cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Origin of cocaine- and lidocaine-induced spindle activity within the olfactory forebrain of the rat.

Abstract Cocaine and other local anesthetics produce a characteristic form of electrical activity in the olfactory forebrain consisting of bursts of sinusoidal potentials (spindles) in the range of 20–50 c/sec. The purpose of the present experiment was to determine if this drug-induced spindle activity is generated by the same neuronal elements in the olfactory bulb (OB) and prepyriform cortex (PPC) which generate naturally occurring olfactory spindles. Rats with chronically implanted electrodes in the OB and PPC were injected with doses of cocaine or lidocaine hydrochloride sufficient to produce spindles (5 mg/kg i.v. or 40 mg/kg i.p.). Drug-induced and naturally occurring spindles exhibited similar anterior-posterior amplitude profiles, with the highest amplitude in the OB and the lowest in the posterior PPC. Multipolar recordings from the PPC indicated that the amplitude of naturally occurring and drug-induced spindles was highest at sites near the superficial pyramidal cell layer of the PPC and lower at sites 1–2 mm more dorsal. Furthermore, both naturally occurring and drug-induced spindles exhibited a polarity reversal near the superficial pyramidal cell layer of the PPC and the mitral cell layer of the OB. Finally, neither form of spindle occurred when nasal air flow (olfactory stimulation) was prevented. These observations suggest that cocaine- and lidocaine-induced spindles are generated in the OB and PPC by the same neuronal elements which also produce naturally occurring olfactory spindles.
Laser marking using organo-metallic films

Abstract In this work, the technical aspects of laser marking using organo-metallic films of different compositions are reported. Orasols of different types and palladium (II) acetate are used, for the first time, to produce permanent markings of various colors on different substrates. Ceramic and plastic substrates were used. The deposition process is a photothermal process and the markings were carried out using an argon ion laser operating at λ = 514 nm. Two laser marking techniques are used with the orasol dyes and palladium (II) acetate. The first of these two techniques is mask marking, where laser light is projected onto a workpiece through a mask replicating the information to be marked. The second technique applied is real-time motion marking. The workpiece was translated under the stationary laser beam using a programmable stage translator. For both techniques, optimum marking parameters (scanning speed/exposure time, power, and deposited line width) are reported along with typical examples.
Microstructural properties of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films used in high-efficiency devices

Abstract Thin-film polycrystalline photovoltaic devices based on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 have a demonstrated efficiency approaching 19%. The best performance was achieved when the Ga/In+Ga ratio was in the 25–30% range. The short-circuit current density exhibited for the device containing CdS was almost at its expected maximum. The open-circuit voltage was relatively low considering the optical bandgap (Eg) of the above absorber (∼1.15 eV); at best, it is 0.6×Eg. In this work, we examined the microstructural properties, e.g. defects due to misorientation, micro-twinning, stacking faults, and dislocations, for films prepared by our ‘ three-stage’ process, including the CIGS and Mo back-contact. We also attempted to make a correlation between the above observations and device performance.
Medical Mistrust and Discrimination in Health Care: A Qualitative Study of Hmong Women and Men

Low rates of breast and cervical cancer screening among Hmong women have been documented. Mistrust of Western medicine and the health care system, as well as experiences of discrimination in health care, may be barriers to seeking health care for this population. In this study, we explored medical mistrust among Hmong women and men, their experiences with discrimination in health care, and how these factors may influence Hmong women’s breast and cervical cancer screening behavior. We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with women and men who were members of the Hmong community in Oregon. Transcripts of 83 interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Despite personally trusting Western medicine and the health care system, participants shared reasons that some Hmong people feel mistrust including lack of understanding or familiarity, culture, and tradition. Although mistrust was thought to result in delaying or avoiding breast or cervical cancer screening, more frequently trust was described as positively influencing screening. In addition, few participants reported being treated differently during breast or cervical cancer screening because they were Hmong. When discussing health care more broadly, however, some participants described differential (e.g., disrespectful or rude) treatment. Such experiences led to feelings such as anger and sadness and affected behavior, including willingness to seek care and choice of provider. Medical mistrust and perceived discrimination were not major barriers to breast and cervical cancer screening in this study. Additional studies are needed to assess whether our findings reflect the experiences of other Hmong.
Inference for Shot Noise

This paper studies estimation issues for Poisson shot noise models from a data history observed on a discrete-time lattice. Optimal estimating function methods in the sense of Godambe (1985) are developed for the case when the impulse response function of the shot process is interval similar; moment methods are explored for compactly supported impulse responses. Asymptotic normality of the proposed estimates is established and the limiting covariance of the estimates is derived. Applications of the methods to several parametric shot function types are presented.
Cyclobutane dimers and (6-4) photoproducts in human cells are mended with the same patch sizes.

