cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Symptomatic elbow ganglion causing pronator syndrome.

Hippocrates described ganglion cysts as “knots of tissue containing mucoid flesh.”1 Ganglions are most commonly found on the wrists and fingers but can also develop on the shoulder, elbow, and knee. Ganglions may arise from joint synovium or may communicate with tendon sheaths, tendons, nerves, or joints.2 Ganglions causing peripheral nerve compression are well recognized. The earliest report of compression, by Brooks3 in 1952, described 13 cases involving compression of the ulnar nerve at the wrist and elbow, the median nerve at the wrist, and lateral popliteal and tibial nerve. Shortly after Brooks,3 Seddon4 described ganglionic compression of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve at the wrist. Others have since reported similar nerve compressions at the wrist from ganglions, including cases of carpal tunnel syndrome.5 Peripheral nerve compression secondary to elbow ganglions has also been described, most notably radial nerve compression.6 Kato et al7 reported a case of cubital tunnel syndrome due to a medial elbow ganglion compressing the ulnar nerve. The following case describes an elbow ganglion causing median nerve compression resulting in pronator syndrome.
Identification of agglutinin receptors on hemocytes of Helix pomatia

Abstract The attachment of opsonized foreign particles to phagocytic cells indicates the occurrence of opsonin receptors on the surfaces of the phagocytes. There is good evidence that naturally occurring hemagglutinins may serve as opsonins in invertebrates. To prove the occurrence of agglutinin receptors on the hemocytes of an invertebrate, the interaction of various agglutinins with Helix pomatia hemocytes was investigated. A positive agglutination reaction was obtained with Ricinus, Axinella, anti-Heel, Ulex, concanavalin A, and Limulus agglutinins. The known specificities of these agglutinins and the influence of carbohydrases on the agglutinability of Helix cells have led to the conclusion that the carbohydrate components of the binding sites include galactose, fucose, mannose or glucose or both, and N-acetylneuraminic acid or polygalactose.
In vitro digestibility and nutrient concentration of bermudagrass under rotational stocking, continuous stocking, and clipping

Abstract Grazing method effects on bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] nutritive value have received little attention. To examine the effects of three grazing methods and a hay system on herbage digestibility, nitrogen (N), and mineral concentration, a 2‐yr study was conducted using ‘Callie’ bermudagrass pastures growing on a Florida flatwoods soil with a seasonally high water table. Grazed pastures were stocked with Holstein heifers (Bos taurus) and grazing methods were i) rotational stocking with short grazing periods (1.5 to 2.5 d per paddock), ii) rotational stocking with long grazing periods (10 to 14 d per paddock), and iii) continuous stocking. Herbage samples (above a 15 cm height) were collected from all pastures and hay areas on four sampling dates per year (26 to 28 d of regrowth). Despite differences in leaf percentage as great as 18 units, in vitro digestible organic matter concentration averaged 565 g/kg OM and did not differ among managements by more than 32 g/kg OM in either year. G...
A Numerical Investigation of High Lift Coefficient Airfoils Near Regions of Stall

The cross-sectional geometry of a diffuser-augmented wind turbine (DAWT) is often that of a cambered airfoil oriented at an angle of attack such that the lift coefficient of the airfoil is maximal. Beyond this angle separation occurs, and the performance decreases. Thus, predicting this transition is important for creating an optimally designed diffuser. The focus of this work is to validate two numerical methods for predicting the onset of separation for highly cambered airfoils. The numerical models investigated are a Reynolds-averaged-Navier-Stokes (RANS) k–e model and XFOIL. The results were compared to each other and to experimental data. Overall the most accurate model was the k–e model. Using this model, an optimization of a 2D DAWT was performed which determined the optimal placement of the diffuser. This optimization showed that the optimal angle of attack for the diffuser is much greater than what one would expect based on the maximum lift angle of an airfoil in a free-stream.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The cortical projections of the thalamic intralaminar nuclei restudied by means of the HRP retrograde axonal transport.

Abstract Following multiple injections of HRP in different cortical areas in the cat, labeled cells were, in some cases, found in the thalamic intralaminar nuclei. The following cortical zones were found to constitute the preferential target for the projections from the respective intralaminar nuclei: motor and anterior suprasylvian areas for the nucleus centralis lateralis, cingulate cortex for the nuclei paracentralis and centralis medialis, sensory and motor areas for the nucleus centrum medianum. These data are compared with the results previously obtained by means of the retrograde degeneration technique.
Cationic polyacrylamides promote binding of cellulase and amylase.

