cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of frequency and applied voltage of an atmospheric-pressure dielectric-barrier discharge on breakdown and hydroxyl-radical generation with a liquid electrode

This work examines the effect of the frequency and peak applied voltage on hydroxyl-radical generation in a dielectric-barrier plasma discharge between a metallic needle electrode and one electrode covered with dielectric. The authors examine a system that can expose up to 96 liquid samples in an automated fashion without human intervention beyond setting the initial software configuration. Then, hydroxyl-radical concentration, measured through coumarin fluorescence, was measured for 5 s plasma exposures generated under different high-voltage conditions with frequencies from 2 to 16 kHz and amplitudes from 4 to 9 kV. Their results show that an increase in frequency and/or applied voltage, within the range prescribed above and the limits of the high-voltage power supply, can yield up to a 150% increase in fluorescence with an equivalent hydroxyl-radical increase. Applications using typical previous methods, such as the Fenton Reaction, are limited in that they continuously generate hydroxyl radicals over millisecond and longer intervals. These results establish the electrical parameters that can now be applied to polymers, like proteins, which show three dimensional structures that are flexible and fluctuate on a microsecond and nanosecond time scale, with hydroxyl-radical generation on this time scale using this device. Additionally, plasma exposures may be optimized for a great variety of proteins, devices and techniques, where hydroxyl-radical generation is of utmost importance, reducing exposure time and potential subjection of samples to harmful side effects.
Animal Models to Study Emerging Technologies Against SARS-CoV-2.

New technologies are being developed toward the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 to understand its pathogenesis and transmission, to develop therapeutics and vaccines, and to formulate preventive strategies. Animal models are indispensable to understand these processes and develop and test emerging technologies; however, the mechanism of infection for SARS-CoV-2 requires certain similarities to humans that do not exist in common laboratory rodents. Here, we review important elements of viral infection, transmission, and clinical presentation reflected by various animal models readily available or being developed and studied for SARS-CoV-2 to help bioengineers evaluate appropriate preclinical models for their emerging technologies. Importantly, applications of traditional mice and rat models are limited for studying SARS-CoV-2 and development of COVID-19. Non-human primates, Syrian hamsters, ferrets, cats, and engineered chimeras mimic the human infection more closely and hold strong potential as animal models of SARS-CoV-2 infection and progression of resulting human disease.
The synergy between stakeholders for cellulosic biofuel development: Perspectives, opportunities, and barriers

Abstract While understanding individual stakeholders' perspectives on the adoption and conversion to a biofuel-based landscape has been a subject of many previous studies on biofuels, there has been relatively little attention given to understanding how the interaction between multiple stakeholders involved in biofuel development could influence the widespread adoption of biofuel production. This paper analyzes the key stakeholder interactions utilizing various data sources including survey results, social media posts, and empirical and theoretical analyses. An intensive review is conducted for a number of surveys and research papers on different aspects of biofuel development such as land use choices, biorefinery and transportation, infrastructure development, consumer priorities, environmental impacts, etc. Following that, a stakeholder synergy approach is applied to synthesizing typical responses of stakeholders, such as producers, consumers, biorefineries, rural communities, and the government, and discussing how their responses influence each other's decisions and the overall system performance. Based on the findings of inadequate stakeholder synergy, it is recommended that new surveys and further research should be conducted to understand why synergy between stakeholders in biofuel development is absent. Additionally, this paper provides research perspectives, including (1) applying cutting-edge text-mining techniques to conduct sentiment analysis, and research and public attention analysis; (2) using an agent-based model to simulate stakeholder interactions and understand the factors that influence stakeholder synergy and the emergence of a bioeconomy.
Are we on the cusp of a new paradigm for biology? The illogic of molecular developmental biology versus Janus-faced control of embryogenesis via differentiation waves.

Abstract The logic of molecular developmental biology fails to explain embryogenesis. A new approach, Janus-faced control, involving both top-down control by differentiation waves and bottom-up control via the mechanical consequences of cell differentiations, may be needed. This obviates problems inherent in reductionism with an explicit, testable mechanism.
Polarization and phase imaging using an LED array microscope

We present a simple low-cost microscope that uses a vectorial extension of Fourier ptychography to recover the absorption, phase and polarization properties of a sample at high-NA across a wide field-of-view. Our principle is validated by experimentally imaging quantitative test targets as well as a plant root and rabbit spinal cord cross-sections, with which we demonstrate the ability to record complex specimen birefringence over 10.4 mm2 field-of-view at 0.73um resolution. Our new Fourier ptychographic approach also enables the measurement and correction of polarization-dependent pupil aberrations. We hope this simplicity helps adapt joint polarization and phase imaging to a wider array of applications.
Effect of different types of diet patterns on the gut microbiota composition

