cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nucleation of stress-induced martensites in a Ti/Mo-based alloy

The formation of stress-induced α ″ martensite in a metastable β Ti-Mo-based alloy has been studied using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The martensite nucleates heterogeneously at pre-existing sub-grain boundaries by dissociation of the boundary dislocations which bow out on inclined planes. The growth of martensite laths from the resultant stacking faults occurs by the motion of interfacial disconnections: the steps at the cores of these defects account for the apparent discrepancy between the 112 glide plane for the initial partial dislocation and the 334 habit plane for the martensite laths.
Hopping conductivity of a suspension of flexible wires in an insulator

We study the hopping conductivity in a composite made of Gaussian coils of flexible metallic wires randomly and isotropically suspended in an insulator at such concentrations that the spheres containing each wire overlap. Uncontrolled donors and acceptors in the insulator lead to random charging of wires and, hence, to a finite density of states at the Fermi level. Then the Coulomb interactions between electrons of distant wires result in the soft Coulomb gap. At low temperatures the conductivity is due to variable range hopping of electrons between wires and obeys the Efros-Shklovskii (ES) law $\mathrm{ln}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\propto}\ensuremath{-}({T}_{\mathrm{ES}}∕T{)}^{1∕2}$ with ${T}_{\mathrm{ES}}$ decreasing with concentration and length of the wires. Due to enhanced screening of Coulomb potentials, at large enough wire concentrations and sufficiently high temperatures, the ES law is replaced by the Mott law $\mathrm{ln}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\propto}\ensuremath{-}({T}_{M}∕T{)}^{1∕4}$.
Current sheet particle acceleration: Theory and observations for the geomagnetic tail

It has been found that the current sheet in the geomagnetic tail is a source of plasma and energetic particles for the magnetospheric ring current and radiation belts. It is also a seat for instabilities and magnetospheric substorms. Theoretical studies related to the geomagnetic tail are discussed, taking into account Dungey's (1953) original ideas concerning neutral point acceleration, and studies of particle motion in current sheets conducted by many authors. A description of observations concerning the geomagnetic tail is also provided, taking into account plasma sheet populations, and the plasma sheet boundary layer. Some remaining problems are partly related to the location and the behavior of the distant source, the nature of the relative (time-dependent) ionospheric versus solar wind contributions, and the role of the solar wind in the initiation of distant or near-earth neutral lines. 56 references.
Mechanism of ethidium bromide inhibition of RNA polymerase.

Abstract The interaction of RNA polymerase with DNA prior to the initiation of RNA synthesis involves the formation of a specific complex (I) which is in equilibrium with the so-called rapidly starting (RS) complex. Ethidium bromide, which is an effective inhibitor of RNA synthesis, has no effect on either the rate of transformation of the I complex to the RS complex or the rate of transformation of the RS complex to the initiation complex. Rather this intercalating inhibitor, which modifies the conformation of the template, apparently acts by limiting the number of enzyme molecules which form I complexes.
A Space-Frequency Technique for Chipless RFID Tag Localization

In this paper, a new technique is proposed for the accurate localization of chipless RFID tags presented in the reader area. The reader area is subdivided into some triangular unit cells. Each unit cell is covered by three antennas located at the vertices of the triangle in order to extract the positions of the tags. Assuming the reader area as the scatterer medium, the tags act as the scattering centers of the medium. Employing some mathematical description, it is shown that by applying the narrow-frequency matrix pencil method (NFMPM) to the frequency response of the tag, the distance of the tag from the antennas can be found from a space-frequency diagram. Having three distances and coordinates of the antennas, the position of the tag can be obtained easily by triangulation technique. Different scenarios are simulated and validated with the measured results. The measured range and angle errors achieved based on the proposed approach are less than 1.5 cm and 2.6 $^{\circ}$ for a tag with area of 15 $\,\times\,$ 25 ${\hbox{mm}}^{2}$ .
Pharmacological approaches to cognitive deficits and incontinence (1899-2002): progress in geriatric care.

Abstract In planning for the medical needs of our growing population of older adults, it has been assumed that modern pharmacology of common geriatric conditions includes strategies not considered in previous decades. However, examination of the 1899 edition of the Merck Manual demonstrates that many important contributors to geriatric disability had already started to be recognized in the 19th century. Moreover, some of the medications recommended for these conditions in 1899 were based on the same pharmacological principles as ‘state-of-the-art' management options available in 2002.
Examining single-source secondary impacts estimated from brute-force, decoupled direct method, and advanced plume treatment approaches

