cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dechlorane plus and other flame retardants in tree bark from the northeastern United States.

Previous work has shown that certain parts of the Great Lakes region are polluted with Dechlorane Plus (DP), a highly chlorinated flame retardant that was used as a replacement for Dechlorane/Mirex. It was suspected that a source of DP to the environment might be its manufacturing facility located in the city of Niagara Falls, New York. To confirm this source location and to determine DP’s spatial distribution, 26 tree bark samples were collected in triplicate from the northeastern United States, and the concentrations of DP and several brominated flame retardants (BFRs) were measured. Most concentrations of DP in tree bark were found to be much higher than those of the BFRs. The highest DP concentrations were >100 ng g−1 bark in the city of Niagara Falls, dropping rapidly with distance from the potential source. A simple one-dimensional, Gaussian diffusion model was used to explain the spatial distribution of DP and to locate the source. The calculated source location was <7 km away from the DP manufactu...
Light pseudoscalar decay constants, quark masses, and low energy constants from three-flavor lattice QCD

As part of our program of lattice simulations of three-flavor QCD with improved staggered quarks, we have calculated pseudoscalar meson masses and decay constants for a range of valence quark masses and sea-quark masses on lattices with lattice spacings of about 0.125 and 0.09 fm. We fit the lattice data to forms computed with ``staggered chiral perturbation theory.'' Our results provide a sensitive test of the lattice simulations, and especially of the chiral behavior, including the effects of chiral logarithms. We find: ${f}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}=129.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3.5\text{ }\mathrm{M}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}$, ${f}_{K}=156.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3.6\text{ }\mathrm{M}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}$, and ${f}_{K}/{f}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}=1.210(4)(13)$, where the errors are statistical and systematic. Following a recent paper by Marciano, our value of ${f}_{K}/{f}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}$ implies $|{V}_{us}|=0.2219(26)$. Further, we obtain ${m}_{u}/{m}_{d}=0.43(0)(1)(8)$, where the errors are from statistics, simulation systematics, and electromagnetic effects, respectively. The partially quenched data can also be used to determine several of the constants of the low energy chiral effective Lagrangian: In particular, we find $2{L}_{8}\ensuremath{-}{L}_{5}=\ensuremath{-}0.2(1)(2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ at chiral scale ${m}_{\ensuremath{\eta}}$, where the errors are statistical and systematic. This provides an alternative (though not independent) way of estimating ${m}_{u}$; the value of $2{L}_{8}\ensuremath{-}{L}_{5}$ is far outside the range that would allow the up quark to be massless. Results for ${m}_{s}^{\overline{\mathrm{M}\mathrm{S}}}$, ${\stackrel{^}{m}}^{\overline{\mathrm{M}\mathrm{S}}}$, and ${m}_{s}/\stackrel{^}{m}$ can be obtained from the same lattice data and chiral fits, and have been presented previously in joint work with the HPQCD and UKQCD collaborations. Using the perturbative mass renormalization reported in that work, we obtain ${m}_{u}^{\overline{\mathrm{M}\mathrm{S}}}=1.7(0)(1)(2)(2)\text{ }\mathrm{M}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}$ and ${m}_{d}^{\overline{\mathrm{M}\mathrm{S}}}=3.9(0)(1)(4)(2)\text{ }\mathrm{M}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}$ at scale 2 GeV, with errors from statistics, simulation, perturbation theory, and electromagnetic effects, respectively.
Individual differences in cognitive style, working memory, and semantic integration

Abstract In two experiments subjects classified as being either high or low in field articulation (FA) performed a semantic integration task with high-information load. In Experiment 1, differences in performance between high- and low-FA subjects on an inference and recognition test were obtained when sentences were presented for 5 sec a piece but not when they were presented for 10 sec a piece. In Experiment 2, performance differences between high and low-FA subjects were eliminated by presenting only a specific subset of the sentences for 10 sec a piece. The implications of these results for explanations of FA effects in semantic integration are discussed.
DEVELOPMENT OF EXERCISE-INDUCED ARM-LEG BLOOD PRESSURE GRADIENT AND ABNORMAL ARTERIAL COMPLIANCE IN PATIENTS WITH REPAIRED COARCTATION OF THE AORTA

Often, the lack of systemic arterial hypertension and the lack of a resting arm-leg blood pressure gradient are used to assess the adequacy of the anatomic result after intervention for coarctation of the aorta (CoA). Some patients with no arm-leg gradient at rest may develop a gradient with exercise, leading caregivers to question the success of the repair. It is not clear what the prevalence is of patients who have undergone a successful intervention for CoA and have no arm-leg gradient at rest but develop a significant gradient with exercise and which factors may predict the development of an arm-leg gradient with exercise. This study evaluates the prevalence and predictors of an exercise-induced arm-leg gradient in subjects who have undergone an apparently successful intervention for CoA.
REM and NREM sleep-state distribution of respiratory events in habitually snoring school-aged community children