Abstract Gut microbiota have evolved with animal and humans through a symbiotic relationship. They play important roles in numerous physiological activities, such as vitamin production, regulation of gene expression, protection against pathogenic bacteria, absorption of nutrients, regulation of metabolic disorders, modulation of host immunity, and harvesting energy. Alterations in microbiota, including a reduction in health-promoting bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, may lead to dysbiosis, a process caused by Gram-negative bacteria producing immunogenic endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), inducing oxidative stress, and initiating low-grade inflammation. Long-term consumption of a Western diet produces detrimental effects on human health, whereas consumption of Mediterranean and vegetarian diets produces beneficial effects on human health.
Post-traumatic dizziness: diagnosis, treatments and outcomes

Publisher Summary This chapter explores that closed head injury (CHI) and associated traumatic brain injury (TBI) are becoming increasingly common in modern society. Faster motorized vehicles, bigger, stronger athletes, and the continued desire to push things to the extreme are just some of the many reasons that more individuals are affected by CHI now than in the past. The chapter discusses that TBI can be divided into three classes: mild, moderate, and severe. It reviews the classification scheme as it applies to all classes of head injury. It describes how neurophysiologic testing plays a role in assigning individuals into diagnostic categories and aids in the treatment of this group of patients. Often, due to cognitive deficits, these head injury patients do not get the care they need for their vestibular disorder. The chapter concludes that understanding how to best use technology to diagnose and treat these patients is critical in their management, and essential if hope to return these individuals to a normal life.
Type of bony involvement predicts genomic subgroup in sphenoid wing meningiomas.

As sphenoid wing meningiomas (SWMs) are associated with varying degrees of bony involvement, we sought to understand potential relationships between genomic subgroup and this feature. Patients treated at Yale-New Haven Hospital for SWM were reviewed. Genomic subgroup was determined via whole exome sequencing, while the extent of bony involvement was radiographically classified as no bone invasion (Type I), hyperostosis only (Type II), tumor invasion only (Type III), or both hyperostosis and tumor invasion (Type IV). Among additional clinical variables collected, a subset of tumors was identified as spheno-orbital meningiomas (SOMs). Machine-learning approaches were used to predict genomic subgroups based on pre-operative clinical features. Among 64 SWMs, 53% had Type-II, 9% had Type-III, and 14% had Type-IV bone involvement; nine SOMs were identified. Tumors with invasion (i.e., Type III or IV) were more likely to be WHO grade II (p: 0.028). Additionally, tumors with invasion were nearly 30 times more likely to harbor NF2 mutations (OR 27.6; p: 0.004), while hyperostosis only were over 4 times more likely to have a TRAF7 mutation (OR 4.5; p: 0.023). SOMs were a significant predictor of underlying TRAF7 mutation (OR 10.21; p: 0.004). SWMs with invasion into bone tend to be higher grade and are more likely to be NF2 mutated, while SOMs and those with hyperostosis are associated with TRAF7 variants. Pre-operative prediction of molecular subtypes based on radiographic bony characteristics may have significant biological and clinical implications based on known recurrence patterns associated with genomic drivers and grade.
The effects of locking inserts and overtorque on the mechanical properties of a large fragment locking compression plate.

PURPOSE The study was to determine the effect of locking hole inserts and their insertion torque on the fatigue life of a large fragment Locking Compression Plate (LCP) under bending forces. METHODS Fatigue strength of the LCP was examined using cyclic three-point bend testing at 80% yield strength of the construct. Locking hole inserts were used in 2, 4, and 6-hole of a 12-hole plate to simulate three different working lengths. Within each working length, plates were tested without locking inserts serving as the control group. In the experimental groups, inserts were tightened to manufacturer recommendations (4 Nm) and using overtorque (8 Nm). RESULTS Significantly fewer cycles to failure were observed in control groups versus the locking hole insert groups for all working lengths (2-hole: 4 Nm p = 0.003, 8 Nm p = 0.003; 4-hole: 4 Nm p = 0.02, 8 Nm p < 0.001; 6-hole: 4 Nm p = 0.004, 8 Nm p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in fatigue strength when using overtorque in the 4-hole (p = 0.04) and 6-hole (p = 0.01) defect groups. This was not shown in the 2-hole defect group (p = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS By placing locking inserts in the empty locking regions of Combi holes along the working length, the number of cycles to failure was increased. Tightening inserts to twice the recommended insertion torque further increased cycles to failure in longer working length models. A longer fatigue life has the potential to decease the incidence of plate failure especially in the setting of delayed union due to poor intrinsic healing capacity, fractures in the geriatric population, osteoporosis and periprosthetic fractures.
Reliability Considerations for Ultra- Low Power Space Applications

