cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transition From Low Cycle to High Cycle in Uniaxial Fatigue

Fatigue is the most critical failure mode of many mechanical component. Therefore, fatigue life assessment under fluctuating loads during component development is essential. The most important requirement for any fatigue life assessment is knowledge of the relationships between stresses, strains, and fatigue life for the material under consideration. These relationships, for any given material, are mostly unique and dependent on its fatigue behavior.Since the work of Wohler in the 1850’s, the uniaxial stress versus cycles to fatigue failure, which is known as the S-N curve, is typically utilized for high-cycle fatigue. In general, high cycle fatigue implies linear elastic behavior and causes failure after more than 104 or 105 cycles. However. the transition from low cycle fatigue to high cycle fatigue, which is unique for each material based on its properties, has not been well examined. In this paper, this transition is studied and a material dependent number of cycles for the transition is derived based on the material properties. Some implications of this derivation, on assessing and approximating the crack initiation fatigue life, are also discussed.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Do empathy, perspective-taking, sense of power and personality differ across undergraduate education and are they inter-related?

Empathy is desirable in all health care professionals in their interactions with patients and each other. Empathy in its cognitive (perspective-taking) and affective forms has been well-studied in the literature and in fact, is shown in most studies to decline during undergraduate and graduate medical education. Empathy has also been shown to be inversely proportional to one’s sense of power (SOP) in the business literature. In addition, the relationship of empathy to personality traits has not been examined. This cross-sectional study of four cohorts of undergraduate medical students at a private mid-Atlantic medical school compares the empathy of first, second, third and fourth year medical students to see if there is a decline across the medical school experience. It also examines the relationship among empathy, SOP and personality type across the 4 years of medical school. Unlike in many previous studies, we found no decline in student empathy. We found no significant relationship between SOP and empathy. Finally, there were no significant differences in power perception and personality measures across all educational years surveyed.
Targeted Overactivity of β Cell KATP Channels Induces Profound Neonatal Diabetes

A paradigm for control of insulin secretion is that glucose metabolism elevates cytoplasmic [ATP]/[ADP] in beta cells, closing K(ATP) channels and causing depolarization, Ca2+ entry, and insulin release. Decreased responsiveness of K(ATP) channels to elevated [ATP]/[ADP] should therefore lead to decreased insulin secretion and diabetes. To test this critical prediction, we generated transgenic mice expressing beta cell K(ATP) channels with reduced ATP sensitivity. Animals develop severe hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, and ketoacidosis within 2 days and typically die within 5. Nevertheless, islet morphology, insulin localization, and alpha and beta cell distributions were normal (before day 3), pointing to reduced insulin secretion as causal. The data indicate that normal K(ATP) channel activity is critical for maintenance of euglycemia and that overactivity can cause diabetes by inhibiting insulin secretion.
South Atlantic thermocline ventilation

South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) is carried poleward within a narrow longitude interval off the Argentine coast by the Brazil Current after confluence with the Malvinas (Falkland) Current. Hydrographic data obtained from the R.V. Atlantis II in December 1979 and January 1980 indicate that within the SACW poleward extension, convective processes are important in ventilating the main thermocline to the north. A number of relatively warm, salty intrusions 100 m thick are found within the 12 to 17°C layer of the thermocline along 38°S. These features are about 0.2 × 10−3 more saline than the regional potential temperature-salinity (θ–S) curve of the SACW thermocline and represent local oxygen maxima and nutrient minima. The characteristics of the intrusion are similar to thick remnant winter-mixed layers within various pockets (warm-core eddies) of SACW found further south. The observations support McCartney's 1977 (A Voyage of Discovery, M. Angel, editor, pp. 103–119, Pergamon) suggestion that the Brazil-Malvinas confluence region is the source of a thermostad in the South Atlantic thermocline. The present data suggest that a family of winter altered, relatively salty mixed layers and intrusions are formed in the poleward extension of the SACW thermocline waters, which then spread northward into the main thermocline. The number of family members and their range of θ–S characteristics depend on the distribution of warm eddies and meanders during the winter period. The lower boundary of the intrusions have density ratios (R = αΔT/βΔS) of 1.2 to 1.3, making them unstable to salt-finger activity. Salt fingers are likely to be the primary process that integrates the excess salt of the intrusions into a broader, but less extreme positive salinity anomaly (relative to the South Atlantic thermocline T-S curve), which is associated with the 12 to 17°C weak thermostad of the southwest Atlantic. It is suggested that deep winter convective processes within the SACW extension not only transfer salt and oxygen to mid-thermocline depths, but it also induces significant downward salt flux by salt-finger activity at mid-thermocline depths. Similar processes may be important in all poleward edges of the world thermocline, particularly along the western sectors.
The effect of mengovirus infection on the activity of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase of L-cells. II. Preliminary data on the inhibitory factor.

