cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bimodality of 2-h Plasma Glucose Distributions in Whites The Rancho Bernardo Study

OBJECTIVE—Several studies have shown a bimodal curve in the distribution of glucose in populations with a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes, but bimodality has not been reported among whites of Northern European ancestry. It is not clear whether this difference reflects the lower prevalence of diabetes, obscuring a second mode, or implies a more fundamental difference between whites and nonwhites. We investigate this issue by studying glucose distributions in older white patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A study of diabetes was conducted among older community-dwelling white residents of a suburban Southern California community between 1984 and 1987. Two-hour plasma glucose data were collected from 2,326 older white men and women aged 23–92. To investigate bimodality of glucose distributions, we fit unimodal and bimodal normal models to 2-h plasma glucose concentrations transformed by the Box-Cox family of transformations. RESULTS—We found that the bimodal normal mixture model fit the data significantly better than the unimodal skewed distribution model for both sexes and all age-groups except those ≥80 years. The cut points separating the two modes were generally within the 11.1- to 13.6-mmol/l range. CONCLUSIONS—The bimodality of glucose distributions among whites, combined with previous findings, indicates that this phenomenon may be universal. A smaller second mode in our study compared with other studies suggests that whites have diabetes susceptibility but may require more obesity to demonstrate it. With increasing obesity in the U.S., the predicted epidemic of diabetes may affect all ethnic groups including whites.
Genome elimination: translating basic research into a future tool for plant breeding.

During the course of our history, humankind has been through different periods of agricultural improvement aimed at enhancing our food supply and the performance of food crops. In recent years, it has become apparent that future crop improvement efforts will require new approaches to address the local challenges of farmers while empowering discovery across industry and academia. New plant breeding approaches are needed to meet this challenge to help feed a growing world population. Here I discuss how a basic research discovery is being translated into a potential future tool for plant breeding, and share the story of researcher Simon Chan, who recognized the potential application of this new approach—genome elimination—for the breeding of staple food crops in Africa and South America.
A user's guide to fortran programs for Wigner and Racah coefficients of SU3☆

Method of solution A build-up process based on the Biedenharn-Louck prescription for specifying the outer multiplicity is employed to generate SU 3 D SU2 X U t Wigner coefficients [ 1 ]. SU 3 Racah coefficients follow through standard recoupling formulae [2]. SU3 ~ R3 Wigner coefficients are obtained from the corresponding SU 3 D SU 2 X U 1 Wigner coefficients via unitary transformation coefficients relating SU3 3 SU2 X Ul and SU 3 D R 3 basis states [3].
Quantitation of transient myocardial ischemia by digital, ambulatory electrocardiography.

Abstract Transient myocardial ischemia is more frequently silent than accompanied by angina. The frequency of ischemia varies markedly from day to day, so that in order to accurately define the total ischemic burden, it may be necessary to quantitate ischemic episodes for periods longer than 24 hours. Therefore, a programmable, digital device was developed for long-term, interactive, ambulatory monitoring of the electrocardiogram, which uses variations in a time-averaged ST level as an indicator of myocardial ischemia. The electrocardiographic signal is digitized at 256 Hz and analyzed by an algorithm. If ST depression is planar or downsloping and persists for more than 40 seconds, and if the ST depression is equal to or more than a user-programmed threshold, the device marks the onset of an ischemic event and times it. The algorithm has been validated by comparison of its analysis of the ST segment to human and computerized analyses of frequency-modulated Holter recordings and stress tests. To assess the feasibility and utility of longterm monitoring, patients with documented coronary artery disease were monitored continuously for 14-day periods. Of 26 patients enrolled, 8 completed a protocol for individualization of anti-ischemic therapy using transdermal nitroglycerin. Over 90% of ischemic episodes in this group of patients, all of whom had had a previous myocardial infarction, were silent. Treatment with 10 mg of transdermal nitroglycerin reduced the number of ischemic episodes by 59% and the duration of ischemia by 60% (p
Antenna miniaturization for vehicular platforms using printed coupled lines emulating magnetic photonic crystals

Abstract A miniature printed antenna exploiting magnetic photonic crystal (MPC) modes is presented. The MPC mode is typically found in volumetric anisotropic materials and is realized here using a set of coupled printed transmission lines. The printed element is formed by a pair of unit cells, cascaded to realize a circularly periodic structure. To excite the nonreciprocal MPC mode, the coupled microstrip lines are printed on a uniform substrate with magnetic material inserts. A printed and slot (cavity-backed) version of the MPC-based element is designed and constructed. It is found that the cavity-backed version is better suited for reducing platform interactions, thus, avoiding detuning when installed on smaller platforms. Tunable magnetic biasing is also explored to improve functionality. The paper concludes by providing the in situ performance of the cavity-backed and recessed MPC antennas.
Comparison of effects of probucol versus vitamin E on ex vivo oxidation susceptibility of lipoproteins in hyperlipoproteinemia

