cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An integrated study on the viability of using slash for domestic energy in the form of briquettes.

Once the particle size and moisture content of slash have been reduced to 3 mm and 10% respectively, it is possible to produce a well-structured briquette with a calorific value of 4,380 Cal/g. County Wicklow would be an ideal location for a briquetting plant, given its proximity to the large Dublin market and the consequent reduction in haulage costs. This assessment is also supported by the potential for realizing a sustained yield of approximately 75,000 m3 of slash per annum from surrounding forests. The cost of harvesting slash would vary between £6.17 and £11.48 per green tonne (gt), depending on site conditions and the harvesting system employed. However, the harmful impact on the forest site after removal, in terms of soil acidity and nutrient depletion, would mean that only the most fertile sites could be harvested for slash. This limiting factor, coupled with the high cost of manufacturing this type of briquette, probably prevents this new product from becoming a commercially viable enterprise in the short term.
Circannual growth in Wisconsin children and adolescents: Identifying optimal periods of obesity prevention.

Background Recent studies suggest kids tend to gain the most weight in summer, but schools are chastised for supporting obesogenic environments. Conclusions on circannual weight gain are hampered by infrequent body mass index (BMI) measurements, and guidance is limited on the optimal timeframe for paediatric weight interventions. Objectives This study characterized circannual trends in BMI in Wisconsin children and adolescents and identified sociodemographic differences in excess weight gain. Methods An observational study was used to pool data from 2010 to 2015 to examine circannual BMI z-score trends for Marshfield Clinic patients age 3 to 17 years. Daily 0.20, 0.50, and 0.80 quantiles of BMI z-score were estimated, stratified by gender, race, and age. Results BMI z-scores increased July to September, followed by a decrease in October to December, and another increase to decrease cycle beginning in February. For adolescents, the summer increase in BMI was greater among those in the upper BMI z-score quantile relative to those in the lower quantile (+0.15 units vs +0.04 units). This pattern was opposite in children. Conclusions BMI increased most rapidly in late summer. This growth persisted through autumn in adolescents who were larger, suggesting weight management support may be beneficial for kids who are overweight at the start of the school year.
Impact of Drusen Burden on Incidence of Subclinical CNV With OCTA.

Background and objective To evaluate the impact of drusen burden on the detection of subclinical choroidal neovascularization (CNV) on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in nonexudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Patients and methods A subanalysis of the AVATAR study, subjects diagnosed with nonexudative AMD without subfoveal atrophy were included. Subclinical CNV was assessed using OCTA software, and drusen burden was graded utilizing the advanced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) analysis. Results Among eligible 58 eyes, 26 eyes (45%) had high drusen burden. Of the three eyes (5%) that demonstrated subclinical CNV, only one eye had high drusen burden, and all three eyes had neovascular AMD in the fellow eye. Extrafoveal RPE atrophy (odds ratio [OR] = 20.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53-261) and older age (OR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.01-1.59) were predictive factors for subclinical CNV. Conclusion Extrafoveal RPE atrophy, older age, and fellow-eye CNV were significant risk factors for underlying subclinical CNV in nonexudative AMD. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:22-30.].
Bridging the gap: Machine learning to resolve improperly modeled dynamics

Abstract We present a data-driven modeling strategy to overcome improperly modeled dynamics for systems exhibiting complex spatio-temporal behaviors. We propose a Deep Learning framework to resolve the differences between the true dynamics of the system and the dynamics given by a model of the system that is either inaccurately or inadequately described. Our machine learning strategy leverages data generated from the improper system model and observational data from the actual system to create a neural network to model the dynamics of the actual system. We evaluate the proposed framework using numerical solutions obtained from three increasingly complex dynamical systems. Our results show that our system is capable of learning a data-driven model that provides accurate estimates of the system states both in previously unobserved regions as well as for future states. Our results show the power of state-of-the-art machine learning frameworks in estimating an accurate prior of the system’s true dynamics that can be used for prediction up to a finite horizon.
Engineered Hydrogels as Valve Tissue Mimetics That Recapitulate Sexual Dimorphisms Observed in Calcification and Osteopontin Activity

Objective: Recent clinical reports indicate that patients with calcific aortic valve stenosis (AVS) have sexually dimorphic disease phenotypes, where female patients have reduced valve calcificatio...
Correlates of High School Boys’ Intention to Garner Sexual Consent:

The current study examines correlates of high school boys’ intentions to garner consent in a future sexual encounter (N = 816). Bivariate correlation analyses demonstrated that increased intention ...
The Need of the Virtual Principal Amid the Pandemic