The sizes of excision repair patches corresponding to excision of (6-4) pyrimidine-pyrimidone photoproducts and (5-5,6–6) cyclobutane dimers have been independently determined by using bromodeoxyuridine substitution and density increases in isopycnic gradients of small DNA fragments. The two classes of photoproducts were distinguished by using (a) a xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) revertant cell line that excises (6-4) photoproducts normally, but does not excise cyclobutane dimers from bulk DNA or from an actively transcribed sequence; (b) an XP cell line containing the denV gene of bacteriophage T4, which repairs only cyclobutane dimers by a unique glycosylase mechanism, and (c) normal cells analyzed during time intervals in which cyclobutane dimer repair is the main repair process in action. The patch sizes for the two lesions were similar under all conditions and were estimated to be approximately30–40 bases. These values are slightly larger than corresponding estimates for Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae but close to estimates from in vitro experiments with human cell extracts. The size of 30 bases may consequently be very close to the actual distance between cleavage sites made on either side of a photoproduct during repair.
A structural health monitoring fastener for tracking fatigue crack growth in bolted metallic joints

In this study, a structural health monitoring (SHM) fastener consisting of a conformable eddy current sensor film that is integrated with a metallic sleeve that goes around the fastener shank was d...
Genetic Transfer of a Twospotted Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) Repellent in Tomato Hybrids

Lycopersicon hirsutum Dunal is very resistant to arthropod herbivory, and research on causes of resistance has often implicated trichomes and their secretions. To better understand relationships among resistance, repellency, and 2,3-dihydrofarnesoic acid, a trichome-borne sesquiterpenoid spider mite repellent, two tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Miller, varieties were interbred with a highly resistant, spider mite repellent accession (LA1363) of L. hirsutum. Backcross and F2 generations were produced with each tomato variety. Whole leaves of 99 hybrids were bioassayed with twospotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch, allowing selection of six hybrids (two susceptible and four resistant) for each generation of each family. When these 24 hybrids were characterized for spider mite repellency with thumbtack bioassays, two hybrids had repellent leaflets, demonstrating that repellency was genetically transferred to interspecific tomato hybrids. Leaflet washes containing trichome secretions from each of three hybrids, including the two having repellent leaflets, were repellent in bridge bioassays. For the two hybrids having repellent leaflets and leaflet washes, removal of trichome secretions by dipping leaflets in methanol eliminated leaflet repellency. 2,3-Dihydrofarnesoic acid was present in trichome secretions of the hybrids having leaflet repellency, and it also was present in secretions of other hybrids, indicating that its presence is essential, but not sufficient for leaflet repellency. With regard to resistance, 16 of the hybrids tested had been identified as resistant in a whole leaf bioassay, but only two had repellent leaflets, indicating that other mechanisms of resistance are present in the resistant L. hirsutum parent.
Impedance-based simulation model of Carbon Nano-Onions ultracapacitors for e-bike with compact energy storage system

A novel electrified bicycle using only ultracapacitors as the primary energy storage components are described. A specific buck converter to charge the e-bike in less than two minutes has been designed and simulated. The simulation of the associated fast-charging system shows that this technology is feasible for the intended application. Novel ultracapacitors, made from Carbon Nano-Onion materials, have been produced and the impedance spectra were measured. The data were fitted to an equivalent electrical model and the parameters for the ultracapacitors were determined. It is possible to increase the total viable e-bike distance by 22% by using nanocarbon materials, such as nano-onions, for energy storage.
Reformulation of the MODTRAN band model for higher spectral resolution

The MODTRAN 1 cm-1 band model has been reformulated for application to higher spectral resolution. Molecular line center absorption is still determined from finite spectral bin equivalent widths but is now partitioned between the bin containing the molecular transition and its nearest neighbor bin. Also, the equivalent width calculation has been upgraded to retain to maintain high accuracy at the increased spectral resolution. The MODTRAN Lorentz line tail spectral bin absorption coefficient data has been replaced by a more general and accurate Pad? approximant for Voigt line tails, and higher order pressure dependencies are now modeled. Initial comparisons to the FASE model and to measurement data are presented.
Global population-specific variation in miRNA associated with cancer risk and clinical biomarkers