In regulatory assessments, there is a need for reliable estimates of the impacts of precursor emissions from individual sources on secondary PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 microns) and ozone. Three potential methods for estimating these impacts using Eulerian grid photochemical models are the brute-force (B–F) method, the decoupled direct method (DDM), and advanced plume treatment (APT). Here, we systematically inter-compare and assess the B–F, DDM, and APT approaches using hypothetical sources in a consistent modeling platform for a wide range of source conditions (i.e., emissions amount and composition, location within two California air basins, and stack parameters). The impacts of NOx and VOC sources on ozone and SO2 sources on PM2.5 sulfate calculated by these methods are in general agreement. The agreement is evident in the similar magnitudes, spatial patterns, and strong correlations among the impacts. This result, along with previous model evaluations based on similar Eulerian grid modeling, builds confidence in the reliability of the impact estimates. Disagreement among methods is evident in calculations of PM2.5 nitrate impacts associated with NH3 and NOx sources. Numerical instabilities in DDM sensitivity calculations compromise the nitrate impact estimates from that approach. The B–F and APT methods, which use brute-force differencing to identify impacts, are affected by numerical artifacts to a lesser degree than (H)DDM, with the artifacts being more prominent for APT than B–F. Overall, our results indicate that the (H)DDM, B–F, and APT approaches are viable for use in estimating single-source impacts for ozone and secondary PM2.5 sulfate, while the B–F method appears to be the most reliable for estimating nitrate impacts. There is a need for additional field study measurements to better constrain model estimates of single-source secondary impacts.
Analytic and numerical aspects of the observation of the heat equation

We present a simple and extremely accurate procedure for approximating initial temperature for the heat equation on the line using a discrete time and spatial sampling. The procedure is based on the "sinc expansion" which for functions in a particular class yields a uniform exponential error bound with exponent depending on the number of spatial sample locations chosen. Further the temperature need only be sampled at one and the same temporal value for each of the spatial sampling points. For N spatial sample points, the approximation is reduced to solving a linear system with a (2N + 1) × (2N + 1) coefficient matrix. This matrix is a symmetric toeplitz matrix and hence is determined by computing only 2N + 1 values using quadrature.
Fuel Cell-Based MEMS Power Source

The increasing demand for high energy density power sources driven by advancements in portable electronics and MEMS devices has generated significant interest in development of micro fuel cells. One of the major challenges in development of hydrogen micro fuel cells is the fabrication and integration of auxiliary systems for generation and delivery of fuel to the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). In this paper, we report the development of a millimeter-scale (3×3×1 mm3 ) micro fuel cell with on-board fuel and control system. Hydrogen is generated in the device through reaction between water and a metal hydride. The device incorporates a new control mechanism for hydrogen generation that occupies only 50 nL volume (less than 0.5% of the total device volume). More importantly, the control mechanism is self-regulating and does not consume any power, enabling the micro fuel cell to operate passively, similar to a battery.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Optimum unambiguous discrimination between linearly independent nonorthogonal quantum states and its optical realization

Unambiguously distinguishing between nonorthogonal but linearly independent quantum states is a challenging problem in quantum information processing. In principle, the problem can be solved by mapping the set of nonorthogonal quantum states onto a set of orthogonal ones, which then can be distinguished without error. Such nonunitary transformations can be performed conditionally on quantum systems; a unitary transformation is carried out on a larger system of which the system of interest is a subsytem, a measurement is performed, and if the proper result is obtained the desired nonunitary transformation has been performed on the subsystem. We show how to construct generalized interferometers (multiports), which when combined with measurements on some of the output ports, implement nonunitary transformations of this type. The input states are single-photon states in which the photon is divided among several modes. A number of explicit examples of distinguishing among three nonorthogonal states are discussed, and the networks that optimally distinguish among these states are presented.
Elevation changes in Pine Island Glacier, Walgreen Coast, Antarctica, based on GLAS (2003) and ERS-1 (1995) altimeter data analyses and glaciological implications

The Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) aboard ICESat, launched in January 2003, has been designed to detect and monitor changes in the cryosphere. The first objective of this paper is to present high-resolution ice-surface elevation maps derived from GLAS data, using geostatistical analysis. In a regional study of Walgreen Coast and Northern Ellsworth Land, West Antarctica, differences in the representation of geographic and morphologic features in maps based on ERS-1 radar altimeter data and on GLAS data are investigated, with the result that in particular in topographically complex coastal areas and the margin of the ice sheet the improvement in precision and accuracy of the laser altimeter is significant. A second, applied objective is to map elevation changes in Pine Island Glacier, a glacier that plays a key role in the question of stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and has been changing rapidly in recent years. Results of elevation differencing of 2003-GLAS-data and 1995-ERS-1-radar-altimeter-data DEMs (1) show that thinning rates have been increasing and (2) are applied to attribute the observed changes in Pine Island Glacier to internal processes in the glacier, related to dynamic thinning. More generally, this application serves to demonstrate that GLAS data facilitate study of cryospheric change.
Vaginal douching practices of women in eight Florida panhandle counties

