cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aerosol Synergism and Hydrate Formation—A Possible Connection

Earlier experiments using guinea pigs and other laboratory animals have shown that aerosols of sodium chloride potentiate the irritant effects of inhaled sulfur dioxide and formaldehyde. This potentiation was not seen with other vapors such as formic acid and acetic acid; nor was it observed when water-insoluble aerosols were substituted for the sodium chloride. A simple explanation for these results would be that the potentiated vapors dissolved in the hydroscopic particulates and were thereby carried deeper into the respiratory tract. However, such an explanation does not explain the observed difference between potentiated and nonpotentiated vapors. Additionally, the retention time for dissolved vapors is too short to permit the aerosol to transport the dissolved vapor for any appreciable distance. Here it is pointed out that both sulfur dioxide and formaldehyde are hydrated in water solutions to compounds (methylene hydroxide and sulfite, respectively) that have low vapor pressures and are known to dec...
Mucus is a predictor of better prognosis and survival in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous tumor of the pancreas

The aim of our study was to examine the case histories of patients with intraductal papillary mucinous tumor (IPMT) treated with resection to determine predictors of prognosis. Between 1989 and 2000, all patients treated with pancreatic resection for IPMT (n = 63) were analyzed. The diagnosis of IPMT was made using the surgical specimen and the World Health Organization definition. Predictors were determined using univariate and multivariate analysis. The pathologic findings were benign (n = 30), carcinoma in situ (CIS; n = 5), and invasive carcinoma (n = 28). After univariate analysis, predictors of malignancy (invasive plus CIS) were jaundice (odds ratio = 10.32), elevated serum CA19-9 (odds ratio = 15.0), any abnormal liver function test (odds ratio = 7.69), and p53 overexpression. The only predictor of benign disease was gross mucus observed during endoscopy (odds ratio = 4.35). After multivariate analysis, predictors of malignancy were any abnormal liver function test (odds ratio = 5.09) and p53 overexpression, whereas the only predictor of benign disease was still gross mucus (odds ratio = 5.88). Actuarial 3- and 5-year survival for benign disease was 95% and 83% and for malignant disease 52% and 44%, respectively (P = 0.0048). Survival curves also favored p53-negative tumors vs. p53-positive tumors (P = 0.0055). In the 33 patients with malignant disease (mean follow-up time = 35 months), the presence of gross mucus was a predictor of prolonged survival after univariate and multivariate analysis (odds ratio = 4.34 and 4.55, respectively), whereas alcohol abuse was a predictor of poor survival (odds ratio = 3.41 and 3.60, respectively). Gross mucus observed during endoscopy is a predictor of benign IPMT and, within the group with malignant IPMT; the presence of gross mucus was associated with better survival. Survival was also strongly associated with either benign IPMT or negative staining for p53 overexpression.
Hybridization of some Trifolium species through stylar temperature treatments.

Plants of seven perennial Trifolium species were interspecifically pollinated. The female flowers opened at 40 °C, and the male flowers opened in the greenhouse or field without a temperature treatment. T. pratense was pollinated with T. ambiguum, T. hirtum, T. ochroleucum, T. rubens, T. sarosiense, and T. medium. T. medium was pollinated with T. pratense. Seeds were obtained from all pollinations ; however, 86 of the progeny were morphologically and cytologically similar to their female parent, and probably resulted from self-fertilization. Many seeds of possible hybrid origin were small and/or did not germinate. Some seeds produced weak or albino seedlings which died at an early age. Excised pistils of T. medium from flowers that opened at 40 °C were more compatible with pollen of T. pratense than pistils of T. medium that developed in the field, indicating that the elevated temperature caused greater hybrid seed production than was observed in our earlier studies. The high temperature technique may prove useful in obtaining hybrids in Trifolium.
Combining geographic information systems and ethnography to better understand and plan ocean space use

Abstract Agencies in the US with oversight for marine renewable energy development idealistically have sought space where this new use might proceed unhindered by other uses. Despite experiential evidence of spatial overlap among existing ocean uses, a lack of documentation made the identification of potential space-use conflicts, communication between existing and potential ocean users, and the design of mitigation exceedingly challenging. We conducted a study along the US Atlantic and Pacific coasts to gather and document available spatial information on existing use through a compilation and organization of geographic information system (GIS) data. Stakeholder group meetings were used to vet the collected spatial data, and ethnographic interviews were conducted to gather knowledge and cultural perspectives. Results show extensive coverage and overlap of existing ocean space uses and provide a visualization of the social and cultural landscape of the ocean that managers can use to determine which stakeholders to engage. Marine resource managers are encouraged to recognize that marine space use is dynamic and multi-dimensional and as such research thereof requires a balance between the efficiency of GIS and the stories captured and told by ethnographic research. There are important linkages within and across fisheries and other uses, communities and interests, and across the land–sea interface. Therefore, it is important to use techniques demonstrated in this research that (1) integrate ethnographic and geospatial data collection and analysis; (2) engage stakeholders throughout the process; and (3) recognize the unique qualities of each geographic location and user group to support sound decision-making.
Tissue characterization of arteries with 4 MHz ultrasound.

