cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Climatological Validation of TRMM TMI and PR Monthly Rain Products over Oklahoma

Abstract This paper reports the results from a regional validation study of monthly precipitation products generated from sensor measurements aboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite. The study analyzed 4 yr of precipitation estimates (1998–2001) produced from data collected by the TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) and the precipitation radar (PR) and compared them with corresponding estimates computed using 5-min rain accumulations from 66 rain gauges in the Oklahoma Mesonet. The applied methodology estimated bulk climate-scale sampling and retrieval errors and biases for the TMI and PR at two areal resolutions: 1° × 1° and 2° × 5°. The approach taken in this study generated two gauge-inferred gridded estimates of monthly precipitation over the study period: 1) G0, which was computed by performing a complete integration of the monthly gauge time series, and 2) GS, which consisted of gauge-inferred rain rates subsampled to TRMM overpasses at a gridded resolution of 1° × 1°, with monthly p...
Upper limits to fermion masses in the Glashow-Weinberg-Salam model

Upper limits on the mass m/sub f/ of a fermion in the Glashow-Weinberg-Salam model were previously found by requiring that our vacuum be an absolute minimum of the one-loop Higgs potential; for a Higgs-boson mass m/sub H/< or approx. =150 GeV, it was found that m/sub f/< or approx. =100 GeV. We note that including the effect of running couplings in the one-loop term enlarges the range of allowed masses based on this constraint. Requiring only that the universe arrive in our vacuum and stay there for over 10/sup 10/ yr further increases this bound to m/sub f/< or approx. =200 GeV.
Th17 Cell Accumulation Is Decreased during Chronic Experimental Colitis by (n-3) PUFA in Fat-1 Mice

During colon inflammation, Th17 cells and immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Treg) are thought to play promotive and preventative roles, respectively. Dietary (n-3) PUFA favorably modulate intestinal inflammation in part by downregulating T-cell activation and functionality. We used the Fat-1 mouse, a genetic model that synthesizes long-chain (n-3) PUFA de novo, to test the hypothesis that (n-3) PUFA protect against colonic inflammation by modulating the polarization of Treg and Th17 cells during colitis. Male and female wild-type (WT) and Fat-1 mice were administered dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in the drinking water (2.5%) to induce acute (5 d DSS) or chronic (3 cycles DSS) colitis and the percentage of Treg and Th17 cells residing locally [colonic lamina propria (cLP)] and systemically (spleen) was determined by flow cytometry. The percentage of Treg in either tissue site was unaffected by genotype (P > 0.05); however, during chronic colitis, the percentage of Th17 cells residing in both the spleen and cLP was lower in Fat-1 mice compared to WT mice (P < 0.05). Colonic mucosal mRNA expression of critical Th17 cell cytokines and chemokine receptors (IL-17F, IL-21, and CCR6) were lower, whereas expression of the Th17 cell suppressive cytokine, IL-27, was greater in Fat-1 mice compared to WT mice during chronic colitis (P < 0.05). Moreover, colon histological scores were improved in Fat-1 mice (P < 0.05). Collectively, these results demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, that (n-3) PUFA can modulate the colonic mucosal microenvironment to suppress Th17 cell accumulation and inflammatory damage following the induction of chronic colitis.
A new coded-excitation ultrasound imaging system. I. Basic principles

A new approach to ultrasound imaging with coded-excitation is presented. The imaging is performed by reconstruction of the scatterer strength on an assumed grid covering the region of interest (ROI). Our formulation is based on an assumed discretized signal model which represents the received sampled data vector as a superposition of impulse responses of all scatterers in the ROI. The reconstruction operator is derived from the pseudo-inverse of the linear operator (system matrix) that produces the received data vector. The singular value decomposition (SVD) method with appropriate regularization techniques is used for obtaining a robust realization of the pseudo-inverse. Under simplifying (but realistic) assumptions, the pseudo-inverse operator (PIO) can be implemented using a bank of transversal filters with each filter designed to extract echoes from a specified image line. This approach allows for the simultaneous acquisition of a large number of image lines. This could be useful in increasing frame rates for two-dimensional imaging systems or allowing for real-time implementation of three-dimensional imaging systems. When compared to the matched filtering approach to similar coded-excitation systems, our approach eliminates correlation artifacts that are known to plague such systems. Furthermore, the lateral resolution of the new system can exceed the diffraction limit imposed on conventional imaging systems utilizing delay-and-sum beamformers. The range resolution is compared to that of conventional pulse-echo systems with resolution enhancement (our PIO behaves as a pseudo-inverse Wiener filter in the range direction). Both simulation and experimental verification of these statements are given.
The Use of Micronized Allograft Articular Cartilage (BioCartilage) and Platelet Rich Plasma to Augment Marrow Stimulation in an Equine Model of Articular Cartilage Defects

Objectives:Microfracture continues to be a dominant treatment strategy for symptomatic articular cartilage defects. Improving the histologic and clinical outcomes with biologic adjuncts offers prom...
A stomatal optimization theory to describe the effects of atmospheric CO2 on leaf photosynthesis and transpiration

