cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Phonological Sketch

In this chapter I provide an overview of the basic phonological structure of Coatzospan Mixtec. This serves two purposes. First, it provides the reader with an understanding of the morpheme structure and segmental contrasts of the language. Secondly, it supplies the necessary context for the analyses of the two prosodies-glottalization and nasalization-in Chapters 3 and 4, respectively. With this in mind, the chapter is structured as follows. In §2.1, I characterize the canonical shape of CM morphemes. In §2.2 and §2.3, I motivate the respective consonant and vowel contrasts of the language. §2.4 contains a detailed discussion of palatalization, an important element of the segmental phonology of CM. And in §2.5 I conclude with a summary.
Slide immunoenzymatic assay (SIA)

The use of antibodies as molecular probes for microbes and their antigens has a long tradition [19,23,24]. Poly- and monoclonal antibody probes have been used for microbial identification, characterization, classification, quantification, and manipulation for many years. The development of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) [8] has made the use of antibody probes in microbiology and microbial ecology popular and rewarding. The quantitative slide immunoenzymatic assay (SIA) [6] is a miniature ELISA with specific advantages and applications. SIA is simple, sensitive, and versatile [2,3,18], provides reproducible results, and can be automated, (Fig.1) [2,4]. SIA technology can be used for a variety of purposes [1,2,9,18,22–24]. These include identification and quantification of microbes in axenic cultures, in mixed cultures, and in complex microbial communities [4,6,7,14–16,24]. For these purposes, SIA can be used alone or in combination with immunofluorescence and other techniques [14]. SIA allows also detection and quantification of soluble and micro-particulate antigens secreted or released by microbes (microbial footprints as it were) into the culture medium, or into the environment (water and soil, for example) [2–4,6,7,23]. More recently, SIA technology has been adapted for molecular biology, to detect bacteria by nucleic-acid hybridization [5].
Light-Driven Intermolecular Charge Transfer Induced Reactivity of Ethynylbenziodoxol(on)e and Phenols.

Ethynylbenziodoxol(on)es (EBXs) have been widely used in organic synthesis as electrophilic alkyne-transfer reagents involving carbon- and heteroatom-based nucleophiles. However, potential reactions of EBXs with phenols remain uninvestigated. Here, we present the formation of (Z)-2-iodovinyl phenyl ethers with excellent regio- and stereoselectivity through the reactivity between EBXs and phenols driven by visible light. We propose that this light-activated transformation proceeds through electron donor–acceptor complexes to enable new reactivity beyond existing mechanisms for alkynylation of carbon- and heteroatom-based nucleophiles. This operationally robust process was employed for the synthesis of diverse (Z)-2-iodovinyl phenyl ethers through irradiating a solution containing a phenyl-EBX, a phenol, and the base Cs2CO3 with a commercially available blue LED at room temperature. The (Z)-2-iodovinyl phenyl ether products can be further stereospecifically functionalized to form trisubstituted alkenes, dem...
Scintillator-specific optimization of 2-bit sigma-delta modulation A/D for gamma-ray pulse waveform capture

Scintillator-based gamma-ray detectors convert gamma-ray photons into a burst of scintillation photons, and then into a pulse-shaped electrical signal. By digitizing the pulse waveform, analyses that require information about the shape of the pulse can be performed, such as pulse-shape discrimination, pile-up detection and maximum- likelihood event-parameter estimation of position, energy and time. We have developed an analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) method that hugely reduces the complexity of the data-acquisition (DAQ) system while retaining pulse-shape information, and increases the amount of information that can be extracted from detected gamma rays compared to analog methods. The new DAQ system is based on a modified 2-bit sigma-delta modulator (SDM), in which the possible outputs (00, 01, 10 and 11) are decoded in such a way that they don’t necessarily maintain a linear relationship between them. This makes it possible to optimize the SDM algorithm for different characteristic pulse shapes in order to extract as much information as possible. The optimization method that we present in this work is scintillation-crystal specific, but the use of the ADC method is not limited to gamma-ray detection.
Optomechanical design considerations for a vacuum window for optical and infrared interferometry

We present the results of analysis of a 6 in. diameter vacuum window. The design prevents contact between the metallic mounting cell and the glass window material, which can be a source of failure in the glass. The window transmits optical and infrared wavelengths for multi-baseline interferometry at the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI). Our analysis investigates possible interactive contact with the mounting cell and consequent failure of the window. Our design philosophy is to avoid overconstraining the glass window and maintain integrity of the vacuum seal through diurnal and seasonal temperature changes. The objective is to create no additional crack nucleation sites or initiate cracking in the brittle material due to the mount design. The window is unconstrained laterally and free to expand radially. Furthermore, the glass is free to expand in the thickness direction over the expected temperature range. The lack of contact due to thermal expansion over a broad temperature range and bending stresses due to loading were calculated to ensure the integrity of the assembly. In this paper, we describe our design approach, method of analysis, results, and recommendations. Our analysis shows that a simply supported window can be designed to achieve no metal to glass contact.
Plant root exudates increase methane emissions through direct and indirect pathways