Background: MiRNA expression profiling is being actively investigated as a clinical biomarker and diagnostic tool to detect multiple cancer types and stages as well as other complex diseases. Initial investigations, however, have not comprehensively taken into account genetic variability affecting miRNA expression and/or function in populations of different ethnic backgrounds. Therefore, more complete surveys of miRNA genetic variability are needed to assess global patterns of miRNA variation within and between diverse human populations and their effect on clinically relevant miRNA genes. Methods: Genetic variation in 1524 miRNA genes was examined using whole genome sequencing (60x coverage) in a panel of 69 unrelated individuals from 14 global populations, including European, Asian and African populations. Results: We identified 33 previously undescribed miRNA variants, and 31 miRNA containing variants that are globally population-differentiated in frequency between African and non-African populations (PD-miRNA). The top 1% of PD-miRNA were significantly enriched for regulation of genes involved in glucose/insulin metabolism and cell division (p < 10 �7 ), most significantly the mitosis pathway, which is strongly linked to cancer onset. Overall, we identify 7 PD-miRNAs that are currently implicated as cancer biomarkers or diagnostics: hsa-mir-202, hsa-mir-423, hsa-mir-196a-2, hsa-mir-520h, hsa-mir-647, hsa-mir-943, and hsa-mir-1908. Notably, hsa-mir-202, a potential breast cancer biomarker, was found to show significantly high allele frequency differentiation at SNP rs12355840, which is known to affect miRNA expression levels in vivo and subsequently breast cancer mortality. Conclusion: MiRNA expression profiles represent a promising new category of disease biomarkers. However, population specific genetic variation can affect the prevalence and baseline expression of these miRNAs in diverse populations. Consequently, miRNA genetic and expression level variation among ethnic groups may be contributing in part to health disparities observed in multiple forms of cancer, specifically breast cancer, and will be an essential consideration when assessing the utility of miRNA biomarkers for the clinic.
Factors Affecting the Heat Stability of Milk

Summary Removal of colloidal calcium phosphate from milk by acidification and dialysis increased heat stability of the milk and eliminated the minimum from the heat stability-pH relation. If dissolution of the colloidal phosphate had approached completion, the normal heat stability-pH relation was not recovered by reprecipitation of the phosphate by neutralization before dialysis. Increasing the degree of forewarming progressively decreased coagulation time at 140C at all equivalent points on the heat stability-pH curve, but the cumulative heating time decreased markedly in only one of five milks tested. The behavior of an individual milk after forewarming depended upon its original pH relative to the pH of maximum heat stability. With milks from 20 individual cows, both maximum and minimum heat stability (min) were significantly correlated with β -lactoglobulin content (mg n/ml) ( r = +0.50 and −0.52, respectively). Inorganic components, and ratios of these, were not correlated with maximum heat stability.
Perceived versus real risks of handling gene transfer agents in the pharmacy environment.

Gene transfer is not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medical therapy, but advances in research are bringing it closer to reality. Sorting through the guidelines and regulations for handling gene transfer agents safely can be daunting, and specific guidance is
Proximity electron tunneling spectroscopy. III. Electron-phonon coupling in the Nb-Zr system

The technique of McMillan-Rowell tunneling spectroscopy, extended by a method of proximity junctions to poorly oxidizing materials, is applied to study electron-phonon coupling in Nb/sub 1-x/Zr/sub x/ at x=0.25, corresponding to the maximum T/sub c/ in the Nb-Zr alloy system. The resulting ..cap alpha../sup 2/F(..omega..) function provides lambda=1.3 for the alloy, and indicates that the primary benefit to superconductivity upon alloying arises from softening of the effective phonon spectrum.
Comparison of methods for determination of nitrogen levels in soil, plant and body tissues, and water

Abstract Four different methods to include all forms of nitrogen (N), especially nitrate (NO3), not usually measured in the analysis using the standard total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) digestion procedure, were investigated. The methods compared were: total nitrogen determination by combustion using a LECO FP‐428 Nitrogen Determinator, salicylic acid modification prior to TKN digestion, a method of reduction of nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) to ammonium‐nitrogen (NH4‐N) before digestion using CrK(SO4)2, and the addition of phenyl acetate to the standard digestion mixture. Obtained results were compared to those obtained by the standard TKN digestion procedure. The tests were performed on air‐dried soil, oven‐dried plant and body issue, and a water sample. The purpose of the investigation was to ascertain which method provides the best recovery and is most easily incorporated into a laboratory setting. Acid digestion was done using a Tecator Block Digester with a forty 75‐mL tube capacity. All digestions beyond pre...
Iris recognition technology evaluated for voter registration in Somaliland

