cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ON RANDOM OBSERVATION PROCESSES FOR STOCHASTIC APPROXIMATION

In [1] a new procedure is given to estimate the root of a regression equation. The purposes of this paper are to extend the Lemma 1 in [1] and to give a process involving a randomly determined sequence of observations for finding thermaximum of a regression function. The process is similar to that of [1]. Kiefer and Wolfowitz [2] gave a stochastic approximation procedure for the latter purpose. Their process needs the condition of the unimodality of the regression function which is not required for our case.
A prospective, randomized, blinded study of continuous ropivacaine infusion in the median sternotomy incision following cardiac surgery.

Objective: The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of continuous ropivacaine infusion of into the sternal wound. Methods: We planned to enroll 200 patients scheduled for various cardiac surgical procedures into the study. Patients, in a double-blind randomized fashion, were given either normal saline or 0.3% ropivacaine through 2 subcutaneous multiport catheters placed on either side of the sternal split at an infusion rate of 4 mL/h for 64 hours. The efficacy outcomes measured were time to extubation of the trachea, intensive care unit and hospital stay duration, pain scores, and narcotic usage. The safety outcomes measured were systemic local anesthetic toxicity, major cardiac complications, and wound infection. Measurements and Main Results: The data safety monitoring board stopped the study after enrolling 85 patients because of excessive sternal wound infections (9%, n = 44) in the ropivacaine group. This rate of infection was not statistically different from the control group (0%, n = 41, P = 0.12), but it was statistically different from our historical incidence of sternal wound infection (1.9%, no = 6381, P = 0.002). There was also a lack of evidence of efficacy for time to extubation of the trachea, narcotic usage, and pain control. Conclusions: The phase III trial did not show improvement in time to extubation of the trachea or pain control in the 0.3% ropivacaine group, but it was stopped early by the data safety monitoring board. (Reg Anesth Pain Med 2013;38: 145Y150)
Effects of lead and hydrocarbons from snowmobile exhaust on brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

Abstract Lead and hydrocarbons from snowmobile exhaust were found in the water at high levels during the week following ice-out in a Maine pond. Fingerling brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) held in fish cages in the pond showed lead and hydrocarbon uptake. These contaminants accumulated during the previous winter when snowmobile operation on the pond was equivalent to one snowmobile burning 250 liters of fuel per season on a .405 hectare pond with average depth of 1 m. Lead content of the water rose from 4.1 ppb before snowmobiling to 135 ppb at ice-out; exposed trout contained 9 to 16 times more lead than controls. Hydrocarbon levels undetectable prior to snowmobiling reached 10 ppm in the water and 1 ppm in exposed fish. Trout held in aquaria for 3 weeks in melted snow containing three different concentrations of snowmobile exhaust also showed lead and hydrocarbon uptake. Their digestive tract tissue contained the most lead. (2 ppm) and gills the least (0.2 ppm). Stamina, as measured by the ability to...
Microsatellites in the Estrogen Receptor (ESR1, ESR2) and Androgen Receptor (AR) Genes and Breast Cancer Risk in African American and Nigerian Women

Genetic variants in hormone receptor genes may be crucial predisposing factors for breast cancer, and microsatellites in the estrogen receptor (ESR1, ESR2) and androgen receptor (AR) genes have been suggested to play a role. We studied 258 African-American (AA) women with breast cancer and 259 hospital-based controls, as well as 349 Nigerian (NG) female breast cancer patients and 296 community controls. Three microsatellites, ESR1_TA, ESR2_CA and AR_CAG, in the ESR1, ESR2 and AR genes, respectively, were genotyped. Their repeat lengths were then analyzed as continuous and dichotomous variables. Analyses of continuous variables showed no association with breast cancer risk in either AA or NG at ESR1_TA; AA cases had shorter repeats in the long allele of ESR2_CA than AA controls (Mann-Whitney P = 0.036; logistic regression P = 0.04, OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–1.00), whereas NG patients had longer repeats in the short allele than NG controls (Mann-Whitney P = 0.0018; logistic regression P = 0.04, OR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.00–1.11); and AA cases carried longer repeats in the short allele of AR_CAG than AA controls (Mann-Whitney P = 0.038; logistic regression P = 0.03, OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.15). When allele sizes were categorized as dichotomous variables, we discovered that women with two long alleles of ESR2_CA had increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.10–1.74; P = 0.006). This is the first study to investigate these three microsatellites in hormonal receptor genes in relation to breast cancer risk in an indigenous African population. After adjusting for multiple-testing, our findings suggest that ESR2_CA is associated with breast cancer risk in Nigerian women, whereas ESR1_TA and AR_CAG seem to have no association with the disease among African American or Nigerian women.
Direct comparison of two new actigraphs and polysomnography in children and adolescents.

