cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of LED light intensity on lettuce coloration and biomass

Light emitting diodes can potentially be a useful tool for lettuce (Lactuca sativa) indoor production because of its ability to control light spectra and provide high light levels with little radiant heat. This study was conducted to test coloration, biomass, and anthocyanin concentration in lettuce grown under different light intensities, giving us insights on how changing light intensities can improve coloration and increase productivity. The experiment was conducted in a laboratory with controlled light, humidity and temperature, eliminating as much variability as possible. The following three treatments were used: (1) standard intensity at 250 µmol/m2/s throughout the growing period, (2) high intensity at 500 µmol/m2/s throughout the growing period, and (3) standard intensity at 250 µmol/m2/s then high intensity of 500 µmol/m2/s two days before harvest. Measurements included subjective visual color ratings, fresh weight biomass, and anthocyanin concentration. There were significant differences among treatments in color ratings and biomass, and no significant differences in anthocyanin concentration. The 250 µmol/m2/s and 250/500 µmol/m2/s treatments showed little differences in color rating. The 500 µmol/m2/s treatment led to higher red pigmentation in plants. The 500 µmol/m2/s treatment was numerically but not significantly higher in biomass than the 250 µmol/m2/s treatment, while the 250/500 µmol/m2/s treatment was lowest. Growers who produce lettuce in a greenhouse setting and are capable of increasing light intensity can apply light intensity at 500 µmol/m2/s throughout the growing season to improve coloration and maintain productivity.
Correlated Neural Activity and Encoding of Behavior across Brains of Socially Interacting Animals.

Summary Social interactions involve complex decision-making tasks that are shaped by dynamic, mutual feedback between participants. An open question is whether and how emergent properties may arise across brains of socially interacting individuals to influence social decisions. By simultaneously performing microendoscopic calcium imaging in pairs of socially interacting mice, we find that animals exhibit interbrain correlations of neural activity in the prefrontal cortex that are dependent on ongoing social interaction. Activity synchrony arises from two neuronal populations that separately encode one’s own behaviors and those of the social partner. Strikingly, interbrain correlations predict future social interactions as well as dominance relationships in a competitive context. Together, our study provides conclusive evidence for interbrain synchrony in rodents, uncovers how synchronization arises from activity at the single-cell level, and presents a role for interbrain neural activity coupling as a property of multi-animal systems in coordinating and sustaining social interactions between individuals.
Genetic and phenotypic (co)variances for production traits of female populations of purebred and composite beef cattle

Least squares means, genetic ( ug) and phenotypic ( ap) standard deviations, and pheno- typic coefficients of variation (CV) were estimated for growth traits of intact males from 12 breed groups combined, for nine purebreds combined, and for the F1, Fa, F3, and F4 generations of three composite populations to which the nine purebreds contributed. Heritabilities (h2) and genetic (rg) and phenotypic (Ip) correlations were estimated for growth traits, calving difficulty of calves with dams of different ages, and gestation length. Coefficients of variation and ug generally were similar for composites and contributing purebreds. Generally, estimates of h2 were similar for all breed groups combined, contributing purebreds combined, and composites combined. Estimates of h2 for calving difficulty were higher for calves with 2-yr-old dams than for calves with dams 2 3 yr old and were sufficiently high (.27 and .3 1) to be a useful selection criterion for reducing calving difficulty. Mean h2 pooled within all breed groups ranged from .35 for 200-d weight and 368-d weight to .48 for 368-d height. Estimates of h2 for subjective scores of anatomical traits were only slightly lower than those for growth and size traits. The h2 of scrotal circumfer- ence ( .43) was similar to those for growth and size traits. Genetic correlations between birth weight and calving difficulty were similar for 1 ) calves with dams of all ages, 2) calves with 2-yr-old dams, and 3) calves with dams 2 3 yr old. The rg of gestation length with birth weight was low (. 2 1) and was .57 and 54, respectively, with calving difficulty score and with percentage calving difficulty for calves with dams 2 3 yr old. Phenotypic correlations were relatively high among growth and size traits and were intermediate between birth weight and both expressions of calving difficulty in calves with 2-yr-old dams (.53 and .42) but were lower for calves with dams in other age classes.
Gradient flow step-scaling function for SU(3) with twelve flavors

We calculate the step scaling function, the lattice analog of the renormalization group $\ensuremath{\beta}$-function, for an SU(3) gauge theory with twelve flavors. The gauge coupling of this system runs very slowly, which is reflected in a small step scaling function, making numerical simulations particularly challenging. We present a detailed analysis including the study of systematic effects of our extensive data set generated with twelve dynamical flavors using the Symanzik gauge action and three times stout smeared M\"obius domain wall fermions. Using up to ${32}^{4}$ volumes, we calculate renormalized couplings for different gradient flow schemes and determine the step-scaling $\ensuremath{\beta}$ function for a scale change $s=2$ on up to five different lattice volume pairs. Our preferred analysis is fully $O({a}^{2})$ Symanzik improved and uses Zeuthen flow combined with the Symanzik operator. We find an infrared fixed point within the range $5.2\ensuremath{\le}{g}_{c}^{2}\ensuremath{\le}6.4$ in the $c=0.250$ finite volume gradient flow scheme. We account for systematic effects by calculating the step-scaling function based on alternative flows (Wilson or Symanzik) as well as operators (Wilson plaquette, clover) and also explore the effects of the perturbative tree-level improvement.
Boycotting as Ethical Consumerism