Abstract Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol appears to contribute to atherogenesis. Probucol reduces LDL cholesterol oxidation susceptibility, but the consistency, dose, and time course are not well described. Twelve hyperlipidemic patlents were given probucol for 4 weeks at the usual dose for cholesterol reduction (1,000 mg/day), or one half (500 mg/day) or one quarter (250 mg/day) the usual dose. Lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins was assessed using a rapid test in which LDL cholesterol and very-low-density lipoprotein are precipitated with dextran sulfate and magnesium ions, redissolved, incubated with copper ions for 3 hours, and tested for thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. Results are expressed as nmoles of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) generated per mg (nmol MDA/mg) non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lipoproteins from probucol-treated patients become resistant to oxidation with a predrug value of 85 ± 19, and decreasing to 3 ± 1 nmol MDA/mg after drug administration (p
Nanofiltration of model acetate solutions

Abstract Several nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes were screened for separating acetic acid from model solutions. Flux increased with pressure and temperature and decreased with pH and concentration of acetate. Rejection increased with pH, probably depending on the degree of dissociation of the acetate. At higher pH, acetate rejection could be correlated with NaCl rejection. Of all the membranes screened, the best for separation of acetate were NTR729, DS5 and PZ. At pH 5.6 and 50°C, the NTR729 had an average acetate rejection of 40%, glucose rejection of 99% and flux of 60 l m−2 h−1 at 250 psig.
Modeling Asphaltene Precipitation in Reservoir Simulation

Asphaltene precipitation is a serious problem during oil recovery processes. Many models have been developed to predict the precipitation. This paper summarizes these precipitation models and implements the model of Nghiem et al. in The University of Texas Compositional simulator to predict the effects of asphaltene precipitation on fluid flow through porous media. An algorithm is proposed to efficiently couple the precipitation calculation with the fluid-flow computation. A rock-fabric model is introduced to relate the asphaltene precipitation to the changes of permeability and relative permeability. Reservoir simulation results show that consideration of the asphaltene precipitation leads to a different prediction of oil recovery.
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms as Risk Factors for Progression From CIND to Dementia: The Cache County Study

Objectives To examine the association of neuropsychiatric symptom (NPS) severity with risk of transition to all-cause dementia, Alzheimer disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD). Design Survival analysis of time to dementia, AD, or VaD onset. Setting Population-based study. Participants 230 participants diagnosed with cognitive impairment, no dementia (CIND) from the Cache County Study of Memory Health and Aging were followed for a mean of 3.3 years. Measurements The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) was used to quantify the presence, frequency, and severity of NPS. Chi-squared statistics, t -tests, and Cox proportional hazard ratios were used to assess associations. Results The conversion rate from CIND to all-cause dementia was 12% per year, with risk factors including an APOE e4 allele, lower Mini-Mental State Examination, lower 3MS, and higher CDR sum-of-boxes. The presence of at least one NPS was a risk factor for all-cause dementia, as was the presence of NPS with mild severity. Nighttime behaviors were a risk factor for all-cause dementia and of AD, whereas hallucinations were a risk factor for VaD. Conclusions These data confirm that NPS are risk factors for conversion from CIND to dementia. Of special interest is that even NPS of mild severity are a risk for all-cause dementia or AD.
Study on the Process and Mechanism of Rolling-Bonding between Magnesium and Aluminum

Application of magnesium alloy is restricted by its bad formability and low corrosion resistance. In order to resolve these problems, rolling-bonding has been tried as a new method. Pre-heating, rolling and annealing were used in the process of bonding, and aluminum cladding magnesium alloys obtained. The effects of many parameters in the processes of pre-heating, rolling and heat-treatment on bonding strength have been analyzed, and the mechanism of rolling-bonding been studied. It was found that intermediate phase played an important role in the bonding. Good bonding of aluminum cladding magnesium alloys achieved after annealing at 200oC for 1 hour.
Improved method for extraction of hydroperoxide lyase from Chorella

Hydroperoxide lyase converts fatty acid hydroperoxides to oxo-fatty acids which, after further oxidation, are suitable for the synthesis of higher polyamides. An improved method utilizing an acetone powder step for isolation of this enzyme from the unicellular alga Chlorella was developed. Using this procedure a five fold increase in hydroperoxide lyase activity from Chlorella pyrenoidosa was obtained compared to previously used extraction methods. Other Chlorella species were assayed, and it was found that C. fusca also contained significant hydroperoxide lyase activity.
Data-driven discovery of physical laws

