cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Measurement of Temperature and Strain using PANDA Fiber Grating

In this paper, we demonstrate a new sensor for simultaneous measurement of temperature and strain using a fiber grating written in a PANDA fiber. Because this grating sensor has a probe size as small as few millimeters, it is promising as a local sensing device for various applications.
Further study of Saint-Venant's principle in linear viscoelasticity

For a viscoelastic beam loaded at one end and otherwise traction-free, it is shown that a certain integral measure of the strain in that portion of the beam at a distance greater than or equal tos decays exponentially with increasings. This is a different integral decay estimate from that obtained previously by Edelstein [2] and leads immediately to a pointwise decay estimate for strains.
Challenge: mobile optical networks through visual MIMO

Mobile optical communications has so far largely been limited to short ranges of about ten meters, since the highly directional nature of optical transmissions would require costly mechanical steering mechanisms. Advances in CCD and CMOS imaging technology along with the advent of visible and infrared (IR) light sources such as (light emitting diode) LED arrays presents an exciting and challenging concept which we call as visual-MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) where optical transmissions by multiple transmitter elements are received by an array of photodiode elements (e.g. pixels in a camera). Visual-MIMO opens a new vista of research challenges in PHY, MAC and Network layer research and this paper brings together the networking, communications and computer vision fields to discuss the feasibility of this as well as the underlying opportunities and challenges. Example applications range from household/factory robotic to tactical to vehicular networks as well pervasive computing, where RF communications can be interference-limited and prone to eavesdropping and security lapses while the less observable nature of highly directional optical transmissions can be beneficial. The impact of the characteristics of such technologies on the medium access and network layers has so far received little consideration. Example characteristics are a strong reliance on computer vision algorithms for tracking, a form of interference cancellation that allows successfully receiving packets from multiple transmitters simultaneously, and the absence of fast fading but a high susceptibility to outages due to line-of-sight interruptions. These characteristics lead to significant challenges and opportunities for mobile networking research
Cardiovascular and ventilatory responses during formalized T'ai Chi Chuan exercise.

Abstract T'ai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a widely practiced Chinese martial art said to physically develop balance and coordination as well as enhance emotional and mental health. TCC consists of a series of postures combined into a sequential movement providing a smooth, continuous, low-intensity activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the ventilatory and cardiovascular responses to the Long Form of Yang's style TCC. In addition, the subjects' TCC responses were compared to their ventilatory and cardiovascular responses during cycle ergometry at an oxygen consumption (VO2) equivalent to the mean TCC VO2 Six experienced (M = 8.3 yrs) male TCC practitioners served as subjects with data collected during the Cloud Hand movement of the TCC exercise. Significantly (p < .05) lower responses for ventilatory frequency (Vf) (11.3 and 15.7 breaths min−1), ventilatory equivalent (VE!VO2) (23.47 and 27.41), and the ratio of dead space ventilation to tidal volume (VD!VT) (20 and 27%) were found in TCC in comparison...
Assessment of the Van Voorhis–Scuseria exchange–correlation functional for predicting excitation energies using time-dependent density functional theory

We assess the performance of the Van Voorhis–Scuseria exchange–correlation functional (VSXC), a kinetic-energy-density-dependent exchange–correlation functional recently developed in our group, for calculating vertical excitation energies using time-dependent density functional theory in a benchmark set of molecules. Overall, VSXC performs very well, with accuracy similar to that of hybrid functionals such as the hybrid Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof functional and Becke's three parameter hybrid method with the Lee, Yang, and Parr correlation functional, which contain a portion of Hartree–Fock exchange.
Eisenmenger's complex in a Holstein‐Friesian cow

A 4.5-year-old, Holstein-Friesian cow presented with a 1month history of severe exercise intolerance. Rectal examination and transrectal ultrasonography revealed a large mass in the left retroperitoneum. The heart rate was 70 to 80/min. Premature ventricular complexes and ventricular bigeminy were present on an electrocardiogram. Erythrocytosis was present and blood gas analysis revealed marked hypoxaemia. An echocardiogram demonstrated a large ventricular septal defect, a partially dextroposed aorta, and concentric hypertrophy of the right ventricular free wall. Colour flow Doppler echocardiography and a contrast echocardiographic study demonstrated a right-to-left shunt through the ventricular septal defect. Eisenmenger’s complex was diagnosed. The patient was euthanased. Necropsy confirmed the gross cardiac lesions indentified by echocardiography and an abscess in the apex of the left ventricle. Severe pulmonary arterial lesions were present, consistent with a marked increased in pulmonary vascular resistance. Actinomyces pyogenes was cultured from abscesses of the retroperitoneum and the ventricular apex. Aust Vet J 2001;79:37-40
Interferons α and λ Inhibit Hepatitis C Virus Replication With Distinct Signal Transduction and Gene Regulation Kinetics

