cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elevated Red Cell Microparticles (RMP) as Risk Factor for Thrombosis in Patients with Renal Failure.

BACKGROUND: Cell-derived microparticles (MP) are microvesicles released during activation or apoptosis from endothelial cells (EMP), platelets (PMP), leukocytes (LMP) and red cells (RMP). Their roles in hemostasis and inflammation are increasingly coming to light. Chronic and acute renal failure (RF) is associated with increased risk of bleeding as well as thrombosis but the pathogenesis is unclear. Platelet hyperaggregation, elevated clotting factors, deficiency in natural anticoagulants, impaired fibrinolysis and hyperhomocysteinemia have all been implicated in thrombosis in RF. Recently high levels of EMP, PMP and LMP have been reported in RF but their clinical significance is obscure. We investigated these MP as well as RMP in patients with RF. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients (14M/13F, mean age 53yr) with RF were investigated. Incidence of thrombosis was assessed. Healthy controls were n=109. Flow cytometry was used to assay LMP by anti CD45, PMP by anti CD41, RMP by anti-glycophorin, and EMP by CD31+/CD41−. RESULTS: The RF patients were divided into groups with thrombosis (TB) and without (NTB). Nine patients (33%) had thrombosis, most often venous. When MP were compared between controls and all RF patients, EMP (p=0.0004) and RMP (P=0.01) were elevated in RF. However, PMP and LMP in RF did not differ from controls (FIG. 1). On the other hand, when we compared MP between TB and NTB, only RMP was significantly greater in TB (mean 2064/uL) than NTB (mean 972/uL), p=0.001. Mean levels of EMP, PMP and LMP did not differ significantly between TB and NTB in RF (FIG. 2). CONCLUSION / DISCUSSION: First, we confirm elevated EMP in RF compared to normal controls, and also report for the first time elevated RMP in RF. This indicates activation of endothelium and and red cells. Elevation of procoagulant MP likely contribute to risk of thrombosis in RF. Interestingly, PMP and LMP were not significantly increased in RF. Secondly, in comparing MP between the two groups of RF patients, only RMP, not other MP, were significantly higher in TB than NTB. The potential role of RMP in hemostasis and thrombosis is unknown, but the present study demonstrates a unique association of elevated RMP with thrombosis. Specifically, only RMP discriminate the TB from the NTB group in RF. This may suggest a role of RMP in thrombosis. RMP carry procoagulant phosphatidylserine (PS). Expression of PS was increased in RBC of patients with RF. The mechanism of increased RMP in RF is not known. Increased membrane fragility and decreased deformability of RBC seen in uremic patients, together with enhanced membrane lipid peroxidation from oxidative stress would contribute to increased hemolysis and RMP in RF. Thus, the present findings should further stimulate investigation into the causes and significance of RMP in RF and other TB disorders.
Reconstruction of quadriceps function with composite free tissue transfers following sarcoma resection.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Wide margin resection of a soft tissue sarcoma (STS) may require extensive removal of quadriceps muscle with or without the knee extensor mechanism. The objective of this study is to present present the use of a combined functional muscle transfer and soft tissue coverage through the use of chimeric anterolateral thigh flaps. METHODS Patients were retrospectively reviewed who underwent deep STS resection of the anterior compartment of the thigh with functional reconstruction of knee extension using a contralateral free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. RESULTS Three patients with an average age 53.6 years (range: 33-66) were included. Average follow-up was 82 weeks (76-92 months). Full active extension was regained in 66% of patients with all patients regaining active extensor capabilities beyond 100°. The mean Knee Society Score was 83.3 (range; 76-92) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score 21.6 (range; 19-21). Isometric knee extensor strength exceeded 4+/5 in all patients. CONCLUSION Following soft tissue sarcoma resections of the lower extremity, chimeric anterolateral thigh flaps for restoration of knee extension can provide significant improvements in the potential for ambulation and regaining quadriceps function.
Volumetric Directional Pattern for Spatial Feature Extraction in Hyperspectral Imagery

In this letter, we propose to use an enhanced version of volumetric directional pattern to efficiently extract rich spatial context information in the hyperspectral imagery (HSI). The proposed technique fuses the texture information from three consecutive bands in the input HSI. The extracted local image texture features for each pixel of interest are then fed into an extreme learning machine classifier to assign object category. The experimental results on three standard hyperspectral data sets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for HSI classification compared with that of a set of state-of-the-art spatial extraction methods.
Can sport be regarded as ‘cultural liturgy’? Recognizing the significance of the liturgical frame for the social scientific study of sport

Several Christian thinkers have employed liturgical language in their attempts to theorize sport, and academic comparisons between sport and religious pageantry are common. While the natures of the...
Plasmatron internal combustion engine system for vehicle pollution reduction