BACON.3 is a production system that discovers empirical laws. Although it does not attempt to model the human discovery process in detail, it incorporates some general heuristics that can lead to discovery in a number of domains. The main heuristics detect constancies and trends in data, and lead to the formulation of hypotheses and the definition of theoretical terms. Rather than making a hard distinction between data and hypotheses, the program represents information at varying levels of description. The lowest levels correspond to direct observations, while the highest correspond to hypotheses that explain everything so far observed. To take advantage of this representation, BACON.3 has the ability to carry out and relate multiple experiments, collapse hypotheses with identical conditions, ignore differences to let similar concepts be treated as equal, and to discover and ignore irrelevant variables. BACON.3 has shown its generality by rediscovering versions of the ideal gas law, Kepler's third law of planetary motion, Coulomb's law, Ohm's law, and Galileo's laws for the pendulum and constant acceleration.
Starving philosophers: experimentation with monitor synchronization

Textbook discussions of synchronization seldom go beyond a brief introduction in terms of classical problems. This paper presents a simulator for the monitor solution of the dining philosophers problem that students can use to experimentally explore how such a solution might behave in practice. The simulator, which can be run remotely from a browser or can be downloaded for running locally, is written in Java so that it can be run on almost any system.
Tube Formation: an In Vitro Matrigel Angiogenesis Assay

Neovascularization plays a role in several pathological conditions, including tumor growth, arthritis, and choroidal neovascularization. Investigators from different fields can choose from several available angiogenesis assays according to their specific needs. This chapter describes an easy-to-perform assay that is based on the differentiation of endothelial cells and the formation of tube-like structures on an extracellular matrix, Matrigel. The assay can be used to screen compounds for angiogenic activity or to determine if it has an effect on angiogenesis, depending on the conditions chosen. It is a quick assay, easy to set up, and highly reproducible. It can be used to test one or two samples, or it can quickly be scaled up to screen hundreds of compounds. The flexibility that this assay provides makes it a good first choice to test if a compound or a series of compounds may play a role in angiogenesis.
Increases in Lifestyle Activities as a Result of Experience Corps® Participation

Experience Corps® (EC) was designed to simultaneously increase cognitive, social, and physical activity through high-intensity volunteerism in elementary school classrooms. It is, therefore, highly likely that EC participation may alter pre-existing patterns of lifestyle activity. This study examined the impact of “real-world” volunteer engagement on the frequency of participation in various lifestyle activities over a 2-year period. Specifically, we examined intervention-related changes on reported activity levels at 12 and 24 months post-baseline using Intention-to-Treat (ITT) and Complier Average Causal Effect (CACE) analyses, which account for the amount of program exposure. ITT analyses indicated that, compared to the control group, EC participants reported modest increases (approximately half a day/month) in overall activity level, especially in intellectual and physical activities 12 months post-baseline. Increases in activity were not found at the 24-month assessment. CACE models revealed similar findings for overall activity as well as for intellectual and physical activities at 12 months. Additionally, CACE findings suggested modest increases in social activity at 12 months and in intellectual and passive activities at 24 months post-baseline. This community-based, health promotion intervention has the potential to impact lifestyle activity, which may lead to long-term increases in activity and to other positive cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health outcomes.
Moment tensor inversions and source models

Summary. The use of a moment tensor formulation in source mechanism inversions is becoming more widespread. However, this method does not yield results that correspond to a double-couple source, which is still the preferred source model. This is because the double couple is characterized by extra constraints on the general symmetric moment tensor. A method is presented of imposing these non-linear constraints while retaining the linear nature of the inversion. An application of this result shows (1) that the double-couple model fits the body-wave data as well as more general models if one explicitly considers the fewer number of free parameters in the double couple and (2) that the principal axes of the moment tensor of the unconstrained model do not necessarily correspond to the P and T axes of the double couple.
Vulnerability due to Nocturnal Tornadoes

This study investigates the human vulnerability caused by tornadoes that occurred between sunset and sunrise from 1880 to 2007. Nocturnal tornadoes are theorized to enhance vulnerability because they are difficult to spot and occur when the public tends to be asleep and in weak building structures. Results illustrate that the nocturnal tornado death rate over the past century has not shared the same pace of decline as those events transpiring during the daytime. From 1950 to 2005, a mere 27.3% of tornadoes were nocturnal, yet 39.3% of tornado fatalities and 42.1% of killer tornado events occurred at night. Tornadoes during the overnight period (local midnight to sunrise) are 2.5 times as likely to kill as those occurring during the daytime hours. It is argued that a core reason why the national tornado fatality toll has not continued to decrease in the past few decades is due to the vulnerability to these nocturnal events. This vulnerability is magnified when other factors such as escalating mobile (or “manufactured”) home stock and an increasing and spreading population are realized. Unlike other structure types that show no robust demarcation between nocturnal and daytime fatalities, nearly 61% of fatalities in mobile homes take place at night revealing this housing stock’s distinct nocturnal tornado vulnerability. Further, spatial analysis illustrates that the American South’s high nocturnal tornado risk is an important factor leading to the region’s high fatality rate. The investigation emphasizes a potential break in the tornado warning dissemination system utilized currently in the United States.
Tuition Cuts: The Political Dynamics of Higher Education Finance

Michael N. Bastedo is an assistant professor in the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education at the University of Michigan. Increasingly, states are restricting tuition growth through political pressure and statewide governing and coordinating boards. During the 1990s, California, Virginia, and New York all cut or restrained tuition, and recently Michigan, Florida, Illinois, and New Jersey have restricted tuition growth either through legislation or intense gubernatorial pressure. This case study examines the most extensive use of tuition cuts nationally, in the state of Massachusetts from 1995 to 2001. This case reveals the causes and effects of tuition cuts as a policy measure, and also the political dynamics underlying public higher education finance in increasingly politicized environments.
Testing the daily stress stimulus theory of bone adaptation with natural and experimentally controlled strain histories.

