cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequential style removal in highbush blueberry,Vaccinium corymbosum L.: Effects on fertilization success and seed germination

Plants of the blueberry cultivar Bluecrop were pollinated with pollen from the cultivars Sierra and Duke under controlled conditions. After pollination, styles were removed at 6 h intervals from 1.25 days to 4.00 days. An increase in the number of developed seed was seen across time, ranging from 1 seed per fruit (s/f) at 1.25 days, to a peak of 63.4 s/f at 3.25 days in 1992, and from 0.1 s/f at 1.25 days to 56.0 s/f at 3.75 days in 1993. Germination tests of 200-seed seedlots of Bluecrop×Sierra exhibited a significant trend toward earlier germination by seed from earlier style removal times. Seed weight measured in the cross Bluecrop×Duke, however, showed decreasing weights with longer style removal times, suggesting that seed size may time of germination. A multiple regression of seed size and stylar removal time against time of germination showed that style removal time was the only significant source of variation for germination time. Results suggest that pollen vigor, as reflected in the speed of growth down the style, may have a direct bearing on characteristics of the seed and subsequent plant.
A computer-controlled laboratory for studying infant event perception

An integrated software package for testing infants in a habituation procedure is described. The software is written for an Apple II computer with a minimum of 64K of memory. Additional interface cards are required for timing responses and displaying dynamic stimuli. The software is divided into four independent modules: (1) Configure Experiment allows the experimenter to design a specific experiment. (2) Run Experiment controls the running of a previously configured habituation experiment. (3) Calculate Reliability allows a second observer to score the subject for the purpose of computing reliability. (4) Data Summary and Formatting provides a summary of the results and allows the user to flexibly format the data for reading by various statistical packages.
Detailed analysis of flares, magnetic fields and activity in the sunspot group of Sept. 13 26, 1963

H-alpha and white light cinematograms of September 1963 flare/sunspot group and radio, ionospheric and magnetic field data
Analysis of Various Creatinine Clearance Formulas in Predicting Gentamicin Elimination in Patients With Low Serum Creatinine

Predicted gentamicin elimination rate constants (k el s) using creatinine clearance (Cl cr ) estimates from seven equations were compared with k el s calculated from steady-state serum gentamicin concentrations in 186 hospitalized patients. In predicting k el , the equations varied significantly in precision (mean absolute percentage error), and were particularly imprecise among patients with serum creatinine values of 71 μmol/L or less. Significant differences in bias (mean prediction error) were also observed. All equations using serum creatinine as an element showed improved precision, and most showed reduced bias when a minimum value of 71 μmol/L was used. The Cockcroft-Gault normalized to 72 kg and the Hull equations are among the simplest to calculate and, when using a minimum serum creatinine of 71 μmol/L, had significantly greater precision and less bias than several of the equations. We recommend one of these two methods for predicting gentamicin k el in patients with low serum creatinine values.
A Simplified Method for the Separation of Steroid Hormones and Its Application to Radioligand Assays

Abstract A simplified method for separating the major progestogens, estrogens and androgens in plasma was developed for use in both competitive protein binding assays (CPBA) and radioimmunoassays (RIA). The method, based on liquid-liquid partition chromatography, utilizes microcolumns consisting of plastic disposable syringes packed with celite:ethylene glycol. The method was applied to the plasma measurement of progesterone by CPBA and estradiol and testosterone by RIA.
THE EFFECT OF RETINOL (VITAMIN-A ALCOHOL) ON URINARY EXCRETION OF MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES IN THE HURLER SYNDROME

Abstract Retinol (vitamin-A alcohol) increased the urinary excretion of mucopolysaccharides in six patients with the Hurler syndrome—an inherited disorder associated with increased body stores of mucopolysaccharides. To determine whether this increased urinary excretion is accompanied by clinical improvement will require further investigation.
Single crystals of a random copolypeptide composed of γ-benzyl l-glutamate and l-phenylalanine

Abstract Lamellar single crystals were formed from a random copolypeptide composed of γ-benzyl l -glutamate and l -phenylalanine at the ratio of 4 to 1. The copolypeptide takes the αhelical structure. The crystals were formed by casting dilute solutions at room temperature from a solvent consisting of a 1 to 1 mixture of chloroform and trifluoroacetic acid and were observed by electron microscopy. The average crystal thickness was 670 a in the as-polymerized sample, and 580 a in a fractionated sample. The thickness was decreased by annealing at temperatures above 110 C. A hexagonal form, a group of three orthorhombic forms (group 1), and a group of an orthorhombic form and two monoclinic forms (group II) were observed by electron diffraction. The diversity of the crystal structures is suggested to be caused by a variation in crystallization conditions during evaporation of the solvent. The hexagonal form and the structures of group I are changed into the structures of group II by annealing. The crystal structures other than the hexagonal form indicate on ordered arrangements of side chains in the crystals.
Competitive displacement of a detritivorous salt marsh snail