Reflections of 4 MHz ultrasound pulses from 60 sites on 15 human aorta specimens were analysed using the plane-wave Born approximation (PWBA) inverse scattering method. The recovered high-resolution acoustic impedance profile for each site was correlated with an analysis (by microscope) of sections taken from that site. The shape of the impedance profile was found to be sensitive to the pathology of the tissue at each site. The severity of the various conditions could be gauged from the recovered impedance profiles. Some of the insonifications were done on aorta specimens that were shielded from the ultrasound transducer by a human tissue specimen about 1.25 cm thick in order to study the effects of intervening tissue. We found that it was possible to compensate for the distortion due to the frequency dependent attenuation of the intervening tissue. We conclude that ultrasound imaging, with the reflections analysed by means of PWBA inverse scattering, provides a promising non-invasive tissue characterization modality.
Application of time series analysis to circadian rhythms: Effect of beta-adrenergic blockade upon heart rate and transient myocardial ischemia

Abstract Circadian variations of transient myocardial ischemia and heart rate have been identified, but the rhythms and their response to β blockade have not been fully characterized. Time-series analysis, a mathematical technique to describe oscillatory activity occurring within a continuous data set was used, to address these issues. Nine men with coronary artery disease underwent 72 hours of ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring during therapy with placebo or metoprolol. During administration of placebo, ischemic time and heart rate showed a primary peak with a periodicity of approximately 24 hours with a tight coupling between the 2 variables and a secondary peak with a periodicity of 5 to 8 hours. During metoprolol therapy, heart rate and ischemic variation were reduced and the 24-hour periodicity for heart rate only remained. The 24-hour periodicity for ischemia was eliminated, but the data with 5- to 8-hour periodicity became the major component of the signal.
CORN EMERGENCE AS INFLUENCED BY SOIL TEMPERATURE, MATRIC POTENTIAL, AND AGGREGATE SIZE DISTRIBUTION.

The effects of soil physical parameters on corn (Zea mays L.) emergence were determined in a growth chamber experiment. The treatments included three different soils, four soil temperature regimes (5–15, 10–20, 15–25, and 20–30°C), four soil matric potentials (−10, −33, −100, and −500 kPa), and seven aggregate size distributions (geometric mean diameter = 0.5, 1.0, 1.9, 3.6, 5.6, 6.8, and 11.1 mm). Corn was planted at 50 mm depth in soil aggregate mixtures contained in aluminum cylinders 152 mm in height by 76 mm inside diameter. Cylinders were placed in a growth chamber with a 10°C diurnal fluctuation and time to corn emergence was determined. Based on the growth chamber study, guidelines are developed that define best seedbed conditions for corn emergence. Time to corn emergence was influenced by the independent variables in the following order: soil temperature » soil matric potential > soil aggregate size distribution. Emergence time was related to soil temperature by a power function. Corn emergence was most rapid at the warmest soil temperature (20–30°C) when soil moisture was at or above field capacity and when aggregate size distribution corresponded to a geometric mean diameter between 1.0 and 6.8 mm. Time to corn emergence was less than 21 d for all soils and matric potentials when mean soil temperature was at least 15°C. The negative effect of low soil temperatures on corn emergence was partially compensated by high soil matric potential. A corn emergence model was developed from the relationship between percent emergence and growing degree days at the seed zone depth. Relationships between percent emergence and seed zone growing degree days were approximately the same for three soils and varied with the soil matric potential. The corn emergence model indicated a requirement of 59, 62, 67, and 76 seed zone growing degree days for 75% corn emergence at soil matric potentials of −10, −33, −100 and −500 kPa, respectively. The model was tested using corn emergence data from a field study consisting of eight combinations of three tillage and three surface residue treatments. Field data on corn emergence corresponded well with the growth chamber results obtained with constant diurnal soil temperature cycles. Heat units needed for 75% corn emergence under various tillage and residue conditions at field moisture content (matric potential = 0 to − 10 kPa) corresponded to 52 seed zone growing degree days. This corn emergence model should be useful in predicting optimum planting dates based on measured or predicted historical seed zone temperatures.
Using color substitution pupil response to expose chromatic mechanisms.