A system in which an on–board compact plasmatron processes gasoline or other hydrocarbon fuels (ethanol, methanol, natural gas, JP4 and possibly oil) to produce hydrogen–rich gas for vehicular internal combustion engines is considered. Use of the hydrogen–rich gas as either the entire fuel or as an additive in the internal combustion engine could substantially reduce NOx, CO and hydrocarbon emissions. The electricity to provide the fuel processing in the plasmatron is provided by a generator driven by the internal combustion engine. An important feature of the system is the avoidance of an unacceptably large decrease in overall fuel efficiency resulting from the electricity requirement of the plasmatron. Using controlled fuel injection, it may be possible to readily switch during driving between 100% gasoline operation, hydrogen additive operation and 100% hydrogen–rich gas operation.
Ethical Compliance Programs and Corporate Illegality: Testing the Assumptions of the Corporate Sentencing Guidelines

This paper analyses the ethical performance of foreign-investment enterprises operating in China in comparison to that of the indigenous state-owned enterprises, collectives and private enterprises. It uses both the deontological approach and the utilitarian approach in conceptualization, and applies quantitative and econometric techniques to ethical evaluations of empirical evidences. It shows that according to various ethical performance indicators, foreign-investment enterprises have fared well in comparison with local firms. This paper also tries to unravel the effect of a difference in business culture and competitive market forces on ethical performance by comparing the behavior of foreign-investment enterprises with that of the indigenous state-owned enterprises and collectives on the one hand, and with that of the indigenous private enterprises on the other.
Eighteen-year-old man with autism, obsessive compulsive disorder and a SHANK2 variant presents with severe anorexia that responds to high-dose fluoxetine

The SHANK2 gene codes for a protein involved in organising the postsynaptic density and disruptions have been associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). ASDs are frequently comorbid with intellectual disability and anxiety disorders and emerging evidence suggests potentially common aetiologies. Here, we report the case of an 18-year-old man with ASD who presented with severe anorexia due to fear of food contamination, food avoidance and stereotypies attributable to underlying obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The patient was found to be heterozygous for c.2518C>T (p.Pro840Ser), a likely damaging coding variant in the proline rich region of SHANK2 Interestingly, the patient's disordered eating behaviour began to improve only after high-dose fluoxetine was initiated to target OCD symptoms. Overall, this case highlights the utility of molecular genetic testing in clinical psychiatry and provides an example of how genetic information can inform clinicians in the treatment of complex neuropsychiatric syndromes.
Case report: Re-emerging significance of surgical embolectomy in pulmonary embolism.

Abstract Introduction Massive pulmonary embolus (PE) is associated with a high mortality if not treated aggressively. Treatment classically includes thrombolysis, catheter embolectomy, or open surgical embolectomy. This is the case report of a 38-year-old female presenting with massive PE three weeks status post gastric sleeve resection. Presentation of case 38-year-old female status post gastric sleeve resection presented to the emergency department with acute onset shortness of breath and dizziness. Computed Tomography (CT) chest angiography showed extensive PE with pulmonary artery saddle embolus, and an enlarged right ventricle suggesting strain. Her treatment consisted of anticoagulation, AngioVac suction embolectomy, EKOS catheter thrombolysis, fragmentation with catheter, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and lastly surgical embolectomy due to refractory clinical course. Discussion This case report details the natural history of a complex massive pulmonary embolism presentation requiring multiple catheter-based measures, ECMO initiation, and subsequent surgical embolectomy. Conclusion This case report should serve as encouragement for early adoption of surgical therapy in pulmonary embolism cases where patients present with a complex presentation.
Publisher Correction: Cryptic connections illuminate pathogen transmission within community networks.

In Fig. 3d this Letter, the R2 value should have been ‘0.19’ instead of ‘0.66’; this has been corrected online.
Tesla Motors (A): Financing Growth

The case analyzes the equity market value of Tesla Motors, the electric car company founded and led by Elon Musk. Wall Street analysts are wildly divided on the future growth prospects for this company, and analysts’ one year share price targets range from $160 to $500. The case explores in detail the valuation case made by two analysts covering Tesla, one a bull on the stock and one who is bearish. Students are asked to evaluate the arguments and the analytical approaches employed by each analyst; to discuss the implications of these differing stock valuations for the company's financing policy, in particular whether it makes sense to issue new common stock; and to discuss whether Tesla represents a good investment.
Acessibilidade em ambientes culturais: explorando o potencial cidadão do Plano Nacional de Cultura

Este artigo trata de questoes de acessibilidade relacionadas as politicas publicas no Brasil, em particular do Plano Nacional de Cultura (PNC). Discute-se o contexto socio-historico das politicas publicas voltadas a cidadania e a cultura a fim de compreender os limites e possibilidades do cumprimento da Lei no 10.098, de 19 de dezembro de 2000 e do Plano Nacional da Pessoa com Deficiencia, ambos previstos na meta 29 do PNC. Alem de apresentar essa discussao, o artigo propoe ir alem da legislacao existente, apresentando as tecnologias assistivas e o design universal em ambientes culturais como um meio de estabelecer a acessibilidade universal no horizonte etico de usuarios, gestores publicos e produtores culturais.
Mindful Moments: A Text Message Based Wellness Curriculum

