cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the unusual stability of succinimidyl esters in pNIPAm-AAc microgels.

In this contribution, we describe the effects of amide coupling reactions on the physical properties of thermoresponsive hydrogel microparticles (microgels). These microgels, when treated via aqueous carbodiimide/sulfo-succinimide coupling protocols, displayed a dramatic modulation of the microgel phase transition thermodynamics. UV spectrophotometry was used to determine that this modulation was due to remarkably stable hydrogel conjugates of sulfo-NHS that resisted degradation under standard hydrolysis protocols. These intermediates result in a shift of the phase transition, along with a large increase in equilibrium microgel swelling degree, due to an increase in chain−chain Coulombic repulsion. Only aggressive hydrolysis protocols resulted in the recovery of the native microgel phase transition, suggesting that an unusually stable succinimidyl ester is formed in the microgel during coupling.
Long-term prognosis in patients with psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, immune-mediated skin disease associated with substantial comorbidity. Traditional comorbid conditions include psychological/psychiatric disorders, psoriatic arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Increasingly, an association with metabolic dysfunction, including obesity and the metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease, with consequent effects on morbidity and mortality, has been recognized in psoriasis. The underlying inflammatory mechanisms of both psoriasis and psoriasis-associated comorbidities involve mediation by proinflammatory T-helper type 1 cytokines. For effective management of psoriasis and related comorbidities, an integrated approach targeting both cutaneous and systemic inflammation may be beneficial, and strategies to improve overall management of the patient should be encouraged to reduce the disease burden. This paper discusses the emerging role of biological agents in this approach, and offers an appreciation of the role of existing anti-psoriasis and adjunctive therapies.
The electrocardiogram in left ventricular hypertrophy: past and future

The electrocardiographic diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has been centered on improving the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the method, using criteria whose precise relationship to increased left ventricular mass are not established. Although the electrocardiogram (ECG) has been displaced to a secondary role in the prediction of left ventricular mass, ECG/LVH has been shown to be a strong predictor of morbidity and early mortality. There are strong clues that each of the parameters in ECG/LVH is related to cardiac contractility and ejection. It is suggested that research be redirected to an exploration of these relationships and predicted that this will lead to both a better understanding of this venerable tool and an improvement in its usefulness to the clinician and patient.
Host-pathogen interactions: A proteomic view

Host–pathogen interactions reflect the balance of host defenses and pathogen virulence mechanisms. Advances in proteomic technologies now afford opportunities to compare protein content between complex biologic systems ranging from cells to animals and clinical samples. Thus, it is now possible to characterize host–pathogen interactions from a global proteomic view. Most reports to date focus on cataloging protein content of pathogens and identifying virulence-associated proteins or proteomic alterations in host response. A more in-depth understanding of host–pathogen interactions has the potential to improve our mechanistic understanding of pathogenicity and virulence, thereby defining novel therapeutic and vaccine targets. In addition, proteomic characterization of the host response can provide pathogen-specific host biomarkers for rapid pathogen detection and characterization, as well as for early and specific detection of infectious diseases. A review of host–pathogen interactions focusing on proteomi...
Robust control design for frequency regulation in power systems with high wind penetration

This paper concerns frequency regulation performance in power systems with a high level of wind generation penetration. As wind generation becomes a significant portion of total energy production, wind power variability will cause system frequency to deviate from nominal value. Short-term wind power fluctuations are characterized by frequency spectra. This information is used together with robust control, specifically the H ∞ method, to synthesize new governors for conventional plants in order to better attenuate frequency deviation caused by wind power fluctuations. A reduced-order controller is obtained based on Hankel singular values. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the H ∞ controller. This work suggests several directions for further research.
δ18O values of mudrocks: More evidence for an 18O-buffered ocean

Abstract The whole-rock δ 18 O of mudrocks, as well as the δ 18 O of the clay-sized silicate fraction, does not change in any systematic manner over Paleozoic and late Proterozoic time. Therefore, the δ 18 O of the ocean has not changed (except a per mil or so as the result of glaciation/deglaciation) over the last billion years of Earth history.
Seasonal polydomy in a polygynous supercolony of the odorous house ant, Tapinoma sessile