The Somaliland government web site includes the slogan: ‘Recognition – The number one priority for the Somaliland government’. Part of the effort to achieve international recognition includes holding elections that are respected as fair and that enable peaceful, political transitions. This article summarises the role that biometrics – face, finger, and iris – is playing in creating voter registration lists in Somaliland. Specifically, this article describes Somaliland's efforts to move to iris recognition in an effort to create a voter registration list for the upcoming elections scheduled in 2015.
The crystal growth and characterization of the solid solutions (ZnS)1−x (CuGaS2)x

Abstract : Polycrystalline samples of members of the systems (ZnS)1-x(CuMS2)x(M = A1, In or Fe) were prepared by direct combination of the elements. Single crystals have been grown by chemical vapor transport using iodine as the transport agent. They all crystallize with the zinc blende structure. Their IR transmission range is narrower than that observed for pure Zinc Sulfide, but all, except for the ZnS-CuInS2 system, still show good transmission in the long wavelength IR range. The addition of small amounts of I-III-VI2 modifies the hardness and the thermal stability of ZnS. Zinc Sulfide has been studied extensively because it offers a variety of unique device applications. ZnS crystallizes with the cubic zinc blende structure below 1020 C and with the hexagonal wurtzite structure above this phase transition temperature. The ternary chalcogenides, CuMS2(M = A1, Ga, In or Fe) crystallize with the chalcopyrite structure, which is closely related to the cubic zince blende structure. In the chalcopyrite structure, there is an ordering of Cu(I) and M(III) (M = A1, Ga, In Or Fe) which results in a doubling of the c-axis. There have been relatively few studies carried out on the preparation and characterization of solid solutions formed between ZnS and CuMS2(M = A1, Ga, In or Fe).
The photon concept revisited: role of cooperative virtual processes in light harvesting

The usefulness of the photon concept has been debated since its original proposal by Einstein in 1905. The photon picture has evolved via the “fuzzy-ball” and stochastic to the entangled, intrinsically quantum mechanical entity. However, in spite of the recent progress, questions about the nature of light still arise and often cause confusion from misinterpretations of various light-matter interaction phenomena. Questions are frequently asked about the existence of a `wave function for the photon’ and about the photon localization. Many light-matter interactions may be described using semiclassical theory and the question is when and where the quantum theory of radiation is needed to provide the best description? Here, we extend the discussion of these issues from several previous works on this subject. We use the definition of the photon wave function described by Scully and coworkers to discuss the photon detection in the context of single atoms and “giant atom” ensembles. We review the role of virtual photons, and discuss the effects of cooperative virtual processes on light harvesting efficiency of photodetectors and photosynthetic biological systems. Noise-induced quantum coherence may increase the performance of these quantum heat engines and the efficiency of photon harvesting.
Improved representation of retinal data acquired with volumetric Fd-OCT: co-registration, visualization and reconstruction of a large field of view

Advances in Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (Fd-OCT) permit visualization of three-dimensional morphology of in-vivo retinal structures in a way that promises to revolutionize clinical and experimental imaging of the retina. The relevance of these advances will be further increased by the recent introduction of several commercial Fd-OCT instruments that can be used in clinical practice. However, due to some inherent limitations of current Fd-OCT technology (e.g., lack of spectroscopic information, inability to measure fluorescent signals), it is important to co-register Fd-OCT data with images obtained by other clinical imaging modalities such as fundus cameras and fluorescence angiography to create a more complete interpretation and representation of structures imaged. The co-registration between different imaging platforms becomes even more important if small retinal changes are monitored for early detection and treatment. Despite advances in volume acquisition speed with FD-OCT, eye/head motion artifacts can be still seen on acquired data. Additionally high-sampling density, large field-of-view (FOV) Fd-OCT volumes may also be needed for comparison with conventional imaging. In standard Fd-OCT systems, higher sampling density and larger imaging FOV (with constant sampling densities) lead to longer acquisition time which further increases eye/head motion artifacts. To overcome those problems, we tested 3D stitching of multiple, smaller retinal volumes which can be acquired in a less time (reduction of motion artifacts) and/or when stitched create a larger FOV representation of the retina. Custom visualization software that makes possible manual co-registration and simultaneous visualization of volumetric Fd-OCT data sets is described. Volumetric visualizations of healthy retinas with corresponding fundus pictures are presented followed by examples of retinal volumes of high sampling density that are created from multiple "standard" Fd-OCT volumes.
Cephalometric x-ray evaluation of the vertical osteotomy correction of mandibular prognathism.