The largest natural source of methane (CH4) to the atmosphere is wetlands, which produce 20% to 50% of total global emissions. Vascular plants play a key role regulating wetland CH4 emissions through multiple mechanisms. They often contain aerenchymatous tissues which act as a diffusive pathway for CH4 to travel from the anoxic soil to the atmosphere and for O2 to diffuse into the soil and enable methanotrophy. Plants also exude carbon from their roots which stimulates microbial activity and fuels methanogenesis. This study investigated these mechanisms in a laboratory experiment utilizing rootboxes containing either Carex aquatilis plants, silicone tubes that simulated aerenchymatous gas transfer, or only soil as a control. CH4 emissions were over 50 times greater from planted boxes than from control boxes or simulated plants, indicating that the physical transport pathway of aerenchyma was of little importance when not paired with other effects of plant biology. Plants were exposed to 13CO2 at two time-points and subsequent enrichment of root tissue, rhizosphere soil, and emitted CH4 was used in an isotope mixing model to determine the proportion of plant-derived versus soil-derived carbon supporting methanogenesis. Results showed that carbon exuded by plants was converted to CH4 but also that planted boxes emitted 28 times more soil-derived carbon than the other experimental treatments. At the end of the experiment, emissions of excess soil-derived carbon from planted boxes exceeded the emission of plant-derived carbon. This result signifies that plants and root exudates altered the soil chemical environment, increased microbial metabolism, and/or changed the microbial community such that microbial utilization of soil carbon was increased (e.g. microbial priming) and/or oxidation of soil-derived CH4 was decreased (e.g., by microbial competition for oxygen).
Evaluation of Three Sizes of Nasal Cannula Interface to Deliver NIV to Neonates Using a Lung Simulator

Background: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a commonly used mode of ventilation to provide respiratory support after planned extubation of the neonate. Further investigation of the various interfaces and ventilators utilized to administer NIV is needed in order to optimize the support delivered to the infant. Some centers use the NeoTech RAM Cannula as the interface for delivery of NIV in conjunction with several different ventilators. This ex vivo experimental design evaluated the PIP, PEEP, and MAP delivered during NIV with the Vyasis Avea (Avea) ventilator in conjunction with three sizes of RAM Cannula using the IngMar Medical ASL 5000 electronic lung simulator (ASL 5000). Methods: The simulator was programmed to model a neonate (1-3kg body weight) with normal to moderately affected lungs. ASL 5000 settings: Cst 1.5 mL/cm H2O, Raw 70 cm H2O/L/s, Pmus Maximum, f zero (passive model). A 3D printed interface was created for each size RAM cannula (outer prong sizes: 3.5, 3.0 and 3.0 mm) with openings approximately 20% larger than the outer dimensions of the RAM prongs; the interface connected directly to the neonatal adapter on the ASL 5000. Simulated nares sizes were: Micro Preemie 3.6 cm, Preemie 3.6 cm, Neonate 4.2 cm. The EST was completed on the Avea, and the interface calibration was completed for each size RAM prior to testing. Each size cannula was then evaluated in Nasal CPAP/IMV mode at the following settings: 1) rate 20 breaths/min, 2) inspiratory time 0.25, 0.30 and 0.35 seconds, 3) PIP 10, 20 and 30 cm H2O, 4) rise of 9, 5) PEEP 5, 8 and 10 cm H2O, 6) FIO2 at 0.21. The ASL 5000 recorded data, including the delivered PIP, PEEP and MAP, for one minute at each combination of settings, and each size RAM Cannula. Results: The delivered PIP, as measured by the ASL 5000, approximated the set value on the ventilator only when the set PIP was 10 cm H2O. The data show that the PEEP recorded from the ASL 5000 was consistently lower than the PEEP level set on the Avea. With an increase in inspiratory time, there was a slight increase in both delivered PIP and PEEP. The delivered PIP and PEEP decreased as the RAM Cannula was sized down. Conclusions: When properly sized to the nasal diameter, the NeoTech RAM Cannula interface results in the delivery of lower pressures than set on the Avea. Based on the results of this bench study, pressure attenuation to lower than set pressure is likely when utilizing the RAM Cannula for NIV with the Avea.
Functional knockout of ASIC3 attenuates the exercise pressor reflex in decerebrated rats with ligated femoral arteries