1. The odorous house ant, Tapinoma sessile, is a native ant species common throughout North America. In its natural habitat, T. sessile is a low-key species that consists of small colonies. In invaded urban areas, T. sessile exhibits extreme polygyny and polydomy and becomes a dominant invasive pest. 2. The current study examined: (i) the density, persistence, and the spatial distribution of nests in a large supercolony of T. sessile, (ii) trail abundance and overall colony connectivity as facilitated by the network of trails, (iii) the abundance and the spatial distribution of competing ant species, and (iv) the effect of environmental factors on the number and distribution of T. sessile nests. 3. A distinct pattern of seasonal polydomy was observed, whereby the colony undergoes an annual fission-fusion cycle. The colony occupies one or a few nests during the winter, experiences rapid exponential growth in the spring to colonize available nesting sites, reaches maximum nest density in the summer, and again coalesces in the winter, returning to the same winter location year after year. The trails show spatio-temporal variation as well, depending on the location of nesting and foraging sites. Furthermore, nest movements may be driven by soil microclimate and proximity to man-made structures. 4. In total, 119 ant nests were discovered in a 3.15 ha plot, 90 (76%) of which belonged to T. sessile. Tapinoma sessile exhibited strong colony connectivity as 78/90 (87%) of nests were connected to at least one other nest by a trail. Mean persistence time for T. sessile nests was 133 ± 5 days. 5. Results indicate that T. sessile is a highly adaptable native ant species that exhibits a high degree of flexibility in its colony social structure. A high degree of polygyny and polydomy may contribute to its ecological dominance and pest status in urban environments.
High- to Low-Frequency Modal Interactions in a Cantilever Composite Plate

We have shown through experiment a complicated dynamic behavior of a cantilever (90/30/–30/–30/30/90)s graphite-epoxy plate. The plate was base excited using a 2000-lb table shaker near its seventh (third torsional) mode. We monitored the input excitation condition using a base mounted accelerometer and the plate response using a laser vibrometer. For some excitation amplitudes and frequencies, we observed the activation of a low-frequency (first bending) mode accompanied by amplitude and phase modulations of the seventh mode. The energy transfer from the high- to low-frequency modes observed in the plate configuration is similar to those observed in flexible beams by Anderson, Balachandran, and Nayfeh (1994) and Nayfeh and Nayfeh (1994) and in frames by Popovic, Nayfeh, Oh, and Nayfeh (1995). Therefore, we conclude that this type of modal interactions is possible for all ranges of structural stiffnesses and configurations whenever there exist modes whose natural frequencies are much lower than the natural frequencies of the directly excited modes. In addition, we also observed simultaneous activation of a two-to-one internal resonance along with the high- to low-frequency modal interactions for some excitation amplitudes and frequencies. We used time-history and power-spectra plots to characterize the experimental data and force-response plots to characterize the dynamics of the plate.
Modifications to the warm Spitzer data reduction pipeline

The Spitzer Space Telescope Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) basic calibrated data reduction pipeline is designed to take a single raw frame from a single IRAC detector and produce a flux-calibrated image that has had all well-understood instrumental signatures removed. We discuss several modifications to the pipeline developed in the last two years in response to the Spitzer warm mission. Due to the different instrument characteristics in the warm mission, we have significantly changed pipeline procedures for masking residual images and mitigating column pulldown. In addition, the muxbleed correction was turned off, because it is not present in the warm data. Parameters relevant to linearity correction, bad pixels, and the photometric calibration have been updated and are continually monitored.
Navier-Stokes Computations of Sabot Discard Using Chimera Scheme

Abstract : Computational fluid dynamics calculations have been performed for a multibody system consisting of a main projectile and three sabot components. Numerical flow field computations have been made for various orientations and locations of sabots using an unsteady, zonal Navier-Stokes code and the Chimera composite grid discretization technique at M = 4.0 and alpha = 0. Computational grids have been obtained for the projectile and sabot independently and then overset to form the complete grid system. Computed results have been obtained for sabot angles of attack of 5, 10, 15, and 25. Computed results show the details of the expected flow field features including the shock interactions. Both larninar and turbulent computations for the 250 case predict similar results. Computed results for other sahot positions are compared with the experimental data obtained in Canada for the same configuration and conditions and are generally found to be in good agreement with the data.
Influence of ovarian steroids on pituitary sensitivity to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in the ovariectomized guinea pig.

To determine the sites of positive feedback action of estrogen and progesterone (P), pituitary responsiveness to LHRH under estradiol benzoate (EB) and P influence was examined in the ovariectomized guinea pig. Two to 3 days before the experiment, animals received an implantation of an indwelling venous catheter for blood sampling (drawn every 15 min) and for LHRH administration. Plasma LH was measured by RIA. In the fust experiment, a single dose of LHRH (1.0μg) was given to five groups of animals: non-EB-treated; 12 h, 30 h, and 36 h after 1.5 μg EB; and 30 h after 1.5 μg EB plus 2 h after 0.5 μg P. Plasma LH levels were significantly elevated 15 min after LHRH injection in all treatments. In the subsequent 60-90 min, LH levels decreased exponentially. The peak value was highest in the group of non-EB-treated animals and diminished as time elapsed after EB treatment. P plus EB priming did not facilitate an LH response significantly greater than priming with EB alone. In the second experiment, LHRH was g...
Cartographic Accuracy of LANDSAT-4 MSS And TM Image Data