Abstract Background Studies ascribe different functions to rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, such that their disruption could result in discrepant clinical outcomes. Although sleep architecture is globally preserved in children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), it is considered to be an REM sleep REMS disorder. Furthermore, body position during sleep affects the occurrence of respiratory events, while the presence of obesity has been claimed to affect sleep-state distribution of respiratory disturbance. Methods To explore the distribution of respiratory events during REMS and NREM sleep NREMS and its potential predictors, a cross-sectional analysis of 335 overnight sleep studies in snoring children from the community was conducted. The ratio of REMS to NREMS respiratory events was compared, and potential associations were assessed using general linear modelling (GLM). Results Children were 7.3±1.2years old and had a body mass index (BMI) z -score of 1.0±1.3. The obstructive apnoea–hypopnea index (OAHI) was 1.7±3 and 45.8% of children had an apnoea–hypopnea index (AHI) >1h −1 total sleep time (TST). Obstructive respiratory events were 3.8times more likely in REMS (2.0h −1 ) than NREMS (0.5h −1 ), and the GLM revealed distinctive predictive associations for the apnoeic and hypopneic indices separately, and for body position, the latter indicating that the REMS/NREMS distribution of respiratory events depends on body position. Conclusion Obstructive respiratory events are predominantly, albeit not exclusively, present in REMS in school-aged children. NREMS respiratory events are more likely in the presence of lower oxyhaemoglobin saturations during event, side body position and in African–American children. However, REMS dominance is not affected by either BMI z -score or obesity. Our findings suggest that incorporating comprehensive respiratory event profiles of children may enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology and adverse outcomes in the context of paediatric OSA.
Temporomandibular disorders. 2. Non-surgical treatment

There are many treatment modalities for temporomandibular disorders (TMD), most of which are effective in controlling symptoms, at least in the short term. The non-surgical treatment of temporomandibular disorders continues to be the most effective way of managing over 80 per cent of patients who present with symptoms of temporomandibular pain and dysfunction. In this, the second article in the series, a general overview of the current non-surgical treatment strategies for TMD will be presented.
Management Implementation of Scientific Research: An Attitudinal Study

This paper describes a study of the views of managers and researchers toward the problem of improved management implementation of scientific research. The work done here is an extension of the effort begun by Churchman and Schainblatt [Churchman, C. W., A. H. Schainblatt. 1965. The researcher and the manager: A dialectic of implementation. Management Sci.114, Feb. B-69--87.] and continued by Bennis [Bennis, W. G. 1965. Commentary. Management Sci.122, Oct. B-13--16.] and others. A controlled experimental situation was employed to obtain participant views toward the possible methods of improving the implementation situation. The results of this study suggest that most managers and researchers view the implementation problem as involving more than a single aspect. Most refused to accept a single viewpoint as the most critical means of obtaining effective implementation. Nevertheless a large majority favored some attempt by one or both parties to improve their understanding of their own and the other participants' creative process. After some improvement of the experimental design, a position of mutual understanding dominated. Finally, the study produced some evidence which suggests that it may be possible to attack the implementation problem in the short run by merely building trust and improving communication. In the longer run, however, it would seem that improved understanding is the key, and the study indicates that attitudes may be favorable to this development.
EFFECTS OF CRYING ON INTRATHORACIC PRESSURE AND ART ERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE IN INFANTS RECOVERING FROM RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (RDS)

Although crying vital capacity has been recorded in infants recovering from RDS, little is known about physiological effects of vigorous crying at this stage of the illness. Detailed analysis of intraesophageal pressure (Pes) and abdominal & ortic blood pressure (B.P.) tracings were made on 15 patients recovering from RDS. Mean birth weight 2.04 kg (range 1.28-3.08), mean gestation 34 weeks (range 29-40) and mean age studied 63 hours (range 22-137). During crying maximum Pes ranged from -18.0 to -30.5 cm H2O during inspiration and from +6.2 to +34.3 during expiration. Pes remained positive during 66% of the respiratory cycle (range 54 to 85%) and mean Pes during inspiration was -12.3 cm H2O, during expiration mean Pes was +11.2 cm H2O. Heart rate rose significantly, mean increase 15 beats per minute (S.E.+3), P<0.01 and this was accompanied by a rise in B.P., mean systolic increase 5 mm Hg (S.E.±3), mean diastolic increase 9 mm Hg (S.E.±2) P<0.01. Beat to beat variation in B.P. during expiration resembled that seen in adults performing the Valsalva maneuver with sequential narrowing of the pulse pressure during successive heart beats. This study demonstrates the extreme range of intraoleural pressure generated and shows the significant effects of heart rate and blood pressure as a result of crying in patients recovering from RDS.
Sol–gel coatings on metals for corrosion protection

Abstract Sol–gel protective coatings have shown excellent chemical stability, oxidation control and enhanced corrosion resistance for metal substrates. Further, the sol–gel method is an environmentally friendly technique of surface protection and had showed the potential for the replacement of toxic pretreatments and coatings which have traditionally been used for increasing corrosion resistance of metals. This review covers the recent developments and applications of sol–gel protective coatings on different metal substrates, such as steel, aluminum, copper, magnesium and their alloys. The challenges for industrial productions and future research on sol–gel corrosion protective coatings are also briefly discussed.
Resource Consumption of a Diffusion Model for Prevention Programs: The PROSPER Delivery System