†Background and Aims Global climate models predict decreases in leaf stomatal conductance and transpiration due to increases in atmospheric CO2. The consequences of these reductions are increases in soil moisture availability and continental scale run-off at decadal time-scales. Thus, a theory explaining the differential sensitivity of stomata to changing atmospheric CO2 and other environmental conditions must be identified. Here, these responses are investigated using optimality theory applied to stomatal conductance. †Methods An analytical model for stomatal conductance is proposed based on: (a) Fickian mass transfer of CO2 and H2O through stomata; (b) a biochemical photosynthesis model that relates intercellular CO2 to net photosynthesis; and (c) a stomatal model based on optimization for maximizing carbon gains when water losses represent a cost. Comparisons between the optimization-based model and empirical relationships widely used in climate models were made using an extensive gas exchange dataset collected in a maturing pine (Pinus taeda) forest under ambient and enriched atmospheric CO2. †Key Results and Conclusion In this interpretation, it is proposed that an individual leaf optimally and autonomously regulates stomatal opening on short-term (approx. 10-min time-scale) rather than on daily or longer timescales. The derived equations are analytical with explicit expressions for conductance, photosynthesis and intercellular CO2, thereby making the approach useful for climate models. Using a gas exchange dataset collected in a pine forest, it is shown that (a) the cost of unit water loss l (a measure of marginal water-use efficiency) increases with atmospheric CO2 ;( b) the new formulation correctly predicts the condition under which CO2-enriched atmosphere will cause increasing assimilation and decreasing stomatal conductance.
G80(P) Optimising multivitamin supplementation in paediatric emergency department (ed) patients – a health promotion initiative

Aims Vitamin D deficiency is an increasing problem within the UK, particularly in high-risk groups. Clinical manifestations include seizures and cardiomyopathy in infants, muscle weakness, non-specific abdominal pain, poor growth and rickets. Current recommendations are that all children from six months to five years of age receive 7 – 8.5 micrograms of vitamin D per day ( Department of Health and Chief Medical Officers ). The British Paediatric and Adolescent Bone Group advocate that exclusively breastfed infants receive vitamin D supplements from soon after birth. The Government’s ‘Healthy Start’ programme aims to prevent deficiency by providing multivitamins (A, C and D) free to families on income support. Some Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) fund these vitamins beyond the scheme - in the case of our own CCG, this is for all children aged 6 months – 3 years inclusive. Healthy Start vitamins have been available within our ED for some time, with a poster campaign in the ED waiting room encouraging parents/carers to request them. In view of our particular high risk populations, and the large number of cases of vitamin D deficiency diagnosed within our ED, we sought to optimise the provision of Healthy Start vitamins. Methods Our ED documentation card was modified to prompt the nurse/clinician to routinely ask parents/carers of infants and children 3 years and below if they were currently receiving multivitamins. When this was not the case, a bottle of the Healthy Start vitamin drops was offered, together with a written information booklet about the scheme. We compared the number of bottles of vitamins supplied before and after this change, by reviewing the logsheet entries for each issue. Results Number of patients receiving Healthy Start vitamins: Conclusion Patient attendances to EDs provide opportunities for clinicians to support national health promotion campaigns. This can be optimised by incorporating health promotion questions as a standard aspect of clinical care. The next stage of this initiative will be an audit of the new multivitamin process, to ensure that all eligible patients have been targeted, and to exclude a “drop-off” in compliance.
Information and Decision Systems for Production Planning

Bowman [Bowman, E. H. 1963. Consistency and optimality in Managerial decision making. Management Sci.9 2 310--322.] and others have proposed that regression models derived from a manager's past behavior can serve as a basis for future managerial decisions. This paper is concerned with a comparison of this approach to more traditional modes of decision making intuition and mathematical optimization models in an aggregate production scheduling context under various forecast error and forecast horizon environments. The regression models developed were also used to test Bowman's “Management Coefficients” theory at the axiomatic level, as well as to examine intuitive decision processes. To do this required verification that the regression models accurately specified an individual's decision process. A verification procedure, based on the concept of predictive testing, was used conjointly with statistical goodness of fit and cross validation to validate the regression models. The experimental results 1 supported Bowman's hypotheses, and 2 indicated the effects of forecast error and horizon length on the performance of the three decision making modes and on the formation of intuitive scheduling strategies. The theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Nonuniqueness of lossless inverse scattering solutions and spectral approximation

The solution to the lossless inverse scattering (LIS) problem is known to be nonunique. In the present work the author investigates the implications with respect to system and spectral approximation. In particular, he considers LIS solutions which are scaled inner (g-inner) functions and shows that the corresponding spectral approximants are very special. Secondly, he shows how the nonuniqueness can be exploited to make the approximant satisfy additional constraints. >
Sampling design and uncertainty based on spatial variability of spectral variables for mapping vegetation cover

