cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeted, activity-dependent spinal stimulation produces long-lasting motor recovery in chronic cervical spinal cord injury

Use-dependent movement therapies can lead to partial recovery of motor function after neurological injury. We attempted to improve recovery by developing a neuroprosthetic intervention that enhances movement therapy by directing spike timing-dependent plasticity in spared motor pathways. Using a recurrent neural–computer interface in rats with a cervical contusion of the spinal cord, we synchronized intraspinal microstimulation below the injury with the arrival of functionally related volitional motor commands signaled by muscle activity in the impaired forelimb. Stimulation was delivered during physical retraining of a forelimb behavior and throughout the day for 3 mo. Rats receiving this targeted, activity-dependent spinal stimulation (TADSS) exhibited markedly enhanced recovery compared with animals receiving targeted but open-loop spinal stimulation and rats receiving physical retraining alone. On a forelimb reach and grasp task, TADSS animals recovered 63% of their preinjury ability, more than two times the performance level achieved by the other therapy groups. Therapeutic gains were maintained for 3 additional wk without stimulation. The results suggest that activity-dependent spinal stimulation can induce neural plasticity that improves behavioral recovery after spinal cord injury.
Metastable Au-Si alloy formation induced by ion-beam interface mixing

Abstract An amorphous Au-Si alloy with composition Au-28·5 at. % Si (Au5Si2) has been formed by inplanting energetic Xe, Ar or Ne ions through a thin layer of Au deposited on a Si substrate. The ion-induced amorphous Au-Si alloy is uniform in composition and in thickness as indicated by 4He+ backscattering measurement. The Au-Si alloys so obtained were studied by resistivity measurements and by transmission electron microscopy and diffraction. Two distinct stages of phase transformation are observed as revealed by a sudden change of resistivity with increasing annealing temperature. In the first stage, a transformation from amorphous to a metastable crystalline Au5Si2 phase occurs in a narrow temperature range around 100°C. The second stage, which appears broader near 180°C, involves the transformation to the equilibrium two-phase state of Au and Si. The kinetics of the amorphous to metastable crystalline transformation has been determined by isothermal annealing over the temperature interval 85-101°C. An...
"Low speed" magnetic levitation vehicle in the US

Research and development efforts have been carried out to investigate magnetically levitated (Maglev) vehicles for low speed transportation systems. To bring Maglev transportation into everyday use in the United States there is a need to identify relevant existing standards and specifications as well as to develop guidelines more specific to this new technology. The purpose of this paper is to identify relevant sources and the type of standards and criteria that will largely govern the fundamental aspects of "low speed" Maglev-specific components. As an example the HSST-100S vehicle has been evaluated. The distinguishing characteristic of all Maglev technologies is the use of magnetic forces for vehicle propulsion without any physical contact with the guideway. Electromagnetic suspension (EMS) and electrodynamic suspension (EDS) are two design approaches which enable a vehicle to levitate. The criteria for the use of these electromagnetic and control devices, as well as the operating limitations, is heavily dependent upon performance-based criteria for the specific vehicle as developed and built by the manufacturer. These limitations impact the basic design requirements in other areas such as guideway geometry, structure clearance and ancillary substation electrical equipment. Standards related to the Maglev aspects of the vehicle were largely adopted from the experimental work and testing of the prototype vehicles (Trans-Rapid and HSST).
Automatic Modeling of Knee-Joint Motion For The Virtual Reality Dynamic Anatomy (VRDA) Tool

This paper presents a method and algorithms for automatic modeling of anatomical joint motion. The method relies on collision detection to achieve stable positions and orientations of the knee joint by evaluating the relative motion of the tibia with respect to the femur (for example, flexion-extension). The stable positions then become the basis for a look-up table employed in the animation of the joint. The strength of this method lies in its robustness to animate any normal anatomical joint. It is also expandable to other anatomical joints given a set of kinematic constraints for the joint type as well as a high-resolution, static, 3-D model of the joint. The demonstration could be patient specific if a person's real anatomical data could be obtained from a medical imaging modality such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Otherwise, the demonstration requires the scaling of a generic joint based on patient characteristics. Compared with current teaching strategies, this Virtual Reality Dynamic Anatomy (VRDA) tool aims to greatly enhance students' understanding of 3-D human anatomy and joint motions. A preliminary demonstration of the optical superimposition of a generic knee joint on a leg model is shown.
An Integrated Framework for Checking Concurrency-Related Programming Errors

Developing concurrent programs is intrinsically difficult. They are subject to programming errors that are not present in traditional sequential programs. Our current work is to design and implement a hybrid approach that integrates static and dynamic analyses to check concurrency-related programming errors more accurately and efficiently. The experiments show that the hybrid approach is able to detect concurrency errors in unexecuted parts of the code compared to dynamic analysis, and produce fewer false alarms compared to static analysis. Our future work includes but is not limited to optimizing performance, improving accuracy, as well as locating and confirming concurrency errors.
SOC estimation for aged lithium-ion batteries using model adaptive extended Kalman filter