This mixed-method study evaluates P–12 principals’ and district officials’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic amid the abrupt change to virtual leadership. Professional learning needs are identified in relation to the three domains of leadership as seen in literature: school management, instructional leadership, and program administration. The quantitative study instrument, which included an online survey given to 270 principals and district officials in South Carolina, allowed principals and superintendents to rank order their professional development needs to be better prepared for the virtual principalship. The top need expressed across all races, genders, and school settings was virtual instructional leadership. The qualitative measure includes interviews of 10 principals/district officials, and five major themes were identified as administrative struggles/priorities in the virtual principalship during the pandemic: increased presence and communication; projecting calm during uncertainty; displaying flexibility, empathy, and patience; knowledge of technological capabilities; and a systems approach to sustained instructional leadership. The study showed a heightened need for soft skills development.
A Methodology for Evaluating and Analyzing FPGA-Accelerated, Deep-Learning Applications for Onboard Space Processing

Due to continued innovations in onboard data analysis and spacecraft autonomy, enabled by deep learning (DL), modern spacecraft require dependable, high-performance computers to process onboard an immense volume of raw sensor data into actionable information to formulate critical decisions autonomously. To enable compute-intensive DL algorithms, commercial-off-the-shelf processors, including FPGAs and system-on-chips, are often employed for their superior performance, energy-efficiency, and affordability compared to traditional radiation-hardened alternatives; however, these processors are highly susceptible to radiation-induced single-event effects (SEEs) that can degrade the dependability of DL applications. Researchers have created a diverse collection of DL models that perform a variety of tasks useful for Earth-observation missions. However, due to characteristic differences between models and accelerators, their tradeoffs can vary in terms of accuracy, area, performance, energy-efficiency, and dependability, which are factors crucial for resource-constrained and mission-critical systems. To select the optimal DL solution that maximizes inference performance, conserves onboard resources, and satisfies mission dependability requirements, a methodology is required to evaluate and compare the tradeoffs between competing options. In this paper, we propose a methodology for evaluating and analyzing the tradeoffs of FPGA-accelerated DL models, including a hierarchical fault-injection approach to accelerate the characterization of SEE susceptibility of DL solutions in terms of well-established dependability metrics. Furthermore, we identify performance and dependability trends, analyze the impact of SEEs on the inference accuracy, and predict design fault rates for near-Earth orbital environments. To demonstrate the versatility of our methodology, we evaluate and analyze four semantic-segmentation models accelerated on four Xilinx Deep-Learning Processing Unit accelerators.
The Psychology of Human Sexuality

About the Author xi Foreplay xii Illustrations xiv Text Boxes xx Tables xxii 1 Theoretical Perspectives on Human Sexuality 1 2 Sexology Research: History, Methods, and Ethics 27 3 Human Sexual Anatomy 55 4 Human Sexual Response: Understanding Arousal and Orgasm 87 5 Gender and Gender Identity 115 6 Sexual Orientation 144 7 The Laws of Attraction 171 8 Intimate Relationships: Sex, Love, and Commitment 196 9 Sexual Behaviors 229 10 Sex Education, Contraception, and Pregnancy 255 11 Sexually Transmitted Infections and Safer-Sex Practices 279 12 Sexual Dysfunction and Sex Therapy 302 13 Variations in Sexual Behavior 328 14 Sex Laws, Sexual Victimization, and the Sexual Marketplace 351 Epilogue 378 Glossary 379 Index 391
The linking number in systems with Periodic Boundary Conditions

Periodic Boundary Conditions (PBC) are often used for the simulation of complex physical systems. Using the Gauss linking number, we define the periodic linking number as a measure of entanglement for two oriented curves in a system employing PBC. In the case of closed chains in PBC, the periodic linking number is an integer topological invariant that depends on a finite number of components in the periodic system. For open chains, the periodic linking number is an infinite series that accounts for all the topological interactions in the periodic system. In this paper we give a rigorous proof that the periodic linking number is defined for the infinite system, i.e., that it converges for one, two, and three PBC models. It gives a real number that varies continuously with the configuration and gives a global measure of the geometric complexity of the system of chains. Similarly, for a single oriented chain, we define the periodic self-linking number and prove that it also is defined for open chains. In addition, we define the cell periodic linking and self-linking numbers giving localizations of the periodic linking numbers. These can be used to give good estimates of the periodic linking numbers in infinite systems. We also define the local periodic linking number associated to chains in the immediate cell neighborhood of a chain in order to study local linking measures in contrast to the global linking measured by the periodic linking numbers. Finally, we study and compare these measures when applied to a PBC model of polyethylene melts.
Solving stochastic planning problems with large state and action spaces