Abstract The use of cephalometric films has been shown to be helpful in the planning and evaluation of surgical corrections of mandibular prognathism. More precise treatment results have been obtained than would have been possible if occlusion had been the only guide in treatment. In each of the thirty cases in which the vertical osteotomy was performed the correction proved to be satisfactory, without such problems as nonunion of fragments or anterior open-bite. Five of the cases were analyzed in detail and showed an original posterior chin movement of between 10 and 16 mm., followed by 2 to 3 mm. of forward chin adjustment. The correction tended to increase the angle of the mandible with the cranium. On the basis of these findings, an overcorrection of about 2 mm. may be advisable in the surgical treatment of mandibular prognathism. No further changes were found following the first year after treatment. The patients have been uniformly pleased with the improved function and facial appearance achieved.
Epitaxial growth of a metastable modification of copper with body-centered-cubic structure.

Slow deposition of Cu onto a clean unheated Fe{001} surface produced films with large amounts of defects, but still detectable crystallinity. Low-energy electron diffraction showed that the films contained regions with a (somewhat distorted) body-centered-cubic structure and the same or nearly the same lattice parameter as the underlying substrate. Auger-electron spectroscopy suggested that the crystalline regions were essentially pure Cu, thus allowing the conclusion that a metastable bcc modification of Cu has been realized, consistent with the predictions of total-energy band calculations reported elsewhere.
Haematoloechus medioplexus: Enzymatic oxidation of 3,3′-diaminobenzidine in mitochondria☆

Abstract The oxidation of 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) is believed to be due to a cytochrome-cytochrome oxidase system in the mitochondria of the trematode, Haematoloechus medioplexus . The reaction is apparently sensitive to the absence of inorganic phosphate from the incubation medium. The mitochondria of the tegument are less sensitive to concentration differences in phosphate than are the mitochondria of the parenchymal tissue.
An Automated Fiber Alignment, Fixing, And Hermetic Sealing System

An automated fiber alignment, fixing, and sealing process was developed for optoelectronic devices produced by BT&D Technologies. The products -- transmitters, receivers, etc. -- were developed simultaneously with the process, allowing development of common technologies and submodule "building blocks." This approach has many advantages: sufficient manufacturing volume to justify automation, quick response to new product variations, and uniform quality. This paper describes the development of a patented laser-based manufacturing system for pigtailing optoelectronic devices.
Viscoelastic response of the finger pad to incremental tangential displacements.

Abstract The finger pads of eight subjects were loaded by tangential displacement ( x —perpendicular to the long axis of the finger) of a contacted surface when the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints (DIP and PIP, respectively) were alternately constrained. The finger pad responded in a linearly viscoelastic manner during loading, but exhibited highly nonlinear behavior upon unloading. The observed tangential force ( F T ) relaxations were nonlinear and could be modeled well by a logarithmic function. The average F T relaxation duration ( τ ) was 11.8 s. Apparent tangential stiffness ( k T ), determined by F T after relaxation, varied linearly with normal force. With the DIP joints constrained the fingers showed significantly larger stiffness than with the PIP joints constrained ( p 0.001 ). Implications for finger force coordination studies are discussed.
Ultrasonographic measurement of the abdominal circumference in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether ultrasonographic measurements of the abdominal circumference are smaller in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and whether this is reflected as an underestimation of the estimated fetal weight. Study Design: A retrospective review of 225 abdominal circumference measurements made between 24 and 41 weeks of gestation in 85 fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia was performed. The individual and mean abdominal circumference value at each week of gestation versus gestational age was plotted and compared with normative data. Comparisons between abdominal circumference measurements and hernia variables were made with the χ 2 test. The Pearson correlation was used to examine the accuracy of ultrasonographic determination of the estimated fetal weight. Results: The mean measurements of abdominal circumference were not found to differ significantly from normative data until term, although fetuses with liver herniation were less likely to have measurements more than 2 standard deviations below the mean. Calculation of estimated fetal weight was similar in accuracy to that in normal fetuses. Conclusion: Small abdominal circumference measurements should not be expected in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Abnormalities of the abdominal circumference or an abdominal circumference–dependent estimated fetal weight should not be attributed to the anatomic defect without considering other etiologies. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:321-4.)
Smallpox vaccines: Past, present, and future