Study objectives To evaluate the validity and reliability of 2 new models of commercially available actigraphs compared to polysomnography for children and adolescents. Design and setting Subjects concurrently wore the Ambulatory Monitoring Inc. Motionlogger Sleep Watch (AMI) and the Phillips Respironics Mini-Mitter Actiwatch-2 (PRMM) while undergoing overnight polysomnography (PSG) in a pediatric sleep laboratory housed in a tertiary care children's hospital. Participants 115 youth (59 girls, 56 boys), ages 3-18 years (mean 8.8 years, SD 4.4 years). Measurements Outcome variables were total sleep time (TST), wake after sleep onset (WASO), and sleep efficiency (SE). Epoch-by-epoch comparisons were made between the 2 devices and PSG to determine sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Agreement between the 2 devices was determined with t-tests and the Bland-Altman concordance technique. Different algorithms/sensitivities, developmental age groups, and sleep disordered breathing (SDB) status were also examined. Results For both device brands, sensitivity (0.89-0.97), specificity (0.54-0.77), and accuracy (0.87-0.90) were similar to previous reports. Notably, compared to PSG, both device brands significantly overestimated WASO, while the AMI device also significantly underestimated TST. Inter-device comparison of the 2 brands found poor agreement for TST, WASO, and SE. Agreement with PSG differed depending on the scoring algorithm (AMI) or sensitivity setting (PRMM), as well as across developmental age group and sleep disordered breathing (SDB) status. Conclusions Similar to previous reports, both new actigraph brands were found to have good sensitivity (to detect sleep), but poorer specificity (to detect wake). Study results also suggest that researchers should adjust the scoring algorithm/sensitivity depending on a study's design (e.g., young children vs. adolescents, healthy children vs. youth with SDB). Further, inter-device reliability was poor, suggesting the need for caution when comparing results across studies that use different brands of actigraphic devices.
The Transferrin Receptor Modulates Hfe-Dependent Regulation of Hepcidin Expression

Hemochromatosis is caused by mutations in HFE, a protein that competes with transferrin (TF) for binding to transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1). We developed mutant mouse strains to gain insight into the role of the Hfe/Tfr1 complex in regulating iron homeostasis. We introduced mutations into a ubiquitously expressed Tfr1 transgene or the endogenous Tfr1 locus to promote or prevent the Hfe/Tfr1 interaction. Under conditions favoring a constitutive Hfe/Tfr1 interaction, mice developed iron overload attributable to inappropriately low expression of the hormone hepcidin. In contrast, mice carrying a mutation that interferes with the Hfe/Tfr1 interaction developed iron deficiency associated with inappropriately high hepcidin expression. High-level expression of a liver-specific Hfe transgene in Hfe−/− mice was also associated with increased hepcidin production and iron deficiency. Together, these models suggest that Hfe induces hepcidin expression when it is not in complex with Tfr1.
Electrofusion of cell-size liposomes

Abstract Cell size liposomes of egg phosphatidylcholine (PC), trans-acylated egg phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), bovine brain phosphatidylserine (PS) and egg phosphatidylglycerol, suspended in 2.5% of polyethylene glycol ( M r 8000), Ficoll ( M r 400 000) or Dextran ( M r 71 200) were aligned by dielectrophoresis and fused by applying a 1.7 kV/cm pulse of varying duration. Because the internal and external media of liposome suspension can be controlled, and the surface charge is known, the results can be described mathematically. The fusion yields (FY) at different pulse length were measured by microscopy. The FY curves were sigmoidal, with a common minimally required pulse length of 19 μs, and shifted to longer pulse length with increasing external media conductivity or vesicle surface charge. The types of polymer in solutions had little effect. The minimal required pulse length was interpreted to be the minimum rise time for the smallest vesicle capable of reaching the bilayer breakdown potential induced by the pulse, and the sigmoidal shape FY curves represented the cumulative vesicle size distribution curve. The shifting of FY curves upon changing media conductivity or vesicle surface charge were quantitatively accounted for by the balance of pulse-induced dipole-dipole attraction and electrostatic repulsion. Deviation from sigmoidal shape FY curves in the cases of charged liposomes was explained by increasing electrostatic repulsion due to vesicle deformation under pulse-induced dipole pressure. The data confirm the hypothesis that membrane potential breakdown is a pre-requisite or minimum requirement for electrofusion, and support our earlier proposition that pulse-induced dipole force plays an important role in the electrofusion process, and that electrostatic repulsion posts additional barrier to electrofusion.
Responsive plasma polymerized ultrathin nanocomposite films

The plasma polymerization of NIPAAM and titanium isopropoxide monomers into responsive ultrathin films with responsive optical properties using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition is reported. The composite ultrathin films possess a large window for potential changes in their refractive index from 1.60 to 1.95. We demonstrated that these polymer films exhibit fast (transition time below 2 s), large, reversible, and repeatable changes to their thickness and refractive index as a function of periodic environmental humidity changes.
A controlled comparison of drug effects on escape from conditioned aversive stimulation ("anxiety") and from continuous shock.

