cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of voltage stability in three-phase unbalanced distribution systems with DG using modal analysis technique

Because of the slow expansion of distribution systems, fast growth of load, and increased penetration level of distribution generation (DG), voltage stability becomes an important issue for the proper operation of distribution systems. In this work modal analysis technique was extended to three-phase unbalanced distribution systems to analyze voltage stability problem. Netwon-Raphson algorithm with power mismatch in polar representation was adopted to find the three-phase power flow solution, and its Jacobian matrix was used for three-phase modal analysis technique. This technique was applied to IEEE 13-node test feeder. Several case studies were performed to investigate the impact of unbalance loading degree and DG power output on voltage stability problem. It was found that both would influence not only the maximum loadability of the system but also the location of the weak buses, weak branches and suitable locations to provide reactive power support.
The use of meta-analysis in technology assessment: a meta-analysis of the enzyme immunosorbent assay human immunodeficiency virus antibody test.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the usefulness of meta-analysis and regression analysis in evaluating technologies by applying these techniques to an evaluation of the enzyme immunosorbent assay (EIA) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody test. This meta-analysis synthesizes 26 studies which report on sensitivity and specificity of the EIA HIV antibody test. Sensitivity and specificity values vary widely, ranging between 89–100% sensitivity and 67–100% specificity. To examine this variation, a regression model is tested that explains specificity as a function of the year the study was published, the population being sampled, and a quality rating. The model explains 29% of the total variation. The most significant determinant of specificity is the type of population sampled; studies with low prevalence samples have higher specificity. This study demonstrated that meta-analysis can be used to synthesize literature on technologies, and that regression analysis can be used to examine the sources of variation that meta-analysis uncovers. It also demonstrates the need for studies of test performance to use standardized research procedures and to fully report their methods and results.
Testing demographic differences for alcohol use initiation among adolescents for the decisional balance and situational temptation prevention inventories.

Abstract Alcohol use by middle school-aged students is a public health concern because of the numerous adverse social, health and psychological outcomes. Prevention programs attempt to intervene before alcohol use begins. A tailored, computer-delivered program for the prevention of alcohol use and a series of new transtheoretical model measures were developed, including decisional balance (Pros and Cons) of alcohol use and Situational Temptations to Try Alcohol. This study investigated if there were any demographic differences on these measures in a sample of 6th grade middle school students from 20 schools ( N = 4151) at baseline. Three factorial analysis of variance tests were conducted to explore the impact of race (whites vs. non-whites), ethnicity (Hispanics vs. Non-Hispanics) and gender (males vs. females). A significant two-way interaction effect was found between gender and ethnicity for Pros of Alcohol Use. A significant three-way interaction effect was found between gender, race and ethnicity for Cons of Alcohol Use. Main effects were found for the three demographic factors for Situational Temptations to Try Alcohol. However, the effect sizes for the interaction effects and main effects were very small (all below η 2 = .01), suggesting that race/ethnicity and gender alone may not be highly influential factors in the Decisional Balance for the Prevention of Alcohol and Situational Temptations to Try Alcohol in adolescence. The implications for these results and alcohol use prevention among this group are discussed.
The Persistence of Segregation in the 21st Century Metropolis

The traditional black-white color line in the American metropolis is being replaced by a more complex pattern of color lines involving multiple groups with different racial and ethnic origins. The consequences are positive in some respects, but they do not overcome the continuing barriers to equal opportunity. The degree of segregation has receded from the near-apartheid that was created in the black ghettos of Northern cities in the middle decades of the last century. Yet the experience of segregation continues to impact blacks of all economic classes. Today's color lines also involve Hispanics and Asians. The multiethnic metropolis is fostering a degree of neighborhood diversity that used to be quite rare. At the same time all-minority areas, now including blacks, Hispanics, and sometimes Asians, continue to be reproduced, and the disparities in community resources between white and minority neighborhoods remain deeply entrenched.
A comparison of mathematical model predictions to experimental measurements for growth and recombinant protein production in induced cultures of Escherichia coli

Recombinant cell growth and protein synthesis by a recombinant Escherichia coli under various inducing conditions are compared to the predictions of a mathematical model. The mathematical model used was a combination of two literature models: (1) an empirical kinetic model for recombinant growth and product formation and (2) a genetically structured model of the lac promoter-operator on a multicopy plasmid. The experimental system utilized was recombinant E. coli CSH22 bearing the temperature-sensitive plasmid pVH106/172, which codes for the synthesis of beta-galactosidase and the other lac operon genes under the control of a lac promoter. Mathematical model predictions for recombinant beta-galactosidase yield and specific growth rate were compared with fermentation measurements of these same quantities for conditions of chemical induction with cyclic AMP and IPTG, copy number amplification (by shifting culture temperature), and combined chemical induction and copy number amplification. The model successfully predicted experimental product yields for most cases of chemical induction even though the product yields varied from 0.34 x 10(3) to 1500 x 10(3) units/g cell mass. The kinetic model also correctly predicted a decline in the specific growth rate with increasing levels of plasmid and recombinant protein. The model was less successful at predicting product amplification at high copy numbers. A comparison of model predictions and experimental results was also used to investigate some of the assumptions used in constructing the mathematical models.
Introduction of the cell survival gene bcl-xL improves the viability of CTLL-2 cells without affecting their IL-2 proliferative response Implications for the development of bioassays