Boycotting in response to corporations making political or social statements is an ever-increasing phenomenon. While some have argued that boycotting is an impermissible form of consumer behavior, this article argues that boycotting should be considered a form of ethical consumerism. Historically, ethical consumerism has focused on charitable giving and sustainable consumption — behaviors that utilize consumer market power to do “good”. This article argues that expressive boycotting (publicly expressing dissatisfaction with a company’s political statement by not buying its products) also harnesses consumer market power to do “good” — the good being promoting certain procedural democratic principles. The recent increase in corporations taking political and social stands creates an imbalance of power in the marketplace of ideas. By boycotting, consumers engage in counter speech and make the marketplace of ideas more robust and efficient. Hence, this article argues that this form of consumer behavior should be encouraged. The article concludes with a research agenda for consumer psychologists to better understand expressive consumer boycotts and to begin to develop interventions to encourage them.
Patient and Hospital Factors Associated With Unexpected Newborn Complications Among Term Neonates in US Hospitals

Importance Unexpected complications in term newborns have been recently adopted by the Joint Commission as a marker of obstetric care quality. Objective To understand the variation and patient and hospital factors associated with severe unexpected complications in term neonates among hospitals in the United States. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study collected data from all births in US counties with 1 obstetric hospital using county-identified birth certificate data and American Hospital Association annual survey data from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2017. All live-born, term, singleton infants weighing at least 2500 g were included. The data analysis was performed from December 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019. Exposures Severe unexpected newborn complication, defined as neonatal death, 5-minute Apgar score of 3 or less, seizure, use of assisted ventilation for at least 6 hours, or transfer to another facility. Main Outcomes and Measures Between-hospital variation and patient and hospital factors associated with unexpected newborn complications. Results A total of 1 754 852 births from 576 hospitals were included in the analysis. A wide range of hospital complication rates was found (range, 0.6-89.9 per 1000 births; median, 15.3 per 1000 births [interquartile range, 9.6-22.0 per 1000 births]). Hospitals with high newborn complication rates were more likely to care for younger, white, less educated, and publicly insured women with more medical comorbidities compared with hospitals with low complication rates. In the adjusted models, there was little effect of case mix to explain the observed between-county variation (11.3%; 95% CI, 10.0%-12.6%). Neonatal transfer was the primary factor associated with complication rates, especially among hospitals with the highest rates (66.0% of all complications). The risk for unexpected neonatal complication increased by more than 50% for those neonates born at hospitals without a neonatal intensive care unit compared with those with a neonatal intensive care unit (adjusted odds ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.38-1.75). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, severe unexpected complication rates among term newborns varied widely. When included in the metric numerator, neonatal transfer was the primary factor associated with complications, especially among hospitals with the highest rates. Transfers were more likely to be necessary when infants were born in hospitals with lower levels of neonatal care. Thus, if this metric is to be used in its current form, it would appear that accreditors, regulatory bodies, and payers should consider adjusting for or stratifying by a hospital’s level of neonatal care to avoid disincentivizing against appropriate transfers.
Disorder: Arginase deficiency

Abstract Arginase deficiency (ARG1 deficiency, OMIM # 207800) is a urea cycle disorder. Arginase 1 (EC3.5.3.1), also known as arginine amidinase, is an enzyme found throughout the body that catalyzes the conversion of arginine to ornithine and urea in the final step of the urea cycle. When activity is deficient and the conversion cannot proceed, arginine concentrations rise as arginine accumulates.
An Efficient Area-Based Algorithm for SAR Radiometric Terrain Correction and Map Projection

This article presents a projection algorithm based on the representation of radar samples as area elements, rather than point elements as traditionally done in previous works. Each area element in the geographic grid (geogrid) is associated with a set of samples in the radar grid that intersect completely or partially the area element according to the topography and the radar geometry. Accurate geocoding with adaptive multi-looking is achieved by successively assigning the weighted average of the radar samples to the corresponding geogrid elements. Analogously, the slant-range projection of geocoded data is improved by projecting the geogrid pixels onto the radar grid according to their projected area. When our slant-range projection approach is used within previously-published radiometric terrain correction (RTC) algorithms, the processing time is significantly reduced, performing 4.2 to 6.5 times faster over multi-looked data and up to 16.7 over single-look data. We demonstrate the strength of the area projection algorithm for RTC and geocoding using UAVSAR and Sentinel-1 data, and evaluate the results in the context of the upcoming NISAR mission.
Sociotechnical stability and equilibrium