Abstract Here we examine the role of competitive interactions in controlling distributions of the most abundant omnivore–detritivore snails in East Coast U.S. salt marshes (Melampus bidentatus and Littoraria irrorata). Both snails prefer to eat fungi growing on plant material, and the periwinkle Littoraria, a much larger snail, destroys marsh canopy when grazing fungal-infected plants, resulting in increased local desiccation stress. To test if Littoraria displaces Melampus from middle marsh habitats (i.e., short Spartina alterniflora zone), we manipulated Littoraria density and shading intensity in a two-year field experiment. Both removing snails and increasing shade dramatically increased Melampus densities. Addition of periwinkles to high marsh plant zones (Juncus roemerianus) where Melampus are naturally common induced significant Melampus migration. Growth experiments under controlled canopy conditions in the middle marsh showed that periwinkle presence suppresses Melampus growth. Experimental results suggest that Littoraria may limit the lower distribution of Melampus directly (through competition) and indirectly (through habitat modification). Lab experiments show that Melampus actively avoid mucus from Littoraria and that Littoraria may dislodge or consume Melampus egg masses. This work identifies several mechanisms of displacement and suggests that periwinkles play an important regulatory role in this detritivore assemblage.
The Langlands classification for non-connected p -adic groups

We give the Langlands classification for a non-connected reductive quasisplitp-adic groupG, under the assumption thatG/G 0 is abelian (here,G 0 denotes the connected component of the identity ofG). The Langlands classification for non-connected groups is an extension of the Langlands classification from the connected case.
Adaptation in Retinal Rods of Axolotl: Intracellular Recordings

Intracellular recordings of the late receptor potential from rods of isolated axolotl retinas revealed the existence of a dark adaptation mechanism that is independent of rod pigment regeneration. Response amplitude of individual rods was measured as a function of intensity both before and at various times after exposure to bleaching illumination. The rod sensitivity increased by at least 3 to 4 log units during a period of 15 to 25 minutes following the bleach. During this time rod pigment regeneration was either too small to be measured or was nonexistent in our preparation.
Mössbauer spectra of LiAl5−xFexO8

Abstract The 57 Fe m quadropole splitting in ordered LiAl 5− x Fe x O 8 is strongly concentration dependent. For x == 0.25 the A-site splitting is (0.675±0.009) mm/sec, whereas for x = 5.0 it is less than (0.02±0.07) mm/sec. The Fe internal magnetic fields have been evaluated in LiFe 5 O 8 .
The SUNY X21 beamline at NSLS: A multi-use port on a dedicated high brightness synchrotron radiation source☆

Abstract The State University of New York is developing a beamline on the X-ray ring at NSLS, Brookhaven. The beamline has one part operating, at present. It has monochromator/mirror optics. There are two tandem experimental hutches. The upstream hutch contains diffractometry and X-ray spectroscopy apparatus. The downstream hutch houses a small angle scattering bench. Crystallography, spectroscopy, diffraction and scattering techniques can thus be used with the synchrotron source. Optical design is discussed with reference to the possibilities and constraints of bending magnet ports at NSLS and the requirements of the varied experimental program. Measurements made so far indicate that NSLS is indeed a high brightness X-ray source. High resolution edge spectra have been obtained of the “white line” at the L III edge of Ho and of Cu metal without slits in the beamline and with the expected structure resolved. This infers that the vertical opening angle of the X-ray beam appears dominated by the intrinsic opening angle of radiation from each electron with no further spreading from crossfire in the electron beam. For this particular measure of brightness the ring is thus as bright as it can be . The beam has been focused with a 1:1 bent toroidal mirror to a 1.5×1.5 mm (fwhm) focal spot. The horizontal focus correlates well with NSLS design parameters. The vertical height is not minimised but provides a symmetric beam for crystallography experiments. Measurements indicate little loss of energy resolution on focusing. These results are believed to be the first direct evidence of the achievement of high brightness in a synchrotron radiation X-ray source. Later measurements on other beamlines confirmed some of our conclusions about the source brightness. To demonstrate beamline performance, examples of results in crystallography, diffraction and spectroscopy are given.
Age attenuates testosterone secretion driven by amplitude-varying pulses of recombinant human luteinizing hormone during acute gonadotrope inhibition in healthy men.