It is well known that pupillary threshold shows a scotopic spectral behavior, even for foveal stimuli. However, when two scotopically balanced fields at different wavelengths are alternated, the pupil shows a constriction response at each transition, exposing innervation from chromatic mechanisms. Using a suitable model for pupillary innervation, this substitution response is systematically studied for different wavelengths and radiant power levels to yield (within the accuracy of the assumptions of the model) spectral threshold curves for the chromatic mechanism as indicated by the pupil. Four mechanisms have thus been identified, having peak sensitivities near 450, 525, 580, and 495 nm.We propose that these represent the blue, green, red, and scotopic mechanisms as manifested before the level of the lateral geniculate body.
Higher-spin theories, W∞ algebras and their super-extensions

Abstract We examine the role of higher-spin algebras in (2 + 1) and (1 + 1) dimensional. We construct (2 + 1)-dimensional Chern-Simons theories based on bosonic and supersymmetric extensions of the anti-de Sitter group, and show how the resulting higher-spin algebras are related to the algebra of symplectic diffeomorphisms of the plane and the super-plane. We also construct N =1 and N =2 supersymmetric extensions of the W ∞ algebra of conformal fields in (1 + 1) dimension, with all spins ⩾ 3 2 , and indicate how these are related to the symplectic diffeomorphisms mentioned above.
Energy substitutability and modernization of energy-consuming technologies

Abstract The paper examines long-term strategies of capital modernization under different assumptions about embodied technological change, energy regulation, and substitutability between energy and capital. To describe modernization of physical capital, the authors use a vintage capital model with the constant elasticity of substitution between capital and energy. The models take into account (i) availability of new more energy-efficient equipment under energy-saving technical progress, (ii) possibility of buying new capital with various combinations of energy parameters and prices, (iii) controlled scrapping of obsolete capital, and (iv) energy regulation quotas. The paper analyzes how the elasticity of substitution between capital and energy impacts the capital modernization policy. In particular, it is proven that the optimal lifetime of capital appears to be longer for a larger elasticity.
3D maps of RNA interhelical junctions

More than 50% of RNA secondary structure is estimated to be A-form helices, which are linked together by various junctions. Here we describe a protocol for computing three interhelical Euler angles describing the relative orientation of helices across RNA junctions. 5′ and 3′ helices, H1 and H2, respectively, are assigned based on the junction topology. A reference canonical helix is constructed using an appropriate molecular builder software consisting of two continuous idealized A-form helices (iH1 and iH2) with helix axis oriented along the molecular Z-direction running toward the positive direction from iH1 to iH2. The phosphate groups and the carbon and oxygen atoms of the sugars are used to superimpose helix H1 of a target interhelical junction onto the corresponding iH1 of the reference helix. A copy of iH2 is then superimposed onto the resulting H2 helix to generate iH2′. A rotation matrix R is computed, which rotates iH2′ into iH2 and expresses the rotation parameters in terms of three Euler angles αh, βh and γh. The angles are processed to resolve a twofold degeneracy and to select an overall rotation around the axis of the reference helix. The three interhelical Euler angles define clockwise rotations around the 5′ (−γh) and 3′ (αh) helices and an interhelical bend angle (βh). The angles can be depicted graphically to provide a 'Ramachandran'-type view of RNA global structure that can be used to identify unusual conformations as well as to understand variations due to changes in sequence, junction topology and other parameters.
Absorption spectra of group V donors in germanium

Abstract Some recent investigations of infrared absorption associated with lattice imperfections in germanium and silicon are reported. The ionization and excitation bands of group III and group V impurities in germanium were observed at liquid helium temperature and long wavelengths, up to 300 microns. Ionization energies are deduced which are close to the values given by electrical measurements. A number of excitation bands were observed in each case. The spectra of the impurities are compared with each other and with the theoretical calculations of kohn. The experimental results can be interpreted on the basis of the theory to a certain extent but give extra excitation bands which cannot be explained by the theoretical calculation. The effects of different factors, such as the concentration of impurities, have been studied. Irradiation by high energy neutrons and electrons produces in silicon infrared absorption bands associated with the introduced lattice defects. Several bands have been observed. The possibility of observing a particular absorption band depends on the Fermi level in the irradiated sample which determines the state of ionization of the defects. The absorption was studied after annealing the sample at different temperatures. It was found that the various absorption bands are associated with different types of defect centers. One of the bands, at 20.5 microns, increased or decreased with temperature annealing, depending on the Fermi level. The observation is understandable on the assumption that the anneal of the type of absorption center depends upon the state of ionization of the defects.
Designing Interfaces at the Molecular Level

The creation of organized thin films (OTFs) of organic compounds has developed into an increasingly important research area at the frontier of analytical chemistry. In this Report we present an overview of the development and application of OTFs to analytical chemistry. We will discuss the origins and preparative methodologies of Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) and spontaneously adsorbed (SA) films, the two most used routes toward the creation of OTFs. We will also examine the structural attributes of OTFs that can be used to clarify the issues related to transduction mechanisms that are important to analytical chemistry and to designing interfacial architectures with advanced functions. We highlight a few of the many uses of OTFs, beginning with fundamental studies of interfacial processes, followed by emerging applications to chemical analysis. Reviews of applications of OTFs in other areas provide additional fundamental and technological information. 42 refs., 3 figs.
The search for confirmation: Technical aspects of mirroring