Background & Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current therapy with pegylated interferon α (IFN-α) in combination with ribavirin is associated with adverse effects and often fails to induce a sustained response. IFN-λs, recently discovered IFN gene family members, exhibit antiviral and cell stimulatory activities similar to IFN-α. We aimed to determine whether IFN-λ exhibits antiviral activity toward HCV and to compare the signal transduction and effector gene pathways with those of IFN-α. Methods: Using the HCV replicon system and cell culture infectious reporter virus, we compared IFN-α and IFN-λ effects on HCV RNA replication and protein expression, as measured by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, luciferase expression, and Western blot. Receptor expression and signaling pathways were explored using flow cytometry and Western blot. IFN-α- and IFN-λ-mediated gene expression changes were compared using microarray analyses. Results: IFN-λ exhibited dose- and time-dependent HCV inhibition, independent of types I and II IFN receptors. The kinetics of IFN-λ-mediated signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) activation and induction of potential effector genes were distinct from those of IFN-α. IFN-λ induced steady increases in levels of known interferon stimulated genes (ISGs), whereas IFN-α ISGs peaked early and declined rapidly. IFN-λ inhibited replication of HCV genotypes 1 and 2 and enhanced the antiviral efficacy of subsaturating levels of IFN-α. Conclusions: These results demonstrate distinct differences in IFN-λ- and IFN-α-induced antiviral states. Understanding these differences may prove useful for developing new HCV treatment strategies.
Developing cost-effective early detection networks for regional invasions

Early detection and rapid response (EDRR) seek to control or eradicate new invasions to prevent their spread, but effective EDRR remains elusive due to financial and managerial constraints. As part of the Great Lakes Early Detection Network, we asked stakeholders to indicate their needs for an effective EDRR communication tool. Our results led to the development of a website with five primary features: (1) the ability for casual observers to report a sighting; (2) a network of professionals to verify new sightings; (3) email alerts of new sightings, including data from all data providers across the region; (4) maps of species distributions across data providers; and (5) easy communication channels among stakeholders. Using results from our stakeholder discussions, we provide a cost-effective framework for online EDRR networks that integrate data and develop social capital through a virtual community. This framework seeks to provide real-time data on current species distributions and improve across jurisdictional collaboration with limited oversight.
Book Review: Objects of Translation: Material Culture and Medieval ‘Hindu-Muslim’ Encounter

Finbarr B. Flood, Objects of Translation: Material Culture and Medieval ‘Hindu-Muslim’ Encounter, University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2009, pp. xv, 366; 180 b&w figs, $45.
Use of a Condensation Particle Counter and an Optical Particle Counter to Assess the Number Concentration of Engineered Nanoparticles

There is a need to evaluate nanoparticle (< 100 nm) exposures in occupational settings. However, portable instruments do not size segregate particles in that size range. A proxy method for determining nanoparticle count concentrations involves subtracting counts made with a condensation particle counter (CPC) from those of an optical particle counter/sizer (OPC), resulting in an estimation of "very fine" particles < 300 nm, where 300 nm is the OPC lower detection limit. However, to determine size distributions from which particles < 100 nm may be estimated, the resulting count of particles < 300 nm can be used as an additional channel of count data in addition to those obtained from the OPC. To test these methods, the very fine number concentrations determined using a CPC and OPC were compared with those from SMPS measurements and were used to verify the accuracy of a very fine particle number concentration determined by an OPC and CPC. Two "size-distribution" methods, weighted-average and log-probit, were applied to reproduce particle size distributions from OPC and CPC data and were then evaluated relative to their ability to accurately estimate the nanoparticle number concentrations. Various engineered nanoparticles were used to create test aerosols, including titanium dioxide (TiO(2)), silicon dioxide (SiO(2)), and iron oxide (Fe(2)O(3)). These materials were chosen because of their different refractive indices and therefore may be measured differently by the OPC. The count-difference method was able to estimate very fine particle number concentrations with an error between 10.9 to 58.4%. In estimating nanoparticle number concentrations using the size-distribution methods, the log-probit method resulted in the lowest percent errors that ranged from -42% to 1023%. Percent error was lower than the instrument manufacturer's indicated level of accuracy when the test aerosol refractive index was similar to that used for OPC calibration standards. Accuracy could be increased if there was an increase in the size resolution for number concentrations measured by the CPC of very fine particles and mitigation of optical effects.
Abstract LB-123: Analyses of anti-cancer testis antigen antibodies in glioma patients treated with Delta-24 oncolytic adenovirus