Abstract Cationic polyacrylamides (c-PAMs) increase the binding of cellulase to cellulose and of α-amylase to cornstarch. The c-PAMs increase the rate of hydrolysis of both substrates by about the same amount, which suggests that the increased binding is responsible for the enhanced rates. These results support our proposed mechanism where the c-PAM neutralizes the charge of the substrate through a “patching” mechanism, which reduces the charge repulsion between fiber and enzyme.
Continent small-intestine reservoir construction: a tapered intussusceptum promotes sustained continence

Developed for the study of dialysis in the continent jejunal reservoir (CJR), a novel, uncomplicated approach to achieve continence in construction of a small-bowel reservoir is presented. We utilize a technique of constructing a continent nipple valve, which entails the reduction or tapering of the intussusceptum prior to invagination into the reservoir. We have thus far performed the procedure successfully in 21 dogs. All animals have achieved absolute continence. Complications have occurred in two animals, neither complication involving the nipple valve. Pressure-volume cytometry in nine animals demonstrates continence in the awake animal at pressures of up to 40 cmH2O (volumes being limited by animal discomfort due to reservoir distention). In postmortem studies, reservoir capacities of >1000 ml and pressures of >70 cmH2O have been attained without loss of continence or prolapse of the nipple valve. Continence is sustained even when the reservoir and nipple valve are subjected to high intraluminal pressures. Incorporating a tapered intussusceptum, the continent reservoir provides absolute continence without the use of cumbersome mesh fixation or lithotropic intraluminal staples.
Principle of proportional damages in a multiple criteria LQR problem

A multiple criteria linear quadratic regulator (LQR) problem is considered. The principle of proportional damages is worked out to minimize a norm of a difference between ideal and optimal values of the vector-performance criteria, while the distribution of the losses (damages) of the performance criteria are under control. A multiple criteria LQR problem solution via principle of proportional damages is obtained as a linear form of state variables and is invariant to the norm which is minimized.
Genetic Aspects of Antibody Responses in Chickens to Different Classes of Antigens

Abstract Six breeding groups of chickens, each characterized by a different haplotype of the B blood group system, were challenged with different classes of antigens, namely Newcastle disease vaccine (ND), infectious bronchitis vaccine (IB), infectious bursal disease viral agent (IBD), Salmonella pullorum antigen (P), and sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Parents were challenged at 20 weeks of age, and their offspring were challenged at 3 weeks of age. Blood samples were taken from the parents at 1 week after challenge, and from the offspring at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after challenge for determination of antibody titers to each antigen. The offspring were also challenged at 8 weeks of age in the wing-web with Rous sarcoma virus (RSV). Tumor scores were taken weekly on individual chickens for the next 10 weeks. There were significant differences (P
Sclerosing extramedullary hematopoietic tumor.

A 73-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain, weakness, and weight loss. Pertinent medical history included myelofibrosis, severe anemia, and lumpectomy for breast cancer. Computed tomography showed marked splenomegaly and numerous soft tissue masses in the mesentery. Excisional biopsy of the mass showed an encapsulated tumor with yellow-tan nodular growth pattern. Microscopically, the tumor was characterized by the presence of bizarre giant cells in background of prominent dense fibrous stroma. The atypical giant cells were positive for FVIII antibody staining. Many other cells were positive for CD43 antibody staining, indicating that the tumor was hematopoietic in nature, so-called sclerosing extramedullary hematopoietic tumor. Extramedullary hematopoiesis is a common phenomenon associated with severe anemia of any cause. When associated with myelofibrosis, however, it has different morphology from extramedullary hematopoiesis of the other causes. The significance of recognizing sclerosing extramedullary hematopoietic tumor is that it is often mistaken for sarcomas and other malignant neoplasms, especially when the clinical history is unknown.
Cystic Fibrosis testing among Arab-Americans.

Purpose: Limited data regarding the cystic fibrosis carrier frequency and mutation detection rate is available for Arab-Americans. We retrospectively determined the frequency of carriers among Arab-Americans undergoing preconception and prenatal carrier screening in our laboratories. Methods: Between October, 2001 and June, 2005, we performed carrier screening on 805 Arab-Americans, testing for at least the original 25 mutations recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics. We compared our results to previously published studies among Arabic cystic fibrosis patients. We also performed diagnostic testing on seven individuals. Results: Seven carriers were identified, with an observed carrier frequency of 1 in 115. The most common mutation we identified was W1282X (57% of the mutations detected), followed by ΔF508 and R117H. Three of 7 patients with a known or suspected diagnosis had two identifiable mutations, including 1548delG, ΔF508, W1282X, 2789 + 5G>A and R170H. Conclusion: The current recommended carrier screening panel includes only six mutations reported among Arabic cystic fibrosis patients, accounting for 37.1% of the mutations identified among this group. The addition of 1548delG, I1234V, H139L and 4010del4 as part of an extended screening panel would increase the detection rate to 66.3%, similar to the mutation detection rates in other races/ethnic groups.
A note on optimal growth and intertemporally dependent preferences

Abstract The conjecture by Ryder and Heal that optimal closed orbits exist in a growth model with intertemporal dependent preferences is rigorously proved.
Monitoring crack length in concrete beams using resonance measurements