Objective To document knowledge, beliefs, douching practices, prevalence of bacterial vaginosis, and preterm births in women who douche. Design Descriptive, cross-sectional nonexperimental design. Setting Six private midwifery/nurse practitioner offices and eight county health departments in the Florida panhandle. Participants Four hundred eighty-three English- or Spanish-speaking women aged 14 to 45 years. Methods Self-administered questionnaire about douching; medical record review. Main outcome measures Prevalence of douching, history of preterm labor, preterm births, and prevalence of bacterial vaginosis. Results Of 483 women, 76% had douched, 43% douched at least once per month, and 36% were unaware they should not douche. As determined by odds ratio, women who douched monthly were 2.5 times more likely to have a history of bacterial vaginosis than women who did not douche ( p p = .004). Of 409 clients with medical records available, 32 had preterm births of which 69% had a history of bacterial vaginosis (x 2 = 4.5, df = 1, p = .034). Among women with preterm births who douched regularly prior to pregnancy ( n = 14), 87% had a history of bacterial vaginosis (x 2 = 7.14, df = 1, p = .008). Conclusions Associations of douching with bacterial vaginosis and bacterial vaginosis with preterm labor were significant. Health care professionals should initiate discussions to discourage douching. JOGNN , 35, 24-33; 2006. DOI: 10.1111/J.1552-6909.2006.00003.x
Potential of active microwave sensors in monitoring underground permafrost

A mathematical evaluation of the potential of active microwave sensors for monitoring underground permafrost is carried out. For this purpose, the Helmholtz Integral is used to relate the scattered field to the field inside the permafrost. A mathematical formation is derived for the scattered field by estimating the inner field through a generalized Rayleigh- Gans approximation. Numerical calculation show that the freezing thawing process is the dominant factor determining the relative level of the backscattered signal.
Continuous wave NMR of submonolayer 3He adsorbed on grafoil

Abstract NMR linewidths and magnetic susceptibilities of 3 He adsorbed on Grafoil have been measured by a continuous wave technique between 0.40 K to 4.21 K for five fractional monolayer coverages, x , between 0.20 and 0.96. Interpretations in terms of the phases of the submonolayers are presented.
A serotonin hypothesis of panic disorder

Despite numerous animal studies indicating an important role of serotonin (5-HT) in anxiety, 5-HT's function in the regulation of human anxiety has hardly been studied. Recent clinical studies suggest an involvement of 5-HT systems in panic disorder. This paper will briefly review the pertinent data on 5-HT and panic disorder and propose a specific hypothesis on 5-HT abnormalities in that disorder.
Single-mask processing of micromechanical piercing structures using ion milling (biomedical tissue fasteners)

A useful method for transferring mask patterns over large distances using ion milling is described. This technique exploits the anisotropy of a collimated ion beam to etch the projection of a stencil mask pattern into a thin film. This method avoids the difficulties associated with photoresist processing on highly nonplanar substrates, and thus provides an alternative process avenue for the development of three-dimensional microstructures. The technique is demonstrated by fabricating arrays of high aspect ratio barbs, which are intended for use in tissue fasteners in biomedical applications. >
A Player-Centered Approach to Coaching

(2008). A Player-Centered Approach to Coaching. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 79, No. 6, pp. 24-30.
Describing Graphs: A First-Order Approach to Graph Canonization

In this paper we ask the question, “What must be added to first-order logic plus least-fixed point to obtain exactly the polynomial-time properties of unordered graphs?” We consider the languages L k consisting of first-order logic restricted to k variables and C k consisting of L k plus “counting quantifiers”. We give efficient canonization algorithms for graphs characterized by C k or L k . It follows from known results that all trees and almost all graphs are characterized by C 2.
Roll and Pitch Motion Analysis of a Biologically Inspired Quadruped Water Runner Robot

In this paper, the roll and pitch dynamics of a biologically inspired quadruped water runner robot are analyzed, and a stable robot design is proposed and tested. The robotâs footâwater interaction force is derived using drag equations. Roll direction instability is attributed to a small roll moment of inertia and large instantaneous roll moments generated by the footâwater interaction forces. Roll dynamics are modeled by approximating the water as a linear spring. Using this model, estimates on the roll moment of inertia that can endure moments generated by water interactions are derived. Instability in the pitch direction is caused by the thrust force the four feet exert on the water. To correct this, a circular tail which can negate the pitch moment around the center of mass is proposed. Both passive and active tail designs which can cope with disturbances are introduced. Based on these analyses, a stable water runner is designed, and built. Experimental high-speed video footage demonstrates the stable roll and pitch motion of the robot. Simulations are used to estimate robustness against disturbances, waves, and leg running frequency variations. It is found that roll motion is more sensitive to disturbances when compared with the pitch direction.
The glassy state, ideal glass transition, and second‐order phase transition

According to Ehrenfest classification, the glass transition is a second-order phase transition. Controversy, however, remains due to the discrepancy between experiment and the Ehrenfest relations and thereby their prediction of unity of the Prigogine-Defay ratio in particular. In this article, we consider the case of ideal (equilibrium) glass and show that the glass transition may be described thermodynamically. At the transition, we obtain the following relations: dT/dP = Δβ/Δα and dT/dP = TVΔα(1-Λ)/ΔC p -ΔC V with Λ = (α g β l - α l β g ) 2 /β l β g Δα 2 ; dV/DP= V (α g β l - α l β g )/Δα, dV/dP = β l β g (ΔC P -ΔC V )(α g β l -α l β g )/TΔα(α 2 l β g -α 2 g -β l ); dV/dT = V(α g β l -α l β g )/Δβ and dV/dT = β l β g (ΔC P - ΔC V )(α g β l - α l β g )/TΔβ(α 2 l β g -α 2 g β g ). The Prigogine-Defay ratio is Π =1/ 1 - (ΔC V - Γ)/ΔC P with Γ = TV(α l β g - α g β l ) 2 /β l β g Δβ, instead of unity as predicted by the Ehrenfest relations. Dependent on the relative value of ΔC V and Γ, the ratio may take a number equal to, larger or smaller than unity. The incorrect assumption of perfect differentiability of entropy at the transition, leading to the second Ehrenfest relation, is rectified to resolve the long-standing dilemma perplexing the nature of the glass transition. The relationships obtained in this work are in agreement with experimental findings.
Biologic rhythms and test interpretation.