Context: Whether testosterone (Te) depletion in aging men reflects deficits in the testis, hypothalamus, and/or pituitary gland is unknown. Objective: Our objective was to quantify the impact of age on gonadal Te secretion driven by amplitude-varying pulses of recombinant human LH (rhLH) in the absence of confounding by endogenous hypothalamo-pituitary signals. Design: This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Setting: The setting was an academic medical center. Subjects: Fifteen healthy community-dwelling men ages 22–78 yr were included in the study. Intervention: Saline or four separate rhLH doses were each infused twice iv in randomized order as one pulse every 2 h over 20 h to stimulate Te secretion, after LH secretion was suppressed by a GnRH-receptor antagonist, ganirelix. Main Outcome: LH and Te concentrations were determined in blood samples collected every 5 min. Maximal and minimal (as well as mean) Te responses were regressed linearly on age to reflect LH peak and nadir (and average) e...
Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. relative to other enteric pathogens in grow-finish pigs with diarrhea

Salmonella spp., Lawsonia intracellularis, and Brachyspira spp. are pathogens commonly associated with diarrhea in growing and finishing pigs. Brachyspira spp. infection has recently reemerged as a significant concern due to an increase in the incidence of swine dysentery; however, the mechanisms underlying this increase in dysentery remain largely unknown. Pigs are also well-recognized as potential carriers of Campylobacter spp., particularly Campylobacter coli, yet enteric disease in swine associated with infection by these bacteria is considered uncommon and diagnosis has historically been based upon exclusion of other causes. Accordingly, Campylobacter culture is often excluded in routine diagnostic testing of cases of porcine enterocolitis and the incidence of infection is therefore largely unknown. In this study, feces from 155 cases of clinical diarrhea in grow-finish pigs submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory were cultured for Campylobacter spp. in addition to other testing as indicated for routine diagnostic investigation. Campylobacter culture was positive from 82.6% (128/155) of samples with C. coli accounting for 75% of isolates and Campylobacter jejuni for the remaining 25%. In 14.8% (23/155) of cases a Campylobacter spp. was the sole infectious agent detected; however, there was no association with any particular Campylobacter spp. Interestingly, for those cases with a laboratory diagnosis of Brachyspira-associated disease, 100% (15/15) were also culture positive for Campylobacter spp. suggesting a possible interrelationship between these bacteria in the pig gut. No association was noted between Campylobacter culture results and infection with either Salmonella spp. or L. intracellularis.
Birth of a Business Unit

By keeping a finger on the pulse of the marketplace, Monsanto, in only five years, built its Lawn and Garden group into a $170 million SBU.
Mechanical nociceptive thresholds within the pastern region of Tennessee Walking Horses

Summary Reasons for performing study: ‘Soring’ is the term used to describe the application of an irritant to the distal forelimbs of gaited horses with the sole intent of inflicting pain and inducing altered gait, illegally practiced in Tennessee Walking Horses. Objective methods for the detection of limb pain due to this practice are, however, lacking. Objectives: To assess whether Tennessee Walking Horses respond to manual pressures ≤10 kg/cm2 and to establish reference mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNTs) within the pastern region. Methods: In 25 mature Tennessee Walking Horses in which no irritant had been applied, MNTs were evoked by a pressure algometer at 4 sites within the pastern region of each thoracic limb by 6 different examiners. The effects of age, sex, weight, height at withers, exercise and hand dominance of the examiners on MNTs were assessed. Correlations between the horse's perceived mental status, tolerance to the procedure and MNT values were also evaluated. Results: Mechanical nociceptive thresholds ≤10 kg/cm2 were observed in 20% of measurements, of which the mean ± s.d. MNT was 9.5 ± 0.3 kg/cm2. Within 4 pastern sites, the palmar region had the lowest reference MNT value of 19.5 ± 3.6 kg/cm2. Subject status, exercise, hand dominance, horse mental status and horse procedure tolerance did not significantly affect MNT values. Conclusions: Reference MNTs of the pastern region of nontreated Tennessee Walking Horses provide an objective standard for the evaluation of those potentially applied irritant. Potential relevance: Pressure algometry, in lieu of digital pressure, can quantify mechanical pressure applied during inspections to detect irritant therapy and provide consistency between examiners.
The tissue-specific processing of Pro-ACTH/Endorphin recent advances and unsolved problems

Pro-ACTH/endorphin (also called proopiomelanocortin) synthesis in corticotropes and melanotropes continues to serve as a model for investigating the series of enzymatic steps that convert inactive preprohormones to product peptides during transit of the molecules from the rough endoplasmic reticulum through the Golgi and into secretory granules. The complexity of the biosynthesis of bioactive peptides is increased by the widespread occurrence of tissue-specific and developmentally regulated posttranslational processing. Transfection of cDNAs encoding wild-type and mutant preproneuropeptide Y into AtT-20 corticotrope tumor cells revealed the importance of primary sequence in determining the extent of cleavage of the peptide precursor. The purification and cloning of several peptide-processing enzymes, including KEX-1, KEX-2, carboxypeptidase E, and peptidyl-glycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase, have provided important information about intracellular peptide processing, and are beginning to provide information about the sorting of soluble and membrane-associated components of secretory granules.
The constrained torsional characteristics of some carbon fibre composite box-beams