A nondestructive evaluation technique for monitoring damage due to crack growth in concrete beams is presented in this paper. The technique is based on monitoring the resonant frequencies of vibration. An introduction to the concepts of vibrational modes in beams is detailed first followed by a description of the experimental procedure for resonance frequency measurement. The result of a finite element (FE) analysis that is performed to identify the different modes of vibration of the beam specimen, are then presented. The resonance frequencies determined by the FE analysis are shown to match closely with the experimental values. A notch is introduced in the specimen and the effect of notch length on the resonant frequencies is studied by varying the notch depth. Experimental results are compared with the result of FE simulation of the beam with different notch lengths. The influence of a real crack on the frequencies of the vibrational modes is also studied by loading a specimen in a three-point bending configuration and propagating a crack in a controlled manner using a closed-loop testing machine. Analysis of the obtained data is performed to evaluate the response of the different vibrational modes of the concrete beam specimen to varying crack and notch lengths. Frequencies of the vibrational modes decrease consistently with increasing crack and notch lengths. There is a larger decrease associated with increasing notch length. Resonance frequencies are shown to be sensitive to crack and notch growth in concrete beams and can be used to effectively monitor the decrease in structural stiffness due to crack progress progression.
A fast, low-cost, computer vision approach for tracking surgical tools

University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. August 2013. Major: Mechanical Engineering. Advisor: Timothy M. Kowalewski. 1 computer file (PDF); ix, 198 pages, appendices A-D.
Cold Acclimation of Obese (ob/ob) Mice: Effects on Energy Balance

Abstract Obese ( ob ob ) and lean mice at 4 weeks of age were housed at 23°C or 14°C for 4 to 8 weeks to examine effects of acclimation to mild cold on energy balance. Energy intake of young lean mice increased by about 50% when housed at 14°C, but energy intake of cold-acclimated obese mice increased by only 8%. Efficiency of energy retention (ratio of energy gain to energy intake) in obese mice declined from 22% ± 1.2% at 23°C to 10% ± 1.8% after 4 weeks at 14°C. Lean mice exhibited a less pronounced response to temperature; their efficiency of energy retention declined from 7% ± 1.3% at 23°C to 4% ± 2.2% after 4 weeks at 14°C. After 8 weeks of cold exposure, body weights and efficiency of energy retention became equal in obese and lean mice. Calculated heat production of cold-acclimated obese and lean mice was 40% cigher than that of respective controls. Obese mice reacclimated to 23°C after being kept for 4 weeks at 14°C consumed the same amount of energy and were 16% more efficient than obese maintained at 23°C; reacclimated lean mice consumed 12% more energy but were 53% less efficient than lean mice maintained at 23°C. The results indicate that obese mice are able to increase heat production and markedly reduce their efficiency of energy retention when acclimated to mild cold but that they, unlike lean mice, rapidly revert to a high efficiency of energy retention after 4 weeks of reacclimation to 23°C.
Effect of wheat bran fiber and bran particle size on fat and fiber digestibility and gastrointestinal tract measurements in the rat

ABSTRACT The effect of wheat bran (AACC hard red) and bran particle size on fat and fiber digestibility and gastrointestinal tract measurements were investigated with diets containing 5.7–10.7% dietary fiber. Fifty-six male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four diets containing 5% cellulose (C5); 10.5% cellulose (C10); 21.5% coarse (2 mm) wheat bran (CB); or 22.2% fine (0.5 mm) wheat bran (FB) in a sixweek study. Dietary fiber digestibilities were significantly different (P FB > C5 > C10) but there was no effect in fat digestibility among treatments. High-fiber diets fed to rats resulted in significantly greater wet and dry fecal weights than low-fiber diets. Bran diets resulted in significantly higher fecal moisture than cellulose diets. Cecum lengths increased significantly with bran diets compared with cellulose diets. The CB diet resulted in significantly higher stomach weights than with cellulose diets. Stomachs were heavier and cecal lengths ...
Modeling the behavior of oriented permanent magnet material using current doublet theory

A method is presented for modeling two-dimensional dipoles, quadrupoles, and other higher multipoles built using oriented permanent-magnet materials such as samarium cobalt. The technique uses a complex current doublet to model the magnetized material. This technique can be used in conjunction with an infinitely permeable circular iron shield which lies outside the rare earth cobalt material. Examples of two types of dipoles and quadrupoles are discussed. >
Uhuru observations of the Norma X-ray burster

Four X-ray bursts consistent with a single source in Norma are reported which were discovered by reexamining Uhuru data obtained between 1970 and 1973. The temporal and spectral characteristics of the bursts are described and shown to be similar to those displayed by bursts from the globular cluster NGC 6224. An error box of the source location is given, and it is found that both the position and intensity of the four bursts are consistent with those of 10 bursts detected by the Vela satellites in 1976. It is concluded that the source is the same as that observed by the Vela and is an X-ray burster with characteristics similar to those of certain other bursters. XB 1608-52 is suggested as the designation of this burster, possible burst models are considered, and it is noted that the error box of the present source contains an identified globular cluster.
Effects of GBR 12909, a selective dopamine uptake inhibitor, on motor activity and operant behavior in the rat.