Investigations of the cartographic quality of Landsat-4 MSS and TM image data in CCT-p formats have produced rectification accuracies (rmsexy values) of ± 2/3 to ± 1 data pixel for both whole and subscene areas using polynomials of the first through third degree. In order to achieve these accuracies with MSS data, 15 or more Ground Control Points (GCP's) are required, whereas with the TM data sets as few as 5-10 GCPs will suffice. Factors which limit the cartographic rectification accuracies of the Landsat-4 data include: 1) spatial resolution of the data; 2) map and digitizing errors; and 3) terrain relief. Of these factors, data resolution is the most significant, limiting the location of GCP's to about ± 0.5 pixel. Horizontal displacements due to terrain relief can be minimized by selecting GCP's at or near midrange elevations. Overall, the representative rmsexy values of ±25 and ±55 m for TM and MSS data sets are within U.S. National Map Accuracy Standards for cartographic products of 1:100 000 and 1:200 000 scale, respectively.
Normal homing behavior in infant rats despite extensive olfactory bulb granule cell losses

Severe irradiation-produced granule cell losses in the internal granular layer of the main olfactory bulb had no significant effects on homing to home-cage wood shavings in infant rats on postnatal Days 9 and 13. Granule cells of the main olfactory bulb do not seem to be required for the mediation of this behavior.
New Nondestructive Pavement Evaluation Method

Rapid nondestructive evaluation of pavements is needed to help maintain highways and airport runways. A review of current techniques for measuring pavement profile, texture, and deflection under load is conducted. Rapid evaluation of these parameters is needed, due to the high cost of closing highways and runways. The problem of improving the ability of pavement engineers to make these measurements is addressed first by reviewing existing procedures for obtaining these measurements, and then by presenting a new procedure to allow the pavement engineer to measure these three criteria. Currently there are no devices for the absolute measurement of pavement profile. The proposed procedure allows this absolute measurement to be made.
Abstract 4979: Co-operative role for Notch and fibroblast growth factor FGF2 signaling pathways in maintaining malignant phenotype of neuroblastoma: Potential targets for neuroblastoma growth inhibition.

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Neuroblastoma, an extracraniel tumor of childhood generally progresses to therapy resistant metastatic tumor. Increased expression and activities of mitogenic FGF and the Notch signaling have been extensively correlated with highly malignant behavior and poor prognosis of many cancers including neuroblastoma, making FGF2-Notch3 as rational targets for therapeutic intervention. We have previously shown that a cell surface protease called dipeptydyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) induces apoptotic cell death of neuroblastoma cells thereby inhibiting their tumorigenic potential. In this study, we further examined if tumor suppressor activity of DPPIV is linked to decreased FGF2 and notch signaling pathways. We utilized Affymetrix microarray gene expression analysis, RNA interference and pharmacological inhibitor approaches, western blot and immunofluorescence analysis in these studies. Our results show that either endogenous up-regulation of DPPIV or exogenous treatment of DPPIV leads to decreased FGF2 and Notch3 levels. Furthermore, inhibition of FGF2 expression using FGF2-targeted small interfering RNA decreased the levels of Notch3 and matrix metalloproteinases leading to down regulation of p-Akt, an important survival factor for tumor cells. Blocking of Notch3 function either through a pharmacological inhibitor gamma secretase, or through shRNA also resulted in decreased p-Akt levels, and increased p21/waf1 and cleaved caspase 3 that are apoptosis inducers. Decreased levels of FG2 and Notch3 were associated with induction of differentiation, apoptosis and growth inhibition of neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-AS). In summary, our studies suggest a cooperative role for FGF2 and Notch3 signaling pathways in maintaining tumor phenotype and blocking of these pathways can lead to neuroblastoma tumor cell death. Thus these studies identify FGF2-Nothch 3 signaling pathways as potential targets for inhibiting growth and survival of neuroblastoma cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4979. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4979
Interfacing protective relays and relay models to power system modeling software and data files

This paper addresses two important issues: how the relay models and physical relays may be interfaced to the models of power systems capable of simulating fault waveforms and related switching equipment status; how the data files containing recorded waveforms and equipment contacts generated by the actual faults and subsequent fault clearing may be utilized by the relays and relaying systems. The importance of the relay evaluation issue is linked to the capability to test the relays and relaying systems using very accurate representation of a fault event. This capability has not been used at its full extent in the past, yet a variety of options exist that have different performance potentials and implementation constraints. By discussing the options and pointing out the complexity of implementations, this paper sheds some practical light enabling users to better understand the issues involved and consequently make the best choices for their specific needs.
Transoral resection of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma

Objectives: The tonsillar fossa is the most common subsite of the oropharynx to be afflicted with squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA). Accepted treatments include any combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. We review the oncologic and functional outcomes of patients with tonsillar carcinoma who underwent transoral tumor resection and neck dissection with or without postoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: From 1996 through January 2005, 102 patients with tonsillar SCCA underwent transoral resection. Overall survival, disease-specific survival, local control, and locoregional control rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Immediate and long-term speech and swallowing function and treatment-related morbidity were analyzed. Results: Twenty-six patients had surgery only, 71 had surgery and radiotherapy, and five had surgery and chemoradiotherapy. Twenty patients had stage III disease, 63 had stage IVA disease, and two had stage IVB disease. The Kaplan-Meier overall survival estimate was 92.2% at 2 years and 85.0% at 5 years. The 5-year local control estimate was 91.8%, and the 5-year Kaplan-Meier disease-specific survival estimate was 93.9%. The median hospital stay was 3 days. Tracheostomy was required for 14 patients, and 13 of these patients had decannulation. Temporary feeding tubes were placed in 35 patients. Sixteen patients received a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube; of these, 12 had the tubes removed. Conclusions: Transoral resection of tonsillar SCCA with or without postoperative adjuvant therapy provided excellent locoregional control and minimized treatment-related morbidity. We believe that transoral resection is the optimal treatment for patients with oropharyngeal SCCA. Laryngoscope, 119:508–515, 2009
Medical Imaging Informatics

Medical Imaging Informatics provides an overview of this growing discipline, which stems from an intersection of biomedical informatics, medical imaging, computer science and medicine. Supporting two complementary views, this volume explores the fundamental technologies and algorithms that comprise this field, as well as the application of medical imaging informatics to subsequently improve healthcare research. Clearly written in a four part structure, this introduction follows natural healthcare processes, illustrating the roles of data collection and standardization, context extraction and modeling, and medical decision making tools and applications. Medical Imaging Informatics identifies core concepts within the field, explores research challenges that drive development, and includes current state-of-the-art methods and strategies.
Just War in the 21st Century: Reconceptualizing Just War Theory after September 11

Debates using Just War theory to evaluate the morality of military action have been common as of late due to America's involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq since 9/11. However, in debating the ethical use of force, it is often forgotten that Just War doctrines were formulated in a very different political and strategic milieu than the 21st century. Moreover, proponents of traditional Just War fail to note that many of the tenets are more pragmatic than ethical. This paper provides a reconceptualization of both the pragmatic and moral bases of Just War theory and its relation to the War on Terror. More specifically, the paper reframes jus ad bellum and jus in bello, taking into consideration rogue states, weapons of mass destruction, and non-state terrorist actors and networks. In addition, the paper discusses the application of jus post bellum criteria and proposes that Cold War containment policies provide a model for advancing an ethical and practical War on Terror.
An interactive model based vision system for vehicle tracking

An architecture for an interactive model-based vision system and its application for vehicle tracking are described. A human specifies a limited amount of information which establishes a context for autonomous interpretation of images obtained by a telerobot. Object models are described by constraints specifying necessary geometrical properties and relationships between objects. The use of constraints allows for flexible object instantiation. A user can indicate a vehicle and this directs perceptual processing routines to determine the corresponding local surface orientation and roads, or the user can instantiate a road segment to direct the extraction and tracking of vehicles. A processing example based upon implemented components is given, and a brief discussion of future work is provided. >
Automobile Collisions on Purpose

This paper presents a brief discussion of some of the findings from forty-eight full-scale automobile collision experiments conducted at UCLA during the past ten years. These experiments have provi...
Quantitative study of high dynamic range Sigma-Delta-based focal plane array architectures

The paper investigates the suitability of ΣΔ modulation based FPA readout schemes for use in Vertically Interconnected Sensor Arrays requiring ultra high dynamic range and frame rate. It is shown that the extended counting scheme is capable of achieving the DR and frame rate requirements but at the expense of high power consumption. Extended counting is also shown to outperform several other HDR schemes in terms of SNR at the ultra high DR and frame rate.
Correlation Between Loss of Renal Function and Loss of Renal Volume After Partial Nephrectomy for Tumor in a Solitary Kidney

Purpose: We assessed the correlation between reduced renal function and parenchymal volume following partial nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: In 21 of 42 patients with tumors in a solitary kidney who were enrolled in a study measuring function before and after surgery underwent computerized tomography, and measurement of the glomerular filtration rate and estimated glomerular filtration rate (the latter at baseline and 2 to 6 months) before and after surgery. A segmentation algorithm was used to measure renal parenchymal volume. The percent of renal parenchymal volume loss was correlated with the percent loss in glomerular filtration rate using the Pearson correlation coefficient.Results: Mean ± SD net preoperative volume was 284 ± 67 cc (range 179 to 413) and mean net postoperative volume was 240 ± 61 cc (range 119 to 346) with an absolute functional volume loss of between 5 and 160 cc. The average percent of parenchymal volume loss was 15% (range −2% to 47%). The mean loss of the measured glomerular f...
How to Analyze the Regional Economy With Occupation Data

