cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Entry pupil processing approaches for exo-planet imaging

In contrast to standard Michelson interferometry, the idea of entry pupil processing is to somehow convert light gathered at each telescope (of a multi-spacecraft array) into data, then process the data from several telescopes to compute the mutual coherence values needed for image reconstruction. Some advantages are that weak beams of collected light do not have to be propagated to combiners, extreme precision relative path length control among widely separated spacecraft is unnecessary, losses from beam splitting are eliminated, etc. This paper reports our study of several entry pupil processing approaches, including direct electric field reconstruction, optical heterodyne systems and intensity correlation interferometry using the Hanbury Brown-Twiss effect. For all these cases and for amplitude interferometry, we present image plane signal-to-noise (SNR) results for exo-planet imaging, both in the case of planet emissions and for imaging the limb of planets executing a transit across their stars. We particularly consider terrestrial-class planets at a range of 15 pc or less. Using the SNR and related models, we assess the relative advantages and drawbacks of all methods with respect to necessary aperture sizes, imager sensitivity, performance trends with increasing number of measurement baselines, relative performance in visible and in IR, relative positioning and path length control requirements and metrology requirements. The resulting comparisons present a picture of the performance and complexity tradeoffs among several imaging system architectures. The positive conclusion of this work is that, thanks to advances in optoelectronics and signal processing, there exist a number of promising system design alternatives for exo- planet imaging.
Antiferromagnetic resonance in EuTe

From the investigation of the angular dependence of the antiferromagnetic resonance, it is shown that EuTe is an easy plane antiferromagnetic with an in plane anisotropy that is very small (HA, < 10 gauss). The multiple branches are accounted for by assuming domains associated with each of the body diagonals and having approximately equal volumes.
Pupil Cycle Time in Optic Neuritis

A thin slit-lamp beam illuminating the pupil margin produced clearly visible pupil oscillations. These oscillations were timed with a stopwatch, thus producing a measurement of the "pupil cycle time". The pupil cycle time was remarkably stable in various testing situations and repeatable within +/- 3% over extended periods of time. When the iris muscles were normally innervated and responsive, the pupil cycle time was dependent on the speed of conduction and the number and strength of optic nerve impulses. Pupil cycle time can be measured in most persons with active or inactive optic neuritis. In the few patients whose light reflex is so poor that the pupil cycle time cannot be measured, the inability to induce cycling can itself be taken as a definite abnormality of the light reflex arc. Only 5% of normal persons 12 to 50 years of age are expected to have a pupil cycle time in either eye longer than 954 msec, or a difference in pupil cycle time between the two eyes longer than 70 msec. Pupil cycle time was significantly longer in patients with optic neuritis, with a P-value less than .001. The pupil cycle time is similar to visual evoked response latency time in that it can detect and quantitate subclinical defects in optic nerve conduction time. Pupil cycle time is objective and quantitative for each eye individually. It is a fast, simple, and reliable clinic test of optic nerve function.
Transient photoresponse of an a-Si:H p-i-n photodetector: modeling and analysis

The transient photoresponse of a hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) p-i-n photodetector has been studied from the circuit analysis point of view. Three possible transient working modes--dc bias mode, continuous light wave mode, and charge-storage mode, were analyzed and the speed, resolution, and accuracy of an 'analog' sensor or sensor array were examined. It is concluded that dc bias mode is the best among the three.
A new framework for grading

Grading is one of the least liked, least understood and least considered aspects of teaching. After years of work, we have developed a grading system that is quite different from traditional and reformed approaches to grading and which meaningfully incorporates and integrates the collection of evidence, the evaluation of evidence, and the reporting of judgments about that evidence. This system satisfies the requirements of good grading system and answers many of the problems faced by more traditional methods by substantially changing the way in which grade information is aggregated, resulting in a final course grade that aligns qualitative evaluation with course learning objectives and carries direct qualitative meaning with respect to the course learning objectives.
Drivers Impacting the Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Management Practices and Production Systems of the Northeast and Southeast United States

Agricultural production responds to social, political, economic, environmental, and technological drivers that influence producers’ decisions and shape the individual systems through modification of management practices, crop and livestock mix, and marketing strategy. We use an interview and discussion approach with producer panels to examine production systems in the eastern United States and explore key drivers impacting their unique characteristics and development. The internal social driver that values the farming lifestyle is a principle factor that leads people to choose farming. Irrespective of location, farming is first and foremost a lifestyle choice. The choice of type of production system is partly a lifestyle preference and partly influenced by other external factors, including economic and environmental elements. A second principle driver is economic, arising from a need to make a living, and tempers the internal social driver. Economic return is partially a function of the marketability of products. Marketing
Design of a fuzzy controller for trajectory tracking of adaptive truss structures