Abstract A cytoplasmic factor in cells infected with Mengovirus is capable of inhibiting the enzyme system responsible for RNA synthesis in uninfected cells. This factor is sensitive to trypsin but not to ribonuclease and is found predominantly in the post-mitochondrial (15,000 g − 10′) super-natant fraction.
Preparation and characterization of human intestinal alkaline phosphatase antigens

Abstract A simple procedure is outlined for the preparation of human intestinal alkaline phosphatase of sufficient purity for use as an antigen. Two molecular weight species (variants A and B) were isolated with high and low saturations of ammonium sulfate. The lower molecular weight fraction. Variant A, was further purified by Sephadex G-200 filtration. The various fractions were characterized by studying enzyme activity in the presence and absence of magnesium ions, l -phenylalanine, l -homoarginine, and by measuring their sensitivity to heat. In addition, electrophoretic patterns were studied on starch gel. Purified enzyme was injected intradermally into rabbits and the resultant antiserum was used to identify alkaline phosphatase isozyme bands of human chyle, serum and bowel juice when migrated on starch gel.
Amplifying Genetic Logic Gates

Organisms must process information encoded via developmental and environmental signals to survive and reproduce. Researchers have also engineered synthetic genetic logic to realize simpler, independent control of biological processes. We developed a three-terminal device architecture, termed the transcriptor, that uses bacteriophage serine integrases to control the flow of RNA polymerase along DNA. Integrase-mediated inversion or deletion of DNA encoding transcription terminators or a promoter modulates transcription rates. We realized permanent amplifying AND, NAND, OR, XOR, NOR, and XNOR gates actuated across common control signal ranges and sequential logic supporting autonomous cell-cell communication of DNA encoding distinct logic-gate states. The single-layer digital logic architecture developed here enables engineering of amplifying logic gates to control transcription rates within and across diverse organisms.
Favorable toxicity and biochemical control using real-time inverse optimization technique for prostate brachytherapy.

Abstract Purpose Favorable dosimetric results have been reported using intraoperative inverse optimization (IO) for permanent prostate brachytherapy. The clinical implications of these improvements in dosimetry are unclear. We review toxicity and early biochemical outcomes for patients implanted using IO technique. Methods and materials Between 2001 and 2007, 165 patients received permanent prostate implants using real-time IO and had ≥3 months of followup. Dose constraints for inverse planning were: the prostate volume receiving 100% of the prescription dose [prostate V100] was > 95%; the dose received by 90% of the gland [prostate D90] was within the 140–180 by dose range; the volume of urethra receiving 150% of the prescription dose [urethra V150] was Results Mean followup was 30 months (range, 6–63 months). Risk classification was low risk in 89% and intermediate risk in 11%. Iodine-125 sources were used for 161 implants and palladium-103 sources for four implants. The median number of seeds and total activity implanted were 61 and 999 MBq, respectively, for a median prostate volume of 33.6 cc. Late GU and GI morbidity was uncommon. Among patients with at least 24 months followup, 16% had persistent Grade 2–3 urinary morbidity. Grade 2 rectal bleeding occurred in 1 patient (0.6%). Biochemical failure has occurred in only 4 patients at last followup. Conclusions IO technique for prostate brachytherapy is associated with low rates of late morbidity and excellent early biochemical control. Additionally, the number of seeds and total implanted activity required to achieve a high-quality implant are lower compared with historical controls.
Corporate Social Responsibility: A Review of the Top 100 US Retailers

This study is motivated by the lack of information about the retail industry's commitment to and attention given to socially responsible behaviors. The purpose of the study is to discover in what context corporate social responsibility (CSR) is being addressed within the top 100 US retail organizations. The framework of the study consists of principles of CSR, processes of CSR and outcomes of CSR. Based on this, corporate web pages were reviewed using content analysis procedure. Just over one-half of 100 US retailers mentioned CSR principles either in separate statements or embedded in mission statements. Economic statements were most common to category killers whereas discount stores predominantly mentioned philanthropic statements. In the analysis of CSR programs, social programs followed by environmental programs were most frequently mentioned. The results suggest more retail firms should be involved in communicating their social responsibility beliefs on their corporate website although previous research showed that a majority of Fortune 500 companies used their website to promote some aspects of CSR.
Cytoskeleton of liver perisinusoidal cells (lipocytes) in normal and pathological conditions.