A standard method for the quantitation of cytokines is to perform a bioassay in which aliquots of samples are compared to known concentrations of a cytokine in supporting the proliferation of a cytokine-dependent cell line. In most instances however, these cell lines are dependent on the cytokine not only for proliferation but also for survival. For example, a cell line that is commonly utilized for interleukin-2 (IL-2) bioassays is the IL-2-dependent line, CTLL-2. CTLL-2 cells will die rapidly by apoptosis if withdrawn from IL-2, thus these cells can be difficult to maintain in culture for extended periods. Overexpression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-x(L) can enhance CTLL-2 survival in the absence of IL-2. However, while overexpression of Bcl-x(L) can prevent CTLL-2 cells from dying in the absence of IL-2, overexpression of Bcl-x(L) does not impair the ability of CTLL-2 cells to be used for proliferation-based IL-2 bioassays. Thus the bcl-x(L)-transfected CTLL-2 cells are equivalent to the parental cell line for determination of IL-2 levels in a culture supernatant, yet are easier to maintain in culture. Introduction of Bcl-x(L) or Bcl-2 into other factor-dependent cell lines may also simplify their maintenance without significantly affecting their utility in bioassays.
Spectral heterogeneity and time-resolved spectroscopy of excitation energy transfer in membranes of Heliobacillus mobilis at low temperatures

Transient absorption difference spectra in the Qy absorption band from membranes of Heliobacillus mobilis were recorded at 140 and 20 K upon 200 fs laser pulse excitation at 590 nm. Excitation transfer from short wavelength absorbing forms of bacteriochlorophyll g to long wavelength bacteriochlorophyll g occurred within 1–2 ps at both long wavelength bacteriochlorophyll g occurred within 1–2 ps at both temperatures. In addition, a slower energy transfer process with a time constant of 15 ps was observed at 20 K within the pool of long wavelength-absorbing bacteriochlorophyll g. Energy transfer from long wavelength antenna pigments to the primary electron donor P798 was observed, yielding the primary charge-separated state P798+A0–. The time constant for this process was 30 ps at 140 K and about 70 ps at 20 K. A decay component with smaller amplitude and a lifetime of up to hundreds of picoseconds was observed that was centered around 814 nm at 20 K. Kinetic simulations using simple lattice models reproduce the observed decay kinetics at 295 and 140 K, but not at 20 K. The kinetics of energy redistribution within the spectrally heterogeneous antenna system at low temperature argue against a simple "funnel" model for the organization of the antenna of Heliobacillus mobilis and favor a more random spatial distribution of spectral forms. However, the relatively high rate of energy transfer from long wavelength antenna bacteriochlorophyll g to the primary electron donor P798 at low temperature is difficult to explain with either of these models.
Some experiments on the surface hardness of dental stones

Abstract One of the disadvantages of the Sears, hydrocolloid indirect technique is the use of a stone die in the preparation of the wax pattern. The stone die is not sufficiently hard to resist the abrasion of the carving instrument during the carving of a wax pattern. Experiments have been performed to determine the effect of the hydrocolloid gel on the hardness of the stone surface, and to investigate methods to increase the surface hardness of the stone by various means. According to the results presented, the following statements can be made: 1. Unless a hydrocolloid impression is previously treated with a hardening solution, the surface hardness of the die stone (as indicated by the Knoop hardness number) is definitely less than that obtained when the stone is allowed to set against a glass surface. 2. Treatment of the hydrocolloid impression, regardless of its composition, with a hardening solution will undoubtedly improve the surface hardness of the stone die. The optimum composition and concentration of the hardening solution, however, may vary from one commercial hydrocolloid material to another, and it should be specified by the manufacturer of the product. 3. When some of the hardening solutions were mixed with the stone instead of water, no increase in surface hardness resulted when the mixtures were allowed to set in contact with one of the hydrocolloid gels. 4. It was noted that the surface hardness of model plaster is not affected by the hydrocolloid gel, but that its hardness is too low for its use as a die material. 5. Soaking the gypsum product in a saturated solution of borax increased the surface hardness of set plaster markedly, but such a treatment did not affect the hardness of the stone.
The effects of cimetidine upon the plasma pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin in rabbits.