A three-step design procedure for a fuzzy controller for the trajectory-tracking problem of adaptive truss structures is presented. The generation of the fuzzy rules is based on the inverse kinematics equations of the structure. The proposed procedure provides a systematic way of designing a fuzzy controller and greatly reduces the computation burden. The general guidelines for determining design parameters are also addressed. The procedure is demonstrated on a planar truss structure and the results are satisfactory and effective.
Nonlinear statistical modeling and yield estimation technique for use in Monte Carlo simulations [microwave devices and ICs]

A novel nonlinear statistical modeling technique for microwave devices and a new approach to yield estimation for microwave integrated circuits are presented. The statistical modeling methodology is based on a combination of applied multivariate methods with heuristic techniques. These include principal component analysis and factor analysis in conjunction with maximally flat quadratic interpolation and group method of data handling. The proposed modeling approach, when applied to the database of extracted equivalent circuit parameters (ECPs) for a pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor device, has proven that it can generate simulated ECPs, S-parameters, that are statistically indistinguishable from measured ones. A new yield estimation technique based on a Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) is also demonstrated. The LHS-based simulation is utilized as an alternative to primitive Monte Carlo (PMC) simulation in yield analysis. An equally confident yield estimate based on the LHS method requires only one-fourth of those simulations needed when the PMC technique is used.
A quasiclassical trajectory study of collisional excitation in H+CO

Calcul des sections efficaces a l'aide d'une surface de potentiel realiste (combinaison de donnees experimentales et de calculs ab initio de Dunning) pour des energies de translation de 1-4 eV. Explication de la portion a v eleve de la distribution vibrationnelle par la formation d'un complexe COH dont la duree de vie est de quelques periodes vibrationnelles
Theory of electron degradation and yields of initial molecular species produced by ionizing radiation

Ionizing radiations generate in matter a large number of energetic electrons, which in turn collide with molecules in matter, produce ions and excited states, and thereby degrade in energy. The description of the consequences of many collision processes to the electrons and to matter is the goal of the electron degradation theory. We summarize the current understanding of this topic, which is important as a basis of radiation chemistry and biology. In addition, we present an initial report of our new work, namely, a generalization of the Spencer–Fano theory to time-dependent cases.
Close to CAD model curved-form adaptive slicing

Purpose – The main aim of this study is to generate curved-form cut on the edge of an adaptive layer. The resulting surface would have much less geometry deviation error and closely fit its computer aided design (CAD) model boundary. Design/methodology/approach – This method is inspired by the manual peeling of an apple in which a knife's orientation and movement are continuously changed and adjusted to cut each slice with minimum waste. In this method, topology and geometry information are extracted from the previously generated adaptive layers. Then, the thickness of an adaptive layer and the bottom and top contours of the adjacent layers are fed into the proposed algorithm in the form of the contour and normal vector to create curved-form sloping surfaces. Following curved-form adaptive slicing, a customized machine path compatible with a five-axis abrasive waterjet (AWJ) machine will be generated for any user-defined sheet thicknesses. Findings – The implemented system yields curved-form adaptive slic...
Search for X-Ray Induced Decay of the 31-yr Isomer of 178-Hf at Low X-Ray Energies

The 31-yr isomer of {sup 178}Hf at excitation energy 2.446 MeV, and with J{sup {pi}}, K= 16+, 16, has been the object of several studies for possible mechanisms that might trigger isomer decay to the ground state. Potential for the control of nuclear energies (MeV) with atomic energies (keV) is the driving interest. The 178Hf isomer is a favorite nucleus in the search for triggered decay because this isomer is long-lived, available in microgram quantities, the decay scheme is well known, the excitation energy is high, and a sample enriched in the isomer can be fabricated for irradiation. In fact, accelerated decay of the {sup 178}Hf isomer when irradiated with photons from a dental x-ray machine has been reported by Collins et al. The triggering x-ray energies were reported to be in the 20-60 keV range. Using the synchrotron radiation at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) we published limits on such accelerated emission approximately 5 orders of magnitude lower than those in ref. 1. Very recently, a new measurement of triggering has been reported by Collins et al., using monochromatic x rays from the SPring-8 synchrotron but this time for (several) much lower incident x-ray energies in the 9-13 keVmore » region. In order to verify this observation, we undertook a new measurement at the APS, with significantly increased focus on incident x-rays below 20 keV, as described below.« less
Novel Use and Utility of Integrated Electronic Health Records to Assess Rates of Prediabetes Recognition and Treatment: Brief Report From an Integrated Electronic Health Records Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE This study uses novel methods to examine the frequency of diagnosis and treatment of prediabetes in real-world clinical settings using electronic health record (EHR) data. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We identified a cohort of 358,120 adults with incident prediabetes (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] 100–125 mg/dL or glycated hemoglobin 5.7–6.4% [39–46 mmol/mol]) between 2006 and 2010 and examined rates of diagnosis and treatment in the 6 months after identification. RESULTS In the 6 months after identification of prediabetes, 18% of patients had their blood glucose levels retested; 13% received a physician diagnosis of prediabetes/hyperglycemia; 31.0% had prediabetes, diabetes, or lifestyle documented in the clinical notes; and CONCLUSIONS Documented rates of follow-up and treatment for prediabetes are low. EHR data may be a valuable tool to improve identification and treatment of prediabetes in the U.S.
Exacerbation of acute pulmonary edema during assisted mechanical ventilation using a low-tidal volume, lung-protective ventilator strategy.

