cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
INFECTION OF MYCOBACTERIUM SMEGMATIS WITH D29 PHAGE DNA

DNA extracted from D29 mycobacteriophage produced plaques when plated on Mycobacterium smegmatis 607. The host bacterium did not require alternation such as conversion to protoplasts; cells susceptible to infection with intact phage were susceptible to DNA. The bases found in calf thymus DNA constituted the bases of D29 DNA, adenine being paired with thymine and guanine with cytosine. The dissymmetry ratio (A + T/G + C) was 0.56, and the buoyant density in CsCl was 1.722 with a GC content of 63.77 per cent. The efficiency of plating of the DNA is very much lower than that of intact D29, and it penetrates the host at a slower rate. As does intact phage, D29 DNA requires calcium ions for productive infection of 607. D29 DNA is significantly inactivated by incubation with RNAase, but the inactivation probably results from a complexing with the DNA rather than from enzyme hydrolysis.
Restoration of Antibody Response to Sheep Erythrocytes in Thymectomized Mice Following Grafting of Rabbit Appendix

SummarySince the isophile hemolysin response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) is depressed in thymectomized mice, the effect on the response was studied by implanting the appendix of neonatal, New Zealand white rabbits into young, neonatally thymectomized CBA mice prior to the injection of SRBC. The neonatal appendix, containing only epithelial-reticular elements and no lymphoid cells, restored 61% of the reduction of the peak hemolysin titer caused by thymectomy, whereas the rabbit thymus was ineffective under similar conditions. The appendix, but not the thymus, also led to a repopulation of the periarteriolar region of the white pulp of the spleen of the experimental mice. These data indicate that the neonatal rabbit appendix is capable of partially restoring he-molysin-forming capacity across xenogeneic barriers, possibly by the elaboration of a humoral factor, and support the suggestion that the appendix may represent, in part, the mammalian immunologic equivalent of the avian bursa of Fabricius.
Field-enhanced emission and capture in polysilicon pn junctions☆

Abstract Large electric fields present in polysilicon pn junctions result in field enhancement of the emission and capture rates of traps in the depletion region. We used numerical integration to evaluate the enhanced emission rate and found that the field dependence of the emission rate could be approximated by a simple analytic expression. Calculation of the junction currents in forward and reverse bias were in qualitative agreement with measurements. However, the predicted magnitudes of the currents were considerably lower than those measured at low temperatures. This may be a consequence of interaction between traps, which results in a higher emission rate than predicted by the simple theory.
Evolution of the Cretaceous calcareous nannofossil genus Eiffellithus and its biostratigraphic significance

Abstract The calcareous nannofossil genus Eiffellithus is an important taxon of mid- to Upper Cretaceous marine sediments in biostratigraphy and paleoceanography. The definition of species within Eiffellithus have been both broadly interpreted and variably applied by nannofossil workers. This is particularly true for the Eiffellithus eximius plexus. While the taxonomy of mid-Cretaceous Eiffellithus species has recently been well-defined, the remaining 35 m.y. history of the genus has not been closely examined. Our investigation of Cenomanian to Maastrichtian sediments from the Western Interior Seaway, Gulf of Mexico, and Western Atlantic gives rise to six new species of Eiffellithus that can be reliably differentiated. In this paper the hitherto used biostratigraphic markers ( E. turriseiffelii and E. eximius ) have been redefined in a more restricted sense to increase their utility. These refinements in taxonomy reveal an obvious shift in abundance both within the genus and within the nannofossil assemblage as a whole through the Late Cretaceous. In the Cenomanian and Maastrichtian the genus is composed exclusively of coccoliths bearing an X-shaped central cross, such as E. turriseiffelii, while in the Coniacian through Campanian axial-cross forms such as E. eximius comprise more than 60% of the genus. Within the nannofossil assemblage the genus has low abundances in the Cenomanian but increases to >15% of the assemblage in well-preserved samples in the Santonian. In addition, the pattern of diversification of this genus, whereby a x-shaped, diagonal cross repeatedly gives rise to an axial cross by rotation about the central axis, is an excellent example of iterative evolution that may be related to repetitive shifts in Late Cretaceous climatic and paleoceanographic regimes.
G protein-dependent activation of a phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C in UMR-106 osteosarcoma cell membranes.