Cimetidine is an H2 antagonist which inhibits cytochrome P-450 and reduces hepatic blood flow. To determine whether cimetidine interferes with the plasma pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin, we gave six female New Zealand rabbits doxorubicin 3 mg/kg, followed a month later by cimetidine 120 mg/kg every 12 h over 72 h and doxorubicin 3 mg/kg. Serial plasma specimens were obtained over 72 h and assayed for doxorubicin and its metabolites by high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection.
High Resolution Computed Tomography of Positron Emitters

High resolution computed transaxial tomography has been performed on phantoms containing positron-emitting isotopes. The imaging system consisted of two opposing groups of eight NaI(T1) crystals 8 mm × 30 mm × 50 mm deep and the phantoms were rotated to measure coincident events along 8960 projection integrals as they would be measured by a 280 crystal ring system now under construction. The spatial resolution in the reconstructed images is 7.5 mm FWHM at the center of the ring and approximately 11 mm FWHM at a radius of 10 cm. We present measurements of imaging and background rates under various operating conditions. Based on these measurements, the full 280 crystal system will image 10,000 events per sec with 400 ?Ci in a section 1 cm thick and 20 cm in diameter. We show that 1.5 million events are sufficient to reliably image 3.5 mm hot spots with 14 mm center-to-center spacing and isolated 9 mm diameter cold spots in phantoms 15-20 cm in diameter.
Hepatitis C in patients undergoing liver transplantation.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) among patients undergoing liver transplantation and the relation between anti-HCV and post-transplant hepatitis....
Heuristic procedure for segmentation of 3-D range images

A heuristic procedure for the segmentation of 3-D range images is presented. The range image is coarsely segmented into convex, concave, and flat patches using curvature sign labelling at each surface point. The jump edges are then imposed on the coarsely segmented image, resulting in the initial image segmentation. Next, the boundary points between adjacent surface patches are examined for the purpose of merging compatible patches. A boundary point between patches, which is not on a jump edge, has to belong to a crease or to a ridge line. This is detected by the presence of a large local norm of the residuals for an approximating plane on a window surrounding the boundary point. The present method is expected to be faster than many existing methods. Two examples are used in illustration. Comments and conclusions are given.
On Identifying New Kinds of Astronomical Objects

WE agree that our results are not compelling and accordingly we claimed “evidence for” rather than “a discovery of” a compact X-ray object, but we believe the evidence for a black-body source1 is stronger than Bahcall and Yahil2 imply. These authors have assumed that the confidences of the three spectral fits to GX 340+0 are independent random variables with a uniform distribution on the interval (0, 1). Under these assumptions, the validity of which we consider subsequently, the formula they state is indeed correct. We contend, however, that in the application of this formula one should not use n=10. In Table 1 (extracted from ref. 3) we list the confidences derived for the three model photon distributions for all ten sources observed on this flight. In three of the sources observed, no model had confidence ≳0.02 and thus according to commonly applied criteria* the models do not fit the data. For these sources, none of the three photon distributions is possible. Thus, if we wish to use the formula cited to compute probabilities, we must set n=7, which yields P (bremsstrahlung)=0.455 and P (power law)=0.238. These are appreciable probabilities, but if GX 340+0 is in fact a bremsstrahlung source, two effects must have occurred simultaneously. First, the analysis of the “correct” bremsstrahlung hypothesis has yielded quite a low confidence—one that does not usually permit the conclusion that the proposed model fits the data. Second, the “incorrect” blackbody model has returned a remarkably high confidence, in fact the fifth highest of any listed in Table 1. The probability for the simultaneous occurrence of these two events would clearly be substantially less than 0.455. In addition the blackbody hypothesis combined with the intensity and distance estimates of the source gives a physically reasonable a priori source size. Only 60% of the sources listed in Table 1 have best-fit blackbody radii lying in the range of commonly accepted5 neutron star radii, 5 to 20 km.
Overcoming the barrier to interspecific hybridization of Fagopyrum esculentum with Fagopyrum tataricum

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) was successfully hybridized with common buckwheat (F. esculentum), both diploid (2n=16), using the latter as male parent during bud pollination. The barrier normally encountered in such hybridization was overcome by enhancing the cross-compatibility of the two species, which was accomplished by synthesizing a unique genotype of common buckwheat. This novel plant was produced by selecting common buckwheat plants that exhibited, at isozyme loci PGM, SKDH and ADH, alleles with similar mobility to those found in tartary and then transferring these alleles to a single plant through six generations of breeding. Ovule culture was used to rescue the 7–10 day old embryos. On the rescue-culture medium 41% of the hybrid embryos formed calli larger than 200 μm in diameter. Most ceased to grow before reaching 1500 μm, but four out of 263 cultured ovules continued to grow as callus. One of these differentiated and formed callus with buds and shoots from which cloned plants were produced. The remaining embryos either did not grow at all or formed very small calli. When tartary was crossed with the original genotype of common buckwheat, only 22% of the hybrid embryos formed small calli and none differentiated. Hybridity of the calli and the plantlets was determined by RAPD and isozyme analysis, respectively. Flowers produced by the hybrid plants were of the same type (homomorphic) and size as those of tartary, but with white sepals like common buckwheat.
An interlaminar stress continuity theory for laminated composite analysis