Rechargeable batteries as an energy source in electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and smart grids are receiving more attention with the worldwide demand for reduction of greenhouse gas emission. In all of these applications for secondary batteries, the battery management system (BMS) needs to have an accurate inline estimation of state of charge (SOC) of each individual cell in the battery pack. Yet, this estimation is still difficult, especially after substantial aging of batteries. This paper presents a model adaptive extended Kalman filter (MAEKF) method to estimate SOC of Li-ion batteries. This method uses an optimization algorithm to update the EKF model parameters during a discharge period. State of health (SOH) information would be updated while the battery is charged/discharged, (aged). The effectiveness of the proposed method has been verified based on data acquired from a LiFePO4 battery.
Use of Gore-Tex tubing as a conduit for inferior alveolar and lingual nerve repair: experience with 6 cases.

Purpose: This report evaluates treatment outcomes associated with the use of Gore-Tex (GT; W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) vein graft tubing as a conduit for repair of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and lingual nerve (LN) continuity defects. Patients and Methods: Six patients (5 female and 1 male) with painful dysesthesia secondary to injuries of the IAN (n = 3) or LN (n = 3) underwent surgical exploration and resection of pathologic tissue. Reconstruction of the resultant continuity defects was performed using 3-mm diameter GT tubing sutured to the epineurium of the proximal and distal nerve trunks. Nerve reconstruction was performed an average of 20 months after injury (range, 4 to 48 months). Patients were tested before and after surgery with the following tests: subjective pain level using an analogue scale, sharp stimulus, touch, cold sensation, directional sense, and 2-point discrimination. Results: Four patients reported no change in subjective pain level, and 2 patients had minimal decrease in pain. Two patients reported some sensation to sharp stimulus, and 1 patient was hypersensitive. Three patients responded to touch, and 3 had no response. Four patients had no response to cold senstation, and 2 had a delayed response. Only 1 patient could detect brushstroke direction. Three patients had no response to 2-point discrimination, and 3 responded at greater than 20 mm. Conclusions: Use of GT tubing in this group of patients produced poor clinical outcomes and is not recommended for nerve reconstruction of IAN and LN continuity defects. © 2001 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Reply to comment by J. Feichter et al. on ''Control of fossil-fuel particulate black carbon and organic matter, possibly the most effective method of slowing global warming''

[1] In the paper ‘‘Reply to comment by J. Feichter et al. on ‘Control of fossil-fuel particulate black carbon and organic matter, possibly the most effective method of slowing global warming’’’ by Mark Z. Jacobson (Journal of Geophysical Research, 108(D24), 4768, doi:10.1029/2002JD003299, 2003), the quote in paragraph 3 (section 2, point 2) has been corrected. This correction results from a publisher’s error to the comment by Feichter et al. The correct quote, from Feichter et al. [2003], is as follows: ‘‘Neither the present paper [Jacobson, 2002] nor any other of the cited papers provides a characterization of the long-term behavior of the meteorology of M. Z. Jacobson’s GATOR-GCMM model.’’ JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, VOL. 108, NO. D24, 4806, doi:10.1029/2003JD004490, 2003
Effects of Shear Dependent Viscosity and Variable Thermal Conductivity on the Flow and Heat Transfer in a Slurry

In this paper we study the effects of variable viscosity and thermal conductivity on the heat transfer in the pressure-driven fully developed flow of a slurry (suspension) between two horizontal flat plates. The fluid is assumed to be described by a constitutive relation for a generalized second grade fluid where the shear viscosity is a function of the shear rate, temperature and concentration. The heat flux vector for the slurry is assumed to follow a generalized form of the Fourier’s equation where the thermal conductivity k depends on the temperature as well as the shear rate. We numerically solve the governing equations of motion in the non-dimensional form and perform a parametric study to see the effects of various dimensionless numbers on the velocity, volume fraction and temperature profiles. The different cases of shear thinning and thickening, and the effect of the exponent in the Reynolds viscosity model, for the temperature variation in viscosity, are also considered. The results indicate that the variable thermal conductivity can play an important role in controlling the temperature variation in the flow.
Using satisfiability in application-dependent testing of FPGA interconnects

In this paper, a new technique for testing the interconnects of an arbitrary design mapped into an FPGA is presented. In this technique, only the configuration of logic blocks used in the design is changed. The test vector and configuration generation problem is systematically converted to a satisfiability (SAT) problem, and state of the art SAT-solvers are exploited for test configuration generation. Experimental results on various benchmark circuits show that only two test configurations are required to test for all bridging faults, achieving 100% fault coverage, with respect to the fault list.
The role of the estrogen receptor in tumor progression