Squirrel monkeys were presented with two stimuli in alternation, separated by time out periods during which neither was present. One was white noise accompanied by irregularly spaced pulses of shock, the other continuous shock at a lower intensity. Following an interval of time which varied in an unpredictable sequence, the next depression of the response lever turned the stimulus off. The schedule on which termination was possible was identical for the two stimuli, and the intensity of the continuous shock was adjusted to a level that produced approximately equal frequencies of pressing, typically from 40 to 80 responses per minute.
Distributions of carbohydrates, including uronic acids, in estuarine waters of Galveston Bay

Abstract The concentrations of carbohydrates, including uronic acids, in dissolved (≤0.45μm) and colloidal (1 kDa—0.45 μm) phases were measured in estuarine waters of Galveston Bay, TX, in order to study their role in heavy metal detoxification. The concentrations of dissolved monosaccharides (MCHO) in Galveston Bay ranged from 13 to 62 μM-C, and those of dissolved polysaccharides (PCHO) ranged from 10 to 42 μM-C. On average, MCHO and PCHO contributed about 11% and 7% to dissolved organic carbon (DOC), respectively. The colloidal carbohydrates (CCHO) in Galveston Bay varied from 7 to 54 μM-C, and accounted for 9% to 24% of the colloidal organic carbon (COC), with an average value of 17%, suggesting that CCHO is abundant in the high molecular weight (HMW) fraction of DOC. The concentration of CCHO is generally significantly higher than that of PCHO. This result is attributed to entrainment of low molecular weight (LMW) carbohydrates into the retentate fraction during ultrafiltration. The concentration of total dissolved uronic acids (DUA) in the same samples varied from 1.0 to 8.3 μM-C, with an average value of 6.1 μM-C, while the colloidal uronic acids (CUA) ranged from 0.8 to 6.4 μM-C, with an average value of 4.8 μM-C. The concentrations of DUA are higher than the previously reported values in coastal waters. Furthermore, CUA represent a dominant component of DUA in Galveston Bay waters. More importantly, significant correlations of PCHO and DUA to dissolved Cu concentrations (≤0.45 μm) were found, suggesting that acid polysaccharides were produced in response to trace metal stressors.
Buoyancy Forcing by Turbulence above Rough Topography in the Abyssal Brazil Basin

Observations of turbulent dissipation above rough bathymetry in the abyssal Brazil Basin are presented. Relative to regions with smooth bathymetry, dissipation is markedly enhanced above rough topography of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge with levels above bathymetric slopes exceeding levels observed over crests and canyon floors. Furthermore, mixing levels in rough areas are modulated by the spring‐neap tidal cycle. Internal waves generated by barotropic tidal flow over topography are the likely mechanism for supplying the energy needed to support the observed turbulent dissipation. A model of the spatial and temporal patterns in the turbulent dissipation rate is used to constrain the diapycnal advection in an inverse calculation for the circulation in an area of rough bathymetry. This inverse model uses both beta-spiral and integrated forms of the advective budgets for heat, mass, and vorticity, and contains sufficient information to resolve the full three-dimensional flow. The inverse model solution reveals the presence of a bouyancy forced circulation driven by mixing in abyssal canyons. On isopycnals above the level of fracturezone crests near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the flow is westward and fluid is downwelled toward greater density. Along deeper isopycnals, fluid is carried eastward and upwelled in canyons. The divergence of diapycnal mass flux is a significant forcing mechanism for this circulation. These results suggest that mixing in abyssal canyons plays an important role in the circulation of abyssal waters.
Spin-flip probability in the inelastic scattering of 14.2 MeV neutrons from the 2.23 MeV state of 32S

Abstract The spin-flip probability for 14.2 MeV neutrons scattered inelastically from the Q = −2.23 MeV first excited state of sulphur has been measured at scattering angles between 40° and 160° using a γ-correlated neutron time-of-flight method. The results of the measurements were compared to the predictions of a coupled-channels code. A vibrator model with a quadrupole deformation parameter β 2 of 0.37 was used, and searches on the optical model potential parameters were made. The calculations were able to account for elastic and inelastic scattering data, but did not provide a satisfactory fit to the spin-flip data.
Ab Initio studies of aryl σ- and Π-complexes: neutral and charged electrophiles

The ab initio MP2/6–311 ++ G** method was employed to examine the interaction of five electrophiles, Cl2, Br2 NO+, SiH3+ and CH3+, with benzene. These groups exhibited a full range of complexation from true π-complexes to full σ-complexes (Wheland ions). The energy of complex formation increases in the order given above. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemiluminescent reactions of alkaline-earth metals with water and hydrazine☆

Abstract The monoamides of calcium, strontium, and barium were observed for the first time as products of low-pressure chemiluminescent reactions of the metal atom vapors with a hydrazine oxidant. The monoamide chemiluminescence spectra are assigned by comparison with those of the isoelectronic alkaline-earth monohydroxides and monofluorides, formed with water and sulfur hexafluoride oxidants. These comparisons also allow the amide's position in the spectrochemical series for monovalent alkaline-earth compounds to be established as follows: F− > OH− > NH2− > Cl− > Br− > I−. Dynamical aspects of the reactions along with prospects for the generation and study of other polyatomic alkaline-earth compounds by similar gas-phase reactions are discussed.
Highly asymmetric interactions between globin chains during hemoglobin assembly revealed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

Dynamics of bovine hemoglobin assembly was investigated by monitoring monomers/oligomers equilibria in solution with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and circular dichroism spectroscopy. I...
Thermodynamic analysis of catalysis by the dihydroorotases from hamster and Bacillus caldolyticus, as compared with the uncatalyzed reaction.