Research on sociotechnical transitions depends on the identification of stable sociotechnical systems (STS) and evaluating when, why, and how they change. However, much research on STS includes only implicit reference to system stability. In contrast, research on social-ecological systems (SES) has a long history of investigating stability and equilibrium. In this text, we identify how stability is incorporated in SES research, and we identify three roles that equilibrium often takes in this process. We use these insights to inform our review of sociotechnical transitions literature and identify three pillars of sociotechnical stability. Reviewing literature on sociotechnical transitions through a focus on stability and equilibrium highlights important areas for future research on STS and how they change. Explicit and descriptive research on sociotechnical stability can help differentiate stochastic change from sociotechnical transition and improve understanding of sociotechnical resilience.
Broiler performance and litter ammonia levels as affected by sulfur added to the bird's diet

Summary Ammonia buildup in poultry houses is a concern for the poultry industry as it can lead to potential losses because of reduced bird performance, damage to the birds' skin and respiratory tract, and loss of customers owing to animal welfare issues. Current methods for ammonia control are useful, but there is considerable variation in ammonia levels from farm to farm. A potential strategy for eliminating this variation would be to approach ammonia management by using a feed additive, thereby increasing uniformity of application among farms and houses. This study tested the effects of using elemental sulfur as a feed additive (feedthrough sulfur) on ammonia levels, live performance, and paw quality of broilers raised on fresh bedding for 3 consecutive experiments. Feedthrough sulfur had no negative or positive effects on bird performance in terms of average BW and feed conversion ratio, and this treatment as well as sodium bisulfate appeared to perform at least in controlling atmospheric ammonia levels. However, no significant difference in ammonia levels was detected between any of the treatments and the control. Final litter pH was lower for feedthrough sulfur–treated birds than that of the control, and the percentage of birds with footpad lesions was lower in 2 of 3 experiments than that of the control. These results indicate that feedthrough sulfur may be a useful litter treatment compared with existing alternatives, though more research is needed to confirm this.
Age Effects of Bone Conduction Vibration Vestibular-evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs) Using B81 and Impulse Hammer Stimuli

Objective Recently developed, the Radioear B81 bone oscillator allows for higher bone conduction vibration output; however, normative data are lacking regarding its use in vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of age on cervical and ocular VEMP (c- and oVEMP) responses using the B81 and to compare with air conduction stimuli (ACS) and impulse hammer (IH) VEMP response characteristics. Design c- and oVEMP were completed with ACS, B81, and IH stimuli in healthy participants (age range = 10 to 87 years, n = 85). Results Regardless of stimulus type, c- and oVEMP amplitudes and response rates decreased with age. For cVEMP response rates, ACS performed better or equal to B81, which was superior to the IH. For cVEMP corrected amplitude, ACS had significantly higher amplitudes compared with B81 and IH. There was no difference in cVEMP corrected amplitude between B81 and IH. For oVEMP, response rates were comparable between stimuli with the largest disparity in response rates occurring in the oldest groups where IH outperformed both ACS and B81. For oVEMP amplitude, IH had significantly higher amplitudes compared with B81 and ACS. There was no difference in oVEMP amplitude between B81 and ACS. Conclusions Age significantly affected c- and oVEMP amplitudes regardless of stimulus type (ACS, B81, IH). All stimuli are appropriate for eliciting c- and oVEMP in the young individuals. While ACS resulted in higher cVEMP corrected amplitudes, either ACS or B81 are appropriate for older individuals. However, for oVEMPs, higher response rates and larger amplitudes were noted for IH followed by B81 and ACS. Overall, the B81 performed well across the lifespan for c- and oVEMPs and may be a reasonable bone conduction vibration option for patients with absent ACS VEMPs, but at this time is not recommended as a replacement to ACS.
Lagrangian models of particle-laden flows with stochastic forcing: Monte Carlo, moment equations, and method of distributions analyses

Deterministic Eulerian–Lagrangian models represent the interaction between particles and carrier flow through the drag force. Its analytical descriptions are only feasible in special physical situations, such as the Stokes drag for low Reynolds number. For high particle Reynolds and Mach numbers, where the Stokes solution is not valid, the drag must be corrected by empirical, computational, or hybrid (data-driven) methods. This procedure introduces uncertainty in the resulting model predictions, which can be quantified by treating the drag as a random variable and by using data to verify the validity of the correction. For a given probability density function of the drag coefficient, we carry out systematic uncertainty quantification for an isothermal one-way coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian system with stochastic forcing. The first three moment equations are analyzed with a priori closure using Monte Carlo computations, showing that the stochastic solution is highly non-Gaussian. For a more complete description, the method of distributions is used to derive a deterministic partial differential equation for the evolution of the joint PDF of the particle phase and drag coefficient. This equation is solved via Chebyshev spectral collocation method, and the resulting numerical solution is compared with Monte Carlo computations. Our analysis highlights the importance of a proper approximation of the Dirac delta function, which represents deterministic (known with certainty) initial conditions. The robustness and accuracy of our PDF equation were tested on one-dimensional problems in which the Eulerian phase represents either a uniform flow or a stagnation flow.
Gendered associations among callous-unemotional traits, emotion regulation, and antisocial behavior