Abstract A complete analysis of a new lamination theory presented in a previous investigation for studying the interlaminar stresses in both thin and thick composite laminates is developed. This theory is based on a multiple-layer approach. Hermite cubic shape function is used as the interpolation function for composite layer assembly through the thickness direction. Because of the high-order shape function, the theory can satisfy the continuity of both interlaminar shear stress and interlaminar normal stress exactly on the composite interface. It then is able to obtain the interlaminar stresses directly from the constitutive equations. In addition, because of the high-order interpolation function, the transverse shear deformation is considered in the theory. Accordingly, the theory can be used for both thin and thick composite laminates. In this study, the composite laminates under cylindrical bending studied by Pagano are investigated to verify the new theory. Closed form solutions agree excellently with the elasticity results. A finite element technique based on the principle of minimum potential energy is also used for numerical analysis. The numerical results also show excellent agreement with the exact solution.
An Automated Model Using Electronic Medical Record Data Identifies Patients With Cirrhosis at High Risk for Readmission

Background & Aims Patients with cirrhosis have 1-month rates of readmission as high as 35%. Early identification of high-risk patients could permit interventions to reduce readmission. The aim of our study was to construct an automated 30-day readmission risk model for cirrhotic patients using electronic medical record (EMR) data available early during hospitalization. Methods We identified patients with cirrhosis admitted to a large safety-net hospital from January 2008 through December 2009. A multiple logistic regression model for 30-day rehospitalization was developed using medical and socioeconomic factors available within 48 hours of admission and tested on a validation cohort. Discrimination was assessed using receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. Results We identified 836 cirrhotic patients with 1291 unique admission encounters. Rehospitalization occurred within 30 days for 27% of patients. Significant predictors of 30-day readmission included the number of address changes in the prior year (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.21), number of admissions in the prior year (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05–1.24), Medicaid insurance (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.10–2.13), thrombocytopenia (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.35–0.72), low level of alanine aminotransferase (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.09–6.00), anemia (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.17–2.27), hyponatremia (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.14–2.80), and Model for End-stage Liver Disease score (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.06). The risk model predicted 30-day readmission, with c-statistics of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.64–0.72) and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.59–0.73) in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. Conclusions Clinical and social factors available early during admission and extractable from an EMR predicted 30-day readmission in cirrhotic patients with moderate accuracy. Decision support tools that use EMR-automated data are useful for risk stratification of patients with cirrhosis early during hospitalization.
Comparative responses of container- versus ground-grown soybean to elevated carbon dioxide and ozone

In studies of CO 2 -enrichment effects on plants, the applicability of results derived from experiments using container-grown plants for predictions of future crop performance in a CO 2 -enriched atmosphere has been questioned. Concerns also have been expressed about plant growth studies with the air pollutant O 3 in pot-grown plants. Further, since elevated CO 2 and O 3 co-occur, studies are required with the combination of gases. In this 2-yr experiment, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] plants grown in large pots (15 and 21 L) and in the ground were exposed to mixtures of CO 2 and O 3 in open-top chambers. The CO 2 treatments were ambient and CO 2 enrichment of approximately 337 μmol mol -1 added 24 h d -1 . Ozone treatments were charcoal-filtered (CF) air (23 nmol mol -1 ) and approximately 1.5 times ambient O 3 levels (71 nmol mol -1 ) given 12 h d -1 . Relative effects of elevated CO 2 and O 3 on aboveground biomass and seed yield were quite similar for plants grown in pots compared with plants grown in the ground. Elevated CO 2 increased total seed mass and O 3 suppressed it to similar magnitudes in both rooting environments. Elevated CO 2 also reduced the toxic effects of O 3 . Net photosynthesis (A) was similar while stomatal conductance (g,) was higher in pot-grown compared with ground-grown plants, possibly due to better soil moisture status. The results indicated that planting density and rooting environment affected plant morphology, but relative responses of seed yield to elevated CO 2 and O 3 were not fundamentally different between soybean plants grown in large pots and in the ground in open-top chambers.
IFN-γ mediates the antitumor effects of radiation therapy in a murine colon tumor.

Cancer treatments using ionizing radiation (IR) therapy are thought to act primarily through the induction of tumor cell damage at a molecular level. However, a new concept has recently emerged, suggesting that the immune system is required for effective IR therapy. Our work here has identified interferon gamma (IFN-γ) as an essential cytokine for the efficacy of IR therapy. Local IR (15 Gy) to mice bearing Colon38, a colon adenocarcinoma, decreases tumor burden in wild-type animals. Interestingly, IR therapy had no effect on tumor burden in IFNγKO mice. We further determined that intratumoral levels of IFN-γ increased 2 days following IR, which directly correlated with a decrease in tumor burden that was not a result of direct cytotoxic effects of IFN-γ on tumor cells. T cells from IR-treated tumors exhibited a far greater capacity to lyse tumor cells in a 51 Cr release assay, a process that was dependent on IFN-γ. CD8 + T cells were the predominant producers of IFN-γ, as demonstrated by IFN-γ intracellular staining and studies in IFN-γ reporter mice. Elimination of CD8 + T cells by antibody treatment reduced the intratumoral levels of IFN-γ by over 90%. More importantly, elimination of CD8 + T cells completely abrogated the effects of radiation therapy. Our data suggest that IFN-γ plays a pivotal role in mediating the antitumor effects of IR therapy.
Transparent conductive film fabrication by carbon nanotube ink spray coating and ink-jet printing