Dihydroorotase (DHOase, EC 3.5.2.3) from the extreme thermophile Bacillus caldolyticus has been subcloned, sequenced, expressed, and purified as a monomer. The catalytic properties of this thermoph...
Background Strain and the Differential Susceptibility of Podocyte-Specific Deletion of Myh9 on Murine Models of Experimental Glomerulosclerosis and HIV Nephropathy

We previously reported that podocyte-specific deletion of Myh9 (conventional myosin heavy chain 2A) in C57BL/6 mice does not cause spontaneous kidney disease but instead results in a predisposition to glomerulosclerosis in response to a second model of glomerular injury. In contrast, other investigators reported that podocyte-specific deletion of Myh9 (PodΔMyh9) resulted in spontaneous glomerulosclerosis in mice on a mixed background, suggesting that the glomerulosclerosis is dependent on background strain. In order to elucidate the cause of this strain dependent effect Podocin::Cre and Myh9flox alleles were backcrossed to mouse strain FVB/N, which is highly susceptible to glomerulosclerosis, with the aim of intercrossing susceptible FVB/N and resistant C57BL/6 mice in subsequent congenic analyses. However, after backcrossing mice to FVB/N and aging mice to 28 weeks, we found no evidence of glomerular disease in PodΔMyh9 mice vs control littermates (urine MAC ratio all p>0.05). We also tested C57BL/6 PodΔMyh9 mice for a predisposition to injury from models other than Adriamycin including HIV nephropathy (HIVAN), puromycin nephropathy, and sheep nephrotoxic serum. In the Tg26 model of HIVAN, we found that podocyte-specific deletion of Myh9 resulted in a modest hypersensitivity in adults compared to Tg26+ control littermates (urine MAC ratio, p<0.05 or less). In contrast, we found that PodΔMyh9 mice were not predisposed to injury in response to other injury models including puromycin nephropathy and sheep nephrotoxic serum. While the mechanism of injury in these models is not fully understood, we conclude that PodΔMyh9 results in a variable susceptibility to glomerulosclerosis in response to different models of glomerular injury. In addition, based on the lack of a spontaneous phenotype of glomerulosclerosis in both C57BL/6 and FVB/N mice, we propose that Myh9 is not absolutely required in adult podocytes.
Collagenase for Peyronie's disease experimental studies

This pilot study was designed to test the feasibility of using purified clostridial collagenase in the clinical management of Peyronie's disease. The basic properties of this agent are discussed. We studied its effect on Peyronie's plaque tissue by a quantitative in vitro assay utilising the liberation of free α-amino groups as an index of enzymatic collagenolysis. Tissue from three patients with Peyronie's disease was used. Tunica albuginea from a second group of three normal patients was studied in the same manner, and no selectivity for the collagen of Peyronie's plaques was identified. Utilising human pericardium as a uniform collagenous substrate, a simple dose-effect relationship was established, and the distribution characteristics of injected collagenase observed. Its effects on blood vessels and nerves in vivo was determined as well as the effects of collagenase on the histology of normal and diseased human tissue in vitro. A tentative dose for use in Peyronie's disease was established, which is discussed in light of existing toxicological data. The study was designed to test the eeasibility of purified collagenase in the clinical management of Peyronie's disease. Data included detail plaque digestion and dose-effect relationships in vitro, as well as the histological effects on plaques, blood vessels, and nerves in vivo and in vitro. It is concluded that collagenase may warrant further clinical testing in the treatment of Peyronie's disease.
Evaluation of random forests performance for genome-wide association studies in the presence of interaction effects

Random forests (RF) is one of a broad class of machine learning methods that are able to deal with large-scale data without model specification, which makes it an attractive method for genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The performance of RF and other association methods in the presence of interactions was evaluated using the simulated data from Genetic Analysis Workshop 16 Problem 3, with knowledge of the major causative markers, risk factors, and their interactions in the simulated traits. There was good power to detect the environmental risk factors using RF, trend tests, or regression analyses but the power to detect the effects of the causal markers was poor for all methods. The causal marker that had an interactive effect with smoking did show moderate evidence of association in the RF and regression analyses, suggesting that RF may perform well at detecting such interactions in larger, more highly powered datasets.
Computer-aided detection of retroflexion in colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the most popular screening tool for colorectal cancer. Recent studies reported that retroflexion during colonoscopy improved polyp yields. Retroflexion is an endoscope maneuver that enables visualization of internal mucosa along the shaft of the endoscope, enabling visualization of the mucosa area that is difficult to see with typical forward viewing. This paper describes our new method that detects endoscopic images showing retroflexion. This problem has not been investigated in the literature. We propose new region features that encapsulate important properties of endoscope appearance during retroflexion. Our experimental results on 25 colonoscopy videos show that trained Decision Tree classifiers can effectively identify retroflexion in the rectum at 92.0% accuracy and 94.4% precision.
Role of cyclin B1/Cdc2 up-regulation in the development of mitotic prometaphase arrest in human breast cancer cells treated with nocodazole.

