cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of Huanglongbing and Foliar Applications of Copper on Water Relations of Citrus sinensis cv. Valencia

The following study was conducted to determine the impact of frequent foliar Cu applications on water relations of Huanglongbing (HLB)-affected Citrus sinensis cv. ‘Valencia’. HLB in Florida is putatively caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus that is vectored by the Asian citrus psyllid. The experiment was conducted in a psyllid-free greenhouse with trees grown in Immokalee fine sand soil with the trees well-maintained to promote health. Cu was applied to the foliage at 0×, 0.5×, 1×, and 2× the commercially recommended rates, which were 0, 46, 92, and 184 mM, respectively, with applications made 3× in both 2016 and 2017. Previous studies indicate that HLB causes roots to decline before the canopy develops symptoms, which increases the ratio between the evaporative surface area of the canopy to the uptake surface area of roots and increases the hydraulic strain within the tree. In the current study, overall growth was suppressed substantially by HLB and Cu treatments but the ratio between evaporative surface area (leaf surface area) and the uptake surface area of roots (feeder root surface area) was not affected by either treatment. Stem water potential (Ψxylem), which was used as a measure of plant water deficits and the hydraulic strain within the tree, was significantly 13% lower for HLB-affected trees than the non-HLB controls but were not affected by Cu treatments. All Ψxylem measurements were in a range typical of well-watered trees conditions. Stomatal conductance (ks) and root and soil resistances (Rr+s) were not affected by HLB and Cu. The results of this experiment suggest that tree leaf area and feeder roots are reduced when the trees are affected by HLB or are treated with foliar Cu applications such that plant water deficits are not significantly different over that of the controls.
Volumetric Analysis in Autologous Fat Grafting to the Foot.

Background:Pedal fat grafting is a safe, minimally invasive approach to treat pedal fat pad atrophy. Prior randomized controlled trials demonstrate that the fat as measured directly under the metatarsal heads disappears between 2 and 6 months after fat grafting, despite patients having relief for 2
Impact of eHealth technologies on patient outcomes: a meta-analysis of chronic gastrointestinal illness interventions

Gastrointestinal (GI) illness interventions are increasingly utilizing eHealth technologies, yet little is currently known about the extent of their impact on patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of the GI eHealth intervention literature. We used a comprehensive search strategy to locate studies. To be included, studies had to be a randomized controlled trial comparing an eHealth intervention condition against a no-treatment or waitlist control condition. Studies had to report data on at least one of the following patient outcomes: medication adherence, quality of life (QoL), psychological distress, illness-related knowledge, or number of patient visits to the clinic/hospital. Analyses weighted effect sizes (d) by their inverse variance and combined them using random effects meta-analytic procedures. K = 19 studies conducted in eight countries with a cumulative sample size of N = 3,193 were meta-analyzed. Findings indicated that GI eHealth interventions improved patients' QoL (d = .25, p = .008), psychological distress (d = .24, p = .017), medication adherence (d = .17, p = .014), and illness-related knowledge (d = .19, p = .002). GI eHealth interventions also significantly reduced the number of patient visits to the clinic/hospital (d = .78, p = .005). Our findings suggest that eHealth interventions hold promise in improving patient outcomes for those with GI illnesses. We suggest the next generation of GI interventions continue developing and evaluating the impact of technology using randomized controlled trial designs, and perhaps consider adapting existing efficacious interventions for burgeoning platforms, such as smartphones and tablets.
Expression pattern of Nav2 in the murine CNS with development

Neuron navigator 2 (NAV2, RAINB1, POMFIL2, HELAD1, unc53H2) is essential for nervous system development. In the present study the spatial distribution of Nav2 transcript in mouse CNS during embryonic, postnatal and adult life is examined. Because multiple NAV2 proteins are predicted based on alternate promoter usage and RNA splicing, in situ hybridization was performed using probes designed to the 5' and 3' ends of the Nav2 transcript, and PCR products using primer sets spanning the length of the mRNA were also examined by real time PCR (qPCR). These studies support full-length Nav2 transcript as the predominant form in the wild-type mouse CNS. The developing cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, olfactory bulb, and granule cells (GC) within the cerebellum show the highest expression, with a similar staining pattern using either the 5'Nav2 or 3'Nav2 probe. Nav2 is expressed in GC precursors migrating over the cerebellar primordium as well as in the postmitotic premigratory cells of the external granule cell layer (EGL). It is expressed in the cornu ammonis (CA) and dentate gyrus (DG) throughout hippocampal development. In situ hybridization was combined with immunohistochemistry for Ki67, CTIP2 and Nissl staining to follow Nav2 transcript location during cortical development, where it is observed in neuroepithelial cells exiting the germinal compartments, as well as later in the cortical plate (CP) and developing cortical layers. The highest levels of Nav2 in all brain regions studied are observed in late gestation and early postnatal life which coincides with times when neurons are migrating and differentiating. A hypomorphic mouse that lacks the full-length transcript but expresses shorter transcript shows little staining in the CNS with either probe set except at the base of the cerebellum, where a shorter Nav2 transcript is detected. Using dual fluorescent probe in situ hybridization studies, these cells are identified as oligodendrocytes and are detected using both Olig1 and the 3'Nav2 probe. The identification of full-length Nav2 as the primary transcript in numerous brain regions suggests NAV2 could play a role in CNS development beyond that of its well-established role in the cerebellum.
“No! Turn the Pages!” Repositioning Neuroqueer Literacies:

Recent literacy research has made substantial contributions to expanding definitions of literacies beyond stringent parameters of decoding print. These inquiries have intersected with topics such a...
Chromatography and electrophoresis

Abstract The complexity of clinical samples typically necessitates some separation prior to their analysis. Chromatography and electrophoresis are two methods that are often employed for this purpose. Chromatography is a technique in which sample components are separated based on how they distribute between a stationary phase and a mobile phase. Electrophoresis is a method in which sample components are separated by their different rates of migration in an electric field. This chapter describes common terms that are used to describe chromatography and electrophoresis, as well as the various categories of these methods. This includes a discussion of gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, gel electrophoresis, and capillary electrophoresis. The general concepts of these methods are examined, as well as their applications and instrumentation. Terms that are commonly used to describe separations by these methods are presented. The various factors that affect these separations are also discussed.
Enhancers regulate polyadenylation site cleavage and control 3′UTR isoform expression

Summary Enhancers are DNA elements that increase gene expression. mRNA production is determined by transcript production and polyadenylation site (PAS) cleavage activity. We established an assay to measure enhancer-dependent PAS cleavage activity in human cells because PAS cleavage may control alternative 3’UTR isoform expression. We found that enhancers are widespread regulators of PAS cleavage and consistently increase cleavage of proximal and weak PAS. Half of tested transcription factors exclusively regulated PAS cleavage without affecting transcript production, whereas co-activators changed both parameters. Deletion of an endogenous enhancer of PTEN did not change gene-level mRNA or protein abundance but affected expression of alternative mRNA transcripts, thus preventing 3’UTR shortening. Our data reveal that in addition to controlling transcript production, enhancers also regulate PAS cleavage, thus changing 3’UTR isoform usage and protein activity, as PTEN proteins translated from the alternative 3’UTR isoforms differ in intrinsic lipid phosphatase activity despite having identical amino acid sequences.
Substances, Space, and Causality in the Early Metaphysical Writings

This chapter argues against reductions of Kant’s ontology to materially extended bodies and the relations between them. The Leibnizian nature of Kant’s conception of “simple substances” is analyzed in order to show that they are beings capable of representational, internal, qualitative states of intensive magnitude that convey information about the world. Scholars seem to have been misled by the idea of a physical monadology and overemphasized Kant’s adherence to Newtonian mechanics. Substances exist in a reciprocally determining nexus, because their actions are coordinated through an innate (a priori) representation of the world-whole, which is given to and preserved in them by God. I then show that Kant thinks of these substances as being in space through the notion of “virtual presence,” whereas most scholars believe that he thinks of them as actually present as points in space similar to Boscovich or as impenetrable, deformable shapes. Thus, in opposition to trends that push the pre-Critical Kant toward Newtonianism, realism, materialism, and physical influence, I show how the idealistic division between things-in-themselves (metaphysically simple substances) and appearances (bodies in motion) is an ontological divide at the limits of human understanding even in his early thought.
Design of Trehalose-Based Amide/Sulfonamide C-type Lectin Receptor Signaling Compounds.

Mincle agonists have been shown to induce inflammatory cytokine production, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha the (TNF) and promote the development of a Th1/Th17 immune response that may be crucial to development of effective vaccination against pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. As an expansion of our previous work, a library of 6,6΄-amide and sulfonamide α,α-D-trehalose compounds with various substituents on the aromatic ring were synthesized efficiently in good to excellent yields. These compounds were evaluated for their ability to activate the human C-Type Lectin Receptor Mincle by the induction of cytokines from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) of these novel trehalose diamides and sulfonamides revealed that aryl amide-linked trehalose compounds demonstrated improved activity and relatively high potency cytokine production compared to the Mincle ligand trehalose dibehenate adjuvant (TDB) and the natural ligand trehalose dimycolate (TDM) inducing dose-dependent and human Mincle specific stimulation in a HEK reporter cell line.
Telemedicine in Adult Rheumatology: In Practice and In Training.