Study objectives To assess the magnitude of negative intrathoracic pressure development in a patient whose pulmonary edema acutely worsened immediately following the institution of a low-tidal volume (V t ) strategy. Design Mechanical lung modeling of patient-ventilator interactions based on data from a case report. Setting Medical ICU and laboratory. Patient A patient with suspected ARDS and frank pulmonary edema. Interventions The patient's pulmonary mechanics and spontaneous breathing pattern were measured. Samples of arterial blood and pulmonary edema fluid were obtained. Measurements A standard work-of-breathing lung model was used to mimic the ventilator settings, pulmonary mechanics, and spontaneous breathing pattern observed when pulmonary edema worsened. Comparison of the pulmonary edema fluid-to-plasma total protein concentration ratio was made. Results The patient's spontaneous V t demand was greater than preset. The lung model revealed simulated intrathoracic pressure changes consistent with levels believed necessary to produce pulmonary edema during obstructed breathing. A high degree of imposed circuit-resistive work was found. The pulmonary edema fluid-to-plasma total protein concentration ratio was 0.47, which suggested a hydrostatic mechanism. Conclusion Ventilator adjustments that greatly increase negative intrathoracic pressure during the acute phase of ARDS may worsen pulmonary edema by increasing the transvascular pressure gradient. Therefore, whenever sedation cannot adequately suppress spontaneous breathing (and muscle relaxants are contraindicated), a low-V t strategy should be modified by using a pressure-regulated mode of ventilation, so that imposed circuit-resistive work does not contribute to the deterioration of the patient's hemodynamic and respiratory status.
Preferred orientation in experimentally deformed limestone

Over sixty syntectonic deformation experiments in uniaxial compression have been done on fine-grained limestones in the stability fields of calcite I, calcite II and aragonite. X-ray techniques and spherical harmonic analysis of the data were used to determine preferred orientation quantitatively, and inverse pole-figures were derived for these axially symmetric specimens. They display in most cases strong preferred orientation which varies as a function of the experimental conditions, mainly temperature and pressure. At temperatures below 350° C recrystallization is lacking and flattened grains indicate that translation, twin gliding and kinking have been the dominant deformation mechanisms. The inverse pole-figure shows a maximum at c with a shoulder towards or a second maximum at e. This is in agreement with preferred orientation observed in experimentally deformed Yule marble and can be explained as the product of dominant twin gliding on e and translation gliding on r (Turner et al., 1956). At high temperatures (900–1000° C) strong grain growth (from 4 to 50 microns) indicates that the fabric recrystallized. Grains are equidimensional and clear with a marble-like texture. The inverse pole-figure shows a single maximum at r, and c-axes are oriented in a small circle around the axis of compression, σ1. Such a pattern of preferred orientation would be expected on thermodynamic grounds assuming that recrystallized grains will be oriented in such a way that the strain energy is a maximum (e.g. MacDonald, 1960). Decrease in confining pressure caused a decrease of the maximum at c and the formation of a secondary maximum at highangle positive rhombs in the inverse pole-figure. This can be interpreted as r translation dominating over e twinning. In all deformation experiments an equilibrium in preferred orientation was reached after 20 percent shortening. The strength of preferred orientation decreased with increasing temperature. Aragonite was produced within its hydrostatic stability field at temperatures above 500° C. Close to the phase boundary, coarse-grained textures showed preferred orientation with poles to (010) parallel to σ1. At higher pressures the fabric is fine-grained and [001] is aligned parallel to σ1. Evidence is given that the phase change from calcite to aragonite in these deformation experiments is a diffusive and not a martensitic transformation.
Effect of body weight manipulations on sham feeding in the rat.

Abstract Rats with chronic esophageal fistulas were permitted to sham-feed a carbohydrate solution (a simplified model food) for a 40-min session each day. Body weight was elevated, then reduced again, by varying the caloric density of the liquid diet by which the rats were maintained. With 1 m glucose as tastant, induction of mild obesity caused an abrupt reduction in sham meal size. Sucrose concentration-intake functions were lowered at all concentrations by mild obesity, but without change in slope. Both changes were reversed by weight reduction to around normal body weight; further weight reduction produced no further change. Therefore, some correlate of body weight biases the oral control of bout size. The bias seems to change rather abruptly between one value and another at a weight level slightly above normal.
Vasoactive–inotropic score after pediatric heart transplant: A marker of adverse outcome