The exercise pressor reflex arises from contracting muscle and is manifested by increases in arterial pressure, heart rate, and cardiac contractility. In patients with peripheral artery disease, the exercise pressor reflex is exaggerated. This effect is believed to be caused by a metabolite whose concentration is increased when the working muscles are inadequately perfused. Previous work in rats with simulated peripheral artery disease has shown that pharmacological blockade of acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3), which is found on group III and IV afferents, prevented the exaggeration of the exercise pressor reflex. Blockade of ASIC3, however, may have off-target effects that preclude a conclusion that ASIC3 plays a role in evoking the reflex in rats with simulated peripheral artery disease. In the present experiments performed in decerebrated rats with simulated peripheral artery disease, we compared the exercise pressor reflex in rats with a functional knockout of the ASIC3 (KO) with the reflex in their wild-type counterparts (WT). We found that the exercise pressor reflex in ASIC3 KO rats was significantly lower than the exercise pressor reflex in their WT counterparts (P 0.05). We conclude that ASIC3 play an important role in evoking the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in rats with peripheral artery disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We used a genetic approach to test the hypothesis that the magnitude of the exercise pressor reflex evoked in ligated ASIC3 KO rats was significantly lower than the magnitude of the exercise pressor reflex evoked in their ligated wild-type (WT) counterparts. The pressor response to contraction in ligated ASIC3 KO rats was significantly smaller than was the pressor response to contraction in ligated WT rats.
Cutibacterium acnes and the Shoulder

Cutibacterium acnes is a low virulent, indolent organism without typical signs and symptoms of infection. The shoulder is the most frequent location. Delayed diagnosis following shoulder arthroplasty is well recognized, but native joint septic arthritis may be under-recognized and undiagnosed. Arthrocentesis and tissue culture should be considered for diagnosis. Early-onset arthritis, especially with history of previous intervention, should raise clinical concern.
Results and clinical significance of hearing screening in newborns with hyperbilirubinemia

Objective To explore the results and clinical significance of hearing screening in newborns with hyperbilirubinemia.Methods 160 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia who had been treated during November 2011 to November 2012 were selected for heating screening; meanwhile,200 healthy neonates were uaed as control,hyperbilirubinemia group complex screen still middel line auditory brainstem evoked potential examination was performed in those whose re-screening results were still positive.Results In hyperbilirubinemia group,the rate of abnormal evoked potential from mild to severe degree became higher and higher.The rate of abnormity was 17.5％ in the left ear rate and 22.5％ in the right ear in hyperbilirubinemia group; and it was 5.5％ in the left ear and 7.0％ in the right ear in the control group.The rates of DPOAE and ABR abnormity and the rate of recovery did not differ significantly between mild hyperbilirubinemia and moderate hyperbilirubinemia (P＞0.05) but differed significantly between severe hyperbilirubinemia and mild or moderate hyperbilirubinemia (P＜0.05).Conclusions Hyperbilirubinemia is a risk factor for dysaudia.Hearing screening for neonates with hyperbilirubinemia can reduce complications of dysaudia. Key words: Hyperbilirubinemia; Neonates; Hearing screening
Murder as Importation: An Empirical Study of the Continuity of Homicide Offending From Community to Confinement

Prison murder is the most severe form of institutional violence but its exceedingly low prevalence has limited prior research. Recent studies of prison murders make clear that serious, violent, and...
Simulating two-phase flows with thermodynamically consistent energy stable Cahn-Hilliard Navier-Stokes equations on parallel adaptive octree based meshes

Abstract We report on simulations of two-phase flows with deforming interfaces at various density contrasts by solving thermodynamically consistent Cahn-Hilliard Navier-Stokes equations. An (essentially) unconditionally energy-stable Crank-Nicolson-type time integration scheme is used. Detailed proofs of energy stability of the semi-discrete scheme and for the existence of solutions of the advective-diffusive Cahn-Hilliard operator are provided. We discretize spatial terms with a conforming continuous Galerkin finite element method in conjunction with a residual-based variational multi-scale (VMS) approach in order to provide pressure stabilization. We deploy this approach on a massively parallel numerical implementation using fast octree-based adaptive meshes. A detailed scaling analysis of the solver is presented. Numerical experiments showing convergence and validation with experimental results from the literature are presented for a large range of density ratios.
Corporate Inversions and Governance

Abstract Whether an inversion is associated with weaker firm governance is an open empirical question. While many inversions happen to countries that offer weaker protection to minority shareholders than the U.S., most firms that invert continue to be treated by the SEC as an “U.S. issuer”, and thus, their shareholders benefit from the full protection offered by the U.S. Federal Securities Laws. Our analysis shows that firms that invert exhibit an increase in their stock illiquidity, information asymmetries, and a decrease in their institutional shareholdings, indicating a weaker market-based governance following the inversion. Executives also receive a smaller proportion of equity-based compensation and their wealth is less sensitive to stock prices following the inversion. Thus, despite enjoying the full protection of federal securities laws, investors perceive inverted firms to have weaker governance relative to comparable U.S. firms.
A Message from the Editor: Seeing Ourselves in Others: How Latin America Can Help the United States Know Itself

Dear Readers: I learned a lesson during the preparation of the last issue, my first as editor of the Journal of Global South Studies. The lesson was this: the amountof time that passes between the submission of this essay and its printing and distribution is significant enough that the topic at hand might seem a bit dated bythe time it reaches you. Such was the case with my comments on developments in Venezuela, which were red-hot in the news cycle at the time I submitted my initial draft, and absent from the news by the time the issue was out. This does not mean the relevance of the issues had disappeared. Quite the contrary. Thegrim realities I described have not been resolved just because they have disappeared from the ever-churning news mill, and the underlying causes of those realities are even more resistant to change. Nevertheless, the point that the news cycle moves very, very fast was not lost on me.
Acquisition and transmission of two 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' haplotypes by the tomato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli.

‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) is a pathogen of solanaceous crops. Two haplotypes of Lso (LsoA and LsoB) are present in North America; both are transmitted by the tomato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc), in a circulative and propagative manner and cause damaging plant diseases (e.g. Zebra chip in potatoes). In this study, we investigated the acquisition and transmission of LsoA or LsoB by the tomato psyllid. We quantified the titer of Lso haplotype A and B in adult psyllid guts after several acquisition access periods (AAPs). We also performed sequential inoculation of tomato plants by adult psyllids following a 7-day AAP and compared the transmission of each Lso haplotype. The results indicated that LsoB population increased faster in the psyllid gut than LsoA. Further, LsoB population plateaued after 12 days, while LsoA population increased slowly during the 16 day-period evaluated. Additionally, LsoB had a shorter latent period and higher transmission rate than LsoA following a 7 day-AAP: LsoB was first transmitted by the adult psyllids between 17 and 21 days following the beginning of the AAP, while LsoA was first transmitted between 21 and 25 days after the beginning of the AAP. Overall, our data suggest that the two Lso haplotypes have distinct acquisition and transmission rates. The information provided in this study will improve our understanding of the biology of Lso acquisition and transmission as well as its relationship with the tomato psyllid at the gut interface.
Evaluations of empathizers depend on the target of empathy.

Psychological research on empathy typically focuses on understanding its effects on empathizers and empathic targets. Little is known, however, about the effects of empathy beyond its dyadic context. Taking an extradyadic perspective, we examined how third-party observers evaluate empathizers. Seven experiments documented that observers' evaluations of empathizers depend on the target of empathy. Empathizers (vs. nonempathizers) of a stressful experience were respected/liked more when the empathic target was positive (e.g., children's hospital worker), but not when the target was negative (e.g., White supremacist; Experiments 1 and 2). Empathizers were respected/liked more when responding to a positive target who disclosed a positive experience (i.e., a personal accomplishment), but less when responding to a negative target who disclosed a positive experience (Experiment 3). These effects were partly, but not solely, attributable to the positivity of empathic responses (Experiment 4). Expressing empathy (vs. condemnation) toward a negative target resulted in less respect/liking when the disclosed experience was linked to the source of target valence (i.e., stress from White supremacist job; Experiments 5 through 7), but more respect/liking when the experience was unrelated to the source of target valence (i.e., stress from cancer; Experiment 7). Overall, empathizers were viewed as warmer, but to a lesser extent when responding to a negative target. These findings highlight the importance of considering the extradyadic impact of empathy and suggest that although people are often encouraged to empathize with disliked others, they are not always favored for doing so. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Bound fermion states in pinned vortices in the surface states of a superconducting topological insulator.

By analytically solving the Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations we study the fermion bound states at the center of the core of a vortex in a two-dimensional superconductor. The superconducting states are induced via proximity effect between an s-wave superconductor and the surface states of a strong topological insulator. The strong spin-orbit coupling locks the spin perpendicular to the momentum (Rashba interaction). A zero-energy Majorana state arises together with an equally spaced ([Formula: see text]) sequence of fermion excitations. The spin-momentum locking is key to the formation of the Majorana state. We present analytical expressions for the energy spectrum and the wave functions of the bound states. The wave functions fall off exponentially with the distance ρ from the core of the vortex as [Formula: see text]. An analytic expression for the local density of states (LDOS) for the bound states is obtained. The particle-hole symmetry is broken in the LDOS as a consequence of the spin-orbit coupling. The spin-polarization of the bound states is discussed. We also obtain the energy shifts of the bound states in a small magnetic field. A unitary transformation relating the model with Rashba interaction to the Dirac Hamiltonian is presented.
Expanding the stroke team to include interventional cardiology

Team-based care has been emphasized as a strategy to improve and optimize outcomes for broad groups of patients who have presented with often complex medical conditions including large vessel cerebral occlusion. Although neurointerventionalists from different specialties perform mechanical embolectomy, which has become the standard of care for large vessel cerebral occlusion, these specialties are limited by relatively low numbers typically concentrated in a small number of sites. In this single center experience, approximately 50 patients with large vessel stroke were transferred out of an emergency room to other centers despite the availability of an experienced cardiologist with extensive carotid experience. Such transfer strategies typically result in delays in receiving reperfusion and, therefore, may decrease the success rates and substantial improvement that can be obtained by patients in this setting. Trained interventional cardiologists in centers with limited 24/7/365 coverage could achieve rapid revascularization and reperfusion saving lives. In order to accommodate the need for treating these patients, carotid stent trained cardiologists should enter the arena, learn mechanical embolectomy, and be supported by their colleagues from other disciplines on acute stroke care teams.
App-Agnostic Post-Execution Semantic Analysis of Android In-Memory Forensics Artifacts

