cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beyond the sticker price: including and excluding time in comparing food prices

Background An ongoing debate in the literature is how to measure the price of food. Most analyses have not considered the value of time in measuring the price of food. Whether or not the value of time is included in measuring the price of a food may have important implications for classifying foods based on their relative cost. Objective The purpose of this article is to compare prices that exclude time (time-exclusive price) with prices that include time (time-inclusive price) for 2 types of home foods: home foods using basic ingredients (home recipes) vs. home foods using more processed ingredients (processed recipes). The time-inclusive and time-exclusive prices are compared to determine whether the time-exclusive prices in isolation may mislead in drawing inferences regarding the relative prices of foods. Design We calculated the time-exclusive price and time-inclusive price of 100 home recipes and 143 processed recipes and then categorized them into 5 standard food groups: grains, proteins, vegetables, fruit, and dairy. We then examined the relation between the time-exclusive prices and the time-inclusive prices and dietary recommendations. Results For any food group, the processed food time-inclusive price was always less than the home recipe time-inclusive price, even if the processed food's time-exclusive price was more expensive. Time-inclusive prices for home recipes were especially higher for the more time-intensive food groups, such as grains, vegetables, and fruit, which are generally underconsumed relative to the guidelines. Conclusion Focusing only on the sticker price of a food and ignoring the time cost may lead to different conclusions about relative prices and policy recommendations than when the time cost is included.
Using Events from the Past to Inform the Future

Knowledge of the history of computing is an important and relevant topic, particularly for computer science students. Inventions are usually created to solve a particular problem, yet the product evolves and is used for entirely different purposes. Knowing the origin and context gives students additional ways to recall that knowledge. The various implementations make old ideas current. One can infer the past from the future, and from the fact that predictions by most people associated with computer technology have not been particularly accurate. The examples in this paper illustrate how many of the artifacts that existed in early computer and communication systems informed the future.
Quantitative collection of 14CO2 in the presence of labeled short-chain acids.

Abstract The collection of 14 CO 2 in the presence of other volatile materials is achieved by adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to 6, allowing the 14 CO 2 to be evolved as a gas, but keeping the volatile short-chain acids in solution as salts.
Not So Radical Historicism

Mark Bevir raises the question of how genealogy, understood as a technique-based radical historicism, and the notion of the contingency of ideas, ground “critique.” His problem is to avoid the relativism of radical historicism in a way that allows for “critique” without appealing to non-radical historicist absolutisms of the kind that ground the notion of false consciousness. He does so by appealing to the notion of motivated irrationality, which he claims avoids the problem of relativism and the problems of “false consciousness.” The genealogies of Nietzsche and Foucault, however, do not ground “critique.” The relevant normative judgments, of nobility in Nietzsche, for example, are presupposed.
Biomarker-driven therapeutic management of alzheimer's disease: Establishing the foundations

Biomarkers are characteristics that are objectively measured and evaluated as indicators of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention. Amyloid measures become abnormal early in the Alzheimer's disease process and have only weak correlations with disease progression and cognitive decline; cerebrospinal fluid tau, brain atrophy, and reduced cortical metabolism correlate with cognitive measures and disease progression. Combinations of biomarkers have higher correlations and are better predictors of future decline than single biomarkers. Current biomarkers do not account for all of the variance in Alzheimer's disease; a more complete repertoire of biomarkers that more comprehensively assay the disease process is needed.
Ultrasonic strain imaging in media with pulsatile flow

This report summarizes our experiments with novel ultrasound phantoms that mimic essential bio mechanical and dynamical vascular features of soft biological tissues. Real-time RF echo acquisition using a Siemens Elegra ultrasound system at 7.5 MHz provided a time series of ultrasonic images that were used to image longitudinal strain from pulsed and steady flows. Physical features of internal deformation patterns resulting from pulsatile flows revealed that ultrasonic strain imaging could be a very sensitive method for observing important properties related to physiological fluid flow.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Preparation of rechargeable biocidal polypropylene by reactive extrusion with diallylamino triazine

Abstract Biocidal polypropylene (PP) was prepared by using a reactive extrusion process, in which PP was grafted with an N-halamine precursor, 2, 4-diamino-6-diallylamino-1, 3, 5-triazine (NDAM). After chlorination the grated PP was converted to biocidal halamine structures. Effects of monomer and initiator concentration on grafting yield, thermal properties, and biocidal efficacy were studied. The Fourier transformed spectroscopy (FTIR) results and nitrogen analysis confirmed the graft polymerization on PP backbone during the reactive extrusion. The results also indicated that at low monomer concentration, increase in initiator concentration led to increase in PP chain scission and decrease in mixing torque, or polymer chain length. As the monomer concentration increases, grafted monomer content in the products showed a steady increase, indicating more grafting copolymerization in the system. The halogenated products exhibited potent antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli, and the antimicrobial properties were durable and regenerable.
Range Extensions for Pimephales vigilax and Percina macrolepida in the Rio Grande, New Mexico