VIS, a quantitative index of pressor support, has been shown to be a predictor of morbidity and mortality in infants younger than six months who underwent CPB. Data on its prognostic utility following pediatric OHT are lacking. This study compared clinical outcomes in children with differential VIS after pediatric OHT. A retrospective cohort study of 51 consecutive heart transplants from 2004 to 2011 was performed at a pediatric tertiary care facility. Peak VIS was computed within initial 24 and 48 h after OHT and was weighted for peak dose and administration of any or all of six pressors. Patients with peak VIS ≥ 15 constituted high VIS group. Children who persistently required a higher magnitude of pressor support for the first 48 h after OHT, as reflected by high peak VIS, had significantly longer ICU stay (30.2 vs. 15.9 days, p = 0.01), pressor (11.4 vs. 6.8 days, p = 0.02) and ventilatory durations (12.4 vs. 5.9 days, p = 0.05), and higher rates of short-term morbidities. Patients with longer CPB (213 vs. 153 min, p = 0.005) time have higher peak VIS. High peak VIS at 48 h is an effective, yet simple clinical marker for adverse outcomes in pediatric OHT recipients.
Comments on A Suggested Computation for Maximal Multi-Commodity Network Flows

T L. R. Ford Jr. and D. R. Fulkerson paper, “Suggested Computation for Maximal MultiCommodity Network Flows” (Management Science 1958), is a foundation study for two important developments in the management sciences. One is applied and the other is theoretical. The basic theory for single-commodity network flows was developed primarily by Ford, Fulkerson, and Dantzig and documented in a series of publications in the late 1950s and two famous books (Flows in Networks by Ford and Fulkerson and Linear Programming and Extensions by Dantzig). This Management Science 1958 manuscript introduced the concept of multiple commodities sharing the same capacitated network. In the introduction they state the major differences between the multicommodity version and its single-commodity cousin.
Do pregnant women have improved outcomes after traumatic brain injury

Abstract Background Pregnant women, who have significantly elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone, might benefit from the neuroprotective effect of steroid hormones. Methods Pregnant patients were identified and compared with their nonpregnant counterparts with respect to demographics and outcome. Results Of the 18,800 female, moderate to severe TBI patients, 71 were pregnant. Similar mortalities were noted in pregnant and nonpregnant TBI patients (9.9% vs 9.3%, P = .84). Adjusting for confounding variables, pregnant TBI patients had a trend toward increased mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], .9–5.1; P = .07). In patients aged 15 to 47 years (n = 8,854), similar mortalities were noted in pregnant and nonpregnant TBI patients (9.9% vs 6.8%, P = .34). After adjusting for risk factors, again there was a trend toward increased mortality in the pregnant TBI group (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI, .8–4.6; P = .12). Conclusions Pregnant patients with moderate to severe TBI show no statistically significant difference in mortality compared with their nonpregnant counterparts.
Quantitative multi-residue determination of β-agonists in bovine urine using on-line immunoaffinity extraction-coupled column packed capillary liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

This report demonstrates the potential of on-line immunoaffinity extraction and coupled column packed capillary liquid chromatography-ion spray tandem mass spectrometry for multi-residue determination of five beta-agonists, clenbuterol, mabuterol, mapenterol, methylclenbuterol, and tolubuterol, in bovine urine using an automated column switching system. Trace enrichment and preliminary sample cleanup was performed on-line using bovine urine diluted with phosphate-buffered saline. The column switching process involves trapping the target analytes onto a mini-bore immunoaffinity column, whereupon the target analytes are released from the immunoaffinity column onto a trapping column and subsequently eluted onto a packed capillary analytical column. The latter packed capillary column was used to provide the optimum sensitivity for ion spray LC-MS-MS analyses. The three-column system consists of a 2.0 mm I.D. immunoaffinity column, a 1 mm I.D. reversed-phase trapping column and a 320 microm I.D. packed capillary analytical column. Both qualitative and quantitative results are presented for the multi-residue determination of the target beta-agonists from the complex urinary matrix. Using tolubuterol as an internal standard, the quantitative data showed good linear response within the concentration ranges studied. Lower levels of quantitation were 50 part per trillion (ppt) for clenbuterol and methylclenbuterol, 20 ppt for mabuterol and 10 ppt for mapenterol. The bovine renal elimination is described using the technique for one of the beta-agonists, clenbuterol. The concentration of clenbuterol was detectable 15 days after the cessation of oral administration.
Chemical-shift magnetic resonance imaging of two-line spectra by gradient reversal.

A method of chemical-shift imaging is described using the invariance of chemical shifts to changes in magnetic field gradients used for frequency encoding of position in imaging. This enables separation of the effects on the observed signal of chemical shift from the effects of different positions along the imaging gradient when the signal is observed with different gradients. A simple implementation for a two-line spectrum is presented using signals observed with normal and reversed imaging gradients. This is used to create “fat” and “water” images of the thigh.© 1985 Academic Press,Inc.
Depression and interpersonal rejection

Abstract Research on depression and interpersonal rejection was reviewed. Most of this research was generated by Coyne's (1976b) model. The strongest support for Coyne's model was found when long-term relationships were examined, or when confederates or role-enactments were employed for short-term interactions. Four factors that may account for these results were discussed: (a) methodological and measurement issues, (b) the psychology of inevitability, (c) self-presentational factors and the situational nature of depression, and (d) the heterogeneity of depression. It was concluded that future researchers should (a) avoid using confederates and role enactments, (b) develop a theory to describe short-term interactions with depressed individuals, (c) focus more on the consequences of refection (and other responses) for subsequent depressive behaviors, and (d) explore individual differences in responses to depressed people.
Direct numerical simulation of bedload transport using a local, dynamic boundary condition