Planning methods for deterministic planning problems traditionally exploit factored representations to encode the dynamics of problems in terms of a set of parameters, e.g., the location of a robot or the status of a piece of equipment. Factored representations achieve economy of representation by taking advantage of structure in the form of dependency relationships among these parameters. In recent work, we have addressed the problem of achieving the same economy of representation and exploiting the resulting encoding of structure for stochastic planning problems represented as Markov decision processes. In this paper, we extend our earlier work on reasoning about such factored representations to handle problems with large action spaces that are also represented in factored form, where the parameters in this case might correspond to the control parameters for different effectors on a robot or the allocations for a set of resources. The techniques described in this paper employ factored representations for Markov decision processes to identify and exploit regularities in the dynamics to expedite inference. These regularities are in the form of sets of states (described for example by boolean formulas) that behave the same with respect to sets of actions where these sets are thought of as aggregate states and aggregate actions respectively. We present theoretical foundations, describe algorithms, provide examples in which our techniques provide leverage and examples in which they fail to do so, and summarize the results of experiments with a preliminary implementation.
1-Gbit/s, single-mode operation of vertical cavity lasers emitting at 1.54 /spl mu/m

Summary form only given. In this paper, we used double-fused vertical cavity lasers (VCLs) with strain compensated InGaAsP quantum wells reported. All of our measurements were performed on a device with a diameter of 10 /spl mu/m. The room-temperature threshold current was 3.0 mA, while the threshold voltage was 3.0 V.
Resurgence During Treatment Challenges

En dos experimentos se evaluo el resurgimiento de la respuesta durante el reforzamiento diferencial de conducta alternativa (RDA) implementada con dos tipos de desafios del tratamiento: reduccion de la tasa de reforzamiento de la respuesta alternativa y la suspension del reforzamiento de la respuesta alternativa. El Experimento 1 consistio en un procedimiento operante con tres sujetos humanos, en el cual se compararon las tasas de respuesta a traves de cuatro condiciones: la linea base, durante la cual se reforzo una conducta blanco; una condicion de RDA, durante la cual se uso un procedimiento de extincion y se reforzo una respuesta alternativa; la condicion de errores de omision conforme al RDA, en la cual algunos de los reforzadores que ganaron los participantes no se entregaron y la condicion de extincion, en la cual no se entregaron los reforzadores. El resurgimiento de la conducta ocurrio durante la condicion de errores de omision conforme al RDA y durante la extincion, pero las tasas de respuesta fueron mas altas durante la extincion. El procedimiento y los resultados del Experimento 1 se replicaron en el Experimento 2, pero se realizo durante el tratamiento de un nino diagnosticado con autismo y Trastorno de Deficit de la Atencion/ Hiperactividad (TDAH)
Engine load and equivalence ratio estimation for control and diagnostics via nonlinear sliding observer

Nonlinear engine observers can be used as part of the engine powertrain control system in order to provide information that is not measurable or that is costly to measure. In this paper, the engine load and fuel-air equivalence ratio are estimated by using a mean torque production dynamic engine model and sliding observer theory. The sliding observer is a good tool to improve transient estimation accuracy and robustness. Sliding mode theory is used to design the observer gains in order to guarantee global stability, attractiveness, and robustness. Modern engine powertrain control and diagnostics will benefit by using this nonlinear model based observer approach.
A Comparison of US Police Interviewers' Notes with their Subsequent Reports

Investigators often take notes during witness interviews, which may be used when reconstructing interviews and writing reports. Little research has evaluated the content of interviewers' notes and how (accurately) they are transferred to reports. Thirteen US police investigators' notes from a witness interview were evaluated and compared with their subsequent reports. Results indicate that although information contained in notes is accurate (98%), a high percentage of interview information (68%) is omitted. Notes focus mainly on witness responses while neglecting interviewer questions/utterances. Although 94% of information contained in notes is accurately transferred to reports, interviewers fail to account for 40% of crime-relevant information in their reports. On average, reports contained a larger percentage of witness information than the notes, but police officers failed to account for how information was originally elicited via their questions/utterances. Subsequent interview reports also contained a higher percentage of peripheral crime details than notes, contributing to a decreased omission rate (28%) from notes to reports. Taken together, results indicate that interviewer notes and reports provide a fairly accurate picture of witness responses. However, they present a skewed picture of the entire interview content by omitting a high percentage of interview content and their own questions/utterances. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth retardation in inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Growth retardation and delay in sexual maturation complicate child-onset Crohn's disease in nearly 1 in 5 patients, with a somewhat lower complication rate in ulcerative colitis. Successful management of this complication requires an understanding of the appropriate definition of growth retardation in inflammatory bowel disease, and a critical assessment of its etiology and responses to therapy. This review of the experience at the University of Chicago and the experience reported from other centers indicate that to date no specific endocrine abnormalities can be implicated in the pathogenesis of growth retardation in inflammatory bowel disease. However, studies of end organ responsiveness to hormones in such patients are still rudimentary. A factor of considerable etiological prominence is that of calorie insufficiency superimposed on protein, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies. Therapy for growth retardation is usually successful when control of the disease is effective. Thus, when either medical or surgical therapy controls disease and permits oral nutritional restitution and adequate calorie and protein intake, growth and maturation are frequently reestablished. Usually, such nutritional restitution requires the use of oral formula supplements. Less commonly, adjunctive peripheral intravenous therapy with amino acids and lipid emulsions is required to initiate nutritional repletion. Rarely, total parenteral alimentation is indicated in patients in whom complete bowel rest is required. Surgery is indicated for complications such as obstruction, perforation, and fistula. Additionally, surgery should be considered for those whose growth retardation fails to respond to a maximal medical/ nutritional program as described here.
Which chiral symmetry is restored in hot QCD