The present work reports on the development of a class of thin-film transparent electrodes for the PV devices based on spray coating of carboxyl functional multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) aqueous dispersion and thin-film transparent transistors based on ink-jet printing MWCNT-COOH inks with proper fluidic characteristics. The MWCNT-COOH inks were formulated by addition of PEDOT-PSS to MWCNT-COOH aqueous dispersion. SEM shows the spray coating MWCNT-COOH films and the ink-jet printing MWCNT-COOH films are uniform. UV-vis transmission spectra indicate high transparency. Four probe measurements show excellent sheet resistance. The present work demonstrates that spray coating MWCNT-COOH films are promising for transparent electrodes in flexible and large area PV electronics and that ink-jet printed MWCNT-COOH films in patterns are promising for transparent transistors.
When should a decision to proceed with transplantation actually be made in cases of fulminant or subfulminant hepatic failure: at admission to hospital or when a donor organ is made available?

The paper by Pauwels et al. in the current issue (1) is an excellent piece of work by a group of clinical investigators who have retrospectively examined the criteria proposed by two of the world's most pre-eminent liver transplant centers (2-4) for identifying patients admitted to the hospital for either fulminant (FHF) (onset 2 weeks but < 3 months to onset of encephalopathy) (5) who should be identified as candidates for liver transplantation because of their high rate of death without transplantation. The London criteria had been developed as a result of a retrospective analysis of over 280 cases with non-paracetamol-induced acute liver failure and then in a subsequent group of 54 patients with FHF not due to paracetamol (3,4). The Clichy criteria were originally developed as a result of a prospective study of 90 patients with acute viral hepatitis and a factor V value < 50% of the lower limit of normal (5). For the London criteria, the original studies reported a positive predictive value of 0.98, a negative predictive value of 0.82 and a predictive accuracy of 0.94 (3,4). For the Clichy data, the original report demonstrated a 0.90 positive predictive value for those with a coma or confusion and a positive predictive value of 0.89 for those without coma or confusion (5). The negative predictive value for the latter study was 0.94. In contrast to the original studies, when the criteria of these two transplant centers were applied to a population of 81 patients seen at the Hrpital Saint-Antoine between 1978 and 1988, the results achieved were considerably less good with the London criteria having a predictive accuracy of 0.79 and the Clichy criteria having a predictive accuracy of 0.73, both of which were less than the observed mortality rate of 0.81. The positive predictive accuracy of the London group was greater
Collectivism and Individualism as Cultural Syndromes

A cultural syndrome can be identified when shared attitudes, be liefs, norms, roles, values, and other such elements of subjective cul ture, identified among those who share a language, historic pe...
Overriding Psychiatric Advance Directives: Factors Associated with Psychiatrists' Decisions to Preempt Patients' Advance Refusal of Hospitalization and Medication

Psychiatric advance directives (PADs) are intended to support patients' treatment decisions during a crisis. However, PAD statutes give clinicians broad discretion over whether to carry out patients' advance instructions. This study uses data from a survey of psychiatrists (N=164) to examine reasons for overriding PADs. In response to a hypothetical vignette, 47% of psychiatrists indicated that they would override a valid, competently-executed PAD that refused hospitalization and medication. PAD override was more likely among psychiatrists who worked in hospital emergency departments; those who were concerned about patients' violence risk and lack of insight; and those who were legally defensive. PAD override was less likely among participants who believed that involuntary treatment is largely unnecessary in a high-quality mental health system.
Authors' criteria for selecting journals.

Objective. —To evaluate authors' methods of selecting the journals to which they submit manuscripts. Design and Setting. —In 1992, all of the active clinical and research faculty of Stanford University School of Medicine (n=479), Palo Alto, Calif, were sent up to three mailings of a one-page questionnaire. Results. —Our response rate was 63.7% (n=305). On a scale of 1 (unimportant) to 6 (very important), respondents ranked factors affecting initial manuscript submission to a journal in the following descending order (mean values are reported): the journal's prestige, 5.2; the makeup of the journal's readership, 4.8; whether the journal usually publishes articles on the topic, 4.8; the likelihood of manuscript acceptance, 4.4; the size of journal circulation, 4.1; the rapidity of manuscript turnaround, 4.1; the existence of good editors, 3.9; the likelihood of useful reviewer suggestions, 3.4; a history of having published in that journal previously, 3.4; colleagues' recommendations, 3.1; the likelihood of useful biostatistical suggestions, 2.6; the existence of editors who are personally known to the author, 2.1; and the likelihood of press attention, 1.9. For subsequent submissions, the most important factors were the likelihood of manuscript acceptance (5.0) and whether the journal usually publishes articles on the topic (4.7). Conclusions. —Journal prestige, most frequently published journal topics, and readership composition were the most important factors for initial manuscript submissions. For subsequent submissions, more pragmatic variables, such as likelihood of acceptance, gained importance. These findings should help editors make their journals more attractive to potential authors. ( JAMA . 1994;272:163-164)
ACEit!: Assist Children in English-language (Abstract Only)