Abstract A simple analytical procedure for determining the constrained torsional response of a specific class of carbon fibre composite box-beams is detailed in this paper. The analysis approach essentially makes use of the existing theories of torsion appropriate to isotropic construction and these are then suitably modified to account for the non-isotropic nature of typical carbon fibre composite material. The composite box-beams are devoid of overall elastic couplings through the use of constituent laminates which are symmetrically laid-up about their own mid-planes and which possess in-plane orthotropy. The thin walls of the box-sections can have different lay-up configurations provided the stiffness distribution around the sections is of a symmetrically disposed nature. The flanges of a box-section can thus have a different lay-up configuration to that of the section webs. The constrained condition considered in the paper is that of the cantilevered box-beam with torque applied at the free end and the torsional and warping rigidities of the composite box-sections are determined through the use of the appropriate equivalent engineering elastic constants of the individual thin composite walls. Comparisons between theory and finite element solutions are given in the paper and these are shown to give close agreement. It is also clear that the use of the appropriate equivalent engineering elastic material constants in the theory is able to closely predict actual behaviour.
Rocket instrument for far-UV spectrophotometry of faint astronomical objects

A sensitive sounding rocket instrument for moderate (~10-A) resolution far-UV (lambda1160-lambda1750-A) spectrophotometry of faint astronomical objects has been developed. The instrument employs a photon-counting microchannel plate imaging detector and a concave grating spectrograph behind a 40-cm Dall-Kirkham telescope. A unique remote-control pointing system, incorporating an SIT vidicon aspect camera, two star trackers, and a tone-encoded command telemetry link, permits the telescope to be oriented to within 5 arc sec of any target for which suitable guide stars can be found. The design, construction, calibration, and flight performance of the instrument are discussed.
Microstructure-Level Model for the Prediction of Tool Failure in WC-Co Cutting Tool Materials

A model to predict tool failure due to chipping in machining via the microstructure-level finite element cutting process simulation is presented and applied to a wide variety of WC-Co tool materials. The methodology includes the creation of arbitrary microstructures comprised of WC and Co phases to simulate various grades of WC-Co alloys. Equivalent stress, strain, and strain energy are then obtained via orthogonal microstructure-level finite element machining simulations. A model was developed to predict the occurrence of tool failure based on the mixed mode fracture criterion. Turning experiments were conducted to validate the model and the results showed that the model predictions agree well with the observations from the experiments. The model was then employed to study the effects of microstructural parameters and feedrate on chipping and failure.
Subglottal resonances and distinctive features

Abstract This paper addresses the phonetic basis of the distinctive feature [±back]. The second subglottal resonance (Sg2) is known to fall near the boundary between [−back] and [+back] vowels, and it has been claimed that Sg2 actually defines this distinction. In this paper, new evidence in support of this hypothesis is presented from 14 adult and 9 child speakers of American English, in which accelerometer recordings of subglottal acoustics were made simultaneously with speech recordings. The first three formants and the second subglottal resonance were measured, and both Sg2 and F3–3.5 bark were tested as boundaries between front and back vowels in the F2-dimension. It was found that Sg2 provides a reliable boundary between front and back vowels for children of all ages, as well as for adults, whereas F3–3.5 bark provides a similarly reliable boundary only for older children and adults. Furthermore, a study of connected speech in one adult male indicated that Sg2 forms a boundary between front and back vowels in such speech as well as in laboratory speech. Some implications for quantal theory and landmark theory are discussed, as well as the possibility that subglottal resonances might play a broader role in speech production.
The tryptophans in flavodoxin and synthetic flavinyl peptides characterized by chemical and photochemical oxidations.

Zwei der vier Tryptophan-Reste in Flavodoxin sind relativ gut abgeschirmt, wie das Ausmass der Oxidation durch N-Bromsuccinimid zeigt. Ausserdem kann wahrscheinlich mindestens einer dieser Tryptophan-Reste mit FMN einen stabilen Komplex bilden, wie die Unempfindlichkeit gegenuber Photooxidation nahelegt.
Total and cardiovascular mortality rates in relation to discharges from Toxics Release Inventory sites in the United States.

Abstract Background This study analyzed Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) discharges in association with covariate-adjusted total and cardiovascular mortality rates for males and females in US counties. Methods Average annual county-level reported releases from TRI facilities measured in pounds per square mile which were calculated for the years1990–1999, and tested for associations with age-adjusted mortality rates for 2006–2010. Chemicals were grouped into four categories: 1) carcinogens, 2) metals, 3) hazardous air pollutants, and 4) chemicals in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. For each of these chemical groups the reported total, water, and air emissions were measured. Age-adjusted mortality rates were found separately for males and females from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for total and cardiovascular disease. Covariates included rates of smoking, obesity, high school and college education, race/ethnicity, poverty, unemployment, percent without health insurance, and urban–rural setting. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression models. Results Greater average annual TRI releases in 1990–1999 in all four chemical categories were significantly associated with higher mortality rates in 2006–2010 for both total and cardiovascular mortality, and for both males and females, adjusted for covariates. Associations were stronger for air releases than for water releases. Conclusions This study provides the first evidence that greater amounts of TRI releases are related to higher population mortality rates for cardiovascular disease. In addition, the study showed that adverse TRI effects were broadly present for both males and females for multiple chemical groups. Further progress is needed to reduce the use and release of harmful chemicals from TRI facilities in the United States.
On the Effect of Stochastic Delay on Estimation