Abstract Callous-unemotional (CU) Traits, a subset of psychopathic traits often used to characterize youth, affect community wellbeing via associated antisocial behaviors such as aggression, substance use, and criminal acts. Impaired emotion regulation (ER), which contributes to both internalizing and externalizing behavior, may be related to the association between CU traits and antisocial behavior. However, ER, similarly to CU traits, appears to manifest inconsistently across gender. The current study tested the role of ER in the relationship between CU traits and antisocial behavior, while incorporating gender into two theoretically-driven models of this association. Results indicated that gender moderates the indirect relationship between CU traits and antisocial behavior, specifically the association between ER and antisocial behavior, which was significantly greater for males. CU traits were associated with impaired ER comparably for each group. These findings underscore ER as a construct worthy of further investigation in the context of CU traits and interventions targeting antisocial behavior, particularly among emerging adult males.
Displacement, Violence, and Mental Health: Evidence from Rohingya Adolescents in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

The Rohingya have endured generations of trauma through displacement and targeted violence in Myanmar. Hundreds of thousands have been forced out of the country, with a large proportion settling in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. This study examines the impacts of exposure to trauma on mental health outcomes among Rohingya adolescents living in Bangladesh. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are examined as outcomes. The main explanatory variable is a measure of exposure to trauma at two levels of proximity (experiencing and witnessing). Resilience is investigated as a potential effect modifier. Experiencing and witnessing traumatic events are positively and significantly associated with PTSD and depression. However, this effect is only seen for PTSD as a continuous measure, reflecting high rates of low-level PTSD in this population. Resilience is found to reduce the effects of trauma on depression, indicating an effect modification of this relationship.
Correlates of oral health fatalism in caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder

Aims To study correlates of oral health fatalism (OHF) in caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods and results This exploratory analysis used baseline data from 118 Medicaid-eligible families of children with ASD in a multi-site randomized clinical trial of a parent training intervention supporting home oral hygiene and dental visits. About half (46%) of caregivers agreed with the statement "most children eventually develop dental cavities," endorsing OHF. Hispanic caregivers more strongly endorsed OHF than non-Hispanics (cumulative odds ratio = 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-4.7, P = .014). Caregivers living alone with children less strongly endorsed OHF than caregivers cohabitating with other adults (cumulative odds ratio = 0.39, 95% CI 0.17-0.86, P = .019). Multivariable analysis maintained significance of ethnicity (P = .030) but not living situation (P = .052). Additional analyses included demographics, parenting beliefs, and children's oral hygiene and oral health status. Conclusion About half the caregivers endorsed OHF, with Hispanic caregivers more strongly endorsing OHF. OHF was not significantly associated with oral health behaviors or status, consistent with emerging literature suggesting fatalism is not necessarily linked to health behavior. Further exploration of OHF correlates in families of children with ASD is needed; ethnicity, living situation, child age, and caries status are of interest.
Metabolic activation and hepatotoxicity of trichloroethylene.

When we began our studies about six years ago on the relationship between the metabolism and hepatotoxicity of trichloroethylene, there seemed to be a great deal more to know about its mechanism of metabolism than about its hepatotoxicity. Knowledge about its metabolism began with the detection by Powell in 1945 of an oxidized metabolite of trichloroethylene with three chlorines on one carbon in human urine. On this basis, she suggested that the metabolism of trichloroethylene proceeds via an unstable epoxide intermediate. Subsequently Daniel (1963) demonstrated that the oxidation of tri­chloroethylene to trichloroethanol and trichloroacetic acid proceeds without loss of labeled chlorine, which supported an epoxidation mechanism of metabolism followed by an intramolecular chlorine shift. Metabolic investigations by Leibman (1965) identified the liver mixed-function oxidases as the enzyme system primarily responsible for the initial oxidation of trichloroethylene. Other enzyme systems, including those in the adjacent cytoplasm, were found to participate in subsequent hydration, oxidation, reduction, and/or conjugation of secondary metabolites (Byington and Leibman, 1965; Muller et al., 1975). Figure 1 summarizes probable and potential pathways of trichloroethylene biotransformation.
L-cell virion ribonucleic acid.

Abstract “L-cell virion,” obtained from chronically infected 929 L-cell lines, was purified on 70% sucrose pads and its ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted and analyzed on sucrose gradients. Two RNA components were isolated from the virion, a rapidly sedimenting species (82S) and a more slowly sedimenting species (6S). When the fast-moving component was heated to 45 C, it yielded a homogeneous peak which now sedimented at approximately 72S. Upon heating to 70 C, the peak dissociates into a smaller homogeneous RNA species with a sedimentation coefficient of approximately 33S. Ribonuclease treatment and base composition analysis revealed that the fast-moving species is a single-stranded molecule. Base ratio analysis also revealed that the small (6S) RNA component is similar in its base composition to L-cell ribosomal RNA and distinctly different from the base composition of the large (72S) RNA component. Actinomycin D inhibits production of the L-cell virion by the L-cell line.
Odd and Even Dominating Sets with Open Neighborhoods.