We review the current status of the problem of chiral symmetry restoration, discussing an open question of whether at the $SU(N_f)_A$ restoration point $T=T_c$ the $U(1)_A$ chiral symmetry is or is not (approximately) restored. New lattice and instanton-based studies are considered, and some new calculations are suggested to clarify the issue. We also speculate on possible experimental manifestations of two possible scenarios.
A comparison and combination of methods for OOV word detection and word confidence scoring

This paper examines an approach for combining two different methods for detecting errors in the output of a speech recognizer. The first method attempts to alleviate recognition errors by using an explicit model for detecting the presence of out-of-vocabulary (OOV) words. The second method identifies potentially misrecognized words from a set of confidence features extracted from the recognition process using a confidence scoring model. Since these two methods are inherently different, an approach which combines the techniques can provide significant advantages over either of the individual methods. In experiments in the JUPITER weather domain, we compare and contrast the two approaches and demonstrate the advantage of the combined approach. In comparison to either of the two individual approaches, the combined approach achieves over 25% fewer false acceptances of incorrectly recognized keywords (from 55% to 40%) at a 98% acceptance rate of correctly recognized keywords.
The implementation of hierarchical schedulers in the RED-Linux scheduling framework

Hierarchical schedulers are useful to integrate different scheduling paradigms together. The original RED-Linux general scheduling framework does not support hierarchical schedulers efficiently because the dispatcher cannot tell whether a job is an aperiodic job or a real-time job. In the work reported in this paper, we add an extra parameter, the group number, to the RED-Linux scheduling framework in order to identify the type of jobs. This mechanism does not introduce any overhead to normal real-time tasks and only a constant overhead per job for hierarchical jobs. We discuss how to implement hierarchical schedulers and how to use this extension to support sporadic schedulers. We also discuss various versions of the sporadic server algorithm.
Anticipatory postural adjustments in conditions of postural instability.

Abstract Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) in standing subjects who performed a standard motor action triggering a standard postural perturbation (releasing a 2.2 kg load from extended arms) in conditions of different stability requirements. Methods : The degree of stability was varied either by balancing on special boards with long and narrow support beams or by instructions to the subjects. In the first series of experiments 13 subjects stood on the board facing either perpendicular to the beam (instability in a sagittal plane) or along the beam (instability in frontal plane); different widths of the beam were used to vary the degree of instability. During the second series of experiments (6 subjects) inclined and one-legged postures were used to induce instability in sagittal and frontal planes respectively. EMG activity of rectus abdominis, erector spinae, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and soleus muscles were recorded. Statistical methods included repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with direction of instability and level of instability being major factors, descriptive statistics, and post hoc Student's t tests. Results : The integral measure of changes in the background electromyographic activity of postural muscles during APAs depended on two factors related to the postural task: (1) standing on a platform with a narrow support area led to an attenuation of the APAs; and (2) these effects were stronger when instability was in a sagittal rather than in the frontal plane. The anticipatory component in the displacement of the center of pressure did not show a clear attenuation that would depend on the direction of instability. Conclusions : We suggest a hypothesis that, in conditions of high stability demands, the central nervous system may suppress APAs as a protection against their possible destabilizing effects. These effects are more pronounced when the direction of an expected perturbation is in the plane of instability.
Atomistic Simulation of Nafion Membrane. 2. Dynamics of Water Molecules and Hydronium Ions

We have performed a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of water molecules and hydronium ions in hydrated Nafion using classical molecular dynamics simulations with the DREIDING force field. In addition to calculating diffusion coefficients as a function of hydration level, we have also determined mean residence time of H2O molecules and H3O+ ions in the first solvation shell of SO3- groups. The diffusion coefficient of H2O molecules increases with increasing hydration level and is in good agreement with experiment. The mean residence time of H2O molecules decreases with increasing membrane hydration from 1 ns at a low hydration level to 75 ps at the highest hydration level studied. These dynamical changes are related to the changes in membrane nanostructure reported in the first part of this work. Our results provide insights into slow proton dynamics observed in neutron scattering experiments and are consistent with the Gebel model of Nafion structure.
One-Step Multicomponent Self-Assembly of a First-Generation Sierpiński Triangle: From Fractal Design to Chemical Reality