Abstract We collected 409 Pimephales vigilax (bullhead minnow) and 32 Percina macrolepida (bigscale logperch) from Elephant Butte Reservoir, Sierra Co., New Mexico, during a small-bodied fish survey in August and December 2005, and January and August 2006. The bullhead minnow is considered nonnative in the Rio Grande in New Mexico, but has been collected downstream of Elephant Butte Reservoir. Collections of this species document its establishment within Elephant Butte Reservoir. The bigscale logperch had not been collected previously from the Rio Grande in New Mexico and these collections represent a range extension for this species. Both species are now established in Elephant Butte Reservoir and these unnatural range extensions are related to human activities, but the exact cause remains unknown.
Chain Terminator Sequencing of Double-stranded DNA with Built-in Error Correction

Chain terminator sequencing is usually performed on single-stranded DNA. We propose a technique to determine a DNA sequence by sequencing both strands of a double strand in two four-lane gels. The first set of four lanes will contain a superposition of sequence information from the two complementary strands. The second set of four lanes will contain a different superposition in which one of the two single strands is "shifted" relative to the other. This technique provides redundant information sufficient for error correction--not just the error detection achieved by the standard approach of separately sequencing a single strand and its complement. The information content per four-lane gel is more than 50% higher in this double-stranded approach. Using this technique, the number of chain sequencings--including chain syntheses and gel separations--required to achieve a desired level of accuracy can be reduced by up to a factor of two. Unlike the ordinary single-stranded sequencing, some analysis is required to obtain the single-stranded sequence information from the double-stranded data, particularly in the presence of sequencing errors. This analysis and a computer simulation of double-stranded sequencing in the presence of errors are presented.
Design, Optimization, and Scaling of MEM Relays for Ultra-Low-Power Digital Logic

Microelectromechanical relays have recently been proposed for ultra-low-power digital logic because their nearly ideal switching behavior can potentially enable reductions in supply voltage (Vdd) and, hence, energy per operation beyond the limits of MOSFETs. Using a calibrated analytical model, a sensitivity-based energy-delay optimization approach is developed in order to establish simple relay design guidelines. It is found that, at the optimal design point, every 2 X energy increase can be traded off for a ~1.5x reduction in relay delay. A contact-gap-to-actuation-gap thickness ratio of 0.7-0.8 is shown to result in the most energy-efficient relay operation, implying that pull-in operation is preferred for an energy-efficient relay design. Based on the analytical model and design guidelines, a scaling theory for relays is presented. A scaled relay technology is projected to provide >; 10 X energy savings over an equivalent MOSFET technology, for circuits operating at clock frequencies up to ~100 MHz.
Measuring health-related quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: properties of the EQ-5D-5L and PROMIS-43 short form.

The Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 43-item short form (PROMIS-43) and the five-level EQ-5D (EQ-5D-5L) are recently developed measures of health-related quality of life (HRQL) that have potentially broad application in evaluating treatments and capturing burden of respiratory-related diseases. The aims of this study were: (1) to examine their psychometric properties in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and (2) to identify dimensions of HRQL that differ and do not differ by lung function. We conducted a multi-center, cross-sectional study (“COPD Outcomes-based Network for Clinical Effectiveness & Research Translation” [CONCERT]). We analyzed patients who met spirometric criteria for COPD, and completed EQ-5D-5L and PROMIS questionnaires. Disease severity was graded based on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification. Pulmonary function test, PROMIS-43, EQ-5D (index score and EQ-Visual Analog Scale [EQ-VAS]), six minute walk test (6MWT), and three dyspnea scales (mMRC, Borg, FACIT-Dyspnea) were administered. Validity and reliability of EQ-5D-5L and PROMIS-43 were examined, and differences in HRQL by GOLD grade were assessed. Data from 670 patients with COPD were analyzed (mean age 68.5 years; 58% male). More severe COPD was associated with more problems with mobility, self-care and usual activities (all p-values <0.01) according to EQ-5D-5L. Related domains on EQ-5D-5L, PROMIS and clinical measures were moderately (r = 0.30-0.49) to strongly (r ≥ 0.50) correlated. A statistically significant trend of decreasing HRQL with more severe lung functions was observed for EQ-5D-5L index scores, EQ-VAS scores, and PROMIS physical function and social roles. Results supported the validity of EQ-5D-5L and PROMIS-43 in COPD patients, and indicate that physical function and social activities decrease with level of lung function by GOLD grade, but not pain, mental health, sleep or fatigue as reported by patients.
Magnetic force microscopy and its application to longitudinal thin films