Optimal sampling design for collecting ground data is critical in order to accurately map vegetation cover using remotely sensed data. Traditional simple random sampling often leads to a duplication of information and to a larger sample than is required. An optimal sampling grid spacing based on regionalized variable theory can greatly reduce the number of sample plots needed given a precision level for a study area. However, this method requires a set of ground data that exists or can be obtained via a pilot survey in order to derive a semivariogram for measuring the spatial variability of the variable of interest. In this study, we first developed a method to estimate the semivariogram of a ground or primary variable—vegetation cover from remotely sensed data instead of ground data—and then used it for determining optimal grid spacing for sampling the primary variable. The method developed can avoid the need for a pilot survey to obtain a ground dataset that has a good spatial distribution of plots and ...
Suppression of Alcohol Preference by Naltrexone in the Rhesus Macaque: A Critical Role of Genetic Variation at the μ-Opioid Receptor Gene Locus

Background The role of a nonsynonymous A118G polymorphism of the human μ-opioid receptor gene ( OPRM1 ) for alcohol reward and therapeutic efficacy of naltrexone remains controversial. A functionally equivalent OPRM1 C77G polymorphism in rhesus macaques allows this to be addressed under controlled experimental conditions. Methods Twenty-one rhesus macaques (13 female rhesus macaques, 8 male rhesus macaques) were genotyped for OPRM1 C77G and studied during 1-hour sessions for preference between an aspartame-sweetened alcohol solution (8.4% vol/vol) and a nonalcoholic control fluid in a baseline session followed by naltrexone (1 mg/kg) and vehicle treatment in a counterbalanced within-subject design. Results Mixed-model analysis of variance controlling for baseline and sex showed a highly significant ( p = .003) interaction between genotype and treatment. Post hoc analysis showed that vehicle-treated 77G carriers had markedly higher alcohol preference than 77C homozygous subjects ( p = .001). Following naltrexone administration, 77G carriers decreased their preference ( p = .002) and no longer differed from 77C homozygous subjects. In contrast, the latter group was unaffected by treatment and, in fact, showed a trend-level increase of preference following naltrexone. Conclusions These results support a critical pharmacogenetic role of OPRM1 variation for therapeutic efficacy of naltrexone.
Reducing phosphorus discharge from flow-through aquaculture. III. Assessing high-rate filtration media for effluent solids and phosphorus removal.

Abstract Two types of unique high-rate filtration media, reticulate foam media of four porosities and Fuzzy filter ® (FF) media (Schreiber Technologies, Trussville, AL, USA), were tested during bench top and field tests for potential application in flow-through (FT) mechanical filtration processes to reduce solid phase phosphorus (P) discharge. Bench top test screening was used to select medias for field testing based on the following criteria: (1) capable of particle size capture down to 100 μm; (2) capable of hydraulic loading ≥2037 Lpm/m 2 [50 gpm/ft 2 ]; (3) initial clean bed head loss ≤ ∼152 mm. Bench top results showed average particle size capture of 217, 161, 118, 69, and 51 μm for the four porosities of reticulated foam tested and the FF media, respectively. Fuzzy filter ® media was the only media that was unable to sustain the 2037 Lpm/m 2 hydraulic loading; therefore FF media was tested at a hydraulic loading of 1605 Lpm/m 2 . The FF media was also the only media that which exhibited any measurable head loss during the 1 h bench top tests, i.e. 17 cm water. Based on these results the 30 ppi reticulated foam was selected for a 16 h field test to measure particle size capture, head loss, and the effect on solids and P discharge from commercial FT raceway effluent. The results indicated particle size capture of less than 100 μm, a cumulative head loss of 150 mm, and a 29% reduction in suspended solids and solid phase phosphorus discharge (11% total phosphorus discharge reduction) from the filtered effluent. The results support that the 30 ppi reticulated foam is a suitable media for development in a high-rate filtration process for solids and phosphorus discharge reductions from FT raceway effluent.
Rapid Gel Formation and Adhesion in Photocurable and Biodegradable Block Copolymers with High DOPA Content

Marine mussels anchor to a variety of surfaces in turbulent intertidal zones through the use of adhesive plaques formed from hardened mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs). It is believed that 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) imparts both water-resistant adhesive characteristics and rapid curing ability to MAPs. In this paper, DOPA-modified triblock copolymers were synthesized and used to form adhesive hydrogels. Amphiphilic block copolymers with DOPA content as high as 10 wt % were prepared, and aqueous solutions of the polymers rapidly (<1 min) formed hydrogels by photopolymerization of methacrylate end groups attached to the hydrophobic segments. Contact mechanics adhesion tests were performed on the photocured hydrogels, and it was shown that incorporating DOPA into the polymer structure significantly enhanced work of adhesion to titanium surfaces submerged in an aqueous medium. Work of adhesion values as high as 410 mJ/m2 were recorded for polymers containing 10 wt % DOPA, although the introduction of Lys...
Antecedents of Global Decline in Health-Related Quality of Life Among Middle-Aged African Americans