Title: Mindful Moments: A text-message based resident wellness curriculum Authors: Allison Rubin, MD, Anita Desai, MD, Reshma Shah, MD, Rebecca Blankenburg, MD, Ann Ming Yeh, MD Background: Physician burnout is an increasingly recognized problem and has become a major focus of the ACGME, as highlighted in the 2015 Symposium on Physician Well-being. A 2-year longitudinal study by Panteleoni, et al (2014) estimated that 46% of first year pediatric residents experience burnout by mid-intern year. There are multiple challenges to designing and implementing a wellness program that is accessible and effective …
Structure of the model grignard-type reagent ClZnCH3 (X̃1A1) by millimeter-wave spectroscopy

Abstract Pure rotational spectra of the 37ClZnCH3, ClZnCD3, and ClZn13CH3 isotopologues of monomeric ClZnCH3 ( X 1A1) have been recorded using millimeter-wave direct absorption techniques in the frequency range 263–303 GHz. These species were synthesized in the gas phase in a DC discharge by the reaction of zinc vapor, produced in a Broida-type oven, with 37ClCH3 (in natural chlorine abundance), ClCD3, or Cl13CH3. Five to eight rotational transitions J + 1 ← J consisting of K ladder structure were measured for each isotopologue, identifying all three species as prolate symmetric tops. The data for each isotopologue were analyzed with a symmetric top Hamiltonian and rotational and centrifugal constants determined. In combination with previous measurements of Cl64ZnCH3, Cl66ZnCH3, and Cl68ZnCH3, an rm(2) structure was determined for this organozinc compound. The bond lengths in ClZnCH3 were calculated to be rCl-Zn = 2.0831(1) A, rZn-C = 1.9085(1) A, and rC-H = 1.1806(5) A, considerably different from those established from crystal structures of related species ClZnCH2CH3 and ClZnEtTMEDA. The H C H bond angle was found to be 110.5° – slightly larger than that in methane. These data serve to benchmark future structure calculations of organozinc compounds, which are widely used in organic synthesis.
Slice selection in low-temperature, DNP-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging by Lee-Goldburg spin-locking and phase modulation.

Abstract Large enhancements in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals provided by dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) at low temperatures have the potential to enable inductively-detected 1H magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with isotropic spatial resolution on the order of one micron, especially when low temperatures and DNP are combined with microcoils, three-dimensional (3D) phase encoding of image information, pulsed spin locking during NMR signal detection, and homonuclear dipolar decoupling by Lee-Goldburg (LG) irradiation or similar methods. However, the relatively slow build-up of nuclear magnetization under DNP leads to very long acquisition times for high-resolution 3D images unless the sample volume or field of view (FOV) is restricted. We have therefore developed a method for slice selection in low-temperature, DNP-enhanced MRI that limits the FOV to about 50 μm in one or more dimensions. This method uses small-amplitude phase modulation of LG irradiation in the presence of a strong magnetic field gradient to invert spin-locked 1H magnetization in the selected slice. Experimental results are reported, including effects of radio-frequency field inhomogeneity, variations in the amplitude of phase modulation, and shaped phase modulation.
Decision Making with Hierarchical Decision Model to Expedite the Manufacturing Process at Streimer Sheet Metal Works, lnc.

The purpose of this study is ranking four different duct pinning machines for Streimer Sheet Metal Company using Hierarchical Decision Model (HDM) that has been derived from the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Streimer Sheet Metal is a ductwork manufacturing company in Portland, Oregon. One of its products is insulated ductwork that is manufactured using a duct pinning machine. The company’s objective is to expedite the manufacturing process. This study applies HDM to compare three different criteria and ten different subcriteria before ranking four different outcomes (Machines). The analytical hierarchy process that is used in this study is a decision-making tool that can help describe the general decision operation by decomposing a complex problem into a multi-level hierarchical structure of objectives, criteria, sub-criteria and alternatives [1]. This particular model was validated and quantified by a panel of six experts and the criteria were ranked through pairwise comparisons. The results of the model show that building machine 3, which is a four Independently moving heads machine is the best alternative for Streimer.
Association of Ventricular Arrhythmias With Dementia: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

Objective We performed a cross-sectional analysis to determine whether nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) were associated with dementia in a population-based study. Methods We included 2,517 (mean age 79 years, 26% Black) participants who wore a 2-week ambulatory continuous ECG recording device in 2016 to 2017. NSVT was defined as a wide-complex tachycardia ≥4 beats with a rate >100 bpm. We calculated NSVT and PVC burden as the number of episodes per day. Dementia was adjudicated by experts. We used logistic regression to assess the associations of NSVT and PVCs with dementia. Results The mean recording time of the Zio XT Patch was 12.6 ± 2.6 days. There were 768 (31%) participants with NSVT; prevalence was similar in White and Black participants. There were 134 (6.5%) dementia cases (5% in White, 10% in Black participants). After multivariable adjustment, there was no overall association between NSVT and dementia; however, there was a significant race interaction (p Conclusions Presence of NSVT and a higher burden of NSVT and PVCs are associated with dementia in elderly Black people. Further research to confirm this novel finding and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms is warranted.
Evaluating Service-Learning with Older Adults on Undergraduate College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Students in the Frontiers in Human Aging course at UCLA participate in service-learning (SL) with older adults In 2020, completion of SL coincided with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic We evaluated the impact of SL on student attitudes on aging and community service in the context of the pandemic Methods: Students were assigned to senior residential and daycare programs for 18-20 hours of SL A retrospective pretest-posttest survey asked about attitudes and interests before and after SL and how the COVID-19 pandemic affected these perceptions;73 (of 103) students responded Mean differences before and after SL were tested and differences were assessed within groups reporting COVID-19 effects Results: SL improved students’ attitudes and ability to engage with older adults, knowledge about aging concepts, interest in future work with older adults, attitudes on community service, social well-being and feelings of usefulness (pl0 001) There was no significant change in overall anxiety about aging (p=0 1), however, students showed increased anxiety about losing independence and finances when older (pl0 05) At least 50% of students reported that the COVID-19 pandemic increased their awareness of needs of older adults (81 9%) and decreased connection to their peers (50 7%);the impact of SL remained unchanged by these effects Conclusion: Despite the overall benefits of SL, increased anxiety about aspects of aging suggests the need to address these concerns While the COVID-19 pandemic did not seem to affect the impact of SL, this event did seem to influence perceptions about aging and social integration
Benefits and opportunities of international volunteer tourism–sustainable travel post pandemic

