RT-LAMP approach that could be scaled up for the determination of viral load from a finger prick of blood in the clinical care of HIV-positive individuals. We demonstrate that all aspects of this viral load approach, from a drop of blood to imaging the RT-LAMP reaction, are compatible with lab-on-a-chip components and mobile instrumentation.
Medication use and health care contacts among symptomatic children with asthma.

Objective.—Asthma morbidity and mortality continue to increase despite the availability of improved therapies. Little is known about the degree to which children with asthma use medications and health care services during symptomatic periods. This study documents prospectively the use of medications and health care contacts among children with active asthma symptoms. Methods.—Children age 6–19 years from 11 primary care settings in upstate New York were eligible for this study if they had 3 or more asthma-related medical visits during the prior year. We collected extensive information on asthma symptoms, medication use, and contacts with health care providers from biweekly phone interviews and daily diaries during a 3-month period. Symptoms were evaluated as the average number of symptomatic days per week. We tabulated the proportion of children using anti-inflammatory medications and having health care contacts according to the frequency of their symptoms during this 3-month period. Chi-square and regression analyses were used. Results.—One hundred sixty-five children participated (67% White, 24% Black, 9% Other). Sixty-five percent of the children in this sample had an average of more than 2 symptomatic days per week or more than 2 symptomatic nights per month during the 3-month study period and thus had mild persistent to severe asthma. Among these children, 25% received prednisone, and 46% reported the use of an inhaled maintenance medication during the monitoring period. Ten percent of children in this sample experienced an average of 6 or more symptomatic days per week during the study period. Among these highly symptomatic children, only 19% received prednisone, and 56% used a maintenance medication. Further, the proportion of children having contact with a health care provider during this 3-month period was 50% or less, even among the children experiencing the most frequent asthma symptoms. There were no differences in the proportion of children with health care contacts, prednisone use, or maintenance anti-inflammatory use among different gender or race categories or with different insurance types or places of residence. Conclusions.—Even among children experiencing almost daily asthma symptoms, inadequate anti-inflammatory therapy is common, and few contacts with health care providers occur. These children are silently suffering at home and likely are experiencing preventable morbidity.
Active Gesture Recognition using Learned Visual Attention

We have developed a foveated gesture recognition system that runs in an unconstrained office environment with an active camera. Using vision routines previously implemented for an interactive environment, we determine the spatial location of salient body parts of a user and guide an active camera to obtain images of gestures or expressions. A hidden-state reinforcement learning paradigm is used to implement visual attention. The attention module selects targets to foveate based on the goal of successful recognition, and uses a new multiple-model Q-learning formulation. Given a set of target and distractor gestures, our system can learn where to foveate to maximally discriminate a particular gesture.
Comparison of high-temperature-superconductor and metal-based resonators

A 50- Omega coplanar waveguide (CPW) resonator designed for a fundamental frequency of about 4.75 GHz was fabricated on LaAlO/sub 3/. Two versions were fabricated: the first using 1.9- mu m-thick gold and the second using 0.6- mu m-thick YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/. The devices were identically packaged and tested at 77 K. It was found that the high-temperature superconductor (HTS) resonator had a surface resistance, R/sub s/, about six to nine times lower than the Au one. At 45 K, the R/sub s/ of the HTS resonator decreases by another factor of 4 compared with its 77 K value. Device characteristics for the HTS resonator are presented. >
Longitudinal changes in brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in children with sickle cell disease

Children with sickle cell anemia (HbSS) are at high risk for neurologically overt cerebral infarcts associated with stroke and neurologically silent cerebral infarcts correlated with neuropsychometric deficit. We used complete magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) histories from 266 HbSS children, aged 6 through 19 years, who were enrolled in the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease (CSSCD) to examine silent infarct prevalence, localization, recurrence, and progression. We report a baseline prevalence of 21.8%, marginally higher than previously reported due to improved imaging technologies. Although we observed no overall sex difference in prevalence, most lesions in girls occurred before age 6, whereas boys remained at risk until age 10. Silent infarcts were significantly smaller and less likely to be found in the frontal or parietal cortex than were infarcts associated with stroke. Children with silent infarct had an increased incidence of new stroke (1.03/100 patient-years) and new or more extensive silent infarct (7.06/100 patient-years) relative to stroke incidence among all children in our cohort (0.54/100 patient-years). Both events were substantially less frequent than the risk of stroke recurrence among children not provided chronic transfusion therapy. Although chronic transfusion is known to decrease occurrence of new silent infarcts and strokes in children with elevated cerebral arterial blood flow velocity, further study is required to determine its risk-benefit ratio in children with silent infarct and normal velocities. Until safe and effective preventive strategies against infarct recurrence are discovered, MRI studies are best reserved for children with neurologic symptoms, neuropsychometric deficits, or elevated cerebral artery velocities.
Tumor Suppressor Role of Notch-1 Signaling in Neuroendocrine Tumors

A growing body of literature is demonstrating that Notch signaling is a more complex process than originally thought. Contradictory findings of notch-1 acting as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor revealed that its role is very specific to the cellular context. In this review we focus on the tumor suppressor role of Notch-1 signaling in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) such as carcinoid and medullary thyroid cancers. NETs secrete various bioactive hormones that can cause debilitating symptoms. Surgery is the only potential curative treatment for the patients with NETs. Notch-1 signaling is absent in these tumors and activation of Notch-1 significantly reduces tumor growth in vitro. Therefore, identification of compound(s) that activate the Notch-1 pathway in NETs could be a potential strategy to treat patients with NETs.