Purpose: To prepare public systems to implement evidence-based prevention programs for adolescents, it is necessary to have accurate estimates of programs’ resource consumption. When evidence-based programs are implemented through a specialized prevention delivery system, additional costs may be incurred during cultivation of the delivery infrastructure. Currently, there is limited research on the resource consumption of such delivery systems and programs. In this article, we describe the resource consumption of implementing the PROSPER (PROmoting School–Community–University Partnerships to Enhance Resilience) delivery system for a period of 5 years in one state, and how the financial and economic costs of its implementation affect local communities as well as the Cooperative Extension and University systems. Methods: We used a six-step framework for conducting cost analysis, using a Cost–Procedure–Process– Outcome Analysis model (Yates, Analyzing costs, procedures, processes, and outcomes in human services: An
Effects of blood monocytes and lymphocytes on progesterone secretion by granulosa cells in the pig

We studied the effects of autologous and nonautologous co-cultures of porcine blood monocytes and lymphocytes with granulosa cells on progesterone secretion. Eight prepubertal crossbred gilts were ovariectomized, and the granulosa cells were collected, plated at 2.5 × 105 cells/ml and allowed to attach. Blood was obtained from the same eight gilts, and the mononuclear cells were separated by density gradient centrifugation. Monocytes were separated from lymphocytes by adherence to plastic. Adherent monocytes, lymphocytes and a 1:1 mixture of monocytes + lymphocytes were added to granulosa cell cultures and incubated for 48 h. Progesterone secretion into the media was measured. In addition, blood cell alloreactivity was studied in these co-cultures by measuring uptake of 3H-thymidine. The co-culture of adherent monocytes or monocytes + lymphocytes with granulosa cells increased (P<.05) progesterone secretion as compared with granulosa cells cultured alone. However, co-culture of lymphocytes with granulosa cells did not have a significant effect. No difference was observed between autologous and nonautologous cell cultures in blood cell proliferation or granulosa cell progesterone secretion. In conclusion, blood monocytes influence progesterone secretion by granulosa cells. In addition, there was no difference in the ability of autologous and nonautologous blood cells to stimulate progesterone secretion by granulosa cells. No alloreactivity was observed using nonautologous immune cells with granulosa cells.
Ethnic Identity in African American and European American Preadolescents: Relation to Self-Worth, Social Goals, and Aggression

The current study tested models to determine the extent to which self-worth and social goals mediate the influence of ethnic identity on aggression among aggressive European and African American preadolescents. Ethnic identity emerged as important for both groups, but in different ways. Different patterns of influence of ethnic identity and of mediation were found for the European and African American preadolescents. Ethnic identity was found to mediate the relation between self-worth and preadolescents' aggressive behavior for European Americans, and ethnic identity and dominance/revenge-oriented social goals resulted in direct main effect nonsignificant trends when predicting aggression for African Americans. Implications are discussed for ethnic identity in aggressive preadolescents.
Conflict of Interest in Spine Research Reporting

Background Medical studies are more likely to report favorable findings when a conflict of interest is declared. We aim to quantify and determine the effect of author disclosure of conflict of interest on scientific reporting. Methods Abstracts from an international spine research meeting (North American Spine Society 2010) were selected that specifically evaluated a device, biologic, or proprietary procedure. They were then made anonymous to reviewers. An item of interest was established in each of the abstracts in order to standardize evaluation. Next, three blinded reviewers independently rated the abstracts as favorable, neutral, or unfavorable with regard to the item of interest. Additionally, the blinded reviewers attempted to predict whether a related disclosure was made. The meeting disclosure index was used to tabulate the minimum US dollar value attributable to disclosures. Results Of the 344 total abstracts, 76 met inclusion criteria. In 79%, a related conflict of interest was reported. The amount of the disclosure was incompletely reported in 30% of cases. Where available, it averaged a cumulative minimum of $219,634 USD per abstract. The results of the abstracts were judged to be favorable, neutral, and unfavorable in 63%, 32% and 5% of abstracts, respectively. There was no correlation between the presence of a related disclosure and the findings of the studies (p = 0.81), although interpretation of this is limited by a small sample size and an overall apparent bias to report favorable studies. Additionally, the blinded reviewers were unable to predict whether a related disclosure was made (p = 0.40). Conclusion No association existed between the presence of a related disclosure and the results of the studies. While the actual compliance with reporting a potential conflict of interest is unable to be determined, the value amount related to the disclosures made was inadequately reported according to meeting guidelines.
Thermal migration of hydrogen in zirconium-uranium-hydrogen alloys

Abstract The migration of hydrogen under a thermal gradient has been examined in zirconium-uranium-hydrogen alloys of interest as reactor fuel-moderator materials and in certain binary zirconium-hydrogen alloys. No detectable hydrogen redistribution was observed in the alloys having H:Zr atom ratios of about 1.6. In alloys having H:Zr atom ratios of less than 1.4, rapid hydrogen migration toward the cold portions of the samples was observed.
Electrical conductivity of the quark-gluon plasma and soft photon spectrum in heavy-ion collisions