This paper critically examines the volunteer tourism industry. It looks at its history and rapid development in order to shed light on the dark side if this industry. It shows that volunteering can...
A Comparison of Three Capstones: Survey Results from Sociology Alumni

Undergraduate capstone courses in sociology are designed to integrate students’ knowledge in the discipline and to culminate the classroom experience with field application. Are capstones achieving...
Lower urinary tract symptoms are associated with musculoskeletal pain among older men: Preliminary evidence for central sensitization as a mechanism?

Author(s): Senders, Angela; Bauer, Scott R; Chen, Yiyi; Oken, Barry; Fink, Howard A; Lane, Nancy E; Sajadi, Kamran P; Marshall, Lynn M; For The Osteoporotic Fractures In Men MrOS Study Group | Abstract: AimsFeatures of central sensitization (CS) are present in almost all chronic pain conditions, including painful urinary conditions and back pain. Recently CS was proposed as a mechanism of nonpainful lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Using musculoskeletal pain as an indicator of CS, we investigated whether the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain is greater among community-dwelling men with moderate or severe LUTS compared to those with mild LUTS.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 5966 men ≥65 years who attended the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study baseline visit. LUTS were assessed with the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA-SI) and categorized as none/mild (0-7), moderate (8-19), or severe (≥20). Self-reported back, neck, hip, or knee pain within the 12 months before baseline was categorized as any pain and multilocation pain. We tested our hypothesis using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) estimated from multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsThe adjusted odds of any pain were higher among men with moderate (OR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.29-1.72) and severe LUTS (OR 1.76, 95% CI: 1.28-2.40) compared to those with no/mild LUTS. The adjusted odds of pain at ≥ 2 locations were 69% higher among men with moderate (OR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.45-196) and more than double among men with severe LUTS (OR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.62-3.10) compared to men with no/mild LUTS.ConclusionsMusculoskeletal pain, especially at multiple locations, is associated with greater LUTS severity among older men. CS may represent a novel shared mechanism of pain and LUTS.
Real-Time, Priority-Ordered, Deadlock Avoidance Algorithms

The StarLite integrated programming environment is designed to support research in real-time database, operating system, and network technology. This paper discusses the results of experiments, using the capabilities of StarLite, to test the applicability of deadlock avoidance algorithms for real-time resource management. We extend existing algorithms to include priority inheritance and we introduce a new class of algorithms embodying a specification-ordered safety test. These new algorithms have the potential for improved efficiency and great flexibility in meeting user requirements. We also present a resource manager design that is amenable to hardware implementation.
AlGaN/GaN HFETs for low noise applications

GaN and related materials have recently attracted significant interest for applications in high power electronics capable of operation at elevated temperatures. Although the growth and processing technology for SiC, the other viable wide bandgap semiconductor, is more mature, the AlGaInN material system offers numerous advantages. These include wider bandgaps, excellent transport properties, and the availability of bandgap engineering. All these advantages have led to rapid progress in the realization of various GaN-based electronic devices, especially the AlGaN/GaN heterojunction field effect transistor (HFET). This paper presents recent progress in the development of fabrication processes and device performance of AlGaN/GaN HFETs at the University of Illinois. A unity current gain cut-off frequency (f/sub T/) of over 100 GHz and a maximum oscillation frequency (f/sub max/) of 155 GHz were demonstrated for AlGaN/GaN HFETs with a gate length of 0.12 /spl mu/m on SiC substrates grown by MOCVD. These devices exhibited excellent microwave noise performance with a minimum noise figure (NF/sub min/) of 0.53 dB and an associated gain (G/sub a/) of 12.1 dB at 8 GHz achieved. Results of devices on sapphire substrates are also presented.
Control Room User Interface Technology in the Year 2000: Evolution or Revolution?