We will discuss two estrogen receptor (ER) variants that may play a role in breast cancer initiation or progression. One is a truncated receptor, which has been named the exon 5 ER deletion variant, and the other is called a hyper-sensitive variant of the ER that is sensitive to low levels of hormone. Both ER variants differ from the wild-type ER in their hormone binding domains (HBD). The exon 5 ER deletion variant lacks a large portion of the HBD, while the hyper-sensitive ER variant has a point mutation in a conserved region of the HBD. The exon 5 ER deletion variant is transcriptionally active in the absence of hormone, and is thus considered constitutively-active. In contrast, the hyper-sensitive ER variant is functionally active in response to subphysiological concentrations of estrogen. We speculate that both ER variants may form productive heterodimers with wild-type receptor to modify the normal function of ER in the breast.
The dose-response relationship between in-ear occupational noise exposure and hearing loss

Objectives Current understanding of the dose-response relationship between occupational noise and hearing loss is based on cross-sectional studies prior to the widespread use of hearing protection, and with limited data regarding noise exposures below 85 dBA. We report on the hearing loss experience of a unique cohort of industrial workers, with daily monitoring of noise inside of hearing protection devices. Methods At an industrial facility, workers exhibiting accelerated hearing loss were enrolled in a mandatory programme to monitor daily noise exposures inside of hearing protection. We compared these noise measurements (as time-weighted L AVG ) to interval rates of high-frequency hearing loss over a 6-year period using a mixed-effects model, adjusting for potential confounders. Results Workers’ high-frequency hearing levels at study inception averaged more than 40 dB Hearing threshold level (HTL). Most noise exposures were less than 85 dBA (mean L AVG 76 dBA, IQR 74–80 dBA). We found no statistical relationship between LAvg and high-frequency hearing loss (p=0.53). Using a metric for monthly maximum noise exposure did not improve model fit. Conclusions At-ear noise exposures below 85 dBA did not show an association with risk of high-frequency hearing loss among workers with substantial past noise exposure and hearing loss at baseline. Therefore, effective noise control to below 85 dBA may lead to significant reduction in occupational hearing loss risk in such individuals. Further research is needed on the dose-response relationship of noise and hearing loss in individuals with normal hearing and little prior noise exposure.
Significantly shorter Fe–S bond in cytochrome P450-I is consistent with greater reactivity relative to chloroperoxidase

Cytochrome P450 (P450) and chloroperoxidase (CPO) are thiolate-ligated haem proteins that catalyse the activation of carbon hydrogen bonds. The principal intermediate in these reactions is a ferryl radical species called compound I. P450 compound I (P450-I) is significantly more reactive than CPO-I, which only cleaves activated C-H bonds. To provide insight into the differing reactivities of these intermediates, we examined CPO-I and P450-I using variable-temperature Mossbauer and X-ray absorption spectroscopies. These measurements indicate that the Fe-S bond is significantly shorter in P450-I than in CPO-I. This difference in Fe-S bond lengths can be understood in terms of variations in the hydrogen-bonding patterns within the 'cys-pocket' (a portion of the proximal helix that encircles the thiolate ligand). Weaker hydrogen bonding in P450-I results in a shorter Fe-S bond, which enables greater electron donation from the axial thiolate ligand. This observation may in part explain P450's greater propensity for C-H bond activation.
Representation, Virtue, and Political Jealousy in the Brutus-Publius Dialogue

This article presents both circumstantial and textual evidence for a reading of the tenth Federalist in dialogue with the first Essay of the Anti-Federalist Brutus. This evidence strongly suggests that Madison was particularly concerned with refuting Brutus's theory of representation while writing his most famous essay When read in this context, it becomes apparent that "virtue," especially the "virtue" of representatives, plays a much greater role in the arguments of the Federalist than is usually assumed, and that the "political jealousy" that characterizes some Federalist essays, especially No. 51, is in tension with these arguments that rely on "virtue." This interpretation of the tenth Federalist in dialogue with Brutus thus refocuses attention on the gulf separating Madison's contributions to the Federalist from our own time and democratic ideals.
High Levels of the GTPase Ran/TC4 Relieve the Requirement for Nuclear Protein Transport Factor 2

The GTPase Ran/TC4 and the 14-kDa protein nuclear transport factor 2 (NTF2) are two of the cytosolic factors that mediate nuclear protein import in vertebrates. Previous biochemical studies have shown that NTF2 binds directly to the GDP-bound form of Ran/TC4 and to proteins of the nuclear pore complex that contain phenylalanine-glycine repeats. In the present study we have used molecular genetic approaches to study the Saccharomyces cerevisiae homologue of NTF2. The scNTF2 gene encodes a protein that is 44% identical to the human protein. We found that deletion of the scNTF2 gene is lethal and that repression of NTF2p expression by a regulatable promoter results in gross structural distortions of the nuclear envelope. In a screen for high copy number suppressors of a scNTF2 deletion, the only gene we isolated other than scNTF2 itself was GSP1, the S. cerevisiae homologue of Ran/TC4. Furthermore, we found that high levels of Ran/TC4 can relieve the requirement for NTF2 in a mammalian-permeabilized cell assay for nuclear protein import. These data suggest that certain of the nuclear protein import functions of NTF2 and Ran/TC4 are closely linked and that NTF2 may serve to modulate a transport step involving Ran/TC4.
Reprogramming amacrine and photoreceptor progenitors into retinal ganglion cells by replacing Neurod1 with Atoh7