Cyclic rhythms related to the daily solar cycle are pervasive throughout biology. Rhythmic phenomena like the crow of the rooster at sunrise are well recognized and part of the common experience and literature of many societies, whereas, our realization of the existence of clock genes in fungi, plants, insects and vertebrates has occurred only over the last two decades. Recent reviews lay out our current understanding of clock genes and their control networks [1 – 3].
Role of Nox2-Based NADPH Oxidase in Bone Marrow and Progenitor Cell Function Involved in Neovascularization Induced by Hindlimb Ischemia

Bone marrow (BM) is the major reservoir for endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Postnatal neovascularization depends on not only angiogenesis but also vasculogenesis, which is mediated through mobilization of EPCs from BM and their recruitment to the ischemic sites. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from Nox2-based NADPH oxidase play an important role in postnatal neovascularization; however, their role in BM and EPC function is unknown. Here we show that hindlimb ischemia of mice significantly increases Nox2 expression and ROS production in BM-mononuclear cells (BMCs), which is associated with an increase in circulating EPC-like cells. Mice lacking Nox2 show reduction of ischemia-induced flow recovery, ROS levels in BMCs, as well as EPC mobilization from BM. Transplantation of wild-type (WT)-BM into Nox2-deficient mice rescues the defective neovascularization, whereas WT mice transplanted with Nox2-deficient BM show reduced flow recovery and capillary density compared to WT-BM transplanted control. Intravenous infusion of WT- and Nox2-deficient BMCs into WT mice reveals that neovascularization and homing capacity are impaired in Nox2-deficient BMCs in vivo. In vitro, Nox2-deficient c-kit+Lin− BM stem/progenitor cells show impaired chemotaxis and invasion as well as polarization of actins in response to stromal derived factor (SDF), which is associated with blunted SDF-1–mediated phosphorylation of Akt. In conclusion, Nox2-derived ROS in BM play a critical role in mobilization, homing, and angiogenic capacity of EPCs and BM stem/progenitor cells, thereby promoting revascularization of ischemic tissue. Thus, NADPH oxidase in BM and EPCs is potential therapeutic targets for promoting neovascularization in ischemic cardiovascular diseases.
NUCLEAR MIGRATION IN DIPLOID-HAPLOID PAIRINGS OF ARMILLARIA OSTOYAE

Diploid-haploid pairings to identify field isolates of Armillaria to species generally rely on morphological differences between diploid and haploid colonies (flat and fluffy colonies, respectively) and morphological changes in haploid tester colonies. Presumably, the change in morphology of the haploid tester is due to diploidization. Isozyme markers, aconitase and glucosephosphate isomerase, were used to follow nuclear migration from putatively diploid isolates into a haploid tester strain of A. ostoyae. After pairing diploid field isolates with a haploid tester for 3 or 4 weeks, subcultures were taken from the haploid tester at 2 and 10 mm from the confrontation zone. Subcultures from 2 mm were mostly flat; subcultures from 10 mm were fluffy, flat, or fluffy with flat sectors. Hyphal tip cultures from the subcultures were analyzed for the isozyme markers. All fluffy hyphal tip cultures had the isozyme phenotype of the haploid tester. Flat hyphal tip cultures either had the isozyme phenotype of the diploid parent or had a hybrid isozyme phenotype with markers of both the diploid parent and the haploid tester. The data suggest that in conspecific diploid-haploid pairings, the diploid nucleus usually migrates into the haploid mycelium and eventually displaces the haploid nucleus.
Rigid-body fracture sound with precomputed soundbanks

We propose a physically based algorithm for synthesizing sounds synchronized with brittle fracture animations. Motivated by laboratory experiments, we approximate brittle fracture sounds using time-varying rigid-body sound models. We extend methods for fracturing rigid materials by proposing a fast quasistatic stress solver to resolve near-audio-rate fracture events, energy-based fracture pattern modeling and estimation of "crack"-related fracture impulses. Multipole radiation models provide scalable sound radiation for complex debris and level of detail control. To reduce soundmodel generation costs for complex fracture debris, we propose Precomputed Rigid-Body Soundbanks comprised of precomputed ellipsoidal sound proxies. Examples and experiments are presented that demonstrate plausible and affordable brittle fracture sounds.
Global Analysis of Gene Expression Changes During Retinoic Acid-Induced Growth Arrest and Differentiation of Melanoma: Comparison to Differentially Expressed Genes in Melanocytes vs Melanoma