Occupation is an important aspect of the regional economy because regional competitiveness has become increasingly dependent upon local knowledge bases and worker quality. It has been forgotten, however, in most regional economic analysis. This study proposes a new approach that utilizes occupation data available in the public domain in analyzing the regional economy. The study defines occupation clusters and presents three occupation analysis approaches (i.e., overview analysis, occupation cluster analysis, and occupation-based industry-targeting analysis). The Cleveland metropolitan area is used for the illustration of analysis techniques.
Chronic Physical Disorders

Pediatric practice has changed from the care of acutely, sometimes fatally, ill children to the care of two major subpopulations. Today, the vast majority of youngsters receive services principally for health care maintenance and for the treatment of relatively minor intercurrent illnesses and injuries. However, others have serious ongoing congenital or acquired health conditions that radically alter the type of pediatric care they need. These children require a wide range of services for which many pediatricians have received little, if any, formal training. This paper is intended to serve as a guide for general pediatricians and subspecialists, who face the growing demands for this special care. Definition and Incidence Data on the exact number of children who have a chronic physical disorder are poor. This is a result of several factors: the focus on subdividing medical conditions into specific diagnostic groupings, the enormous range and diversity of conditions affecting children, the large number of relatively rare disorders, and the imprecise definition of chronic illness. Published estimates range from 5% to more than 30%. The lower number is based on identifying mainly those who have ongoing major conditions and disabilities; the higher estimates come from surveys that reflect parental report of any condition lasting more than a few months.
Shoring up professionalism. Building on disagreements between residents and attending physicians.

Disagreements between trainees and attending physicians are common, inevitable,1-2 and, to a certain extent, healthy and appropriate. Students should question their teachers3; teachers should defend their views. When disagreements are framed as opportunities for intellectual self-improvement, they make teaching more vibrant and learning more engaged. Sometimes, however, disagreements raise troubling issues partly because of the unusual status of residents. On the one hand, residents are licensed physicians committed by history, tradition, and professional ethics to exercising their own independent clinical and moral judgment to protect patients’ best interests. On the other hand, residents are trainees. As such, they might not have had sufficient experience to be given ultimate responsibility for patient welfare, and they are administratively and legally subordinate to attending physicians. Traditionally, disagreements have been resolved in a hierarchical manner. Three recent changes in the atmosphere of clinical medicine, however, suggest the need to revisit management of disagreements between residents and attending physicians. First, there is new emphasis on medical errors and quality improvement.4 Residents could be in a unique position to identify errors made by attending physicians. Second, concerns regarding changes to health care systems have renewed efforts to enhance and safeguard medical professionalism. The “Four Principles of Family Medicine,”5 published by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, describe professional responsibilities, such as the expectations that physicians be “skilled at collaborating as team members or team leaders,” that they practise an “approach to health care … based on the best scientific evidence available,” and that they “recognize when their own personal issues interfere with effective care.” The third recent change is the growing role of hospitalists in caring for inpatients.6 Physicians who specialize in the care of hospitalized patients might deliver higher-quality care than physicians who only intermittently care for hospitalized patients.7 Senior residents in many training programs are, in effect, hospitalists. In some clinical settings they might have more experience caring for hospitalized patients than attending physicians who work primarily in the community. These changes suggest the need to re-examine old traditions. It is no longer appropriate, in this age of rigorous health services research and commitment to quality improvement, to rely on outdated canards about the superior experience of attending physicians or on the historically rigid hierarchies of training programs. We present the following vignettes to illustrate the types of disagreements that can arise between trainees and attending physicians.
Effect of Decreasing Intraluteal Progesterone on Sensitivity of the Early Porcine Corpus Luteum to the Luteolytic Actions of Prostaglandin F2alpha

Prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF) causes luteolysis of the pig corpus luteum (CL) only after Day 12 of the estrous cycle. Recent evidence indicates that progesterone (P4) may protect the CL from cell death. The present study tested the hypothesis that acute inhibition of P4 by treatment with epostane (EPO; 3betaHSD inhibitor) in CL lacking luteolytic capacity (Day 9 CL) will allow PGF to induce responses associated with luteolysis. Multiple PGF-induced responses were evaluated, including genes involved in production of PGF and estradiol-17beta, apoptosis (caspase 3), and transcription (FOSB). These responses are associated with PGF-induced luteolysis and do not normally occur in CL lacking luteolytic capacity. Animals on Day 7 after estrus were divided into four groups: 1) control (C), 2) PGF, 3) EPO, and 4) PGF plus EPO (PGF+EPO). Treatment with EPO (10 mg/kg) or vehicle was given every 12 h for 36 h. Treatment with PGF (25 mg) or vehicle was given at 38 h, and CL were collected from all animals at 48 h. Some CL from each animal were frozen in liquid nitrogen for mRNA and protein analysis. Remaining CL were incubated in media for 2 h for determination of P4 and PGF production. EPO dramatically decreased production of P4 by luteal tissue (ng/mg tissue) by 90% and 95% in EPO and PGF+EPO groups, respectively, compared to C (P < 0.01). Low production of PGF by luteal tissue was found in C, PGF, and EPO groups; however, treatment with PGF+EPO dramatically increased (782%) luteal PGF production. Similar to intraluteal PGF production, increased mRNA for cyclooxygenase 2 (PTGS2) and phospholipase A2 (group IB; PLA2G1B) was found in the PGF+EPO, but not in the EPO or PGF, group. Aromatase (CYP19A1) mRNA was not induced by PGF or EPO; however, PGF+EPO caused a more than 40-fold increase in CYP19A1 mRNA (P < 0.01). CASP3 mRNA was increased (P < 0.01) by EPO (3.4-fold) and by PGF (2.7-fold) but was most dramatically increased by PGF+EPO (5.3-fold), whereas caspase activity was only increased by PGF (1.5-fold) or PGF+EPO (2.2-fold). Thus, these data support the hypothesis that elimination of the protective effect of intraluteal P4 does not directly cause luteolysis of the early CL but allows PGF to induce luteolytic responses in CL lacking luteolytic capacity.
On-line laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of matrix-coated aerosols