The global eradication of smallpox was a tremendous achievement made possible by the development of an effective vaccine. Routine vaccination of the general population is no longer recommended. However, stocks of variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox, still exist in 2 secure laboratories, and permanent disposal has been controversial. In addition, there is speculation that variola virus may exist outside of these 2 facilities, and there is a concern that the threat of smallpox will be used as a bioterrorist weapon. In 2002, this concern led to a vaccination campaign in US military and civilian healthcare workers and first responders. Although the historical live virus vaccine has proven efficacy, it also is associated with serious adverse events and rare fatal reactions, particularly in the setting of immunodeficiency and atopic eczema. In addition, this vaccine was historically produced using animal intermediaries in a process that was prone to contamination and not acceptable for current manufacturing standards. Development of alternative poxvirus vaccines is focused on replication-defective viruses, gene-based vectors, and subunit approaches to improve safety and immunogenicity. The conundrum is that in the absence of an intentional release of variola, efficacy evaluation of new candidate vaccines will be limited to animal model testing, which creates new challenges for the vaccine licensure process. Although motivated by the threat of bioterrorism, the hope is for new poxvirus vaccines to have their greatest utility against other pathogenic orthopoxviruses such as monkeypox and for the development of recombinant poxvirus-based vectors to treat and prevent other diseases.
Anti-interleukin-4 treatment diminishes secretion of Th2 cytokines and inhibits hepatic fibrosis in murine schistosomiasis japonica.

Summary Anti-interleukin-4 (IL-4) treatment o/“Schistosoma japo-nicum-infected mice markedly inhibited in vitro secretion of the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 from antigen-stimulated spleen cells, but enhanced the secretion of the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ. IL-2 secretion was unaffected. Hepatic fibrosis was markedly diminished in anti-IL-4-treated-mice at ten weeks of infection while granulomas around S. japonicum eggs in the livers were slightly-to-moderately increased in size. The number of eggs per worm pair in the tissues and feces did not differ significantly in treated and untreated mice. These findings suggest that Th2 cytokine responses are important in the genesis of schistosomal hepatic fibrosis.
A Stochastic Theory of Community Food Webs: I. Models and Aggregated Data

Three recently discovered quantitative empirical generalizations describe major features of the structure of community food webs. These generalizations are: (i) a species scaling law: the mean proportions of basal, intermediate and top species remain invariant at approximately 0.19, 0.53, and 0.29, respectively, over the range of variation in the number of species in a web; (ii) a link scaling law: the mean proportions of trophic links in the categories basal-intermediate, basal-top, intermediate-intermediate, and intermediate-top remain invariant at approximately 0.27, 0.08, 0.30 and 0.35, respectively, over the range of variation in the number of species in a web; and (iii) a link-species scaling law: the ratio of mean trophic links to species remains invariant at approximately 1.86, over the range of variation in the number of species in a web. This paper presents a model, the only successful one among several attempts, in which the first two of these empirical generalizations can be derived as a consequence of the third. The model assumes that species are ordered in a cascade or hierarchy such that a given species can prey on only those species below it and can be preyed on by only those species above it in the hierarchy.
Probabilistic dynamic behavior of a long-span bridge under extreme events

Abstract In addition to moderate wind and normal traffic scenarios, it is known that some extreme events may also occur on long-span bridges. These extreme events may include complex traffic congestion on the bridge, coupled with moderate or even strong wind. It is known that the excessive dynamic response and stress level of the bridge under these rare but critical scenarios, even for a very short period, may cause critical damage initiation or accumulation on some local bridge members. In addition to accelerating damages, the extreme events (e.g. heavy traffic) may even trigger the hazardous collapse of a whole bridge in some rare cases, especially when some hidden damage or design flaw has not been detected. Therefore, even though the extreme cases associated with congested traffic and/or windy weather are relatively rare, it is important for bridge engineers to appropriately look into these unusual extreme events during design and life-time management. By applying the general Bridge/Traffic/Wind coupled analysis methodology, the present study focuses on (1) conducting the cellular automaton (CA)-based traffic flow simulation of a long-span bridge and connecting roadways under incidental situations, (2) defining representative scenarios for the extreme events, and (3) numerically studying the bridge performance under these possible extreme events. By conducting studies on a comprehensive set of possible scenarios, it is anticipated that better understanding of extreme events of long-span bridges from the perspectives of strength and serviceability design will be achieved, which may contribute to the future design specification about long-span bridges. The proposed methodology will also offer a reasonable framework to replicate probabilistic traffic flow, characterize dynamic interaction and assess structural performance under those rare but critical situations integrally.
The application of cryogenics to high Reynolds number testing in wind tunnels. Part 2: Development and application of the cryogenic wind tunnel concept