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Objectives: We performed a phase I clinical trial of Delta-24-RGD, a novel tumor selective oncolytic adenovirus, in patients with recurrent malignant gliomas in order to: 1) test the safety of Delta-24-RGD after intratumoral injection; 2) determine the capability of Delta-24-RGD to induce direct oncolytic effect, and 3) ascertain if Delta-24-RGD infection results in the “unmasking” of cancer testis antigens (CTAs) and the triggering of an anti-tumor immune response. Methodology: Patients with unresectable tumors were treated with a direct intratumoral injection of Delta-24-RGD and followed for toxicity. Patients with resectable tumors underwent a two-stage approach: in stage 1, Delta-24-RGD was injected intratumorally, and in stage 2, two weeks after the injection, the tumor was resected en bloc. Surgical specimens were analyzed for viral replication using immunohistochemistry (IHC) for viral hexon protein. IHC and FACS were used to identify lymphocyte populations in resected tumors. In 20 patients, a modified solid-phase ELISA was used to detect antibodies against CTAs in the sera before and after the injection of the adenovirus. Preliminary data: 50% of patients showed radiographic responses. In a subset of these patients, there was decrease of tumor volume within weeks after Delta-24-RGD injection. In another subset there was an initial phase of pseudo-progression that lasted several weeks and was eventually followed by marked shrinkage of the tumor. One of these patients showed a complete radiographic response by 14 months after the treatment. IHC of tumor specimens documented active adenovirus replication that lasted at least for 15 days. IHC analyses showed that a subset of tumors were positive for MAGE E1. Importantly, we detected antibodies against CTAs that were present before the treatment or developed after Delta-24-RGD injection. Despite the fact that median survivals for patients with recurrent gliomas is six months, all four patients with high titers of anti-NY-ESO-1 antibodies survived after treatment: 301days (still alive), 281days (deceased), 273 days (still alive), and 126 days (still alive). Histological analyses of the post-treatment tumor from a patient with high titers of anti-NY-ESO 1, showed 80%-necrosis, striking inflammatory reaction, and predominant CD8+ lymphocytic infiltration. Conclusions: We conclude that the favorable radiographic and clinical responses of the patients treated with Delta-24-RGD adenovirus may be the result of the combination of a direct oncolytic effect and a potent adenovirus-triggered anti-tumor immunity. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-123. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-123
Scopolamine does not reduce tonic immobility in chickens

Chickens that were given up to 1.0 mg/kg scopolamine hydrobromide 15 min before testing did not show a reduced duration of tonic immobility when a 15-sec restraint procedure was used to induce immobility. Chickens given 2.0 mg/kg scopolamine did not show decreased duration or probability of induction of tonic immobility compared to chickens injected with physiological saline. These results contradict those of a previous study.
NETWORK DESIGN FOR PERSONALIZED PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICE

Network design requirements for personalized public transit service are presented. This concept involves diverting buses from their fixed routes to pick up passengers in the vicinity of the route. The software developed for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit to implement this concept is also discussed. A Dallas bus route is used as the case study. The service corridor is defined to be one-third of a mile on each side of the route. The software uses the real-time bus location and the schedule adherence data from a satellite-based vehicle locator system. Once it is determined that a given service request can be filled, the program generates the best diversion path and the estimated time of arrival to the caller's location. The software includes modules for logging incoming calls for service, identifying passenger locations, assessing feasibility of providing service, determining the best diversion path for passenger pickup, and assessing the effect of the diversion on the schedule. The network database includes street geometry (nodes and links); link volumes, capacities, and free-flow speeds; node turning prohibitions; bus stop and timepoint locations; and route schedule including available schedule slacks.
Use of porous glass fiber as a support for biocatalyst immobilization

Porous glass fiber has a very high surface area and good mechanical properties that make it an excellent support for biocatalyst immobilization. By packing aligned glass fibers in a tubular reactor such that the fibers are all parallel to the axis of the tube, the resulting pressure drop is considerably smaller than for a similar bed of packed beads. The utility of this support was demonstrated by immobilizing α-glucoamylase by silane-glutaraldehyde coupling, and measuring its activity toward converting maltose to glucose. Using optimized immobilization conditions, an enzyme loading of 1.5 mg protein perm 2 surface area was obtained, with an activity of 370 units/g glass at 50°C. The half-life of the immobilized glucoamylase was more than twice as long as that of the free enzyme.
Lagrangian tidal stress and basin-wide residual eddy dynamics in wide coastal sea straits

Abstract The tidal stress formulation is used to investigate the dynamics generating and governing tidally induced meso-scale recirculations in wide coastal sea straits for an idealized barotropic tidal wave. Particular attention is paid to the Lagrangian aspects of the residual dynamics and we present a first-order estimate of the Lagrangian tidal stress field in terms of a quasi-Eulerian field. The strength of the Lagrangian tidal stress may be related in a simple expression to the gradient of the bottom friction strength and the area swept out by the principal tidal current ellipse. We apply the analysis to the rectification processes active over a strongly sloping escarpment within an idealized representation of a wide coastal sea strait. It is demonstrated that the residual circulation for each of the Eulerian, Stokes’and Lagrangian cases is essentially governed by forced quasigeostrophic dynamics with source term being the curl of the relevant tidal stress. When the spatial dimension of the source t...
Modeling buckled developable surfaces by triangulation