GBR 12909, an aryl 1,4-dialkylpiperazine derivative, is a potent and selective inhibitor of the presynaptic dopamine uptake complex. The behavioral effects of this compound were studied in rats using several different paradigms. GBR 12909 (1, 10, 20 mg/kg i.p.) elicited a dose-dependent, long-lasting behavioral activation characterized by locomotion, rearing, sniffing and stereotypies at the highest dose. A second experiment investigated the consequences of subchronic treatment (one injection every 2 days for 14 days) with a high dose (20 mg/kg) of GBR 12909. Evidence was obtained for sensitization to GBR 12909, indicated by progressively more intense stereotypy induced by the high dose of GBR 12909, and also by an enhanced locomotor response to subthreshold doses of the drug, which lasted up to 7 weeks following the end of subchronic treatment. In a test of fixed-interval responding for food reward, GBR 12909 strongly enhanced lever pressing and lowered quarter-life. Low rates of responding were affected more than high rates. GBR 12909 also potentiated responding for a conditioned reinforcer (a stimulus which had previously been paired with food), suggesting that the rewarding impact of the stimulus was increased. It is concluded that the behavioral profile of GBR 12909 is similar to other dopamine-enhancing psychostimulants, and the sensitization may involve long-term changes in the dopamine uptake site.
QoS Driven Multi-user Video Streaming in Cellular CRNs: The Case of Multiple Channel Access

We tackle the challenging problem of streaming multi-user videos over the downlink of a cellular Cognitive Radio Network (CRN), where each Cognitive User (CU) can sense and access multiple channels at a time. Spectrum sensing, channel assignment, and power allocation strategies are jointly optimized to maximize the Quality of Service (QoS) for the CUs. We show that the formulated Mixed Integer NonLinear Programming (MINLP) problem can be decomposed into two sub-problems without sacrificing optimality: SP1 for the optimal spectrum sensing strategy, and SP2 for optimal channel assignment and power allocation. We show that SP1 can be optimally solved and then develop a Column Generation (CG) based algorithm to solve SP2 iteratively in a distributed manner. We also develop a heuristic algorithm for spectrum sensing with greatly reduced requirement on CU hardware, but with a highly competitive sensing performance. We analyze the proposed algorithms with respect to complexity and derive a performance upper bound. The proposed algorithms are validated with extensive simulations.
Abstract 5309: Programmed Death Ligand-1 expression on the cell surface is regulated by Costimulatory Molecule CD80 expressed by cancer vaccines

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC With the lack of effective treatments for metastatic cancers, the employment of immunotherapies, cell-based vaccines particularly, to activate a patient's own immune system is a promising approach for the treatment of disseminated metastatic cancer. Many tumor cells constitutively express or are induced by Interferonγ (IFNγ) to express the inhibitory molecule Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PDL1). Since many cell-based vaccines are derived from tumor cells, the expression of PDL1 could reduce the therapeutic efficacy of the vaccines. PDL1 binds to its receptor Programmed Death 1 (PD1) on T cells and can signal for either apoptosis of T cells or can prevent their activation. As determined by flow cytometry using three anti-PDL1 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that detect distinct PDL1 epitopes, and human lung, uveal melanoma, cutaneous melanoma, and breast cancer cells, the over-expression of CD80 blocks constitutive and IFNγ-induced cell surface expression of PDL1. Quantitative analysis of CD80 and PDL1 expression indicates an inverse relationship between PDL1 and CD80. CD80+ tumor cells contain intracellular PDL1, as assessed by flow cytometry, suggesting that CD80 regulates PDL1 at the protein level. Tumor cells transfected with CD80 constructs lacking a cytoplasmic domain or with an irrelevant non-signaling cytoplasmic domain, retain the ability to block PDL1 expression at the cell surface indicating that CD80 does not modulate PDL1 transcription via intracellular signaling. These results suggest that in addition to serving as a costimulatory molecule, CD80 facilitates T cell activation by blocking coinhibitory signals and preventing T cell apoptosis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5309.
Color image segmentation based on homogram thresholding and region merging

In this paper, a color image segmentation approach based on homogram thresholding and region merging is presented. The homogram considers both the occurrence of the gray levels and the neighboring homogeneity value among pixels. Therefore, it employs both the local and global information. Fuzzy entropy is utilized as a tool to perform homogram analysis for finding all major homogeneous regions at the first stage. Then region merging process is carried out based on color similarity among these regions to avoid oversegmentation. The proposed homogram-based approach (HOB) is compared with the histogram-based approach (HIB). The experimental results demonstrate that the HOB can find homogeneous regions more effectively than HIB does, and can solve the problem of discriminating shading in color images to some extent.
COMPONENT ANALYSIS OF BEHAVIORAL MARITAL THERAPY: 2-YEAR FOLLOW-UP AND PREDICTION OF RELAPSE