Telemedicine has been defined as "the use of medical information that is exchanged from one site to another through electronic communication to improve a patient's health" (1). There are several interactions to consider within telemedicine, including clinician-to-clinician, clinician-to-patient, and patient-to-mobile health technology, each of which can provide synchronous or asynchronous care. Traditionally, rheumatologists used telemedicine to provide care for patients with limited access to subspecialists, a care gap accentuated by the geographic maldistribution of rheumatologists in the United States.
The learning and teaching of multivariable calculus: a DNR perspective

The paper presents analyses of multivariable calculus learning-teaching phenomena through the lenses of DNR-based instruction, focusing on several foundational calculus concepts, including cross product, linearization, total derivative, Chain Rule, and implicit differentiation. The analyses delineate the nature of current multivariable calculus instruction and theorize the potential consequences of the two types of instruction to student learning. The following are among the consequences revealed: understanding the concept of function as a covariational processes, and the concept of derivative as a linear approximation; understanding the relation between composition of functions and their Jacobian matrices; understanding the idea underlying the concept of parametrization and the rationale underpinning the process of implicit differentiation; thinking in terms of structure, appending external inputs into a coherent mental representation, and making logical inferences.
International Real Estate Returns: A Multifactor, Multicountry Approach

We examine the risk and return characteristics of publicly traded real estate companies from 14 countries over the period 1990 to 2001. Our data are monthly country-level commercial real estate indexes constructed by the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA). We find substantial variation in mean real estate returns and standard deviations across countries. Using various global- and country-level factor models, we find that there is evidence of a strong global market risk component, measured relative to the Morgan Stanley Capital International world index, in most countries. However, even after controlling for the effects of global market risk, an orthogonalized country-specific market risk factor is highly significant, especially for real estate indexes in Asia–Pacific markets. We find that a country-specific value risk factor has some explanatory power in addition to the country-specific market factor, but U.S.-based market, value and size risk factors do not provide any additional explanatory power. These findings imply that the international diversification opportunities with real estate companies are more complex than previously thought.
No Effect of Acute Eccentric Resistance Exercise on Immune Responses to Influenza Vaccination in Older Adults: A Randomized Control Trial

Introduction Older adults are at elevated risk for morbidity and mortality caused by influenza. Vaccination is the primary means of prophylaxis, but protection is often compromised in older adults. As resistance exercise mobilizes immune cells into muscle, it may enhance vaccination response. Purpose Compare antibody and cell mediated immune responses to influenza vaccination in older adults who performed eccentric resistance exercise immediately prior to vaccination to those who did not exercise. Methods Twenty nine resistance training-naive older adults (20 women, 73.9 ± 5.3 years) were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: vaccination in the same arm that exercised (Ex-S), vaccination in the opposite arm that exercised (Ex-Op), and seated rest (No-Ex). Exercise consisted of 10 sets of 5 eccentric unilateral repetitions at 80% of the pre-determined concentric one repetition maximum. Lateral raises were alternated with bicep curls. No-Ex sat quietly for 25 min. Following exercise or rest, all received the 2018 quadrivalent influenza vaccine (Seqirus Afluria) in the non-dominant deltoid. Antibody titers against each influenza vaccine strain were determined by hemagglutinin inhibition assays at baseline, 6-, and 24-weeks post-vaccination. Influenza-specific T cells were quantified after stimulation with the vaccine by intracellular cytokine staining. Results No significant group x time effects were found in antibody responses to any strain (interaction for A/H1N1: p = 0.682; A/H3N2: p = 0.644; B/Colorado/06/2017: p = 0.262; B/Phuket/3073/2013: p = 0.851). Groups did not differ in fold-increase of antibody titers 6- and 24-weeks post-vaccination. Influenza-specific T-cells did not differ between groups at any time (comparison at baseline: p = 0.985; 6-weeks: p = 0.889; 24 weeks: p = 0.857). One subject (Ex-S) reported flu-like symptoms 18 weeks post-vaccination. Conclusion Acute arm eccentric exercise did not influence antibody titers or cell mediated immune responses to the influenza vaccine delivered post-exercise in older adults. More strenuous exercise may be required for exercise to act as an adjuvant. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03736759.
Predicting Opinion Leaders in Word-of-Mouth Communities

Opinion leaders play a major role in shaping potential customers’ minds in word-of-mouth communities. Prior research on opinion leaders in word-of-mouth communities has focused mostly on structural characteristics of social networks of the leaders, ignoring the predictive potential of the actual text that they write. We argue that textual characteristics of reviews, along with reviewer characteristics, could be used to predict opinion leadership. In this paper, we propose a predictive model to identify opinion leaders in online word-of-mouth communities using both review and reviewer characteristics. The results from our study indicate that the predictive performance of the classification models built using the proposed predictors is much better than that of a baseline bag-of-words model built using the actual review text.
Do Teacher-Coaches Make the Cut? The Effectiveness of Athletic Coaches as Math and Reading Teachers

Math and reading teachers who also coach athletics in the public school system are challenged to balance the responsibilities that come with fulfilling dual occupational roles. While many studies have examined teacher-coaches' stress levels and job perception in the context of role strain, there is no evidence of how student achievement in tested subjects is affected by assignment to these teacher-coaches. A large administrative panel data set provided by the Florida Department of Education allows us to match students to teachers and use a student fixed effects approach to track changes in math and reading test scores over a seven-year time period, from 2002 through 2009. Despite the challenges associated with holding dual occupational roles, we find that students assigned to teacher-coaches perform at the same level in reading and math as when they are assigned to non-coaching teachers.
Chemical modification studies of chloroplast membranes. Effects of diazonium coupling on electron transfer in photosystem I.