(1985). The search for confirmation: Technical aspects of mirroring. Psychoanalytic Inquiry: Vol. 5, The Mirror: Psychoanalytic Perspectives, pp. 271-282.
Ultrasound evaluation of the nonvisualized gallbladder

Grey-scale ultrasonography is a relatively new diagnostic modality which can be employed to evaluate the cholecystographically nonvisualized gallbladder and the jaundiced patient. The procedure is simple to perform and causes no discomfort to the patient. Ultrasonography can detect gallstones and differentiate obstructive (surgical) from hepatocellular (medical) jaundice. Frequently, it is also instrumental in diagnosing the cause of biliary obstruction in the patient with obstructive jaundice. Eleven illustrative cases are presented in which ultrasonography played a key role in establishing the correct diagnosis.
Nonhuman primate models for HIV cure research.

1 Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America, 2 Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America, 3 Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America, 4 Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Shifting status and distribution of range margin chorus frog (Pseudacris) populations in eastern Great Lakes watersheds

Contiguous with their range across major rivers into Canada, two different species of chorus frogs are now thought to inhabit the Great Lakes watersheds of New York. Pseudacris triseriata is found along the western Lake Ontario and Lake Erie plains while P. maculata (tentatively a new frog species in NY) inhabits the lowlands of eastern Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Both species are on their extreme range margins in NY. In 2010 we detected distributional declines of both putative chorus frog species based on a broad survey following standardized occupancy detection protocols. Causes are unclear but could relate to reforestation and urbanization of formerly more extensive agricultural lands, climate change, pathogenic fungal outbreaks and/or the contaminant effects of intensive agriculture. On the other hand, the prior overestimation of ranges because of misidentification may have inflated earlier perceived distributions (positive survey bias) because false positives are problematical for this cryptic frog. At broad geographical scales, chorus frog (meta)populations are highly dynamic and are likely shifting their ranges in response to rapidly changing overall environmental conditions in the northeastern U.S. and Canada.
Shear-Induced Orientation in Well-Exfoliated Polystyrene/Clay Nanocomposites

We report measurements of shear-induced particle orientation in highly exfoliated polystyrene/clay nanocomposites. Samples were prepared using an in situ polymerization technique, in which native clay is organically modified with a cationic surfactant that incoporporates a polymerizable vinylbenzyl moiety. Controlled radical polymerization was used during the synthesis to limit the molecular weight and polydispersity of the nanocomposite polymer matrix. Flow-induced orientation was measured in the flow-gradient plane of shear flow using synchrotron-based small-angle X-ray scattering. Despite the small rotational diffusivity expected for the clay particles, significant particle orientation was only observed at relatively high rates in steady shear or at high frequencies in large-amplitude oscillatory shear. Measurements of orientation upon flow cessation provided direct evidence of a structural relaxation process that was orders of magnitude faster than estimates of rotational Brownian motion. It is sugges...
Necessary and sufficient conditions of pointwise completeness of linear time-invariant delay-differential systems†

Necessary and sufficient conditions of pointwise completeness at time t1 (i.e. no component of the n-dimensional state vector should be equal to zero at time i, for all possible choices of the initial functions) of any system of the form x(t)= Ax(t) + Bx(t-h) are given. It has been shown that if the linear time-invariant delay-differential system is not pointwise complete at time t1, then it is also not pointwise complete at time t>t1 and if the linear time-invariant delay-differential system is not pointwise complete at time t=t1 >(n-1)hthen it is also not pointwise complete at time t= >(n-1)h.
Partial order programming (extended abstract)

We introduce a programming paradigm in which statements are constraints over partial orders. A partial order programming problem has the form minimize u subject to u1 s v1, u2 s v2, ··· where u is the goal, and u1 s v1, u2 s v2, ··· is a collection of constraints called the program. A solution of the problem is a minimal value for u determined by values for u1, v1, etc. satisfying the constraints. The domain of values here is a partial order, a domain D with ordering relation s.The partial order programming paradigm has interesting properties:It generalizes mathematical programming and also computer programming paradigms (logic, functional, and others) cleanly, and offers a foundation both for studying and combining paradigms.It takes thorough advantage of known results for continuous functionals on complete partial orders, when the constraints involve expressions using only continuous and monotone operators. The semantics of these programs coincide with recent results on the relaxation solution method for constraint problems.It presents a framework that may be effective in modeling, or knowledge representation, of complex systems.
Removing Selenite from Groundwater with an In Situ Biobarrier: Laboratory Studies