A subset D of the vertex set V of a graph is called an open oddd dominating set if each vertex in V is adjacent to an odd number of vertices in D (adjacency is irreflexive). In this paper we solve the existence and enumeration problems for odd open dominating sets (and analogously defined even open dominating sets) in the m × n grid graph and prove some structural results for those that do exist. We use a combination of combinatorial and linear algebraic methods, with particular reliance on the sequence of Fibonacci polynomials
Peaceable Kingdom Lost: The Paxton Boys and the Destruction of William Penn's Holy Experiment

Introduction False Dawn 1. Newcomers 2. Settlers and Squatters 3. Expansion 4. Fraud 5. A Hunger for Land "THEATRE OF BLOODSHED AND RAPINE" 6. Braddock's Defeat 7. Pennsylvania Goes to War 8. Negotiations 9. Westward Journeys 10. Conquest ZEALOTS 11. Indian Uprising 12. Rangers 13. Conestoga Indiantown 14. Lancaster Workhouse 15. Panic in Philadelphia A WAR OF WORDS 16. Germantown 17. "A proper Spirit of Jealousy, and Revenge" 18. "Christian White Savages" 19. "Under the Tyran's Foot UNRAVELING 20. Killers 21. Mercenaries 22. Revolutionaries Players Chronology
Role of membrane cofactor protein (CD46) in regulation of C4b and C3b deposited on cells

C4b and C3b deposited on host cells undergo limited proteolytic cleavage by regulatory proteins. Membrane cofactor protein (MCP; CD46), factor H, and C4b binding protein mediate this reaction, known as cofactor activity, that also requires the plasma serine protease factor I. To explore the roles of the fluid phase regulators vs those expressed on host cells, a model system was used examining complement fragments deposited on cells transfected with human MCP as assessed by FACS and Western blotting. Following incubation with Ab and complement on MCP+ cells, C4b was progressively cleaved over the first hour to C4d and C4c. There was no detectable cleavage of C4b on MCP− cells, indicating that MCP (and not C4BP in the serum) primarily mediates this cofactor activity. C3b deposition was not blocked on MCP+ cells because classical pathway activation occurred before substantial C4b cleavage. Cleavage, though, of deposited C3b was rapid (<5 min) and iC3b was the dominant fragment on MCP− and MCP+ cells. Studies using a function-blocking mAb further established factor H as the responsible cofactor. If the level of Ab sensitization was reduced 8-fold or if Mg2+-EGTA was used to block the classical pathway, MCP efficiently inhibited C3b deposition mediated by the alternative pathway. Thus, for the classical pathway, MCP is the cofactor for C4b cleavage and factor H for C3b cleavage. However, if the alternative pathway mediates C3b deposition, then MCP’s cofactor activity is sufficient to restrict complement activation.
Asymptotic stability of rigid body attitude systems

A rigid body, supported by a fixed pivot point, is free to rotate in three dimensions. Two cases are studied: the balanced case, whose dynamics are described by the Euler equations for a free rigid body, and the unbalanced case, whose dynamics are described by the heavy top equations. Both cases include linear passive dissipation effects. For each case, conditions are presented that guarantee asymptotic stability for relevant equilibrium solutions. The developments are based on a careful treatment of nonlinear coupling in applying LaSalle's invariance principle. Emphases are given to the partial damping cases; an approach based on the polynomial structure of the dynamics is used to obtain asymptotic stability conditions for these cases.
Mutational analysis of PHEX, FGF23 and DMP1 in a cohort of patients with hypophosphatemic rickets

Background X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets and autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets make up a group of renal phosphate wasting disorders with common clinical and biochemical characteristics. These three types of rickets are related to mutations in PHEX, FGF23 and DMP1, respectively.
Model and Animate Plant Leaf Wilting

We describe a venation skeleton-driven method for modeling and animating plant wilting. The proposed approach uses a representation of a three-dimensional skeleton for a leaf blade. Firstly, the leaf skeleton is used to generate a detail mesh for the leaf surface, and a venation skeleton is also generated interactively from the leaf skeleton. Each vein in the venation skeleton consists of a segmented vertices string. Secondly each vertex in the leaf mesh is banded to the nearest vertex in the venation skeleton. We then deform the venation skeleton by controlling the movement of each vertex in the venation skeleton by rotating it around a fixed vector. Finally the leaf mesh is mapped to the deformed venation skeleton, as such the deformation of the mesh follow the deformation of the venation skeleton. We apply our techniques to simulate wilting plant leaves resulted from biological response.
Robust Multilevel Restricted Schwarz Preconditioners and Applications

We introduce a multi-level restricted Schwarz preconditioner with a special coarse-to-fine interpolation and show numerically that the new preconditioner works extremely well for some difficult large systems of linear equations arising from some optimization problems constrained by the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. Performance of the preconditioner is reported for parameters including number of processors, mesh sizes and Reynolds numbers.
Pilot testing of a mindfulness- and acceptance-based intervention for increasing cardiorespiratory fitness in sedentary adults: A feasibility study.