The specification of the seven retinal cell types from a common pool of retina progenitor cells (RPCs) involves complex interactions between the intrinsic program and the environment. The proneural basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcriptional regulators are key components for the intrinsic programming of RPCs and are essential for the formation of the diverse retinal cell types. However, the extent to which an RPC can re-adjust its inherent program and the mechanisms through which the expression of a particular bHLH factor influences RPC fate is unclear. Previously, we have shown that Neurod1 inserted into the Atoh7 locus activates the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) program in Atoh7-expressing RPCs but not in Neurod1-expressing RPCs, suggesting that Atoh7-expressing RPCs are not able to adopt the cell fate determined by Neurod1, but rather are pre-programmed to produce RGCs. Here, we show that Neurod1-expressing RPCs, which are destined to produce amacrine and photoreceptor cells, can be re-programmed into RGCs when Atoh7 is inserted into the Neurod1 locus. These results suggest that Atoh7 acts dominantly to convert a RPC subpopulation not destined for an RGC fate to adopt that fate. Thus, Atoh7-expressing and Neurod1-expressing RPCs are intrinsically different in their behavior. Additionally, ChIP-Seq analysis identified an Atoh7-dependent enhancer within the intronic region of Nrxn3. The enhancer recognized and used Atoh7 in the developing retina to regulate expression of Nrxn3, but could be forced to use Neurod1 when placed in a different regulatory context. The results indicate that Atoh7 and Neurod1 activate distinct sets of genes in vivo, despite their common DNA-binding element.
Theoretical simulation of temperature elevations in tumors using monte carlo method and comparison to experimental measurements during laser photothermal therapy

Nanotechnology using gold nanoshells or nanorods is a newly developed hyperthermia approach and has been tested in the past several years in cancer treatment.1–2 Gold nanorods have a diameter of ∼10 nm and an aspect ratio of approximately four. By varying the geometric ratio, the nanostructures can be tuned to have strong absorption and scattering to a specific laser wavelength. Designing an optimal treatment protocol of laser photothermal therapy requires understanding of gold nanorod deposition inside the tumor after injection, its resulted specific absorption rate (SAR) distribution, and the ultimate temperature field in the tumor during the treatment. Recent microCT studies by our group have suggested that the gold nanorod solution injected into PC3 prostatic tumors results in an almost uniform distribution of the gold nanorods in the tumors.3 The Monte Carlo method has been used in the past to determine the heating pattern (SAR) of laser-tissue thermal interaction.4 However, the accuracy of the theoretical simulation of the temperature fields in tumors relies on precise measurements of the optical properties of the tumors with nanorods presence.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Effect of fan-generated swirl on turbulent heat transfer and fluid flow in a pipe

Abstract Fan-generated swirl can be characterized as chaotic and strongly mixed. It differs from controlled swirl with respect to those characteristics that tend to increase both the rate of heat transfer and the pressure drop. In the investigation described here, a rotating fan simulation, which takes full account of the rotation of the fan blades and of the true nature of the delivered flow, was implemented with high fidelity. The fan output is delivered directly to the inlet of a round pipe. It is believed that this is the first time that such a realistic approach has been used. The air delivered to the pipe has a temperature different from that of the pipe wall. The swirl component is shown to give rise to a significant enhancement of heat transfer, from a factor of two to 50% between x / D = 0 and 20. Similar increases of the wall shear were also found to result from the swirl. As a comparison case, a blower curve for the fan in question was used. Since blower curves omit the swirl component, only a uniform axial flow can be extracted. The swirl effects on heat transfer and shear stress were obtained by comparing the results for the actual rotating-fan-provided flow with those for the blower curve model. In the absence of swirl, the axial distributions of the local heat transfer coefficient and wall shear displayed a local undershoot, thereby supporting limited earlier reporting of such happenings in simpler situations.
Assessing the Asian Child and Adolescent: Special Considerations

The Asian-American population in the USA is one of the fastest growing ethnic minority groups in the USA yet relatively little is known about the mental health status and needs of Asian-American youth. Existing research suggests that there are higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among this group. This chapter discusses considerations for addressing the emotional/behavioral needs of this population, to provide a more accurate appraisal of their mental health status and effective treatment plans. Additionally recommendations for the assessment of psychopathology in Asian-American youth are also discussed.
Abstract 19912: Prognostic Value of Restrictive Left Ventricular Filling in Patients Undergoing Trans-catheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