Hepatic lipocytes (perisinusoidal, Ito, fat-storing, vitamin A-storing cdls) are mesenchymal cells located in the subendothelial space of Disse. Prominent features include abundant vitamin A content, a perisinusoidal location, and potent fibrogenic potential. Recent advances in cell isolation and culture have led to an improved understanding of their role in normal and pathologic states [Knook et al., 1982; De Leuw et al., 1984; Friedman and Roll 1987; Geerts et al., 19891. Further, important contributions have come from definition of the lipocyte cytoskeletal phenotype. While incomplete, such information has already generated insights regarding the origin and functional characteristics of this cell type. The aim of this review is to highlight significant cytoskeletal features of lipocytes and to emphasize the dynamic nature of the cytoskeleton during liver injury.
Activation of Kupffer cells during the course of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and fibrosis in rats

Kupffer cells are involved in the pathogenesis of chemically mediated liver injury through release of biologically active mediators that promote the pathogenic process. The purpose of this study was to elucidate specific biochemical and molecular changes occurring in Kupffer cells throughout a time course of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-mediated liver injury and fibrosis. Rats were administered 1 ml/kg of CCl(4) (10% v/v olive oil) twice weekly for up to 6 weeks. Plasma alanine aminotransferase values and hematoxylin-and-eosin- and trichrome-stained liver sections indicated minor liver damage at 2 weeks followed by increased damage and collagen deposition by 4 and 6 weeks. Additionally, mRNA levels in Kupffer cells isolated from CCl(4)-treated rats demonstrated significant increases in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha); tumor growth factor beta; interleukin-6 (IL-6); interleukin 1 beta; cyclooxygenase 2; CD14, and I kappa B alpha transcripts after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. However, the expression of these genes at 6 weeks was similar to that of controls. Increased gene expression of cytokines in Kupffer cells isolated from CCl(4)-treated rats was accompanied by increases in protein production of TNF alpha, IL-6, IL-1 beta, and interleukin 10 following lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Further, liver sections stained for ED2-positive cells demonstrated an increase in the number of resident macrophages at 2 and 4 weeks with a slight decrease in ED2-positive cells by week 6 but still significantly more than control. Analysis of reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) indicated that Kupffer cells from CCl(4)-treated animals exhibited a 50% decrease in GSH at 2 and 4 weeks, whereas no significant changes were observed for GSSG. In conclusion, these data implicate Kupffer cells as a critical mediator of the inflammatory and fibrogenic responses during CCl(4)-mediated liver damage and provide new insight into the temporal molecular and biochemical changes associated with the ability of these resident macrophages to modulate liver injury.
Redundant enhancers mediate transcriptional repression of AGAMOUS by APETALA2.

The floral homeotic gene AGAMOUS specifies stamen and carpel fate in the central whorls of Arabidopsis flowers. Transcription of AGAMOUS RNA is restricted to the center of developing flowers by several, partially redundant negative regulators, one of which is the homeotic gene APETALA2. We have identified regulatory elements that mediate transcriptional repression of AGAMOUS by APETALA2 and found that several redundant elements respond independently to loss of APETALA2 activity. Thus, redundancy at the level of cis-regulatory sequences is independent of redundancy at the level of trans-regulators. We have also found that only the early, but not the late, effects of APETALA2 on AGAMOUS require the meristem-identity protein LEAFY, a positive regulator of AGAMOUS.
C.ai: a computer architecture for AI research

A recent article analyzes the need for and possibility of an ultimate computer. While the ultimate machine is still distant, much current research on system structures has the goal of significantly increasing computing power along one or more dimensions (e.g., processing speed, memory size, functional capability, reliability).
A Laguerre polynomial approach to surface acoustic wave propagation in multilayered structures

The Laguerre polynomial technique is presented as a technique for analyzing surface acoustic waves (SAWs) propagating in a general multilayered structure. The explicit equations for the field distributions (particle displacement, electric potential, stress, and electric displacement), SAW velocity, and transmitted power are derived for open- and short-circuit surfaces. The effectiveness of this method is checked by calculating the SAW velocity of a ZnO film on a silicon substrate. Numerical results are also given for GaAs/AlGaAs multilayered structures. >
Attributions for and consequences of student misbehavior

Background: Effective classroom management is a critical teaching skill and a key concern of educators. As such it has been the focus of much research and as a result educators know a good deal about what happens in physical education class and the actions teachers take to deal with student behavior. Surprisingly, however, we do not know much at all about what teachers believe causes student misbehavior, nor what students say about the same issue. This seems like a critical oversight as how one explains another's behavior determines the individual's reactions to that behavior. Purpose: To examine teacher and student attributions for behavior in physical education class. Participants and setting: Twenty-three secondary physical education teachers (14 males and nine females), and 182 secondary students (100 males and 82 females) from a variety of school districts in the United States. Research design: A descriptive study aimed at examining teacher and student attributions. Maximum variation sampling of scho...
O3: optimized overlay-based opportunistic routing