Abstract p -Diazonium benzene sulfonate reacts with at least two chloroplast membrane components on the reducing side of Photosystem I leading to inhibition of electron flow from the Photosystem I primary acceptor (X) to ferredoxin, and inhibiting the function of bound ferredoxin-NADP + reductase. While some inhibition of these two components attends p -diazonium benzene sulfonate treatment in the dark, a much more severe inhibition results when p -diazonium benzene sulfonate is given to light-energized membranes. Of particular interest is that electron flux through Photosystem II (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1, 1-dimethylurea sensitive) is required for potentiating the light-dependent p -diazonium benzene sulfonate inhibition, cyclic electron flow around Photosystem I not being an effective potentiator. We interpret these data as due to Photosystem II-driven conformational changes unmasking additional diazoreactive sites in the bound membrane components.
High Fat Diets Varying in Ratios of Polyunsaturated to Saturated Fatty Acid and Linoleic to Linolenic Acid: A Comparison of Rat Neural and Red Cell Membrane Phospholipids

The polyunsaturated-saturated (P/S) fatty acid, and linoleic-linolenic (18:2n6/18:3n3) acid ratios of diets fed to rats were varied independently during pregnancy, lactation and, in the young, for 8 d after premature weaning. The intent was to alter the proportion of membrane phospholipid fatty acids derived from 18:2n6 and 18:3n3 in the developing rat, and to compare changes in very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in membranes from the central nervous system with those of the red blood cell. All experimental diets contained 40% of energy from fat. Similar relative changes in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) fatty acid pattern occurred in both neural and red blood cell membranes when dietary 18:2n6/18:3n3 was increased from 7 to 240. Docosapentaenoate (22:5n6) from 18:2n6 increased, and docosapentaenoate (22:5n3) and docosahexaenoate (22:6n3) from 18:3n3 decreased in both types of membranes. On the other hand, P/S ratios of 0.3 and 1.6 at a constant ratio of 18:2n6/18:3n3 produced identical membrane phospholipid fatty acid patterns. Both red blood cell and neural membranes show the same relative effects of modification of dietary lipids on the composition of very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Chelators for copper radionuclides in positron emission tomography radiopharmaceuticals.

The development of chelating agents for copper radionuclides in positron emission tomography radiopharmaceuticals has been a highly active and important area of study in recent years. The rapid evolution of chelators has resulted in highly specific copper chelators that can be readily conjugated to biomolecules and efficiently radiolabeled to form stable complexes in vivo. Chelators are not only designed for conjugation to monovalent biomolecules but also for incorporation into multivalent targeting ligands such as theranostic nanoparticles. These advancements have strengthened the role of copper radionuclides in the fields of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. This review emphasizes developments of new copper chelators that have most greatly advanced the field of copper-based radiopharmaceuticals over the past 5 years.
Comparison of NO and OH planar fluorescence temperature measurements in scramjet model flowfields

The use of nitric oxide (NO) and the hydroxyl radical (OH) as temperature tracers, in a two-line planar laser-induced fluorescence technique, is examined in the context of a supersonic mixing and combustion flowfield. The temperature measurements were based on the sequential excitation of two transitions, either in the A implied by X (0,0) band of NO near 226 nm or the A implied by X (1,0) band of OH near 283 nm. The measurements were obtained for each species through the use of two lasers and two cameras, with each camera integrating signal induced from only one of the lasers. Both temporally resolved and frame-averaged temperature measurements of each species are presented. Additional results include simultaneous NO and OH visualizations, in which seeded NO marks the fuel jet fluid and nascent OH marks the reaction zones and convected combustion gases. A detailed temperature comparison shows good agreement in the common measurement regions and indicates that shot noise is the largest source of uncertainty. The comparison also illustrates the importance of a careful interpretation of the measurements, since, depending on the origin of the tracer and the degree of mixing, the measurements may be biased toward the fuel, freestream, or reactionmore » zone temperatures. 33 refs.« less
Inversion of satellite magnetic anomaly data

A method of finding a first approximation to a crustal magnetization distribution from inversion of satellite magnetic anomaly data is described. Magnetization is expressed as a Fourier series in a segment of spherical shell. Input to this procedure is an equivalent source representation of the observed anomaly field. Instability of the inversion occurs when high frequency noise is present in the input data, or when the series is carried to an excessively high wave number. Preliminary results are given for the United States and adjacent areas.
The surviving sisters club: Examining social support and posttraumatic growth among FDNY 9/11 widows