Abstract The interpretation of magnetic force microscopy (MFM) images requires knowledge of the magnetic structure within the tip. The etched polycrystalline iron, cobalt and nickel wires investigated all have their apex domain oriented along the tip axis. The image formation is found to be determined by an effective domain length L . For magnetization patterns of scales large compared to L , the point dipole approximation is applicable, provided that the tip apex can be treated as an isolated domain. While this is observed to be the case for cobalt tips, it does not apply to the most common tip materials, i.e. nickel and iron. The resolving power of a tip is given by its tip radius. At sufficiently small tip-sample distances, image forces induced by the strong tip field have been detected. MFM is used to investigate two Co-based longitudinal thin films. The roughness of the transition between head on oriented domains is compared.
Interaction between mGluR8 and Calcium Channels in Photoreceptors Is Sensitive to Pertussis Toxin and Occurs Via G Protein βγ Subunit Signaling

PURPOSE. The most recently identified metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR), type 8 mGluR (mGluR8), has been identified functionally as a presynaptic autoreceptor in rod photoreceptors. This study analyzed the mechanism of action underlying mGluR8 activity and modulation of the cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration in mouse photoreceptors. METHODS. The cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration of acutely isolated rod photoreceptors was monitored optically with microspectrofluorimetry and in the presence of modulators of G protein activity. RESULTS. mGluR8 activation by the group III mGluR agonists L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate and L-serine-O-phosphate or the physiological ligand L-glutamate produced a decrease in influx of extracellular Ca 2+ into the cytosol. Pretreatment of isolated rod photoreceptors with the G protein uncoupler suramin or pertussis toxin, which inactivates G i/o/z proteins and G t protein/transducin, or a G protein βγ subunit-inhibiting peptide abolished this activity. Preincubation of cells with cholera toxin (CTX), an activator of G s protein, had no effect. CONCLUSIONS. These results suggest that the function of mGluR8 of modulating the cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration and thereby potentially the release of neurotransmitter from rod spherules, the axon terminal systems of rod photoreceptors, is mediated by a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein potentially via the βγ subunit. The absence of Go and G z proteins, as reported previously, implies a novel potential interaction between G i2 and/or G t protein/transducin and mGluR8 in photoreceptors. These results have potential implications for the regulatory function and pharmacologic targeting of mGluR8 in photoreceptors.
Native macrophages genetically modified to express heme oxygenase 1 protect rat liver transplants from ischemia/reperfusion injury.

We investigated whether native macrophages overexpressing heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) could protect rat orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) against cold ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Livers from Sprague-Dawley rats were stored at 4°C in University of Wisconsin solution for 24 hours, and then they were transplanted into syngeneic recipients. Bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMMs) that were transfected ex vivo with heme oxygenase 1 adenovirus (Ad-HO-1), β-galactosidase adenovirus (Ad-β-gal), or HO-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) were infused directly into the OLT before reperfusion. Controls were OLT conditioned with unmodified or scrambled siRNA–transfected cells. The transfer of Ad-HO-1/BMMs increased the survival of OLT to 100% (versus 40%-50% for controls) and decreased serum alanine aminotransferase levels and histological features of hepatocellular damage. In contrast, an infusion of macrophages transfected with HO-1 siRNA/Ad-β-gal failed to affect IRI. Gene therapy–induced HO-1 suppressed toll-like receptor 4 expression, decreased expression of proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10, and attenuated endothelial intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 expression with resultant diminished OLT leukocyte sequestration. Although Ad-HO-1/BMMs decreased the frequency of apoptotic cells positive for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling and ameliorated caspase-3 activity, the expression of interleukin-10 and antiapoptotic B cell lymphoma 2/B cell lymphoma extra large increased in well-functioning OLT. Thus, the transfer of native macrophages transfected ex vivo with HO-1 can rescue rat iso-OLT from IRI. Our study validates a novel and clinically attractive concept: native macrophages transfected ex vivo with the antioxidant HO-1 can be applied at the time of transplantation to mitigate otherwise damaging antigen-independent liver inflammation and injury resulting from the peritransplant harvesting insult. If this new, refined strategy is proven to be effective in allo-OLT recipients, it should be considered in clinical settings to increase the supply of usable donor organs and ultimately improve the overall success of liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 17:201–210, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Eustachian valve endocarditis: Rare case reports and review of literature

Eustachian valve endocarditis (EVE) is a distinctly rare and underdiagnosed entity. We report 2 new cases caused by vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus hominis diagnosed on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Although, 63% of Eustachian valve endocarditis is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, we report the first case of vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and first case related to implantable venous access systems. EVE is now seen more commonly in elderly population with diverse microbial cultures and antibiotic sensitivities. TTE is the first modality for investigation of EVE, however a negative TTE does not preclude the diagnosis, as only 88% of cases were diagnosed on TEE. Key words: Echocardiography, endocarditis, Eustachian valve, transesophageal, vancomycin.
Sensitive and accurate identification of protein–DNA binding events in ChIP-chip assays using higher order derivative analysis