NASA, the aerospace community, and other high reliability (hi-rel) users of advanced microelectronic products face many challenges as technology continues to scale into the deep sub- micron region and ULP devices are sought after. Technology trends, ULP microelectronics, scaling and performance tradeoffs, reliability considerations, and spacecraft environments will be presented from a ULP perspective for space applications.
Optimizing Flow in Simulated Environments for Worker Productivity

The challenge of motivating employees to be productive while maintaining their satisfaction level remains a significant issue in the workplace. Previous research on immersive experiences and gaming suggests that the individual’s state of mind is essential to creating a greater level of engagement. The most frequently studied state of full engagement is referred to as a “flow experience”. This paper reviews significant prior research on flow experiences and computer-based gaming. That background is used to develop a new model of the factors that may impact an employee’s engagement in business-related workflow tasks. An experimental approach is proposed to demonstrate the efficacy of the paper’s conceptual model. The outcomes of this study will offer important guidelines to user interface designers and managers about the factors that should be incorporated into modern workflow systems to heighten employee engagement, motivation, and satisfaction.
Imaging in the Evaluation of Pulmonary Embolism

When using a clinical outcome reference standards, angiography, VQ scan, non-multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) pulmonary angiography, MDCT pulmonary angiography, and electron beam computed tomography (EBCT), are all associated with negative predictive values of 94% or greater for diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE). Differences in negative predictive values of non-MDCT in diagnosis of PE between studies using an imaging reference standard and studies using clinical outcome reference standard may be due to clinically insignificant pulmonary emboli at the subsegmental level. The performance of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in evaluation of PE has not been adequately studied. The performances of ultrasound of the lung and pleura, ­echocardiography, and plain radiographs are insufficient to justify the use of these modalities in the primary evaluation of PE. Several pathways in the diagnosis of PE have been described using combinations of imaging modalities, clinical exam, and laboratory data. These pathways are equally effective with respect to clinical outcome, but differ in imaging utilization and may differ in safety.
Consecutive autopsies on an internal medicine service.

Objectives: Autopsy rates continue to decline in the United States despite the demonstrated value of this procedure in many different settings. We sought to review clinical pathologic discordance information generated by autopsies on an internal medicine service in the urban United States and to determine whether resident services appear to influence autopsy rates. Methods: We reviewed consecutive deaths and autopsies on an inpatient internal medicine service during a 30-month period at a 400-bed community hospital in Baltimore, MD. Results: There were 622 deaths and 65 autopsies (10.3%). Resident teaching status correlated with a higher rate of autopsies performed (P = 0.048). Clinical pathologic discordance was common, with a major discordance rate of 39%. Major discordance was indicated by only one of nine autopsies performed on patients with human immunodeficiency virus. Conclusions: The autopsy was a valuable educational and quality improvement tool on the urban internal medicine service. Residency influences may be a major factor in continuing this exercise. In our study, although the numbers were small, patients with human immunodeficiency virus had a very low discordance rate.
A Recursive Construction for 2-Designs

This paper contains two main results: given a symmetric (v, k, λ) design, D, and a resolvable design which has the parameters of a residual design of D, there exists a symmetric (dv + 1, v, k) design, where d = (v - k)/(k - λ), and d is a prime power; given a symmetric (v, k, λ) design, D, and a resolvable design with the parameters of a derived design of D, there exists a 2 - (ek + v, 2k, k) design, where e = k/λ,and e is a prime power.
Characterization of the promoter regions involved in galactose‐ and nisin‐mediated induction of the nisA gene in Lactococcus lactis ATCC 11454

The nisA promoter is positively regulated in Lactococcus lactis ATCC 11454 by autoinduction via a two-component NisRK-mediated system. However, induction of this promoter can also occur when introduced into the plasmid-free L. lactis LM0230 during growth in galactose or lactose, independent of the NisRK system. In this study, we also characterized this galactose-mediated induction by determining the nisA start site during growth in galactose, which was identical to the nisA start site upon nisin induction. The region involved in the galactose-mediated induction of the nisA promoter was investigated by directed deletion analysis of a 200 bp region upstream of the nisA promoter in the transcription fusion pDOC99. The induction of the deletion derivatives by galactose and nisin was compared phenotypically using beta-galactosidase measurements, and the regions necessary for the induction were determined by sequence analysis. Analysis of these regions revealed two sets of a TCT direct repeat [TCT-N8-TCT] present at positions (-107 to -94) and (-39 to -26) relative to the transcription initiation site. Disruption of the upstream repeat abolished galactose induction and significantly reduced the nisin induction capacity, suggesting a potential pivotal role for these repeats in transcription induction of the nisA promoter. It was also observed that the galactose-mediated induction was abolished when a plasmid containing the phosphotransferase system (PTS), phospho-beta-galactosidase and tagatose pathway genes was introduced into this strain. As this effectively made the Leloir pathway redundant, it points to some component of this pathway as the specific inducer of the nisA promoter.
The Influence of Linguistic Structure on Typing