Opportunistic routing achieves significant performance gain under lossy wireless links. In this paper, we develop a novel approach that exploits inter-flow network coding in opportunistic routing. A unique feature of our design is that it systematically optimizes end-to-end performance (e.g., total throughput). A key challenge to achieve this goal is a strong tension between opportunistic routing and inter-flow network coding: to achieve high reliability, opportunistic routing uses intra-flow coding to spread information across multiple nodes; this reduces the information reaching an individual node, which in turn reduces inter-flow coding opportunity. To address this challenge, we decouple opportunistic routing and inter-flow network coding by proposing a novel framework where an overlay network performs overlay routing and inter-flow coding without worrying about packet losses, while an underlay network uses optimized opportunistic routing and rate limiting to provide efficient and reliable overlay links for the overlay network to take advantage of. Based on this framework, we develop the first optimization algorithm to jointly optimize opportunistic routes, rate limits, inter-flow and intra-flow coding. We then develop a practical opportunistic routing protocol (O3) based on the optimization results. Using Qualnet simulation, we study the individual and aggregate benefits of opportunistic routing, inter-flow coding, and rate limits. Our results show that (i) rate limiting significantly improves the performance of all routing protocols, (ii) opportunistic routing is beneficial under high loss rates, whereas inter-flow coding is more effective under low loss rates, and (iii) O3 significantly out-performs state-of-the-art routing protocols by simultaneously leveraging optimized opportunistic routing, inter-flow coding, and rate limits.
Dynamics of GaAs photocarriers probed with pulsed infrared synchrotron radiation

Synchrotron radiation is a source of high brightness, pulsed infrared light that is well suited to the study of materials by pump-probe spectroscopy. A synchronized laser produces pump pulses and synchrotron infrared pulses serve as the probe. This method has been used for a number of time-resolved investigations, including a study of the frequency-dependent conductivity of photocarrier relaxation in GaAs. For this material, a Drude model gives a good description of the photoconductivity, but requires that the average carrier scattering rate change from electron like to hole like during the decay process (a few nanoseconds). This behavior suggests the rapid trapping of electrons, as may occur near a surface with defect states.
Dobutamine stress echocardiography: prevalence of a nonischemic response in a low-risk population.

Abstract The problems of population referral bias in the calculation of specificity in diagnostic testing for coronary artery disease have been previously described. Previous studies investigating the sensitivity and specificity of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) have been subject to pretest and posttest referral biases, largely as a result of the requirement for coronary arteriography. This study determines the normalcy rate for DSE by examining a population at statistically low risk for coronary artery disease. The probability of significant coronary artery disease was determined for 828 consecutive patients referred for DSE at the University of Michigan, and groups were identified with
Peer acceptance and social behavior during childhood and adolescence: How important are appearance, athleticism, and academic competence?

Efforts to identify factors associated with peer acceptance have historically focused on behavioral and social cognitive processes, whereas less empirical attention has focused on the impact of children's other personal attributes and competencies that are not inherently a component of social competence. The current study examined the association of three such nonsocial attributes — physical attractiveness, athleticism, and academic competence — with peer acceptance and whether these associations vary as a function of gender and development. In addition, we examined the extent to which peer perceptions of these attributes were associated with positive and negative patterns of social behavior and whether child attributes accounted for unique variance in peer acceptance above and beyond indices of social behavior. Use of a large (N = 3183) sample of students in grades 2—10 allowed examination of whether the associations of child attributes, social behavior, and peer acceptance varied as a function of develo...
Cultural Diversity and Populations at Risk: Social Work Education and Practice

The purpose of this article is to inform the reader how the social work profession prepares its practitioners to serve those who experience discrimination and oppression. This article describes how...
Interactive effects of elevated CO2 and ozone on leaf thermotolerance in field-grown Glycine max.

Humans are increasing atmospheric CO2, ground-level ozone (O3), and mean and acute high temperatures. Laboratory studies show that elevated CO2 can increase thermotolerance of photosynthesis in C3 plants. O3-related oxidative stress may offset benefits of elevated CO2 during heat-waves. We determined effects of elevated CO2 and O3 on leaf thermotolerance of field-grown Glycine max (soybean, C3). Photosynthetic electron transport (et) was measured in attached leaves heated in situ and detached leaves heated under ambient CO2 and O3. Heating decreased et ,w hich O3 exacerbated. Elevated CO2 prevented O3-related decreases during heating, but only increased et under ambient O3 in the field. Heating decreased chlorophyll and carotenoids, especially under elevated CO2. Neither CO2 nor O3 affected heat-shock proteins. Heating increased catalase (except in high O3) and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), but not Mn- SOD; CO2 and O3 decreased catalase but neither SOD. Soluble carbohydrates were unaffected by heating, but increased in elevated CO2. Thus, protection of photosynthesis during heat stress by elevated CO2 occurs in field-grown soybean under ambient O3, as in the lab, and high CO2 limits heat damage under elevated O3, but this protection is likely from decreased photorespiration and stomatal conductance rather than production of heat-stress adaptations.
Long-term Air Pollution Exposure and Acceleration of Atherosclerosis and Vascular Inflammation in an Animal Model