Temporally and spatially averaged models of bedload transport are inadequate to describe the highly variable nature of particle motion at low transport stages. The primary sources of this variability are the resisting forces to downstream motion resulting from the geometrical relation (pocket friction angle) of a bed grain to the grains that it rests upon, variability of the near-bed turbulent velocity field and the local modification of this velocity field by upstream, protruding grains. A model of bedload transport is presented that captures these sources of variability by directly integrating the equations of motion of each particle of a simulated mixed grain-size sediment bed. Experimental data from the velocity field downstream and below the tops of upstream, protruding grains are presented. From these data, an empirical relation for the velocity modification resulting from upstream grains is provided to the bedload model. The temporal variability of near-bed turbulence is provided by a measured near-bed time series of velocity over a gravel bed. The distribution of pocket friction angles results as a consequence of directly calculating the initiation and cessation of motion of each particle as a result of the combination of fluid forcing and interaction with other particles. Calculations of bedload flux in a uniform boundary and simulated pocket friction angles agree favourably with previous studies.
Penetration of lipid bilayers by nanoparticles with environmentally-responsive surfaces: simulations and theory

Understanding the interactions between nanoparticles (NPs) and lipid bilayers is critical for the design of drug delivery carriers, biosensors, and biocompatible materials. In particular, it is desirable to understand how to effectively translocate synthetic molecules through the cellular membrane, which acts as a selective barrier to regulate transport into the cell. In this work, we use simulations and theory to explore the role that surface reconstruction may play in non-specific interactions between NPs and lipid bilayers. We show that NPs with a mixed hydrophobic/hydrophilic surface functionalization capable of rearranging their surfaces to maximize hydrophobic matching with the bilayer core are able to spontaneously establish a thermodynamically-favored position at the bilayer midplane. Furthermore, this penetration behavior is most favorable thermodynamically when the surface of the NP is near an order-disorder transition. Our analysis provides design criteria for future synthetic NPs, with the goal of designing particles that can maintain a stable transmembrane orientation.
On iraser detectors for radiation emitted from diatomic gases and coherent infrared sources

The principles involved in the construction of a detector based on the use of an infrared maser (i.e., an iraser) are described for diatomic molecules. The use of iraser detectors holds promise for increasing detector sensitivity over more conventional detector devices for a selected number of diatomic emitters, namely, for molecules with relatively distant rotational line spacing such as HCl or HF. The iraser device may also be used as a multi-wavelength, coherent infrared source
The prediction of dimensional error for sculptured surface productions using the ball-end milling process. Part 2: Surface generation model and experimental verification

Abstract This paper presents a surface generation model for sculptured surface productions using the ball-end milling process. In this model, machining errors caused by tool deflections are studied. As shown in Part 1 of this paper, instantaneous horizontal cutting forces can be evaluated from the cutting geometries using mechanistic force models. In this paper, a tool deflection model is developed to calculate the corresponding horizontal tool deflection at the surface generation points on the cutter. The sensitivity of the machining errors to tool deflections, both in magnitude and direction, has been analyzed via the deflection sensitivity of the surface geometry. Machining errors are then determined from the tool deflection and the deflection sensitivity of the designed surface. The ability of this model in predicting dimensional errors for sculptured surfaces produced by the ball-end milling process has been verified by a machining experiment. In addition to providing a means to predict dimensional accuracy prior to actual cutting, this surface generation model can also be used as a tool for quality control and machining planning.
Telomeres: Beginning to Understand the End

Telomeres are the protein-DNA structures at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. In yeast, and probably most other eukaryotes, telomeres are essential. They allow the cell to distinguish intact from broken chromosomes, protect chromosomes from degradation, and are substrates for novel replication mechanisms. Telomeres are usually replicated by telomerase, a telomere-specific reverse transcriptase, although telomerase-independent mechanisms of telomere maintenance exist. Telomere replication is both cell cycle- and developmentally regulated, and its control is likely to be complex. Because telomere loss causes the kinds of chromosomal changes associated with cancer and aging, an understanding of telomere biology has medical relevance.
Nitrogen availability to grain sorghum from organic and inorganic sources on sandy and clayey soil surfaces in a greenhouse pot study