Laboratory biobarriers were evaluated for their ability to remove selenite from flowing groundwater. Microbial activity in aquifers is usually limited by substrate availability, and biobarriers stimulate microbial activity by providing a substrate; for these studies soybean oil was used. Water containing 10 mg L−1 selenite-Se was pumped through the biobarriers for 74 days and the amount present in the effluent monitored. The amounts remained high for the first 2 weeks of the study but then declined. From day 28 until the end of the study the amount of selenite-Se in the column effluents averaged 0.20 ± 0.04 mg L−1, a decrease of approximately 98%. At the end of the study about half of the selenite-Se applied to the columns was recovered as immobilized selenium trapped by the biobarrier. This study suggests that biobarriers containing vegetable oil might be used as a process for removing selenite from contaminated groundwater.
A Scalable Preference Elicitation Algorithm Using Group Generalized Binary Search

We examine the problem of eliciting the most preferred designs of a user from a finite set of designs through iterative pairwise comparisons presented to the user. The key challenge is to select proper queries (i.e., presentations of design pairs to the user) in order to minimize the number of queries. Previous work formulated elicitation as a blackbox optimization problem with comparison (binary) outputs, and a heuristic search algorithm similar to Efficient Global Optimization (EGO) was used to solve it. In this paper, we propose a query algorithm that minimizes the expected number of queries directly, assuming that designs are embedded in a known space and user preference is a linear function of design variables. Besides its theoretical foundation, the proposed algorithm shows empirical performance better than the EGO search algorithm in both simulated and real-user experiments. A novel approximation scheme is also introduced to alleviate the scalability issue of the proposed algorithm, making it tractable for a large number of design variables or of candidate designs.
Agglomerative clustering in sparse atomic decompositions of audio signals

We present a correlation-based algorithm for the agglomerative clustering of atoms in sparse atomic decompositions of audio signals. Our goal is to demonstrate useful relationships between elements of the decomposition and the content of the original signal, for such purposes as analysis and modification. We evaluate the performance of the agglomeration algorithm using decompositions of synthetic and real audio signals, and discuss possible extensions of this work.
Obesity Risk Factors for Women Living in the Appalachian Region: An Integrative Review

Research Objective: This paper examines the current literature on obesity among women living in the Appalachian region and looks at factors contributing to obesity in this area. Methods: A systematic review was conducted of research published between 1989 and 2009 regarding the research on obesity among women living in the Appalachian region. This review included both urban and rural Appalachian settings. The search used four electronic databases: CINAHL, ERIC, Medline, and Academic Search Premier. The key search terms included: Appalachian region, women, obesity, and mortality. Eight studies met the criteria for our review. Results: The research suggests that both rural and urban Appalachian women report a lack of regular physical activity, and many are at high risk for obesity, which contributes to the high mortality rates in this group. In addition, obesity, poverty, low educational attainment, and cultural norms are associated in this group. Conclusions : In Appalachia, cultural influences handed down for generations are more significant than the urban or rural environment in influencing obesity. To decrease the prevalence of obesity among Appalachian women, nurses need to develop, community-based interventions that take into account the income and health literacy needs of these women.
Sildenafil Improves Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure and Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension

Background— Patients with systolic heart failure (HF) who develop secondary pulmonary hypertension (PH) have reduced exercise capacity and increased mortality compared with HF patients without PH. We tested the hypothesis that sildenafil, an effective therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension, would lower pulmonary vascular resistance and improve exercise capacity in patients with HF complicated by PH. Methods and Results— Thirty-four patients with symptomatic HF and PH were randomized to 12 weeks of treatment with sildenafil (25 to 75 mg orally 3 times daily) or placebo. Patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing before and after treatment. The change in peak Vo2 from baseline, the primary end point, was greater in the sildenafil group (1.8±0.7 mL · kg−1 · min−1) than in the placebo group (−0.27 mL · kg−1 · min−1; P=0.02). Sildenafil reduced pulmonary vascular resistance and increased cardiac output with exercise (P<0.05 versus placebo for both) without altering pulmonary capillary wedge or m...
Dust Deposition Effects on Growth and Physiology of the Endangered Astragalus jaegerianus (Fabaceae)

Abstract Human expansion into the Mojave Desert is a significant threat to rare desert plants. While immediate habitat loss is often the greatest concern, rare plants situated near areas where soil surfaces experience frequent disturbance may be indirectly impacted when fine particulate dust accumulates on leaf surfaces. Remaining populations of the federally listed Astragalus jaegerianus (Lane Mountain milkvetch) occur on land open to expanding military activities and on adjacent public land with increasing recreational use. This study was initiated to determine whether dust accumulation could decrease the vigor and fitness of A. jaegerianus through reduced growth. Beginning in early May 2004, plants located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land were dusted bimonthly at canopy-level dust concentrations ranging from 0 to 32 g/m2, and physiology and growth were monitored until late June when plants senesced. The maximum experimental dust level simulates dust concentrations of Mojave Desert perennials nei...
Delay-Dependent Reliable H Control for Linear Time-Varying Delay Systems via Adaptive Approach

This paper considers the problem of delay-dependent adaptive reliable Hinfin controller design against actuator faults for linear time-varying delay systems. Based on the on-line estimation of eventual faults, the parameters of adaptive reliable Hinfin controller are updating automatically to compensate the fault effects on system. A new delay- dependent reliable Hinfin controller is established using linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique and adaptive method, which guarantees the stability and adaptive Hinfin performance of closed-loop systems in normal and faulty cases. A numerical example and its simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Reward processing: a global brain phenomenon?