ContextRecent studies have suggested a link between inhaled particulate matter exposure in urban areas and susceptibility to cardiovascular events; however, the precise mechanisms remain to be determined.ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that subchronic exposure to environmentally relevant particulate matter, even at low concentrations, potentiates atherosclerosis and alters vasomotor tone in a susceptible disease model.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsBetween July 21, 2004, and January 12, 2005, 28 apolipoprotein E−/− (apoE−/−) mice were, based on randomized assignments, fed with normal chow or high-fat chow and exposed to concentrated ambient particles of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) or filtered air (FA) in Tuxedo, NY, for 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for a total of 6 months.Main Outcome MeasuresComposite atherosclerotic plaque in the thoracic and abdominal aorta and vasomotor tone changes.ResultsIn the high-fat chow group, the mean (SD) composite plaque area of PM2.5 vs FA was 41.5% (9.8%) vs 26.2% (8.6%), respectively (P<.001); and in the normal chow group, the composite plaque area was 19.2% (13.1%) vs 13.2% (8.1%), respectively (P = .15). Lipid content in the aortic arch measured by oil red-O staining revealed a 1.5-fold increase in mice fed the high-fat chow and exposed to PM2.5 vs FA (30.0 [8.2] vs 20.0 [7.0]; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-1.83; P = .02). Vasoconstrictor responses to phenylephrine and serotonin challenge in the thoracic aorta of mice fed high-fat chow and exposed to PM2.5 were exaggerated compared with exposure to FA (mean [SE], 134.2% [5.2%] vs 100.9% [2.9%], for phenylephrine, and 156.0% [5.6%] vs 125.1% [7.5%], for serotonin; both P = .03); relaxation to the endothelium-dependent agonist acetylcholine was attenuated (mean [SE] of half-maximal dose for dilation, 8.9 [0.2] × 10-8 vs 4.3 [0.1] × 10-8, respectively; P = .04). Mice fed high-fat chow and exposed to PM2.5 demonstrated marked increases in macrophage infiltration, expression of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase, increased generation of reactive oxygen species, and greater immunostaining for the protein nitration product 3-nitrotyrosine (all P<.001).ConclusionIn an apoE−/− mouse model, long-term exposure to low concentration of PM2.5 altered vasomotor tone, induced vascular inflammation, and potentiated atherosclerosis.
Effect of irradiation on Salmonella survival and quality of 2 varieties of whole green onions.

: Two varieties of green onions, Banner and Baja Verde, were inoculated with a cocktail of 3 Salmonella strains using dip and spot inoculation and irradiated at 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 kGy using electron beam. Salmonella survivors were enumerated using a XLD underlay/TSAYE overlay plating method. The D values were in the range of 0.26 to 0.32 kGy depending on variety but not on the method of inoculation. This indicated that a 5-log reduction of Salmonella can be achieved at a dose of 1.6 kGy. For the quality study, both varieties of green onions were irradiated at 0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 kGy and evaluated for changes in microbial counts, color, texture, and visual quality during storage at 4 °C. Irradiation reduced total plate counts and psychrotrophs by 3 logs. Although the counts increased during storage, they did not exceed the initial counts of control. No significant difference was observed in color and texture between irradiated samples and control. The control maintained good visual quality for about 13 d as compared to 15 d for 1.5 and 2.5 kGy samples. The 2.0 kGy samples maintained good visual quality for 17 d suggesting that irradiation can increase shelf life by reducing spoilage microorganisms but higher doses can be detrimental to quality. At the dose levels required to achieve a 5-log reduction in Salmonella, the shelf life of whole green onion can be extended. This study shows that irradiation can be used to enhance safety without adverse effects on quality.
Equivalent circuit analysis of noise in bulk semiconductor devices

Equivalent transmission-line analogs may be developed to advantage for the analysis of noise in bulk semiconductor devices. We discuss first a transmission-line analog for the law of conduction and diffusion of a single species of charge carriers that experience small disturbances from equilibrium. Through the use of Nyquist's theorem it is possible to obtain the power spectra of the noise sources of the equivalent transmission-line circuit at thermal equilibrium. Next, an equivalent circuit can be obtained if there is more than one charge carrier. This circuit is generalized to the case of drifted carriers and applied to the metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) diode and to the small-signal analysis of the Gunn effect. We show how the equivalent circuit for the Gunn effect gives, by inspection, a lower bound on the noise measure achievable with a Gunn diode. We find that the Gunn diode has noise measures exceeding the lower bound. A traveling-wave Gunn device achieves the lower limit.
The Uses of Rules for Strategies of Containment and Self-Regulation in a Global Economy.