Touch typists, those who do not look at the keys while typing, and non-touch typists, those who do look at the keys, typed sentences which varied in linguistic complexity. Sentences were either grammatical and meaningful (GM), grammatical and anomalous (GA), or ungrammatical and meaningless (UML). Accuracy and latencies were measured. Accuracy decreased as complexity increased, i.e. from GM to GA to UML sentences, for both touch and non-touch typists. Preparation latency, the time from the presentation of a sentence and commencement of typing, and typing latency, the time from the beginning to the end of typing, increased for non-touch typists but remained constant for touch typists across sentence types (GM, GA, and UML).
A Dark Energy Model interacting with Dark Matter described by an effective EoS

In this latter author would like to consider interaction between a dark energy based on Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP) and a Dark Matter described by eective EoS:
Electrostatic Spray of Food‐Grade Organic Acids and Plant Extract to Reduce Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Fresh‐Cut Cantaloupe Cubes

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of organic acids and plant extract alone and in combination when applied by electrostatic spraying on Escherichia coli O157:H7-inoculated cantaloupe cubes. Inoculated cubes were sprayed with malic (M) and lactic (L) acids and grape seed extract at different concentrations (alone and various combinations) then stored at 4C. Under optimized concentrations, ML 2% was able to reduce E. coli O157:H7 by 1.9 logs after 12 days of storage and was significantly different from the controls (P < 0.05). Increasing the concentration of M (4%) alone and in combination with L (2%) caused an increase in log reduction (4.6 logs). These treatments can be used as alternatives to commercial sanitizers in order to improve the safety of fresh-cut cantaloupe cubes. Multiple hurdle technology of electrostatic sprayer combined with natural antimicrobials can be effective in improving the safety of food. Practical Application Electrostatic sprayer is a technology that can be used to enhance the effectiveness of antimicrobials. Organic acids and plant extracts can be used as antimicrobials to efficiently reduce contaminated cantaloupe cubes when combined with electrostatic sprayer. This multiple hurdle technology can be used in different food industry settings.
Constraints on Science

(1) Truths may be used for personal or group interests, as may false beliefs and illusions. So also truth-seeking may be ideological in social function, just as may the concealment of truth. Thus the scope of ideologies is widened, to reach every hope, action and institution. Whatever serves a special interest has its ideological aspect in addition to any other aspect. Not only astrology but also astronomy; not only kitsch but also Shostakovitch; not only religion but also rationalist atheism; not only dogmas but also free thought. One of the Christian faith’s earliest claims was that the truth shall make the believer free; and the spirit of the 18th century was supported as much by belief in liberation through the truths of science as by belief in liberation through political change. Truth serves as the ideology of liberation; or it may; or it is claimed as such.
AROMA QUALITY OF CORN GERM PROTEIN FLOURS DETERMINED BY SENSORY AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHIC PROFILES

Corn germ protein flour (CGPF) was subjected to three different treatments to improve aroma quality: acid-washing, heat-treatment and alcohol-washing. Sensory descriptive analysis was used to evaluate the differences in aroma among CGPF samples. All samples were classified into four clusters by canonical discriminant analysis based upon the sensory scores of eight descriptive attributes. Volatiles of samples were separated by capillary gas chromatography, and 19 peaks that elicit important olfactory responses were selected. Stepwise multiple regression was used to relate sensory and instrumental data, and models were established to predict the aroma quality of CGPF samples by GC profiles.
Improper activation of D1 and D2 receptors leads to excess noise in prefrontal cortex

The dopaminergic system has been shown to control the amount of noise in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and likely plays an important role in working memory and the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. We developed a model that takes into account the known receptor distributions of D1 and D2 receptors, the changes these receptors have on neuron response properties, as well as identified circuitry involved in working memory. Our model suggests that D1 receptor under-stimulation in supragranular layers gates internal noise into the PFC leading to cognitive symptoms as has been proposed in attention disorders, while D2 over-stimulation gates noise into the PFC by over-activation of cortico-striatal projecting neurons in infragranular layers. We apply this model in the context of a memory-guided saccade paradigm and show deficits similar to those observed in schizophrenic patients. We also show set-shifting impairments similar to those observed in rodents with D1 and D2 receptor manipulations. We discuss how the introduction of noise through changes in D1 and D2 receptor activation may account for many of the symptoms of schizophrenia depending on where this dysfunction occurs in the PFC.
Further interpretation of satellite measurements of Antarctic total ozone