In a greenhouse pot study, we examined the availability of N to grain sorghum from organic and inorganic N sources. The treatments were15N-labeled clover residues, wheat residues, and fertilizer placed on a sandy clay loam and loamy sand soil surface for an 8-week period. Soil aggregates formed under each soil texture were measured after 8 weeks for each treatment. Significantly greater 15N was taken up and recovered by grain sorghum in sandy clay loam pots compared with loamy sand pots. Greater 15N recovery was consistently observed with the inorganic source than the organic sources regardless of soil texture or time. Microbial biomass C and N were significantly greater for sandy clay loam soil compared with the loamy sand. Microbial biomass 15N was also significantly greater in the sandy clay loam treatment compared to the loamy sand. The fertilizer treatment initially had the greatest pool of microbial biomass 15N but decreased with time. The crop residue treatments generally had less microbial biomass 15N with time. The crop residues and soil texture had a significant effect on the water-stable aggregates formed after 8 weeks of treatments. Significantly greater water-stable aggregates were formed in the sandy clay loam than the loamy sand. Approximately 20% greater water-stable aggregates were formed under the crop residue treatments compared to the fertilizer only treatment. Soil texture seemed to be one of the most important factors affecting the availability of N from organic or inorganic N sources in these soils.
Gel Formation of Peptides Produced by Extensive Enzymatic Hydrolysis of β-Lactoglobulin

The purpose of the present study was to identify which peptides were responsible for enzyme-induced gelation of extensively hydrolyzed β-lactoglobulin with Alcalase in order to gain insight into the mechanism of gelation. Dynamic rheology, aggregation measurements, isoelectrofocusing as well as chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to understand the gel formation. A transparent gel was formed above a critical concentration of peptides while noncovalently linked aggregates appear with increasing time of hydrolysis. Extensive hydrolysis was needed for gelation to occur as indicated by the small size of the peptides. Isoelectrofocusing was successful at separating the complex mixture, and 19 main peptides were identified with molecular weight ranging from 265 to 1485 Da. Only one fragment came from a β-sheet rich region of the β-lactoglobulin molecule, and a high proportion of peptides had proline residues in their sequence.
Narcotic depression, feeding techniques, and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressures in newborn infants

Previous reports suggest that neonates subjected to maternal narcotic depression (MND) and/or fed by conventional orogastric feeding techniques are at high risk for aspiration pneumonia. We have evaluated this risk by determining LES pressure in 16 neonates of 30-42 weeks gestational age (GA). Neonates were fed 20 cal/oz. commercial similac in consecutive 24 hour time periods by intermittent gastric Ravage, continuous drip gastric gavage, and by continuous drip duodenal gavage. Before termination of each feeding period, LES pressures were determined using a single lumen side opening perfused catheter system currently being investigated at our institution. Narcotic depression was mimicked with 50 mg/kg body weight chloral hydrate given orally and LES pressure measurements were repeated in 90 min. After completion of LES studies at termination of the continuous drip duodenal period, the duodenal side opening feeding catheter was perfused with water at a rate of 1.3 ml/min. and pyloric sphincter (PS) pressures were recorded. The results obtained revealed that LES pressures are not affected by GA, mimicked MND, or the type of feeding technique utilized. Although we have demonstrated a functionally competent PS in the preterm infant as immature as 30 weeks GA, all preterm infants studied exhibited a competent LES and no advantages of nasoduodenal drip feedings are apparent.
Enabling system-level modeling of variation-induced faults in networks-on-chips

Process Variation (PV) is increasingly threatening the reliability of Networks-on-Chips. Thus, various resilient router designs have been recently proposed and evaluated. However, these evaluations assume random fault distributions, which result in 52%--81% inaccuracy. We propose an accurate circuit-level fault-modeling tool, which can be plugged into any system-level NoC simulator, quantify the system-level impact of PV-induced faults at runtime, pinpoint fault-prone router components that should be protected, and accurately evaluate alternative resilient multi-core designs.
Adenoviral delivery of osteoprotegerin ameliorates bone resorption in a mouse ovariectomy model of osteoporosis.

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) regulates bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast formation, function, and survival. The current studies employed a mouse ovariectomy (OVX) model of estrogen deficiency to investigate gene therapy with OPG as a means of preventing osteoporosis. Young adult females injected with a recombinant adenoviral (Ad) vector carrying cDNA of either full-length OPG or a fusion protein combining the hOPG ligand-binding domain with the human immunoglobulin constant domain (Ad-hOPG-Fc) developed serum OPG concentrations exceeding the threshold needed for efficacy. However, elevated circulating OPG levels were sustained for up to 18 months only in mice given Ad-hOPG-Fc. Administration of Ad-hOPG-Fc titers between 107 and 109 pfu yielded dose-dependent increases in serum OPG. Mice subjected to OVX or sham surgery followed by immediate treatment with Ad-hOPG-Fc had significantly more bone volume with reduced osteoclast numbers in axial and appendicular bones after 4 weeks. In contrast, animals given OVX and either a control vector or vehicle had significantly less bone than did comparably treated sham-operated mice. This study demonstrates that a single adenoviral gene transfer can produce persistent high-level OPG expression and shows that gene therapy to provide sustained delivery of OPG may prove useful in treating osteoporosis.
Nonsuicidal self-injury and diminished pain perception: the role of emotion dysregulation