Recent evidence suggests that guanyl nucleotide binding (G) proteins are involved in receptor-mediated bone resorption and in osteoblastic function, but the nature of the G protein coupled to effectors that are involved in these skeletal effects is unknown. The purposes of this study were to determine (1) whether a G protein mediates activation of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C in UMR-106 rat osteosarcoma cells, and (2) whether parathyroid hormone (PTH) and a PTH-like protein (PLP) associated with humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy promote GTP-dependent PIP2 hydrolysis. Addition of GTP (10(-4) M) or guanosine 5'-0-(3-thiotriphosphate, GTP gamma S, 10(-5) M) to membranes prepared from UMR-106 cells labeled with [3H]myo-inositol increased both [3H]inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and [3H]inositol bisphosphate (IP2) formation. The increases in [3H]IP2 and [3H]IP3 produced by GTP were 8.6- and 4.3-fold, respectively. GTP gamma S produced a 17.6- and 11.9-fold increase in [3H]IP2 and [3H]IP3, respectively. The stimulatory effects of GTP and GTP gamma S were dose dependent (GTP ED50 = 3.9 x 10(-6) M; GTP gamma S ED50 = 2.5 x 10(-7) M) and progressive over 10 minutes and required the presence of Mg2+.GTP (10(-4) M) and GTP gamma S (10(-5) M) decreased membrane [3H]phosphoinositides concomitantly with increased [3H]IP2 and [3H]IP3. The GDP analog guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate, GDP beta S) alone did not alter [3H]IP2 or [3H]IP3 production but at 10(-4) M blocks the stimulatory effects of GTP and GTP gamma S. NaF (3 x 10(-2)M) produced a 2.8- and 2.0-fold stimulation of [3H]IP2 and [3H]IP3, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Applications of kinematics to nuclear reactions using radioactive ion beams

Abstract The observation of nuclear reactions by use of radioactive ion beams, as noon-accelerated secondary beams, has been limited by relatively poor energy resolution due to the large energy spread in the secondary beam, its large angular spread and the large beam spot size. In addition there is often an uncertain beam composition. This work shows that under certain conditions all of these problems can be minimized by employing kinematic coincidence for complte determination of the secondary reaction final state, from which secondary beam particle, energy, and angle, can be determined. A partial cancellation can lead to even better energy resolution in the Q -spectrum than in the beam energy spectrum.
Wetting and Interfacial Properties of Water Nanodroplets in Contact with Graphene and Monolayer Boron–Nitride Sheets

Born–Oppenheim quantum molecular dynamics (QMD) simulations are performed to investigate wetting, diffusive, and interfacial properties of water nanodroplets in contact with a graphene sheet or a monolayer boron–nitride (BN) sheet. Contact angles of the water nanodroplets on the two sheets are computed for the first time using QMD simulations. Structural and dynamic properties of the water droplets near the graphene or BN sheet are also studied to gain insights into the interfacial interaction between the water droplet and the substrate. QMD simulation results are compared with those from previous classic MD simulations and with the experimental measurements. The QMD simulations show that the graphene sheet yields a contact angle of 87°, while the monolayer BN sheet gives rise to a contact angle of 86°. Hence, like graphene, the monolayer BN sheet is also weakly hydrophobic, even though the BN bonds entail a large local dipole moment. QMD simulations also show that the interfacial water can induce net pos...
Electronic esophageal stethoscope

The purpose of this project is to design and produce an electronic esophageal stethoscope to be used by anesthesiologists during operations. The device currently in use relies heavily on the interpretation of the user. With all the background noise in an operating room, it becomes difficult for the user to differentiate every sound that is received. The goals of this project is to construct a stethoscope that is computer based, analyzes the signal received, process those signals and visually present them in a clear manner. The aim of this device is to lessen the chance for mistake of the anesthesiologist when listening to the vitals sounds of a patient under anesthesia in the operating room. The design shall take into account the constraints of electrical leakage, ease of use and overall performance of the device.
Qualitative analysis of parent experiences with achieving cystic fibrosis nutrition recommendations

Abstract Background A combined behavior–nutrition approach is recommended for children with CF with growth deficits. The present study aimed to use a qualitative approach to 1) understand families' experiences using behavior–nutrition intervention strategies and 2) identify the challenges with CF management families experienced during the developmental transition between toddlerhood and early school-age. Methods Eight families (mean age of children=8.2years) participated in a semistructured interview. Themes were independently identified by three coders, confirmed via consensus, and compared to a reliability coder. Results Parents discussed behavior and nutrition strategies, ongoing challenges with nutrition and behavior, new challenges, and protective factors. Challenges included transition to school, transfer of treatment responsibility, picky eating, and parental stress. Conclusions Ongoing assessment and recommendations to address parent stress and child behavior are warranted. Providing families with anticipatory guidance can better prepare families for challenging developmental transitions including starting school and the transfer of treatment responsibility.
Germinomas and teratoid siphon anomalies in softshell clams, Mya arenaria, environmentally exposed to herbicides.