Immuno-precipitation of protein–DNA complexes followed by microarray hybridization is a powerful and cost-effective technology for discovering protein–DNA binding events at the genome scale. It is still an unresolved challenge to comprehensively, accurately and sensitively extract binding event information from the produced data. We have developed a novel strategy composed of an information-preserving signal-smoothing procedure, higher order derivative analysis and application of the principle of maximum entropy to address this challenge. Importantly, our method does not require any input parameters to be specified by the user. Using genome-scale binding data of two Escherichia coli global transcription regulators for which a relatively large number of experimentally supported sites are known, we show that � 90% of known sites were resolved to within four probes, or � 88bp. Over half of the sites were resolved to within two probes, or � 38bp. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our strategy delivers significant quantitative and qualitative performance gains over available methods. Such accurate and sensitive binding site resolution has important consequences for accurately reconstructing transcriptional regulatory networks, for motif discovery, for furthering our understanding of local and non-local factors in protein–DNA interactions and for extending the usefulness horizon of the ChIP-chip platform.
A policy rule for ‘Say's Law’ in a theory of temporary equilibrium

Abstract In a theory of temporary macroeconomic equilibrium this paper considers whether there is a simple nondiscretionary rule of monetary management under which the free play of market forces will always equate aggregate money demand to the sum of expected money incomes, whatever the latter may be, so that aggregate demand ceases to be a determinant of the economy's behavior. The rule proposed is that the Central Bank should let the commercial banks determine their cash reserves by trading negotiable securities with it at current prices. The conditions for the rule's success are given and are supported by theoretical considerations.
Lipopolysaccharide impairs blood-brain barrier P-glycoprotein function in mice through prostaglandin- and nitric oxide-independent pathways.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a brain-to-blood efflux system that controls the ability of many drugs and endogenous substances to access the brain. In vitro work has shown that inflammatory states mediated through lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha first impair and then stimulate P-gp activity. Here, we determined whether LPS can affect P-gp function in vivo. Mice treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of LPS (3 mg/kg) showed an inhibition of P-gp function. As assessed by brain perfusion, inhibition began 18 h after LPS administration and lasted until 36 h after administration. P-gp protein was increased by 44%, consistent with P-gp inhibition occurring through post-translational mechanisms. Unlike other effects of LPS on blood–brain barrier function, neither nitric oxide nor prostaglandin inhibition had an effect. We conclude that induction of proinflammatory states as exemplified by LPS treatment can inhibit P-gp function in vivo at the blood–brain barrier.
Accurate measurements of solar irradiance for evaluation of photovoltaic power profiles

The measurement, as accurate as possible, of solar irradiance is the starting point for the evaluation of photovoltaic (PV) power profiles in an electricity market in which many gigawatts of PV power are connected to the national network. This paper discusses the setup of five meteorological stations in South of Italy and the yearly experimental results of short-term global irradiance on the horizontal plane and on the best tilted plane. The “broken clouds” phenomenon causes noticeable peaks in the irradiance and thus in the PV power. Its knowledge and prediction can be very useful to the Transmission System Operator for the management of peak generation. The evolution of relative humidity can give important information if the direct measurement of irradiance is missing. Finally, simple models for the irradiance in clear/cloudy sky situations can be used as a first approximation tool to predict the PV power profiles for the electricity market.
Recent results on surface tension-driven convection in cylindrical float-zones

Abstract The role and effects of surface tension in the development and continuation of oscillations in cylindrical float-zones is discussed. Results for different values of the equilibrium surface tension are compared. A physical mechanism is given for the continuation of asymmetric, axial oscillations of toroidal flow cells in such float-zones.
Modeling infiltration in hysteretic soils.

Abstract Existing vertical infiltration models either assume a constant infilatration rate at the soil surface and a unique set of soil-water functional relationships (hysteresis is neglected), or use empirical expressions which disregard physical laws. In this article a method for analyzing vertical infiltration in hysteretic soils subject to the random variations of point rainfall in watersheds and a procedure for solving the resulting stochastic partial differential equation is presented. The effect of the time random variability in point rainfall produces a water content process in the upper soil layer which can be modeled as a shot noise process. The hysteretic loops resulting from the natural wetting and drying cycles generate a correlated random soil-water diffusivity process, D . The modeling problem reduces to the solution of the infiltration equation subject to a shot noise boundary condition and a colored noise soil-water diffusivity. A new semi-group solution of this evolution equation is obtained and expressions for sample functions, the mean and the variance of the water content in space and time are derived. A computational procedure for each of the components of the stochastic solution is presented, and suggestions for the reduction of the predicted variance are given. It is hoped that the present methodology will provide the modeler with a better tool to model infiltration in natural soils subject to the uncertainties associated with the rainfall regime and the hysteresis in the soil, and to encourage the use of physically based models for infiltration rather than empirical equations.
Helpful behaviors in the crisis center call