Control rooms—central facilities used to manage large systems such as industrial processes and communication networks—are a relatively recent innovation. As the operators of large systems are asked to perform more efficiently, use more sophisticated control systems, and take on more duties and responsibilities, developers of control room equipment have sought to improve operators' ability to interact effectively with their systems. Control rooms have evolved as a result: Pen recorders and mechanical gauges were replaced by text displays on low-resolution monochrome cathode ray tubes, which were in turn supplanted by higher resolution color graphics displays. A new generation of technology now emerging from multiple disciplines will greatly affect control rooms. Some of these technologies, such as bigger displays, improved simulations, and better graphics, represent evolutionary advances. Others, including artificial intelligence technologies such as user intent recognition and context-sensitive aiding, us...
An efficient implementation of hierarchical image coding

An efficient technique for hierarchical image coding is proposed, which divides an image into its multiple resolution versions with minimum hardware cost. Since the proposed technique uses a discrete cosine transform (DCT) over each frequency band data, obtained directly from the DCT domain by multiplying precalculated matrices, compatibility can be preserved easily with DCT-based image/video standards. First, we present the 1D case, followed by an extension to the 2D case. The proposed coder is observed to result in significant reduction of memory and computational complexity requirement with higher peak-signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), when compared with traditional hierarchical image coding methods.
Liquid nitrogen temperature dc SQUID's using single-target-sputtered films

For the reliable fabrication of thin-film devices with high temperature superconductors, we have developed a simple, single-target rf-magnetron sputtering process involving an unconventional sputtering geometry. The process allows reproducible formation of high transition temperature YBa2Cu3O7-x films from nearly stoichiometric targets and lends itself both to film growth with high temperature post anneals and to low temperature in situ film growth. The post-anneal process has been optimized to routinely yield epitaxial films on lattice matched substrates that are fully superconducting at 86~91 K with current densities at 77 K up to 8x105 A/cm2. Single-level dc SQUID’s have been made by patterning loops in lower current density films with conventional photolithography and ion milling. Noise measurements at 77 K indicate a flux noise level of 3 × 10-4Φo/√Hz at 20 Hz, dominated by low frequency (l/f) noise. The origin of the SQUID noise is elucidated by studying current-biased thin film stripes, which also show low-frequency noise. Both the current-voltage characteristics and the noise voltage spectrum of the stripes are consistent with expectations from flux-flow but not from Josephson coupling between grains. Further improvements in SQUID noise performance will probably require the use of higher current density films with localized Josephson regions.
Suppression of Thermal Gratings in Polarization Spectroscopy

Frequency-domain optical techniques using tunable-laser-induced gratings for the study of ultrafast phenomena1,2 provide a complementary approach to the now well-known time-domain techniques that use ultrashort laser pulses. While optical time-domain methods observe the material impulse response, frequency-domain experiments involve excitation with variable-frequency (cw or long-pulse) radiation and measure the Fourier transform of the system impulse response. Each technique provides in principle the same information, but frequency-domain experiments offer temporal resolution beyond that of time-domain techniques employing even the shortest available pulses.
Isolation and Identification of the Fungus Colletotrichum cordylinicola Causing Anthracnose Disease on Cordyline fruticosa in Florida

Imported Hawaiian Ti Cordyline plants (Cordyline fruticosa) 'Tipsy Pink' with anthracnose symptoms were found in Gainesville, FL, in 2013. A Colletotrichum spp. was isolated from symptomatic Cordyline plants and Koch's postulates were fulfilled. The colony color on acidified potato dextrose agar (PDA) was orange with slight shades of pink and light gray aerial mycelium. Sclerotia and setae were absent. Conidia were one- celled, hyaline, guttulate, and cylindrical with round ends. The mean size of the conidia was 14.7 3 5.0 mm and ranged from 12.5 to 17.5 3 3.8 to 7.5 mm. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on the internal transcribed space (ITS) and 28S rDNA regions of the isolate, and the sequences were compared with those of Colletotrichum spp. in GenBank. Sequence analysis indicated that the isolate belonged to C. cordylinicola. This is the first report of C. cordylinicola on C. fruticosa in Florida and the United States. Anthracnose symptoms developed on healthy-looking, latently infected Hawaiian Ti plants within 2 to 3 months, and 34% to 44% of the non-inoculated plants became diseased in 3 months. Reactions of several Dracaena and Cordyline species and varieties including Hawaiian Ti to C. cordylinicola were assessed. Several Dracaena and Cordyline species and varieties including Hawaiian Ti exhibited a differential response when inoculated with C. cordylinicola, but none of them was resistant. Hawaiian Ti was the most and lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) the least susceptible (area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) = 71 vs. 10 cm 2 ·d -1 )t oC. cordylinicola. The slope of the log-transformed disease progress regression line was steepest on Hawaiian Ti and D. marginata variety 'Colorama' plants, intermediate on varieties 'Tarzan' and 'Magenta', and least on lucky bamboo (slope = 0.046, 0.044, 0.036, and 0.034 vs. 0.020 log(cm 2 + 1)/d, respectively, with a mean SE of 0.0006).
Passive Diffusion Does Not Play a Major Role in the Absorption of Dietary Calcium in Normal Adults