Objectives: We evaluated prognostic value of restrictive left ventricular (LV) filling in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing trans-catheter (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacements (SAVR). Methods: We included the patients with AS who had successful TAVR or SAVR at our institution. Restrictive filling was defined as: mitral E/A ≥ 2 and mitral deceleration time (DT) < 120ms. Results: Of the 238 patients evaluated, 132 patients (55%) had a restrictive LV filling. Mean age (85±8 vs. 85±8, p =0.546) and STS score (11.2±3 vs. 11.0±2.5, p = 0.244) were similar but more male patients (62% vs. 47%, p = 0.021) in the group with vs. without restrictive filling. LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly lower (54±15 vs. 63±12, p <0.001) and LV mass (LVM) was significantly higher (231±86 vs. 196±71, p = 0.003) in patients with restrictive vs. without restrictive filling. Patients with vs. without restrictive filling had: TF-TAVR in 49% vs. 57% patients, TA-TAVR in 18% vs. 14% patients, and SAVR in 33% vs. 29%. After procedure LVEF (54±15% to 57±14%, p = 0.005) and LVM (239±90 vs. 211±67, p < 0.001) improved significantly in patients with restrictive filling. 1-year mortality was 27% in patients with restrictive filling vs. 12% in patients with PASP < 50mmHg (p = 0.005) (Figure). Patients with vs. without persistent restrictive filling at 1 month of follow-up had worst 1-year mortality (31% vs. 12%, p = 0.004). In the Cox regression analysis, restrictive LV filling pattern was most significant predictor of 1-year mortality (HR 2.8, 95% CI 1.3-6.1, p value= 0.008) and PAP and LVM was independent predictor of restrictive LV filling. Conclusions: Restrictive LV filling is associated with an increased mortality after TAVR and SAVR. After procedure there is significant reverse remodeling but persistent restrictive filling is associated with poor outcomes. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
A Study of Detoxification Mechanisms in Children with Aplastic Anemia

The excretion of acetanilide and N-acetyl p-aminophenol in normal controls and children with aplastic anemia was found to be similar. These results suggest that arylhydroxylation and conjugation with activated glucuronic acid are not disturbed in toxic aplastic anemia. No good evidence could be obtained indicating conjugation of acetanilide metabolites with activated sulphate.
Using bifactor models to measure teacher–child interaction quality in early childhood: Evidence from the Caregiver Interaction Scale

Abstract Bifactor models have great promise to support the measurement of adult–child interaction in early childhood settings but are not frequently used in the field. This study explored whether a bifactor model fit teacher–child interaction data gathered from the Caregiver Interaction Scale (CIS; Arnett, 1989) in four cohorts of the recent Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES) study (1997–2006). Analyses also examined concurrent validity of this approach using several teacher- and child-level variables. In total, 1422 Head Start classrooms were observed with the CIS. Factor analyses found that a bifactor model, featuring one factor for overall positive teacher–child interaction as well as two methodological factors accounting for whether items targeted appropriate or (reverse-coded) inappropriate behaviors, fit the data well, consistent with other recent work. Further, evidence of concurrent validity for this bifactor model of teacher-child interaction emerged with lead teachers’ background factors (experience and CDA credential) and their global classroom quality, as well as children’s prosocial skills. Overall, results illustrate both the utility and logistics of the bifactor model approach to measuring interaction quality in early childhood settings.
The Re-Envisioned Educational Technology Course: If Addition Isn't Possible, Try Division

AbstractThis paper presents a new model for the required preservice technology integration course. We situate our model within the literature on the dominant stand-alone model, as well as the alternative models that have been explored. We then detail our restructured model of three one-hour courses that include focus on Introduction and Development, Integration and Evaluation, and Implementation and Assessment. We will highlight the challenges we have faced as well as our plans for continued course development. We argue that not only is our technology integration class sequence a feasible transition from stand-alone educational technology courses to a fully integrated model, but it also has unique merit for the cognitive development of our students in and of itself.
Digestive Anatomy of the Adult Boll Weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

A study of boll weevil digestive anatomy revealed previously unknown aspects, e.g. particularly, a series of dentate plates at the pyloric valve region, and micropores over the intima of the rest of the hindgut. Topographic differences were found between the brush border of the anterior midgut and that of the posterior midgut, and a cluster of diverticula was found at the hindmost part of the latter. Malpighian tubules originate in midgut tissues just before the hindgut, and are bound externally by distinct muscular layers.
Cyclic CO2 release in diapausing pupae—III: CO2 capacity of the blood: Carbonic anhydrase

Abstract The CO 2 capacity of the pupal blood in both Agapema galbina and Hyalophora cecropia is about 10 volumes per cent at the CO 2 concentration prevailing in the tracheal gas (6 per cent). This value is lower than those reported for several insects not known to show cyclic CO 2 release. The estimated total body CO 2 capacity of Agapema is sufficient to account for all observed gaseous CO 2 release and supports the idea that the cycling is due to alternate buffering and release of normal respiratory CO 2 . Both species investigated have blood at least as acid as pH 6·45 and both have carbonic anhydrase in their tissues but not in their blood. Tissue CO 2 capacity is higher than that of the blood.
Kinetically Controlled Nucleation of Silver on Surfactant-Free Gold Seeds