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the relationship between social support and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among a sample of 55 widows who lost their firefighter husbands in the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. Data revealed that 73% gathered informally with other 9/11 widows in the years following the attacks and 55% participated in one-on-one therapy. Results found PTG was related to attending an FDNY-sponsored support group (r = .37), one-on-one therapy (r = .37), and socializing with other FDNY widows (r = .29). Qualitative responses suggested the primary benefits of informal peer support were a shared understanding of grief, close companionship, and emotional strength.
Chaperoning signaling pathways: Molecular chaperones as stress-sensing 'heat shock' proteins

Heat shock proteins interact with multiple key components of signaling pathways that regulate growth and development. The molecular relationships between heat shock proteins, various signaling proteins and partner proteins appear to be critical for the normal function of signal transduction pathways. The relative levels of these proteins may be important, as too little or too much Hsp70 or Hsp90 can result in aberrant growth control, developmental malformations and cell death. Although the functions of heat shock proteins as molecular chaperones have been well characterized, their complementary role as a 'stress-induced' proteins to monitor changes and alter the biochemical environment of the cell remains elusive. Genetic and molecular interactions between heat shock proteins, their co-chaperones and components of signaling pathways suggest that crosstalk between these proteins can regulate proliferation and development by preventing or enhancing cell growth and cell death as the levels of heat shock proteins vary in response to environmental stress or disease.
H∞ reinforcement learning control of robot manipulators using fuzzy wavelet networks

In this paper, an H"~ reinforcement learning controller based on a fuzzy wavelet network (FWN) is proposed to perform a position-tracking task for a robot manipulator. The proposed controller adopts the actor-critic reinforcement learning control scheme. The primary reinforcement is generated by a performance measurement unit. The learning unit of the controller consists of an associative search network (ASN) and an adaptive critic network (ACN). The ASN is employed to approximate unknown nonlinear functions in the robot dynamics and the ACN is utilized to construct a more informative signal than the primary reinforcement alone to tune the ASN. Since the FWN can provide accurate function approximation, both the ASN and ACN are implemented by the FWN. In addition, the proposed controller requires no prior knowledge about the dynamics of the robot manipulators and no off-line learning phase. Moreover, by employing the H"~ control theory, it is possible to attenuate the effects of the approximation errors of the FWNs and external disturbances to a prescribed level. In contrast to the general H"~ problem, only simple equations, rather than Riccati equations, should be solved. Computer simulations on a SCARA robot with 3 degrees-of-freedom confirm the effectiveness of the FWN-based controller with H"~ stabilization.
Stem cells in preclinical spine studies

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The recent identification and characterization of mesenchymal stem cells have introduced a shift in the research focus for future technologies in spinal surgery to achieve spinal fusion and treat degenerative disc disease. Current and past techniques use allograft to replace diseased tissue or rely on host responses to recruit necessary cellular progenitors. Adult stem cells display long-term proliferation, efficient self-renewal, and multipotent differentiation. PURPOSE: This review will focus on two important applications of stem cells in spinal surgery: spine fusion and the management of degenerative disc disease. STUDY DESIGN: Review of the literature. METHODS: Relevant preclinical literature regarding stem cell sources, growth factors, scaffolds, and animal models for both osteogenesis and chondrogenesis will be reviewed, with an emphasis on those studies that focus on spine applications of these technologies. RESULTS: In both osteogenesis and chondrogenesis, adult stem cells derived from bone marrow or adipose show promise in preclinical studies. Various growth factors and scaffolds have also been shown to enhance the properties and eventual clinical potential of these cells. Although its utility in clinical applications has yet to be proven, gene therapy has also been shown to hold promise in preclinical studies. CONCLUSIONS: The future of spine surgery is constantly evolving, and the recent advancements in stem cell‐based technologies for both spine fusion and the treatment of degenerative disc disease is promising and indicative that stem cells will undoubtedly play a major role clinically. It is likely that these stem cells, growth factors, and scaffolds will play a critical role in the future for replacing diseased tissue in disease processes such as degenerative disc disease and in enhancing host tissue
Lavaged excised rat lungs as a model of surfactant deficiency