Rewards and punishments (reinforcement) powerfully shape behavior. Accordingly, their neuronal representation is of significant interest, both for understanding normal brain-behavior relationships ...
Forward-cone-imaging OCT needle probe

We propose a novel forward-imaging OCT needle probe. The probe is based on the use of two angled GRIN lenses that can freely rotate with respect to each other. The probe is capable of scanning a forward cone volume ahead of the probe tip. Different scanning modes, such as the conventional OCT B-scan mode, spiral mode and starburst B-scan mode, can be obtained by adjusting the angular scan velocities of the two GRIN lenses. We develop a prototype probe and demonstrate its capability to acquire OCT images. In this paper we give the characteristics of the prototype probe and display images of different part of tadpole acquired by the probe. The longitudinal resolution, lateral resolution and the signal-to-noise ratio of the system are 10 μm, 10 μm and 93 dB, respectively.
European Starlings and their effect on native cavity-nesting birds

European Starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris ) were introduced to New York City in 1890 and have since become one of North America's most common species. Starlings are aggressive competitors and commonly usurp cavities of other hole-nesting species. These characters make it a clear choice for a species whose inva- sion is likely to have significantly affected native cavity-nesting birds. Using Christmas Bird Counts and Breed- ing Bird Surveys, I compared the mean densities of 27 native cavity-nesting species before and after invasion of sites by starlings. Contrary to expectations, only 10 of the species exhibited significant effects potentially at- tributable to starlings, and only half of these were in part negative. However, in 2 of the 5 species that showed negative effects, evidence for a decline in one analysis was countered by an increase in the other, whereas in 2 others declines were likely due to factors other than starling competition. Only sapsuckers ( Sphyrapi- cus spp.) exhibited declines potentially attributable to starlings that were not countered by other data. Al- though declines may still occur if starlings continue to increase, the results of this study fail to support the hy- pothesis that starlings have had a severe impact on populations of native birds. These results highlight the difficulties of predicting the impacts of invasive species. Native hole-nesting birds have thus far apparently held their own against the starling invasion, despite the latter's abundance and aggressive usurpation of of- ten limited cavities.
Leukotrienes and Inflammation

Leukotrienes are potent pro-inflammatory mediators that appear to contribute to pathophysiologic features of asthma. For example, cysteinyl leukotrienes contract airway smooth muscle, increase microvascular permeability, stimulate mucus secretion, decrease mucociliary clearance, and appear capable of recruiting eosinophils into the airways. Segmental antigen bronchoprovocation in patients with asthma increases LTC4 concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, which correlates with an influx of eosinophils into the airways. LTB4, in comparison, selectively affects neutrophil functions. Intratracheal instillation of LTB4 produced a selective recruitment of neutrophils into the lung. These effects suggest that leukotrienes contribute significantly to the inflammatory components of asthma. Busse WW. Leukotrienes and inflammation.
Monitoring Post Disturbance Forest Regeneration with Hierarchical Object-Based Image Analysis

The main goal of this exploratory project was to quantify seedling density in post fire regeneration sites, with the following objectives: to evaluate the application of second order image texture (SOIT) in image segmentation, and to apply the object-based image analysis (OBIA) approach to develop a hierarchical classification. With the utilization of image texture we successfully developed a methodology to classify hyperspatial (high-spatial) imagery to fine detail level of tree crowns, shadows and understory, while still allowing discrimination between density classes and mature forest versus burn classes. At the most detailed hierarchical Level I classification accuracies reached 78.8%, a Level II stand density classification produced accuracies of 89.1% and the same accuracy was achieved by the coarse general classification at Level III. Our interpretation of these results suggests hyperspatial imagery can be applied to post-fire forest density and regeneration mapping.
Spatial fidelity and estimation in sensor networks

We consider spatial fidelity in sensor networks and show that many problems in such networks are not well defined without it. The sensor networks gathering data on multiple point sources, or a distributed source such as bandlimited or nonbandlimited field are considered. The field could either be deterministic or random. For these networks, we derive the conditions leading to cooperation between the power constrained sensor nodes for the data fusion purposes and analyze the sensor density given spatial fidelity constraints and node cooperation. We also propose heuristics for sampling density for distributed sensor networks.
Errors due to spatial discretization and numerical precision in the finite-element method