The present study provides 2-year follow-up data for a comparison between a complete behavioral marital therapy treatment package (CO) and two of its major components, behavior exchange (BE) andcommunication/problem-solving training (CPT). Data are reported for 34 couples who were randomly assigned to one of these three treatments, completed the treatment to which they were assigned, and were available for the 2-year follow-up. The effects of therapy at the 2-year follow-up were evaluated using a global measure of marital satisfaction and a checklist of presenting marital problems. Statistically significant differences between the three treatments were not in evidence on any of the measures. However, couples in the CO treatment condition were most likely to be happily married and least likely to be separated or divorced. Attempts to identify variables which predicted long-term outcome were largely unsuccessful. Ananalysis based on standardized telephone interview indicated that, while neither therapist attributes nor maintenance of treatment-derived relationship skills were associated with long-term marital satisfaction, stressful life events subsequent to therapy termination were negatively related to marital satisfaction.
Structural Change in Southern Manufacturing: Expansion in the Tennessee Valley

Since the dollar began to decline on international markets in 1985, economic conditions have improved rapidly throughout the Tennessee Valley. The improvement was particularly strong in rural counties and in rural manufacturing. This paper finds the reasons for slow regional growth in the early 1980's were partly cyclical (and hard on the durable goods sector) and partly the strength of the dollar on international markets (which was hard on nondurables). The turnaround in the dollar since 1985 has provided welcome relief. There is little evidence of structural damage to the regional manufacturing base caused by the strong dollar, and manufacturing provides a secure foundation for further growth and development in the Tennessee Valley.
Ethical practice in end-of-life care in Japan

Nurses are obliged to provide quality nursing care that meets the ethical standards of their profession. However, clear descriptions of ethical practice are largely missing in the literature. Qualitative research using a phenomenological approach was conducted to explicate ethical nursing practice in Japanese end-of-life care settings and to discover how ethical practices unfold in clinical situations. Two paradigm cases and contrasting narratives of memorable end-of-life care from 32 Japanese nurses were used to reveal four levels of ethical practice: ethical, distressed, uncertain, and unethical. Having the ability to actualize, justify, and recognize what is the good and/or right differentiated between these levels of ethical practice, empirical descriptions of which are given, followed by discussion of how nurses gain the skilled knowledge necessary for ethical practice.
Pulmonary embolism: Is it truly missed in the emergency department?

Study objectives: Emergency medicine and internal medicine literature states that pulmonary embolism is a common entity that is frequently misdiagnosed in the emergency department (ED) and often fatal when untreated. Definitive diagnosis entails costly radiographic studies, and it is likely that these studies continue to be overused, especially in low-risk patients. Our goals are to review current literature for statistics about the prevalence, misdiagnosis, and mortality of pulmonary embolism and to determine whether these were applicable to the ambulatory, hemodynamically stable patient presenting to the ED with signs and symptoms consistent with pulmonary embolism. Methods: We conducted an ancestral search for epidemiology statistics for pulmonary embolism, starting with review articles on pulmonary embolism in commonly referenced emergency medicine and internal medicine textbooks and peer-reviewed publications. Results: We located 20 articles for our search. These reported an incidence of pulmonary embolism ranging from 500,000 to 780,000 annually, with more than 400,000 missed diagnoses. There was general agreement on mortality for untreated disease, approximately 30% (range 18% to 35%). Either directly or indirectly, the most commonly referenced citation was dated 1975. This citation drew from government mortality statistics from the 1960s, inpatient and autopsy study data from the 1940s to 1960s, and author estimates to extrapolate: mortality rate, total incidence of disease, and number of cases that are misdiagnosed. There were no citations that assessed this information in the ED setting. Conclusion: Current epidemiology about pulmonary embolism may be applicable to inpatients or the recently deceased but is unlikely to provide an accurate representation of disease in the outpatient setting. Studies to provide incidence and outcome data for pulmonary embolism in the ambulatory ED patient are necessary.
Stage-dependent plasticity of the anterior neural folds to form neural crest

The anterior neural fold (ANF) is the only region of the neural tube that does not produce neural crest cells. Instead, ANF cells contribute to the olfactory and lens placodes, as well as to the forebrain and epidermis. Here, we test the ability of the ANF to form neural crest by performing heterotopic transplantation experiments in the chick embryo. We find that, at the neurula stage (HH stage 7), the chick ANF retains the ability to form migrating neural crest cells when transplanted caudally to rostral hindbrain levels. This ability is gradually lost, such that by HH9, this tissue appears to no longer have the potential to form neural crest. In contrast to the ANF, hindbrain dorsal neural folds transplanted rostrally fail to contribute to the olfactory placode but instead continue to generate neural crest cells. The transcription factor GANF is expressed in the ANF and its morpholino-mediated knock-down expands the neural crest domain rostrally and results in the production of migratory cells emerging from the ANF; however, these cells fail to express the HNK1 neural crest marker, suggesting only partial conversion. Our results show that environmental factors can imbue the chick anterior neural folds to assume a neural crest cell fate via a mechanism that partially involves loss of GANF.
Vegetation management and biological control in agroecosystems