The incidence of malignant melanoma has significantly increased over the last decade. Some of these malignancies are susceptible to the growth inhibitory and pro-differentiating effects of all-trans-retinoic acid (RA). The molecular changes responsible for the biological activity of RA in melanoma are not well understood. In an analysis of sequential global gene expression changes during a 4–48 h RA treatment of B16 mouse melanoma cells, we found that RA increased the expression of 757 genes and decreased the expression of 737 genes. We also compared the gene expression profile (no RA treatment) between non-malignant melan-a mouse melanocytes and B16 melanoma cells. Using the same statistical test, we found 1495 genes whose expression was significantly higher in melan-a than in B16 cells and 2054 genes whose expression was significantly lower in melan-a than in B16 cells. By intersecting these two gene sets, we discovered a common set of 233 genes whose RNA levels were significantly different between B16 and melan-a cells and whose expression was altered by RA treatment. Within this set, RA treatment altered the expression of 203 (87%) genes toward the melan-a expression level. In addition, hierarchical clustering showed that after 48 h of RA treatment expression of the 203 genes was more closely related to the melan-a gene set than any other RA treatment time point. Functional analysis of the 203 gene set indicated that RA decreased expression of mRNAs that encode proteins involved in cell division/cell cycle, DNA replication, recombination and repair, and transcription regulation. Conversely, it stimulated genes involved in cell-cell signaling, cell adhesion and cell differentiation/embryonic development. Pathway analysis of the 203 gene set revealed four major hubs of connectivity: CDC2, CHEK1, CDC45L and MCM6. Our analysis of common genes in the 48 h RA-treatment of B16 melanoma cells and untreated B16 vs. melan-a data set show that RA "normalized" the expression of genes involved in energy metabolism, DNA replication, DNA repair and differentiation. These results are compatible with the known growth inhibitory and pro-differentiating effects of RA. Pathway analysis suggests that CDC2, CHEK1, CDC45L and MCM6 are key players in mediating the biological activity of RA in B16 melanoma cells.
Role of the Streptococcus mutans irvA Gene in GbpC-Independent, Dextran-Dependent Aggregation and Biofilm Formation

Dextran-dependent aggregation (DDAG) of Streptococcus mutans is an in vitro phenomenon that is believed to represent a property of the organism that is beneficial for sucrose-dependent biofilm development. GbpC, a cell surface glucan-binding protein, is responsible for DDAG in S. mutans when cultured under defined stressful conditions. Recent reports have described a putative transcriptional regulator gene, irvA, located just upstream of gbpC, that is normally repressed by the product of an adjacent gene, irvR. When repression of irvA is relieved, there is a resulting increase in the expression of GbpC and decreases in competence and synthesis of the antibiotic mutacin I. This study examined the role of irvA in DDAG and biofilm formation by engineering strains that overexpressed irvA (IrvA+) on an extrachromosomal plasmid. The IrvA+ strain displayed large aggregation particles that did not require stressful growth conditions. A novel finding was that overexpression of irvA in a gbpC mutant background retained a measure of DDAG, albeit very small aggregation particles. Biofilms formed by the IrvA+ strain in the parental background possessed larger-than-normal microcolonies. In a gbpC mutant background, the overexpression of irvA reversed the fragile biofilm phenotype normally associated with loss of GbpC. Real-time PCR and Northern blot analyses found that expression of gbpC did not change significantly in the IrvA+ strain but expression of spaP, encoding the major surface adhesin P1, increased significantly. Inactivation of spaP eliminated the small-particle DDAG. The results suggest that IrvA promotes DDAG not only by GbpC, but also via an increase in P1.
A Battery-Free Tag for Wireless Monitoring of Heart Sounds

We have developed a wearable, battery-free tag that monitors heart sounds. The tag powers up by harvesting ambient RF energy, and contains a low-power integrated circuit, an antenna and up to four microphones. The chip, which consumes only 1.0uW of power, generates digital events when the outputs of any of the microphones exceeds a programmable threshold voltage, combines such events together by using a programmable logic array, and transmits them to a base station by using backscatter modulation. The chip can also be programmed to trade-off microphone sensitivity for power consumption. In this paper, we demonstrate that the tag, when attached to the chest, can reliably measure heart rate at distances up to 7m from an FCC-compliant RF power source. We also suggest how delays between signals measured by microphones at the wrist and neck can be used to provide information about relative blood-pressure variations.
Behavior of Aspartic Acid as a Corrosion Inhibitor for Steel

Abstract Corrosion inhibition of steel by aspartic acid (C4H7NO4), an amino acid of low molecular weight, was found to depend strongly on pH. At a pH less than the ionization constant at ∼9.5 to 10...
Consumption Dynamics of the Adult Piscivorous Fish Community in Spirit Lake, Iowa