Several authors have indicated recently that passive diffusion is the dominant process by which dietary calcium is absorbed by normal adults. These conclusions have important implications in the maintenance of normal calcium status in humans. They imply that increasing luminal calcium concentration by increasing intake is the most important strategy in promoting calcium absorption. I present several studies that dispute this contention and two studies that suggest that passive diffusion is of little practical significance, even in young children. The contribution of passive diffusion is estimated to be between 8 and 23% of the total calcium absorbed by normal adults. Thus, it clearly does not represent the major path by which they absorb calcium. Children lacking the vitamin D receptor system do not absorb enough calcium by passive diffusion to prevent signs of rickets even when diets contain very large amounts of dietary calcium (>2 g/d). The conclusion drawn from this analysis is that passive diffusion (dictated by calcium intake) is not the major mechanism by which dietary calcium is absorbed by normal adult humans. The vitamin D-dependent processes are more important quantitatively and thus constitute a major determinant of calcium status. Individuals who are not exposed to sunlight may be especially at risk.
Design and modeling of a novel fibrous shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator

Presented is a novel design of a composite linear actuator utilizing a parallel array of contractile shape-memory alloy (SMA) wires. The fiber bundle of SMA wires is either circumscribed inside a helical compression spring with flat heads or are in parallel with a number of helical compression springs, end-capped by two parallel circular plates with embedded electrodes to which the ends of the SMA wires are secured. Thus, the wires can be electrically heated and subsequently contracted to compress the helical compression spring. Upon cooling the SMA wires expand and allow the helical compression spring to tightly stretch them to their initial length. Design details are first fully described. Steps involved in the fabrication of a number of these composite SMA actuators are then elaborated on. A number of interesting heat transfer phenomena are observed. In essence the dynamic behavior of the actuator depends on the interaction between the current supplied to the wires and the rate of heat transfer from the wires due to convection and radiation. A design model is finally presented for the dynamic response of contractile fiber bundles embedded in or around elastic springs that are either linear helical compression springs, hyperelastic springs such as rubberlike materials, or nonlinear springs such as air. The fiber bundle is assumed to consist of a parallel array of contractile fibers made from contractile shape-memory alloy (SMA) wires. The proposed model considers the temperature- induced contraction of the fibers due to resistive heating of the shape-memory wires. Results of both dynamic computer simulation and dynamics of a prototype model built in our laboratory indicate a fairly good comparison.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Automatic Controller Gain Tuning of a Multiple Joint Robot Based on Modified Extremum Seeking Control

Abstract Nonlinear programming (NLP) is a field in mathematics that focuses on iteratively decreasing an arbitrary cost function. In this paper, a NLP approach based on extremum seeking control (ESC) is modified for the purpose of autonomously tuning the controller gains of robots. The effectiveness and flexibility of the approach is demonstrated through experimental results on a six degrees-of-freedom (DOF) industrial robot. Both single joint, and multiple joint tuning experiments were performed.
The Molecular Mechanism for Receptor-Stimulated Iron Release from the Plasma Iron Transport Protein Transferrin

Human transferrin receptor 1 (TfR) binds iron-loaded transferrin (Fe-Tf) and transports it to acidic endosomes where iron is released in a TfR-facilitated process. Consistent with our hypothesis that TfR binding stimulates iron release from Fe-Tf at acidic pH by stabilizing the apo-Tf conformation, a TfR mutant (W641A/F760A-TfR) that binds Fe-Tf, but not apo-Tf, cannot stimulate iron release from Fe-Tf, and less iron is released from Fe-Tf inside cells expressing W641A/F760A-TfR than cells expressing wild-type TfR (wtTfR). Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy shows that binding at acidic pH to wtTfR, but not W641A/F760A-TfR, changes the Tf iron binding site ≥30 A from the TfR W641/F760 patch. Mutation of Tf histidine residues predicted to interact with the W641/F760 patch eliminates TfR-dependent acceleration of iron release. Identification of TfR and Tf residues critical for TfR-facilitated iron release, yet distant from a Tf iron binding site, demonstrates that TfR transmits long-range conformational changes and stabilizes the conformation of apo-Tf to accelerate iron release from Fe-Tf.
Tectonic activity on Pluto after the Charon-forming impact

Abstract The Pluto–Charon system, likely formed from an impact, has reached the endpoint of its tidal evolution. During its evolution into the dual-synchronous state, the equilibrium tidal figures of Pluto and Charon would have also evolved as angular momentum was transferred from Pluto’s spin to Charon’s orbit. The rate of tidal evolution is controlled by Pluto’s interior physical and thermal state. We examine three interior models for Pluto: an undifferentiated rock/ice mixture, differentiated with ice above rock, and differentiated with an ocean. For the undifferentiated case without an ocean, the Pluto–Charon binary does not evolve to its current state unless its internal temperature T i > 200 K , which would likely lead to strong tidal heating, melting, and differentiation. Without an ocean, Pluto’s interior temperature must be higher than 240 K for Charon to evolve on a time scale less than the age of the Solar System. Further tidal heating would likely create an ocean. If New Horizons finds evidence of ancient tidally-driven tectonic activity on either body, the most likely explanation is that Pluto had an internal ocean during Charon’s orbital evolution.
Hydrogen bond-assisted macrocyclic oligocholate transporters in lipid membranes