Objective. We examined global declines in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for a period of 3 years among the 998 participants in the African American Health (AAH) project. Methods. The AAH is a population-based sample from two areas of metropolitan St. Louis. Global declines were defi ned as clinically important differences (CIDs) on four or more of the eight Short Form 36-Item scales. Individual CIDs were defi ned as drops of 0.5 SD or more from the baseline score. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify antecedents of global decline. Results. Fourteen percent ( n = 117) of the 846 AAH subjects in the analysis demonstrated global declines in HRQoL. Five statistically signifi cant risk factors were identifi ed, including sampling strata (inner-city vs. suburban residence; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.06), cancer (AOR = 3.56), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AOR = 2.19), clinically relevant levels of depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.96), and incident (postbaseline) health conditions (1 [AOR = 1.71] and ≥ 2 [AOR = 3.09] vs. none).
Evolving role of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration in tumor staging and treatment of patients with carcinomas of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Introduction Treatments such as neoadjuvant chemotherapy and endoscopic mucosal resection for upper gastrointestinal carcinomas (UGC) necessitates preoperative staging evaluation of lymph nodes. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)–guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of lymph nodes provides more accurate staging than EUS alone. Our study investigates the role of EUS-FNA in the staging/treatment of patients with UGC. Materials and methods We searched our database for patients who had EUS-FNA staging of lymph nodes for UGC over 1 year. The cytologic diagnoses were compared with clinical, radiographic, EUS-determined staging, and patient follow-up data. All EUS/EUS-FNA procedures used a standard radial and/or linear echo endoscope. Direct smears from the aspirated material were stained by Papanicolaou and Diff-Quik methods. Results We studied 84 patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction carcinomas and 15 patients with gastric carcinomas. EUS-FNA confirmed N0 status for 100% of patients with T1 and T2 tumors and for 93% of patients with T3 tumors. Patients with T1N0 carcinomas confirmed by EUS were selected for endoscopic mucosal resection. All patients with gastric carcinomas had EUS-determined stage T3 and above tumors. Based on primary tumor stage, all patients with gastric carcinomas received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusions Cytologic diagnosis by EUS-FNA agreed with EUS nodal staging in 77% of the patients with UGC. EUS-FNA was useful to select patients with T1N0 esophageal or gastroesophageal junction carcinomas for endoscopic mucosal resection. EUS-FNA did not contribute significantly in treatment of patients with higher stage tumors whose disease was down-staged to N0 by EUS-FNA. These patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on the status of the primary tumor.
QSGCD: Quantum supergravichromodynamics

We extend the methods of ’t Hooft for the planar model of QCD to their natural supersymmetric generalizations for a pure SUSY Yang-Mills theory with gauge group ℐ. We find, to leading order in the infrared and coupling constant expansions in the respective Dyson-Schwinger and Bethe-Salpeter equations, a massless SUSY multiplet of spins (2,3/2). Following Weinberg, Grisaru and Pendleton, and Kugo and Uehara, we identify this multiplet with the graviton and the gravitino in the spirit of the Sudarshan-Flatoet al. interpretation of the Weinberg-Witten theorem. We propose, therefore, that quantum gravity is really the low-energy remnant of a more fundamental theory: a SUSY Yang-Mills theory with scale parameterΛQSGCD∼MP, whereMP is the Planck mass. The true unification of gravity with the strong, weak and electromagnetic interactions occurs at a scaleMSSU⋍1·1021 GeV in anE8 example, whereE8 is the gauge group of the world. Possible connections with the superstring theories of Green and Schwarz and of Grosset al. are discussed.
The Unequal Weight of Discrimination: Gender, Body Size, and Income Inequality

At present, most work examining the well-documented relationship between social inequality and body size treats fatness as an effect, caused either by some factor that determines weight and social class simultaneously, or by social class itself. However, the relationship between weight and social inequality is more complex than these explanations suggest. Recent studies by John Cawley (2004) and Charles Baum and William Ford (2004) suggest that fatness is often a contributor to inequality, not merely an effect. This article examines the causes of income inequalities between obese and nonobese workers, focusing on how gender interacts with body size to determine the size and duration of those inequalities. Drawing on data from the 1997–2008 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY97), I introduce a positive test for discrimination, which provides a methodological advantage over previous research in this area. I then pose two questions: first, is anti-obesity discrimination to blame for income inequalities between obese and nonobese workers? Second, do women and men's experiences of those inequalities differ? The results indicate that very obese men do face one form of discrimination–statistical discrimination–but that they can overcome initial disadvantages with time. In contrast, obese women's income disadvantages persist over time, suggesting the presence of prejudicial discrimination. In combination with previous studies illustrating how fat women are disadvantaged in educational attainment and marriage outcomes–two important means of accessing economic resources–this research shows one mechanism by which weight, particularly in combination with gender, is a major vector of U.S. inequality.
Abstract 430: Blood Pressure Monitoring in the Biological Time Structures and in Pre- /Post-Surgery Seasonal Variations