Theories of bone adaptation generally consider that a departure in some feature of the normal homeostatic mechanical stimulus governs mechanical adaptation. Specifically, the 'daily stress stimulus' theory commonly used in computational models of bone adaptation suggests that the mechanical stimulus arises from a synthesis of the peak magnitudes from each loading event during a day. In this study, the homeostatic daily strain history of the adult turkey ulna was established by categorizing and counting the natural wing activities of adult male turkeys over a full 24h period. Strain signals were recorded in vivo for each activity type at three mid-diaphysis sites using stacked rosette strain gages. Following surgical isolation and transverse metaphyseal pinning of the ulnae, additional strain signals were recorded during controlled axial and torsional loading regimens associated with documented maintenance, loss, or addition of bone mass. When the present data were incorporated into the daily stress stimulus formulation, the theory did not consistently discriminate maintenance versus formation regimens, i.e., some maintenance regimens were associated with a substantially higher daily stimulus than some regimens causing bone formation.
Reaction of Benzene with Cu(II)- and Fe(III)-Exchanged Hectorites

The reaction of benzene with exchangeable Cu(II) and Fe(III) in hectorite clay films was studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The reaction when carried out in a sealed tube between 60° and 100°C produced a variety of organic radical products. The nature of these products depended on the concentration of water in the reaction medium and the reaction time. The free radicals were accompanied by a reduction in the oxidation state of the metal ions; this process had a zero-order dependence on the metal ion concentration. The activation energies determined from the zero-order rate constants are 67 ± 11 kJ/mole (Cu(II)) and 46 ± 6 kJ/mole (Fe(III)). The free radicals initially formed under anhydrous conditions appeared to populate sites in the interlayer region; the activation energies determined for this first order process are 57 ± 9 kJ/mole (Cu(II)) and 42 ± 3 kJ/mole (Fe(III)). These activation energies are within experimental error of those determined from the metal ion kinetics. The EPR signal due to organic radicals showed little temperature dependence; thus, exchange processes involving organic free radicals were probably not important in determining EPR lineshapes.
An Empirical Analysis of Software Vendors' Patch Release Behavior: Impact of Vulnerability Disclosure

A key aspect of better and more secure software is timely patch release by software vendors for the vulnerabilities in their products. Software vulnerability disclosure, which refers to the publication of vulnerability information, has generated intense debate. An important consideration in this debate is the behavior of software vendors. How quickly do vendors patch vulnerabilities and how does disclosure affect patch release time? This paper compiles a unique data set from the Computer Emergency Response Team/Coordination Center (CERT) and SecurityFocus to answer this question. Our results suggest that disclosure accelerates patch release. The instantaneous probability of releasing the patch rises by nearly two and a half times because of disclosure. Open source vendors release patches more quickly than closed source vendors. Vendors are more responsive to more severe vulnerabilities. We also find that vendors respond more slowly to vulnerabilities not disclosed by CERT. We verify our results by using another publicly available data set and find that results are consistent. We also show how our estimates can aid policy makers in their decision making.
Field Demonstration of Pumping Power Reduction in a Hydronic HVAC System With Drag-Reducing Surfactant Additives

A field test of the use of drag-reducing additives in hydronic cooling systems was conducted in a medium-size building on the UCSB campus. The purpose of the demonstration was to show that pumping power can be significantly reduced through the use of surfactant additives, to investigate adverse effects on overall heat transfer in heat exchangers, and also to investigate a more challenging system with dominant discrete pressure drops. The field test was considered to be very successful on all counts, especially considering the relatively small size of the building and the complex nature of the piping network. About 15% pumping power reduction was achieved overall, with a nominal pumping power of 22.5 kW. The heat transfer issues were found to be manageable and the measurements also confirmed that a 50% pumping power reduction is a realistic expectation for larger buildings, integrated complex of more buildings, and particularly for district cooling or heating systems.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Energy-release-rate evaluation for delamination growth prediction in a multi-plate model of a laminate composite