Background During a normal cell cycle, the transition from G2 phase to mitotic phase is triggered by the activation of the cyclin B1-dependent Cdc2 kinase. Here we report our finding that treatment of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells with nocodazole, a prototypic microtubule inhibitor, results in strong up-regulation of cyclin B1 and Cdc2 levels, and their increases are required for the development of mitotic prometaphase arrest and characteristic phenotypes.
Electrochemical fabrication of conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanofibrils on microfabricated neural prosthetic devices

This paper describes methods for electrochemically polymerizing conducting polymer poly(3,4-dioxyethylenethiophene) (PEDOT) nanofibrils on microfabricated neural prosthetic devices from aqueous solutions containing polyacrylic acid (PAA). These fibrils have characteristic sizes ranging from 100 to 1000 nm in diameter, depending on the concentration, molecular weight of PAA and thickness of the film. The PEDOT nanofibril-coated electrodes have significantly lower electrical impedance due to their higher effective surface area. We propose a mechanism of nanofibril formation involving locally anisotropic variations in EDOT monomer transport and PEDOT film growth due to segregation of the PAA counter-ions. This deposition method provides an improvement in the electrical properties by increasing the effective surface area of the electrodes, while still maintaining the overall small electrode size. It is also opens up new reliable and reproducible strategies for the direct electrochemical polymerization of conducting polymer nanofibrils on a variety of electrodes.
Enhancement of hypothermic cardiac performance with adenosine

1. 1.Isolated rat hearts were perfused (Langendorf) with Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate (95% O2-5% CO2) + 5 mM glucose or 5 mM glucose + 50 μM adenosine and subjected to progressive hypothermia 2. 2.Control hearts became arrhythmic below 17°C and failed at 12 ± 2°C. Adenosine-treated hearts beat rhythmically at temperatures as low as 3°C (Xarrest temperature = 7 ± 2°C). Compared to control hearts at all temperatures, coronary flow, O2 consumption and left ventricular systolic pressure development were significantly higher (P = < 0.01) in adenosine-treated hearts. 3. 3.Exogenous adenosine decreased ischemia and enhanced cardiac function during severe hypothermia.
The Objectification of Identity Across Events

Abstract This paper describes one way in which students develop durable, classroom-specific identities. When students enter new groups their identities are often fluid. Over time, however, students and teachers generally come to identify individuals in predictable ways. Durable identities emerge across events, as signs of identity come to presuppose a consistent trajectory of identification for a given individual. This paper traces the social identification of one student across the course of a two-month curriculum unit in a middle school science class, showing how he developed a complex but robust identity across several weeks in a new lab group.
Multimodality Imaging of Normal Hepatic Transplant Vasculature and Graft Vascular Complications

Orthotopic liver transplantation is an important treatment option for patients with end-stage liver disease. Advances in surgical technique, along with improvements in organ preservation and immunosuppression have improved patient outcomes. Post-operative complications, however, can limit this success. Ultrasound is the primary imaging modality for evaluation of hepatic transplants, providing real-time information about vascular flow in the graft. Graft vascular complications are not uncommon, and their prompt recognition is crucial to allow for timely graft salvage. A multimodality approach including CT angiography, MRI, or conventional angiography may be necessary in cases of complex transplant vascular anatomy or when sonography and Doppler are inconclusive to diagnose the etiologies of these complications. The purpose of this article is to familiarize radiologists with the normal post-transplant vascular anatomy and the imaging appearances of the major vascular complications that may occur within the hepatic artery, portal vein, and venous outflow tract, with an emphasis on ultrasound.
The St. Petersburg gamble and risk

Pursuing a line of thought initiated by Maurice Allais (1979), I consider whether the mean-risk method of decision making introduced by Harry Markowitz (1959) and other resolves Karl Menger's (1934) version of the St. Petersburg paradox. I provide a conditional answer to this question. I demonstrate that given certain plausible assumption about attitudes toward risk, a certain plausible development of the mean-risk method does resolve the paradox. My chief premiss is roughly that in the St. Petersburg gamble the small chances for large prizes create big risks.
The Realization of Rapid Median Filter Algorithm on FPGA

Traditional median filter algorithm has the long processing time, which goes against the real-time image processing. According to its shortcomings, this paper puts forward the rapid median filter algorithm, and uses DE2 board of the company called Altera to do the realization on FPGA (CycloneII 2C35). The experimental results show that the image pre-processing system is able to complete a variety of high-level image algorithms in milliseconds, and FPGA's parallel processing capability and pipeline operations can dramatically improve the speed of image processing, so the FPGA-based image processing system has broad prospects for development．
Do mesocosms influence photosynthesis and soil respiration