Abstract In the first stage of sheet metal stamping, a binder ring, an annular surface surrounding the die cavity, clamps down on the flat blank, bending it to a developable binder wrap surface which may be smooth or buckled. Buckles generally appear in the binder wrap when the binder ring does not lie on a smooth developable surface that spans the die cavity. However, sometimes buckles can improve the formability of the stamped part, so the ability to design buckled developable surfaces becomes desirable. Designing buckled developable surfaces requires geometric modeling of creases and other singularities in the interior a flat sheet. In this paper we review the properties of such surfaces, show how to approximate buckled binder wrap surfaces by developable three-dimensional triangulations and discuss the insights gained from specific examples.
Kinetic energy dependence of the total symmetric electron transfer cross section for the H2+(ν′o) + H2(ν″o = 0) system

Abstract We report the first experimental and theoretical observation of a broad peak in the kinetic energy dependence of the total cross sections for the title reaction with ν′o = 0 and 1, in the laboratory collision energy range of 8–400 eV. A theoretical analysis reveals that the peak in the total cross section is due to the strong coupling among the many vibrational states of the reactants and products in the electron transfer process.
Computational study of the reactions of methanol with the hydroperoxyl and methyl radicals. 2. Accurate thermal rate constants.

Multistructural canonical variational-transition-state theory with multidimensional tunneling (MS-CVT/MT) is employed to calculate thermal rate constants for the abstraction of hydrogen atoms from both positions of methanol by the hydroperoxyl and methyl radicals over the temperature range 100–3000 K. The M08-HX hybrid meta-generalized gradient approximation density functional and M08-HX with specific reaction parameters, both with the maug-cc-pVTZ basis set, were validated in part 1 of this study (Alecu, I. M.; Truhlar, D. G. J. Phys. Chem. A2011, 115, 2811) against highly accurate CCSDT(2)Q/CBS calculations for the energetics of these reactions, and they are used here to compute the properties of all stationary points and the energies, gradients, and Hessians of nonstationary points along each considered reaction path. The internal rotations in some of the transition states are found to be highly anharmonic and strongly coupled to each other, and they generate multiple structures (conformations) whose c...
Experimental fires in enclosures

Results are presented of experimental measurements of the mass rates of burning, temperatures, and gas compositions in model enclosures of three sizes. Interest was confined to the fully developed period of burning, in which the burning rate of a combustible-fiberboard crib was limited by the size and shape of the ventilation opening. The burning rate was found to be generally proportional to A(h1/2) (A=area, h=height of window opening), but a characteristic transition region was found for each enclosure, which resulted in a pronounced shift in the data line. Burning-rate data were correlated in terms of the ventilation parameter normalized by the square of the linear-scale ratio. The over-all process involved in enclosure fires appears to be a combined gravity-controlled fluid dynamic regime and a radiation-controlled thermal regime. The dimensionless Froude group is the criterion for similarity in a gravity- (buoyancy-) controlled regime and, from the limited agreement found among the data for the two larger enclosures, this group appears to include the essential parameters in the scaling of burning rates of fires in geometrically similar enclosures.
Transport anisotropy as a probe of the interstitial vortex state in superconductors with artificial pinning arrays

We show using simulations that when interstitial vortices are present in superconductors with periodic pinning arrays, the transport in two perpendicular directions can be anisotropic. The degree of the anisotropy varies as a function of field due to the fact that the interstitial vortex lattice has distinct orderings at different matching fields. The anisotropy is most pronounced at the matching fields but persists at incommensurate fields, and it is most prominent for triangular, honeycomb, and kagome pinning arrays. Square pinning arrays can also show anisotropic transport at certain fields in spite of the fact that the perpendicular directions of the square pinning array are identical. We show that the anisotropy results from distinct vortex dynamical states and that although the critical depinning force may be lower in one direction, the vortex velocity above depinning may also be lower in the same direction for ranges of external drives where both directions are depinned. For honeycomb and kagome pinning arrays, the anisotropy can show multiple reversals as a function of field. We argue that when the pinning sites can be multiply occupied such that no interstitial vortices are present, the anisotropy is strongly reduced or absent.
Loss of BMAL1 in ovarian steroidogenic cells results in implantation failure in female mice