The effects of the spatial discretization and the numerical precision on a plane wave propagating through a finite-element mesh are investigated in this work. The spatial discretization results in dispersion in the amplitude and the phase of the wave and in a non-uniform rate of convergence within an element. The finite precision in the calculations used in a finite-element code results in degraded accuracy. These errors are investigated as a function of the node density, the order of the elements, and the precision of the calculations used in the finite element code. The errors for first- through eighth-order elements are investigated both analytically and numerically. >
Time-Lapse Photomicrography of Cell Growth and Division in Escherichia coli

Abstract Hoffman, Heiner (New York University, New York, N.Y.), and Michael E. Frank. Time-lapse photomicrography of cell growth and division in Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 89:212–216. 1965.—Photomicrographs at 15-sec intervals of cells growing at 37 C disclosed that in a cell with a generation time of 21.0 min the processes of furrowing, cross-wall formation, and cell separation are completed within 2.5 min after the division furrow first becomes clearly visible. Among a large number of cultivations examined, only a few cells late in one microculture at 43.5 C failed to separate once the cross wall was completed. Measurements of cell lengths during a 5-min period, extending from just before to just after division, showed that elongation of the cell is a discontinuous process, although the growth rate over the 5-min period is exponential. At the time of cell division, it appears that the synthesis of cell-wall material is diverted entirely into formation of the cross wall.
Optimizing thiadiazole analogues of resveratrol versus three chemopreventive targets

Chemoprevention is an approach to decrease cancer morbidity and mortality through inhibition of carcinogenesis and prevention of disease progression. Although the trans stilbene derivative resveratrol has chemopreventive properties, its action is compromised by weak non-specific effects on many biological targets. Replacement of the stilbene ethylenic bridge of resveratrol with a 1,2,4-thiadiazole heterocycle and modification of the substituents on the two aromatic rings afforded potential chemopreventive agents with enhanced potencies and selectivities when evaluated as inhibitors of aromatase and NF-κB and inducers of quinone reductase 1 (QR1).
Genetic diversity in laboratory colonies of western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), including a nondiapause colony.

Abstract Laboratory-reared western corn rootworms, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, from colonies maintained at the North Central Agricultural Research Laboratory (NCARL) in Brookings, SD, are used extensively by many researchers in studies of the biology, ecology, behavior, and genetics of this major insect pest. A nondiapause colony developed through artificial selection in the early 1970s is particularly attractive for many studies because its generation time is much shorter than that of typical diapause colonies. However, the nondiapause colony has been in culture for ≈190 generations without out-crossing. We compared variation at six microsatellite loci among individuals from the NCARL nondiapause colony (≈190 generations), main diapause colony (≈22 generations), four regional diapause colonies (3–8 generations), and four wild populations. Genetic diversity was very similar among the diapause laboratory colonies and wild populations. However, the nondiapause colony showed ≈15–39% loss of diversity dep...
Environmental Amenities, Private Property and Public Policy

Environmental amenities, like beautiful vistas and famous natural landmarks, are highly valued by many people, but it is difficult to determine what would constitute an optimal supply of them. Since enjoyment of an amenity by one person does not preclude enjoyment by many others, and it is impractical to limit such enjoyment to those who pay, individuals have an incentive to understate their demand for environmental amenities, thus leading to their underproduction. On the other hand, interest groups might spur government to overestimate the unarticulated demand. Furthermore, much demand is not policy relevant, since individuals with a moderate taste for particular amenities might be more than surfeited by the supply that others voluntarily provide. Building upon this framework, the author contends that commonly employed methodologies for ascertaining the value of amenities are seriously flawed, and that attempts to provide very high levels of amenities without commensurate public expenditures may damage private property rights.
Ori-Soen time machine

Ori and Soen have proposed a spacetime which has closed causal curves on the boundary of a region of normal causality, all within a region where the weak energy condition (positive energy density) is satisfied. I analyze the causal structure of this spacetime in some simplified models, show that the Cauchy horizon is compactly generated, and argue that any attempt to build such a spacetime with normal matter might lead to singular behavior where the causality violation would otherwise take place.
Sub-Coulomb α Transfers on C 12 and the C 12 ( α , γ ) O 16 S Factor

The {sup 12}C( {alpha}, {gamma}){sup 16}O reaction is crucial for the understanding of He burning in massive stars, but the low-energy cross section is highly uncertain. To address this problem we have measured at sub-Coulomb energies total cross sections for the {sup 12}C( {sup 6}Li, d){sup 16}O and {sup 12}C( {sup 7}Li, t) {sup 16}O reactions to the bound 2{sup +} and 1{sup -} states of {sup 16}O . The data are analyzed to obtain the reduced {alpha} widths of these states. Together with capture and phase-shift data, these results provide for a more accurate determination of the low-energy 12C({alpha}, {gamma}){sup 16}O S factor: S{sub E1}(0.3 MeV) =101{+-}17 keV b and S{sub E2}(0.3 MeV) =42{sup +16}{sub -23} keV b for the E1 and E2 multipole components of the reaction. (c) 1999 The American Physical Society.
Identifying the origin of waterbird carcasses in Lake Michigan using a neural network source tracking model