Biological time structures (clock-hour), including yearly rhythm (circannual), ~weekly (circaseptan) and circadian are considered essential parameters in blood pressure (BP) to recognize and treat any risk elevation as well as overt disease. BP and heart rate (HR) in adolescents and adults were monitored automatically around the clock at 30-minute to hourly intervals for seasons and/or years. Data was analyzed by the linear least square rhythmometry. All showed significant circadian fluctuations in BP and HR. BP was about 10-20 mm Hg higher in the adult group while HR was lowered in average about 10 beats/min. The circadian response peaked in the noon to the late afternoon hours: SBP: 18:08; DBP: 17:08; HR: 17:40 with the impression from the 5 adult subjects, individual differences notwithstanding, while one teen showed shift changes to the early morning hours: SBP: 01:48; DBP: 01:24: HR: 00:12. Circannual BP and HR revealed significant rhythms with peaks on October 27 (SBP), November 26 (DBP) and October 31 (HR). While the winter month BP and HR were the lowest in comparison to the other 3 seasons, further sudden drops of both BP and HR were noted in the individual at the point of surgery in mid-January. However, when the surgery performed in the same individual in November, the drop was minimal, while early spring time surgery increased SBP significantly with a minimal increase in DBP and HR. Sharp increased double amplitudes (Amps) (SBP 73; DBP 35; HR 24, all P
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with combined deltoid reconstruction in patients with anterior and/or middle deltoid tears.

Background and hypothesis Deltoid disruption has traditionally been an absolute contraindication to performing a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), and options available to patients have been limited. We present a series of patients with deltoid tears that underwent concomitant RTSA with deltoid reconstruction. We hypothesize that this combined procedure provides an acceptable, functional alternative for this complex patient population. Materials and methods We retrospectively identified all patients who were treated by a single surgeon with a concomitant RTSA and deltoid reconstruction from 2004 to 2012 with minimum 24-month follow-up. Six shoulders in 5 patients met these criteria. The mean age was 69 years (range, 61-79 years), and the mean follow-up period was 76.8 months (range, 24-133 months). We compared preoperative and postoperative range of motion and Penn Shoulder Scores, including subscores, using paired t tests. Results Mean forward elevation and external rotation increased from 48° and 12°, respectively, to 120° and 22°, respectively. Penn scores increased from 45.2 to 77.8 postoperatively ( P = .03). The Penn satisfaction subscore, in particular, improved from 1.1 (of 10) to 9.0 ( P = .005). There was a low rate of recurrent deltoid failure (1 of 6 shoulders), and there were no infections or revisions. Discussion Deltoid reconstruction at the same time as RTSA is a viable treatment option as a salvage procedure for patients with deltoid deficiency who otherwise need RTSA for treatment of massive rotator cuff deficiency. In this small series, simultaneous RTSA and deltoid reconstruction resulted in a functional shoulder with a high level of satisfaction and good motion. Level of evidence Level IV; Case Series; Treatment Study
Advertising and Promotion Effects on Consumer Response to New Products

A stochastic model of consumer response to new products is developed which incorporates the effects of overtime variations in advertising and promotion. The model’s primary usefulness lies in its ability to generate conditional forecasts of product sales to evaluate alternative marketing programs for new product introduction.
Study of0+excitations inGd158with the (n,n'γ) reaction

We have examined $^{158}\mathrm{Gd}$ with the ($n,{n}^{'}\ensuremath{\gamma}$) reaction at neutron energies up to 3.3 MeV to determine the collective character of ${0}^{+}$ excitations revealed in previous $^{160}\mathrm{Gd}$($p$, $t$) reaction studies. Moderately large $B(E2;{0}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{2}_{1}^{+})$ values are observed for transitions from some of the ${0}^{+}$ states lying above the pairing gap. From its excitation energy and decay properties, the ${0}^{+}$ excitation at 2276.7 keV is suggested as exhibiting two-phonon $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ strength. The high density of levels at similar excitation energies makes the identification of the other two-phonon states improbable.
A sensitive interferon assay for many species of cells: encephalomyocarditis virus hemagglutinin yield reduction.

SummaryA new, highly sensitive assay for human interferon was developed in which the reduction in HA yield of a single-cycle infection with EMC virus is measured. The sensitivity and precision of the assay are comparable to or better than the other assays tested, depending most of all upon the cells used in the test. This simple method requires no sophisticated instrumentation, can be used on a microtiter scale, provides objective numerical results, and is readily applicable to testing large numbers of samples. The assay can be used in human lines arid diploid cell strains as well as in monkey, rabbit, cat, mouse, pig, cow, dog, and hamster-mouse hybrid cells.We are grateful to C. K. Schoenherr for her excellent technical assistance. We thank Dr. M. Essex for making it possible for one of the authors (P.J.) to work with the feline cell system in his laboratory. We appreciate the gifts of interferon from Dr. K. Cantell and Dr. J. Valenta, and of cells from Drs. G. G. Jackson, S. Baron, and E. Kilbourne.
Intrauterine Growth Retardation Modulates Sirt1 Deacetylase, Foxo3 Transcription Factor, and Superoxide Dismutase 2 Expression in the Postnatal Cerebral Cortex.: 441