Eighty crisis center callers with interpersonal and emotional problems were interviewed immediately after their calls in order to examine telephone volunteers' most helpful behaviors and the relationship between these behaviors and caller change. Listening and feedback, understanding and caring, appropriate climate, nonjudgmental support, and directiveness described the “overall most helpful behaviors,” with reliable agreement (82%) for five judges. A one-way chisquare analysis revealed that the category understanding and caring was reported most frequently (39%). A Duncan multiple range test revealed that directiveness yielded notably more change than nonjudgmental support. Results support the current emphasis on empathy in crisis center practice and training. Immediately after the call, empathy and active listening skills are perceived as important to the caller.
Investigaton of phase separation by Raman spectroscopy

Abstract Raman spectra of silica and borate glasses characteristically consist of a few rather broad bands, the frequencies of which are related to the network-forming units - silica tetrahedra, boron triangles, boron tetrahedra, etc. - and the extent to which these units are polymerized. Heat treatment that produces crystallization develops new sharp Raman bands which increase in intensity with time of heat treatment and which measure the evolution of the crystalline phases. Raman spectra of heat-treated glasses for which heat treatment produces glass-glass phase separation are in most cases identical to the original glass. Examination of the Raman spectra of phase-separated alkali borate and alkali silicate glasses leads to the conclusion that the melts from which these glasses are prepared are already clustered on an atomic scale so that they contain all of the network-forming linkages that will be segregated into thermodynamically distinct phases after heat treatment. The minimum size of the clusters is difficult to estimate but deductions from the spectra of germano-silicate glasses suggest it must be on the order of 5–10 tetrahedra.
Measures of Variation at DNA Repeat Loci under a General Stepwise Mutation Model

Abstract Polymorphisms at tandem repeat loci are caused by mutations with allele sizes occasionally altered by more than one repeat unit in both forward and backward directions. Such mutational changes may occur with asymmetric probabilities. Therefore, a one-step symmetric stepwise mutation model may not be appropriate for studying the population dynamics at all repeat loci. In this work, we evaluated the expectation and variance of the within-population variance of the allele size distribution in a finite population, and the expected homozygosity at a locus by the coalescence approach under a general stepwise mutation model, where mutational transitions of allele sizes can be arbitrary, including being asymmetric. Under the special cases of symmetric one-step, two-step, and multi-step geometric distributions of mutations, our general results reduce to the corresponding results obtained by earlier investigators. The general results indicate that in a finite population, which has reached a steady state under the (general stepwise) mutation and drift balance, the within-population variance of allele sizes has a simple expectation (i.e., proportional to Nν , the product of the mutation rate, ν , and effective population size, N ). However, its stochastic variance is a quadratic function of this composite parameter, Nν . Furthermore, this second-order variance does not decay with the number of alleles sampled from a population. Application of this theory to data on allele size distributions in unrelated Caucasians from the CEPH pedigree (obtained from the Genome Data Base) shows that the relationship of the variance and mean of within-population variance of allele sizes at tandem repeat loci, grouped by their chromosomal assignment, has a trend compatible with the theory. However, there is an indication that the second-order variance is generally underestimated. One reason for this departure might be that the CEPH sample may not represent a single homogeneous population that reached equilibrium at all tandem repeat loci.
Approximate Analysis for Darcy-Flow Convection in Cylindrical Porous Media With Zero Fluid Conduction

Contemporary porous media that are used in cooling designs include metal and graphite foam. These materials are excellent heat transfer cores due to their large surface area density and the relatively high conductivity of the solid phase. Engineering models for convection heat transfer in such media are needed for thermal system design. When the cooling fluid has a low conductivity, e.g., air, its conduction can be set to zero. Engineering analysis for the fully-developed convection heat transfer inside a confined cylindrical isotropic porous media subjected to constant heat flux is presented. The analysis considers the Darcy flow model and high Peclet number. The non-local-thermal equilibrium equations are significantly simplified and solved. The solid and fluid temperatures decay in what looks like an exponential fashion as the distance from the heated wall increases. The effects of the Biot number and the Darcy number are investigated. The results are in qualitative agreement with more complex analytical and numerical results in the literature. The solution is of utility for initial heat transfer designs, and for more complex numerical modeling of the heat transfer phenomenon in porous media.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Automatic Calibration of a Range Sensor and Camera System