Abstract At Spirit Lake, one of Iowa's most important fisheries, walleye Sander vitreus (formerly Stizostedion vitreum) is one of the most popular species with anglers. Despite a century of walleye stocking and management in Spirit Lake, walleye growth rate, size structure, and angler harvest continue to decline. Our purpose was to determine the magnitude and dynamics of walleye population consumption relative to those of other piscivorous species in Spirit Lake, which would allow managers to judge the feasibility of increasing the abundance, growth rate, and size structure of the walleye population. We quantified food consumption by the adult piscivorous fish community in Spirit Lake over a 3-year period. Data on population dynamics, diet, energy density, and water temperature from 1995 to 1997 were used in bioenergetics models to estimate total consumption by walleye, yellow perch Perca flavescens, smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu, largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, black crappie Pomoxis nigroma...
Transcriptome-wide interrogation of RNA secondary structure in living cells with icSHAPE

icSHAPE (in vivo click selective 2-hydroxyl acylation and profiling experiment) captures RNA secondary structure at a transcriptome-wide level by measuring nucleotide flexibility at base resolution. Living cells are treated with the icSHAPE chemical NAI-N3 followed by selective chemical enrichment of NAI-N3-modified RNA, which provides an improved signal-to-noise ratio compared with similar methods leveraging deep sequencing. Purified RNA is then reverse-transcribed to produce cDNA, with SHAPE-modified bases leading to truncated cDNA. After deep sequencing of cDNA, computational analysis yields flexibility scores for every base across the starting RNA population. The entire experimental procedure can be completed in ∼5 d, and the sequencing and bioinformatics data analysis take an additional 4-5 d with no extensive computational skills required. Comparing in vivo and in vitro icSHAPE measurements can reveal in vivo RNA-binding protein imprints or facilitate the dissection of RNA post-transcriptional modifications. icSHAPE reactivities can additionally be used to constrain and improve RNA secondary structure prediction models.
γ-H2AX Kinetic Profile in Mouse Lymphocytes Exposed to the Internal Emitters Cesium-137 and Strontium-90

In the event of a dirty bomb scenario or an industrial nuclear accident, a significant dose of volatile radionuclides such as 137Cs and 90Sr may be dispersed into the atmosphere as a component of fallout and inhaled or ingested by hundreds and thousands of people. To study the effects of prolonged exposure to ingested radionuclides, we have performed long-term (30 day) internal-emitter mouse irradiations using soluble-injected 137CsCl and 90SrCl2 radioisotopes. The effect of ionizing radiation on the induction and repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in peripheral mouse lymphocytes in vivo was determined using the γ-H2AX biodosimetry marker. Using a serial sacrifice experimental design, whole-body radiation absorbed doses for 137Cs (0 to 10 Gy) and 90Sr (0 to 49 Gy) were delivered over 30 days following exposure to each radionuclide. The committed absorbed doses of the two internal emitters as a function of time post exposure were calculated based on their retention parameters and their derived dose coefficients for each specific sacrifice time. In order to measure the kinetic profile for γ-H2AX, peripheral blood samples were drawn at 5 specific timed dose points over the 30-day study period and the total γ-H2AX nuclear fluorescence per lymphocyte was determined using image analysis software. A key finding was that a significant γ-H2AX signal was observed in vivo several weeks after a single radionuclide exposure. A mechanistically-motivated model was used to analyze the temporal kinetics of γ-H2AX fluorescence. Exposure to either radionuclide showed two peaks of γ-H2AX: one within the first week, which may represent the death of mature, differentiated lymphocytes, and the second at approximately three weeks, which may represent the production of new lymphocytes from damaged progenitor cells. The complexity of the observed responses to internal irradiation is likely caused by the interplay between continual production and repair of DNA damage, cell cycle effects and apoptosis.
Effect of race and resistance training status on the density of fat-free mass and percent fat estimates

The impact of race and resistance training status on the assumed density of the fat-free mass (DFFM) and estimates of body fatness via hydrodensitometry (%FatD) vs. a four-component model (density,...
Linguistic Proficiency Assessment in Second Language Acquisition Research: The Elicited Imitation Task

This study investigated the elicited imitation task (EIT) as a tool for measuring linguistic proficiency in a second/foreign (L2) language, focusing on French. Nonnative French speakers (n = 94) and native French speakers (n = 6) completed an EIT that included 50 sentences varying in length and complexity. Three raters evaluated productions on five scales: meaning, syntax, morphology, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Participants also completed a cloze test and a language background questionnaire. Results from regression and principal component analyses showed a strong relationship between EIT performance and cloze test scores and significant relationships between EIT performance, sentence length, and learners’ knowledge of and experience with French. Ratings were internally consistent, and all test items discriminated well between lower- and higher-level learners. We argue that this EIT exhibits good validity and reliability, discriminates among French learners of different proficiencies, and is a practical tool for L2 proficiency assessment.
Imaging the Larynx and Hypopharynx