Both dynamical and chemical mechanisms have been advanced to explain the decrease in total ozone in the Antarctic spring. Further analysis of satellite measurements show that during any one year, the September decline in total ozone near the South Pole is compensated by an increase at midlatitudes. The total ozone amount from 44 deg S to the pole remains almost unchanged from August through November even though both the polar and midlatitude values reach extremes during this period. These observations suggest that the variations within the spring season in south polar total ozone are governed by dynamical redistribution rather than chemical processes.
Killing in War and Moral Equality

[Do innocent civilians who will be killed in a justified attack on a nearby military target have a right to defend themselves by shooting down the bomber pilot? I argue that they do not, and that Jeff McMahan’s view that they do have such a right—that there is a moral equivalence between pilot and civilian—is flawed in much the same way that Michael Walzer’s moral equivalence of combatants—a position that McMahan has so persuasively refuted—is flawed., Do innocent civilians who will be killed in a justified attack on a nearby military target have a right to defend themselves by shooting down the bomber pilot? I argue that they do not, and that Jeff McMahan's view that they do have such a right—that there is a moral equivalence between pilot and civilian—is flawed in much the same way that Michael Walzer's moral equivalence of combatants—a position that McMahan has so persuasively refuted—is flawed.]
Protein molecules in solution.

A protein molecule in solution may undergo a host of interactions: with solvent, with small molecules and ions, with itself, with other macromolecules. In a physiologic milieu, all of these possibilities are present. A variety of interactions will occur. On the basis of the behavior of these substances in simple systems, reasonable guesses can often be made as to which interactions will predominate in a biologic environment.
Radiation exposure and protection in cardiac catheterization laboratories

Cardiac catheterization with angiography can deliver the greatest dose of x-radiation of any diagnostic medical examination. The physicians and technologists in the angiography room receive low-level scattered radiation over a period of months to decades. Although the radiobiology is complex, the physicians who perform cardiac catheterization should be familiar with the potential genetic and somatic effects of radiation and with the methods to reduce or eliminate x-ray exposure. The aim of radiation protection criteria is to reduce the risk of cancer death to less than the fatality risk for other occupations regarded as safe. This report is a review of the literature relating to radiation exposure and protection in cardiac catheterization laboratories. Catheterization personnel have control over the time duration of exposure, placement of technologists, shielding, location of equipment and monitoring of dose received.
Immunization of Mice by Combinations of Inactive Fractions of Mycobacterium bovis Strain BCG

SummaryIn an attempt to identify the mycobacterial cell wall components which enhance resistance in mice to airborne infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, fractions of BCG were prepared by organic solvent extraction and by alkali or lipase treatment. Although certain of these fractions, when tested individually, were impotent in our protection test, vaccines containing combinations of solvent-extracted, alkali-treated, or lipase-treated cell walls and of an inactive chloroform or methyl alcohol extract were significantly effective. The wax D fraction, but not the wax B or C fractions, of the chloroform extract in combination with “inactive” cell walls was highly protective. Since combinations of either the “inactive” BCG cell wall residue or the BCG chloroform extract with heterologous substances failed to enhance resistance of mice, two or more specific and distinct mycobacterial components may be required in an effective vaccine.
Sensing the glass transition in thin and ultrathin polymer films via fluorescence probes and labels

Fluorescence was used to characterize the glass transition in thin and ultrathin supported polymer films with common chromophores. The temperature dependence of the fluorescence intensity exhibits a transition or break upon cooling from the rubbery state to the glassy state, and this is identified as the glass transition. A variety of chromophores are investigated including pyrene, anthracene, and phenanthrene either as dopants, covalently attached to the polymer as a label, or both. The particular choice of the chromophore as well as the nature of the attachment, in the case of labels, have significant impact on the success of this method. Problematic cases include those in which the excited-state chromophore undergoes significant photochemistry in addition to fluorescence or those in which the particular attachment of the chromophore as a label may allow for conformational interactions that affect the fluorescence quantum yield in a nontrivial way. Polymers that have an intrinsic fluorescence unit, for example, polystyrene, may allow for the fluorescence sensing of the glass transition without added dopants or labels. Finally, it is demonstrated that this technique holds promise for the study of the glass transition in polymer blends and within specific locations in multilayer films. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 2745–2758, 2002
Brownian motion of a torsion pendulum with internal friction

Abstract We constructed a torsion pendulum in which the dissipation is dominated by internal friction in the fiber. We compare the measured thermal noise spectrum with the prediction from the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. The agreement is excellent. The spectrum exhibits an approximately 1 f slope below resonance. We discuss the implications for interferometric gravitational wave detectors.
Feasibility of airborne detection of laser-induced fluorescence emissions from green terrestrial plants