We extract the electrical conductivity σ0 of the quark gluon plasma (QGP) and study the effects of magnetic field and chiral anomaly on soft photon azimuthal anisotropy, v₂, based on the thermal photon spectrum at 0.4GeV < p⊥< 0.6GeV at the RHIC energy. As a basis for my analysis, we derive the behavior of retarded photon self-energy of a strongly interacting neutral plasma in hydrodynamic regime in the presence of magnetic field and chiral anomaly. By evolving the resulting soft thermal photon production rate over the realistic hydrodynamic background and comparing the results with the data from the PHENIX Collaboration, I found that the electrical conductivity at QGP temperature is in the range: 0.4 < σ₀/(e²T) < 1.1, which is comparable with recent studies on lattice. I also compare the contribution from the magnetic field and chiral anomaly to soft thermal photon v₂ with the data. I argue that at the CERN Large Hadron Collider, the chiral magnetic wave would give negative contribution to photon v₂.
Detection and classification of gaseous sulfur compounds by solid electrolyte cyclic voltammetry of cermet sensor array

Abstract Electrochemical sensors composed of a ceramic–metallic (cermet) solid electrolyte are used for the detection of gaseous sulfur compounds SO 2 , H 2 S, and CS 2 in a study involving 11 toxic industrial chemical (TIC) compounds. The study examines a sensor array containing four cermet sensors varying in electrode–electrolyte composition, designed to offer selectivity for multiple compounds. The sensors are driven by cyclic voltammetry to produce a current–voltage profile for each analyte. Raw voltammograms are processed by background subtraction of clean air, and the four sensor signals are concatenated to form one vector of points. The high-resolution signal is compressed by wavelet transformation and a probabilistic neural network is used for classification. In this study, training data from one sensor array was used to formulate models which were validated with data from a second sensor array. Of the 11 gases studied, 3 that contained sulfur produced the strongest responses and were successfully analyzed when the remaining compounds were treated as interferents. Analytes were measured from 10 to 200% of their threshold-limited value (TLV) according to the 8-h time weighted average (TWA) exposure limits defined by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). True positive classification rates of 93.3, 96.7, and 76.7% for SO 2 , H 2 S, and CS 2 , respectively, were achieved for prediction of one sensor unit when a second sensor was used for modeling. True positive rates of 83.3, 90.0, and 90.0% for SO 2 , H 2 S, and CS 2 , respectively, were achieved for the second sensor unit when the first sensor unit was used for modeling. Most of the misclassifications were for low concentration levels (such 10–25% TLV) in which case the compound was classified as clean air. Between the two sensors, the false positive rates were 2.2% or lower for the three sulfur compounds, 0.9% or lower for the interferents (eight remaining analytes), and 5.8% or lower for clean air. The cermet sensor arrays used in this analysis are rugged, low cost, reusable, and show promise for multiple compound detection at parts-per-million (ppm) levels.
Advances toward New Antidepressants with Dual Serotonin Transporter and 5-HT1A Receptor Affinity within a Class of 3-Aminochroman Derivatives. Part 2

Novel compounds combining a 5-HT1A moiety (3-aminochroman scaffold) and a 5-HT transporter (indole analogues) linked through a common basic nitrogen via an alkyl chain attached at the 1- or 3-position of the indole were evaluated for dual affinity at both the 5-HT reuptake site and the 5-HT1A receptor. Compounds of most interest were found to have a 5-carbamoyl-8-fluoro-3-amino-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran linked to a 3-alkylindole (straight chain), more specifically substituted with a 5-fluoro ((R)-(−)-35c), 5-cyano ((−)-52a), or 5,7-difluoro ((−)-52g). Several factors contributed to 5-HT1A affinity, serotonin rat transporter affinity, and functional antagonism in vitro. Although most of our analogues showed good to excellent affinities at both targets, specific features such as cyclobutyl substitution on the basic nitrogen and stereochemistry at the 3-position of the chroman moiety seemed necessary for antagonism at the 5-HT1A receptor. Branched linkers seemed to impart antagonism even as racemates; howe...
Influence of complex charge and size on the uptake of 99mTc-diphosphonates in osteogenic tissue

The biodistributions of six chromatographically pure 99mTc-HEDP complexes have been determined in soft tissues, normal bone and osteogenic lesions (induced with a Walker 256 tumor) in Fisher 344 rats. The physical properties of each 99mTc-HEDP complex including anionic charge, partial molar volume, molecular weight and spectral characteristics are known; thus allowing structure-activity relationships to be drawn. The results indicate that the smallest, low charged, mononuclear 99mTc-HEDP complexes have the greatest uptake in bone lesions, and the highest lesion to muscle and lesion to normal bone ratios.
Anticoagulation Should Not Be Used in Most Patients With Stroke With Infective Endocarditis