The larynx and hypopharynx are imaged with either computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A standard CT examination is done in the supine position, and the patient is instructed to resist swallowing or coughing. Axial slices are obtained from the base of the skull to the trachea with a scan orientation parallel to the true vocal cords. Iodinated contrast material (total dose, 35–40 g iodine) is given intravenously with an automated power injector. Images are obtained during quiet breathing rather than during apnea because the abducted position of the true vocal cords facilitates evaluation of the anterior and posterior commissures. Acquisitions with 3-mm colli-mation at pitch 1 and overlapping reconstruction intervals of 2 mm are the minimum parameters necessary to evaluate the larynx. With multislice CT scanners, a slice thickness of 1.3 mm and overlapping reconstructions every 0.6 mm are used routinely by many investigators, including myself, allowing high quality twodimensional (2D) reconstructions in the coronal or sagittal plane.
Physical Aging of Thin Films of Nylon and PET

The physical aging of nylon 66 and PET [poly(ethylene terephthalate)] films as a function of aging temperature, magnitude of applied stress, and aging time was investigated. One hundred micron thic...
Pyroptosis as a Regulated Form of Necrosis PI+/Annexin V−/High Caspase 1/Low Caspase 9 Activity in Cells = Pyroptosis?

Pyroptosis is characterized by pore formation in the plasma membrane, cell swelling, and membrane disruption.1,2 These cellular events are also noted in necrosis, but not apoptosis, which is defined as a mode of regulated or programmed necrosis.2 Jorgensen et al3 have defined pyroptosis by the following 4 criteria: (1) programmed by an inflammatory caspase activation, (2) pore formation in the plasma membrane, (3) DNA damage with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling positivity at a lower intensity than apoptosis, and (4) ADP-ribose polymerase activation after the pyroptosis-mediated DNA damage. The inflammasome is a large complex containing NOD (nucleotide oligomerization domain)-like receptors (NLRs), procaspase-1, and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (CARD), which regulates both pyroptosis and the maturation and secretion of proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18.4 A study by Xi et al5 from Wang’s laboratory in this issue of Circulation Research has now indicated a critical role for the caspase-1–inflammasome in regulating hyperhomocysteinemia-induced pyroptosis and apoptosis. In particular, they show that hyperhomocysteinemia-mediated aortic endothelial dysfunction induced by the depletion of cystathionine β-synthase was rescued by the depletion of caspase-1 and NLRP3. This suggests that the inflammasome plays a crucial role in regulating hyperhomocysteinemia-induced endothelial dysfunction. In this editorial, we will briefly review the regulatory mechanism of caspase-1– and 4/5/11–mediated pyroptosis in modulating endothelial cell pyroptosis/apoptosis and consequent endothelial dysfunction. Article, see p 1525 The caspase protease family has central roles in cell death and inflammation. Mammalian caspases can be divided into 3 groups based on their functions.6 Caspases 3, 6, and 7 are executioner caspases with a prodomain in the NH2-terminus that cleaves substrates essential for cellular homeostasis. Caspases 2, 8, 9, and 10 are initiator caspases with 2 DED (death-effector domain; caspases 8 and 10) or 1 …
Study on the Penetration Effectiveness of URAV Based on Offense and Defense

In high-tech local wars,URAV faces complex and severe air defense system test.It is important for URAV's fighting efficiency to evaluate the ability of penetration reasonably and effectively.Aimed at diversification of environment of URAV's penetration,evaluating system of URAV's penetration performance was established under the conditions of the offense and defense.They included the attacker indexes,such as UAV's performance and ability of electronic interference,and the defender indexes,such as ability of the radar detection and intercept weapons performance.Evaluating indexes were dealt with commensurability and unified quantization,and URAV's penetration performance was comprehensively evaluated by the evaluation method of GAHP.The evaluation is scientific and rational,and provides a reference of improving the URAV's performance.
Clinical nursing of postoperative children with congenial heart disease using temporary pacemaker

Objective To sum up the clinical nursing method and significance in the postoperative children patients with temporary pacemakers after congenial heart disease surgery.Methods 28 children patients were treated by temporary pacemakers for 4-14 d after open-heart surgery because of arrhythmia.Preoperative preparation,electrocardiographic monitoring,body position placement,maintaining electrolyte balance,skin nursing,complications observation and nursing were observed.Results 2 cases were converted to place permanent pacemaker due to third degree AV block.Other 26 cases gradually recovered autonomous cardiac rthythrm.No complications caused by cardiac pacemaker occurred.Conclusion In the children patients with temporary pacemakers after congenial heart disease surgery,the doctor-nurse co-operation treatment and intensive nursing care can smoothly alleviate the adverse impact caused by arrythmia and promote the postoperative recovery.
The potential of identification of a malignancy-associated biomarker in breast cancer diagnosis and research: hTERT gene DNA methylation.