Consider the problem of estimating a linear time-invariant process across a communication channel such that the sensor data is delayed by a stochastically time-varying amount that can potentially be infinite. Thus, the data may arrive at the receiver delayed and out of order, or may simply be lost. There are two main contributions of this work. We show that the effect of the delay on the estimation error covariance cannot be characterized through a few moments of the delay distribution. Thus, intuitive conjectures such as a delay distribution with lesser mean, variance, or maximum value always yields better estimation performance are incorrect. For a graph with each edge introducing a random delay to the sensor data, we also provide a routing algorithm that searches for the path that is optimal from an estimation theoretic perspective. A minor contribution of the work is to obtain stability conditions when the delay distribution has an infinite support and delays are correlated across time.
A class of tests for testing an increasing failure-rate-average distribution with randomly right-censored data

For testing exponentiality versus (nonexponential) increasing failure rate average (IFRA) alternatives (which are nonexponential) using the randomly right censored data, a class of test statistics based on a functional of the Kaplan-Meier estimator is proposed. The asymptotic relative efficiencies of tests from this class with respect to other test statistics are derived. The efficiency loss due to censoring is studied. The proposed tests are applied to published survival data. >
The Status of Costas Array Construction

To date, two approaches have been followed to identify Costas arrays. One has been exhaustive search, by computer, to find all n × n Costas arrays, which has currently been completed for n ? 26. [1] [2] [3]. The other has been the discovery of specific constructions which provide examples of Costas arrays for many different values of n [4] [5] [6]. All the specific construction methods which have been found are related to primitive roots in finite fields, or involve the opportunistic adjoining of an extra ?dot?, usually at a corner, to go from an example of size n to one of size n + 1. For many years, n = 32 and n = 33 have been the smallest values for which no Costas arrays are known [4]. The last publication that described new specific constructions appeared in 1992 [6]. If there are as yet undiscovered specific constructions, one possible way to identify them may be to look at examples found by exhaustive computer search that do not arise from any of the known constructions, and attempt to identify patterns in their formation.
Analytic study of compensation of nonlinear phase shift by third-order dispersion in chirped-pulse amplification

An analytic model of chirped-pulse amplification is presented. The model is used to optimize the peak power in fiber chirped-pulse amplification, in which the interplay of nonlinearity and third-order dispersion plays a major role.
Configuration control for bus networks

A distributed configuration control method applicable to networks based on slotted bus transmission systems is presented. The method creates an operational network out of the individual bus links, removes failed sections from the network by reconfiguration, and supports node insertion and removal. It is designed to work in both dual and folded bus systems. The configuration control is based on simple physical layer signaling, achieving maximum possible connectivity for both open (linear) and looped (ring) topologies. It uses only generally available medium-access control (MAC) functions and is therefore applicable to any slotted-bus MAC protocol. It is shown that in the context of this configuration control algorithm, any network can be reduced to an equivalent five-node configuration. The algorithm can recover from all possible single failures in this five-node configuration, i.e. in an arbitrary network. The algorithm also handles node removal and insertion, and functions to support network management are provided. >
An efficient nonenumerative method to estimate the path delay fault coverage in combinational circuits

A method to estimate the coverage of path delay faults of a given test set, without enumerating paths, is proposed. The method is polynomial in the number of lines in the circuit, and thus allows circuits with large numbers of paths to be considered under the path delay fault model. Several levels of approximation, with increasing accuracy and increasing polynomial complexity, are proposed. Experimental results are presented to show the effectiveness and accuracy of the estimate in evaluating the path delay fault coverage. Combining this nonenumerative estimation method with a test generation method for path delay faults would yield a cost effective method to consider path delay faults in large circuits, which are beyond the capabilities of existing test generation and fault simulation procedures, that are based on enumeration of paths. >
Investigating Sensitivity to Saharan Dust in Tropical Cyclone Formation Using Nasa's Adjoint Model