One of the most worrisome consults to the stroke service is the patient with neurological symptoms in the setting of infective endocarditis (IE). Stroke is the main neurological complication of IE and in 50% to 75% is the presenting feature. The most effective strategy for the prevention of a first or recurrent stroke is the prompt institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy, which reduces the risk to 1% to 3% within the first week.1 Ischemic stroke is 3-fold more common than hemorrhagic stroke. Embolic patterns are seen on diffusion-weighted MR in 92% of patients with stroke or encephalopathy. Initiating anticoagulation may seem reasonable to prevent embolization of infected or bland platelet–fibrin valvular vegetations—perhaps enhanced in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies—and it is the standard of care for most cardioembolic stroke; however, the stroke risk is similar in the presence or absence of anticoagulants at onset of IE. The most compelling reason to avoid anticoagulation in Staphylococcus aureus IE is the predominance of early …
Rationally designed dehydroalanine (ΔAla)-containing peptides inhibit amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide aggregation

Among the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the deposition of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides, primarily Abeta (1-40) and Abeta (1-42), in the brain as senile plaques. A large body of evidence suggests that cognitive decline and dementia in AD patients arise from the formation of various aggregated forms of Abeta, including oligomers, protofibrils and fibrils. Hence, there is increasing interest in designing molecular agents that can impede the aggregation process and that can lead to the development of therapeutically viable compounds. Here, we demonstrate the ability of the specifically designed alpha,beta-dehydroalanine (DeltaAla)-containing peptides P1 (K-L-V-F-DeltaA-I-DeltaA) and P2 (K-F-DeltaA-DeltaA-DeltaA-F) to inhibit Abeta (1-42) aggregation. The mechanism of interaction of the two peptides with Abeta (1-42) seemed to be different and distinct. Overall, the data reveal a novel application of DeltaAla-containing peptides as tools to disrupt Abeta aggregation that may lead to the development of anti-amyloid therapies not only for AD but also for many other protein misfolding diseases. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 91: 456-465, 2009.
Characterization of reactively sputtered iron oxide thin films for developing magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents

This paper reports the characterization of reactively sputtered iron oxide thin films for their application in a novel class of top-down engineered contrast agent particles for multispectral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tunable saturation magnetic polarizations (JS) of iron oxide thin films ranging from approximately 0.05 to 0.2 emu/mg were achieved by adjusting sputtering parameters. The iron oxide thin films were characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and superconducting quantum interference (SQUID) magnetometry to study their chemical compositions, crystalline structures, and magnetic property, respectively. A novel MRI contrast agent was fabricated using the iron oxide deposition parameters to achieve a desired JS; these particles were subsequently validated using MRI.
Induced primaquine resistance in vivax malaria.

Abstract 1. 1) After 36 sequential subinoculations with suboptimal treatment of a single strain of vivax malaria, it has been possible to show a significant increase in trophozoite resistance to primaquine. In fact this resistance reached the point where maximum tolerated doses of primaquine had no action on parasitaemia and fever. This constitutes the maximum resistance that can be achieved in human volunteers. 2. 2) During this programme gametocytes were observed to form and were transmitted through mosquitoes to the stage of mature and apparently viable sporozoites. These failed to infect man. 3. 3) This induced resistance to primaquine should be one additional reason for always using primaquine in conjunction with a good blood schizontocide.
Simulated flight through JAWS wind shear - In-depth analysis results

The Joint Airport Weather Studies (JAWS) field experiment was carried out in 1982 near Denver. An analysis is presented of aircraft performance in the three-dimensional wind fields. The fourth dimension, time, is not considered. The analysis seeks to prepare computer models of microburst wind shear from the JAWS data sets for input to flight simulators and for research and development of aircraft control systems and operational procedures. A description is given of the data set and the method of interpolating velocities and velocity gradients for input to the six-degrees-of-freedom equations governing the motion of the aircraft. The results of the aircraft performance analysis are then presented, and the interpretation classifies the regions of shear as severe, moderate, or weak. Paths through the severe microburst of August 5, 1982, are then recommended for training and operational applications. Selected subregions of the flow field defined in terms of planar sections through the wind field are presented for application to simulators with limited computer storage capacity, that is, for computers incapable of storing the entire array of variables needed if the complete wind field is programmed.
Feeding mechanisms of agnatha and early gnathostomes

Before embarking on a discussion of the feeding mechanisms of Agnatha, it is of in? terest to speculate on the manner of feeding of early vertebrate ancestors. Jawless verte? brates, both living and fossil, feed or fed in a number of different ways, most of which are considered to be specialized. On the other hand, the protochordates are quite uniform and probably primitive in their method of obtaining food. Most of them feed on small particles suspended in sea water. The water is drawn into the mouth
Cooperative spectrum sensing in LTE networks