The present investigation provides a demonstration of the feasibility of the airborne detection of the laser-induced fluorescence spectral emissions from living terrestrial grasses, shrubs, and trees using existing levels of lidar technology. Airborne studies were performed to ascertain system requirements necessary to detect laser-induced fluorescence from living terrestrial plants, to assess the practical acquisition of useful single-shot laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) waveforms over vegetative canopies, and to determine the comparative suitability of laser system, airborne platform, and terrestrial environmental parameters. The field experiment was conducted on May 3, 1982, over the northern portion of Wallops Island, VA. Attention is given to airborne lidar results and the description of laboratory investigations.
Use of microparticles as internal targets for nuclear physics with storage rings

Abstract We report on the development of ultrathin (1014 to 1016 at/cm2) internal targets for storage rings using microparticles. A “dust beam” is created by a gas-particle mixture flowing through a capillary into vacuum. In a laminar flow, the viscous drag accelerates the particles in the direction of the gas flow, while the Bernoulli force concentrates them near the axis of the tube. At the exit of the tube the gas diffuses, but the particles, due to their inertia, continue with small divergence. This property will allow us to differentially pump the carrier gas along the dust beam axis before the microparticles enter the high vacuum of the storage ring.
Elastic-plastic and viscoelastic behavior of a continuous filament yarn

Abstract The tensile behavior of continuous filament yarns with fibres which are made from elastic-perfectly plastic or various viscoelastic materials is discussed herein. Theoretical expressions are developed for the maximum load carrying capacity (limit load) and creep characteristics when the displacements of a yarn remain small.
ADPRibosylation of chicken red cell tubulin and inhibition of microtubule self-assembly in vitro by the NAD(+)-dependent avian ADPRibosyl transferase.

Chicken erythrocyte tubulin was found to undergo NAD+-dependent ADPribosylation in vitro in the presence of ADPRtransferase also isolated from avian red blood cells. Unlike the low level of ADPR incorporation catalyzed by Cholera and Pertussis toxins (i.e., <0.005 mol ADPR/mol tubulin), the avian system displayed a much higher stoichiometry of 0.8–1.2 mol ADPR/mol tubulin. Modification resulted in potent inhibition of microtubule self-assembly, even in the presence of bovine brain microtubule-associated proteins or with the addition of pre-assembled microtubules.
Optimum strategies for mapping vegetation using multiple-endmember spectral mixture models

Improved vegetation maps are required for fire management and biodiversity assessment, from critical inputs for hydrological and biogeochemical models and represent a means for scaling-up point measurements. At scales greater than 10 meters, vegetation communities are typically mixed consisting of leaves, branches, exposed soil and shadows. To map mixed vegetation, many researchers employ spectral mixture analysis (SMA). In most SMA applications, a single set of spectra consisting of green vegetation, soil, non- photosynthetic vegetation and shade are used to 'unmix' images. However, because most scenes contain more than four components, this simple approach leads to fraction errors and may fail to differentiate many vegetation types. In this work, we apply a new approach called multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis, in which the number and types of endmembers vary per-pixel. Using this approach, hundreds of unique models are generated that account for community specific differences in plant chemistry, physical attributes and phenology. Additionally, we describe a new strategy for developing and organizing regionally specific spectral libraries. We present result from a study in the Santa Monica Mountains using AVIRIS data, in which we map grassland and chaparral communities, mapping species dominance in some cases to a high degree of accuracy.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Choice Orientations, Discussions, and Prospects.

An examination of the contemporary choice discussion yields four somewhat distinct choice orientations and cases: an education-driven argument for choice; an economics-driven argument; a governance-driven argument; and an argument from particular national policy concerns of the past several decades. Each of these cases is sketched. Some logical and other features of the choice discussion are noted, andfinally some predictions are offered about the likely course of the choice discussion over the next several years.
Catchment-Scale Evaporation and the Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Evaporation is an important component of the hydrological cycle; for example, over land surfaces it amounts on average to about 60% of precipitation. This means that for hydrological purposes such as water budget calculations, the prediction or forecasting of floods and droughts, and for dynamic weather forecasting and climate modeling, it is indispensable to have reliable information on land surface evaporation. In mapping a strategy for this, decisions must be made regarding the scales at which this phenomenon is best parameterized. The atmosphere has the capacity of integrating and smoothing the effects of small-scale irregularities over larger areas. Therefore a more thorough understanding of turbulent transport mechanisms in the atmospheric boundary layer should lead to improved parameterization methods of evaporation at the regional and watershed scale.
Communication Following Relational Transgressions in Dating Relationships: An Investment-Model Explanation

A short-term longitudinal study tested predictions from Rusbult's (1983) investment model. In phase one, individuals in dating relationships rated the quality of their alternatives, as well as their levels of satisfaction, investment, and commitment. In phase two, those who had experienced a relational transgression (sexual infidelity, deception, or third-party dating/flirting) since completing the first questionnaire recalled the communication they had used about a week or two after finding out about their partner's transgression. In phase one, the bases of dependence—satisfaction, investment, and quality of alternatives—predicted commitment. These bases of dependence also predicted communication in phase two. Contrary to some previous work, commitment did not mediate the association between the bases of dependence and communication. Instead, results suggested that the components comprising commitment are directly associated with communication following relational transgressions.
Handling liquid scintillation counting data with small desk-top computers.