AbstractBased on qualitative research conducted from 1998 to 2001, this article describes classroom interactions in a high school and examines two uses of rules: one associated with confinement, and another associated with cognitive skills development. Though the two forms overlapped, the first was more prevalent in self-contained classes, and the second in the general education classes. At one level, the article describes how rules are part of an interaction between teachers and students, in which both groups are active in using rules to obtain benefits relating to personal fulfillment, peer approval, and social positioning. At another level, the article discusses how rules are used to teach some youths individual responsibility and respect for authority (preparing them to be law-abiding citizens and professionals in a world where they will have choices and some level of free will), while others, who are predominately African American, Latino, male, and poor, are literally surrounded by rules and placed ...
First Recorded Occurrence of Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow Trout) in Louisiana

Abstract An individual of Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow Trout) was collected in a diversion canal of the Mississippi River known as Davis Pond located at river kilometer (RKM) 191.03 in St. Charles Parish near Luling, LA. This locality is the southern-most record for Rainbow Trout in the Mississippi River Basin and represents a range extension of 733.5 RKM south from the previous southern-most locality at Lake Whittington, Bolivar County, MS. The collection we report here also represents the first documented record of Rainbow Trout in Louisiana.
TMPRSS2-ERG rearrangement in dominant anterior prostatic tumours: incidence and correlation with ERG immunohistochemistry.

Aim To study prostate cancer zonal differences in TMPRSS2–ERG gene rearrangement. Methods and results We examined 136 well-characterized dominant anterior prostatic tumours, including 61 transition zone (TZ) and 75 anterior peripheral zone (PZ) lesions, defined using strict anatomical considerations. TMPRSS2–ERG FISH and ERG protein immunohistochemistry were performed on tissue microarrays. FISH results, available for 56 TZ and 71 anterior PZ samples, were correlated with ERG staining and TZ-associated ‘clear cell’ histology. Fewer TZ cancers (four of 56; 7%) were rearranged than anterior PZ cancers (18 of 71; 25%) (P = 0.009); deletion was the sole mechanism of TZ cancer rearrangement. ERG protein overexpression was present in 4% (two of 56; both FISH+) and 30% (21 of 71; 17 FISH+) of TZ and anterior PZ tumours, respectively. ‘Clear cell’ histology was present in 21 of 56 (38%) TZ and eight of 71 (11%) anterior PZ tumours. Seven per cent of cancers with and 21% without this histology had rearrangement, regardless of zonal origin. Conclusions TMPRSS2–ERG rearrangement occurs in dominant TZ and anterior PZ prostate cancers, with all rearranged TZ cancers in this cohort showing deletion. ERG immunohistochemistry demonstrated excellent sensitivity (86%) and specificity (96%) for TMPRSS2–ERG rearrangement. TMPRSS2–ERG fusion is rare in TZ tumours and present at a low frequency in tumours displaying ‘clear cell’ histology.
A Micro-Mechanics Investigation on the Bonding Strength of Heteroepitaxical Film or Strip on a Hard Substrate

The bonding strength of deposited metallic thin films or strips on a hard substrate is investigated through micro-strength tests and micro-mechanics analyses. The combination of Ti:W-Au/Cu deposited directly on SiO2 /Si substrate was taken as an example in the experiments conducted. Investigations and analyses resulted in a general model concerning the separation mechanism of thin ductile films from a hard brittle substrate. This separation model leads to some systematic methods of improving strip-substrate interconnection strength. Besides strip-substrate adhesion and internal stresses, strip stiffness turns out to be a key factor for the bonding strength of such a system. Hardening processes such as post-deposition heat treatment and work-hardening are proved to be effective in strengthening the bonding strength. These investigations reveal a principle of mechanical compatibility concerning interface micro-deformation. Instead of thin and flexible strips, thick and rigid strips have better compatibility with a hard substrate if the bonded combination is subjected to mechanical loading rather than thermal loading. As far as interface stresses are concerned, a stress distribution strategy is proposed based on the same principle. This original understanding will help to improve common bonding strength problems of various interconnection structures and materials combinations in manufacturing processes.
ANATOMICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE CONTROL OF RENIN SECRETION

At the hilus of the renal glomerulus a portion of the distal tubule changes its morphologic characteristics and establishes a special relationship with the vascular pole. This observation dates back to Golgi’s time (14) and has been repeatedly confirmed by many histologists beginning with the work of Peter (35). The precise morphologic description of this relationship, however, remained vague because of two technically limiting factors: 1) the resolution of the light microscope which is not sufficient to clearly outline the structures involved; and 2) sectioning methods capable of producing only relatively thick sections and soft embedding media which made the sections susceptible to compression, leading to artefactual contact between unrelated structures.
Generation of solitons in transient stimulated Raman scattering by optical phase shifts

Soliton initiation and formation in stimulated Raman scattering, using a π phase shift, is treated numerically. The π phase shift is produced in the Stokes seed by modulating its envelope through zero. We find that by modulating the envelope slowly compared with the coherence decay time T2, a soliton pulse is generated that is much shorter than T2. Analytical approximations for the formation rate are also presented.
Ethnic Differences in Processes Contributing to the Self-Esteem of Early Adolescent Girls:

Ethnic differences in the mean levels and sources of global self-esteem for Hispanic, African American, and White early adolescent girls were examined. Data were derived from a survey administered ...
Pear Responses to Split Fertigation and Band Placement of Nitrogen and Phosphorus