Abstract The application of diversity/stability considerations in theoretical ecology has led to the emergence of testable hypotheses with implications for biological control and agroecosystem management. The object of applied research in this area has been to achiece predictably stable pest populations (below an economic threshold level) in crop systems. The exacerbation of most insect-pest problems has been associated with increases in crop monocultures at the expense of the natural vegetation, thereby decreasing local habitat diversity. This can seriously affect the abundance and efficiency of natural enemies, which depend on habitat complexity for sources of alternate prey/hosts, pollen and nectar, shelter, nesting and overwintering sites. Plant diversification of agroecosystems can result in increased environmental opportunities for natural enemies and, consequently, improved biological pest control. Agronomically, there are several ways to design plsnt-diverse cropping systems. One way is by manipulating the vegetation of field margins, and managing the species composition and density of plants in ditchbanks, hedgerows, windbreaks and other types of shelter belts. Within-field plant diversity can be manipulated by designing polycultures of various temporal and spatial crop arrangements. The effects of some of these systems on the dynamics of insect populations are discussed, as well as the effects of cover-crop management on pest insects in orchards. Another way to enrich the vegetational structure of cropping systems is through weed management. Weed diversity in the form of weed borders, alternate rows, or by providing weeds in certain periods of the crop growth can have a major impact on insect dynamics.
TREATMENT AND CONTROL OF Dictyocaulus viviparus IN CAPTIVE BLACK-TAILED DEER*

An outbreak of dictyocauliasis among a captive herd of black-tailed deer fawns (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) occurred in January, 1971. A transient decrease in output of Dictyocaulus viviparus larvae in feces occurred after treatment with levamisole hydrochloride given as a drench at the rate of 16 mg/kg of body weight. Lungworm larvae were not recovered in feces 6 days after cambendazole, 2-(4-thiazolyl)-5-isopropoxycarbonylaminobenzimidazole, was given as a drench at 40 and 50 mg/kg of body weight. Larvae were again recovered in feces from these fawns between post-treatment days 15 and 23. Output of larvae in feces increased when fawns were confined on a contaminated grass pasture that was intensively grazed. Deteriorating physical condition of the fawns necessitated additional treatment with cambendazole and movement to a woodlot where reinfection by ingestion of larvae was probably minimized. A noninfected deer was placed on the contaminated pasture 75 days after the infected herd was removed. Aft...
The equivalence of two-station closed and open serial production systems with finite buffers

This note presents a simple method for transforming any two-station closed serial production system with finite buffers into an equivalent two-station open system by the appropriate removal of job carriers or buffers.
Do middle School Students Have Enough Time to Eat Lunch

Abstract Studies have indicated that the children who participate in National School Lunch Programs (NSLP) have better nutrient intakes than those who do not, resulting in better ability to concentrate and more attentive behavior. Concerns have been raised that students are not provided with enough time to receive and consume their lunches. A field research method was employed in two middle schools in Pittsburgh, NY (PL) and Ellensburg, WA (EL) to determine waiting time in service line (WSL), waiting time in cashier line (WCL), and travel time to the eating area (TTEA), the sum of these resulted in total student waiting time (TSWT). Opportunity time to eat (OTE), was also measured which consisted of consumption time (CT) and non-consumption time (NCT). Observations of 3583 students were made over 20 days of data collection. The lunch period in EL consisted of two, 35minute staggered lunch periods. PL provided six, 22minute staggered lunch periods. WSL was significantly longer in PL (PL: 2.98 ± 1.80min; EL: 1.60 ± 1..88min (all data are means ± SD), p
Extracting taxonomic relationships from on-line definitional sources using LEXING

We present a system which extracts the genus word and phrase from free -form definition text, entitled LEXING, for Lexical Information from Glossaries. The extractions will be used to build automatically a lexical knowledge base from on-line domain specific glossary sources. We combine statistical and semantic processes to extract these terms, and demonstrate that this combination allows us to predict the genus even in difficult situations such as empty head definitions or verb definitions. We also discuss the use of “linking prepositions” for use in skipping past empty head genus phrases. This system is part of a project to extract ontological information for energy glossary information.
Diethylstilbesterol- and pregnancy-induced changes in rat neurointermediate lobe oxytocin, arginine vasopressin, methionine enkephalin and dynorphin.