Background DNA hypermethylation has been documented to be prominent at a CpG island rich region about 600 bp upstream the transcription start site of the hTERT gene using qualitative methylation specific PCR on DNA isolated from tumor cell lines. In order to assess the potential significance of this biomarker in breast cancer research and diagnosis, we explored if such findings are reproducible on surgically resected fresh breast tumor cells. Methods Using quantitative pyrosequencing technology, we investigated and present methylation status of four CpG islands of this region in a cohort of 77 invasive breast carcinomas using normal breast tissue as controls. Results Globally, a significant hypermethylation in tumor cells was observed in the four CpG islands as a sum, in comparison to methylation of the normal breast tissue. Individually, certain CpG islands displayed methylation greater than 50% in about 3/4 of the 77 breast cancers, but in none of the normal breast tissue. Our results highlight the value of DNA hypermethylation in the −600 bp region of the hTERT gene as a potential marker for breast cancer diagnosis. Conclusions We believe that integration of this novel, malignancy-associated molecular testing with morphology is of significant value in the accurate interpretation of small tumor sample size obtained via fine needle aspiration biopsy, ductal lavage, and nipple fluid aspirates both in clinical practice and in breast cancer research. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EU Policies towards Latin America

This chapter analyses the main policies that the European Union formulates towards Latin America. While extensive literature has been produced in order to explain the role of the European Union as an international actor, this chapter focuses on presenting an overview of the main characteristics of the EU system of external relations in order to set the background to identify the central EU actors and institutions that participate in the design and implementation of the policies towards Latin America. The first part of the chapter looks at the three main dimensions of the EU system of external relations: politico-diplomatic, trade, and security. The second section identifies the main actors and institutions that interact with Latin America. The third deals with EU policies that are being implemented in Latin America by dividing them into two groups: EU external policies to all regions, including Latin America, and EU policies exclusively focused on Latin America.
Benzodiazepines Induce a Conformational Change in the Region of the γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor α1-Subunit M3 Membrane-Spanning Segment

Benzodiazepine binding to γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors allosterically modulates GABA binding and increases the currents induced by submaximal GABA concentrations. Benzodiazepines induce conformational changes in the GABA-binding site in the extracellular domain, but it is uncertain whether these conformational changes extend into the membrane-spanning domain where the channel gate is located. Alone, benzodiazepines do not open the channel. We used the substituted-cysteine-accessibility method to investigate diazepam-induced conformational changes in the region of the α1-subunit M3 membrane-spanning segment. In the absence of diazepam or GABA, pCMBS− did not react at a measurable rate with cysteine-substitution mutants between α1Phe296 and α1Glu303. In the presence of 100 nM diazepam, pCMBS− reacted with α1F296C, α1F298C, and α1L301C but not with the other cysteine mutants between α1Phe296 and α1Glu303. These three mutants are a subset of the five residues that we previously showed reacted with pCMBS− applied in the presence of GABA. The pCMBS− reaction rates with these three cysteine mutants were similar in the presence of diazepam and GABA. Thus, diazepam, which binds to the extracellular domain, induces a conformational change in the membrane-spanning domain that is similar to a portion of the change induced by GABA. Because diazepam does not open the channel, these results provide structural evidence that the diazepam-bound state represents an intermediate conformation distinct from the open and resting/closed states of the receptor. The diazepam-induced conformational change in the M3 segment vicinity may be related to the mechanism of allosteric potentiation.
Educational tools for the advancement of undergraduate statistics education

Traditional statistics courses often rely on statistical methodology to shed light on the underlying statistical concepts [Garfield 1995]. Styles of instruction that rely on this model of learning do not take advantage of decades of research on how the human mind works and assimilates information. Many authors ([diSessa & Minstrell 1995], [Cohen 1994], [Reynolds et al. 1995], [Bruer 1993], [von Glaserfield 1991]) have argued the benefits of collaborative learning, authentic activity based courses, and individual and social constructivism as tools for the development of conceptual and transferable knowledge. This thesis investigates and evaluates these theories and their application to undergraduate statistics. In particular, this thesis explores Facet Based Learning (FBL) and Scaffold Questioning and Discussion (SQD), instructional strategies for both the classroom and computer environment (World Wide Web) which draw on students' prior understandings and create an environment to address these understandings in order to promote the intended deeper understandings.
Martin Opitz, Gesammelte Werke, ed. George Schulz-Behrend: Bd. III, 1. Teil: Die Übersetzung von John Barclays Argenis. Bibliothek des Literarischen Vereins in Stuttgart, No. 296. Stuttgart: Anton Hiersemann, 1970. Pp. xii, 368.

(1972). Martin Opitz, Gesammelte Werke, ed. George Schulz-Behrend. The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 47, No. 2, pp. 143-145.
Editors' Choice Communication—A (001) β-Ga2O3 MOSFET with +2.9 V Threshold Voltage and HfO2 Gate Dielectric

An MOS transistor fabricated on (001) β-Ga2O3 exfoliated from a commercial (−201) β-Ga2O3 substrate is reported. A maximum drain current of 11.1 mA/mm was measured, and a non-destructive breakdown was reached around 80 V in the off state. Threshold voltage of +2.9 V was extracted at 0.1 V drain bias, and peak transconductance of 0.18 mS/mm was measured at VDS = 1 V, corresponding to a field effect mobility of 0.17 cm2/Vs. Hall effect and electron spin resonance data suggested that electron conductivity was due primarily to O vacancy donors (VO+) with an estimated density of 2.3 × 1017 (±50%) cm−3.