Reading is an integral part of our lives. Most of us learned to read while we were young and never thought about how we learned to read. "ACEit!" (Assist Children in English-language) is an Android app developed to facilitate children in learning to read English. The app consists of a subset of the Dolch words (a set of 220 sight words that are proven to improve reading skill when they are learned) and uses a fading image strategy to support children in the early stages of learning to read and/or in special education. It gradually transitions the user from depending on pictures clues to recognize words, to recognizing words by themselves. This app is geared towards visual learners and provides them a more succinct yet entertaining way to learn using mobile devices.
Eutrophication and the rate of net nitrification in a coastal marine ecosystem

Abstract Rates of net nitrification were calculated for four large (13 m 3 ) estuarine-based microcosms that had been subjected to inorganic nutrient enrichment. Calculated rates were based on two years of weekly nitrate and nitrite measurements and ranged from a maximum of 0·55 μmol NO 2+3 − produced l −1 day −1 in the control tank (no enrichment) to over 13 μmol NO 2+3 − produced l −1 day −1 in the most enriched tank (receiving 18·6 μmol NH 4 l −1 day −1 ). Almost all NO 2+3 − production was pelagic, little was benthic. Net NO 3 − production or net NO 2 − production dominated the net nitrification rates during different seasons. Good correlations were found between various oxidation rates and substrate concentrations. The calculated net nitrite production rates were 10 to 1000 times higher than previously reported rates for open ocean systems, demonstrating the potential importance of nitrification to estuarine systems.
A New Perspective on trans,trans Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), an Overlooked CLA Isomer

Dear Sir: Predominant isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 have been shown to improve body composition. In addition, there is preliminary evidence showing that these CLA isomers lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. Recently, trans,trans (t,t) CLA have been shown to decrease LDL cholesterol and liver lipids levels in obese rats. They have also been shown to act as a potent anti-carcinogen in mouse and rat models. However, the lack of commercial availability of t,t CLA isomers has limited its food use, particularly as foodoil triacylglycerides. Furthermore, there is little information on the health benefits of t,t isomers in vivo. This letter reviews the importance of t,t CLA, an overlooked CLA isomer.
Plasma membrane NADH oxidase is gravi-responsive.

NADH oxidase activities measured with intact tissue sections and with isolated plasma membrane vesicles from etiolated hypocotyls of soybean (Glycine max) respond to gravity and imposed centrifugal forces. The response is one of inhibition of activity with tissue sections lying flat for 20 min or less at 1 × g and one of stimulation with times of lying flat of 30 min or longer at 1 × g. Turning the tissue sections upside down resulted in stimulation of the activity with a lag of about 30 min. Returning the sections to the normal upright position resulted in a return to initial rates with a lag of less than 20 min. Both the stimulated and non-stimulated activities oscillate with a period of 24 min, precluding a more precise analyses of lag times. The activity was stimulated reversibly to a maximum of about 2-fold both in tissue sections and in isolated plasma membrane vesicles when subjected to centrifugal forces of 10 to 400 × g for 0.5 to 4 min duration. The findings are the first description of a gravi-responsive enzymatic activity related to the growth response in plants.
High-resolution imaging characterization of bladder dynamic morphophysiology by time-lapse optical coherence tomography

We report an experimental study of the possibility of high-speed optical coherence tomography (OCT) for high-resolution imaging characterization of detrusor dynamic morphophysiology and analysis of the mechanisms that lead to geriatric incontinence (GI). The spontaneous contractility of intact fresh rabbit bladders was imaged with two-dimensional (2D) OCT ex vivo at up to 8frames?s. The time-lapse 2D OCT images were postprocessed by image segmentation and fast-Fourier-transform analysis to characterize the dynamic morphological changes of the bladder contractility. In addition, we studied young and aging rat bladders to analyze the differences in dynamics. Preliminary results of our ex vivo study reveal that time-lapse OCT can track the contractile waves of bladders at high spatial resolution and characterize their dynamic morphophysiology in terms of amplitude, phase, and frequency. The results suggest that time-lapse OCT has the potential to act as a detrusor optical biopsy to enhance the diagnosis of detrusor dysfunction and thus of the mechanisms that lead to GI.
HISTOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS OF THE HEPATOPANCREAS IN JUVENILE LOBSTERS SUBJECTED TO DIETARY STRESS