Abstract Mesocosms, enclosed outdoor experimental systems, are commonly used in terrestrial ecology. They are frequently used to study the effects of elevated CO 2 and temperature on terrestrial ecosystem processes. Despite their advantages and frequent use it is important to verify, through explicit measures, that mesocosms reliably model the larger system. In this study, fully-coupled, soil–litter–plant mesocosms were constructed in Corvallis using native soil and litter, and planted with Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb. Franco) seedlings. Needle photosynthesis and soil respiration were measured repeatedly over a 21-month period in mesocosms and compared to measurements made at two field sites (Toad Creek and Falls Creek) planted at the same density as the mesocosms. Under the temperature and soil moisture conditions, photosynthetic and soil respiration rates in the mesocosms were not significantly different than the rates at Toad Creek, where the soil and litter in the mesocosms were collected. In contrast, the soil at Falls Creek was different than the soil in the mesocosms and at Toad Creek and photosynthetic and soil respiration rates at Falls Creek were significantly different than at the other two sites. The lack of significant differences between rates measured in the mesocosms in Corvallis and at the Toad Creek field site indicate that the mesocosms did not cause significant artifacts in the data and that the results for these rates in the mesocosms can be extrapolated to field settings with comparable edaphic conditions.
Microfabrication of IPMC cilia for bio-inspired flow sensing

As the primary flow sensing organ for fishes, the lateral line system plays a critical role in fish behavior. Analogous to its biological counterpart, an artificial lateral line system, consisting of arrays of micro flow sensors, is expected to be instrumental in the navigation and control of underwater robots. In this paper we investigate the microfabrication of ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) cilia for the purpose of flow sensing. While existing macro- and microfabrication methods for IPMCs have predominantly focused on planar structures, we propose a device where micro IPMC beams stand upright on a substrate to effectively interact with the flow. Challenges in the casting of 3D Nafion structure and selective formation of electrodes are discussed, and potential solutions for addressing these challenges are presented together with preliminary microfabrication results.
Enforced One-Dimensional Photoconductivity in Core-Cladding Hexabenzocoronenes

Photoconductivity in contorted hexabenzocoronene liquid crystals is found to be exclusively one-dimensional. Spectroscopic measurements and density functional theory support the existence of two π-systems attributed to a low-energy radialene-core and higher energy out-of-plane alkoxyphenyl rings. Persistent photocurrents, measured as a function of field, channel length, and intensity, fit a stretched exponential characteristic of intracolumnar transport, restricted through the radialene-core by the alkoxyphenyl-cladding. Bimolecular recombination is enhanced with increasing carrier concentration by the system's one-dimensionality.
The lysis cassette of DLP12 defective prophage is regulated by RpoE.

Expression of the lysis cassette (essD, ybcT, rzpD/rzoD) from the defective lambdoid prophage at the 12th minute of Escherichia coli's genome (DLP12) is required in some strains for proper curli expression and biofilm formation. Regulating production of the lytic enzymes encoded by these genes is critical for maintaining cell wall integrity. In lambdoid phages, late-gene regulation is mediated by the vegetative sigma factor RpoD and the lambda antiterminator Qλ. We previously demonstrated that DLP12 contains a Q-like protein (QDLP12) that positively regulates transcription of the lysis cassette, but the sigma factor responsible for this transcription initiation remained to be elucidated. In silico analysis of essDp revealed the presence of a putative − 35 and − 10 sigma site recognized by the extracytoplasmic stress response sigma factor, RpoE. In this work, we report that RpoE overexpression promoted transcription from essDp in vivo, and in vitro using purified RNAP. We demonstrate that the − 35 region is important for RpoE binding in vitro and that this region is also important for QDLP12-mediated transcription of essDp in vivo. A bacterial two-hybrid assay indicated that QDLP12 and RpoE physically interact in vivo, consistent with what is seen for Qλ and RpoD. We propose that RpoE regulates transcription of the DLP12 lysis genes through interaction with QDLP12 and that proper expression is dependent on an intact − 35 sigma region in essDp. This work provides evidence that the unique Q-dependent regulatory mechanism of lambdoid phages has been co-opted by E. coli harbouring defective DLP12 and has been integrated into the tightly controlled RpoE regulon.
A quality assurance elective for radiology residents

Rationale and Objectives As a component of the practice-based core competency of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, all radiology residents must receive training to be able to evaluate and improve their patient care practices. To achieve this goal, our quality management section has implemented a comprehensive elective rotation in quality assurance. Materials and Methods We have designed a month-long structured resident elective in radiology quality assurance at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School. This elective provides a combination of didactic teaching, self-learning, and practical experience in the methodology, workings, and clinical applications of quality assurance as these relate to improving technical and clinical performance in a large academic radiology department. Results During this rotation, residents are exposed to the spectrum of commonly used tools and techniques used for performance improvement related to the practice of radiology. By actively participating in department and hospital quality assurance (QA) committee meetings, and through initiation of a mentored project coupled with didactic instruction, residents are exposed first hand to the practice and role of continuous quality monitoring and to the implementation and monitoring of action items. Conclusion Participation in our QA elective provides our residents with a comprehensive exposure to the spectrum of quality-related problems, and equips them with the necessary tools to resolve many of the clinical or technical problems they are likely to encounter in their future careers. It is thus an appropriate tool to instruct residents in the competency of “practice-based learning and improvement.”
Identification of Ascaridia numidae in Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) and Association with Elevated Mortality