Three macrocyclic oligocholates containing a carboxyl group, a guanidinium ion, and a Cbz-protected amine, respectively, were studied as membrane transporters for hydrophilic molecules. To permeate glucose across lipid bilayers, the macrocycles stacked over one another to form a transmembrane nanopore, driven by a strong tendency of the water molecules in the internal cavities of the amphiphilic macrocycles to aggregate in a nonpolar environment. To transport larger guests such as carboxyfluorescein (CF), the macrocycles acted as carriers to shuttle the guest across the membrane. Hydrogen-bonds between the side chains of the macrocycles strongly affected the transport properties. Surprisingly, the carboxyl group turned out to be far more effective at assisting the aggregation of the oligocholate macrocycles in the membrane than the much stronger carboxylate–guanidinium salt bridge, likely due to competition from the phosphate groups of the lipids for the guanidinium.
An intergeneric hybrid, Campostoma anomalum × Rhinichthys atratulus, from the Youghiogheny River drainage, West Virginia

Abstract The first record of a natural intergeneric hybrid of Campostoma anomalum × Rhinichthys atratulus is described from the Youghiogheny River drainage. Morphometric and meristic characters of the parents and hybrid were used to calculate a mean hybrid index value of 49.8. Dentition of the hybrid was intermediate as was intestinal coiling. In addition to the hybrid index, C. anomalum, R. atratulus and the hybrid were examined electrophoretically. Of the 32 enzymatic loci resolved, six (ADH-A, EST-B, LDH-A, PGM-A, SDH-B and SOD-C) showed hybrid inheritance patterns identical to the enzyme pattern obtained by mixing tissue extracts composed of the two parental species.
A NEW LOWER BOUND FOR A RAMSEY-TYPE PROBLEM

Let 3 ≤ r < s be fixed integers and let G be a graph on n vertices not containing a complete graph on s vertices. The main aim of this paper is to provide a new lower bound on the size of the maximum subset of G without a copy of complete graph K r . Our results substantially improve previous bounds of Krivelevich and Bollobas and Hind.
Estimating the relationship between measured wind speed and overturning truck crashes using a binary logit model

This paper develops a quantitative model that correlates overturning freight vehicle crash records in Wyoming to measured wind speeds at nearby weather stations. The database consists of 14,700 truck crashes from 1994 to 2003 and wind speed and gust information from 21 weather stations. A binary logit model was estimated from the data to determine if there was significant correlation between weather station wind data and the likelihood that the crash was of the overturning type. While it is reasonably known that local wind speeds at the crash location are critical in predicting overturning truck crash likelihood, it was not known if distant weather station data were an adequate predictor of these crash types. The results from this work indicate that weather station data can be used as a predictor of overturning crashes. This work provides the necessary first step for the development of operational rules for roadway sections that run high risk of overturning truck crashes in high wind conditions.
Amphidromy in shrimps: a life cycle between rivers and the sea

Amphidromy is a diadromous life history pattern, common in tropical and subtropical freshwater caridean shrimps, in which adults live, breed and spawn small-...
Intramolecular van der Waals interactions and 13C chemical shifts: Substituent effects in some cyclic and bicyclic systems

In recent work, a reasonably good linear correlation was found to exist between the local van der Waals steric energy as calculated by the MM2 force field and the chemical shift of the resonant nucleus within classes of saturated aliphatic phosphines, amines, hydrocarbons and monofunctional alcohols. This study extends this work to some additional cyclic systems: 91 trans- and 31 cis-decalin carbons, 57 bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane and 27 bicyclo[2.2.2]octane nuclei have been investigated and yield root-mean-square errors of 3.3–3.7 ppm and correlation parameters in good agreement with those found previously for other carbon species. In the more strained bicyclo systems it is found that additional class parameters must be defined. The theory is applied to a variety of α,β,γ,… ubstituents effects in cyclohexane and decalin systems, and correlated these resonant shifts under one simple, physical model.
Uranyl peroxide pyrophosphate cage clusters with oxalate and nitrate bridges

Two complex cage clusters built from uranyl hexagonal bipyramids and multiple types of bridges between uranyl ions, U30Py10Ox5 and U38Py10Nt4, were crystallized from aqueous solution under ambient conditions. These are built from 30 uranyl hexagonal bipyramids, 10 pyrophosphate groups, and five oxalate bridges in one case, and 38 uranyl hexagonal bipyramids, 10 pyrophosphate groups, and four nitrate groups in the other. The crystal compositions are (H3O)10Li18K22[(UO2)30(O2)30(P2O7)10(C2O4)5](H2O)22 and Li24K36[(UO2)38(O2)40(OH)8(P2O7)10(NO3)4](NO3)4(H2O)n for U30Py10Ox5 and U38Py10Nt4, respectively. Cluster U30Py10Ox5 crystallizes over a narrow range of solution pH that encourages incorporation of both oxalate and pyrophosphate, with incorporation of oxalate only being favored under more acidic conditions, and pyrophosphate only under more alkaline conditions. Cluster U38Py10Nt4 contains two identical lobes consisting of uranyl polyhedra and pyrophosphate groups, with these lobes linked into the larger cluster through four nitrate groups. The synthesis conditions appear to have prevented closure of these lobes, and a relatively high nitrate concentration in solution favored formation of the larger cluster.
COHESIVE ELEMENT MODELING OF VISCOELASTIC FRACTURE: APPLICATION TO PEEL TESTING OF POLYMERS