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) was used for the on-line analysis of single particles. An aerosol was generated at atmospheric pressure and particles were introduced into a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer through a single-stage differentially pumped capillary inlet. Prior to entering the mass spectrometer, a matrix was added to the particles using a heated saturator and condenser. A liquid matrix, 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol (NBA), and a solid matrix, picolinic acid (PA), were used. Particles were ablated with a 351 nm excimer laser and the resulting ions were mass-separated in a two-stage reflectron TOF mass spectrometer. Aerosol particles containing the biomolecules erythromycin and gramicidin S were analyzed with and without the matrix addition step. The addition of NBA to the particles resulted in mass spectra that contained an intact molecular ion mass peak. In contrast, PA-coated particles did not yield molecular ion peaks from matrix-coated particles.
Examining Undocumented Latino/a Student Interactions With Faculty and Institutional Agents:

This study explored the experiences of nine undocumented Latino/a students and their perception of interactions with faculty and institutional agents at a predominantly White institution (PWI). Usi...
Talker variability in audio-visual speech perception.

A change in talker is a change in the context for the phonetic interpretation of acoustic patterns of speech. Different talkers have different mappings between acoustic patterns and phonetic categories and listeners need to adapt to these differences. Despite this complexity, listeners are adept at comprehending speech in multiple-talker contexts, albeit at a slight but measurable performance cost (e.g., slower recognition). So far, this talker-variability cost has been demonstrated only in audio-only speech. Other research in single-talker contexts have shown, however, that when listeners are able to see a talker’s face, speech recognition is improved under adverse listening (e.g., noise or distortion) conditions that can increase uncertainty in the mapping between acoustic patterns and phonetic categories. Does seeing a talker's face reduce the cost of word recognition in multiple-talker contexts? We used a speeded word-monitoring task in which listeners make quick judgments about target-word recognition in single- and multiple-talker contexts. Results show faster recognition performance in single-talker conditions compared to multiple-talker conditions for both audio-only and audio-visual speech. However, recognition time in a multiple-talker context was slower in the audio-visual condition compared to audio-only condition. These results suggest that seeing a talker’s face during speech perception may slow recognition by increasing the importance of talker identification, signaling to the listener a change in talker has occurred.
Nanostructural Control of Implantable Xerogels for the Controlled Release of Biomolecules

Based on the in vitro and the in vivo analyses, silica xerogels can be characterized as resordable and biocompatible materials for the controlled release of drugs and larger biologically active molecules.
Studies of Ethical Conflicts by Nursing Practice Settings or Roles

This article summarizes the body of research about ethical conflicts described by nurses in various fields of practice and recommends direction for the use and extension of this information. Twenty-three studies that fit criteria for inclusion were located. As a group, studies use inconsistent terminology, pay little attention to measurement characteristics of the instruments used, and do not use explanatory theory about how and why ethical conflicts develop or are experienced. Several studies of nurses practicing in community and home care settings, in intensive care units, and in administrative roles show some common areas of ethical conflict. Studies of ethical conflicts can be used as a basis for improving practice.
Activity Level and Behavioral Style in Young Children.

A portable microcomputer activity recorder was used to measure a 24-hour sample of activity level in 4- to 8-year-old children. Recorded activity level was not related to parental perception of activity level and did not differentiate children with differing behavioral styles. Parental perception of activity level, on the other hand, significantly differentiated children's behavioral style. Parents may be responding to a composite image of the child's behavioral style when they rate activity level. We urge caution in the use of the term ‘activity level’, which may have different meanings according to how it is measured.
LMI approach for global periodicity of neural networks with time-varying delays

This paper investigates the global periodicity of neural networks with time-varying delays. Several conditions guaranteeing the existence, uniqueness, and global asymptotical and exponential stability of periodic solution are obtained. These criteria are expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities, thus they can be efficiently verified. Moreover, according to the criteria, the maximal bound of time delays and the fastest convergence speed can also be estimated for the exponential periodicity of neural networks. Some examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the given criteria.
Dynamic SPECT imaging of dopamine D2 receptors in human subjects with iodine-123-IBZM.