Objective Vigorous physical activity (PA) has been promoted for improving cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). However, therapeutic techniques designed to engage participants in vigorous PA have fallen short; one reason for this may be the unpleasant physical sensations associated with vigorous exercise (e.g., temporary shortness of breath and mild muscle soreness). Mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may be helpful at improving adherence to vigorous PA levels. In this open clinical trial, we sought to demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness- and acceptance-based intervention for increasing CRF in sedentary adults and to generate initial outcomes data.
Comparison between the effects of dietary saturated (16:0), monounsaturated (18:1), and polyunsaturated (18:2) fatty acids on plasma lipoprotein metabolism in cebus and rhesus monkeys fed cholesterol-free diets

Cebus and rhesus monkeys were fed cholesterol-free diets providing 40% of energy as fat for 6-wk periods. The fats were high-linoleic acid safflower oil (HLSO), high-oleic acid safflower oil (HOSO), or palm oil (PO), rich in polyunsaturated (18:2), monounsaturated (18:1), or saturated (16:0) fatty acids, respectively. In cebus monkeys, plasma cholesterol concentrations during HLSO intake were 17-19% lower than those during HOSO or PO intake, attributed to a decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Plasma triglyceride (TG) and low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations were comparable during all dietary treatments. Sixty-eight percent of total LDL catabolism was receptor mediated in all dietary groups and this was associated with similar apolipoprotein B pool sizes and fractional catabolic rates. Rhesus monkeys revealed similar cholesterol concentrations (total, LDL, and HDL) during all dietary treatments. TG concentrations during PO intake were 34% and 63% higher than those during HOSO and HLSO intakes, respectively. Hence, dietary 16:0 and 18:1 produce similar effects on LDL and HDL metabolism in normocholesterolemic primates.
Xylem vessel traits predict the leaf phenology of native and non‐native understorey species of temperate deciduous forests

Summary Non-native understorey woody species have been shown to extend leaf display and inhabit vacant phenological niches in early spring and late autumn when growing with native counterparts in temperate deciduous forests across the world. Despite the potential competitive advantages, extended leaf duration also subjects non-native species to possible hydraulic risks associated with maintaining leaves during periods of increased frost probability. It remains unclear how non-native species are able to maintain xylem function within this context. Leaf phenology in temperate deciduous trees has been shown to be a function of xylem anatomy, with earlier bud break associated with smaller xylem vessels due to the presumed resistance of smaller vessels to freezing-induced cavitation. We examined relationships between leaf phenology and xylem vessel traits across 82 native and non-native understorey deciduous woody species common to eastern U.S. deciduous forests. We hypothesized that non-native species possess xylem vessel traits associated with maximum hydraulic safety during frost-prone spring and autumn leaf display without compromising rapid growth rate. Larger metaxylem vessels in non-native species were associated with both faster spring growth and delayed autumn leaf fall compared to native species. Non-native species also had smaller latewood vessel diameter, latewood vessel area percentage and a higher proportion of solitary vessels in the entire secondary xylem cross section compared to natives, potentially increasing their resistance to freezing- and/or drought-induced cavitation in autumn, thus allowing for delayed autumn leaf fall. Native and non-native species exhibited similar dates of spring bud break and leaf emergence, consistent with similar xylem vessel size and vessel area percentage within metaxylem and earlywood. Within both groups, species with earlier bud and leaf emergence had a higher total percentage of vessel area within metaxylem and earlywood. This suggests understorey species need sufficient water to support their early spring growth at the risk of freezing-induced cavitation. Our study suggests xylem vessel properties, along with cross-sectional spatial xylem vessel distribution, reflect the capacity of non-native plants to thrive in a new environment and deepen our understanding of the physiological mechanisms of successful invasions of non-native understorey woody plant species.
On the Importance of Time for GIS View Measures and Their Use in Hedonic Property Models: Does Being Temporally Explicit Matter?