Background Uteroplacental insufficiency and subsequent intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) alter cerebral postnatal gene expression and increase the risk for neurodevelopmental morbidities. IUGR causes histone hyperacetylatilation in d0 and d21 hippocampus of IUGR male rats. SIRT1, a NAD-dependent histone-deacetylase, has an important role in chromatin silencing, genome stability, neuronal protection, and longevity. SIRT1deacetylates the FOXO3 transcription factor and as a result prevents FOXO3-mediated apoptosis and stimulates FOXO3-mediated resistance to oxidative stress. Deacetylated FOXO3 up-regulates SOD2 expression. Objective We hypothesize that IUGR decreases postnatal SIRT1 mRNA and protein levels and as a result decreases SOD2 gene expression. In this study, we analyzed SIRT1, FOXO3, and SOD2 mRNA expression and protein levels in cerebral cortex of IUGR rats. Methods To test our hypothesis, we used term pups from an IUGR model obtained by bilateral uterine artery ligation. Pups from sham surgeries were used as controls. Protein and mRNA levels were measured on d0 and d21 by performing real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results SIRT1 protein levels decreased to 73.33% of controls in IUGR d0 males (p = .023), followed by SIRT1 decreased mRNA levels (84% of controls) on d21. This is associated with a significant decrease in SOD2 mRNA levels (p = .013, 62.66% of controls) in IUGR d21 brains with a predominant effect in males (p = .01, 61.2% of controls). On day 21, there is also a decrease in IUGR FOXO3 mRNA levels (p = .012, 86.8% of controls) without a significant difference between genders. Conclusion We conclude that IUGR decreases SIRT1 gene expression in male rats, which subsequently decreases SOD2 mRNA levels. This finding may explain the neurologic morbidities and the hippocampal hyperacetylation in d0 and d21 IUGR males, which does not persist in the females. We speculate that alterations in SIRT1 gene expression early in life may contribute to changes in histone acetylation, oxidative stress resistance, and apoptosis that contribute to the long-term neurologic morbidities of the IUGR fetus.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Relaxation in V3 Ga1− x Snx

The pseudobinary A15 compounds V3Ga1 − x Sn x form over the range x = 0−1.0. The superconducting transition temperature T c falls sharply from a peak of about 4°K at x = 0 to about 4°K at x = 1. In order to understand the dependence of T c on the electronic structure, we have measured the spin—lattice relaxation rate T 1 −1, isotropic Knight shiftK iso,axial Knight shift K ax,and electric field gradient q at 51V over the temperature range 1.6−300°K and over the frequency range 8–48.5 MHz. The exponential dependence of T 1 −1 on reciprocal temperature below T c yields the energy gap 2Δ. The gaps have nearly the BCS value 3.5kT c for x ≥ 0.3 but are larger at smaller x. The spin—lattice relaxation rate in the normal state is dominated by the d-orbital contribution. The composition dependence of the relaxation rate and the electric field gradient are calculated by a tight binding model and the theory of Watson et al.1 respectively. The results are in quantitative agreement with the tight binding interpolation2 of the APW calculation of Mattheiss.3
Laser-assisted TURP.

This article describes an interesting technique combining laser coagulation and vaporization using the Nd/YAG laser followed by standard electroresection (TURP) to allow an essentially catheter free postoperative course, early return to normal activity, < 24-h hospitalization, and decreased intraoperative and postoperative complications. Combining the two laser techniques with TURP, eliminates the problems and complications that are associated with any of these procedures individually.
Sex steroid-induced DNA methylation changes and inflammation response in prostate cancer.

Abstract Background Sex steroid hormones have been reported to induce inflammation causing dysregulation of cytokines in prostate cancer cells. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanism has not well been studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sex steroid hormones on epigenetic DNA methylation changes in prostate cancer cells using a signature PCR methylation array panel that correspond to 96 genes with biological function in the human inflammatory and autoimmune signals in prostate cancer. Of the 96-gene panel, 32 genes showed at least 10% differentially methylation level in response to hormonal treatment when compared to untreated cells. Genes that were hypomethylated included CXCL 12, CXCL 5, CCL 25, IL1F 8, IL 13 RAI , STAT5 A, CXCR 4 and TLR 5; and genes that were hypermethylated included ELA 2, TOLLIP , LAG 3, CD 276 and MALT 1. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of select genes represented in a cytokine expression array panel showed inverse association between DNA methylation and gene expression for TOLLIP, CXCL5, CCL18 and IL5 genes and treatment of prostate cancer cells with 5′-aza-2′-deoxycytidine with or without trichostatin A induced up-regulation of TOLLIP expression. Further analysis of relative gene expression of matched prostate cancer tissues when compared to benign tissues from individual patients with prostate cancer showed increased and significant expression for CCL18 (2.6-fold; p
Baccalaureate programs in computer forensics

Since the first baccalaureate program in computer forensics was introduced in 2004, this emerging multi-disciplinary field has been gradually accepted by the academia as the interest and demand of the knowledge and technology in computer security and forensics has been constantly grown. In this paper, all the baccalaureate programs in computer forensics currently offered in the U.S., based on the information available on the internet, are studied. In addition to the different types of the institutions and their geographical locations, the structures of the curricula in terms of the course offerings from various disciplines, levels and sequences of the courses, and other requirements, such as practical exercises and professional internships, are primarily analyzed. Moreover, the other resources for computer forensic education, e.g. national education centers for computer forensics and the recommended professional education standards, are discussed. It is hoped that the discussion and analysis presented in this work will be beneficial to those who are currently running or planning to start a baccalaureate program in computer forensics or in any other emerging fields.
Interplanetary Mission Analysis