Abstract We have presented simple rapid procedures for calculating the absolute radioactivity of samples labeled with one or two isotopes, given the cpm from liquid scintillation counting and an external standard ratio or external count rate. Data were entered via key-board into a small off-line laboratory computer, either the Olivetti Programma 101 or the Wang 380 system. Entry was automatic when a Beckman Omega double-tape reader or a Wang tape editor was included in the respective systems. The information for calculating efficiency of counting from an external standard cpm or ratio data was derived from a linear least-square analysis or from a second-order regression analysis carried out with the computers, which were also available for general laboratory computation and statistical analysis.
Detailed mechanism for oxidation of benzene

A detailed mechanism for the oxidation of benzene is presented and used to compute experimentally obtained concentration profiles and ignition delay times over a wide range of equivalence ratio and temperature. The computed results agree qualitatively with all the experimental trends. Quantitative agreement is obtained with several of the composition profiles and for the temperature dependence of the ignition delay times. There are indications, however, that some important reactions are as yet undiscovered in this mechanism. Recent literature expressions have been used for the rate coefficients of most important reactions, except for some involving phenol. The discrepancy between the phenol pyrolysis rate coefficient used in this work and a recent literature expression remains to be explained.
SQLGEN: a framework for rapid client-server database application development

SQLGEN is a framework for rapid client-server relational database application development. It relies on an active data dictionary on the client machine that stores metadata on one or more database servers to which the client may be connected. The dictionary generates dynamic Structured Query Language (SQL) to perform common database operations; it also stores information about the access rights of the user at log-in time, which is used to partially self-configure the behavior of the client to disable inappropriate user actions. SQLGEN uses a microcomputer database as the client to store metadata in relational form, to transiently capture server data in tables, and to allow rapid application prototyping followed by porting to client-server mode with modest effort. SQLGEN is currently used in several production biomedical databases.
Informed peg-in-hole insertion using optical sensors

Peg-in-hole insertion is not only a longstanding problem in robotics but the most common automated mechanical assembly task. In this paper we present a high precision, self-calibrating peg-in-hole insertion strategy using several very simple, inexpensive, and accurate optical sensors. The self-calibrating feature allows us to achieve successful dead-reckoning insertions with tolerances of 25 microns without any accurate initial position information for the robot, pegs, or holes. The program we implemented works for any cylindrical peg, and the sensing steps do not depend on the peg diameter, which the program does not know. The key to the strategy is the use of a fixed sensor to localize both a mobile sensor and the peg, while the mobile sensor localizes the hole. Our strategy is extremely fast, localizing pegs as they are in route to their insertion location without pausing. The result is that insertion times are dominated by the transport time between pick and place operations.
Fully integrated millimeter-wave CMOS phased arrays

A fully integrated millimeter-wave CMOS phased arrays is presented. Phase shifting, transmitter architecture, circuit building blocks and the measurement results was discussed.
Non-Contrast Enhanced 3D SSFP MRA of the Renal Allograft Vasculature: A Comparison Between Radial Linear Combination and Cartesian Inflow-Weighted Acquisitions

Renal transplant patients often require imaging to ensure appropriate graft placement, to assess integrity of transplant vessel anastomosis and to evaluate for stenosis that can be a cause of graft failure. Because there is risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in the setting of renal insufficiency, the use of non-contrast MRA in these patients is helpful. In this study, the ability of two non-contrast MRA methods - 3D radial linear combination balanced SSFP (VIPR-SSFP) and inflow-weighted Cartesian SSFP (IFIR) - to visualize the transplant renal vessels is compared. Twenty-one renal transplant patients were scanned using the VIPR-SSFP and IFIR sequences. Diagnostic efficacy of the sequences was scored using a four point Likert scale according to the following criteria: overall image quality, fat suppression, and arterial/venous visualization quality. Average scores for each criterion were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In addition to significantly improved venous visualization, the VIPR-SSFP sequence provided significantly improved fat suppression quality (p<0.03) compared to IFIR. VIPR-SSFP also identified several pathologies such as renal arterial pseudoaneurysm that were not visible on the IFIR images. However, IFIR afforded superior quality of arterial visualization (p<0.005). These two methods of non-contrast MR imaging each have significant strengths and are complementary to each other in evaluating the vasculature of renal allografts.
Sequence organization of variant mouse 4.5 S RNA genes and pseudogenes