We report on the heterogeneous nucleation of Ag on Au seeds using a surfactant-free synthesis where nanoparticle aggregation is nullified through the immobilization of bare Au seeds on the surface of a substrate. Requiring only silver nitrate, ascorbic acid, and Au seeds, the synthesis is facile and, from a mechanistic standpoint, far less convoluted than conventional protocols. The results reveal that, even in the absence of surfactants, highly anisotropic growth modes are achieved which result in a lone Ag structure emanating from a single (100) Au facet. Consistent with surfactant-based protocols is the ability to vary the product of the reaction by varying the reaction rate. It allows for kinetic control which is able to direct the reaction toward either a bimetallic heterodimer or a core–shell configuration. The observed growth modes cannot be explained in terms of those proposed for surfactant-based growth modes where surfactants, surface diffusion, and/or collision patterns are used to rationalize ...
Stratified Sampling of Liriomyza spp. (Diptera: Agromyzidae) and Associated Hymenopterous Parasites on Watermelon

Field studies were conducted in two localities on Oahu, Hawaii, to evaluate the accuracy of random compared with stratified sampling of watermelon foliage with respect to leaf size and distance from the plant base for Liriomyza sativae Blanchard and Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) larvae and associated hymenopterous parasites. Significantly greater numbers of live Liriomyza larvae and larval parasites per leaf were found as leaf size increased. Before full leaf-canopy establishment, significantly greater densities of Liriomyza larvae per leaf were recorded at the plant base as compared with the distal end of the vine. A significant increase in precision of the sample mean estimates for both Liriomyza larvae and hymenopterous parasites was obtained by leaf-size stratification. For Liriomyza larvae and larval parasites, standard errors were reduced by >46 and 35%, respectively, when leaf sizes were stratified. Stratification with respect to distance from the plant base resulted in greater precision of Liriomyza density estimates before full leaf-canopy establishment.
Field Evaluation of Experimental and Recommended Insecticides for Control of the Alfalfa Weevil in New York

Twenty-five experimental and labeled insecticides were field tested in selected combinations and at various dosages for control of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gylknhal), on first-crop alfalfa in New York. Of those applied prior to the spring larval peak, only azinphosmethyl gave satisfactory control at time of first cutting. All 20 of the compounds applied during the larval peak It plant-tip feeding-injury levels ranging from 30 to 75% gave excellent control. Among the newest of those showing the most promise were GC 6506 (dimethyl p -(methylthio) phenyl phosphate), GS-13798 (2-methyl-8-quinolyl methylcarbamate), Here 14503 ( O,O -diethyl phosphorodithioate S-ester with N -(2-chloro-l-mercaptoethyl)phthalimide), Here 14504 ( O,O -dimethyl phosphorodithioate S -ester with N -(2-chloro-l-mercaptoethyl) phthalimide). and N-4543 ( O -isobutyl ethylphosphonodithioate S -ester with N -(mercaptomethyl) phthalimide.
Ethical issues in organ donation.

1. Robert Macauley, MD* 1. *Medical Director of Clinical Ethics, Fletcher Allen Health Care; Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Define the dead donor rule and identify current controversies surrounding it. 2. Describe the concept of donation after cardiac death (DCD). 3. Identify the requirements for children to serve as living hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ donors. 4. Discuss ethical issues related to organ donation that are specific to pediatrics. The primary ethical issues in organ donation involve procurement of vital organs (ie, organs necessary for life) from deceased donors, procurement of nonvital organs from living donors, and subsequent allocation of these organs. When children are involved (either as donors or recipients), each of these issues has an additional layer of complexity. The fundamental principle of vital organ donation is the “dead donor rule,” which states that donors must not be killed to obtain their organs (1) (or, alternatively, that persons must be dead before their organs are taken). (2) The matter of when a patient is considered dead, however, is rather complex. Before the advent of mechanical ventilation—when cessation of brain function would inevitably cause a patient to stop breathing—determination of death depended solely on cardiorespiratory parameters. Ventilators made it possible to sustain cardiorespiratory function even when a patient was in what was once termed “irreversible coma,” which later came to be known as “brain dead.” The Uniform Determination of Death Act (1981) established an all-encompassing definition: a patient is dead if he or she has sustained either “irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions” (cardiorespiratory criteria) or “irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem” (neurologic criteria). The debate about brain death continues, however, with such determinations more …
A difficult Arctic science issue: Midlatitude weather linkages