A computational modeling technique for fracture propagation in viscoelastic materials using cohesive elements for the zone ahead of the crack tip is presented. The computational technique is used to study the problem of increase in fracture energy with peel velocity in peel testing of polymers. A rate-independent phenomenological cohesive zone model is used to model the intrinsic fracture toughness of the interface between the polymer sheets. A dimensional analysis reveals that the macroscopic fracture energy scales with the intrinsic fracture toughness and is a function of peel velocity, and parameters such as the thickness, bulk properties of the polymer sheets, and other cohesive zone properties. The growth of fracture energy as a function of the peel velocity has been studied for polymer sheets characterized by a standard linear viscoelastic solid. Viscoelastic losses in the peel arm vanish in the limits of very slow and rapid peeling. Peak dissipation is obtained at an intermediate velocity, which is related to the characteristic relaxation time and thickness. This behavior is interpreted in terms of the size of elastic and viscous zones near the crack tip. It is found that the total energy dissipated is dependent upon both the intrinsic fracture toughness and the characteristic opening displacement of the cohesive zone model. The computational framework has been used to model experimental data on peeling of Butadiene rubbers. It is found that the usual interpretation of these data, that the macroscopic dissipation equals the rate-independent intrinsic toughness multiplied by a factor that depends on rate of loading, leads to a large quantitative discrepancy between theory and experiment. It is proposed that a model based on a rate-dependent cohesive law be used to model these peel tests.
A Potential Pitfall in Provider Assessments of the Quality of Asthma Control

Background.—Pediatricians elicit information about asthma control from parents to help formulate management plans. If parents of children with significant asthma symptoms inappropriately indicate good control, physician recommendations may not be optimal. We examined whether a single general question about asthma control might lead to inaccurate assessment of severity. Design/Methods.—Children 3–7 years of age who met the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) criteria for mild persistent to severe asthma were identified from 40 urban schools. A phone survey of their parents provided demographic information, symptom frequency, medication use, and general interpretation of their child's asthma control. Chi-square analyses compared the parent's general interpretation of control with demographic characteristics and measures of asthma severity. Results.—One hundred sixty of 224 eligible children participated in this study. Seventy-eight percent were described as in good asthma control. General assessment of asthma control did not vary by demographic characteristics. Parents were as likely to describe children with daily asthma symptoms in good control as they were to describe children with less frequent symptoms in good control. Parents were less likely to report good control in children using daily rescue medications when compared with children with less frequent medication use (65% vs 82%, P = .03), but the majority of children in both groups was described as having good control. Conclusions.—Most parents underestimated the severity of their child's asthma and reported good control with their global assessment. Parents frequently reported good control even when the children had daily asthma symptoms. Pediatricians should ask about specific asthma symptoms during patient encounters because a global question about asthma control likely will result in underestimations of asthma severity.
Pharmacological and toxicological profile of opioid-treated, chronic low back pain patients entering a mindfulness intervention randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Refractory chronic low back pain (CLBP) often leads to treatment with long-term opioids. Our goal was to describe the pharmaco-toxicological profile of opioid-treated CLBP patients and identify potential areas for care optimization . Design: Cross-sectional analysis . Setting: Outpatient primary care . Participants: CLBP patients prescribed ≥ 30 mg/d of morphine-equivalent dose (MED) for ≥ 3 months . Outcome Measures: Self-reported clinical, medication (verified) and substance use, and urine drug testing (UDT) data were collected . Results: Participants (N = 35) were 51.8 ± 9.7 years old, 80 percent female with CLBP for 14.2 ± 10.1 years, treated with opioids for 7.9 ± 5.7 years, with severe disability (Oswestry Disability Index score: 66.7 ± 11.4), and average pain score of 5.6 ± 1.5 (0-10 rating scale). Participants reported using tobacco (N = 14), alcohol (N = 9) and illicit drugs or unprescribed medications (N = 10). On average, participants took 13.4 ± 6.8 daily medications, including 4.7 ± 1.8 pain-modulating and 4.7 ± 2.0 sedating medications. Among prescribed opioids, 57.1 percent were long-acting and 91.4 percent were short-acting, with a total of 144.5 ± 127.8 mg/d of MED. Sixteen participants were prescribed benzodiazepines and/or zolpidem/zaleplon. Fifteen participants had UDT positive for illicit drugs or unprescribed medications; in addition, eight tested positive for alcohol and 19 for cotinine. Compared to those with negative UDTs, those with positive UDTs (N = 15) received lower daily “total” and “extended release” opioid doses, and were more likely to test positive for cotinine (p < 0.05) . Conclusions: Study findings corroborate existing evidence for high medication burden and high likelihood of substance misuse among opioid-treated CLBP patients. Further research is needed to help understand causality and ways to optimize care and clinical outcomes .
Electroencephalographic abnormalities in baclofen-induced encephalopathy

We report a patient in whom the characteristic electroencephalographic features of baclofen intoxication are highlighted and emphasize the role of electrographic abnormalities in the diagnosis of this condition.