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is the deliberate destruction of one's own body tissue in the absence of suicidal intent (e.g., cutting or burning the skin). Previous studies have found that people with a history of NSSI display diminished pain perception. However, it remains unclear why this effect occurs. In the present study, we used a sample of participants with (n = 25) and without (n = 47) a history of NSSI to test the hypothesis that emotion dysregulation partially explains why NSSI is associated with diminished pain perception. Pain perception was quantified as pain threshold, pain tolerance, and pain intensity ratings assessed during the cold pressor task. Nonsuicidal self-injury was associated with increased emotion dysregulation and diminished pain perception. Results showed that emotion dysregulation was correlated with diminished pain perception within both groups, demonstrating that this association exists regardless of NSSI history. Results also specified that emotion dysregulation partially accounted for the association between NSSI and pain tolerance but not other pain variables. Overall, results were consistent with the hypothesis that emotion dysregulation may increase NSSI risk in part by increasing the willingness to experience the pain involved in self-injury. Studies are needed to more directly investigate this hypothesis.
Partially coherent image formation with x-ray microscopes

Image formation with partially coherent radiation is evaluated with the Hopkins formula and then applied to x-ray microscopy. Image characteristics expected from instruments with circular and annular pupils in partially coherent conditions are considered for two-point objects and a knife-edge object. The theoretically expected values for image characteristics that are easy accessible by an experiment, such as the width of a knife edge, are given for various x-ray microscopes.
Inspiratory muscle strength training improves weaning outcome in failure to wean patients: a randomized trial

Most patients are readily liberated from mechanical ventilation (MV) support, however, 10% - 15% of patients experience failure to wean (FTW). FTW patients account for approximately 40% of all MV days and have significantly worse clinical outcomes. MV induced inspiratory muscle weakness has been implicated as a contributor to FTW and recent work has documented inspiratory muscle weakness in humans supported with MV. We conducted a single center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial to test whether inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) would improve weaning outcome in FTW patients. Of 129 patients evaluated for participation, 69 were enrolled and studied. 35 subjects were randomly assigned to the IMST condition and 34 to the SHAM treatment. IMST was performed with a threshold inspiratory device, set at the highest pressure tolerated and progressed daily. SHAM training provided a constant, low inspiratory pressure load. Subjects completed 4 sets of 6-10 training breaths, 5 days per week. Subjects also performed progressively longer breathing trials daily per protocol. The weaning criterion was 72 consecutive hours without MV support. Subjects were blinded to group assignment, and were treated until weaned or 28 days. Groups were comparable on demographic and clinical variables at baseline. The IMST and SHAM groups respectively received 41.9 ± 25.5 vs. 47.3 ± 33.0 days of MV support prior to starting intervention, P = 0.36. The IMST and SHAM groups participated in 9.7 ± 4.0 and 11.0 ± 4.8 training sessions, respectively, P = 0.09. The SHAM group's pre to post-training maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) change was not significant (-43.5 ± 17.8 vs. -45.1 ± 19.5 cm H2O, P = 0.39), while the IMST group's MIP increased (-44.4 ± 18.4 vs. -54.1 ± 17.8 cm H2O, P < 0.0001). There were no adverse events observed during IMST or SHAM treatments. Twenty-five of 35 IMST subjects weaned (71%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 55% to 84%), while 16 of 34 (47%, 95% CI = 31% to 63%) SHAM subjects weaned, P = .039. The number of patients needed to be treated for effect was 4 (95% CI = 2 to 80). An IMST program can lead to increased MIP and improved weaning outcome in FTW patients compared to SHAM treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00419458
Genotoxicity of two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons declines as they age in soil

Rifampicin-resistant mutations were induced in Pseudomonas putida A11rUV growing in soil containing 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene and benzo[a]pyrene. Aging of the compounds for 7 d caused a marked decrease in the mutation rates, and the number of mutants was further reduced after 15 d of aging. Longer persistence of the compound in soil did not further diminish the number of mutants. Vigorous solvent extraction showed that the concentration of the compounds had not diminished with the marked decline in genotoxicity. The data demonstrate that genotoxicity of such compounds aged in soil declines with little or no loss of the compound.
Interactive Effect of Ethnicity and ACE Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism on Vascular Reactivity