A study was designed to evaluate the hepatopancreas of the American lobster (Homarus americanus) as a potential indicator organ for early dietary stress. Seventy-five 7th stage lobsters were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was fed live brine shrimp (Artemia salina), group 2 was fed a sub-optimal artificial diet (M4), and group 3 was starved. Three animals from each group were sacrificed at days 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 22 and 29. The hepatopancreas from each animal was examined grossly and then prepared for histological evaluation. A general atrophy of especially the absorptive and secretory cells in the hepatopancreas of the starved animals was noticed as early as 4 days. In the hepatopancreas of the M4 fed juveniles, a progressive increase in the number of pycnotic nuclei and necrosis was evident by 8 days. Evidence of amyloid and ceroid were also observed. This ability to detect early cellular differences due to dietary deficiencies can be an important procedure for analyzing nutritional data.
A randomized pilot trial of a moderate carbohydrate diet compared to a very low carbohydrate diet in overweight or obese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus or prediabetes.

We compared the effects of two diets on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and other health-related outcomes in overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes (HbA1c>6%). We randomized participants to either a medium carbohydrate, low fat, calorie-restricted, carbohydrate counting diet (MCCR) consistent with guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (n = 18) or a very low carbohydrate, high fat, non calorie-restricted diet whose goal was to induce nutritional ketosis (LCK, n = 16). We excluded participants receiving insulin; 74% were taking oral diabetes medications. Groups met for 13 sessions over 3 months and were taught diet information and psychological skills to promote behavior change and maintenance. At 3 months, mean HbA1c level was unchanged from baseline in the MCCR diet group, while it decreased 0.6% in the LCK group; there was a significant between group difference in HbA1c change favoring the LCK group (-0.6%, 95% CI, -1.1% to -0.03%, p = 0.04). Forty-four percent of the LCK group discontinued one or more diabetes medications, compared to 11% of the MCCR group (p = 0.03); 31% discontinued sulfonylureas in the LCK group, compared to 5% in the MCCR group (p = 0.05). The LCK group lost 5.5 kg vs. 2.6 kg lost in MCCR group (p = 0.09). Our results suggest that a very low carbohydrate diet coupled with skills to promote behavior change may improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes while allowing decreases in diabetes medications. This clinical trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01713764.
Delayed elevation of platelet activating factor in ischemic hippocampus

We used in vivo microdialysis to define the chronological relationship between release of thromboxane and platelet activating factor (PAF) into the extracellular space of ischemic hippocampus. The thromboxane level peaked after 20 min of postischemic reperfusion, followed by a delayed PAF response 120 min later. We conclude that cerebral ischemia causes delayed elevation of PAF in the extracellular space, long after the immediate synthesis and release of thromboxane metabolites.
Differential effects of volatile anesthetics on leukocyte integrin macrophage-1 antigen.

AbstractMacrophage-1 antigen (Mac-1, αMβ2) is a leukocyte adhesion molecule that plays a significant role in leukocyte crawling and phagocytosis, and is homologous to its sister protein leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1, αLβ2). The authors have previously demonstrated that volatile anesthetics isoflurane and sevoflurane bound to and inhibited LFA-1. Here, the hypothesis tested was that isoflurane and sevoflurane would inhibit Mac-1. A binding assay of Mac-1 to its ligand inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) using V-bottom plates was established. The effect of isoflurane and sevoflurane on Mac-1 was examined using this ICAM-1 binding assay and by probing exposure of activation-sensitive epitopes. The docking program Glide was used to predict anesthetic binding site(s) on Mac-1. The functional role of this predicted binding site was then assessed by introducing point mutations in this region. Lastly, the effect of anesthetic on activating mutants was evaluated. The results indicated that...
IMPROVING STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS MODELS BY CORRELATING SIMULATED TO MEASURED FREQUENCY RESPONSE FUNCTIONS

This paper examines difficulties in the updating of industrial structures using Frequency Response Functions (FRF). Such structures typically involve large numbers of elements, with few measurement points. Frequently, these structures are composed of discrete components or substructures at the interface of which energy may be dissipated and high frequency dynamics may be generated. These characteristics can create difficulty for system identification techniques that attempt to extract modal parameters from the measured response. The advantages and limitations of FRF-based model updating are investigated. After being formulated, the method is compared to conventional updating schemes that correlate modal parameters. Problems of interest include the computational efficiency of the method, its sensitivity to measurement noise, and the selection of frequency points used for updating the model. Results are based on simple demonstration examples and real industrial structures.
Synthetic Cannabinoid Intoxication: A Case Series and Review