As tropical cyclones develop from easterly waves coming of the coast of Africa they interact with dust from the Sahara desert. There is a long standing debate over whether this dust inhibits or advances the developing storm and how much influence it has. Dust can surround the storm and absorb incoming solar radiation, cooling the air below. As a result an energy source for the system is potentially diminished, inhibiting growth of the storm. Alternatively dust may interact with clouds through micro-physical processes, for example by causing more moisture to condense, potentially increasing the strength. As a result of climate change, concentrations and amount of dust in the atmosphere will likely change. It it is important to properly understand its effect on tropical storm formation. The adjoint of an atmospheric general circulation model provides a very powerful tool for investigating sensitivity to initial conditions. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recently developed an adjoint version of the Goddard Earth Observing System version 5 (GEOS-5) dynamical core, convection scheme, cloud model and radiation schemes. This is extended so that the interaction between dust and radiation is also accounted for in the adjoint model. This provides a framework for examining the sensitivity to dust in the initial conditions. Specifically the set up allows for an investigation into the extent to which dust affects cyclone strength through absorption of radiation. In this work we investigate the validity of using an adjoint model for examining sensitivity to dust in hurricane formation. We present sensitivity results for a number of systems that developed during the Atlantic hurricane season of 2006. During this period there was a significant outbreak of Saharan dust and it is has been argued that this outbreak was responsible for the relatively calm season. This period was also covered by an extensive observation campaign. It is shown that the adjoint can provide insight into the sensitivity and reveals a relatively low sensitivity to dust compared to, for example, the thermodynamic variables. However a secondary sensitivity though moisture is seen. If dust dries the air it can significantly reduce the cyclone intensity through the moisture.
Thermal switches based on coplanar EWOD for satellite thermal control

We propose and demonstrate a novel liquid-droplet-based thermal switch aimed for satellite thermal control by using coplanar electro-wetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) configuration. By fabricating and testing the proof-of-concept devices, we confirm the mechanism of droplet detaching and attaching for the thermal switches. Thermal tests have shown the reasonable thermal performance with water and glycerin. Further development with novel liquid with low vapor pressure and high thermal conductivity is expected to improve the performance.
Robust shape detection using fuzzy clustering: practical applications

Abstract Problem of accurate shape detection in practical applications is considered. The work is motivated by several experimental studies in granular flow research, where in general, the objects imaged are spherical particles. A new algorithm called the divide and conquer noise fuzzy c -shells clustering (D&C-NFCS) is proposed, with these particular applications in mind, for detecting circles and ellipses in noisy images without requiring prior knowledge of the exact number of clusters. This unsupervised algorithm uses Hough transform (HT) based methods to provide very rough initial estimates of the cluster prototypes for use in the fuzzy c -shells (FCS) type algorithms. The results of HT are also used to segment the raw data so that the FCS algorithm can be applied to detect one cluster at a time. The concept of recently introduced noise clustering algorithm is also used to make the algorithm robust against noise. Results of this algorithm for several practical examples from granular flow experiments are shown demonstrating high speed and accuracy. When compared with the methods based on HT alone, this approach results in a significant improvement in detection accuracy. Cluster validity issues are also discussed.
Gut Microbiota-Dependent Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) Pathway Contributes to Both Development of Renal Insufficiency and Mortality Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease

Rationale: Trimethylamine- N -oxide (TMAO), a gut microbial-dependent metabolite of dietary choline, phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), and l-carnitine, is elevated in chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and associated with coronary artery disease pathogenesis. Objective: To both investigate the clinical prognostic value of TMAO in subjects with versus without CKD, and test the hypothesis that TMAO plays a direct contributory role in the development and progression of renal dysfunction. Methods and Results: We first examined the relationship between fasting plasma TMAO and all-cause mortality over 5-year follow-up in 521 stable subjects with CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate, 2 ). Median TMAO level among CKD subjects was 7.9 μmol/L (interquartile range, 5.2–12.4 μmol/L), which was markedly higher ( P P P P =0.036). Among non-CKD subjects, elevated TMAO levels portend poorer prognosis within cohorts of high and low cystatin C. In animal models, elevated dietary choline or TMAO directly led to progressive renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and dysfunction. Conclusions: Plasma TMAO levels are both elevated in patients with CKD and portend poorer long-term survival. Chronic dietary exposures that increase TMAO directly contributes to progressive renal fibrosis and dysfunction in animal models.
Hyaline bodies in odontogenic cysts: Electron microscopic observations

. Hyaline bodies in odontogenic cysts were studied in the electron microscope after retrieval from paraffin blocks. Although epithelial preservation was poor, hyaline bodies appeared to be well preserved. Our observations do not support unequivocally either of the two major hypotheses of pathogenesis - epithelial cell production or hematogenous origin. Electron micrographs do, however, clearly demonstrate that hyaline bodies are not composed of keratin. Hyaline bodies in our material reveal no ultrastructural similarity to the published electron micrographs of cuticle “B” which Listgarten (1966a, b) suggested corresponds to the secondary enamel cuticle.
Advice given to women in Argentina about breast-feeding and the use of alcohol