In this paper, numerical methods for the evaluation of the energy-release-rate along a delamination periphery under conditions of local buckling of the delaminate, as well as global buckling of the entire laminate, are presented. A multi-plate model, using independent Reissner-Mindlin plate models for each of the delaminated and undelaminated plies, with Reissner-Mindlin constraints for relating the degrees of freedom of the delaminated plates to those of the undelaminated plate at the crack front, is used to model the laminate with embedded delaminations. Explicit expressions, in terms of finite element nodal or Gauss-point variables, are derived for the pointwise energy release rate in terms of the J-integral and the Equivalent Domain Integral in the context of a typical multi-plate model for characterising the delamination growth. A finite element method with a 3-noded quasi-conforming shell element, and an automated post-buckling solution capability, is used for conducting the numerical analyses in this paper. Using these numerical results, mechanisms of multiple buckling modes and their effect on the propagation of embedded delaminations in plates, are studied.
In situ STM study of self-assembled mercaptopropionic acid monolayers for electrochemical detection of dopamine

Abstract An Au(111) electrode coated with a self-assembled monolayer of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) has been investigated by square-wave voltammetry for electrochemical detection of dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid and characterized by in situ STM. The electrode is found to shift selectively the unwanted oxidation of ascorbic acid to higher potentials while leaving the oxidation of dopamine unchanged. The selectivity is lost below ∼−0.5 V (Ag ∣ AgCl ∣ 3 M KCl) due to a reductive desorption of MPA, and also above ∼1.2 V where the Au electrode begins to oxidize. STM shows that even a brief oxidation results in large change in the molecular packing structure of the MPA monolayer. Before the oxidation, the MPA molecules in the monolayer pack into several phases. The most dominant phase is an incommensurate p ×√3 structure, while commensurate phases, 5×√3, 6×√3, 8×√3 and 10×√3 have also been observed frequently. In some areas, the molecules pack into a superlattice 3×4√3 that can be attributed to a periodic mixing of two discrete conformations of MPA. After cycling the potential to the oxidation potentials, the ordered structures transform into a less compact disordered structure. The exposed bare Au electrode in the disordered structure is believed to be responsible for the loss of the electrode selectivity.
Childhood cancer and vitamins: Prevention and treatment

Discussions of pediatric nutrition and cancer usually focus on important issues of ensuring an adequate nutrient intake (enteral and parenteral) during and after the early treatment phase of care. However, information is available that suggests that vitamin status may have additional roles in the care of children with cancer. Over the last decade, investigators have reported findings that suggest that maternal preconception and perinatal vitamin intake and status influence the cancer risk of the infant and child. Others have shown a relationship between vitamin and antioxidant status and the prevalence and severity of adverse side effects for children undergoing chemotherapy. Vitamin D has potential anti-cancer activity and vitamin D status is suboptimal in many children in North America. Each of these issues is briefly presented from a perspective of prevention and treatment of childhood cancer.
THE ELIMINATION OF ADMINISTERED ZINC IN PANCREATIC JUICE, DUODENAL JUICE, AND BILE OF THE DOG AS MEASURED BY ITS RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPE (Zn65)

The excretion of intravenously injected labeled zinc into pancreatic juice, duodenal juice, and bile of the dog was investigated. The use of the radioactive isotope permitted the injection of minute amounts of zinc, amounts that were negligible when compared with the total amount of zinc already present in the animal. 1. A large proportion of the injected Zn(65) was eliminated by way of the external secretion of the pancreas. As much as 11 per cent was excreted in the pancreatic juice in 14 days. 2. Very little of the administered radiozinc appeared in the bile. The maximum excretion observed for this pathway was 0.4 per cent in 8 days. 3. Radiozinc was also found in large amounts in the juice obtained from an isolated loop of the duodenum.
Physical gelation of crystallizing metallocene and Ziegler-Natta ethylene–hexene copolymers

Abstract The effect of molecular architecture on the evolution of viscoelastic properties during crystallization was investigated using ethylene–hexene copolymers manufactured via metallocene (M-LLDPE) and Ziegler-Natta (ZN-LLDPE) processes. Differences in branching distribution were shown to have a drastic effect on the viscoelastic properties near the gel point. It is shown that the branching distribution rather than branch content is the determining parameter for the evolution of the rheological properties during isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization, and for the width of the solidification interval. We developed a partial melting technique for the preparation of stable critical gels of LLDPE whose viscoelastic properties correspond to the intermediate state between melt and solid. Local molecular conformation and crystallinity in these gels were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, which shows that the transition from melt-like to solid-like rheological behavior (physical gelation) in LLDPE occurs at a very low overall crystallinity of less than 5%.
A VHF Radar for Deployment on a UAV for Basal Imaging of Polar Ice