Abstract There is at present unresolved uncertainty whether Arctic amplification (increased air temperatures and loss of sea ice) impacts the location and intensities of recent major weather events in midlatitudes. There are three major impediments. The first is the null hypothesis where the shortness of time series since major amplification (∼15 years) is dominated by the variance of the physical process in the attribution calculation. This makes it impossible to robustly distinguish the influence of Arctic forcing of regional circulation from random events. The second is the large chaotic jet stream variability at midlatitudes producing a small Arctic forcing signal-to-noise ratio. Third, there are other potential external forcings of hemispheric circulation, such as teleconnections driven by tropical and midlatitude sea surface temperature anomalies. It is, however, important to note and understand recent emerging case studies. There is evidence for a causal connection of Barents-Kara sea ice loss, a stronger Siberian High, and cold air outbreaks into eastern Asia. Recent cold air penetrating into the southeastern United States was related to a shift in the long-wave atmospheric wind pattern and reinforced by warmer temperatures west of Greenland. Arctic Linkages is a major research challenge that benefits from an international focus on the topic.
Urodilatin : binding properties and stimulation of cGMP generation in rat kidney cells

Urodilatin (URO) [ANP-(95-126)] is an analogue of atrial natriuretic peptide (alpha-ANP) [ANP-(99-126)] that was first isolated from human urine. In rat mesangial cells, URO competed with high affi...
Potential crop evapotranspiration and surface evaporation estimates via a gridded weather forcing dataset

Abstract Absent local weather stations, a gridded weather dataset can provide information useful for water management in irrigated areas including potential crop evapotranspiration calculations. In estimating crop irrigation requirements and surface evaporation in Utah, United States of America, methodology and software were developed using the ASCE Standardized Penman-Monteith Reference Evapotranspiration equation with input climate drivers from the North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS) gridded weather forcing dataset and a digital elevation model. A simple procedure was devised to correct bias in NLDAS relative humidity and air temperature data based on comparison to weather data from ground stations. Potential evapotranspiration was calculated for 18 crops (including turfgrass), wetlands (large and narrow), and open water evaporation (deep and shallow) by multiplying crop coefficient curves to reference evapotranspiration with annual curve dates set by summation of Hargreaves evapotranspiration, cumulative growing degree days, or number of days. Net potential evapotranspiration was calculated by subtracting effective precipitation estimates from the Daymet gridded precipitation dataset. Analysis of the results showed that daily estimated potential crop evapotranspiration from the model compared well with estimates from electronic weather stations (1980–2014) and with independently calculated potential crop evapotranspiration in adjacent states. Designed for this study but open sourced for other applications, software entitled GridET encapsulated the GIS-based model that provided data download and management, calculation of reference and potential crop evapotranspiration, and viewing and analysis tools. Flexible features in GridET allows a user to specify grid resolution, evapotranspiration equations, cropping information, and additional datasets with the output being transferable to other GIS software.
Probability Laws for Topological Properties of Drainage Basins

This paper identifies some of the discrete probability laws, and their underlying probabilistic models, that are used for the analysis of topological properties of drainage basins. Models that generate several of these laws evidently are not known in the statistical literature.
Static Load Balancing using Non-Uniform Mesh Partitioning based on Ray Density Prediction for the Parallel Wavefront Construction Method

Abstract The Wavefront Construction (WFC) method, which was developed based on ray theory, is one of the most efficient seismic modeling tools. WFC propagates a wavefront represented by rays in a computational mesh that is refined whenever an accuracy criterion is violated. Since WFC interpolates new rays during wave propagation, the wavefront mesh is considered highly adaptive. Recently, a parallel WFC was developed using the Standard Template Adaptive Parallel Library. However, due to wavefront density adaptivity, the parallel implementation exhibits inefficient performance owing to load imbalances between processors. In this paper we apply a static load balancing approach based on the prediction of future load for a synthetic salt dome model, to improve performance. This approach utilizes a preliminary conventional ray simulation to estimate the cost (future load) of each cell in the WFC's initial wavefront mesh. Then it applies a non-uniform mesh decomposition that results in a more efficient parallel WFC. Compared to the original implementation, our implementation shows better and more stable scalability in most WFC simulations conducted on the salt model. This paper contributes to understanding the behavior of wavefront mesh adaptability and predicting earth model complexities, and serves as a guide for achieving the ultimate goal, a fully load-balanced parallel WFC.
On Structural Redundancy in Space Trusses