The circadian clock plays a significant role in many aspects of female reproductive biology, including estrous cycling, ovulation, embryonic implantation, onset of puberty, and parturition. In an effort to link cell-specific circadian clocks to their specific roles in female reproduction, we used the promoter that controls expression of Steroidogenic Factor-1 (SF1) to drive Cre-recombinase–mediated deletion of the brain muscle arnt-like 1 (Bmal1) gene, known to encode an essential component of the circadian clock (SF1-Bmal1−/−). The resultant SF1-Bmal1−/− females display embryonic implantation failure, which is rescued by progesterone supplementation, or bilateral or unilateral transplantation of wild-type ovaries into SF1-Bmal1−/− dams. The observation that the central clock, and many other peripheral clocks, are fully functional in this model allows the assignment of the implantation phenotype to the clock in ovarian steroidogenic cells and distinguishes it from more general circadian related systemic pathology (e.g., early onset arthropathy, premature aging, ovulation, late onset of puberty, and abnormal estrous cycle). Our ovarian transcriptome analysis reveals that deletion of ovarian Bmal1 disrupts expression of transcripts associated with the circadian machinery and also genes critical for regulation of progesterone production, such as steroidogenic acute regulatory factor (Star). Overall, these data provide a powerful model to probe the interlocking and synergistic network of the circadian clock and reproductive systems.
Influence of days of culture on cryoprotectant-supplemented medium and of terminal freezing temperature on the survival of cryopreserved pea shoot tips

Abstract Germplasm preservation, via shoot tip cryopreservation, is one method used to ensure access in the future to a broad genetic base. A method commonly used to achieve this goal is slow cooling in the presence of a cryoprotectant down to −30 or −40 °C followed by immersion in liquid nitrogen. Two factors that influence survival are days of culture on cryoprotectant-supplemented medium and the terminal temperature prior to immersion in liquid nitrogen. Pea (Pisum sativum L. cv Early Alaska) shoot tips were cultured on solid B5 pea shoot medium containing 5% Me2SO. The time that the shoot tips remained on the cryoprotectant-supplemented medium prior to freezing was varied (0 to 4 days). Percentage survival was evaluated at −10, −20, −30, and −40 °C, with and without immersion in liquid nitrogen, using three-way factorial analyses of variance. For shoot tips not immersed in liquid nitrogen, number of days of culture did not influence survival, whereas terminal freezing temperature did have an effect. Optimum survival was at −10 and −20 °C. For shoot tips immersed in liquid nitrogen, terminal freezing temperature had no effect, whereas number of days of culture did influence survival. The largest number of survivors was obtained after 2 days of culture. In addition, the interaction between terminal freezing temperature and exposure to liquid nitrogen was significant, indicating additional damage as a result of this step alone. That is, there was decreased survival as a result of transfer from the terminal freezing temperature to liquid nitrogen, and this damage was greater at −10 and −20 °C than at −30 and −40 °C. These results suggest that the dehydration levels at −10 and −20 °C might be very close to those at −30 or −40 °C.
Inactivation of amniotic prorenin by ethyl diazoacetylglycinate.

Summary Human amniotic prorenin was found to be inactivated in a time dependent manner by ethyl diazoacetylglycinate. The inactivation required the presence of free cupric ion. Active renin from human amniotic fluid was also inactivated by ethyl diazoacetylglycinate, although the rate of inactivation was slower than that observed with prorenin. These results suggest that while the active site in prorenin is blocked or altered in a manner which prevents prorenin from interacting with angiotensinogen and the renin inhibitor pepstatin it is exposed to a degree which permits ethyl diazoacetylglycinate to react with one of the aspartic acid residues located within the active site.
Secure communications for PACS in a cloud environment

Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) have been traditionally constrained to the premises of the healthcare provider. This has limited the availability of these systems in many parts of the world and mandated major costs in infrastructure for those who employ them. Public cloud services could be a solution that eases the cost of ownership and provide greater flexibility for PACS implementations. Moving these systems to the public cloud requires that an authentication and encryption policy for communications is established within the PACS environment. This paper investigated an implementation which uses Transport Layer Security for communications between a cloud-based PACS server and client.
Todd's Paralysis: A Cerebrovascular Phenomenon?

Postictal transient focal neurological deficits, i.e., Todd's paralysis, at times are correlated with early veins and/or vascular stain angiographically. Radionuclide gamma camera images show that they also may be accompanied by a relative flow hyperperfusion and a cortical rim static image uptake. Using these observations some portion of Todd's paralysis may be explained as the result of focal epileptic discharges that lead to local vasomotor and/or metabolic changes. The functional arterial venous shunting that results could contribute to cortical ischemia and the subsequent clinical deficits.
Deposition of various radioactive elements on the surface of the platinum anode

The anodic deposition of Tl/sup 204/, Ce/sup 144/, Y/sup 90/, Yb/sup 175/ , Pr/sup 143/ Pm /sup 147/, and Ho/sup 166/ was investigated as a function of time, with special consideration of Tl/sup 204/ and Ce/sup 144/. These studies show that when these atoms are anodically deposited, a plot of the equilibrium distribution coefficient as a function of the applied voltage passes through a maximum. The number of active centers on the surface of the platinum anode was determined for the anodic deposition of Tl/sup 204/ and Ce/sup 144/ by the isotherm method. A plot of the number of active centers as a function of the applied voltage also gave a curve with a maximum. The effect of hydrogen ion concentration was also investigated and a linear relation between the pH and the logarithm of the number of active centers found. rnvestigation of the deposition of Tl/sup 204/ on platinum from a solution containing hydrogen peroxide shows that the chemisorbed oxide layer, which develops on the platinum anode, plays an important role in the anodic deposition. (auth)
Geospatial Evaluations of Potato Production Systems in Maine