Over the last decade, userland memory forensics techniques and algorithms have gained popularity among practitioners, as they have proven to be useful in real forensics and cybercrime investigations. These techniques analyze and recover objects and artifacts from process memory space that are of critical importance in investigations. Nonetheless, the major drawback of existing techniques is that they cannot determine the origin and context within which the recovered object exists without prior knowledge of the application logic. Thus, in this research, we present a solution to close the gap between application-specific and application-generic techniques. We introduce OAGen, a post-execution and app-agnostic semantic analysis approach designed to help investigators establish concrete evidence by identifying the provenance and relationships between in-memory objects in a process memory image. OAGen utilizes Points-to analysis to reconstruct a runtime’s object allocation network. The resulting graph is then fed as an input into our semantic analysis algorithms to determine objects’ origin, context, and scope in the network. The results of our experiments exhibit OAGen’s ability to effectively create an allocation network even for memory-intensive applications with thousands of objects, like Facebook. The performance evaluation of our approach across fourteen different Android apps shows OAGen can efficiently search and decode nodes, and identify their references with a modest throughput rate. Further practical application of OAGen demonstrated in two case studies shows that our approach can aid investigators in the recovery of deleted messages and the detection of malware functionality in post-execution program analysis.
Teacher Implemented Communal Learning in Math: Boosting Learning with African American Elementary Students:

The current study examined lasting learning effects of communal contexts for 124 African American third and fourth-grade students using a mathematics fractions unit with students’ regularly assigne...
Saving the World by Your Self: Comparing the Effects of Self-Assessment and Self-Improvement Message Strategies on Pro-Environmental Information Selection and Persuasive Outcomes

The effectiveness of behavioral change message strategies invoking the self-assessment (i.e. focusing on evaluating current behaviors) and the self-improvement (i.e. focusing on improving future be...
The Government Responds: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

When the IOM report started the patient safety movement by converting the safety interest of a few into the concern of the many, those who wished to enter this emerging field had little to work with: few measures, few proven safe practices, and few standards. For the patient safety movement to blossom in the ways envisioned by the IOM, a substantial amount of foundational work would be necessary. Only the government could provide the resources that were needed to accomplish this work.
Investigation of Ranolazine as an Anti-myotonia Treatment in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (P5.443)

Objective: The explore the efficacy of Ranolazine in patients with MD1. Background: Muscle stiffness is a symptom in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Muscle stiffness (myotonia) is due to muscle fiber hyperexcitability and autonomous muscle fiber depolarization. Mexiletine has been shown to be effective in treating myotonia in patients with DM1 and nondystrophic myotonia. Yet, some patients do not tolerate mexiletine, and it may be ineffective in ~25%. We demonstrated improvement of myotonia in patients with myotonia congenita following treatment with ranolazine. Due to similar mechanisms of myotonia in both myotonia congenita and DM1, we sought to explore the effect and tolerability of ranolazine in patients with DM1. Design/Methods: We designed an open label study to investigate the tolerability and effect of ranolazine in patients with DM1. Participants taking mexiletine at enrollment were assessed at a pre-baseline visit while taking mexiletine prior to discontinuation. Otherwise, participants were assessed at baseline (on no anti-myotonia treatment), 2 weeks (on ranolazine 500 mg twice daily), and 4 weeks (on ranolazine 1000 mg twice daily). Results: Five of 12 anticipated participants are enrolled, and 1 has completed the week 4 visit. In this participant, week 4 compared to baseline (off drug) demonstrated reduced hand opening time (2.0 vs 3.2 seconds), timed-up-and-go (7.3 vs 8.3 seconds), and electrical myotonia frequency and duration in the Abductor digiti minimi (ADM) (−14%, −54%) and tibialis anterior (TA) (−73%, −65%). Comparison of week 4 (on ranolazine) to pre-baseline (on mexiletine) demonstrated reduced hand grip opening (2.0 vs. 3.1 seconds) and timed-up-and-go (7.3 vs. 8.7 seconds). Comparison of electrical myotonia while on ranolazine versus mexiletine demonstrated mixed differences in the ADM (ranolazine vs mexiletine for duration and frequency, +9%, −54%) and the TA (−81%, +55%). Conclusions: Our preliminary results suggest that ranolazine may be an effective treatment for myotonia in patients with DM1. Disclosure: Dr. Lawless has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Arnold has nothing to disclose. Dr. Agriesti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Moravec has nothing to disclose. Dr. Moravec has nothing to disclose. Dr. Moravec has nothing to disclose.
The Effect of pH, Temperature, and $$N{O_3}^ - $$ Concentration on $$N{H_4}^ + $$ Absorption and N2(C2H2)-Fixation by Soybeans

Nodulated and nonnodulated soybeans (Glycine max (L) Merr., Amsoy 71) were supplied with complete nutrient solution either lacking or containing nitrogen. Intact plants, at the flowering stage were transferred from solution culture to a mist assay chamber. In this chamber plant roots were sprayed with an uptake solution ranging from 0.05 to 1.0 mM NH4Cl and 0.5 mM CaSO4. Concurrently root nodules were exposed to 0.12 ml/ml C2H2. Simultaneous measurements were made for NH4+ absorption and C2H2 reduction.
Apoptosis-induced activation of HIV-1 in latently infected cell lines.