A novel terpyridine-based architecture that mimics a first-generation Sierpinski triangle has been synthesized by multicomponent assembly and features tpy-Cd(II)-tpy connectivity (tpy=terpyridine). The key terpyridine ligands were synthesized by the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. Mixing two different terpyridine-based ligands and Cd(II) in a precise stoichiometric ratio (1:1:3) produced the desired fractal architecture in near-quantitative yield. Characterization was accomplished by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and transmission electron microscopy.
Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Caused by Severe Esophagitis: A Unique Clinical Syndrome

We have recognized a unique clinical syndrome in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding who are found to have severe esophagitis. We aimed to more clearly describe the clinical entity of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with severe esophagitis. We conducted a retrospective matched case–control study designed to investigate clinical features in patients with carefully defined upper gastrointestinal bleeding and severe esophagitis. Patient data were captured prospectively via a Gastrointestinal Bleeding Healthcare Registry, which collects data on all patients admitted with gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients with endoscopically documented esophagitis (cases) were matched with randomly selected controls that had upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by other lesions. Epidemiologic features in patients with esophagitis were similar to those with other causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. However, hematemesis was more common in patients with esophagitis 86 % (102/119) than in controls 55 % (196/357) (p < 0.0001), while melena was less common in patients with esophagitis 38 % (45/119) than in controls 68 % (244/357) (p < 0.0001). Additionally, the more severe the esophagitis, the more frequent was melena. Patients with esophagitis had less abnormal vital signs, lesser decreases in hematocrit, and lesser increases in BUN. Both pre- and postRockall scores were lower in patients with esophagitis compared with controls (p = 0.01, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Length of hospital stay (p = 0.002), rebleeding rate at 42 days (p = 0.0007), and mortality were less in patients with esophagitis than controls. Finally, analysis of patients with esophagitis and cirrhosis suggested that this group of patients had more severe bleeding than those without cirrhosis. We have described a unique clinical syndrome in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding who have erosive esophagitis. This syndrome is manifest by typical clinical features and is associated with favorable outcomes.
Brief High Temperature Exposure to Release Dormancy Affects Soluble and Membrane-Bound Protein Composition in Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. seeds

Summary A brief exposure of dormant Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. seeds to a high temperature (46 °C), which stimulates subsequent germination at favorable temperatures, affects the composition of soluble and membrane-bound proteins in the cells. The changes occur during the transition of the seeds from a dormant to a non-dormant state and are reversed when the seeds are exposed to the high temperature for prolonged periods of time, which inhibits subsequent germination. Also, the formation of new proteins is induced during the prolonged heat treatment. These results indicate that upon exposure of the seeds to a high temperature during imbibition some metabolic changes occur in the soluble and membrane-bound proteins of the cells.
An Lyt differentiated thymocyte subpopulation detected by flow microfluorometry.

DATA on the T-cell antigens, Lyt 1, 2, 3 (refs 1, 2), relating to functional T-cell subsets, suggest that some peripheral T cells express restricted Lyt phenotypes, that is, Lyt 1+23− or Lyt 1−23+ (ref. 3). Evidence has been presented showing that two major subpopulations of lymphocytes, Lyt 1+ T cells and Lyt 23+ T cells, are committed to particular lines of functional differentiation in the immune response before encountering exogenous antigen in peripheral lymphoid tissue4,5. It has been suggested that the two major subpopulations representing T-cell help (Lyt 1+) and T-cell cytotoxicity or suppression (Lyt 23+) arise in the periphery from peripheral Lyt 123+ cells6. Recent studies have concluded that as stem cells mature in the thymus, the thymic epithelium is important in determining which H–2 specificities the maturing T cells are able to recognise as self7. Previous cytotoxicity data have been interpreted as indicating that Lyt 1, 2, 3 antigens are expressed on each of most if not all, mouse thymocytes; that is, that most thymocytes are Lyt 123+ (refs 1–4, 8–10). However, the data presented here suggest that the commitment to differentiation of the Lyt 1+ or the Lyt 123+ phenotype, and thus presumably the relevant functional differentiation occurs before cell migration from the thymus. Using flow microfluorometry (FMF) and anti-Lyt antisera, we demonstrate a normal thymocyte subpopulation which is not expressing Lyt 2 or Lyt 3 antigens (Lyt 1+23−). This subpopulation represents a significant constant proportion (10%) of normal thymocytes which is markedly increased following in vivo cortisone treatment. The data also show that Lyt 1 expression, rather than being decreased on cortisone-resistant thymocytes (CRT), as would have been predicted from previous cytotoxicity data2,8, is expressed in increased amounts on CRT.
Densification effects on the electrical behavior of uniaxially compacted bismuth nanowires