The neurointermediate lobe of the pituitary () contains the opioid peptides methionine enkephalin (MENK) and dynorphin 1–8 (DYN) in addition to oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP). If the opioids have
Dimensional changes during micropyretic synthesis

Abstract This article reports on the influence of the processing and material parameters, namely initial temperature, compaction pressure, particle size, diluent, and chemical composition on the dimensional changes of the product during micropyretic synthesis. The relationship between the porosity change and elongation is established. From a knowledge of this relationship it is possible to tailor the dimensions of a synthesized product for proper design in an engineering application. Conversely, from the noted dimensional changes it is possible to obtain the final porosity values and thus the mechanical properties.
Slow art with a trillion frames per second camera

How will the world look with a one trillion frame per second camera? Although such a camera does not exist today, we converted high end research equipment to produce conventional movies at 0.5 trillion (5· 1011) frames per second, with light moving barely 0.6 mm in each frame. Our camera has the game changing ability to capture objects moving at the speed of light. Inspired by the classic high speed photography art of Harold Edgerton [Kayafas and Edgerton 1987] we use this camera to capture movies of several scenes.
Multilevel range/NEXT performance in digital subscriber loops

Presents some results on the range performance of multilevel signalling schemes in the presence of near-end crosstalk (NEXT) in the digital subscriber loop. With a data rate of 160 kbit/s at the U interface, multilevel line codes can be used to reduce the symbol rate and hence the bandwidth of the transmitted signal to yield improved performance in the crosstalk dominated environment, as this impairment has a power transfer which increases with frequency. By varying the number of transmitted signal levels over the range 2 to 128, subject to a peak power constraint, the authors obtain results for the range of the optimum linear and decision feedback equalisers for a probability of error of 10/sup -6/. These results indicate that the optimum number of levels lies between 4 and 7. In addition, the optimum 3-level PAM is compared with some commonly used 3-level line codes. It is found that the performance degradation of these suboptimal codes is less than 10%.
Production Responses of Channel Catfish to Minimum Daily Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations in Earthen Ponds

Abstract This study determined the effects of the minimum daily dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration on the production parameters of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus in earthen ponds. Fifteen 1-acre ponds (five ponds per treatment) were managed as high-oxygen (minimum DO concentrations averaging 4.37 ppm or 54% air saturation from June through September), medium-oxygen (minimum DO concentrations averaging 2.68 ppm or 33.2% air saturation), or low-oxygen treatments (minimum DO concentrations averaging 2.32 ppm or 28.7% air saturation) using one 5-hp electric paddlewheel aerator per pond. Fish in the high-, medium-, and low-oxygen treatment ponds were fed a mean total of 14,008, 13,212, and 12,607 lb/acre of 28%-protein floating feed, respectively. Net production paralleled the total amount of feed fed, averaging 5,772, 5,278, and 5,113 lb/acre in the high-, medium-, and low-oxygen treatments, respectively. Individual fish weight at harvest also showed a similar trend, averaging 1.37, 1.33, and 1.30 lb in...
Automated Image Background Removal in Line-Imaging Raman Spectroscopy

Several automated image background removal schemes for use with line-imaging Raman spectroscopy are compared. An image of electrodeposited beta -CuSCN produced by line-imaging Raman spectroscopy (one spectral dimension, one spatial dimension) is background corrected by the adapted Pearson's method (APM), a Fourier filtering method, and the mathematical morphology method of the rolling cylinder. APM is shown to perform best overall, but is the most computationally taxing because of the iterative nature of the algorithm. The effects of the APM parameters are discussed.
In Situ Synthesis of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) in Ethylene Glycol Containing Terephthalic Acid and Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNTs) as an Approach to MWNT/PET Nanocomposites

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) (diameter range, 10−20 nm) were functionalized with 4-methoxybenzoic acid and 4-ethoxybenzoic acid via a Friedel−Crafts reaction in polyphosphoric acid to afford methoxybenzoyl- and ethoxybenzoyl-functionalized MWNTs. As-received MWNT, methoxybenzoyl-functionalized (MeO-MWNT), and ethoxybenzoyl-functionalized (EtO-MWNT) nanotubes were dispersed in ethylene glycol (EG). Because of the structural similarity, the mixture of EtO-MWNT (0.4 wt %) and EG was a homogeneous dispersion, whereas MeO-MWNT and pristine MWNT were dispersed in EG rather heterogeneously at the same loading. In situ polycondensation of EG and terephthalic acid in the presence of pristine MWNT, MeO-MWNT, or EtO-MWNT was carried out to generate the corresponding MWNT/PET, MeO-MWNT/PET, and EtO-MWNT/PET nanocomposites. High molecular weight poly(ethylene terephthalates) (PETs), with intrinsic viscosity range 0.6−0.7 dL/g (o-chlorophenol at 30 ± 0.1 °C), were obtained in all cases. In comparing the images ...
Seeded growth of AlN single crystals by physical vapor transport

Abstract Seeded growth of AlN single crystals was achieved in an induction-heated, high-temperature reactor. The growth process was based on physical vapor transport (PVT), where presintered AlN powder was used as source material. AlN seeds were cut from a boule containing large single crystalline grains, which were grown by natural grain expansion of an initially polycrystalline, self-seeded deposit. Seeded growth was interrupted several times in order to refill the AlN powder source and a dedicated process scheme was used to ensure epitaxial re-growth on the seed surface after each exposure to air. The single crystalline seed expanded laterally at an angle of 45° resulting in an 18 mm large AlN single crystal. The crystal expansion rate, crystalline orientation, as well as growth morphology were characterized by optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively.
Rotational distributions from photodissociations. IV. The bent triatomic molecule