A VHF-band radar is being developed to characterize polar ice sheets and their basal conditions from a UAV developed specifically for low-altitude polar operation. The radar's 195-MHz center frequency, 30-MHz bandwidth, and 200-W transmit power will map internal layers and ice thickness with a depth resolution of less than 3 m in ice, and image the ice-bed interface. To satisfy the mass and volume constraints of the UAV, a distributed architecture was developed employing transmit/receive modules mounted on each of the eight wing-mounted wide-bandwidth Vivaldi antennas. An eight-channel digital waveform generator will be used to create transmit waveforms to simultaneously measure ice thickness and map internal layers along the nadir track, and image ice-bed interface on the left and right sides of the platform in strip-map mode.
Effects of mountain pine beetle on fuels and expected fire behavior in lodgepole pine forests, Colorado, USA

In Colorado and southern Wyoming, mountain pine beetle (MPB) has affected over 1.6 million ha of predominantly lodgepole pine forests, raising concerns about effects of MPB-caused mortality on subsequent wildfire risk and behavior. Using empirical data we modeled potential fire behavior across a gradient of wind speeds and moisture scenarios in Green stands compared three stages since MPB attack (Red [1–3 yrs], Grey [4–10 yrs], and Old-MPB [,30 yrs]). MPB killed 50% of the trees and 70% of the basal area in Red and Grey stages. Across moisture scenarios, canopy fuel moisture was one-third lower in Red and Grey stages compared to the Green stage, making active crown fire possible at lower wind speeds and less extreme moisture conditions. More-open canopies and high loads of large surface fuels due to treefall in Grey and Old-MPB stages significantly increased surface fireline intensities, facilitating active crown fire at lower wind speeds (.30–55 km/hr) across all moisture scenarios. Not accounting for low foliar moistures in Red and Grey stages, and large surface fuels in Grey and Old-MPB stages, underestimates the occurrence of active crown fire. Under extreme burning conditions, minimum wind speeds for active crown fire were 25–35 km/hr lower for Red, Grey and Old-MPB stands compared to Green. However, if transition to crown fire occurs (outside the stand, or within the stand via ladder fuels or wind gusts .65 km/hr), active crown fire would be sustained at similar wind speeds, suggesting observed fire behavior may not be qualitatively different among MPB stages under extreme burning conditions. Overall, the risk (probability) of active crown fire appears elevated in MPB-affected stands, but the predominant fire hazard (crown fire) is similar across MPB stages and is characteristic of lodgepole pine forests where extremely dry, gusty weather conditions are key factors in determining fire behavior.
The mechanical efficiency and kinematics of pantograph type manipulators

The mechanical efficiency of pantograph mechanisms is studied using the concept of redefined geometric work, and is compared with a conventional open-chain and a closed-chain type manipulator. The kinematics of two types of six-degree-of-freedom pantograph manipulators are studied. Special mechanisms which simplify the kinematics are discussed. The computational complexity of both Cartesian and cylindrical pantograph manipulators are evaluated and compared with a PUMA-type manipulator. >
Expanding Options for Bedside Placement of Inferior Vena Cava Filters with Intravascular Ultrasound When Transabdominal Duplex Ultrasound Imaging Is Inadequate

Although bedside placement of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters by means of transabdominal duplex ultrasound is possible in most patients, those with inadequate visualization have traditionally required fluoroscopy. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of bedside IVC filter placement with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) when transabdominal duplex ultrasound imaging is inadequate. Between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2002, 256 IVC filter placements were performed (207 with transabdominal duplex ultrasound [81%], 21 with fluoroscopy [8%], and 28 with IVUS [11%]). IVC filter placement with IVUS was performed only if visualization with transabdominal duplex ultrasound was determined to be inadequate. Demographics, technical data, and outcome for patients undergoing IVC filter placement with IVUS were reviewed and form the basis of this report. Bedside IVC filter placement with IVUS was technically successful in 26 of 28 patients (93%). Post-procedure abdominal radiographs confirmed proper placement, based on bony landmarks in 24 of 26 patients (92%). Post-procedure complications included insertion site thrombosis in two patients and possible recurrent pulmonary embolism in one patient 2 months following filter placement. One patient died from causes unrelated to IVC filter placement. From these results we conclude that IVC filter placement with IVUS is technically feasible and safe. This may allow for expanded bedside IVC filter placement capabilities in patients with inadequate IVC visualization on transabdominal duplex ultrasound.
Novel pathway of MDM2 stabilization by CARP2 that involves 14-3-3σ degradation

2776 CARP proteins (CARPs, including CARP1 and CARP2) are E3 ubiquitin ligases that promote the degradation of apical caspases of the extrinsic pathway and the p53 tumor suppressor protein (Yang et al., J. Biol. Chem. 282:3273-3281, 2007). To further examine CARP-mediated degradation of p53 we found that CARPs mediate MDM2 stabilization. Mutation of CARPs in the RING-domain abolished stabilization of but not binding to MDM2, indicating that stabilization of MDM2 by CARPs requires E3 ligase activity. Overexpression of CARP2, but not CARP1, caused degradation of endogenous 14-3-3σ whereas silencing of CARP2 induced stabilization of 14-3-3σ and associated reduction of MDM2 expression. CARP2 failed to stabilize but could still interact with MDM2 in 14-3-3σ knock-out cells. Silencing of MDMX did not affect CARP2-mediated stabilization of MDM2. Taken together, our data suggest that degradation of 14-3-3σ by CARP2 is mainly responsible for, though stabilization of MDMX by CARP2 may also contribute to, stabilization of MDM2 and subsequent elimination of p53.
Physiological Evidence for Local Excitatory Synaptic Circuits in the Rat Hypothalamus