Seminomas and dysgerminomas are epizootic in softshell clams, Mya arenaria, from three Maine estuaries contaminated with herbicides. The first epizootic was discovered in 22% of clams collected as Searsport near Long Cove Brook and three culverts that conveyed heating oil and jet fuel spilled from a tank farm in 1971. Data from subsequent epizootiological studies and a series of long-term experimental exposures of softshell clams to no. 2 fuel oil, JP-4, and JP-5 jet fuel at the U.S. EPA, Environmental Research Laboratory in Narragansett, Rhode Island, and in the field did not support an etiology by these petroleum products. In the two recent epizootics reported here, the germinomas have been observed in 3% of the softshell clams collected from Roque Bluffs near Machiasport and from 35% of softshell clams collected from Dennysville. Mya collected at Dennysville had pericardial mesotheliomas and teratoid siphon anomalies in addition to gonadal neoplasms. Estuaries at Dennysville had been contaminated by herbicides in a 1979 accidental spray overdrift during aerial application of Tordon 101 to adjacent forests. Further investigation determined widespread use of the herbicides Tordon 101, 2,4-D,2,4,5-T, and other agrochemicals in an extensive forestry and blueberry industry in both the Roque Bluffs and the Dennysville areas. Herbicide applications at Searsport were confirmed for railroad property bordering Long Cove estuary and for Long Cove Brook adjacent to the estuary where a highway department reportedly cleans its spray equipment. Herbicide contamination is the only common denominator identified at all three sites where Mya have been found with gonadal neoplasms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Creatine phosphokinase in Rana pipiens: expression in embryos, early larvae and adult tissues.

Abstract 1. 1. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) isozymes found in Rana pipiens are similar to those found elsewhere; muscle-specific (MM-CPK), brain-specific (BB-CPK) and intermediate hybrid (MB-CPK) isozymes were identified. 2. 2. Adult tissues exhibit CPK isozyme patterns similar to other vertebrates although variations are notable in nervous tissue, liver and kidney. 3. 3. CPK isozyme patterns in ovarian eggs, ovulated eggs and selected stages of early development demonstrate a significant rise in CPK with neurulation. Most notable is a sharp increase in brain-specific BB-CPK. 4. 4. MM-CPK purified from skeletal muscle is found to be similar, in properties studied, to the corresponding isozyme in other vertebrate species.
Nature-Nurture and the Debates Surrounding Ethology and Sociobiology

The central problem in the history of animal behavior has been the inability to perceive the phenotype as the result of an interaction between genome and environment, despite the considerable lip service paid to the interaction. In North America the comparative study of animal behavior was overshadowed by the growth of an experimental psychology that produced the general-process view of learning, holding that the mechanisms underlying learning are much the same in all species. That made evolution irrelevant. During the same period ethology emerged in Europe as the study of naturally occurring behavior in an evolutionary context. Because evolution is fundamental to ethology, the genetic basis of behavior was a central precept. Ethology and psychology collided after World War II. After a vigorous exchange on the issues, a synthesis by Robert Hinde materialized, one that advanced the study of behavior and produced a sophisticated understanding of nature and nurture. A few decades later sociobiology appeared and was immediately assailed for making what were seen as unwarranted extensions from animal to human behavior, and for emphasizing genetic control of behavior. Much of the debate that ensued was distractingly political and threw little light on the scientific merits of the issues although it moderated the stance of sociobiologists; on the other hand, the politically inspired debates may have harmed the field of animal behavior.
Activation of the BK (SLO1) potassium channel by mallotoxin.

Pharmacologic approaches to activate K+ channels represent an emerging strategy to regulate membrane excitability. Here we report the identification and characterization of a lipid soluble toxin, mallotoxin (rottlerin), which potently activates the large conductance voltage and Ca2+-activated K+ channel (BK) expressed in a heterologous expression system and human vascular smooth muscle cells, shifting the conductance/voltage relationship by >100 mV. Probing the mechanism of action, we discover that the BK channel can be activated in the absence of divalent cations (Ca2+, Mg2+), suggesting that the mallotoxin mechanism of action involves the voltage-dependent gating of the channel. Mallotoxin-activated channels remain incrementally sensitive to Ca2+ and β subunits. In comparison to other small hydrophobic poisons, anesthetic agents, and protein toxins that inhibit ion channel activity, mallotoxin potently activates channel activity. In certain respects, mallotoxin acts as a BK channel β1 subunit mimetic, preserving BK channel Ca2+ sensitivity yet adjusting the set-point for BK channel activation to a more hyperpolarized membrane potential.
Larger Higgs-boson-exchange terms in the neutron electric dipole moment.

The neutron electric dipole moment (${d}_{n}$) due to Higgs-boson exchange is reconsidered, now without assuming that Higgs-boson exchange is solely responsible for ${K}_{L}^{0}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2\ensuremath{\pi}. The dominant contribution to ${d}_{n}$ arises from a three-gluon operator, produced in integrating out top quarks and neutral Higgs bosons. The estimated results together with current experimental bounds on ${d}_{n}$ show, even for the largest plausible Higgs-boson masses, that CP is not maximally violated in neutral-Higgs-boson exchange.
Effects of lead contamination on the growth of Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife)