We propose an automated method to recover the full calibration parameters between a 3D range sensor and a monocular camera system. Our method is not only accurate and fully automated, but also relies on a simple calibration target consisting of a single circle. This allows the algorithm to be suitable for applications requiring in-situ calibration. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm on a camera-lidar system and show results on 3D mapping tasks.
Corn stover availability for biomass conversion: situation analysis

As biorefining conversion technologies become commercial, feedstock availability, supply system logistics, and biomass material attributes are emerging as major barriers to the availability of corn stover for biorefining. While systems do exist to supply corn stover as feedstock to biorefining facilities, stover material attributes affecting physical deconstruction, such as densification and post-harvest material stability, challenge the cost-effectiveness of present-day feedstock logistics systems. In addition, the material characteristics of corn stover create barriers with any supply system design in terms of equipment capacity/efficiency, dry matter loss, and capital use efficiency. However, analysis of a conventional large square bale corn stover feedstock supply system concludes that (1) where other agronomic factors are not limiting, corn stover can be accessed and supplied to a biorefinery using existing bale-based technologies, (2) technologies and new supply system designs are necessary to overcome biomass bulk density and moisture material property challenges, and (3) major opportunities to improve conventional bale biomass feedstock supply systems include improvements in equipment efficiency and capacity and reducing biomass losses in harvesting, collection, and storage. Finally, the backbone of an effective stover supply system design is the optimization of intended and minimization of unintended material property changes as the corn stover passes through the individual supply system processes from the field to the biorefinery conversion processes.
ALLELOPATHY IN THE FIRST STAGES OF SECONDARY SUCCESSION ON THE PIEDMONT OF NEW JERSEY

A B S T R A C T Ambrosia artemisiifolia (ragweed) is a dominant species in the first year of old field succession but rarely persists for more than two years. Ragweed and Raphanus raphanistrum (wild radish), also an early invader, failed to become re-established in plots cleared of second stage perennial vegetation (dominated by Aster pilosus), despite the large number of seeds of these primary invaders present in the soil. Edaphic experiments revealed that this pattern of succession was not due to mineral or physical properties of the soil. Field soil from the second stage of succession inhibited the growth and germination of ragweed and wild radish while soil from the first stage had no effect. Inhibitory volatile materials from ragweed were not detected. However, root exudate of ragweed, and shoot extracts of ragweed and aster inhibited the germination and growth of early invaders of abandoned fields. These results indicate that the vegetational change from the first to the second stage of succession may be mediated at least partially by an allelopathic response. Chromatography and bioassay techniques revealed the inhibitory compounds to be phenolic acids, including caffeic and chlorogenic acids. AMBROSIA ARTEMISIIFOLIA (ragweed) and Raphanus raphanistrum (wild radish) have been reported to be the pioneer invaders in old fields that have been abandoned after spring plowing on the piedmont of New Jersey (Bard, 1952; Fleet, 1972; Cocking, 1973). These authors also indicate that the plants in this first stage of succession remain dominant for the first year only and appear only sporadically after that. The investigators characterize the second stage of succession as being dominated by Aster pilosus (aster) with quite a diverse group of subordinate species, Hieracium pratense (hawkweed) being typical of these. The observations and the allelopathic effects described by a multitude of authors, es
Balanced polymorphisms of quasineutral alleles

Abstract When the average number of progeny born to the genotypes at a locus are linear functions of a random variable such that, on the average, the number of progeny produced by each genotype is the same (quasineutrality), then there will be a systematic pressure on gene frequency that tends to favor the genotype with the smallest variance in the number of progeny. In particular, there will be a stable equilibrium attained whenever the variance in the number of progeny produced by the heterozygous genotype is less than that of both homozygous genotypes. We assume that the random variable affecting fitness is some function of an underlying environmental variable that tends to smooth out the day-to-day fluctuations in the environmental variable, such as the mean or the range or the variance. The effect of the environment on fitness can, therefore, be assumed to be approximately constant for periods corresponding to one generation. If the logarithm of the average number of progeny is a linear function of a random variable, then in contrast to the foregoing conclusions, there will be no tendency for any change in gene frequency at the locus (Kimura, M. (1954), Process leading to quasi-fixation of genes in natural populations due to random fluctuations of selection intensities, Genetics 39, 280–295; (1964), Diffusion models in population genetics, J. App. Prob. 1, 177–232.).
Microwave spectrum of 3-butyn-1-ol