Background Despite much work, safe and effective approaches to attack and deplete the long-lived reservoir of cells latently infected with HIV-1 remain an elusive goal. Patients infected with HIV-1 treated with cytotoxic agents or bone marrow transplantation can experience decreases in the reservoir of HIV-1 latently infected cells. Other viruses capable of long-term latency, such as herpesviruses, can sense host cell apoptosis and respond by initiating replication. These observations suggest that other viruses capable of long-term latency, like HIV-1, might also sense when its host cell is about to undergo apoptosis and respond by initiating replication.
Cyclic Inelastic Buckling of Thin Tubular Columns

Experimental results are described on cyclic inelastic buckling of one-sixth scale thin tubular steel columns typical of braces employed in fixed offshore platforms. Six 4-in.(102-mm) diam tubes were tested. Tube diameter to wall thickness (D/t) and slenderness ratios considered are typical of those used in practice. The D/t ratio was 33 for three specimens and 48 for the other three. In each group of three, two had pinned ends and one had fixed ends. All specimens were annealed, except for one of the pin-ended specimens in each group that was tested in the as received condition. Hysteretic loops for the applied axial force versus axial deformation, as well as versus the maximum lateral deflection, are presented and interpreted. Based on these data, suggestions are made for analytic (computer) representations of such loops for use in seismic response analyses of braced offshore towers.
Performance of the C-Mod shape control system

The poloidal field system for Alcator C-Mod (a high-field compact tokamak) can generate elongated, single or double null diverted plasmas. The shape control system consists of hardware (hybrid multiplier, real-time control computer, and associated electronics), the user interface (a set of X-Windows applications), and the underlying algorithms used by the interface to calculate the control matrices. The shape control computer generates demands to the power supplies, based on programmed waveforms and feedback from the diagnostics. Beginning in April 1993 we have used the shape control computer to program and/or feed-back control coil currents, power supply voltages, magnetic field quantities and gas pressure during plasma breakdown, and to tailor the fields during the current ramp. Representative data from the 1993 run and an evaluation of the overall performance of the shape control computer will be presented.
Learning needs and attitudes of nursing educators with respect to computers

A descriptive survey study was done to identify: 1) nursing educators attitudes toward computers and 2) their perception of the need to learn about selected aspects of computers and their use in nursing. Findings of the study indicated that nursing educators had positive attitudes toward computers. They were most positive with respect to the computer's efficiency and importance in society and least positive in relation to their willingness to use and accept the use of computers. The subjects wanted to have a high level of knowledge about computers and perceived themselves to have a low level. They were most interested in learning about the application of computers to education and east interested in learning about how a computer functions. There was high variance with respect to specific learning needs. Graduate faculty had a significantly lower learning need and a higher level of current knowledge than other faculty (P<.05).
Medical tourism. Concerns, benefits, and the American legal perspective.

In early fall of 2006, Blue Ridge Paper Products, Inc., an American company, made national headlines when it introduced a medical tourism incentive to its employee benefit plan. 1 The 100-year-old ...
Position specificity of an o-dihydroxycoumarin glucosyltransferase from tobacco cell suspension culture

Abstract A partially purified UDP-glucose: o -dihydroxycoumarin glucosyltransferase from tobacco cell culture required an intact coumarin ring system with o -dihydroxy groups for highest activity. The enzyme exhibited strict position specificity towards the 7-OH group of both esculetin and daphnetin with the formation of cichoriin and daphnin, respectively. The apparent K m values were 111 and 95 μM, while the V max for esculetin was 26.4 pkat/mg protein.
Effect of Right Ventricular Versus Biventricular Pacing on Electrical Remodeling in the Normal Heart

Background— Biventricular (BIV) pacing can improve cardiac function in heart failure by altering the mechanical and electric substrates. We investigated the effect of BIV versus right ventricular (RV) pacing on the normal heart. Methods and Results— Male New Zealand White rabbits (n=33) were divided into 3 groups: sham-operated (control), RV pacing, and BIV pacing groups. Four weeks after surgery, the native QT ( P =0.004) interval was significantly shorter in the BIV group compared with the RV or sham-operated groups. Also, compared with rabbits in the RV group, rabbits in the BIV group had shorter RV effective refractory period at all cycle lengths and shorter LV paced QT interval during the drive train of stimuli and close to refractoriness ( P <0.001 for all comparisons). Protein expression of the KVLQT1 was significantly increased in the BIV group compared with the RV and control groups, whereas protein expression of SCN5A and connexin43 was significantly decreased in the RV compared with the other study groups. Erg protein expression was significantly increased in both pacing groups compared with the controls. Conclusions— In this rabbit model, we demonstrate a direct effect of BIV but not RV pacing on shortening the native QT interval as well as the paced QT interval during burst pacing and close to the ventricular effective refractory period. These findings underscore the fact that the effect of BIV pacing is partially mediated through direct electric remodeling and may have implications as to the effect of BIV pacing on arrhythmia incidence and burden. Received June 26, 2009; accepted December 16, 2009.
Optical subcarrier generation and multiplexing scheme for all-optical networks