The generalized Franck–Condon theory for the photodissociations of bent triatomic molecules is formulated, including bending and rotational degrees of freedom. The nonseparable multidimensional Franck–Condon amplitudes are reduced to a rapidly convergent series of products of one‐dimensional integrals. The Franck–Condon factors provide the photofragment quantum state distributions when inelastic scattering on the unbound surface is negligible. When the scattering is important, they provide the nascent amplitudes which are the driving terms in the full scattering treatment. Calculations of the expected photofragment rotational distributions are given under dipole and scalar couplings which are, respectively, appropriate to direct photodissociation and predissociations. Semiquantitative closed form WKB approximations to the Franck–Condon amplitudes are derived to exhibit the essential physical features of these amplitudes. The results are readily interpreted in terms of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, the orientational constraints imposed by the bond angle of the bent triatomic molecule, and the conservation of angular momentum. A simple classical approximation is also used and results are in qualitative agreement to the quantal calculations. Comparisons are also provided with recent rotational distributions observed in H2S photodissociation and illustrative calculations are presented for predissociation of HCN from the C state and direct photodissociation of HOCl from its ground state.
Educational neuroscience: the early years.

As developmental cognitive neuroscience explores mechanisms of change at the cognitive and neural systems level, a focus is beginning to emerge on the role of educational experiences in shaping the specific functional circuits that give rise to complex cognitive skills such as reading or math. Such studies mark the emergence of educational neuroscience. This interdisciplinary field tackles questions that stretch beyond the normal boundaries of what neuroscience or education research alone can address. In doing so, it pursues insights that are of potential value to the goals of both fields of inquiry. The report by Brem et al. (1) in this issue of PNAS falls squarely within this interdisciplinary area by studying changes in the brain activity of kindergarten children across a series of several functional MRI (fMRI) scans as they engage in different educational activities between each scan.
INVASIVENESS OF AMMOPHILA ARENARIA: RELEASE FROM SOIL‐BORNE PATHOGENS?

The Natural Enemies Hypothesis (i.e., introduced species experience release from their natural enemies) is a common explanation for why invasive species are so successful. We tested this hypothesis for Ammophila arenaria (Poaceae: European beachgrass), an aggressive plant invading the coastal dunes of California, USA, by comparing the demographic effects of belowground pathogens on A. arenaria in its introduced range to those reported in its native range. European research on A. arenaria in its native range has established that soil-borne pathogens, primarily nematodes and fungi, reduce A. arenaria's growth. In a greenhouse experiment designed to parallel European studies, seeds and 2-wk-old seedlings were planted in sterilized and nonsterilized soil collected from the A. arenaria root zone in its introduced range of California. We assessed the effects of pathogens via soil sterilization on three early performance traits: seed germination, seedling survival, and plant growth. We found that seed germinatio...
Risk Factors Associated With Cardiovascular Events During Testosterone Administration in Older Men With Mobility Limitation

Background. Testosterone in Older Men with Mobility Limitations Trial found an increased incidence of cardiovascular events in men randomized to testosterone, resulting in enrollment cessation by trial's Data and Safety Monitoring Board. We evaluated changes in gonadal hormones and markers of inflammation and coagulation to elucidate risk factors associated with cardiovascular events.
Numerical framework to model temporally resolved multi-stage dynamic systems

Numerical modeling of steroid hormone signaling presents an exciting challenge involving spatiotemporal coordination of multiple events. Ligand binding in cytoplasm triggers dissociation and/or association of coregulators which subsequently regulate DNA binding and transcriptional activity in nucleus. In order to develop a comprehensive multi-stage model, it is imperative to follow not only the transcriptional outcomes but also the intermediate protein complexes. Accordingly, we developed a software toolkit for simulating complex biochemical pathways as a set of non-linear differential equations in LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation and Engineering Workbench, National Instruments, Austin, TX) environment. The toolkit is visual, highly modular, loosely coupled with the rest of LabVIEW, scalable and extensible. The toolkit can be used to develop and validate biochemical models and estimate model parameters from existing experimental data. We illustrate the application of the toolkit for simulation of steroid hormone response in cells, and demonstrate how the toolkit can be employed for other biological and chemical systems as well. The software module presented here can be used stand-alone as well as built into data collection and analysis applications.
Decision feedback differential detection for differential orthogonal space-time modulation with APSK signals over flat-fading channels

Differential orthogonal space-time modulation (DOSTM) with amplitude/phase shift keying (APSK) signals has been recently proposed to improve the data throughput of the DOSTM with PSK signals over quasi-static channels. In this letter, decision feedback differential detection (DF-DD) based on linear prediction is presented for the DOSTM with APSK Signals (DOSTM-APSK) over flat-fading channels. The proposed DF-DD offers better performance than the differential detection when the channel experiences fast fading. The coefficients of the linear prediction based DF-DD can be obtained by an adaptive recursive least-squares algorithm, where the channel statistics are not needed. The proposed DF-DD is also applicable to the general unitary differential space-time modulation.