OBJECTIVE: To explore the types of advice that women in Argentina received from health professionals, family members, and friends about drinking alcoholic beverages and about alcohol usage during pregnancy and lactation. METHODS: In December 2001 and December 2002, structured interviews were conducted with a total of 167 women who were then breast-feeding or who had recently breast-fed their infant. Mothers were asked about the type of advice, if any, that they had received about the use of alcohol from health professionals and from family members and friends. Also included were questions related to the usage of the traditional Argentine beverage "mate" (an infusion widely consumed in South America that is prepared from the leaves of the Ilex paraguayensis plant) and the types of advice the women had received about breast-feeding and neonatal care in general. RESULTS: Of the 167 women studied, 96.4% of them reported that their physician had advised them to breast-feed their infant. In addition, 93.4% of the women said they had treated their infant's umbilical cord stump with alcohol. Fewer than half of the women (46.7%) reported that their physician had advised them about drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, and even fewer (25.7%) received such advice during lactation. Family and friends were about equally likely to give advice about the consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy (42.6%) and during lactation (47.9%). However, the type of advice changed, with the family and friends being significantly more likely to encourage drinking when the women were lactating than when they were pregnant (P < 0.001). Family members and friends also encouraged the drinking of mate to increase milk production. CONCLUSIONS: As in other cultures, in Argentina the belief exists that alcohol enhances lactation. However, the majority of women whom we interviewed had not been counseled by their health professional about the consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy and lactation. There is a need for professional development strategies that will address women's awareness of the risks of alcohol consumption and alcohol usage.
Taxes and corporate charity: Empirical evidence from microlevel panel data

* Abstract - This paper explores the relation between corporate contribu- tions and tax rates to examine whether corporate philanthropy is motivated by profit maximization or managers' utility maximization, the two basic models of corporate giving that exist in the literature. No relation between contri- butions and tax rate is consistent with profit maximization, whereas either a positive or negative relation is consistent with investment in contributions beyond the profit-maximizing level. The empirical analysis is based on firm- specific longitudinal data on contribu- tions and estimated marginal tax rates for a five-year period spanning the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (TRA86). The results are consistent with managers' utility maximization being an important motive for corporate contributions, but contributions beyond the profit- maximizing level are limited by a binding minimum profit constraint. In addition, the results indicate that the income elasticity of corporate contribu- tions is low, ranging from 0.04 to 0.17 depending on how income is defined. These estimates are much lower than reported previously with aggregated data and firm-specific cross-sectional data.
The Algebras of Quadratic Forms

Our purpose in this chapter is to introduce three algebras of importance in the theory of quadratic forms, the Clifford algebra, the quaternion algebra, and the Hasse algebra. The Clifford algebra will be developed from first principles and its main use for us will be in the definition of an invariant called the spinor norm. The quaternion algebra and the Hasse algebra play an important role in the arithmetic theory of quadratic forms. The definition of the Hasse algebra depends on some of the structure theory of central simple algebras, in particular it needs Wedderburn’s theorem and the theory of similarity of algebras that is normally used in defining the Brauer group. We have therefore included a proof of Wedderburn’s theorem and some of its consequences. Also included as a convenience to the reader is a brief discussion of the tensor product of finite dimensional vector spaces1.
Fuzzy sets, rough set and probability

A rough membership function uses counting probability (ratio of cardinal numbers) to define a membership. An extension, called granular membership function (GMF), generalizes the counting probability to a general set function (GSF), such as probability, possibility, belief function, etc. have been investigated previously. The "set theoretical operations" (STO) of GMF are induced naturally from the operations of GSF. In particular, probabilistic GMF (PGMF) are defined according to the rules of probability; their operations depend not only on the numerical grades but also on the events. This is often expressed as "STO are not truth functional." On the other hand, STO on traditional fuzzy sets are truth functional. This phenomenon led us to conclude the grade of traditional fuzzy sets can not be interpreted as a probability.
Translating the Socio-Ecological Perspective Into Multilevel Interventions Gaps Between Theory and Practice

Multilevel interventions are inspired by socio-ecological models, and seek to create change on various levels—for example by increasing the health literacy of individuals as well as modifying the social norms within a community. Despite becoming a buzzword in public health, actual multilevel interventions remain scarce. In this commentary, we explore the operational and empirical barriers to designing and implementing multilevel interventions, and argue that the current theoretical framework based on the socio-ecological model is insufficient to guide those seeking to design multilevel interventions. We consider two theories, namely, the complementarity principle theory and the risk compensation theory—to address the gap between theory and translation into practice.
A Review of FAST (Faceted Application of Subject Terminology) Users: Summary and Case Studies

FAST (Faceted Application of Subject Terminology) is derived from the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH). FAST is designed to rework LCSH's authority rules so that they are easier to use, ...
Patch Management: The Importance of Implementing Central Patch Management and Our Experiences Doing So