The development and application of the cryogenic wind tunnel concept at the Langley Research Center are described. Particular attention is given to the low-speed cryogenic tunnel and the pilot transonic cryogenic tunnel. The major conclusions with respect to the operation and performance of the pilot transonic cryogenic tunnel after almost 4000 h of operation at cryogenic temperatures are that: (1) purging, cooldown, and warm-up times are acceptable and can be predicted with good accuracy, and that (2) the quantity of liquid nitrogen required for cooldown and running can be predicted with good accuracy. The U.S. National Transonic Facility is described in detail.
Light emitting diode cavity enhanced differential optical absorption spectroscopy (LED-CE-DOAS): a novel technique for monitoring atmospheric trace gases

The combination of Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (CEAS) with broad-band light sources (e.g. Light- Emitting Diodes, LEDs) lends itself to the application of cavity enhanced DOAS (CE-DOAS) to perform sensitive and selective point measurements of multiple trace gases with a single instrument. In contrast to other broad-band CEAS techniques, CE-DOAS relies only on the measurement of relative intensity changes, i.e., does not require knowledge of the light intensity in the absence of trace gases and aerosols (I0). We have built a prototype LED-CE-DOAS instrument in the blue spectral range (420-490nm) to measure nitrogen dioxide (NO2), glyoxal (CHOCHO), iodine monoxide (IO), water (H2O) and oxygen dimers (O4). Aerosol extinction is retrieved at two wavelengths by means of observing water and O4 and measuring pressure, temperature and relative humidity independently. The instrument components are presented, and the approach to measure aerosol extinction is demonstrated by means of a set of experiments where laboratory generated monodisperse aerosols are added to the cavity. The aerosol extinction cross section agrees well with Mie calculations, demonstrating that our setup enables measurements of the above gases in open cavity mode.
A multiscale model for effective moduli of concrete incorporating ITZ water-cement ratio gradients, aggregate size distributions, and entrapped voids

Abstract This paper develops a model for the effective elastic properties of concrete, which is a function of the volume fractions, size distributions, and elastic properties of fine aggregate (FA) and coarse aggregate (FA) and entrapped voids. Furthermore, the model is a function of the overall water–cement ratio and specific gravity of cement. Explicitly modeled are the water–cement ratio gradients through the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), which, in turn, affect the variation of the cement paste elastic properties through the ITZ, while maintaining the total fractions of cement and water consistent with the overall water–cement ratio. The ITZ volume is also conserved.
Expectation and variance of item resemblance distributions in a convolution-correction model of distributed memory

Abstract The present paper extends the applicability of distributed memory models that use convolution and correlation as their encoding and retrieval operations by providing analytic derivations of the expressions needed to apply such models to a wide range of experimental paradigms. These extensions allow such models to predict recall and recognition performance for single items and double and triple associations under optimal storage and retrieval conditions as well as in situations of degraded probe information at time of test or incomplete encoding of information at time of study. Part I gives a brief review of one convolution-correlation memory model, TODAM (Murdock (1982) . Psychological Review , 89 , 609–626; TODAM (Murdock (1983) . Psychological Review , 90 , 316–338). Part II provides the derivations for expectations and variances of the distributions of dot-product resemblance between an extensive list of memory vectors and probe vectors. Expressions of the first two moments of such resemblance distributions in terms of the model parameters are needed to derive model predictions for such dependent measures as recall or recognition accuracy or d ′. Part III illustrates the use these resemblance distribution moments by deriving predictions for the data of three experimental paradigms: (1) recall with partial cues (Tulving & Watkins (1973) . American Journal of Psychology , 86 , 739–748), (2) recognition of rapidly presented information (Loftus, (1974) . Memory and Cognition , 2 , 545–548), and (3) recognition in context of a triple association learning task (Clark & Shiffrin (1987) . Memory and Cognition , 15 , 367–378).
Hyperfine spectrum of RbBr

Abstract The molecular beam electric resonance technique has been used to conduct a high precision examination of the hyperfine spectrum of RbI. Coupling constants for the nuclear electric quadrupole interactions, the spin-rotation interactions, the tensor and scalar spin-spin interactions, and their dependence on vibrational and rotational state have been determined.
Characteristics and origins of coal cleat: A review