An outbreak of ascaridiasis occurred in 10-wk-old guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) on a commercial farm. Birds had exhibited elevated mortality (11.66%) in the previous week, as well as increased water consumption, weakness, anorexia, and stunted growth. Numerous nematodes, occasionally occluding the intestinal lumen, were present in the jejunum and ileum and were identified as Ascaridia numidae based on microscopic morphology. Ribosomal DNA 18S and 28S D3 sequences of the nematode were deposited into GenBank and found to be most similar to Ascaridia galli and Toxocara vitulorum, respectively; sequences for A. numidae had not been previously reported. Treatment with piperazine sulfate significantly reduced the number of adult worms in the intestines, greatly decreased eggs per gram of feces, relieved clinical signs in the flock, and returned the flock mortality back to expected levels. All findings implicate A. numidae as the cause of elevated mortality in this flock.
Bone metastases: Approaches to management

Cancer commonly metastasizes to bone and up to 80% of breast, prostate, and lung cancer patients will have bone metastases. The site and distribution of bone metastases, and the presence of skeletal complications such as pathologic fracture and spinal cord compression affect the patient's prognosis. In many cases, bone metastases are too advanced to be eliminated through chemotherapy or radiotherapy; in these cases, treatment is given to relieve or prevent further symptoms. Several treatments are used in palliative care, including radiation therapy, systemic radiopharmaceuticals, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and bisphosphonates. Radiotherapy remains the treatment of choice, and radiation treatment given in a single fraction has proven to be an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional multifraction radiotherapy courses. Analgesics are important in palliative therapy because they relieve pain while administering and awaiting the relief of pain from treatment. Furthermore, analgesics will relieve persistent levels of pain if complete pain relief is not achieved with therapy. Currently, bone pain is not adequately treated by many physicians and up to 79% of patients experience severe pain in the period before palliative therapy.
Long-term Changes in Plant Communities Influenced by Key Deer Herbivory

The aim of the present study was to estimate changes in plant species composition in sev- eral forest communities caused by changes in endangered Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) densities in the National Key Deer Refuge in the lower Florida Keys. Baseline vegetation quadrats from a 1990 study were resampled in 2002 (the present study) in buttonwood transition, hardwood hammock, and mangrove wetland communities (all deer habitat) on 12 islands with low, medium, and high Key deer densities. On islands with high Key deer densities (>17 deer km -2 ), the relative densities of pre- ferred plant species 1.2 m tall (midstory/canopy) also significantly decreased in hammock on islands with high deer density, suggesting that heavy browsing is deterring plant growth/recruitment, thus already affecting regeneration of certain plant species into the midstory/canopy tiers. Plant species richness did not vary significantly between 1990 and 2002 for islands with high deer densities, but tended to increase slightly on islands with low deer density in but- tonwood and hammock communities. Evidence from this study suggests that high densities of Key deer influence plant species composition on certain islands. We suggest that management plans for Key deer should incorporate both species protection components and population control techniques dependent on deer density-island associations.
Strategies for hedging and trading in the emerging ethanol commodities market

The increasing cost of motor fuel and the need to meet environmental standards has significantly raised worldwide interest in ethanol as a fuel commodity. This paper describes basic concepts and methods developed for a market risk management strategy intended to successfully hedge ethanol market risk through the application of stochastic modeling and mitigate the negative impact of potential market events and changes in market drivers. This strategy is the core for a tool that can help serve the needs of ethanol producers and consumers by decreasing the probability of margin losses affecting the viability of their project investments, as well as a means for identification of promising arbitrage opportunities for commodity traders. The strategy is based on an adjustable model that relates ethanol prices to a basket of related commodities. The model is designed to update itself by adjusting to events impacting the market arising from changes in market fundamentals. These include changes in duties and subsidy policies, production capacity, value of by-products, production technology, transport/distribution infrastructure constraints, environmental and social attitudes, and the flexibility of small consumers to use higher percentage ethanol fuels.
Broadband photophoretic spectroscopy

A means for obtaining broadband photophoretic spectra is described. The sensitivity of the technique is found in accordance with radiometric theory to increase markedly with pressure reduction below 1 atm. Noise oscillation induced by radiometric torques is contained through the use of electronic damping. The first broadband spectrum on a single crystallite (approximtely 5 microm) of CdS is presented.
Stitching of off-axis sub-aperture null measurements of an aspheric surface