Most interplanetary missions using high-thrust propulsion systems do not apply thrust for the entire flight but rather have a series of thrusting maneuvers near the departure and destination planets with relatively long coast periods between the planets. Normally, at least four major propulsive maneuvers are required for round-trip missions. These main propulsion system burns include the following: (1) a departure acceleration burn from home planet, (2) an arrival deceleration burn at the destination planet, (3) a departure acceleration burn from the destination planet, and (4) an arrival deceleration burn back at the home planet. Closed-form solutions to the orbital mechanic equations for these missions are generally not possible; however, by using what is called the patched conic approximation the mission characteristics of the interplanetary voyage may be determined to a high degree of accuracy.
Using Training Evaluation to Improve Practice: A Lesson Learnt from Rolling Out LMS Upgrade Training

© 2017 by IGI Global. All rights reserved. By providing you with a detailed description of our upgrade training case, we hopeyou would be able to (a) relate and compare our case descriptions, environment,processes to your organization and environment, (b) Identify similarities and differencebetween our cases, and (c) Develop possible action plan based on our lessonlearn to carry out your training and evaluations needs. In our lesson learned, lookfor tools that work best for you depending on your environment to conduct trainingand evaluations (Beebe et al., 2012). Locate or create your training and evaluationdata because they are very useful in improving your training for your learners(Phillips, 1997). Following-up extreme feedback after training evaluation (Goad,2010) either directly in person or through related channel allows you to evaluateand gain more insight into learner's reactions.
Both Platelet ADP Receptors Contribute to Microparticle Formation.

Abstract Microparticles are shed from the platelet membrane upon platelet activation, and they contain negatively charged phospholipids such as phosphatidylserine (PS) on their membrane that bind to coagulation factors and aid in clot formation. While the procoagulant nature of microparticles is clear, the relative contributions of platelet agonists to microparticle formation leading to a thrombus are still unclear. Because secreted ADP from the dense granules has been shown to potentiate granule release, GPIIb/IIIa activation, and platelet thrombin generation, we studied the effect of antagonizing the P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors on microparticle formation from platelets that are stimulated with convulxin and thrombin. It has been previously shown that a deficiency in the P2Y12 receptor causes an increase in bleeding time, and we found prolonged bleeding times with P2Y1 knockout mice when compared to the wild type mice. Because microparticles are a part of the hemostatic process, we set out to see if there was a contribution of the P2Y receptors on agonist-induced platelet microparticle formation. Flow cytometry was used to measure microparticle formation in human blood in the presence or absence of P2Y1 or P2Y12 receptor antagonists. In addition, we measured agonist-induced microparticle formation in wild type mouse blood and compared the microparticle formation to P2Y1 knockout mouse blood microparticle. Using human blood stimulated with thrombin and convulxin we observed a decrease in microparticle count when administering the P2Y1 antagonist MRS2179 by 17%, and the P2Y12 antagonist AR-C69931MX by 28%. Furthermore, there was a decrease in microparticle formation in P2Y1 knockout mouse blood when compared to the wild type mouse microparticle formation by 13%. These results illustrate that both of the P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors play an intricate role in microparticle formation in vivo, and may be one more effect underlying the extended bleeding times of patients deficient in the P2Y12 receptor or for the slightly increased bleeding of those taking the P2Y12 receptor antagonist clopidogrel.
Adventure Games as Deaf Education Tools: Action Research Results

A dissertation funded by a Department of Education Student Initiated Research grant (award number H324B980063) and completed in May of 2002 sheds light on the potential of Panoramic Adventure games as English learning tools for Deaf children whose first languages varied from American Sign Language to Spanish and Tagalog. The investigator created a 3-dimensional model of the Gladys City museum, a monument to the first true oil gusher found in the United States. Within the game, students encountered various characters and interacted with them through English text. Optionally, the students could request the text be interpreted. Interpretations were provided by native Deaf ASL users and converted to QuickTime videos. Results indicate that some learning may have taken place, though the study was conducted as a case study. The results do not generalize to other Deaf children, but provide insight into future directions for educators desiring to develop computer-based educational materials, which target Deaf children. Twelve students used the game and a multimedia electronic dictionary type version of the same information. Students took pretests, posttests, and filled out questionnaires designed to measure the motivating value of the treatments.
Analytical O(h2) CFD error annihilation theory: FREE O(h4) upgrade for second-order numerics codes

ABSTRACTWorldwide, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes for Navier–Stokes (NS), Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RaNS), and/or large eddy simulation NS (LES) partial differential equation (PDE) systems are invariably based on second-order discrete numerics. Resulting nonlinear convection term discretizations inject an O(h2) dispersive error mechanism, h the mesh measure, inducing code algebraic destabilization for practical Reynolds numbers (Re). Code universal resolution is PDE discretization augmentation with a (usually) difference algebra derived numerical diffusion scheme to render O(h2) dispersion error destabilization nonpathological. The penalty of such schemes is artificial diffusion compromising of sharp fronts and/or discontinuities and generation of nonmonotone CFD approximations. Such legacy practices are now rendered obsolete by a totally analytical theory that rigorously identifies, in the continuum (!), the O(h2) truncation error terms resident but unspecified in NS/RaNS/LES PDE system ...
Simultaneous quantification of intracellular lamivudine and abacavir triphosphate metabolites by LC-MS/MS.