Expanding the new technologies such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) has caused spectrum scarcity. Spectrum sensing can help LTE find other available frequencies to use as secondary user. There are many solutions to enhance the spectrum sensing. In this paper, we are looking at frequency bands in TV broadcasting spectrum as a suitable candidate to be used in LTE technology. We also review different methods in spectrum sensing, and provide a classification for possible scenarios in using spectrum sensing in LTE. Choosing one of these scenarios, cooperative spectrum sensing in LTE using TV white spectrum with a comparing method is suggested. The method compares the measured energy level reported by different LTE users as cognitive radio devices and lets LTE use TV white spaces only when it is sure that the frequency is not used by TV broadcasting service as the primary service. The reported available frequencies are used in a formula to calculate the capacity requirements for LTE. The simulations show that cooperative spectrum sensing even in a very specific range of frequencies can provide available frequencies and the capacity which is needed for LTE while protecting TV broadcasting service as a primary service.
Label space reduction in multipoint-to-point LSPs for traffic engineering

Many ISPs use MPLS for traffic engineering to account for and utilize their resources properly. A fundamental problem in MPLS is to reduce the label space usage by label switched paths (LSPs), while meeting the flow requirements. While routing mechanisms have been proposed in the context of minimizing point-to-point LSPs, the problem has not gained sufficient attention with respect to multipoint-to-point LSP trees. We propose two mechanisms to reduce the label space usage of multipoint-to-point LSPs. First, given a set of LSPs to meet flow demands, we propose a simple algorithm to merge these LSPs into a minimal number of egress rooted multipoint-to-point trees. Then we show a mechanism where we try to fit a maximal number of flows in a single egress rooted multipoint-to-point LSP. We evaluate our methods on real world topologies and traffic patterns and show their effectiveness.
Genome-Wide Prediction of Coaxial Helical Stacking Using Random Forests and Covariance Models

Developing effective artificial intelligence tools to find motifs in DNA, RNA and proteins poses a challenging yet important problem in life science research. In this paper, we present a computational approach for finding RNA tertiary motifs in genomic sequences. Specifically, we predict genomic coordinate locations for coaxial helical stackings in 3-way RNA junctions. These predictions are provided by our tertiary motif search package, named CSminer, which utilizes two versatile methodologies: random forests and covariance models. A coaxial helical stacking tertiary motif occurs in a 3-way RNA junction where two separate helical elements form a pseudocontiguous helix and provide thermodynamic stability to the RNA molecule as a whole. Our CSminer tool first uses a genome-wide search method based on covariance models to find a genomic region that may potentially contain a coaxial helical stacking tertiary motif. CSminer then uses a random forests classifier to predict whether the genomic region indeed contains the tertiary motif. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Activist Research v. Cultural Critique: Indigenous Land Rights and the Contradictions of Politically Engaged Anthropology

With indigenous and Afro-Latin land rights in Central America as ethnographic context, this article makes the case for politically engaged anthropology. The argument builds from a juxtaposition between “cultural critique” and “activist research” distinguished mainly on methodological grounds. Activist scholars establish an alignment with an organized group of people in struggle and accompany them on the contradictory and partly compromised path toward their political goals. This yields research outcomes that are both troubled and deeply enriched by direct engagement with the complexities of political contention. A case in the Inter-American Human Rights Court, where an indigenous community called Awas Tingni forced the Nicaraguan government to recognize the community's ancestral lands, illustrates the promise of activist research, in spite of the inevitable contradictions that present themselves even when the struggle is ostensibly successful.
Apatite (U–Th)/He thermochronometry: methods and applications to problems in tectonic and surface processes

In the last decade apatite (U–Th)/He thermochronometry has emerged as an important tool for quantifying the cooling history of rocks as they pass through the upper 1–3 km of the crust. The low closure temperature of this technique (∼70°C) has gained the interest of geomorphologists and tectonocists because it is applicable to interdisciplinary studies in landform evolution, structural geology, and geodynamics. We discuss current analytical techniques, the temperature calibration of the method, and sample quality considerations. Results from 1D, 2D and 3D thermo-kinematic numerical models are used to illustrate applications of He thermochronometry to problems in tectonics and landform evolution.
The smart grid and key research technical challenges

The electric grid is transforming into an instrumented, interconnected, and intelligent energy distribution system. Numerous technological innovations will be required to enable the smart grid. These will come from many fields and disciplines including modeling, analytics, optimization, security, silicon technology and physical science, and real world aware systems of systems. In this paper, we will focus on describing the smart grid and strategic technical challenges of smart grid enablement from a research perspective. Collaboration among utilities, governments, industries, and academia will be essential in the design and implementation of the smart grid. We will briefly describe examples of collaborative projects which have developed solutions for some of the technical challenges we have described in this paper
Prevalence of hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and HIV among hepatitis C-seropositive state hospital patients: results from Oregon State Hospital.