Maine consistently ranks in the top ten potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production areas though yields are substantially lower than the mid- and western USA. Geospatial frameworks help resolve patterns and trends in production environments (at multiple scales) that may enable improvements in adaptive management strategies which enhance yield, increase whole-farm profitability, and foster sustainable land use. Results from geospatial integration of remotely-sensed cropland (2008–2010) and soil datasets for Maine indicate an estimated 61,900 ha in potato production with 62 % and 27 % on prime farmland (PF) and farmland of statewide importance (FSI), respectively. Geospatial analyses of other agri-environmental indicators indicate close to 85 % of these potato production soils are classified as either “potentially highly erodible” (PHEL) or “highly erodible” (HEL). Therefore, at least 52,300 ha require the highest standards in soil conservation practices. Crop rotation patterns for potato, derived from the time-series geo-referenced datasets, help resolve actual cropping practices and facilitated evaluation of the benefits and economic impacts for select alternate crops.
Factors affecting uncertainty in lung nodule volume estimation with CT: comparisons of findings from two estimation methods in a phantom study

This work aimed to compare two different types of volume estimation methods (a model-based and a segmentationbased method) in terms of identifying factors affecting measurement uncertainty. Twenty-nine synthetic nodules with varying size, radiodensity, and shape were placed in an anthropomorphic thoracic phantom and scanned with a 16- detector row CT scanner. Ten repeat scans were acquired using three exposures and two slice collimations, and were reconstructed with varying slice thicknesses. Nodule volumes were estimated from the reconstructed data using a matched-filter and a segmentation approach. Log transformed volumes were used to obtain measurement error with truth obtained through micro-CT. ANOVA and multiple linear regression were applied to measurement error to identify significant factors affecting volume estimation for each method. Root mean square of measurement errors (RMSE) for meaningful subgroups, repeatability coefficients (RC) for different imaging protocols, and reproducibility coefficients (RDC) for thin and thick collimation conditions were evaluated. Results showed that for both methods, nodule size, shape and slice thickness were significant factors. Collimation was significant for the matched-filter method. RMSEs for matched-filter measurements were in general smaller than segmentation. To achieve RMSE on the order of 15% or less for {5, 8, 9, 10mm} nodules, the corresponding maximum allowable slice thicknesses were {3, 5, 5, 5mm} for the matched-filter and {0.8, 3, 3, 3mm} for the segmentation method. RCs showed similar patterns for both methods, increasing with slice thickness. For 8-10mm nodules, the measurements were highly repeatable provided the slice thickness was ≤3mm, regardless of method and across varying acquisition conditions. RDCs were lower for thin collimation than thick collimation protocols. While RDC of matched filter volume estimation results was always lower than segmentation results, for 8-10mm nodules with thin collimation protocols, the measurements for both approaches were highly reproducible (RDC on the order of 15% or less). These findings are valuable for validating lung nodule volume as a quantitative imaging biomarker.
Letter by Augoustides Regarding Article, “Risk Index for Perioperative Renal Dysfunction/Failure: Critical Dependence on Pulse Pressure Hypertension”

To the Editor: I read with great interest the excellent article by Dr Aronson and colleagues detailing a risk index for perioperative renal dysfunction/failure after coronary revascularization requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.1 Their multivariate analysis has demonstrated the critical role of pulse pressure hypertension in perioperative renal injury. However, the data analysis, as presented, does not account …
Crescendo: A Protein Sequence Database Search Engine for Tandem Mass Spectra

A search engine that discovers more peptides reliably is essential to the progress of the computational proteomics. We propose two new scoring functions (L- and P-scores), which aim to capture similar characteristics of a peptide-spectrum match (PSM) as Sequest and Comet do. Crescendo, introduced here, is a software program that implements these two scores for peptide identification. We applied Crescendo to test datasets and compared its performance with widely used search engines, including Mascot, Sequest, and Comet. The results indicate that Crescendo identifies a similar or larger number of peptides at various predefined false discovery rates (FDR). Importantly, it also provides a better separation between the true and decoy PSMs, warranting the future development of a companion post-processing filtering algorithm.
A Unified Theory of Penetration

Abstract This paper describes a single equation of motion which, in its most general form, describes penetration by a forming, stretching, eroding jet. In various specialized forms it describes penetration by pre-formed rods and compact projectiles. One specialized form reduces to the classical jet penetration formula according to which penetration into a semi-infinite target is proportional to the square root of the ratio of the jet and target densities. However, in the present theory, a correction for target hardness is automatically included. The equation is derived and certain solutions are illustrated by comparisons with experimental data.
Oxide melt solution calorimetry of Fe2+-bearing oxides and application to the magnetite–maghemite (Fe3O4–Fe8/3O4) system