The rodent 4.5 S RNA is an RNA polymerase III product with a sequence related to the Alu family of interspersed repeated DNA. A previous study identified a tandem array of 4.2-kb repeating units that contain the 4.5 S RNA coding sequence as well as many short repetitive sequences. To understand the genomic organization of this gene family, we have isolated and characterized 4.5 S RNA sequences that are part of the tandem array as well as identified members that are not part of the array. One variant 4.5 S RNA gene family member exhibits length polymorphisms in its minisatellite sites relative to the single previously reported gene. The 4.5 S RNA sequences that are not part of the tandem array possess many of the features of processed pseudogenes and are found adjacent to other interspersed repeated elements. These findings suggest that the mouse 4.5 S RNA can behave as a retroposon, resulting in the accumulation of 4.5 S RNA-like elements at many sites in the genome.
Characterization of Planar Pseudo-Self-Similar Tilings

A pseudo-self-similar tiling is a hierarchical tiling of Euclidean space which obeys a nonexact substitution rule: the substitution for a tile is not geometrically similar to itself. An example is the Penrose tiling drawn with rhombi. We prove that a nonperiodic repetitive tiling of the plane is pseudo-self-similar if and only if it has a finite number of derived Vorono\"{\i} tilings up to similarity. To establish this characterization, we settle (in the planar case) a conjecture of E. A. Robinson by providing an algorithm which converts any pseudo-self-similar tiling of R 2 into a self-similar tiling of R 2 in such a way that the translation dynamics associated to the two tilings are topologically conjugate.
History and hierarchy in hunter‐gatherer studies

Hunters and Gatherers 1: History, Evolution and Social Change. TIM INGOLD, DAVID RICHES, and JAMES WOODBURN, eds. Hunters and Gatherers 2: Property, Power and Ideology. TIM INGOLD, DAVID RICHES, and JAMES WOODBURN, eds.
Iron acquisition by plants: the reduction of ferrisiderophores by higher plant NADH: Nitrate reductase

Abstract Siderophores are avid Fe 3+ -chelators of microbial origin. Plant roots are colonized by fungi and bacteria which synthesize siderophores, and plants have been shown to metabolize these substances to obtain iron. We have previously shown that nitrate reductase from squash catalyzed the reduction of the ferrisiderophore ferrioxamine B with the subsequent loss of Fe 2+ . Using a spectrophotometric assay which traps Fe 2+ in a ferrozine complex, we have noted that the substrate diversity of nitrate reductase as a ferrisiderophore reductase includes ferrichrome A, ferrichrome, ferrirhodotorulic acid, ferrischizokinen, and the novel siderophore ferri-‘AAHS’. These reductions were inhibited by polyclonal antibodies against nitrate reductase, but ferrisiderophore reductase activity, as evidenced with ferrirhodotorulic acid, was unaffected by low concentrations of azide. In addition, maximal activity occurred between pH 4 and 5, and appaarent K m values were approx. 100 μmolar. Thus, we suggest that plant nitrate reductases might be involved in iron assimilation as well as nitrate reduction.
Chaff and Straw Spreader for a Plot Combine

Uniform distribution of crop residue is critical in long-term no-till and conservation-till cropping systems experiments. Many farm-scale combines utilize factory or aftermarket chaff and straw spreaders, but most plot combines for research lack this capability. We fabricated a high volume air system to evenly distribute chaff and straw behind a plot combine. The combine engine powered a high-pressure radial blade blower fan to deliver air via a dual manifold through rubber flex hose to two distribution pipes mounted under the sieves. Visual comparisons from the harvest of several crop species demonstrated that chaff and straw were effectively spread with the attachment compared with checks. Total cost and time for fabrication and installation of the chaff and straw spreader attachment was $710 for materials and 15 h of labor.
Validation of the hypercapnic calibrated fMRI method using DOT–fMRI fusion imaging

Abstract Calibrated functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a widely used method to investigate brain function in terms of physiological quantities such as the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO 2 ). The first and one of the most common methods of fMRI calibration is hypercapnic calibration. This is achieved via simultaneous measures of the blood-oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) and the arterial spin labeling (ASL) signals during a functional task that evokes regional changes in CMRO 2 . A subsequent acquisition is then required during which the subject inhales carbon dioxide for short periods of time. A calibration constant, typically labeled M, is then estimated from the hypercapnic data and is subsequently used together with the BOLD–ASL recordings to compute evoked changes in CMRO 2 during the functional task. The computation of M assumes a constant CMRO 2 during the CO 2 inhalation, an assumption that has been questioned since the origin of calibrated fMRI. In this study we used diffuse optical tomography (DOT) together with BOLD and ASL – an alternative calibration method that does not require any gas manipulation and therefore no constant CMRO 2 assumption – to cross-validate the estimation of M obtained from a traditional hypercapnic calibration. We found a high correlation between the M values (R = 0.87, p