Abstract The microwave spectra of 3-butyn-1-ol, in both the normal and deuterated HCCCH2CH2OD, species, have been assigned and one stable form of the molecule has been found to be an intramolecularly hydrogen bonded gauche form similar to the one found for the 2-haloethanols. The rotational constants for the ground vibrational state are (in MHz) as follows. HCCCH2CH2OH: A = 10438.35, B = 3385.87, C = 2760.54; HCCCH2CH2OD: A = 9998.35, B = 3378.14, C = 2723.79. Stark effect measurements yielded dipole moment components of (in D): μa = 0.91, μb = 0.85, μc = 0.60, and μtotal = 1.38. Assignments have also been made for two excited torsional states.
Spectroscopy of a narrow-line laser-cooling transition in atomic dysprosium

The laser cooling and trapping of ultracold neutral dysprosium has been recently demonstrated using the broad, open 421-nm cycling transition. Narrow-line magneto-optical trapping of Dy on longer wavelength transitions would enable the preparation of ultracold Dy samples suitable for loading optical dipole traps and subsequent evaporative cooling. We have identified the closed 741-nm cycling transition as a candidate for the narrow-line cooling of Dy. We present experimental data on the isotope shifts, the hyperfine constants A and B, and the decay rate of the 741-nm transition. In addition, we report a measurement of the 421-nm transition's linewidth, which agrees with previous measurements. We summarize the laser cooling characteristics of these transitions as well as other narrow cycling transitions that may prove useful for cooling Dy.
Estimating functions and approximate conditional likelihood

SUMMARY The approximate conditional likelihood method proposed by Cox & Reid (1987) is applied to the estimation of a scalar parameter 0, in the presence of nuisance parameters. The estimating function of 0 based on the approximate conditional likelihood is shown to be preferable to that based on the profile likelihood. A sufficient condition for both approaches to be equivalent is given. The role of parameter orthogonality is emphasized. Several examples including bivariate normal means with known coefficient of variation are presented.
Upper airway mechanics in chronic spinal cord injury during sleep

Sleep-disordered breathing has been shown to be more prevalent in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) than the general population. The pathogenesis of increased sleep-disordered breathing in ind...
Zero-energy modes and gate-tunable gap in graphene on hexagonal boron nitride

In this article, we derive an effective theory of graphene on a hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) substrate. We show that the h-BN substrate generically opens a spectral gap in graphene despite the lattice mismatch. The origin of that gap is particularly intuitive in the regime of strong coupling between graphene and its substrate, when the low-energy physics is determined by the topology of a network of zero-energy modes. For twisted graphene bilayers, where inversion symmetry is present, this network percolates through the system and the spectrum is gapless. The breaking of that symmetry by h-BN causes the zero-energy modes to close into rings. The eigenstates of these rings hybridize into flat bands with gaps in between. The size of this band gap can be tuned by a gate voltage and it can reach the order of magnitude needed to confine electrons at room temperature.
Will dietary restriction work in primates

This issue of Biogerontology addresses whether dietary restriction (DR) “... can increase longevity in all species, particularly in human beings.” The possibility that DR can increase longevity in all species seems a trivial issue compared to that of DR’s potential efficacy in people. The striking phylogenetic breadth of DR’s longevity increasing effect supports the notion of human translatability. The available evidence in primates (human and nonhuman) suggests that it is highly probable that DR will increase the span of good health (and the average lifespan) but the magnitude of this predicted increase is unknown. Robust survival data for monkeys subjected to highly controlled DR will be available in ∼ ∼25 years; similar data for large numbers of human practitioners of DR appear to be many decades away.
Effects of Molecular Structure on Segment Orientation in Siloxane Elastomers. 1. NMR Measurements from Compressed Samples

2H NMR spectral data are reported for two types of compressed, deuterium-labeled siloxane elastomers: 2H-labeled poly(diethylsiloxane) (PDES) networks and 2H-labeled poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) free chains dissolved at low concentration in PDES host networks. We find that compressed PDES networks have higher segment orientation under stress than PDMS networks, a result that follows partially from the larger segment size (persistence length) of PDES. The internal motions of PDES chain segments are found to be substantially less isotropic than in PDMS, which leads to larger 2H NMR line widths. Chain segments in compressed PDES elastomers have enhanced orientation compared to predictions from excluded-volume calculations. The 2H NMR spectral splitting for compressed PDES networks is not directly proportional to (λ2 − λ-1), unlike the case of conventional elastomers. The behavior of the compressed PDES networks is tentatively attributed to an enthalpic orientational coupling between PDES segments.
Immunohistochemical localization of insulin in the chick embryo during development.