The ability of individual species to tolerate or accumulate heavy metal pollutants has been investigated widely. Although invasive species may become established more easily in disturbed environments, relatively little is known about how an ability to tolerate pollutants might give invasive species a competitive advantage. This study is part of a series of experiments investigating native and invasive species interactions with chemical pollution and other forms of disturbance. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of lead on the growth of Lythrum salicaria. We exposed plants to different concentrations of lead and measured different growth parameters, such as biomass, length, leaf number, and biomass allocation to roots. For most measures, plants grown in lead-free conditions were larger than plants exposed to lead. Plants in the low (500 mg/l) and medium (1000 mg/l) lead treatments did not differ from each other, while plants in the high (2000 mg/l) lead treatment were significantly smaller. However, the biomass allocation to roots was not significantly different among treatments. Although their growth is affected, individuals of Lythrum salicaria demonstrated tolerance to lead contamination, which may aid in their colonization in lead-polluted wetlands.
Variation in vitamin D supplementation among adults in a multi-race/ethnic health plan population, 2008

Background Vitamin D may have a role in many chronic conditions in addition to bone health. Nutritional surveys among Americans have reported high levels of vitamin D insufficiency, especially among Blacks and Latinos. Our study examined variation in vitamin D supplementation practices in an adult health plan population by age, gender, and race-ethnicity.
Evaluation of spectrally-integrated radiative fluxes of molecular gases in multi-dimensional media

Abstract A new multi-dimensional model has been developed which makes it possible to calculate the spectrally-integrated total radiative flux for a molecular-gas band based on the solution of two simple differential equations. The newmodel employs the exponential-wide-band model and makes it unnecessary to evaluate the spectral flux for a large number of wavenumbers with subsequent spectral integrations, thus considerably reducing the numerical effort required. Comparison with spectrally-integrated results from the differential ( P -1) approximation, on which the present method is based, and with some exact results, shows excellent agreement for all situations.
Invitation to the Voyage: The Flight Sequence in Contemporary 3D Cinema

The soaring movement of the flight scene is a signature effect of the current 3D cycle, with a number of recent films centering on birds or dragon-like creatures. Simulated flight has long been used to display the latest in cinematic spectacle. Analysis of the use of flight in Wings (1927), Avatar (2009) and How to Train Your Dragon (2010) demonstrates how film producers have employed tried and true schemata to make the attractional power of flight serve a narrative master.
The common missense mutation D489N in TRIM32 causing limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2H leads to loss of the mutated protein in knock-in mice resulting in a Trim32-null phenotype

Mutations in tripartite motif protein 32 (TRIM32) are responsible for several hereditary disorders that include limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2H (LGMD2H), sarcotubular myopathy (STM) and Bardet Biedl syndrome. Most LGMD2H mutations in TRIM32 are clustered in the NHL β-propeller domain at the C-terminus and are predicted to interfere with homodimerization. To get insight into TRIM32's role in the pathogenesis of LGMD2H and to create an accurate model of disease, we have generated a knock-in mouse (T32KI) carrying the c.1465G > A (p.D489N) mutation in murine Trim32 corresponding to the human LGMD2H/STM pathogenic mutation c.1459G > A (p.D487N). Our data indicate that T32KI mice have both a myopathic and a neurogenic phenotype, very similar to the one described in the Trim32-null mice that we created previously. Analysis of Trim32 gene expression in T32KI mice revealed normal mRNA levels, but a severe reduction in mutant TRIM32 (D489N) at the protein level. Our results suggest that the D489N pathogenic mutation destabilizes the protein, leading to its degradation, and results in the same mild myopathic and neurogenic phenotype as that found in Trim32-null mice. Thus, one potential mechanism of LGMD2H might be destabilization of mutated TRIM32 protein leading to a null phenotype.
Necessary and sufficient causal ground and effect is measured by fuzzy cardinality and may represent natural edge strength connections in a clinical fuzzy cognitive map

Background: Current clinical trials in medicine use probability-based statistics. Statistics separates the patient's physiologic elements from his body and claims causal correlation. Methods: In this study we derive measures of necessary and sufficient causal ground, formal causal ground and clinical causal effect from the fuzzy subsethood theorem as defined by Kosko. We represent patients as sets as points in a unit hypercube before and after treatment with antiplatelet agents. Results: The measures of formal causal ground and clinical causal effect are in units of cardinality. Using data from 16 patients taking antiplatelet therapy, we derived formal causal ground and clinical causal effect which in an imaginary clinical FCM represent causal edge strengths for nodes of antiplatelet medication. Conclusion: Our causal measures are represented as changes in cardinality in a unit hypercube and can be used instead of probability based statistics to judge the causal relation of medical therapies or conditions.
Tropical Cyclone–Induced Thermocline Warming and Its Regional and Global Impacts