These studies investigated the mechanical, biophysical and biochemical properties of multiply lavaged excised rat lungs at 37°C to define a surfactant-deficient lung model for the evaluation of surfactant replacement mixtures and methodologies. The volume-pressure (VP) and volume-surface tension characteristics of excised lungs were determined before and after extensive washing with physiologic saline. Following a series of 15 consecutive lavages, a highly reproducible, sigmoidal deflation VP curve was observed, and recoil pressures at lung volumes below 95% of total lung capacity (TLC) were increased over baseline. The volume of trapped gas (Vtg) at 0 cm H2O transpulmonary pressure was reduced from 10.6% TLC before lavage to 2.0% TLC after. Prior to lavage, calculated alveolar surface tension decayed exponentially during lung deflation from an assumed maximum of 46.0 dynes/cm at TLC to <5.0 dynes/cm at 75% TLC and to <1.0 dyne/cm at 35% TLC. Following lavage, calculated surface tension was higher at all lung volumes and had a value of 18.0 dynes/cm at 75% TLC and 13.5 dynes/cm at 35% TLC. To determine the stability of the surfactant-deficient lavaged lung, VP properties were measured after subsequent periods of ventilation and refrigeration (for 72 hours at 4°C); VP characteristics and Vtg of lavaged lungs were found to be unaffected by these maneuvers. In a subgroup of experiments, the surfactant-deficient lung model was used to evaluate the effect of tracheal instillations of various amounts of a natural lung surfactant extract. A progressive return of normal lung mechanics was observed as the amount of instilled surfactant was increased from 0 to 74.0 µmoles of dispersed phospholipid in 2.5 ml of 0.15 M NaCl. Our results show that lavage of excised rat lungs yields a reproducible and stable state of surfactant deficiency at 37°C which is suitable for the evaluation of surfactant replacement mixtures and techniques.
Windows Azure HDInsight: Where big data meets the cloud

Cloud computing promises on demand, scalable, pay-as-you-go compute and storage capacity. Compared to an in-house datacenter, the cloud eliminates large upfront IT investments, lets businesses easily scale out infrastructure, while paying only for the capacity they use.
An empirical study of performance and power scaling of low voltage DDR3

Memory power consumption has become a main driving force of new memory technologies. Low voltage DDR3 (DDR3L) has emerged to provide optimal solution for performance and power for certain market segments. With empirical data, this paper demonstrates the scaling of DDR3L signal integrity performance and power consumption at full system level. The signal integrity performance is degraded by 10∼20% in terms of voltage and timing margin with strong DRAM vendor sensitivity. The DRAM power consumption is reduced by ∼20%. The impact to mobile notebook average and self-refresh power is also examined.
Herbert A. Simon on making decisions: enduring insights and bounded rationality

Purpose – The paper aims to explore the life and contributions of one of the most influential management scholars (Herbert A. Simon), who is known as the founder and contributor to many scientific fields. Simon's interdisciplinary approach in conducting his research in management has made him a significant figure in many disciplines.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is of a qualitative nature, and information is collected from the books and articles that are written by Simon as well as those who have been familiar with his work. This paper concentrates on Simon's contribution to the decision‐making theory and, more specifically, his insights into the process of decision making in real world situations. It explores the tenets of the classical and neoclassical approach to decision making and argues that because of Simon's work, attention was diverted from concentration on studying the organizational structure to the behavior of the decision makers during the process of making decisions. This new orien...
Comprehensive study of the effects of rolling resistance on the stress–strain and strain localization behavior of granular materials

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study of the effects of rolling resistance on the stress–strain and strain localization behavior of granular materials using the discrete element method. The study used the Particle Flow Code (PFC) to simulate biaxial compression tests in granular materials. To study the effects of rolling resistance, a user-defined rolling resistance model was implemented in PFC. A series of parametric studies was performed to investigate the effects of different levels of rolling resistance on the stress–strain response and the emergence and development of shear bands in granular materials. The PFC models were also tested under a range of macro-mechanical parameters and boundary conditions. It is shown that rolling resistance affects the elastic, shear strength and dilation response of granular materials, and new relationships between rolling resistance and macroscopic elasticity, shear strength and dilation parameters are presented. It is also concluded that the rolling resistance has significant effects on the orientation, thickness and the timing of the occurrence of shear bands. The results reinforce prior conclusions by Oda et al. (Mech Mater 1:269–283, 1982) on the importance of rolling resistance in promoting shear band formation in granular materials. It is shown that increased rolling resistance results in the development of columns of particles in granular materials during strain hardening process. The buckling of these columns of particles in narrow zones then leads to the development of shear bands. High gradients of particle rotation and large voids are produced within the shear band as a result of the buckling of the columns.
Developer onboarding in GitHub: the role of prior social links and language experience

The team aspects of software engineering have been a subject of great interest since early work by Fred Brooks and others: how well do people work together in teams? why do people join teams? what happens if teams are distributed? Recently, the emergence of project ecosystems such as GitHub have created an entirely new, higher level of organization. GitHub supports numerous teams; they share a common technical platform (for work activities) and a common social platform (via following, commenting, etc). We explore the GitHub evidence for socialization as a precursor to joining a project, and how the technical factors of past experience and social factors of past connections to team members of a project affect productivity both initially and in the long run. We find developers preferentially join projects in GitHub where they have pre-existing relationships; furthermore, we find that the presence of past social connections combined with prior experience in languages dominant in the project leads to higher productivity both initially and cumulatively. Interestingly, we also find that stronger social connections are associated with slightly less productivity initially, but slightly more productivity in the long run.
Association of Free Arginine and Lysine Concentrations in Human Parotid Saliva with Caries Experience