Background: Multiple studies have shown that individuals with severe mental illness are at increased risk for acquiring infection from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Moreover, patients with chronic HCV infection are at risk for fulminant hepatitis from acquired infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) or HBV, but there are limited data on the prevalence of HIV, HAV, and HBV in chronically hospitalized U.S. psychiatric patients without mental retardation who are HCV-seropositive. To address this issue, a comprehensive screening program was commenced at Oregon State Hospital (Salem, Ore.) beginning in 1999. Method: The computerized records of all non-geriatric adult inpatients at Oregon State Hospital on April 23, 2001, were reviewed to assess physician compliance with screening and the prevalence of infection with HIV, HAV. HBV, and HCV. Results: Among the 535 patient records reviewed, 94.8% of patients were screened for HCV, of whom 20.3% were seropositive. Among HCV-seropositive patients, only 1.9% were not screened for HAV and HBV, but 23.3% were not tested for HIV. In the HCV-seropositive group, 35.9% were HAV-positive, 49.5% HBV-positive, and 2.6% HIV-positive. Conclusion: Chronic psychiatric inpatients have high HCV prevalence rates. Hepatitis C-seropositive individuals may be at risk for complications unless vaccinated for HAV and HBV.
Faith versus practice: different bases for religiosity judgments by Jews and Protestants

Jewish tradition is focused much more on religious practice than on religious belief, whereas various denominations of Christianity focus about equally on religious practice and on faith. We explored whether this difference in dogma affects how Jews and Protestants judge religiosity. In Study 1, we showed that Jews and Protestants rated practice equally important in being religious, while Protestants rated belief more important than did Jews. In Study 2, Jewish participants' self-rated religiosity was predicted by their extent of practice but not knowledge of Judaism or religious beliefs. In contrast, in Study 3, Protestants' self-rated religiosity was predicted both by their extent of practice and belief, but not knowledge. In all, the results show that Jews and Protestants view the importance of practice in being religious similarly, but that belief is more important for Protestants. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ankle Ligament Laxity and Stiffness in Chronic Ankle Instability

Background:The contribution of mechanical laxity and ligament stiffness to chronic ankle instability is unclear, particularly when using the inversion laxity test, and may have implications for dia...
The Environment at the Lunar Surface

The geologic nature of the lunar surface and the composition of the lunar atmosphere are discussed. General characteristics are presented such as the strength of the moon's gravitational field. The properties of seismic signals which occur deep within the moon at depths of 700 to 1100 km and are related to tidal forces inside the moon are examined. Tables are also provided of the composition of the lunar atmosphere at night, and of the micrometeorite fluxes on the moon. The magnetic field, radiation environment, composition of regolith, and crater morphologies are also discussed.
The Size of Blood–Brain Barrier Opening Induced by Focused Ultrasound is Dictated by the Acoustic Pressure:

Focused ultrasound (FUS) in combination with microbubbles (MBs) has been successfully used in the delivery of various-size therapeutic agents across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). This study revealed that FUS-induced BBB opening size, defined by the size of the largest molecule that can permeate through the BBB, can be controlled by the acoustic pressure as dictated by cavitational mechanisms. Focused ultrasound was applied onto the mouse hippocampus in the presence of systemically administered MBs for trans-BBB delivery of fluorescently labeled dextrans with molecular weights 3 to 2,000 kDa (hydrodynamic diameter: 2.3 to 54.4 nm). The dextran delivery outcomes were evaluated using ex vivo fluorescence imaging. Cavitation detection was employed to monitor the MB cavitation activity associated with the delivery of these agents. It was found that the BBB opening size was smaller than 3 kDa (2.3 nm) at 0.31 MPa, up to 70 kDa (10.2 nm) at 0.51 MPa, and up to 2,000 kDa (54.4 nm) at 0.84 MPa. Relatively smaller opening size (up to 70 kDa) was achieved with stable cavitation only; however, inertial cavitation was associated with relatively larger BBB opening size (above 500 kDa). These findings indicate that the BBB opening size can be controlled by the acoustic pressure and predicted using cavitation detection.
The Manassa Mauler and the Fighting Marine: An Interpretation of the Dempsey–Tunney Fights

I often have heard boxing fans remark that the prize ring reveals life the way it really is. The elemental combat between two individuals, the primal physical struggle, the quest for glory and fear of humiliation, all contribute to the belief that men in the ring are in touch with life's underlying realities. Significantly, depicting “life the way it really is” is precisely the role anthropologist Clifford Geertz ascribes to religious worldviews. Religions, Geertz tells us, do not just buttress social systems or justify conditions as men and women find them. They also explain the way the world works, cut behind surface appearances, and offer visions of underlying order which give meaning to daily life. Through drama and ritual, religion depicts the “really real” with idealized clarity. Religious symbols unmask the way the universe is in sheer actuality and demonstrate the moving forces behind mundane affairs. The truism that America's popular religion is sports takes on new significance in light of Geertz' observation. And in the pantheon of the 1920s, no gods shone more brightly than the heroes of the ring.
Ventriculostomy Simulation Using Patient-Specific Ventricular Anatomy, 3D Printing, and Hydrogel Casting