Abstract Since an extrapancreatic source of insulin has been postulated in the chick embryo, insulin was sought by immunohistochemistry in the embryo before and after development of the pancreas and other tissues. Using for the first time an antiserum specific for chicken insulin, localization of insulin was investigated in whole embryos (Days 1–8) and in brain, kidney, liver, and pancreas (Days 9–21 and 30). Results indicate the presence of immunoreactive insulin in pancreatic islets from Day 5 onward with an increase in staining intensity during development. Insulin was not detected in other tissues of the early developing embryo or in brain, liver, or kidney in later development. These data suggest that although extrapancreatic insulin has been reported, concentrations are not high enough in tissues to be detected with a specific, homologous antiserum and sensitive immunohistochemical techniques.
Detectability In The Presence Of Computed Tomographic Reconstruction Noise

If the standard filtered backprojection algorithm with a filter of the form g(f) = |f|h(f) is applied to noisy projections, all of which have a noise power spectral density (NPSD), Sproj(f), then the resulting computed tomographic (CT) reconstruction has a two dimensional NPSD of the form, S(f) ~ |f||h(f)|2 Sproj(f). For proper reconstruction, h(f) must approach a non-zero constant as f 0. Provided Sproj(f) is constant, i.e. white projection noise, the CT noise at low frequencies is supprbssbd by the |f| factor. This low frequency suppression results in a long range negative spatial correlation of the CT noise. If white noise is spatially averaged over a circle of diameter d, then the variance in the averaged values will behave as a2 ~ d-2. For CT noise the variance drops faster than d-2. Simple signal-to-noise ratio considerations suggest that the dependence of minimum detectable contrast upon the diameter of the circle to be detected could be significantly differ-ent in the presence of CT noise than in that of white noise. Simulated reconstructions of a suitable detectability pattern demonstrate these differences may not exist unless the image is spatially smoothed before observation. It is pointed out that the pixel width used in the image display should be from 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the point spread function in order to avoid discrete binning problems.
Fetal development of mouse oocytes and zygotes cryopreserved in a nonconventional freezing medium.

Abstract This study (1) analyzed fetal development of mouse embryos after oocyte cryopreservation in CJ2, a choline-based medium, (2) examined the effect of culture duration in vitro on subsequent fetal development, and (3) compared survival and fetal development of zygotes frozen in embryo transfer freeze medium (ETFM; sodium-based medium) or CJ2. Unfertilized oocytes and zygotes were cryopreserved using a slow-cooling protocol. After thawing, oocytes were inseminated after drilling a hole in their zona, cultured in vitro either to the two-cell or blastocyst stage, and transferred to the oviducts or uterine horns of recipient mice. In parallel experiments, frozen–thawed zygotes were similarly cultured and transferred. Implantation rates for transferred embryos were high (range 66–88%), regardless of whether they had been frozen as oocytes or zygotes and whether they had been transferred to the oviduct or uterus. However, fetal development was significantly higher when two-cell embryos were transferred. With blastocyst transfer, control embryos implanted and produced a greater proportion of fetuses than did oocytes frozen in CJ2, whereas transfer at the two-cell stage resulted in similar proportions of implantation sites and fetuses. Blastocyst transfer of zygotes cryopreserved in ETFM or CJ2 produced similar fetal development rates (23.6% vs 20.0%), but when frozen–thawed zygotes were transferred at the two-cell stage the fetal development rates were higher in the ETFM group (53.3%) than in the CJ2 group (32.0%). A high proportion (46.7%) of oocytes frozen in CJ2 in a nonprogrammable freezer and plunged at −20 °C developed into live offspring. This study shows that in the mouse (1) oocytes frozen in CJ2 can develop into viable fetuses, (2) prolonging culture in vitro has a detrimental effect on embryo transfer outcome, and (3) CJ2 offers no advantage for zygote cryopreservation.
World French takes on World English: competing visions of national and international languages

ABSTRACT: Until the late nineteenth century French was the dominant international language of modern Western Europe, and, with the spread of empire, many other areas around the globe. Now French itself feels threatened by the spread of English. The protection of the French language has both ‘negative’ and ‘positive’ aspects. On the negative, defensive side, purists rail against the specific qualities of English, and the social values these are said to represent. The rejection of English and specifically American influence on the French language is related to the rejection of modernity, and of the nation-state based on shared political principles rather than shared culture. On the positive, offensive side, international French-language organizations promote French as the language of francophone brotherhood. This co-operative effort, however, conflicts with the traditional formulation and role of linguistic norms in French society. With the changing composition of French society, the definition of the nation-state in France, and the conception of linguistic norms of French, may be in the process of changing.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE FINE STRUCTURE OF DICTYOCHA FIBULA EHRENBERG. I. THE SKELETON1

SUMMARY Carbon replicas of the skeletons of a cultured clone of Dictyocha fibula reveal a surface pattern of bands 4–5 nm wide. Reticular ornamentation previously reported for fossil skeletons is not present. Skeleton formation may proceed from an initial series of dichotomous outgrowths of an elongate, formative vacuole; which later fuse at junctures of the basal ring and supporting bars. The presence or absence of an apical ring may be a function of variation in the duration of the synthetic stage of predivision among individuals within the same clone.