AbstractStrong surface winds of a hurricane locally cool the surface and warm the subsurface waters via turbulent mixing processes. While the surface cool anomalies generally decay in roughly a month, the warm subsurface anomalies can persist over a seasonal cycle. The authors examine questions related to the magnitude and cumulative footprint of subsurface warm anomalies forced by tropical cyclones during the combined global tropical cyclone seasons, making use of a global ocean model forced by tropical cyclones.Simulations of the 2004/05 tropical cyclone season are conducted with and without tropical cyclone wind forcing, blended with the daily Coordinated Ocean-Ice Reference Experiments (COREs) atmospheric state. Physical characteristics of cyclone-forced surface and subsurface anomalies are elucidated. In particular, the spatial extent and magnitude of tropical cyclone–forced subsurface warm anomalies over the course of an entire season are examined. This analysis permits the estimation of the contrib...
A Timing-Aware Probabilistic Model for Single-Event-Upset Analysis

With device size shrinking and fast rising frequency ranges, the effect of cosmic radiations and alpha particles known as single-event upset (SEU) and single-event transients (SET), is a growing concern in logic circuits. Accurate understanding and estimation of SEU sensitivities of individual nodes is necessary to achieve better soft error hardening techniques at logic level design abstraction. We propose a probabilistic framework to the study the effect of inputs, circuits structure, and gate delays on SEU sensitivities of nodes in logic circuits as a single joint probability distribution function (pdf). To model the effect of timing, we consider signals at their possible arrival times as the random variables of interest. The underlying joint probability distribution function, consists of two components: ideal random variables without the effect of SEU and the random variables affected by the SEU. We use a Bayesian network to represent the joint pdf which is a minimal compact directional graph for efficient probabilistic modeling of uncertainty. The attractive feature of this model is that not only does it use the conditional independence to arrive at a sparse structure, but it also utilizes the same for smart probabilistic inference. We show that results with exact (exponential complexity) and approximate nonsimulative stimulus-free inference (linear in number of nodes and samples) on benchmark circuits yield accurate estimates in reasonably small computation time
Poor Correlation Between Published Methods to Predict Creatinine Clearance and Measured Creatinine Clearance in Asymptomatic HIV Infected Individuals

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive ability of six published creatinine clearance (CCr) equations in healthy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals. A 24-h urine collection to determine CCr was done on an out-patient basis in 18 subjects. Predicted CCr was compared with the measured values, and the predictive performance was assessed with percentage mean error (bias) and percentage root mean error (precision). Mean +/- standard deviation measured CCr was 107 +/- 35 mL/min/1.73 M2. CCr determined using each of the published equations correlated poorly with measured values. CCr determined using Hull methods was significantly different from the measured values. Though Cockcroft and Gault and Jelliffe methods had the lowest mean bias and greater precision, a significant range of difference from measured CCr was observed (-12 to +28%). All methods over estimated the measured CCr in HIV-infected individuals. Until other approaches are developed, a 24 h urine collection may be the best approach for assessing renal function in HIV-infected individuals, especially in those receiving medications with narrow therapeutic indices that are cleared by the kidney.
Clinical and programming pattern of patients with impending deep brain stimulation power failure: a retrospective chart review

It is important to prevent complications of implanted pulse generators (IPG) depletion by replacing the IPG in time. We reviewed the charts of all patients with deep brain stimulation treated movement disorders who were seen at our institution over a period of 6 months. Among these, we retained for analyses those who had undergone IPG replacement within the previous 3 years. A total of 55 IPG replacements (from 38 patients) were reviewed. Electrodes were implanted in the subthalamic nucleus in all Parkinson’s disease patients, in the ventral intermedius nucleus of the thalamus in all essential tremor patients and in the globus pallidus interna in all dystonia patients. Replacements were preceded by a voltage increase due to worsened symptoms in 27.3% (15/55); 25.5% (14/55) had full IPG depletion or had too low IPG reserve to allow for any voltage adjustment; and 21.7% (12/55) did not get a needed voltage increase either for safety reasons (eg: concern for increase in falls with higher voltages) or because the surgery date for IPG replacement was close. Only 25.5% (14/55) remained clinically well-controlled prior to IPG replacement, all of whom had IPG longevity estimates available. Clinical deterioration was noted prior to IPG replacement in 100% of patients without available longevity estimates versus 61% of patients with available longevity estimates (p < 0.001). Despite best efforts, clinical deterioration prior to IPG replacement can be seen frequently. Routine estimation of IPG life, along with symptom assessment at every follow-up visit may prevent it.
A Parametrized Loop Fusion Algorithm for Improving Parallelism and Cache Locality

Loop fusion is a reordering transformation that merges multiple loops into a single loop. It can increase data locality and the granularity of parallel loops, thus improving program performance. Previous approaches to this problem have looked at these two benefits in isolation. In this work, we propose a new model which considers data locality, parallelism and register pressure together. We build a weighted directed acyclic graph in which the nodes represent program loops along with their register pressure, and the edges represent the amount of locality and parallelism present. The direction of an edge represents an execution order constraint. We then partition the graph into components such that the sum of the weights on the edges cut is minimized, subject to the constraint that the nodes in the same partition can be safely fused together, and the register pressure of the combined loop does not exceed the number of available registers. Previous work demonstrates that the general problem of finding optimal partitions is NP-hard. In restricted cases, we show that it is possible to arrive at the optimal solution. We give an algorithm for the restricted case and a heuristic for the general case. We demonstrate the effectiveness of fusion and our approach with experimental results.
Symmetric and asymmetric mode interaction in high-power traveling wave amplifiers: experiments and theory