We determined the free-amino acid content of stimulated parotid (ductal) saliva from two groups of adult subjects whose caries experiences were markedly different. The levels of free arginine and free lysine in the parotid saliva of caries-free adults were significantly higher than those found in the parotid saliva of individuals with a history of dental decay. There was no correlation, however, between the levels of these amino acids and the DMFS score within the caries-susceptible groups. Microbial catabolism of dibasic amino acids contributes to the neutralization of plaque acids and may partially account for the higher resting plaque pH observed in caries-free subjects. Alternatively, the elevations observed in free levels of arginine and lysine may reflect a systemic alteration in amino acid metabolism which is common to the caries-free group of subjects.
NSOM Investigation of Carrier Generation, Recombination, and Drift in a Conjugated Polymer

The migration of charge carriers in response to a pulsed electric field was investigated on the 100-nm length scale and microsecond time scale by a recently introduced method employing photoluminescence detection and near field optical excitation through a sharpened optical fiber. A metal coating on the near field probe serves as a ∼100 nm diameter electrode which acts to either collect or repel majority charge carriers, depending on the sign of the applied voltage. The local carrier density is determined by carrier-induced photoluminescence quenching. The transient response is described by a model including carrier drift and diffusion. The role of oxygen in photoinduced carrier generation, exciton quenching, and charge trapping is also investigated.
Life in the Supralittoral Fringe: Microhabitat Choice, Mobility and Growth in the Tropical Perwinkle Cenchritis (=Tectarius) muricatus (Linneaus, 1758)

Abstract The littorinid snail, Cenchritis muricatus, inhabits supralittoral vertical rocky walls along Caribbean shores, at times surpassing 14 meters above mean sea level. As the sole macrofaunal representative of this habitat, this marine gastropod presumably experiences extraordinary conditions of thermal load and desiccation. In order to understand the effect of behavioral choices on periwinkle survivorship and growth, snail distribution, microhabitat utilization, and crawling speed were documented in St John (US Virgin Islands). In general, snails rarely inhabited open surfaces; instead, periwinkles were commonly observed in microhabitats that may reduce water and heat stresses (e.g., > 75% in crevices and depressions). Snails found on occasional buttonwood trees (Conocarpus erectus) were larger than elsewhere. Although typically found in repose, C. muricatus crawling speed on moist, shaded, and smooth substrata averaged more than 3 cm.min- 1, but did not vary with slope. Repeated mark-recapture of tagged periwinkles exhibited high recovery rates (ca. 35% after 4 yr), absence of mortality, and a projected cessation of growth at 16.5 mm (shell height). Nearly 10% of marked individuals were recaptured every year. Dead, tagged snails were never noted; indeed, seven individuals were only recovered once, a full 4 yrs after release. Site-specific growth rates were absent. Projections using von Bertalanffy growth functions (VBGF) suggest that periwinkles will require 15+ years to achieve the maximum shell height. These VBGF models cannot address extraordinary individuals reaching 22 mm. C. muricatus's remarkable supralittoral distribution may be explained by physiological tolerance, selection of microhabitats, lack of predators and long lifespan.
Abrasive process machine simulation model, a discrete and continuous approach

Abrasive machining is commonly defined as a process to remove material by the action of sharp grain of abrasive mineral in order to obtain a final desired shape and surface quality. Therefore, it is considered one of the most important processes in the wood industry. The use of simulation on the most critical process in the wood industry would definitely help to obtain a better understanding of the processes and the effect of changes such as equipments, operators, and raw material, as well as others in the processes. The objective of this research is to simulate an abrasive machine commonly used in wood machining to have a better understanding of the behavior of the main variables that significantly affect the sanding process when change in time. The model uses a large amount of equations (650f) to predict the behavior of the abrasive process. Moreover, the model not only integrates continuous and discrete simulation, but also, it can be interactive (the operator learning curve can be introduced into the model), and includes stochastic considerations in operation time, maintenance, repairs, etc.
Aircraft measurements for calibration of an orbiting spacecraft sensor.

The best method of establishing a calibration for a satellite sensor is to make simultaneous measurements along the satellite view vector from a calibrated instrument on board a high-altitude aircraft. The satellite sensor prelaunch radiance calibration can then be compared to the in-orbit radiance values produced by comparison with the simultaneous aircraft data. Aircraft measurements were made over the Atlantic Ocean off the east coast of the United States, and comparison of the prelaunch and in-orbit data indicated a 25% degradation in channel 1 of the Nimbus 7 Coastal Zone Color Scanner.
Über Verbindungen des Phosphor(V)‐chlorides mit Arsen‐ und Antimontrichlorid

Arsen- und Antimontrichlorid ergeben mit Phosphor(V)-chlorid die Verbindungen P2Cl10 · 5 AsCl3 und P2Cl10 · 4 SbCl3. Die Struktur der genannten Verbindungen wird durch Leitfahigkeitsmessungen und kryoskopische Messungen in AsCl3- und in SbCl3-Losung untersucht.
Changes in hepatic messenger RNA for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP) during development.