There is demand for high-sped all-optical networks for the next generation internet that can transport the data header and packet of information at rates of between 40-100 Gb/s. Such networks will require high bandwidth and high-speed data transport. DWFM has been proposed as a viable scheme to implement such networks. Recently we reported the generation of optical subcarrier frequencies having bandwidth of the order of 2.5-3 terahertz. We prose a scheme for the design of high-density optical networks, in which the header is carried over the subcarrier frequencies and the packets are carried over the optical wavelengths. This scheme has many advantages, for example, it can allow for separate processing of header and packet, as well as provide higher bandwidth and high-speed data transport. We shall discuss the generation scheme for the terahertz optical subcarriers, a modulation scheme for these carriers, and how they are multiplexed in an all-optical network architecture.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Relationship between improvements in heart failure patient disease specific knowledge and clinical events as part of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objective To examine the changes in performance on heart failure knowledge assessments administered before and after discharge education. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of a 1-h, one-on-one teaching session with a nurse educator to the standard discharge process in patients with systolic heart failure. Patients completed a 30 point heart failure knowledge questionnaire (HFKQ) prior to and 3 months after the education intervention. Results Patients randomized to the nurse education intervention ( n =113) demonstrated significantly higher total HFKQ score increases compared to patients receiving the standard discharge process ( n =114) (median, IQR 1, 0 to 4 vs 0, −2 to 2, p =0.007). Patients experiencing death or rehospitalization in the subsequent 6 months were found to have significantly lower HFKQ scores (10, 7 to 12 vs 11, 8 to 13, p =0.002) compared to patients without a clinical event. Conclusion Heart failure nurse education at the time of hospital discharge results in improved patient knowledge and reduced risk of readmission. Practice implications Health care personnel should encourage education sessions for heart failure patients. Resources possibly need to be allocated for nurse led education sessions in heart failure patients as it improves outcomes and knowledge.
Metal oxide nanoparticles for advanced energy applications

Abstract Hot-wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD) has been employed as an economically scalable method for the deposition of crystalline molybdenum oxide nanoparticles at high density. Under optimal synthesis conditions, only crystalline nanostructures with a smallest dimension of ~ 3–50 nm are observed with extensive transmission electron microscopy analyses. The incorporation of crystalline molybdenum oxide nanoparticles into battery electrodes has led to profound advancements in state-of-the-art negative electrodes (anodes) in lithium-ion batteries. The nanoparticle materials exhibit a high rate capability as anticipated for the reduced solid-state Li-ion diffusion length.
Forgetting in H.M.: a second look.

Abstract Forgetting was assessed in the amnesic patient H.M. using forced-choice and yes-no picture recognition at four delay intervals: 10 min, 24 hr, 72 hr, and 1 week after learning. In order to make H.M.'s initial recognition performance comparable to that of control subjects who viewed each slide for 1 sec, H.M. viewed each slide for 20 sec. H.M. displayed normal forgetting in forced-choice and yes-no recognition, although he was impaired in yes-no recognition at the 24-hr delay interval. These data contradict Huppert and Piercy's hypothesis that medial temporal-lobe pathology is associated with rapid forgetting.
Optimal Levelling and Gyrocompassing of Inertial Systems

This paper develops the optimal method of levelling, gyro-drift correction and gyrocompassing a moving inertial platform when its velocity is not known precisely; this information need not be available throughout the operation. The accuracy of setting up the system depends on certain statistical parameters of the errors in velocity measurement and, between certain ?break? times, on inverse powers of time. A ?semiclosed loop? instrumentation of the method is put forward that corrects the platform tilt and the system velocity error as they are calculated.
The Innate Immunity Adaptor SARM Translocates to the Nucleus to Stabilize Lamins and Prevent DNA Fragmentation in Response to Pro-Apoptotic Signaling

Sterile alpha and armadillo-motif containing protein (SARM), a highly conserved and structurally unique member of the MyD88 family of Toll-like receptor adaptors, plays an important role in innate immunity signaling and apoptosis. Its exact mechanism of intracellular action remains unclear. Apoptosis is an ancient and ubiquitous process of programmed cell death that results in disruption of the nuclear lamina and, ultimately, dismantling of the nucleus. In addition to supporting the nuclear membrane, lamins serve important roles in chromatin organization, epigenetic regulation, transcription, nuclear transport, and mitosis. Mutations and other damage that destabilize nuclear lamins (laminopathies) underlie a number of intractable human diseases. Here, we report that SARM translocates to the nucleus of human embryonic kidney cells by using its amino-terminal Armadillo repeat region. Within the nucleus, SARM forms a previously unreported lattice akin to the nuclear lamina scaffold. Moreover, we show that SARM protects lamins from apoptotic degradation and reduces internucleosomal DNA fragmentation in response to signaling induced by the proinflammatory cytokine Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha. These findings indicate an important link between the innate immunity adaptor SARM and stabilization of nuclear lamins during inflammation-driven apoptosis in human cells.
DNA Conformational Changes Associated with the Cooperative Binding of cI-repressor of Bacteriophage λ to OR