Static redundancy does not ensure structural redundancy in cases where the collapse mechanism involves instability. Structural redundancy is defined here as the ability of the structure to sustain ...
Volumetric Versus Unidimensional Measures of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in Assessing Disease Response.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to compare unidimensional (1D/linear) and volumetric (3D) measures of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) at computed tomography (CT) for predicting clinical outcome. Patients and Methods Analysis of CT images in 105 patients (mean age, 59 years; range, 25-81 years; 45 women, 60 men) receiving treatment for mCRC was performed. Both unidimensional and volumetric measures were obtained on index lesions at 3 time points (baseline/midpoint/post-therapy; mean interval, 4.1 months; median, 3.7 months) by 3 readers using a semi-automated technique. Measurements were summed and compared using best overall response across the 3 time points. Patient response was categorized based on Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 thresholds for unidimensional and volume measures (CR, complete response; PR, partial response; SD, stable disease; PD, progressive disease). Survival data was correlated (mean follow-up, 19.9 ± 17.1 months; median, 14.7 months). Intra/interobserver variability and reproducibility of 1D and 3D measures was assessed. Cox survival and Kaplan-Meier models were constructed and compared. Results Cox models and Kaplan-Meier curves for unidimensional versus volumetric assessment were very similar in appearance. Both 1D and 3D measurements effectively separated PD from the SD/PR groups, but neither separated SD from PR well. Volumetric measures showed comparable intra/interobserver variability on Bland-Altman analysis to unidimensional measures across readers using a semi-automated measurement technique. Metastatic site (lung, liver, node, other) did not seem to impact measurement reproducibility. Conclusions Although CT volumetric assessment of metastatic colorectal cancer is fairly reproducible by reader and site using a semi-automated technique, the ability to stratify progressive disease from other disease response categories in terms of survival was similar to unidimensional measurement.
Abstract 276: Systemic Delivery of Microrna-146a Improves Endothelial Function and Ameliorates Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice

Rationale: Endothelial inflammation is an early event in the development of atherosclerosis. The microRNA (miR)-146a showed anti-inflammatory effects in cultured endothelial cells. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic role of miR-146a in endothelial function and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-deficient mice. Methods and Results: The miR-146a was packaged into a multistage vector (MSV) that was conjugated with an E-selectin-targeting thioaptamer (ESTA) to form an ESTA-MSV microparticle. The ApoE-deficient mice were fed with Western diet and injected through tail vein with 15μg of miR-146a loaded ESTA-MSV microparticles or vehicle vectors biweekly for 12 weeks. The expressions of miR-146a in aortic tissue was increased by five times at two weeks after injection. However, the expressions of miR-146a in heart, lung, liver, spleen, kidney, and skeletal muscle were not increased. The acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxations in both carotid arteries and aortas were significantly improved in mice from miR-146a treated group compared with vehicle group. In addition, the endothelium-dependent contractions of carotid arteries were also improved by miR-146a treatment. The en face oil red O staining of whole aortas showed the plaque area was decreased in miR-146a-treated mice. Application of miR-146a also decreased the plaque size, macrophages, and T-lymphocytes, but increased the collagen deposition and vascular smooth muscle cells in the sections of aortic roots. The PCR results showed that expressions of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL)-2, CCL-5, and CCL-8 were decreased by miR-146a. Conclusions: E-selectin-targeting delivery of miR-146a improves endothelial function and inhibits atherosclerosis.
The Role of Formal Logic in Hamilton's Argument for the Philosophy of the Conditioned

This paper reconstructs Sir William Hamilton's argument for thinking that the unconditioned is not an object of thought, a conclusion he abbreviates with the slogan ‘to think is to condition’. The paper describes Hamilton's conception of formal logic as the study of the laws of thought and claims that this conception allows these laws, particularly those of non-contradiction and excluded middle, to play a substantive role in Hamilton's argument.
Lessons from Two Exemplary Latin@ Teachers of Emergent Bilingual Learners: How All Preservice Teachers Can Be Prepared to Teach Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students

ABSTRACTThe number of students designated as English language learners enrolled in U.S. schools is rapidly increasing, and because of this shifting cultural and linguistic landscape, it is essential that all teachers have the skills to effectively work with students who have a language other than English spoken at home. Using the framework of exemplary teacher studies in the field of literacy, the author examined the knowledge and experiences of two Latin@ teachers of emergent bilingual learners. Findings suggest that the teachers exhibited three significant characteristics as they worked to meet the language and literacy needs of their students. These characteristics included an ethic of relationship building, decision making based on shared knowledge, and a resolve to expand their discourse community. The author outlined foundational tenets for teacher educators as they reenvision the notion of the exemplary teacher in preparing all preservice teachers to be confident, exemplary teachers of linguistical...
The Possibilities of Asian American Citizenship: A Critical Race and Gender Analysis.

Conventionally, citizenship is understood as a legal category of membership in a national polity that ensures equal rights among its citizens. This conventional understanding, however, begs disruption when the histories and experiences of marginalized groups are brought to the fore. Equal citizenship in all its forms for marginalized populations has yet to be realized. For Asian Americans, rights presumably accorded to the legal status of citizenship have proven tenuous across different historical and political moments. Throughout U.S. history, “Asian American” or “Oriental” men and women have been designated aliens against whom white male and female citizenships have been legitimized. These categories of inclusion and exclusion-“citizen” and “alien”-are mutually constitutive; members are legitimate only when defined against the exclusion of “others.” Citizenship must be conceptualized as a broader set of social and cultural memberships and exclusions beyond political rights and legal status. This article examines how scholarly works engage citizenship formations of “Asian American” women and men. It also asks: Are there modes of citizenship, other than legal status and rights, to explain the experiences and histories of Asian American men and women, as well as provide anti-racist, feminist sites of resistance in the struggle for equality?