Progress in GIScience has advanced the ability to represent and analyze view characteristics. GIS-derived view measures requiring digital elevation surface models are used in hedonic property models to quantify the amenity value of view for parcel sales transactions. Ideally models should represent surface elevations that are temporally synchronized with parcel sale dates. Temporal synchronization for studies spanning multiple years may require significant effort. Few studies have undertaken this effort, leading us to investigate in this research the need to be temporally explicit. We evaluate two competing surface model approaches based on: (1) a single year 2000 LiDAR surface product; and (2) annual-specific surface products for 1995–2002. Two competing view measures based on the different surface approaches are constructed for 561 parcel transactions during 1995–2002 in a coastal North Carolina county and are input into hedonic regression models. Results showed that being temporally explicit did matter in terms of finding significantly different view measures but did not matter in terms of finding significantly different effects of view on parcel sales prices. Despite mixed results for our case study, we advise that future research involving GIS-based view measurement should consider the spatial and temporal contexts of study area development patterns when evaluating the need to be temporally explicit.
Different thresholds of T cell activation regulate FIV infection of CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25− cells

Cellular activation plays an important role in retroviral replication. Previously, we have shown that CD4{sup +}CD25{sup +} T cells by the virtue of their partially activated phenotype represent ideal candidates for a productive feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection. In the present study, we extended our previous observations with regard to FIV replication in CD4{sup +}CD25{sup +} and CD4{sup +}CD25{sup -} cells under different stimulation conditions. Both CD4{sup +}CD25{sup +} and CD4{sup +}CD25{sup -} cells remain latently infected in the absence of IL-2 or concanvalinA (ConA), respectively; harboring a replication competent provirus capable of reactivation several days post-infection. While CD4{sup +}CD25{sup +} cells require low levels of exogenous IL-2 and virus inputs for an efficient FIV replication, CD4{sup +}CD25{sup -} T cells can only be productively infected in the presence of either high concentrations of IL-2 or high virus titers, even in the absence of mitogenic stimulation. Interestingly, while high virus input activates CD4{sup +}CD25{sup -} cells to replicate FIV, it induces apoptosis in a high percentage of CD4{sup +}CD25{sup +} T cells. High IL-2 concentrations but not high virus inputs lead to surface upregulation of CD25 and significant cellular proliferation in CD4{sup +}CD25{sup -} cells. These results suggest that CD4{supmore » +}CD25{sup +} and CD4{sup +}CD25{sup -} T cells have different activation requirements which can be modulated by both viral and cytokine stimuli to reach threshold activation levels in order to harbor a productive FIV infection. This holds implications in vivo for CD4{sup +}CD25{sup +} and CD4{sup +}CD25{sup -} cells to serve as potential reservoirs of a productive and latent FIV infection.« less
Endoscopic hemorrhoidal ligation: preliminary clinical experience

Abstract Background: Endoscopic hemorrhoidal ligation may provide an alternative to surgical treatment of internal hemorrhoids. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of endoscopic elastic band ligation for bleeding internal hemorrhoids. Methods: Endoscopic hemorrhoid ligation was performed in 20 adult patients who had chronic rectal bleeding attributed to internal hemorrhoids. Elastic band ligation was accomplished using a ligating device attached to the end of a video endoscope. Repeat endoscopy was done 3 weeks after the initial procedure. Results: Seventy band ligations were performed during 23 separate sessions. Post-therapy endoscopy showed reduction of hemorrhoidal size by at least one grade in 19 of 20 patients (95%). Bleeding resolved in 19 of 20 patients (95%) in 5.4 months (mean) of follow-up; 18 of 20 (90%) required only one banding session. No major complications (perforation, secondary bleeding, deep ulceration) occurred in this small group. Conclusions: Preliminary data indicates that endoscopic hemorrhoidal ligation is a safe and effective technique for treating internal hemorrhoids. It holds promise as an important technique for successfully treating and possibly eradicating symptomatic internal hemorrhoids. (Gastrointest Endosc 1998;48:49-52.)
Erratum to: TREK: an integrated system architecture for intraoperative cone-beam CT-guided surgery

Purpose A system architecture has been developed for integration of intraoperative 3D imaging [viz., mobile C-arm cone-beamCT (CBCT)]with surgical navigation (e.g., trackers, endoscopy, and preoperative image and planning data). The goal of this paper is to describe the architecture and its handling of a broad variety of data sources in modular tool development for streamlined use of CBCT guidance in application-specific surgical scenarios. Methods The architecture builds on two proven open-source software packages, namely the cisst package (Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD) and 3D Slicer (Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston,MA), and combines data sources common to image-guided procedures with intraoperative A. Uneri Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Traylor Building, Room #726, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205-2109, USA e-mail: ali.uneri@jhu.edu S. Schafer · S. Nithiananthan Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Traylor Building, Room #726, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205-2109, USA e-mail: sebastian.schafer@jhu.edu S. Nithiananthan e-mail: sajendra@jhu.edu D. J. Mirota Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, 224 NEB, 3400 N. Charles Street, NE Baltimore, MD 21218, USA e-mail: dan@cs.jhu.edu 3D imaging. Integration at the software component level is achieved through language bindings to a scripting language (Python) and an object-oriented approach to abstract and simplify the use of devices with varying characteristics. The platform aims to minimize offline data processing and to expose quantitative tools that analyze and communicate factors of geometric precision online. Modular tools are defined to accomplish specific surgical tasks, demonstrated in three clinical scenarios (temporal bone, skull base, and spine surgery) that involve a progressively increased level of complexity in toolset requirements. Results The resulting architecture (referred to as “TREK”) hosts a collection of modules developed according to application-specific surgical tasks, emphasizing streamlined Y. Otake Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, 128 Hackerman Hall, 3400 N. Charles Street, NE Baltimore, MD 21218, USA e-mail: otake@jhu.edu R. H. Taylor Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, 127 Hackerman Hall, 3400 N. Charles Street, NE Baltimore, MD 21218, USA e-mail: rht@jhu.edu J. H. Siewerdsen Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA J. H. Siewerdsen (B) Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Traylor Building, Room #718, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205-2109, USA e-mail: jeff.siewerdsen@jhu.edu
Controversies. Nancy L. Syndrerman, MD, Editor Gunshot wound to the frontal sinus