The cI repressor protein (cI) maintains bacteriophage lambda in the lysogenic state in infected Escherichia coli cells by binding cooperatively to three tandemly repeated sequences comprising the right operator (OR). Cooperative interactions occur between alternate pairs of cI dimers bound to adjacent sites. Although crystallographic studies have revealed the structure of the DNA in the 92 amino acid residue amino-terminal fragment-OL1 complex, the structure of the DNA within the OR-cI complex with intact, cooperatively bound cI has not been described. In this study, the structure of the DNA within OR was quantitatively examined using sequence and structure-dependent nuclease cleavage patterns as a function of cI binding. The cooperative binding of cI to OR1 and OR2 induces a conformational change in the DNA of OR3 that is detectable by both DNase I and 5-phenyl-1,10-phenanthroline. Hydroxyl radical footprinting indicates the presence of an "A-tract" between OR1 and OR2 at the site of a run of four adenine-thymine base-pairs, implying a stable bend between the sites of approximately 18 degrees. 5-Phenyl-1,10-phenanthroline footprinting reports conformational changes within the central base-pairs of all three sites that is dependent upon the sequence-specific binding of cI. The observed conformational changes are more extensive within OR2 and OR3 compared with OR1, consistent with an "induced-fit" model of sequence-specific recognition. A number of changes in nuclease reactivity within the individual binding sites were quantitatively correlated with cI binding at the other sites within OR. These results demonstrate that changes in the DNA structure are propagated among the sites in response to the binding of cI and imply a role for DNA sequence-dependent conformational changes in the mechanisms of both the intrinsic and cooperative binding reactions of cI to OR.
Normalization of cardiac structure and function after regression of cardiac hypertrophy

Previous studies have shown regression of left ventricular hypertrophy after pharmacologic treatment of hypertensive patients; however, the impact of regression of left ventricular hypertrophy on systolic function and on left and right ventricular diastolic function remains controversial and is difficult to assess because previous studies have not included concurrently studied age-matched control groups. Left ventricular mass, systolic function, and left and right ventricular diastolic function were assessed in 27 hypertensive patients, aged 43 ± 6 years, by echocardiographic and Doppler studies before and 1, 3, 5, and 7 months after treatment. Left ventricular mass and ventricular function were concurrently evaluated in 27 age-matched normotensive subjects. Treatment with antihypertensive agents resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in diastolic blood pressure of 15 mmHg, measured at 1 month and sustained throughout the study. In response to hemodynamic unloading, left ventricular mass index decreased from 129 ± 30 gm/m2 at baseline to 105 ± 26 (p < 0.05) and 88 ± 14 gm/m2 (p < 0.05) at 1 and 3 months of treatment, respectively, and remained unchanged over the subsequent 4 months. After 3 months of treatment, left ventricular mass index was similar in treated hypertensive and control subjects. Systolic function, assessed in terms of the relationship between shortening fraction and end-systolic wall stress, was unchanged throughout the treatment period and was no different from that in control subjects. However, patients with an initially depressed shortening fraction experienced a greater increase in shortening fraction during treatment compared to those with an initially normal shortening fraction (11% ± 4% vs 5% ± 5%, p < 0.01) and showed an improvement in the relationship between shortening fraction and end-systolic wall stress during treatment. Ventricular filling dynamics improved during the first 3 months of treatment, after which they were unchanged. Ventricular filling dynamics were similar in treated hypertensive patients and control subjects. In conclusion, sustained hemodynamic unloading of the left ventricle results in normalization of left ventricular mass, systolic function, and left and right ventricular diastolic filling dynamics, compared to those in age-matched control subjects.
Addressing Susceptibility in Microbial Pathogen Risk Assessment

ABSTRACT As concern for vulnerable subpopulations has grown, susceptibility has become a more important element in risk assessment and management processes. However, there is little consensus on how to incorporate or model the concept effectively in microbial pathogen risk assessment (MRA). Susceptibility is fundamentally a complex concept. There are many different definitions for it, reflecting the principles and viewpoints of the fields that contribute to risk assessment. Although susceptibility needs to be addressed in every step of the risk management paradigm, it has not yet been fully integrated into risk assessment, one step within the paradigm. Many factors are involved in characterizing and modeling susceptibility, but little is known about the relationships of many of the factors and many cannot be reliably measured. Recent MRA frameworks and case studies were reviewed for their approaches to susceptibility. Themes identified included limited or no explicit conceptualization of susceptibility in...