Boudaba, Cherif, Laura A. Schrader, and Jeffrey G. Tasker. Physiological evidence for local excitatory synaptic circuits in the rat hypothalamus. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 3396–3400, 1997. We conducted ...
Studies of Adaptive Finite Element Method for Component Crashworthiness Analysis

Crashworthiness analysis involves highly nonlinear transient dynamic problems with large deformation of thin shell structures, elastic-plasticity, surface contact, etc. Accuracy, robustness and efficiency are always the fundamental requirements for engineering applications. Adaptive methods of finite element analysis are considered powerful tools for many engineering applications, to obtain good accuracy efficiently. This paper is to report a preliminary study on the application of h-adaptivity to crashworthiness analysis using LS-DYNA. The performance of the component axial crash simulation using adaptive method is presented with comparisons to uniform refinement. The roles and effects of the control parameters of the software are discussed. It is found that the error indicator based on shell element normal rotation is effective for the solutions of bending dominated crashworthiness applications. The adaptive refinement occurs in the large deformation area and the results are comparable to those obtained by using uniform mesh of the same level of refinement, with much less cpu time.
Preferred Stock Financing: A Survey Of Trends In The 1980s

Following major structural changes in the preferred stock market, a survey was undertaken to determine whether reasons for issuing preferred stock had changed and for what purposes it is now issued. Differences in uses between traditional and new preferred stock are documented. No support is found for the common generalization that convertible preferred stock is issued primarily for merger and acquisition activities. Reasons for issuing preferred stock vary by industry and whether the firm is expanding or restructuring.
Energy Efficiency in the United States

Energy efficiency in buildings is crucial for climate change mitigation. Both national and state mandates increase energy efficiency, but most energy efficiency mandates in the United States are at the state level. The federal government mandates that its new buildings be energy efficient, and assists in the creation and implementation of energy-efficient building codes. The federal government also subsidizes energy efficiency, often through the tax code. State energy efficiency policy includes building codes, utility-run programs, and other incentives. Every state has some utility-run programs, and state utility regulation either requires or incentivizes energy efficiency programs. There are significant differences in utility-run programs among the states. Some states have minimal and ineffective programs, while other states like California and Massachusetts have transformative efforts, often led by utilities whose profits depend on reducing total energy usage. There are also private energy efficiency efforts, including private building standards like LEED and Green Globes.
Teaching East and Southeast Asia through Asian Eyes

Colonialism and indigenous responses to its varied forms dominate modern Asian historiography and imbue the history of the region with rich and multifaceted connections to world history. As a result, the histories of East and Southeast Asian nation-states since 1500 cannot be viewed outside of the context of global affairs. Imagining Asian peoples and cultures during this time is problematic for students, who typically approach colonialism from a western perspective. This presentation explores various means of incorporating into the classroom pedagogical materials and diverse media sources that facilitate a more grounded examination of East and Southeast Asian colonies, peoples, and nation-states.It pays special attention to teaching colonialism, anti-colonialism, nationalism, and transnationalism from the perspective of Southeast Asia’s indigenous peoples.
Knowledge Creation and Firm Performance: The Role of Process Integration in Collaborative Relationships

In the increasingly competitive global marketplace, firms seek to maximize competitive advantage by collaborating with other firms in business-to-business (B2B) networks rather than competing as independent entities (Dyer and Singh 1998). Sharing unique knowledge is a central component of collaborative relationships (Vargo and Lusch 2004), resulting in the creation of new knowledge resources (Kahn et al. 2006). The successful exchange of knowledge resources between collaborating entities requires the integration of relevant processes (Teece et al. 2007), which can occur internally between functional units of the firm (Closs and Savitskie 2003) and externally between network partners (Richey et al. 2010).
Efficacy and timing of application of oxathiapiprolin against black shank of flue-cured tobacco