Abstract Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP) [GTP;oxaloacetate carboxy-lyase(transphosphorylating); EC 4.1.1.32] is absent in rat liver cytosol during fetal life and is synthesized initially at birth. De novo synthesis of the enzyme can be induced prematurely by injection of dibutyryl cyclic AMP or glucagon into fetal animals in utero. In this study a wheat germ translation assay was used to quantitate the level of total functional mRNA for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in the liver of fetal rats at 21 days of pregnancy under different induction situations. The translatable mRNA for the enzyme was marginally detectable in fetal rat liver. Administration of either glucagon or dibutyryl cyclic AMP to fetal rats in utero caused a marked induction of functional mRNA for this enzyme. Three hours after administration of dibutyryl cyclic AMP, the level of translatable mRNA increased almost 23-fold, but by 6 hr the level dropped approximately 60%. Administration of actinomycin D prior to dibutyryl cyclic AMP in 21-day fetal rats prevented the appearance of newly synthesized poly(A)-containing RNA in the cytoplasm as well as the induction of translatable mRNA for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. In animals delivered prematurely and maintained for varying periods, the translatable mRNA for the enzyme accumulated in the liver at a rate comparable to that observed for enzyme synthesis.
Hot electron noise effects in buried channel MOSFETs

Abstract Measurements are reported on a 2.0 μmeter buried channel MOSFET. Because of the short channel length, the device showed large hot electron effects. The noise reaches a limiting value above a few MHz; this is attributed to hot electron thermal noise. The parameter α = ( q 2kT )( I eq g m ) is plotted as a function of the absolute temperature T ; it increases with decreasing temperature, as expected for hot electron effects.
An NF-κB-dependent Transcriptional Program Is Required for Collagen Remodeling by Human Smooth Muscle Cells

Although remodeling of vessels can dramatically alter lumen diameter and clinical sequelae, the molecular mechanisms regulating extracellular matrix turnover and remodeling are still not well understood. To investigate these processes in human smooth muscle, we have compared their culture on monomer and polymerized collagen gels, conditions that mimic some of the features of injured and normal vessels, respectively. We show that culture on polymerized, but not monomer, collagen leads to the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB through phosphorylation and degradation of its inhibitor, IκBα. Coincident with NF-κB activation, expression of MMP1, MMP2, and α2 integrin increases on polymerized collagen. Specific inhibition of NF-κB by retroviral overexpression of wild-type IκBα or phosphorylation-resistant, IκBα-stabilized mutant (IκBαSer32,36/Ala) reverses the increases in MMP1 and α2β1 on polymerized collagen and decreases collagen gel contraction and degradation. However, forced overexpression of α2β1 integrin or MMP1 in smooth muscle cells expressing IκBαSer32,36/Ala rescues their ability to contract collagen gels. Thus, polymerized collagen induces NF-κB-dependent expression of MMP1 and α2β1 integrin, that are required for smooth muscle extracellular matrix remodeling.
Barrier island morphology and sediment characteristics affect the recovery of dune building grasses following storm-induced overwash.

Barrier islands are complex and dynamic systems that provide critical ecosystem services to coastal populations. Stability of these systems is threatened by rising sea level and the potential for coastal storms to increase in frequency and intensity. Recovery of dune-building grasses following storms is an important process that promotes topographic heterogeneity and long-term stability of barrier islands, yet factors that drive dune recovery are poorly understood. We examined vegetation recovery in overwash zones on two geomorphically distinct (undisturbed vs. frequently overwashed) barrier islands on the Virginia coast, USA. We hypothesized that vegetation recovery in overwash zones would be driven primarily by environmental characteristics, especially elevation and beach width. We sampled species composition and environmental characteristics along a continuum of disturbance from active overwash zones to relict overwash zones and in adjacent undisturbed environments. We compared species assemblages along the disturbance chronosequence and between islands and we analyzed species composition data and environmental measurements with Canonical Correspondence Analysis to link community composition with environmental characteristics. Recovering and geomorphically stable dunes were dominated by Ammophila breviligulata Fernaud (Poaceae) on both islands while active overwash zones were dominated by Spartina patens (Aiton) Muhl. (Poaceae) on the frequently disturbed island and bare sand on the less disturbed island. Species composition was associated with environmental characteristics only on the frequently disturbed island (p=0.005) where A. breviligulata was associated with higher elevation and greater beach width. Spartina patens, the second most abundant species, was associated with larger sediment grain size and greater sediment size distribution. On the less frequently disturbed island, time since disturbance was the only factor that affected community composition. Thus, factors driving the abundance of dune-building grasses and subsequent recovery of dunes varied between the two geomorphically distinct islands.