High-power microwave amplifier operation has been studied for use in a number of applications. The performance of the amplifiers has been marred, in some cases, by pulse shortening of the microwave signal. A possible source of the shortening is the loss of the beam due to hybrid HEM/sub 11/ mode interaction with the beam. In this paper, we describe experiments which investigate high-power operation and the effects of HEM modes on the amplifier performance. We report the high-output powers (>50 MW) with efficient (>54%) amplification of microwaves in an X-band traveling wave amplifier. In some experiments, peak power levels exceeding 120 MW were measured at an efficiency of 47%. The excitation of the asymmetric hybrid electromagnetic mode was monitored carefully, but does not seem to have a critical impact on the main interaction process in spite of the fact that its dispersion curve almost overlaps that of the symmetric interacting mode. Theoretical analysis of the interaction in a tapered traveling wave structure indicates that, even if the amount of power in the asymmetric modes at the input of the structure is comparable to that in the symmetric mode, the asymmetric modes cause no power reduction in the symmetric mode. For the case of off-axis beams the TM/sub 01/ output power may drop by about 30% and the power in the hybrid mode reach about one third of that in the symmetric mode. In order to avoid hybrid mode excitation it is necessary to suppress the reflections from both ends of the output structure several decibels below the gain level of the asymmetric mode.
Selective volatilization in the dc arc determined with a direct-reading spectrometer

The volatilization behavior of 22 elements in a 12-A dc arc has been determined using a direct-reading spectrometer and is presented as intensity-time curves. The curves are generally complex in shape, often having more than one peak. An order of volatilization has also been determined using the same data. The order of volatilization is similar to others already published, but significant differences exist. The irregular curve shapes may be due to volatilization of more than one compound of a given element from the electrode. This phenomenon may be caused by reactions that occur in the electrode. Because of a lack of data, it was impossible to correlate specific peaks on the intensity-time curves with physical constants of the possible compounds present. Both the presence of graphite powder and the concentration of the volatilizing element have an effect on the volatilization curves.
Large Area Graphene on Polymer Films for Transparent and Flexible Field Emission Device

Large scale fabrication of graphene over transparent flexible polymer, Polyethelyne tetrapthalate (PET), and its application in flexible field emission display is reported here. We used Cu foil (~160 mm x 60 mm) to grow graphene by thermal chemical vapor deposition process and transfer the graphene over a polymer using a straightforward hot press lamination technique. The fabrication method is facile as there is no rigorous chemical process involved and the process is also applicable towards the fabrication of large scale graphene over a wide range of transparent flexible substrates for foldable micro-electronics applications. Further, we demonstrate the application of graphene/PET polymer film as anode of transparent flexible field emission display device. The device shows low turn-on voltage ~ 1.75V/μm and high current density of ~ 65μA/cm2 with field enhancement factor (β) ~1000.
Arrhythmias in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Cardiac arrhythmias are important contributors to morbidity and mortality in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Such patients manifest a substrate resulting from altered autonomics, repolarization abnormalities, and ischemia. Supraventricular arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and flutter are associated with worsened outcomes, and maintenance of sinus rhythm is a goal. Sudden death is a relatively common issue, though the contribution of malignant ventricular arrhythmias versus bradyarrhythmias differs from non-PAH patients. Congenital heart disease patients with PAH benefit from catheter ablation of medically refractory arrhythmias. Clinical studies of defibrillator/pacemaker therapy for primary prevention against sudden death in PAH patients are lacking. (Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2012;55:180-186) © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
The XX Sex Chromosome Complement is Required in Male and Female Mice for Enhancement of Immunity Induced by Exposure to 3,4-Dichloropropionanilide.

Problem The chemical propanil enhances antibody responses to a heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae (HKSP) vaccine. The enhanced response is dependent on gonads in females, but independent of gonads in males. The sex differences in the immune response may be due to sexual differentiation of the immune system or sex chromosome complement. Method of study To test the hypothesis that the immune system is sexually differentiated, newborn C57BL/6 pups were treated with testosterone propionate (TP) or placebo. The role of sex chromosome complement was investigated using the 4-core genotypes (FCG) model of XXF and XYF gonadal females (ovaries), and XXM and XYM gonadal males (testes). For some experiments, mice were gonadectomized or sham gonadectomized. All mice were vaccinated with HKSP, treated with propanil, and the antibody response determined at day seven. Results Neonatal TP did not alter the response to HKSP. In FCG mice, propanil significantly enhanced the immune response in XXF females and XXM males, but not in XYF females or XYM males. Conclusion The immune system of females was not masculinized by neonatal TP treatment. Sex chromosome complement significantly contributes to the sexually dimorphic immune response after propanil exposure.
Suppression of Fiber Nonlinearities and PMD in Coded-Modulation Schemes With Coherent Detection by Using Turbo Equalization