We studied the uptake, distribution, metabolism and washout of the dopamine D2 receptor ligand [123I]IBZM in healthy subjects (n = 12) with dynamic brain SPECT. The highest radioactivity level was detected in the striatum. Operationally-defined striatal "specific" uptake peaked at 69 min postinjection of radioligand and showed a gradual decline of 15% per hour thereafter. "Specific" uptake at maximal counts represented 53% of the total striatal radioactivity. Two subjects received haloperidol (20 micrograms/kg i.v.) 80 min postinjection of radioligand. Haloperidol caused a 2.6-fold increase in the rate of washout of specific striatal activity in comparison to that in the 10 control subjects and was consistent with drug-induced displacement of radioligand from the dopamine D2 receptor. Two classes of metabolites were detected in plasma and urine: a polar fraction, not extracted by ethyl acetate, and a nonpolar, extractable fraction consisting of parent compound and two compounds having shorter retention times on reversed-phase HPLC. Greater than half the plasma parent was metabolized within 10-15 min after administration. The volume of distribution, estimated from the peak arterial plasma concentration at 50-75 sec, was 7.7-10.2 l; the free (nonprotein bound) fraction of [123I]IBZM after in vitro incubation with blood or plasma was 4.4% +/- 0.4%. These results suggest that [123I]IBZM exhibits uptake in brain regions with high D2 receptor density and shows a relatively stable washout during which drugs affecting dopaminergic transmission may be administered.
Coupling of Size-Exclusion Chromatography to Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry for Determination of Trace Levels of Thifensulfuron-Methyl and Tribenuron-Methyl in Cottonseed and Cotton Gin Trash

Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) was coupled to reversed-phase liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for the determination of thifensulfuron-methyl and tribenuron-methyl in cottonseed and cotton gin trash. The limit of quantitation was 20 parts per billion (ppb), and the limit of detection was 6 ppb. The analytes were extracted by homogenization in a buffer solution. The extracts underwent a solvent exchange into methanol and were injected onto an SEC column. As the analytes eluted from the SEC column, the eluate was diverted onto a reversed-phase column for additional separation of the analytes and their detection via mass spectrometry. This method is unique because the samples are not cleaned up before analysis, the analytes are injected in methanol, and the entire analysis is completed in 30 min. Average recoveries and standard deviations for thifensulfuronmethyl and tribenuron-methyl in cotton gin trash were 91 +/- 6% and 88 +/- 5%, respectively. Average recoveries and standard deviations for thifensulfuron-methyl and tribenuron-methyl in cottonseed were 91 +/- 11% and 99 +/- 12%, respectively. This is an effective method for the detection and determination of thifensulfuron-methyl and tribenuron-methyl in cotton.
The implementation of evidence-based eating disorder prevention programs

Eating disorders affect between 13–15% of women, have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, and show a chronic course, with the average person presenting for treatment having suff...
Identifying K Primary Corridors from urban bicycle GPS trajectories on a road network

Given a set of GPS tracks on a road network and a number k, the K-Primary-Corridor (KPC) problem aims to identify k tracks as primary corridors such that the overall distance from all tracks to their closest primary corridors is minimized. The KPC problem is important to domains such as transportation services interested in finding primary corridors for public transportation or greener travel (e.g., bicycling) by leveraging emerging GPS trajectory datasets. However, the problem is challenging due to the large amount of shortest path distance computations across tracks. Related trajectory mining approaches, e.g., density or frequency based hot-routes, focus on anomaly detection rather than identifying representative corridors minimizing total distances from other tracks, and thus may not be effective for the KPC problem. Our recent work proposed a k-Primary Corridor algorithm that precomputes a column-wise lookup table of network Hausdorff distances. This paper extends our recent work with a new computational algorithm based on lower bound filtering. We design lower bounds of network Hausdorff distances based on the concept of track envelopes and propose three different track envelope formation strategies based on random selection, overlap, and Jaccard coefficient respectively. Theoretical analysis on proof of correctness as well as computational cost models are provided. Extensive experiments and case studies show that our new algorithm with lower bound filtering significantly reduces the computational time of our previous algorithm, and can help effectively determine primary bicycle corridors.
Leveraging Pittsburgh's Energy Efficiency Social Network to Predict Next Adopters

By constructing the social networks of large commercial building managers in a two-phase project, we hope to unveil the catalysts that diffuse energy efficient technologies. Completion of both phases will demonstrate 1) which actors in energy efficiency networks are influential and 2) which attributes are highly correlated with owners who pursue energy efficiency, suggesting owners who do not exhibit these attributes might benefit from additional incentives. Results of this study will outline innovative policies for leveraging existing social networks of building owners to enhance the adoption of energy efficient practices.
Deploying community commands: a software command recommender system case study