Abstract Densification of bismuth nanowires following uniaxial compression was employed to form nanostructured bulk pellets. The bismuth nanowires were first synthesized and purified using a modified template-based vapor deposition technique, resulting in nanowire diameters of either 20 or 250 nm, depending on the type of template employed. Characteristics of the compression process were studied with regards to material properties such as electrical conductivity and porosity. To understand the material deformation, pellets were compressed at 100, 500 and 3000 MPa. In comparison, similarly formed microparticle pellets were also examined. The porosity of the pellets was as low as 10% for the microparticle-based samples but at least 30% for the nanostructured materials. This discrepancy was attributed to the difference in mechanical yield strength, shape and aspect ratio of the particles. Hall coefficient measurements revealed that electrons were the dominant carriers with similar concentrations (∼10 20 cm −3 ) across the samples. Electrical conductivity of the pellets was found to be a function of compression level, but the measurements yielded lower values compared to bulk properties. Subsequent analyses revealed that factors such as porosity, particle surface oxide breaching due to deformation and particle–particle interfacial resistance contribute to the observed behavior. Moreover, the nanowire-based pellets exhibit anisotropy in electrical conductivity due largely to the fact that the nanowires align preferentially along a plane perpendicular to the compression process.
Cellular neurothekeoma: analysis of 37 cases emphasizing atypical histologic features

Cellular neurothekeoma is a frequent source of diagnostic difficulty. In order to gain more insight into the range of histologic features of cellular neurothekeoma, we examined all cases from our institution, with a focus on describing atypical histologic features. Cases with sufficient histologic material for evaluation were retrieved. Cases were analyzed for demographics, growth pattern, myxoid stroma, cytologic atypia, mitotic rate, perineural invasion, and other histologic features. The 37 patients (16 M; 21 F) had a mean age of 31.0 years (range: 4-89). Tumors involved the head and neck (n=16), arms (n=11), trunk and shoulders (n=8), and foot (n=2). All cases had at least focal nesting of epithelioid to spindled tumors cells characteristic of cellular neurothekeoma. In many, alternate growth patterns were present and represented the dominant pattern in some. These patterns included fascicular (n=9), sheet-like (n=6), and corded (n=4). Myxoid stroma was present in 14 and was prominent in 5. Cytologic atypia was present in 19 patients, with 3 having severe atypia. Mean mitotic rate was 2.0/mm(2) (range 0-10 per mm(2)). Neurotropism was seen in four cases. Other unusual features included collagen trapping, giant cells, hemorrhage, lymphocytic cuffing, chondroid stroma, and cellular vacuolization. Cellular neurothekeoma has a wider range of features than is commonly recognized. The presence of nests of epithelioid tumor cells with characteristic cytologic features, no matter how focal, is a clue to the diagnosis.
Optimization of process plant layout with pipe routing

Abstract An optimization approach for the design of chemical plant geometric layout is presented. The task is decomposed into a sequence of subproblems that are solved using mixed integer linear programming models. The 3D layout problem with noninterference constraints is computationally difficult, and simultaneous treatment for placement of equipment and routing of pipes for the number of components comprising a typical plant is as yet impractical. In the approach presented, the optimization of the layout is computed first, and then is followed by the piping layout and routing. The models allow incorporation of practical design constraints. An example is presented that show the resulting design appear both reasonable and near-optimal. Different techniques are studied in order to do an automatic routing of a process plant layout. The procedure is based on a (partially arbitrary) selection of node positions where pipes can be routed, respecting restrictions of safety and minimum distances from components. These nodes are connected by arcs that avoid the physical space of components. The graph defined by the nodes and arcs are used to find the minimum cost for the pipes. Two methods may be used: a mixed integer linear program for the global minimization of the cost of all pipes, or a shortest path algorithm for the minimization of the cost of each pipe individually. The MILP approach can include capacity constraints, but it can be applied only for small problems. The shortest path approach is better for larger problems and can include pipes with branches and stress analysis.
The case for all‐female freshwater prawn,Macrobrachium rosenbergii (DeMan), culture