Abstract Avian botulism type E is responsible for extensive waterbird mortality on the Great Lakes, yet the actual site of toxin exposure remains unclear. Beached carcasses are often used to describe the spatial aspects of botulism mortality outbreaks, but lack specificity of offshore toxin source locations. We detail methodology for developing a neural network model used for predicting waterbird carcass motions in response to wind, wave, and current forcing, in lieu of a complex analytical relationship. This empirically trained model uses current velocity, wind velocity, significant wave height, and wave peak period in Lake Michigan simulated by the Great Lakes Coastal Forecasting System. A detailed procedure is further developed to use the model for back-tracing waterbird carcasses found on beaches in various parts of Lake Michigan, which was validated using drift data for radiomarked common loon ( Gavia immer ) carcasses deployed at a variety of locations in northern Lake Michigan during September and October of 2013. The back-tracing model was further used on 22 non-radiomarked common loon carcasses found along the shoreline of northern Lake Michigan in October and November of 2012. The model-estimated origins of those cases pointed to some common source locations offshore that coincide with concentrations of common loons observed during aerial surveys. The neural network source tracking model provides a promising approach for identifying locations of botulinum neurotoxin type E intoxication and, in turn, contributes to developing an understanding of the dynamics of toxin production and possible trophic transfer pathways.
Faradaurate-940: synthesis, mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, high-energy X-ray diffraction, and X-ray scattering study of Au∼940±20(SR)∼160±4 nanocrystals.

Obtaining monodisperse nanocrystals and determining their composition to the atomic level and their atomic structure is highly desirable but is generally lacking. Here, we report the discovery and comprehensive characterization of a 2.9 nm plasmonic nanocrystal with a composition of Au940±20(SCH2CH2Ph)160±4, which is the largest mass spectrometrically characterized gold thiolate nanoparticle produced to date. The compositional assignment has been made using electrospray ionization and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MS). The MS results show an unprecedented size monodispersity, where the number of Au atoms varies by only 40 atoms (940 ± 20). The mass spectrometrically determined composition and size are supported by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and synchrotron-based methods such as atomic pair distribution function (PDF) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Lower-resolution STEM images show an ensemble of particles-1000s per frame-visually demonstrating monodispersity. Modeling of SAXS data on statistically significant nanoparticle population-approximately 10(12) individual nanoparticles-shows that the diameter is 3.0 ± 0.2 nm, supporting mass spectrometry and electron microscopy results on monodispersity. Atomic PDF based on high-energy X-ray diffraction experiments shows decent match with either a Marks decahedral or truncated octahedral structure. Atomic resolution STEM images of single particles and their fast Fourier transform suggest face-centered cubic arrangement. UV-visible spectroscopy data show that Faradaurate-940 supports a surface plasmon resonance peak at 505 nm. These monodisperse plasmonic nanoparticles minimize averaging effects and have potential application in solar cells, nano-optical devices, catalysis, and drug delivery.
High-Speed, Three-Dimensional Quantification of Ladybug ( Hippodamia convergens ) Flapping Wing Kinematics During Takeoff

Ladybug wing and body kinematics during takeoff is explored using high-speed stereoscopic images acquired at a rate of 3000 frames per second. A direct linear transformation algorithm is used to quantify positions of selected locations on the body, forewings (elytra), and hindwings. Design and setup of instrumentation and analysis procedures are explained. Flapping frequency is reported. Significant motion of the forewing and other findings are presented and their applications are discussed.
The use of digital manipulatives in K-12

Faculty from 4-H Youth Development, Biosystems Engineering, and Education have collaborated to develop and implement an innovative robotics and geospatial technologies program, delivered in an informal learning setting of 4-H clubs and afterschool programs. Aimed at middle school youth, the program uses robotics and global positioning system (GPS) receivers and geographic information system (GIS) software to provide hands-on, self-directed learning experiences that promote personalized comprehension of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts through experimentation. The goals of the program are to prepare youth for the 21st Century workplace by providing them opportunities to learn STEM concepts and foster positive attitudes about STEM. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the project has undergone extensive research and evaluation over the three years of the project. Results have focused on the project's impact on: a) youth learning of computer programming, mathematics, geospatial concepts, and engineering/robotics concepts and b) youth attitudes and motivation towards science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In contrast to the preponderance of research on educational robotics relying on anecdotal and descriptive strategies, this research uses empirical, quantitative methods involving the use of comparison groups and pre-post analyses.