Lehigh University is implementing the Secunia CSI application to patch faculty/staff computers on campus. This paper will cover the patch management process from the beginning to end, including vendor identification, application testing, vendor selection, implementation, deployment, and interpreting the results. We will discuss the importance of using a patch management solution to guard against data breaches as well as how vulnerable computers are without one. This paper will focus on why we chose Secunia over other products and why patch management is an increasingly necessary solution in all sectors. With breaches occurring daily, we must work on prevention. There are countless vulnerabilities across a variety of products on University computers, including: Adobe Flash, Java, and web browsers. Users often fall victim to viruses and malware as a result of these unpatched or outdated applications. Universities deal with sensitive and valuable data that needs to be protected. Patching software can help prevent breaches and therefore secure campus assets. No matter how you do it, the importance of patch management cannot be overstated.
Items, Skills, and Transfer Models: Which Really Matters for Student Modeling?

Student modeling is broadly used in educational data mining and intelligent tutoring systems for making scientific discoveries and for guiding instruction. For both of these goals, having high model accuracy is important, and researchers have incorporated a variety of features into student models. However, since different techniques use various features, when evaluating those approaches, we could not easily figure out what is key for a high predictive accuracy: the model or the features. In this paper, to establish such knowledge, we performed empirical studies varying which features the models considered such as items, skills, and transfer models. We found that item difficulty is a better predictor than skill difficulty or student proficiencies on the transfer model. Moreover, we evaluated two versions of the PFA model; the one with item difficulty resulted in slightly higher predictive accuracy than the one with skill difficulty. In addition, prior work has shown that considering student overall proficiencies, not just those thought to be important by the transfer model, works substantially better on ASSISTments data. However, in this study, we failed to find consistency of this phenomenon on the data collected from the Cognitive Tutor.
Posttraumatic Growth in Relation to the Frequency and Severity of Traumatic Experiences Among Police Officers in Small to Midsize Departments

The Critical Incident History Questionnaire (CIHQ) measures, through multiple measurement methods, the severity and frequency of traumatic events experienced by law enforcement officers. We, however, found no studies utilizing the CIHQ to examine posttraumatic growth (PTG) as measured by the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. The purpose of this brief report was to assess the strength and direction of the relationships between PTG with trauma frequency, trauma severity, and health variables, including subjective traumatic stress, relationship stress, nontraumatic work stress, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depression, and alcohol use among law enforcement officers (N = 193) from small and midsize agencies. In addition, we sought to explore differences between cognitive and behavioral PTG. Based on results from bivariate and multivariate analyses, we found that an idiosyncratic view of trauma severity shaped by personal experience demonstrated the strongest relationship with PTG among the frequency and severity variables and that increased PTG was not associated with reduced psychological distress. Alcohol use, a variable that is assessed primarily through behaviors compared with cognitions, was not significantly associated with PTG. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate the importance for future research to consider both the frequency and severity of trauma exposure in the development of PTG and its impact on health outcomes.
Differences in blood glutathione levels of tumor-implanted or zinc-deficient rats.

Previously we found that blood glutathione (GSH) levels were decreased in rats that were both zinc-deficient and tumor-bearing. In this study the separate effects of zinc deficiency and tumor were investigated. Young, male rats were pair-fed either a complete, control diet or a zinc-deficient diet, and some of each group were implanted intramuscularly (i.m.) with Walker 256/Ml carcinosarcoma. Then half of the tumor-implanted, zinc-deficient rats were repleted with zinc. All rats were killed 7 days after tumor implantation. Zinc deficiency was validated by poor growth, low food efficiency and decreased concentrations of zinc in liver, kidney and plasma. Relative to controls rats, the blood GSH level increased 21% as a result of tumor alone (P less than 0.005) and decreased 19% with zinc-deficiency alone (P less than 0.025). In rats that were both tumor-bearing and zinc-deficient, the GSH level was 16% higher than the controls (P less than 0.005). Zinc repletion of the tumor-bearing rats restored GSH levels to control values. These results indicate that the marked and opposite changes in blood GSH levels as a result of tumor implantation or of zinc deficiency occur by different mechanisms.
Sex, Borders And Identity Transvestism: Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men In The International Context Of The American Southwest

This article addresses the various ideological constructions of the US-Mexican border from the perspective of Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men. These men constructed the border through the assignation of various qualities supposedly inherent in bodies and landscapes. In engaging in these assignations, this article will argue that in fact these men embody ideologies that create the border as not just a mark in the geopolitical landscape but also as a lived and practiced reality. The border is therefore a bodily experience of regimes of power-knowledge-pleasure (Foucault) which allows borderlanders to manipulate these regimes for various reasons including: avoiding social injury; use of specific zones of the body; and engaging in identity transvestism. Overall, this article engages queer theory; borderland theory; and demonstrates the complexity of the border as a lived and embodied phenomenon.