Abstract Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) require intracellular phosphorylation to active triphosphate (TP) nucleotide metabolites before they can inhibit the HIV reverse transcriptase. However, monitoring these pharmacologically active TP metabolites is challenging due to their instability and their low concentrations at the pg/ml levels in blood and tissues. The combination of lamivudine (3TC) and abacavir (ABC) is one of the first lines for HIV therapy. Therefore, a sensitive, selective, accurate, and precise LC–MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of 3TC- and ABC-TP metabolites in mouse blood and tissues. Calibration curves were linear over the range of 10–100,000 pg/ml for 3TC-TP and 4–40,000 pg/ml for carbovir-TP (CBV-TP; phosphorylated metabolite of ABC). This corresponds to 2.1–21,322 fmol/106 cells for 3TC-TP and 0.8–8000 fmol/106 cells for CBV-TP. Accuracy and precision were less than 15% for all quality control sample (QCs), and absolute extraction recovery of were >65% for 3TC-TP and >90% for CBV-TP. The method was optimized to ensure stability of TP samples and standards during sample collection, preparation, analysis, and storage conditions. This method has enhanced sensitivity and requires smaller amounts of blood and tissue samples compared to previous LC–MS/MS methods for 3TC- and CBV-TP quantification. The developed method was successfully applied to characterize the pharmacokinetic profile of TP metabolites in mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), spleen, lymph nodes, and liver cells. In addition, another direct, simple, and high-throughput method for the quantification of TP standards was developed and used for the analysis of stability samples.
Solar Thermochemical Hydrogen (STCH) Processes

In order for hydrogen to play a key role in the move towards renewable energy, CO2-neutral hydrogen must be generated efficiently, inexpensively, and at a large scale. This article focuses on thermochemical water-splitting cycles, especially when coupled with solar energy. There are hundreds of possible thermochemical cycles, but only a few have been considered commercially viable. Commonalities among thermochemical cycles are a series of reactions that split water at lower temperatures (∼500–1000°C) than thermal dissociation (>2500°C), with other species recycled in the system. Thermochemical cycles can be direct (all chemical steps) or hybrid (i.e., a combination of chemical and electrochemical steps) processes. If concentrated solar energy is used for the thermal dissociation step, all thermochemical cycles can be classed as solar thermochemical hydrogen (STCH) processes. This article discusses two cycles: 1) a direct thermochemical cycle (zinc oxide cycle), and 2) a hybrid cycle (hybrid sulfur cycle). The latter combines a chemical thermal dissociation step with an electrochemical step. As two-step cycles, their appeal is in their relative simplicity. Although probably several years away, the outlook for solar thermochemical hydrogen generation is strong, especially with continued advances in materials, and system design and optimization.
Apraxia of Language Vs. Apraxia of Speech

Investigations of movement systems in general have consistently included reference to very abstract levels of planning or preparation, where sensory information is considered and where conceptual metaphors abound. At this stage, the nature of scientific characterization rests more at the psychological level than at the physical. As a consequence, breakdown at these higher levels needs to be explained more abstractly. The literature on apraxia reveals that minimally we must distinguish the higher-order planning apraxias from the lower-order implementation apraxias. There is both phenomenal and neurological justification for this differentiation. When the movement under consideration is linguistic, it becomes necessary to distinguish speech from language. Speech production, itself, exists at the level of phonetic implementation. The underlying, or guiding, system of phonological planning (with its abstract elements called phonemes and morphemes) exists at a more abstract level and thus is more properly considered to be in the realm of language. We can now follow the parallels with other models of apraxic disturbance and speak of apraxias of phonetic implementation and apraxias of phonological planning. In so doing, we will be distinguishing apraxia of language from apraxia of speech.
Protection against free radical lipid peroxidation reactions.

Newer knowledge of oxidants and biological protector systems has catalyzed greater scientific interest in all of these important areas. Some of the most important oxidants and biological protector systems are shown in Table 1. Superoxide and superoxide dismutase (1) are topics in which interest and knowledge have rapidly expanded.
Compunction, Second-Personal Morality, and Moral Reasons

In The Second-Person Standpoint and subsequent essays, Stephen Darwall develops an account of morality that is “second-personal” in virtue of holding that what we are morally obligated to do is what others can legitimately demand that we do, i.e., what they can hold us accountable for doing through moral reactive attitudes like blame. Similarly, what it would be wrong for us to do is what others can legitimately demand that we abstain from doing. As part of this account, Darwall argues for the proposition that we have a distinctive “second-personal reason” to fulfill all of our obligations and to avoid all wrong-actions, an “authority-regarding” reason that derives from the legitimate demands the “moral community” makes of us. I show that Darwall offers an insufficient case for this proposition. My criticism of this aspect of Darwall’s account turns in part on the fact that we have compunction-based or “compunctive” reasons to fulfill all of our obligations and to avoid all wrong actions, a type of reason that Darwall seemingly overlooks.