Abstract Background Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists are becoming increasingly popular with adolescents as an abused substance. Chronic use of these drugs can lead to addiction syndrome and withdrawal symptoms similar to cannabis abuse. Due to their potential health risk, several countries have banned these substances. Objectives To report the clinical presentation and legislation status of synthetic cannabinoids in “Spice” products and alert the health care community about the identification and risk assessment problems of these compounds. Case Reports We retrospectively reviewed cases presenting to our Emergency Department (ED) during a 3-month period with chief complaints of Spice drug use before arrival. Six cases presented to our ED after using Spice drugs. Two patients were admitted after reporting seizures. All but one presented with tachycardia. Two patients had hallucinations. The average length of ED observation was 2.8 h. No patient with seizures had recurrent episodes. Conclusion Spice drugs can cause potentially serious health care conditions that necessitate ED evaluation. Most cases can be discharged from the ED after a period of observation. Legal issues surrounding these drugs are yet to be finalized in the United States.
Rotation and Nitrogen Fertilization Effects on Changes in Soil Carbon and Nitrogen

Long-term effects of cropping systems on soil properties, such as organic soil C and N levels, is necessary so more accurate projections can be made regarding the sequester and emission of CO 2 by agricultural soils. This information can then be used to predict the effects of cropping systems on both soil degradation, maintenance, or improvement and global climate changes. My objective was to evaluate the effects of crop rotation and N fertilizer management on changes in total soil C and N concentrations that have occurred during an 8-yr period in a long-term study in the Western Corn Belt. Seven cropping systems (three monoculture, two 2-yr, and two 4-yr rotations) with three rates of N fertilizer were compared. Monocultures included continuous corn (Zea mays L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] [...]
DRAM based Intrinsic Physical Unclonable Functions for System Level Security

Physical Unclonable Functions (PUF) are the result of random uncontrollable variables in the manufacturing process. A PUF can be used as a source of random but reliable data for applications such as generating chip identification and encryption keys. Among various types of PUFs, an intrinsic PUF is the result of a preexisting manufacturing process, does not require any additional circuitry, and is cost effective. In this paper, we introduce an intrinsic PUF based on dynamic random access memories (DRAM). DRAM PUFs can be used in low cost identification applications and also have several advantages over other PUFs such as large input patterns. The DRAM PUF relies on the fact that the capacitor in the DRAM initializes to random values at startup. We demonstrate real DRAM PUFs and describe an experimental setup to test different operating conditions on three DRAMs to achieve the highest reliable results. Finally, we select the most stable bits to use as chip ID using our enrollment algorithm.
A technocolor model with softly broken flavor symmetry

Abstract I describe an explicit technicolor model in which the interactions that give rise to the quark and lepton masses are generated by the exchange of massive gauge bosons as in extended technocolor models but in which the gauge bosons couple the quarks and leptons not directly to the technifermions, but to heavy fermions. Quark and lepton masses arise from box diagrams. The masses of the heavy fermions in this model come both from bare fermion mass terms and from the renormalizable interactions of a set of spinless fields. The model has a softly broken flavor symmetry that realizes the GIM suppression of FCNC effects as in a CTSM model.
A modified night-netting technique for recapturing quail

Difficulties in recapturing radiomarked birds often prevent wildlife researchers from replacing transmitters and continuing to collect data over long time periods. We developed an effective, inexpensive capture technique for radiomarked mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus). Twenty-three of 25 mountain quail in south-central Idaho, USA, in 2006 and 2007 were recaptured for transmitter replacement. This technique will provide researchers with an opportunity to recapture relatively small birds, particularly those in dense vegetation, to help conduct long-term studies. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Optimal locations and districts of two traveling salesmen on a tree

This paper focuses on the problem of locating on a tree two service units that must service each working day all the customers that require service. The paper includes an O(n2) algorithm to find the optimal locations that minimize the expected distance traveled by the two service units. This algorithm also gives the optimal service territories of the two service units. The algorithm is based on an available O(n) algorithm to find the optimal location of a single service unit on a tree and on a new method to calculate the objective function value of a given location for the single server.
Left-Right Asymmetry: Nodal Cilia Make and Catch a Wave

Asymmetric fluid flow in the mouse node initiates the development of left-right asymmetry. This flow is generated by motile cilia and is detected by immotile mechanosensory cilia, activating an asymmetric calcium spike.
A method for the rapid quantitation of methylated hepatic DNA-purines using high pressure liquid chromatography

An isocratic high pressure liquid chromatography system that can be employed for the separation and quantitation of four of the major methylated purines commonly found in DNA after exposure to carcinogenic/mutagenic alkylating agents (1-methyladenine, 3-methyladenine, O6-methylguanine and 7-methylguanine) is presented in this paper. Data from experiments in which rats were treated with methyl-N-nitrosourea have been used to illustrate the applicability of the method. The amounts of the methylated bases observed were consistent with values reported in the literature.
The history of the germ cells in the viviparous teleost platypoecilus maculatus

This study is based upon a series of ontogenetic stages from just before coelom formation to maturity. Primordial germ ceils are first seen at the outer edge of the lateral mesoderm and are traced from there to a position in the genital analagen. Counts indicate that most of them succeed in reaching the genital anlagen, where they from definitive reproductive cells in both sexes. The evidence seems to show that there is some transformation of somatic cells into germ cells in the immature female, but that this transformation is not extensive. In the male the primordial germ cells are the sole source of the definitive elements.