Abstract —Bradykinin is a potent endothelium-dependent vasodilator that contributes to the blood pressure lowering effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are widely prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, although the efficacy of this therapy has been reported to vary among different ethnic groups. To determine whether vascular sensitivity to bradykinin is decreased in blacks compared with whites, we measured forearm blood flow with venous plethysmography in response to intraarterially-administered bradykinin (100, 200, and 400 ng/min) under salt-controlled conditions in 28 (14 black, 14 white) normotensive subjects genotyped for the ACE insertion/deletion ( I/D ) polymorphism. Acetylcholine (ACh) (15, 30, and 60 μg/min) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 μg/min) were infused as endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent controls. Compared with whites, blacks exhibited a blunted vasodilator response to bradykinin (maximal blood flow: 20.4±2.5 versus 10.9±1.4 mL · 100 mL −1 · min −1 , P =0.004) and SNP (14.1±1.6 versus 9.9±1.7 mL · 100 mL −1 · min −1 , P =0.05) but not to ACh (10.5±2.8 versus 6.6±1.0 mL · 100 mL −1 · min −1 , P =0.21). White subjects who carried at least 1 ACE D allele demonstrated significantly greater vasodilator responses to bradykinin compared with those homozygous for the I allele ( DD or ID versus II , F=5.6, P ACE D allele had a significantly greater vasodilator response to bradykinin than those who carried the I allele ( DD versus ID or II , F=8.3, P =0.01). The ethnic difference was most pronounced in subjects heterozygous at the ACE I/D locus in which blacks had a markedly attenuated response to bradykinin compared with whites (F=41.0, P ACE I/D genotype on the vasodilator responses to SNP or ACh in either ethnic group. These data confirm that vascular reactivity to bradykinin and the endothelium-independent vasodilator SNP is decreased in normotensive blacks compared with whites, consistent with attenuated vascular smooth muscle reactivity. The data suggest that genetic variation at the ACE gene locus interacts with ethnicity to impact the vascular response to bradykinin.
Nocardia asteroides strain GUH-2 induces proteasome inhibition and apoptotic death of cultured cells

Many bacterial pathogens have the ability to induce apoptosis in their hosts. It was previously shown that Nocardia asteroides strain GUH-2, a Gram-positive facultatively intracellular pathogen, is capable of inducing the apoptotic death of dopaminergic cells in the murine brain and in PC12 cells, a rat cell line. In this study, the apoptosis-inducing potential of N. asteroides GUH-2 was further explored using HeLa cells, a human epithelial cell line. HeLa cells were incubated for 5 hours with live nocardiae, heat-killed bacteria, or unconcentrated nocardial culture filtrate, and changes to the cells were monitored. Consistent with the previous studies, N. asteroides GUH-2 induced DNA fragmentation and apoptosis in HeLa cells. Caspase activation and disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential were also investigated to determine their roles in the induction of cell death. In all these experiments, significant changes were only induced by live nocardiae. A recent publication demonstrated that systemic administration of proteasome inhibitors can induce a Parkinsonian syndrome in rats that includes intraneuronal inclusions and characteristic behavioral alterations. Similar effects have been observed in mice and monkeys infected with N. asteroides GUH-2. In addition, some reports have shown that proteasome inhibition causes apoptotic death of affected cells. We therefore investigated the ability of N. asteroides GUH-2 to inhibit proteasome activity. Proteasome activity was significantly reduced, suggesting that this mechanism may be involved in the induction of apoptosis by these bacteria.
Altered Expression and Glucocorticoid-Inducibility of Hepatic CYP3A and CYP2B Enzymes in Male Rats Fed Diets Containing Soy Protein Isolate

Hepatic CYP3A and CYP2B enzymes were studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats derived from 5-7 litters fed diets in which the protein source was either casein or soy protein isolate. At age 65 d, rats were gavaged with corn oil (vehicle) or 50 mg/kg dexamethasone. Hepatic expression of CYP3A and CYP2B1 mRNA, apoprotein and associated monooxygenase activities were measured. Consumption of soy diets significantly increased monooxygenase activity toward the following: the CYP3A substrates erythromycin and ethylmorphine N-demethylase; corticosterone and testosterone 6beta-hydroxylase; and apoprotein and mRNA expression of CYP3A2 (P < 0.05). Dexamethasone significantly induced turnover of erythromycin and testosterone, expression of CYP3A apoprotein, and expression of CYP3A1 and CYP3A2 mRNA (P < 0.05). In addition, significant diet-inducer interactions were observed in the expression of CYP3A apoprotein and activities toward ethylmorphine, corticosterone and testosterone (P < 0.05). Significant diet-inducer interactions were also observed on CYP2B1-dependent pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase activity (P < 0.05). However, although dexamethasone significantly induced CYP2B1 expression at the apoprotein and mRNA level (P < 0.05), no significant diet effects were observed. These data suggest potential effects of soy consumption on the metabolism of a wide variety of CYP3A and CYP2B1 substrates, especially in situations involving coexposure to CYP inducers.
Steady-state reflectance spectroscopy in the P 3 approximation

The Green’s function of the steady-state radiative-transport equation is derived in the P3 approximation for isotropic sources. It is demonstrated that the P3 approximation models the radiance in highly absorbing media or close to sources more accurately than does diffusion theory. Boundary conditions consistent with the P3 approximation are also developed for semi-infinite media bounded by a nonscattering medium. Expressions for the reflectance remitted from media interrogated by a normally incident pencil beam are derived and fitted to simulated and experimental reflectance data from media having optical properties typical of biological tissue. The reconstructed optical properties are accurate to within ±10% in absorption and scattering for source–detector separations as small as 0.43 mm and albedos as low as 0.59. Methods for simplifying these expressions given some a priori knowledge of the scattering phase function are discussed.