A consistent methodology for obtaining enthalpy of formation of Fe{sup 2+}-containing binary and multicomponent oxides using high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry has been developed. The enthalpies of wuestite (FeO) and magnetite (Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}) oxidation to hematite (Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) were measured using oxidative drop solution calorimetry in which the final product is dissolved ferric oxide. Two methods were applied: drop solution calorimetry at 1073 K in lead borate solvent and at 973 K in sodium molybdate, each under both oxygen flowing over and bubbling through the solvent, giving consistent results in agreement with literature values. The enthalpies of formation of all three iron oxides from the elements were obtained using a thermodynamic cycle involving the directly measured oxidative dissolution enthalpy of iron metal in sodium molybdate at 973 K and gave excellent consistency with literature data. The methodology was then applied to the magnetite - maghemite system. The enthalpy of mixing of the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}-Fe{sub 8/3}O{sub 4} spinel solid solution is exothermic and, 2 represented by a subregular (Margules) formalism, {Delta}H{sub mix} = x(1-x)(-63.36 {+-} 8.60(1-x) + 17.65 {+-} 6.40x) kJ/mol, where x is the mole fraction of magnetite. The entropies of mixing of the solid solutionmore » were calculated for different assumptions about the distribution of cations, charges, and vacancies in these defect spinels. The different models lead to only small differences in the entropy of mixing. Calculated free energies of mixing show no evidence for a solvus in the magnetite - maghemite system.« less
Improvements in predicting children's overall reading ability by modeling variability in evaluators' subjective judgments

Automatic literacy assessment is one promising application of speech and language processing research. In our previous work, we showed we could accurately predict children's overall ability to read a list of English words aloud, an integral component of early literacy assessment. In this paper, we improve upon our results by exploiting the fact that evaluators' level of agreement significantly varies, depending on the child being judged. This source of evaluator variability is directly modeled using generalized least squares linear regression. In this framework, the children for which the evaluators were more confident in rating are weighted higher. Performance in predicting the mean evaluator's scores increases from a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.946 to 0.952, a relative improvement of 0.63%. This is a significantly higher correlation than the mean inter-evaluator agreement of 0.899 (p &#60; 0.05). Critically, the mean and maximum absolute errors are significantly reduced.
Structural and Magnetic Properties of Untwinned Yba2Cu3O6+x Single Crystals

We have conducted structural and magnetic investigations on thermomechanically-detwinned YBa2Cu3O6+x single crystals. Single crystal x-ray diffraction studies on a fully untwinned crystal with a superconducting onset temperature of 54 K have revealed that oxygen atoms in the basal plane are offset from the crystallographic mirror plane in the a direction, leading to “zig-zag” Cu-O chains. Magnetic measurements on untwinned and twinned crystals at 77 K indicate low levels of flux pinning in both crystals, with a slightly larger amount of pinning in the twinned crystal.
Using simulation to approximate subgradients of convex performance measures in service systems

We study the problem of approximating a subgradient of a convex (or concave) discrete function that is evaluated via simulation. This problem arises, for instance, in optimization problems such as finding the minimal cost staff schedule in a call center subject to a service level constraint. There, subgradient information can be used to significantly reduce the search space. The problem of approximating subgradients is closely related to the one of approximating gradients and we suggest and compare how three existing methods for computing gradients via simulation, i.e., finite differences, the likelihood ratio method and infinitesimal perturbation analysis, can be applied to approximate subgradients when the variables are discrete. We provide a computational study to highlight the properties of each approach.
Systematic inequality and hierarchy in faculty hiring networks

The faculty job market plays a fundamental role in shaping research priorities, educational outcomes, and career trajectories among scientists and institutions. However, a quantitative understanding of faculty hiring as a system is lacking. Using a simple technique to extract the institutional prestige ranking that best explains an observed faculty hiring network—who hires whose graduates as faculty—we present and analyze comprehensive placement data on nearly 19,000 regular faculty in three disparate disciplines. Across disciplines, we find that faculty hiring follows a common and steeply hierarchical structure that reflects profound social inequality. Furthermore, doctoral prestige alone better predicts ultimate placement than a U.S. News & World Report rank, women generally place worse than men, and increased institutional prestige leads to increased faculty production, better faculty placement, and a more influential position within the discipline. These results advance our ability to quantify the influence of prestige in academia and shed new light on the academic system.
STUDIES ON OXIDATION AND REDUCTION BY PNEUMOCOCCUS : III. REDUCTION OF METHYLENE BLUE BY STERILE EXTRACTS OF PNEUMOCOCCUS.