The prevailing notion in the prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) culture industry is that the large male prawns that dominate the product value in research and commercial populations should, alone, be the target of commercial mono-sex (all-male) culture. However, studies have shown that the male prawn's response to increasing density (intensification) is controlled by a strong hierarchical dominance-based social structure resulting in a large, disproportionate, increase in low value small animals in the ‘lower’ modal class of the male prawn size distribution. In contrast, prawn females and other aquatics, such as marine shrimp, display a moderate and uniform response to intensification in all size classes. Indeed, the densities in which prawn male superiority has been demonstrated are well below those used in intensive marine shrimp culture. This article: (1) discusses the background to the issue, (2) discusses the notion that because female prawns appear to be ‘marine shrimp-like’ – with a normal size distribution indicating a lack of a strong social dominance – this will render them superior to all-males under intensive growing conditions, (3) presents a ‘rate-of-response-to-density’ model projecting a female-superior response to high previously untested densities, (4) summarizes results of a pond field test conducted at Auburn University (Auburn, AL, USA) to test the model's results whereby hand-sexed prawns in treatment-replicated in-pond cages at densities of 10, 25, 40 and 55/m2 showed that all-female prawns give higher production and product value than males under intensive conditions, (5) discusses the use of biotechnological methods to sex-reverse brood-stock to produce all-females and (6) discusses the notion that the potential of genetic selection to increase prawn production is only possible using females.
Sticky Information and Sticky Prices

In the U.S. and Europe, prices change somewhere between every six months and once a year. Yet nominal macro shocks seem to have real effects lasting well beyond a year. "Sticky information" models, as posited by Sims (2003), Woodford (2003), and Mankiw and Reis (2002), can reconcile micro flexibility with macro rigidity. We simulate a sticky information model in which price setters do not update their information on macro shocks as often as they update their information on micro shocks. Compared to a standard menu cost model, price changes in this model reflect older macro shocks. We then examine price changes in the micro data underlying the U.S. CPI. These price changes do not reflect older information, thereby exhibiting a similar response to that of the standard menu cost model. However, the empirical test hinges on staggered information updating across firms; it cannot distinguish between a full information model and a model where firms have equally old information.
A contemporary, population-based study of lymphedema risk factors in older women with breast cancer.

Background We studied potential risk factors for lymphedema in a contemporary population of older breast cancer patients.
A Max-Min Measure for Image Texture Analysis

A new technique for image texture analysis is described which uses the relative frequency of local extremes in grey level as the principal measure. This method is invariant to multiplicative gain changes (such as caused by changes in illumination level or film processing) and is invariant to image resolution and sampling rate if the image is not undersampled. The algorithm described is computationally simple and can be implemented in hardware for real-time analysis. Comparisons are made between this new method and the spatial dependence method of texture analysis using 49 samples of each of eight textures. The new method seems just as accurate and considerably faster.
Modeling and Vibration Suppression of Pressurized Optical Membrane

Optical membranes are being pursued for their ability to replace the conventional mirrors that are used to correct wave front aberration and space based telescopes. Among some of the many benefits of using optical membranes, is their ability to considerably reduce the weight of the structure. As a secondary effect, the cost of transportation, which is of great interest in space applications, is reduced as well. Another interesting advantage is the ability to have a continuous surface for the attenuation of wave front aberrations, instead of a discrete grid of rigid mirrors that have to be individually controlled. The effects of adding a pressurized cavity behind an optical membrane are examined in this paper by coupling an acoustic cylindrical cavity to a cylindrical membrane at the top boundary. This paper also looks at using a positive position feedback controller for vibration suppression of the membrane. This is done by using a centralized acoustic source in the cavity as the method of actuation. The acoustic actuation is of great interest since it does not mass load the membrane in the conventional way, as most methods of actuation would.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Ectonucleotidases of the rabbit ciliary body nonpigmented epithelium.

PURPOSE: To investigate the expression of both the message and function of ENPP1 (a member of the ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase family, also known as PC-1), NTPD1 (a member of the ectonucleoside 5'-triphosphate diphosphohydrolase family, CD39), and ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) in rabbit ciliary body nonpigmented epithelial (NPE) cells. METHODS: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was used to reveal the presence of mRNAs of ectonucleotidases in NPE cells. Real-time fluorescence ratio imaging of the intact fura-2-loaded NPE cells was used to record changes in the intracellular calcium concentration. RESULTS: RT-PCR analysis revealed the expression of mRNAs for ENPP1, NTPD1, and ecto-5'-nucleotidase, but not NTPD2 (ecto-ATPase, or CD39L1), in the rabbit NPE cells. The ENPP1 inhibitor pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonate (PPADS), and to a lesser degree the nonspecific ectonucleotidase antagonist 6-N,N-diethyl-beta-gamma-dibromomethylene-D-adenosine 5-triphosphate (ARL 67156), reduced the [Ca(2+)](i) increase elicited by the combination of acetylcholine (ACh) and cAMP. However, both inhibitors significantly enhanced the [Ca(2+)](i) increase generated by uridine triphosphate (UTP). The ecto-5'-nucleotidase inhibitor alphabeta-meADP significantly diminished the [Ca(2+)](i) increase evoked by ACh+cAMP, but not that generated by UTP. The A(1)-specific adenosinergic receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) significantly blocked the response to ACh+cAMP. CONCLUSIONS: These observations suggest that rabbit NPE cells possess at least three distinct ectonucleotidases capable of catalyzing the stepwise hydrolysis of adenine and pyrimidine nucleotides, as well as cAMP, thus shaping the purinergic-receptor-coupled signaling in these cells.
The projections of principal cells of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body in the cat