We propose a maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) turbo equalizer based on the sliding-window multilevel Bahl-Cocke-Jelinek-Raviv algorithm. This scheme is suitable for simultaneous nonlinear and linear impairment mitigation in multilevel coded-modulation schemes with coherent detection. The proposed scheme employs large-girth quasicyclic LDPC codes as channel codes. We demonstrate the efficiency of this method in dealing with fiber nonlinearities by performing Monte Carlo simulations. In addition, we provide the experimental results that demonstrate the efficiency of this method in dealing with polarization mode dispersion. We also study the ultimate channel capacity limits, assuming an independent identically distributed source.
Dynamic Economic Lot Size Model with Perishable Inventory

This paper considers an economic lot size (ELS) model for perishable products where an inventory stock's deterioration rate and its carrying cost in each period depend on the age of the stock. We discuss situations where the traditional ELS models are not applicable, and propose a new model with general concave production and inventory cost functions. We explore the structural properties of the optimal solutions and use them to develop a dynamic programming algorithm which solves the problem in polynomial time. We also consider special cases of the general model which are solvable with reduced computational complexities.
An Auction based AODV Protocol for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks with Selfish Nodes

In this paper, we propose an auction mechanism for routing in mobile ad hoc networks with selfish nodes. Our approach is to promote bidding for end-to-end routes, as opposed to node-by-node bidding, to avoid wasting the source's resources (currency, time and data) by possibly losing a bid at an intermediate node. A natural extension for AODV protocols is proposed for a practical implementation of the auction mechanism. Our proposed solution combats selfishness and enforces cooperation in the network by implementing a Vickrey auction for routing with two metrics: the current energy, and the currency levels of the nodes. Our simulation results show that our proposed AODV auctioning protocol (with 100% selfish nodes in the network) performs similarly to the AODV protocol without any selfish nodes, and in most cases it outperforms the classic AODV protocol when selfish nodes are present in the network.
Development of a New Method for Measuring the Protection Provided by Respirators against Dust and Microorganisms

The efficiency of respirators is usually determined by the protection factor, which is the ratio of the particle concentration outside the respirator to that inside the respirator. Most studies on workplace protection factors (WPF) of respirators have focused on the measurement of total mass concentrations, ignoring the effect of particle size. Furthermore, there appear to be on previous studies on protection factors against biological particles. In this study, a prototype personal sampling setup was developed for determining the protection provided by respirators again non-biological and biological particles in the size rang of 0.7-10 um. The range covers respirable and thoracic dust particles as well as most bacterial and fungal spores. The setup is compatible for field use in workplace environments and was optimized by minimizing particle losses in its aerosol transmission system. Theoretical modeling, laboratory tests, and field tests were performed for design optimization. After accounting for aerosol deposition mechanisms due to gravity, inertia, and turbulence affecting aerosol transmission through the straight and bending sections of specialized tubing, the theoretical data showed best agreement with the laboratory and field data for a tube diameter of 1⁄2 inch (~1.27 com) among the three tested diameters. Tubing of this diameter also had the least amount of particle losses, and can be directed either above the ear or above the shoulder of the person whose respiratory protection is being evaluated. In addition, the ability of the setup to measure the WPF when a human subject donned a respirator was demonstrated successfully during soybean unloading. This study suggests that the new setup is a promising tool for future studies on evaluating respiratory protection against airborne dusts and microorganisms in occupational environments.
A glucose-selective fluorescence sensor based on boronicacid-diol recognition

A glucose selective diphenylboronic acid fluorescent sensor (10a) with a K(a) of 1472M(-1) has been synthesized and evaluated. This sensor shows a 43- and 49-fold selectivity for glucose over fructose and galactose, respectively. The binding affinity improvement is about 300-fold and the selectivity improvement for glucose over fructose is about 1400-fold compared with the monoboronic acid compound, phenylboronic acid. 1H NMR studies indicate that sensor 10a binds with alpha-D-glucofuranose in a bidentate manner (1:1 ratio).
Effect of synthetic thyrotropin-releasing hormone on ovulation in baboons

Abstract Twice daily oral thyrotropin-releasing hormone administered to female baboons throughout the menstrual cycle had no significant influence on cycle length or upon estrogen levels but produced blunted midcycle LH peaks and luteal phase progesterone levels in three fourths of the treatment cycles. Mean plasma prolactin levels were increased approximately 2.5-fold relative to untreated, ovulatory control cycles. CB-154 alone did not alter cycle length or endocrine parameters examined (mean prolactin levels were decreased but not significantly). Cycles during which CB-154 was administered concomitantly with TRH were characterized by normal ovulation as evidenced by luteal phase progesterone levels. Since the effect on LH secretion was reversed by concomitant CB-154 administration, TRH-induced anovulation in animals given long-term treatment appeared to be mediated through physiologic mechanisms sensitive to elevated circulating prolactin levels. However, this conclusion must be considered equivocal since prolactin levels were also elevated during ovulatory cycles following long-term TRH therapy. Finally, these data do not exclude the alternative possibility that anovulation in baboons given long-term TRH treatment was a reflection of thyroid disturbance and not directly attributable to elevated prolactin.
Cycles of Research at Fort Valley, Arizona, Our First Forest Experiment Station