Background Educational simulators provide a means for students and experts to learn and refine surgical skills. Educators can leverage the strengths of medical simulators to effectively teach complex and high-risk surgical procedures, such as placement of an external ventricular drain. Objective Our objective was to develop a cost-effective, patient-derived medical simulacrum for cerebral lateral ventriculostomy. Methods A cost-effective, patient-derived medical simulacrum was developed for placement of an external lateral ventriculostomy. Elastomeric and gel casting techniques were used to achieve realistic brain geometry and material properties. 3D printing technology was leveraged to develop accurate cranial properties and dimensions. An economical, gravity-driven pump was developed to provide normal and abnormal ventricular pressures. A small pilot study was performed to gauge simulation efficacy using a technology acceptance model. Results An accurate geometric representation of the brain was developed with independent lateral cerebral ventricular chambers. A gravity-driven pump pressurized the ventricular cavities to physiologic values. A qualitative study illustrated that the simulation has potential as an educational tool to train medical professionals in the ventriculostomy procedure. Conclusion The ventricular simulacrum can improve learning in a medical education environment. Rapid prototyping and multi-material casting techniques can produce patient-derived models for cost-effective and realistic surgical training scenarios.
Principal component analysis for nonlinear model reference adaptive control

Abstract A nonlinear adaptive control strategy based on radial basis function networks and principal component analysis is presented. The proposed method is well suited for low dimensional nonlinear systems that are difficult to model and control via conventional means. The effective system dimension is reduced by applying nonlinear principal component analysis to state variable data obtained from open-loop tests. This allows the radial basis functions to be placed in a lower dimensional space than the original state space. The total number of basis functions is specified a priori, and an algorithm which adjusts the location of the basis function centers to surround the current operating point is presented. The basis function weights are adapted on-line such that the plant output asymptotically tracks a linear reference model. A highly nonlinear polymerization reactor is used to compare the nonlinear adaptive controller to a linear state feedback controller that utilizes the same amount of plant information.
Predictors of success: a longitudinal study of timaded discussion forums

This study constitutes a starting point for gathering better evidence for the effectiveness and appropriate uses of various online learning tools. The research question investigated - How valuable are threaded discussion forums as a pedagogical tool in a course delivered via an online modality? - was addressed by a longitudinal study in which the performance of g raduate students (N=103) on a series of discussion forum assignments was compared to their ultimate success in their program of study. This study lends credence to the belief that discussion forums can indeed play an important role in an online course. A s ignificant correlation was demonstrated between success in an academic program as measured by progress toward completion of degree requirements and GPA and performance in discussion forum assignments as measured by the timeliness of the contributions to the forum and the content of those contributions. Even if the discussion forum assignments do no more than predict success, however, their value is evident, if as nothing more than an evaluative tool.
Vesicular Eruption of Vacuum‐Assisted Delivery

Vacuum-assisted delivery has been associated with several complications, including rare vesicular eruptions. Herpes simplex virus has been cultured in a substantial portion of these cases. A case of vesicular eruption from vacuum-assisted delivery is presented in a 1-day-old neonate. The patient was placed on empiric acyclovir until viral cultures and polymerase chain reaction for herpes simplex virus were found to be negative. The lesions resolved without sequelae. The vesicular eruption of vacuum-assisted delivery is probably secondary to mechanical trauma. Clinicians should be aware of the possible risk of herpes simplex virus infection, instituting antiviral therapy until this is excluded.
The Role of Oxygen Sensors, Hydroxylases, and HIF in Cardiac Function and Disease

Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Oxygen-sensing proteins are critical components of the physiological response to hypoxia and reperfusion injury, but the role of oxygen and oxygen-mediated effects is complex in that they can be cardioprotective or deleterious to the cardiac tissue. Over 200 oxygen-sensing proteins mediate the effects of oxygen tension and use oxygen as a substrate for posttranslational modification of other proteins. Hydroxylases are an essential component of these oxygen-sensing proteins. While a major role of hydroxylases is regulating the transcription factor HIF, we investigate the increasing scope of hydroxylase substrates. This review discusses the importance of oxygen-mediated effects in the heart as well as how the field of oxygen-sensing proteins is expanding, providing a more complete picture into how these enzymes play a multifaceted role in cardiac function and disease. We also review how oxygen-sensing proteins and hydroxylase function could prove to be invaluable in drug design and therapeutic targets for heart disease.
Cooperativity of multiple H-bonds in influencing structural and spectroscopic features of the peptide unit of proteins

Abstract A glycine dipeptide is paired with one or more formamide molecules in a variety of different H-bonding configurations, monitoring the structural and spectroscopic features of the dipeptide via ab initio calculations. Of particular interest is the way in which the perturbations induced by a CH⋯O H-bond between the dipeptide and a proton acceptor are themselves affected by the presence of other H-bonds to the dipeptide. It is found that whether or not these other H-bonds are present, the introduction of a CH⋯O H-bond causes the C–H bond to shorten, and its stretching frequency is shifted to the blue. Also relatively unaffected is the NMR chemical shift of the CH proton which moves further downfield upon formation of the CH⋯O H-bond. In contrast, the effect of this CH⋯O H-bond upon the NH group of the dipeptide varies depending on whether or not there are other H-bonds present. Specific effects of cooperativity are less amenable to simple interpretation in that there are differences in behavior between the two conformations of the dipeptide examined.