Previous studies suggest that the principal cells of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) give rise to the projection from MNTB to the lateral superior olivary nucleus (LSO) of the same side, where they mediate rapid inhibitory effects of contralateral sound stimulation. In the present study, we explored certain morphological features of this connection as well as several other projections of the MNTB by using anterograde and retrograde axonal tracing methods. Following injections of tritiated leucine into MNTB, labeled axons reached LSO by passing ventral to, dorsal to, and through the medial superior olivary nucleus, and gave rise to labeling around the somata and proximal dendrites of LSO fusiform cells. As measured in autoradiograms of 2 micron plastic sections, these axons had a modal diameter of 5-6 micron. Terminal labeling, tentatively attributed to principal cell axons, was also seen in the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (VNLL) and the dorsomedial and ventromedial periolivary nuclei. HRP injections into the LSO and the VNLL showed that the principal cell projected to both of these nuclei and revealed a topographic arrangement of the projection to the LSO which is consistent with tonotopic maps determined electrophysiologically. Control HRP injections demonstrated that other minor projections of the MNTB arose from minor cell populations in this nucleus. The findings provide a morphological correlate of certain physiological findings and suggest a wider role for the MNTB in the ascending auditory system than previously has been supposed.
An anti-vitamin B6 action of L-penicillamine.

Abstract The effect of l -penicillamine administration on rat liver transaminase activities and on the excretion of vitamin B 6 activity in the urine was investigated. l -Penicillamine caused a reduced activity of the alanine-glutamic and aspartic-glutamic transaminases. Reversal of the inhibition was accomplished by the simultaneous administration in vivo of pyridoxine or by addition in vitro of pyridoxal 5-phosphate. Inclusion of l -penicillamine in the diet resulted in a marked increased excretion of vitamin B 6 activity in the urine. l -Penicillamine apparently causes a rapid loss of vitamin B 6 from the body which strongly suggests an anti-vitamin B 6 role in vivo for l -penicillamine.
Yersinia pestis V Protein Epitopes Recognized by CD4 T Cells

Pneumonic plague, an often-fatal disease for which no vaccine is presently available, results from pulmonary infection by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. The Y. pestis V protein is a promising vaccine candidate, as V protein immunizations confer to mice significant protection against aerosolized Y. pestis. CD4 T cells play central roles during vaccine-primed immune responses, but their functional contributions to Y. pestis vaccines have yet to be evaluated and optimized. Toward that end, we report here the identification of three distinct epitopes within the Y. pestis V protein that activate CD4 T cells in C57BL/6 mice. To our knowledge, these are the first identified CD4 T-cell epitopes in any Y. pestis protein. The epitopes are restricted by the I-Ab class II major histocompatibility complex molecule and are fully conserved between Y. pestis, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, and Yersinia enterocolitica. Immunizing mice with a V protein-containing vaccine or with short peptides containing the identified epitopes primes antigen-specific production of interleukin 2 and gamma interferon by CD4 T cells upon their restimulation in vitro. Consistent with prior studies documenting protective roles for CD4 T cells during Y. enterocolitica infection, vaccinating mice with a 16-amino-acid peptide encoding one of the epitopes suffices to protect against an otherwise lethal Y. enterocolitica challenge. The identification of these epitopes will permit quantitative assessments of V-specific CD4 T cells, thereby enabling researchers to evaluate and optimize the contribution of these cells to vaccine-primed protection against pneumonic plague.
Epstein-Barr Virus Immediate-Early Protein BZLF1 Inhibits Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha-Induced Signaling and Apoptosis by Downregulating Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a key mediator of host immune and inflammatory responses and inhibits herpesvirus replication by cytolytic and noncytolytic mechanisms. TNF-α effects are primarily mediated through the major TNF-α receptor, TNF-R1, which is constitutively expressed in most cell types. Here we show that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) immediate-early protein BZLF1 prevents TNF-α activation of target genes and TNF-α-induced cell death. These effects are mediated by down-regulation of the promoter for TNF-R1. Additionally, we demonstrate that expression of TNF-R1 is downregulated during the EBV lytic replication cycle. Thus, EBV has developed a novel mechanism for evading TNF-α antiviral effects during lytic reactivation or primary infection.