Immediate treatment of this patient, evaluation of the wound, the use of antibiotics, and eventual reconstruction are all concerns in this complicated gunshot wound to the frontal sinus. The consultants agree that the first priority in this patient is to assess and stabilize the airway, examine the wound, and obtain a CT scan to ascertain the extent of the defect. Dr. Key feels that these wounds are contaminated and would prophylactically order a broad-spectrum cephalosporin and/or chloramphenicol. Dr. Tami would use antibiotics aimed at Staphylococcus and oral flora; Dr. Donald prefers to treat specific infections as they develop. They also agree that initial reconstruction should be conservative, aimed at covering exposed bone and minimizing local/regional flaps; however, Dr. Donald suggests using an arch bar on the intact side and eyelet wires on the injured side to address the maxillary defect. Drs. Key and Donald feel that it was a mistake to close this wound primarily and use a skin graft, because there was an inadequate soft tissue bed. Dr. Tami states that the initial management of the wound was reasonable. All agree on a basic approach to frontal sinus fractures. CT scanning is the imaging modality of choice. Nondisplaced fractures may be observed. Disruption of the posterior wall or the nasofrontal duct usually require exploration and obliteration of the sinus. Dr. Key would ablate the sinus only in cases where the anterior table is completely lost. Drs. Tami and Donald agree that cranialization should be reserved for comminuted posterior table fractures. After recognizing a CSF leak, Dr. Key would begin a broad-spectrum antibiotic.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Phonon and exciton amalgamation - A criterion for true solid solutions: Vibrations of chemically and isotopically mixed para-dihalobenzene crystals☆

Abstract The phonon and vibrational exciton spectra are suggested as criteria for true solid solutions of molecular crystals. The short range character of the interactions that determine both the phonon and exciton properties makes these bands ideal for distinguishing between truly random mixed lattices and segregated microscopic domains. Raman studies of the chemically mixed p -dichlorobenzen- p -dibromobenzene crystal and the isotopically mixed p -dichlorobenzene- h 4 - p -dichlorobenzene- d 4 crystals illustrate the principles involved. All phonon bands (external molecular vibrations) of both the chemically and the isotopically mixed crystals are in the amalgamation limit . While mass defects appear to determine the phonon frequency shifts in these mixed crystals, deviations from a virtual crystal model are observed and discussed. The low energy internal modes (vibrational excitons) are examined and found to be in the separated band limit . Treating the pure p -dichlorobenzene crystal as an isotopically mixed crystal due to the natural abundance of the chlorine isotopes reveals that the chlorine stretch at 310 cm −1 is also in the separated band limit. All these mixed crystal systems are concluded to be substitutionally random on the molecular scale.
Kilohertz optical resonances in dielectric crystal cavities

We experimentally demonstrate a crystalline ${\mathrm{CaF}}_{2}$ optical whispering gallery mode resonator characterized by the quality factor $Qg2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{10}$ at $\ensuremath{\lambda}=1.319\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$. We also report the demonstration of ultrahigh-$Q$ resonators of lithium niobate and lithium tantalate $(Qg2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{8})$, and sapphire $(Qg{10}^{9})$. We discuss fundamental limits of the $Q$ factor, and application of such resonators for measurement of ultrasmall optical losses in various materials. We further analyze the observation of thermo-optical instability in whispering gallery modes of crystalline resonators.
Momentum Cloud Method for Dynamic Simulation of Rigid Body Systems

AbstractA new formulation of multibody dynamics, the momentum cloud method (MCM), is presented. The method is based on applying the conservation of momentum directly to a complete system, and makes use of prescribed motions between each contiguous body. The absolute translation and rotation of a prescribed base body within the system are chosen to be reference point coordinates. The relative rotations between contiguous bodies along the kinematic chain within the system are chosen to be relative coordinates, the effect of which are captured as a series of cascading transformation matrices. The final result is that the motion of an N-body system can be represented conveniently using only six equations of motion (EOM). Numerical integration of these EOM is facilitated by representing the mass matrix of the entire system as two 3×3 matrices. The solutions to three coupled rotational EOM based on conservation of angular momentum of the system are Euler angles describing the rotation of the base body. The solu...