ABSTRACT Optical testing of a large convex aspheric surface, such as the secondary of a Ritchey-Chretien telescope, can be performed with a Fizeau interferometer that utilizes subapertur e aspheric reference plates, each providing a null test of a subaperture of the larger mirror. The subaperture data can be combined or stitched together to create a map of the full surface. The region of the secondary mirror surface under test in each sub-aperture is an off-axis segment of the parent aspheric surface, therefore, the Fizeau reference requires a non-axi-symmetric aspheric surface to match it. Misalignment of the Fizeau reference relative to the parent in each sub-aperture will then result in aberrations in the measurements other than the ordinary terms of piston and tilt. When stitching sub-aperture measurements together, the apparent aberrations due to the null lens misalignment need to be fitted and subtracted. This paper presents an algorithm to perform this particular type of stitching. Keywords: optical testing, stitching, aspheric optics
Homonegative Attitudes and Risk Behaviors for HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Sexually Active Men in the United States

Objectives. We examined associations between homonegative attitudes and HIV and other sexually transmitted infection (HIV/STI) risk behaviors among sexually active US men.Methods. We used the 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth (n = 10 403) and multivariable logistic regression models to examine homonegative attitudes in relation to condom use, number of past-year sex partners, HIV/STI testing, and STI diagnoses.Results. Among men who had sex with men, homonegative attitudes were associated with lower odds of condom use during anal sex with women (before the past year) and past-year STI testing. Among men who had sex with men and women, homonegative attitudes were associated with lower odds of condom use during vaginal sex and sex with men, having 4 or more partners, and HIV testing ever. Among men who had sex with women, homonegative attitudes were associated with lower odds of condom use during vaginal sex and sex with men (before the past year), HIV testing ever, and contracting herpes, human pa...
Impact Testing of Stainless Steel Material at Cold Temperatures

Stainless steels are used for the construction of numerous spent nuclear fuel or radioactive material containers that may be subjected to high strains and moderate strain rates during accidental drop events. Mechanical characteristics of these base materials and their welds under dynamic loads in the strain rate range of concern are not well documented. However, a previous paper [1] reported on impact testing and analysis results performed at the Idaho National Laboratory using 304/304L and 316/316L stainless steel base material specimens at room and elevated temperatures. The goal of the work presented herein is to add recently completed impact tensile testing results at -20 degrees F conditions for dual-marked 304/304L and 316/316L stainless steel material specimens (hereafter referred to as 304L and 316L, respectively). Recently completed welded material impact testing at -20 degrees F, room, 300 degrees F, and 600 degrees F is also reported. Utilizing a drop-weight impact test machine and 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick dog-bone shaped test specimens, the impact tests achieved strain rates in the 4 to 40 per second range, depending upon the material temperature. Elevated true stress-strain curves for these materials reflecting varying strain rates and temperatures are presented herein.
Zinc chelate inhibited uptake of copper and manganese, or is it chelating agent inhibition? — Differential zinc accumulation in primary leaves

Abstract Zinc DTPA, but not ZnEDTA, inhibited Mn uptake by bush bean plants at high solution pH just as much as did excess DTPA without Zn in previous studies. Copper uptake was also inhibited by ZnDTPA, and to a lesser extent by ZnEDTA, but this may be explained by the unavailability of chelated Cu in solution culture. The high levels of chelated Zn applied were not greatly available for uptake except that both sources promoted large accumulation in primary leaves. It was postulated that primary leaves are a major sink for chelating agents that are taken up by plants. It is well known that Fe chelates and chelating agents do inhibit Mn uptake by plants and often induced Mn deficiency (Wallace et al., 1976; Wallace, 1980a, b). High levels of excess chelating agents, especially DTPA, inhibit plant uptake of Zn, Cu and Mn but not always of Fe (Halvorson and Lindsay, 1977). The major purpose of the experiment reported here was to determine if a high level of ZnDTPA would result in greater Zn uptake by plants...
Profound Alterations of Intestinal Microbiota following a Single Dose of Clindamycin Results in Sustained Susceptibility to Clostridium difficile-Induced Colitis

Antibiotic-induced changes in the intestinal microbiota predispose mammalian hosts to infection with antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive intestinal pathogen that causes colitis and diarrhea in patients following antibiotic treatment. Clindamycin predisposes patients to C. difficile colitis. Here, we have used Roche-454 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing to longitudinally characterize the intestinal microbiota of mice following clindamycin treatment in the presence or absence of C. difficile infection. We show that a single dose of clindamycin markedly reduces the diversity of the intestinal microbiota for at least 28 days, with an enduring loss of ca. 90% of normal microbial taxa from the cecum. Loss of microbial complexity results in dramatic sequential expansion and contraction of a subset of bacterial taxa that are minor contributors to the microbial consortium prior to antibiotic treatment. Inoculation of clindamycin-treated mice with C. difficile (VPI 10463) spores results in rapid development of diarrhea and colitis, with a 4- to 5-day period of profound weight loss and an associated 40 to 50% mortality rate. Recovering mice resolve diarrhea and regain weight but remain highly infected with toxin-producing vegetative C. difficile bacteria and, in comparison to the acute stage of infection, have persistent, albeit ameliorated cecal and colonic inflammation. The microbiota of “recovered” mice remains highly restricted, and mice remain susceptible to C. difficile infection at least 10 days following clindamycin, suggesting that resolution of diarrhea and weight gain may result from the activation of mucosal immune defenses.