In 2009 we presented the idea of using collaborative filtering within a complex software application to help users learn new and relevant commands (Matejka et al. 2009). This project continued to evolve and we explored the design space of a contextual software command recommender system and completed a four-week user study (Li et al. 2011). We then expanded the scope of our project by implementing CommunityCommands, a fully functional and deployable recommender system. CommunityCommands was made available as a publically available plug-in download for Autodesk's flagship software application AutoCAD. During a one-year period, the recommender system was used by more than 1100 AutoCAD users. In this paper, we present our system usage data and payoff. We also provide an in-depth discussion of the challenges and design issues associated with developing and deploying the front end AutoCAD plug-in and its back end system. This includes a detailed description of the issues surrounding cold start and privacy. We also discuss how our practical system architecture was designed to leverage Autodesk's existing Customer Involvement Program (CIP) data to deliver in-product contextual recommendations to end-users. Our work sets important groundwork for the future development of recommender systems within the domain of end-user software learning assistance.
Measuring radiation

The author discusses his favourite experiment conducted during his youth which comprised detecting alpha radiation with a spinthariscope. He also describes how one can construct such an instrument nowadays.
Model Studies of a Concrete Hyperbolic Paraboloid

Test results on uniform, unsymmetrical, and concentrated loads; graphical presentation of stresses and deflection tendencies for diaphragm to edge beam action, vertical and horizontal actions of edge beams, and actions of main convex and concave parabolas; large bending stresses in edge beams, in shell, and between shell and edge beams were observed showing deviations from membrane theory that existed during all loading conditions.
Four Notions on the Qualities of Cooperating Music Teachers.

ABSTRACTThis article develops criteria for the selection, professional development, and assessment of cooperating teachers through four “notions.” These notions suggest that cooperating teachers might (1) possess knowledge of educational theory and practice; (2) understand the importance of context in education; (3) understand narrative's role in the process of learning to teach; and (4) critically reflect on teaching practice. We explore these notions as qualities that may guide cooperating teachers’ work in facilitating student teachers’ development. We discuss specific ideas and strategies for mentoring and modeling within various theoretical frameworks and selected research that supports each notion. Throughout the article, we outline policy and practice implications for music teacher preparation programs, including aligning them with current accreditation standards and assessments.
Performance of fertilizer methods as measured by the Magruder check sample program

Thirteen years of data generated by participants in the Magruder fertilizer check sample program were used to compare the performance of methods for analyzing fertilizers.
Trace fossils from marginal marine facies of the Kanawha Formation (Middle Pennsylvanian), West Virginia

Seven sedimentary facies have been identified in a 40-m-thick portion of the Kanawha Formation near Chelyan in southern West Virginia. Lithology, sedimentary and biogenic structures, body fossils, paleocurrent patterns, and facies geometry have been used to identify the following paleoenvironments: Facies 1, fluviodeltaic channels represented by thick, cross-stratified channel sandstone; Facies 2, crevasse splays and tidal creeks represented by thin, cross-stratified wedge and channel sandstone; Facies 3, coastal swamps and lakes represented by coal seat and carbonaceous shale; Facies 4, restricted bay and upper tidal flats represented by dark-gray shale, mudstone; Facies 5, interdistributary bays represented by olive-gray siltstone and shale with bra- chiopods; Facies 6, bay or tidal flat scour fills represented by sandy limestone with brachiopods and pelmatozoans; and Facies 7, low to mid tidal flats and distributary mouth bars represented by thinly interbedded, rippled sandstone and siltstone. Trace fossils representing 17 ichnogenera are present with most being restricted to certain sedimentary facies. Three ichnoassem- blages are recognized. 1) An annulated vertical burrow assemblage, consisting of arthropod(?) dwellings, occurs in an abandoned fluvial channel facies. 2) A Phycodes-Zoophycos assemblage is associated with dark-gray shales and mudstones of a restricted bay and/or upper tidal flat environment. Additional ichnogenera include Planolites and ?Conostichus. 3) An Olivellites assemblage with a high abundance and a high diversity of trace fossils occurs within a rippled sandstone/siltstone facies; trace fossils include (in order of abundance) Olivellites, Teichichnus, Planolites, Aulichnites, transversely ridged surface trails, Rosselia, Scolicia, Curvolithus, Helminthopsis, Tasmanadia, Petalichnus, Ancorichnus, and ?Asterosoma. The associated depositional environments are interpreted as low to mid tidal flats and possibly distributary mouth bars. The occurrence of salinity-sensitive trace fossils such as the assemblages described herein within otherwise faunally barren intervals facilitates the recognition of marine-influenced coastal facies in which stenohaline or brackish body fossils are lacking.