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. leaf nutrition, yield, quality, superficial scald, soil nutrient level SUMMARY. Single broadcast application of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on the soil surface results in low use efficiency of applied N and P in pear (Pyrus communis) production systems in Oregon and the Pacific northwestern United States. A field experiment was conducted from 2005 through 2006 to evaluate the effects of split fertigation and band placement as alternate N and P management practices in ‘Anjou’ pears growing on a Parkdale loam soil near Parkdale, OR. Measurement and analysis of tree nutrition, fruit yield, quality, and storability, as well as indigenous soil nutrient supply was the scope of the experiment. To evaluate fertilizer management practices on pear growth and productivity, the following four treatments were tested with a randomized complete block design replicated four times: 1) broadcast application of N and P on the soil surface in a 10-ft-wide, weed-freestripcenteredonthetreerow,2)bandplacementofNandPonbothsides oftreerowsin1 ·1-ftditches(width ·depth),3)1 ·1-ft ditchesweredugusingthe band placement equipment, the dug soil was completed returned to the ditch without any fertilizer, and the broadcast application of N and P on the soil surface was applied on a 10-ft-wide, weed-free strip centered on the tree row, and 4) fertigation of N and P split into five equal applications throughout the growing season. Nitrogen and P fertilizers were applied to treatments 1, 2, and 3 at 100 lb/ acre N and 55 lb/acre P, while treatment 4 received only 80 lb/acre N and 44 lb/ acre P. The 2-year average results show leaf N and P concentrations in the fall were increased by 10.0% and 10.6%, respectively, with split fertigation compared with broadcast application on the soil surface. Band placement increased leaf N by 7.1% relative to broadcast application on the soil surface with soil disturbance caused by band placement. Split fertigation and band placement slightly increased fruit yield, but increased marketable fruit (the total of excellent and very slightly scalded fruit) by 20.9% and 11.1% (absolute value) when compared with broadcast application of N and P and broadcast application of N and P with soil disturbance caused by band placement, respectively, and after 3 months of cold storage. No detrimental effects on fruit weight or reduction in soil amino sugar N were observed from lowering the N and P application rates by 20% with split fertigation. Overall, split fertigation and band placement of N and P can be used to replace single broadcast application on the soil surface on pear orchards to reduce fruit superficial scald during cold storage and improve the use efficiency of applied N and P in the midColumbia region of Oregon.
AAC for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Assessment and Establishing Treatment Goals

This chapter provides an overview of the research related to evidence-based practices regarding the use of AAC in promoting communication and language development for individuals on the spectrum. Key concepts will cover how to formulate a comprehensive assessment to identify a foundation of prerequisite skills necessary to receive benefit from the use of AAC at various levels of ability. Practical application of how to introduce the use of AAC and SGD’s and build upon communication skills to expand into development of a language system and emerging literacy will be discussed as part of a hierarchy of targeted goal areas.
Data assimilation in agent based simulation of smart environments using particle filters

Abstract Agent-based simulations are useful for studying people’s movement and to help making decisions in situations like emergency evacuation in smart environments. These agent-based simulations are typically used as offline tools and do not assimilate real time data from the environment. With more and more smart buildings equipped with sensor devices, it is possible to utilize real time sensor data to dynamically inform the simulations to improve simulation results. In this paper, we propose a method to assimilate real time sensor data in agent-based simulation of smart environments based on Particle Filters (PFs). The data assimilation aims to estimate the system state, i.e., people’s location information in real time, and use the estimated states to provide initial conditions for more accurate simulation/prediction of the system dynamics in the future. We develop a PF-based data assimilation framework and propose a new resampling method named as component set resampling to improve data assimilation for multiple agents. The proposed framework and method are demonstrated and evaluated through experiments using a sparsely populated smart environment.
Capitalizing on Public Discourse in Bolivia - Evo Morales and Twenty-first Century Capitalism

The 2005 election of Evo Morales as the president of Bolivia marked a moment of celebration for the social movements who backed the rise to power of the Movimiento al Socialismo party (MAS - Movement for Socialism), with Morales as its leader. Morales adopted discourses derived from popularly supported Buen Vivir, alternatives to development, social and solidarity economies, and other forms of localized political and economic autonomy, creating a politics of possibility around such proposals. However, despite initial commitments and actions taken by Morales to improve well- being without replicating historically unsustainable and destructive pathways to industrial development, Bolivia continues to be characterized by fiscal dependence and macroeconomic prioritization of growth-centric policies sustained by extractive activities. In addition, the country is now rife with socio- environmental conflict. This paper will explore Morales' neglect of longer-term political goals for economic independence, self- sufficiency, and sustainability by considering competing theories of social movements, political parties, and the state that provide different lenses for understanding MAS' abandonment of its original political platform for change, Twenty-First Century Socialism (Socialismo del Siglo XXI). The paper reveals how the current scenario creates new barriers for the social movements that uphold proposals for sustainable futures, including deepened structural entrenchment in extractivism, the cooptation of alternatives to development proposals by government, the division of once-unified popular fronts, shifting electoral constituencies, and the emergence of new economic elites. Lessons from the Bolivian case are significant for guiding wider efforts at building sustainable alternatives to capitalist development.
The Limits of the New International Rule of Law on Good Governance