We present a history of the origin and development of long-term, place-based research at Fort Valley, Arizona, site of the first experiment station established by the USDA Forest Service. Initially named the Coconino Experiment Station, this field laboratory was founded to solve a crucial problem with ponderosa pine reforestation and to institute a federal research program in forest science. The laboratory was soon renamed the Fort Valley Experiment Station and later designated along with its forest tracts as the Fort Valley Experimental Forest (FVEF). The science program at Fort Valley has proceeded through three cycles of research, each consisting of problem recognition, investigation, resolution, and incorporation into subsequent work. Fundamental investigations in silvics began in the first research cycle and broadened in the second cycle to integrate practical knowledge in silviculture, ecology, and related fields for improving resource management. The principal research objective in the present third cycle is to provide the scientific basis of restoration and forest health projects for managing ecosystems at a landscape scale. A common theme across these cycles has been ponderosa pine and its ecological interactions with climate and disturbance. From cycle to cycle, however, the scope of that theme has expanded from regenerating trees, to interacting biotic communities, to functioning ecosystems. The next cycle of research at FVEF will need to develop adaptive and mitigation strategies for responding to new environmental and resource crises. This research will require better integration of ecological and evolutionary perspectives through such approaches as ecosystem genomics. FVEF could contribute to this research by conducting innovative, manipulative experiments, enhancing physical and management infrastructures, and compiling long-term records of climate, disturbance, and vegetation responses.
Diversifying selection by Desmodiinae legume species on Bradyrhizobium symbionts.

Desmodium and Hylodesmum (Papilionoideae Subtribe Desmodiinae) are among the most common herbaceous perennial legumes native to eastern North America. To analyze the population structure of their Bradyrhizobium sp. root-nodule bacteria, 159 isolates were sampled from ten host species across a 1000 km region. Phylogenetic analysis of four housekeeping loci (2164 bp) and two loci in the symbiosis island (SI) chromosomal region (1374 bp) indicated extensive overlap in symbiont utilization, with each common bacterial clade found on 2–7 species of these legume genera. However, host species differed considerably in the relative proportion of symbionts belonging to different Bradyrhizobium clades. High phylogenetic incongruence between trees for housekeeping loci and SI loci suggested that diversification of these Bradyrhizobium lineages involved substantial horizontal gene transfer. Plant inoculation with strains from six Bradyrhizobium clades revealed marked disparity in relative bacterial reproductive success across four Desmodium species. Estimated yield of Bradyrhizobium progeny cells per plant ranged from zero to >109, and strains with high fitness on one host sometimes reproduced poorly on other host species. Diversifying selection on bacteria, arising from differential success in habitats with different Desmodium and Hylodesmum taxa, is therefore likely to affect Bradyrhizobium diversity patterns at the landscape level.
Marking Beach Materials for Tracing Experiments

Because of the need to obtain quantitative data on the nature and speed of sediment transport a number of techniques have been devised to mark beach material. Whereas the use of radioactive isotopes and fluorescent tracers has provided new methods, the development of improved resins, dyes and pigments has meant that older techniques remain of value for some purposes.
Simultaneous Polymerization and Solid Monomer Deposition for the Fabrication of Polymer Membranes with Dual-Scale Porosity

Here we demonstrate a novel technique for the fabrication of porous polymer membranes via vapor phase polymerization. Vapor phase processing allows for control over the chemical functionality of the membranes and eliminates solubility requirements and surface tension effects. Porous polymer membranes are formed by concurrent deposition of solid monomer and polymerization, which is achieved by increasing the partial pressure of the monomer above its saturation pressure and decreasing the substrate temperature below the freezing point of the monomer. The membranes exhibit dual-scale porosity, where the large-scale pores form during the deposition and the small-scale pores form upon sublimation of the solid monomer. We demonstrate that the growth rate and pore size of the membrane can be controlled by varying the reactor parameters, including deposition time, monomer partial pressure, and substrate temperature. Stimuli-responsive poly(methacrylic acid) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) membranes were fabricate...
Metabolism and Supplementation: A Systematic Review on Anaerobic Energy Metabolism and Supplementation to Improve Performance by Limiting the Effects of Blood Lactate

Our knowledge on preparing the athlete for competition has increased dramatically over the years, especially in the field of sports nutrition. Certain athletes may wish to complement their diet with additional supplements to gain a competitive advantage over their competition. The purpose of this article is to review anaerobic metabolism and lactate production, and discuss certain supplements that can improve performance by limiting the detrimental effects of lactate accumulation.