1. Certain enzymes of Pneumococcus are destroyed by oxidizing agents formed when sterile extracts of the cellular substances are exposed to air. The carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes (sucrase, raffinase, inulase, and amylase) are the most easily inactivated under these conditions, although the bacteriolytic enzyme is also reduced in activity. Similar treatment is without effect upon the active concentration of pneumococcus lipase and peptonase. 2. The enzymes which are destroyed during the oxidation of unwashed cell extracts are themselves non-reactive with molecular oxygen. The reactions by which they are destroyed seem to represent oxidations of a type similar to those proposed in previous papers for the oxidation of hemotoxin and of hemoglobin. 3. A study has been made of the relative resistance of different pneumococcus enzymes to heat and to the action of hydrogen peroxide. 4. The various enzymes may be arranged in the same order of relative resistance whether the rating be made from the standpoint of resistance to heat or of resistance to oxidation. Nevertheless, it appears that by a proper regulation of conditions of oxidation, certain labile constituents of a mixture of cellular enzymes may be inactivated with less effect upon the activity of other constituents of the mixture than when inactivation is brought about by heat.
Amniotic fluid glucose concentration: a marker for infection in preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Amniotic fluid Gram stain and culture have been utilized as laboratory tests of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity. The Gram stain of amniotic fluid has a low sensitivity in the detection of clinical infection or microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, and amniotic fluid culture results are not immediately available for management decisions. Glucose concentration is used to diagnose infection in other sites such as cerebrospinal fluid. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of amniotic fluid glucose concentration in detecting microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity associated with preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes. Methods: Amniocentesis was performed in 60 women with preterm labor and/or preterm premature rupture of membranes. Gram stain and culture for Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, aerobic, and anaerobic bacteria were performed. Subjects were studied prospectively for the development of positive amniotic fluid cultures and the development of clinical chorioamnionitis. Results: The diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis was made in 25% (15/60) of women entered into the study. Low amniotic fluid glucose concentration Was considered < 15 mg/dl. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of low amniotic, fluid glucose concentration to predict clinical chorioamnionitis were 73.3%, 88.1%, and 68.8% respectively, while positive amniotic fluid culture, hada sensitivity of 43.8%, specificity of 79.5%, and positive predictive value of 43.8%. Conclusions: Amniotic fluid glucose concentration was more sensitive in predicting chorioamnionitis than either Gram stain or culture. Amniotic fluid glucose concentration was better in predicting clinical chorioamnionitis than predicting positive amniotic fluid culture results. Gestational age-dependent normal ranges and pathologic conditions that may alter amniotic fluid glucose concentrations should be considered when interpreting amniotic fluid glucose values to diagnose microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity.
COX-2 Blockade Suppresses Gliomagenesis by Inhibiting Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells

Epidemiological studies have highlighted associations between the regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and reduced glioma risks in humans. Most NSAIDs function as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors that prevent production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Since PGE2 induces expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), we hypothesized that COX-2 blockade would suppress gliomagenesis by inhibiting MDSC development and accumulation in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In mouse models of glioma, treatment with the COX-2 inhibitors acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or celecoxib inhibited systemic PGE2 production and delayed glioma development. ASA treatment also reduced the MDSC-attracting chemokine CCL2 in the TME along with numbers of CD11b+Ly6GhiLy6Clo granulocytic MDSCs in both the bone marrow and TME. In support of this evidence that COX-2 blockade blocked systemic development of MDSCs and their CCL2-mediated accumulation in the TME, there were defects in these processes in glioma-bearing Cox2-deficient and Ccl2-deficient mice. Conversely, these mice or ASA-treated wild-type mice displayed enhanced expression of CXCL10 and infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in the TME, consistent with a relief of MDSC-mediated immune suppression. Antibody-mediated depletion of MDSCs delayed glioma growth in association with an increase in CXCL10 and CTLs in the TME, underscoring a critical role for MDSCs in glioma development. Lastly, Cxcl10-deficient mice exhibited reduced CTL infiltration of tumors, establishing that CXCL10 limited this pathway of immune suppression. Taken together, our findings show that the COX-2 pathway promotes gliomagenesis by directly supporting systemic development of MDSC and their accumulation in the TME, where they limit CTL infiltration.
NcRNA homology search using Hamming distance seeds

NcRNAs play important roles in many biological processes. Existing genome-scale ncRNA homology search tools identify ncRNAs in local sequence alignments generated by conventional sequence comparison methods. However, some types of ncRNA lack strong sequence conservation and tend to be missed by conventional sequence comparison methods.In this paper, we propose an ncRNA identification framework that is complementary to existing sequence comparison tools. By integrating a filtration step based on Hamming distance and a local structural alignment program such as FOLDALIGN, we can identify ncRNAs that lack strong sequence conservation. We introduce a coding method by which the Hamming-distance based filtration can easily distinguish transition from transversion, which show different frequency in functional ncRNAs. Our experiments demonstrate that the carefully designed Hamming distance seed can achieve better sensitivity in searching for poorly conserved ncRNAs than conventional sequence comparison tools.