Phytophthora nicotianae, the causal agent of black shank, is one of the most important soilborne pathogens of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). The use of soil applied fungicides has been a significant component of effective black shank management for tobacco growers. Oxathiapiprolin is a new fungicide with a novel mode of action that has shown efficacy against many oomycetes, including P. nicotianae. Studies were conducted in 2012 in fields naturally infested with P. nicotianae to determine the efficacy of different rates, methods, and timing of applications of oxathiapiprolin against black shank. Field trials were conducted in 2013 and 2014 to examine the efficacy of alternating applications of oxathiapiprolin and mefenoxam against black shank. Fungicide treatments were applied to the soil on the day of transplanting tobacco to the field, on the day of first cultivation (14–25 days after transplant), and during last cultivation (46–65 days after transplant). A single application of oxathiapiprolin in the transplant water at 0.07, 0.14, or 0.28 kg a.i./ha significantly decreased area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) compared to the non-treated control in the 2012 field trials. In addition, treatments with three applications of oxathiapiprolin at all tested rates significantly reduced AUDPC compared to non-treated control. In field trials from 2013 and 2014, alternating applications of oxathiapiprolin at transplant, mefenoxam at first cultivation, and oxathiapiprolin at last cultivation significantly lowered AUDPC compared to the non-treated control. In contrast, the AUDPC after three applications of mefenoxam at transplant, first cultivation, and last cultivation did not differ significantly from the non-treated control. Overall, our results indicate that soil-directed applications of oxathiapiprolin, alone or in alternation with mefenoxam are efficacious for the reduction of black shank of tobacco.
Nonlinear optical characterization of multinuclear iridium compounds containing tricycloquinazoline.

Nonlinear optical properties were characterized for a series of multinuclear iridium compounds of the form TCQ[IrIII(ppz)2]n, where n=1, 2, or 3, TCQ is tricycloquinazoline, and ppz is 1-phenylpyrazole. Transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy indicated that the triplet metal-to-ligand charge transfer excited state was formed on a subpicosecond time scale and decayed back to the ground state on a microsecond time scale, consistent with precedents in the literature. TA bands were observed for all three compounds from 475 to 900 nm, implying the potential for reverse-saturable absorption (RSA) at those wavelengths. Z-scan measurements using picosecond and nanosecond pulses were obtained at 532 nm and confirmed the presence of RSA behavior for all three compounds. The triplet excited state cross sections and the RSA figure of merit were found to decrease with increasing n:1>2∼3.
T.P.3: Gait velocity in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy -impact of overweight, muscle strength and range of motion on gait velocity

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy ambulation is early affected with successively slower gait velocity and loss of ambulation during adolescence. Prolonged ambulation is a goal for treatment and also an important outcome measure in research projects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if and how gait velocity in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is affected by overweight, muscle strength in the knee extensors and range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion, further to evaluate predictors for impaired ambulation. In a retrospective study, regression analyses were used to calculate to which degree gait velocity was affected by overweight, muscle strength and range of motion. Measurements from 50 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy born between 1985 and 2007 at Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital in Gothenburg were analysed. The assessments collected were part of the routine multidisciplinary care. The measurements collected were height, weight, 10 meters running/running test, strength in the knee extensors and ROM of ankle dorsiflexion from the non-dominant side. One hundred fifty-eight observations at the ages five, seven and ten were chosen to be able to study different stages of the disease. The three parameters together explain 70% of variance of gait velocity at seven years of age and 38% at the age of ten. At the age of seven strength in knee extensors has the highest impact while range of motion of the dorsiflexors has the highest impact at the age of ten. Overweight has an impact on gait velocity as well, especially if the weight gain is excessive. This study shows further that gait velocity is the most significant predictor for deterioration of gait velocity and consequently also for the loss of ambulation. The three parameters overweight, muscle strength in the knee extensors and ROM of ankle dorsiflexion are important to take into consideration when evaluating the ambulatory ability both in clinical settings and in research.
Neurocardiovascular deficits in the Q175 mouse model of Huntington's disease

Cardiovascular dysautonomia as well as the deterioration of circadian rhythms are among the earliest detectable pathophysiological changes in individuals with Huntington's disease (HD). Preclinical research requires mouse models that recapitulate disease symptoms and the Q175 knock-in model offers a number of advantages but potential autonomic dysfunction has not been explored. In this study, we sought to test the dual hypotheses that cardiovascular dysautonomia can be detected early in disease progression in the Q175 model and that this dysfunction varies with the daily cycle. Using radiotelemetry implants, we observed a significant reduction in the diurnal and circadian activity rhythms in the Q175 mutants at the youngest ages. By middle age, the autonomically driven rhythms in core body temperature were highly compromised, and the Q175 mutants exhibited striking episodes of hypothermia that increased in frequency with mutant huntingtin gene dosage. In addition, Q175 mutants showed higher resting heart rate (HR) during sleep and greatly reduced correlation between activity and HR HR variability was reduced in the mutants in both time and frequency domains, providing more evidence of autonomic dysfunction. Measurement of the baroreceptor reflex revealed that the Q175 mutant could not appropriately increase HR in response to a pharmacologically induced decrease in blood pressure. Echocardiograms showed reduced ventricular mass and ejection fraction in mutant hearts. Finally, cardiac histopathology revealed localized points of fibrosis resembling those caused by myocardial infarction. Thus, the Q175 mouse model of HD exhibits cardiovascular dysautonomia similar to that seen in HD patients with prominent sympathetic dysfunction during the resting phase of the activity rhythm.