As a result of the fall of communism, the political and economic collapse in Africa, and the exhaustion of third world populism, there has emerged a new international law. This new international law is a dual system of prescriptions to address challenges in Africa, including authoritarian governments, and economic failure. The dual system involves a regime of international human rights and democracy, and mandates a regime of neo-liberal macro-economic policies combined with private law reform. This article argues that this new international law is the dominant discourse in both economically powerful countries and economically powerful interests in African countries. The article further argues that the new international rule of law serves alliances of western and non-western powers with interests in Africa by giving legitimacy to the contested functionalist and technocratic neo-liberal economic reforms of multilateral and bilateral donors. Whether this new international law can be relevant without promising the impossible is a question this article seeks to answer.
Thymic cells and humoral factors as therapeutic agents

The experiments of Good et al.1 and Miller2 in 1962 established the thymus as an organ essential for the development and maintenance of cellular immunity. Further studies established that the immunologic functions of the thymus were mediated by both cellular and humoral components. The importance of thymic cells in immunity was shown by the permanent restoration of cellular function in thymectomized animals following transplantation of intact thymus glands.3 Thymic-derived lymphocytes (T cells) have been identified as the population of cells which achieves maturation after migration through the thymus; their maturational stages are identified by various cellular characteristics and classified by nomenclature T0-T1-T2.4
The Tradescants' Culinary Treasures

This article discusses the early importation of culinary plants into England by the father and son gardener/adventurers, John Tradescant the elder and John Tradescant the younger. These men arguably did more to change the botanical and gastronomic landscape in England in the seventeenth century than anyone else. Traveling to the Low Countries, France, Algiers, Russia, and the New World, the Tradescants spent their lives collecting new plants and then growing and propagating those plants for their own use and for distribution. Bound up with global politics and the building of the British Empire, their activities mark the beginnings of the long era of the movement of edible plants around the planet. The John Tradescants9 contribution to the edenizing of the English garden was really extraordinary, broadening the possibilities of taste at the English table.
Optimization Approaches in Distributed Embedded Wireless Sensor Networks

This chapter introduces distributed embedded wireless sensor networks (EWSN) from an optimization perspective and explores optimization strategies employed in EWSNs at different design levels to meet application requirements. It first presents a typical WSN architecture and architectural-level optimizations. The chapter describes sensor node component-level optimizations and tunable parameters. Next, it discusses data link-level medium access control (MAC) optimizations and network-level routing optimizations, and operating system (OS)-level optimizations. After presenting these optimization techniques, the chapter focuses on dynamic optimizations for WSNs. There exists much previous work on dynamic optimizations, but most previous work targets the processor or cache subsystem in computing systems. WSN dynamic optimizations present additional challenges because of a unique design space, stringent design constraints, and varying operating environments. The chapter also discusses the current state of the art in dynamic optimizations such as dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) and dynamic network reprogramming.
Detecting fraud in demand response programs

In this paper we study the security of demand response programs under false load control signals. We show how an attacker can defraud demand response programs by sending false load control signals and how it can make difficult the precise identification of the culprit. We analyze ways to detect attacks, and propose ideas to design the market in a way that attackers will not have an incentive to defraud the system.
Diagnosis and Management of Cholesteatomas in Dogs

Surgical intervention of aural cholesteatomas in dogs can be curative. Imaging findings include a soft tissue density in the middle ear and destruction of the bone of the bulla with characteristics of an aggressive lesion. Dogs with early stage disease have a better outcome than those with chronic disease, temporal bone involvement and neurologic signs. Dogs with recurrent disease can be reoperated or managed medically with long-term resolution or palliation of clinical signs.
Frequency Domain Statistical Damage Identification Applied to an Experimental Composite Plate

An algorithm for statistical damage identification based on minimization of frequency response function based residual forces is described and experimentally validated on a composite laminate plate with impact damage. The algorithm uses measured frequency response and coherence functions to update a structural finite element model through statistically weighted least-squares minimization. Outputs are location and quantification of the damage, estimation uncertainty, and an updated model. Advantages compared to other approaches include robust applicability to systems which are heavily damped, large, and noisy, with a relatively low number of distributed measurement points compared to the number of analytical degrees-of-freedom of the associated analytical structural model (e.g., modal finite element model). The current work provides a brief overview of the algorithm background and formulation then details experimental implementation, including challenges associated with measured data, preliminary model correlation, and modeling damping in reduced coordinates. The algorithm is then validated experimentally on a graphite/epoxy composite plate structure with enforced impact damage using measured hammer-impact vibration data at 36 measurement points. Results show that the algorithm can locate and identify the damage with acceptable error and that the estimation uncertainty can be used to determine when damage results can be trusted.