Abstract Cleats are natural opening-mode fractures in coal beds. They account for most of the permeability and much of the porosity of coalbed gas reservoirs and can have a significant effect on the success of engineering procedures such as cavity stimulations. Because permeability and stimulation success are commonly limiting factors in gas well performance, knowledge of cleat characteristics and origins is essential for successful exploration and production. Although the coal–cleat literature spans at least 160 years, mining issues have been the principal focus, and quantitative data are almost exclusively limited to orientation and spacing information. Few data are available on apertures, heights, lengths, connectivity, and the relation of cleat formation to diagenesis, characteristics that are critical to permeability. Moreover, recent studies of cleat orientation patterns and fracture style suggest that new investigations of even these well-studied parameters can yield insight into coal permeability. More effective predictions of cleat patterns will come from advances in understanding cleat origins. Although cleat formation has been speculatively attributed to diagenetic and/or tectonic processes, a viable mechanical process for creating cleats has yet to be demonstrated. Progress in this area may come from recent developments in fracture mechanics and in coal geochemistry.
BREEDING SYSTEMS AND FECUNDITY IN THE AMERICAN GINSENG, PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUM (ARALIACEAE)

American ginseng is self-compatible with fecundity among bagged inflorescences equivalent to (Missouri) or greater (New York) than that observed for nonbagged inflorescences. Population differences in flowering time and synchrony, protandry, autogamy, xenogamy, and fecundity, imply major genetic divergence in the species.
An Alternative Technique for Dielectrophoretic (DEP) Cell Manipulation: Contact-Less DEP

Dielectrophoresis (DEP), the motion of a particle due to its polarization in the presence of a non-uniform electric field, can be used as an alternative to current sample enrichment techniques [1]. While the technique has been proven effective, most DEP devices must be manufactured using complicated processes. Insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) is a practical method to obtain the selectivity of dielectrophoresis while overcoming the robustness issues associated with traditional dielectrophoresis platforms [2]. While both of these methods allow for the differentiation of cells based upon their intrinsic electrical properties, they require direct contact between electrodes and a sample fluid, which can induce fouling, bubble formation and unwanted electrochemical effects [3]. We have developed an alternative method to provide the spatially non-uniform electric field required for DEP in which electrodes are not in direct contact with the biological sample. In this method, an electric field is created in the sample microchannel using electrodes inserted into two other microchannels (filled with conductive solution), which are separated from the sample microchannel by thin insulating barriers. These insulating barriers exhibit a capacitive behavior and therefore an electric field can be produced in the main channel by applying an AC field across them. The absence of contact between electrodes and the sample fluid inside the channel prevents bubble formation and avoids any contaminating effects the electrodes may have on the sample.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Effect of malate on glutamate dehydrogenase and complexes between glutamate dehydrogenase and mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase

Abstract When α-ketoglutarate is the substrate, malate is a considerably more effective inhibitor of glutamate dehydrogenase than glutamate, oxalacetate, aspartate, or glutarate. Malate is a considerably poorer inhibitor when glutamate is the substrate. Malate is competitive with α-ketoglutarate, uncompetitive with TPNH, and noncompetitive with glutamate. The above, plus the fact that malate is a considerably more potent inhibitor when TPNH rather than TPN is the coenzyme, indicates that malate is predominantly bound to the α-ketoglutarate site of the enzyme-TPNH complex and has a considerably lower affinity for the enzyme-TPN complex. Ligands which decrease binding of TPNH to the enzyme such as ADP and leucine markedly decrease inhibition by malate. Conversely, GTP, which increases binding of TPNH to the enzyme also enhances inhibition by malate. Malate also decreases interaction between mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase. This effect of malate on enzyme-enzyme interaction is enhanced by DPNH and GTP which also increase inhibition of glutamate dehydrogenase by malate and is decreased by TPN, ADP, ATP, α-ketoglutarate, and leucine which decrease inhibition of glutamate dehydrogenase by malate. These results indicate that malate could decrease α-ketoglutarate utilization by inhibiting glutamate dehydrogenase and retarding transfer of α-ketoglutarate from the aminotransferase to glutamate dehydrogenase. These effects of malate would be most pronounced when the mitochondrial level of α-ketoglutarate is low and the level of malate and reduced pyridine nucleotide is high.
Modeling the High-Pressure Ammonia−Water System with WATAM and the Peng−Robinson Equation of State for Kalina Cycle Studies

The Kalina power cycle uses an ammonia−water mixture as the working fluid in the 283−866 K temperature range and at pressures up to 22 MPa. Modeling of these cycles, typically accomplished with a process simulator, requires accurate descriptions of the phase behavior of this binary. Therefore 58 previously published Pxy isotherms in the 203−618 K temperature range were used to evaluate the predictive capabilities of the Peng−Robinson (PR) equation of state (EOS) and WATAM. WATAM provided a much better correlation of saturated liquid densities than the PR EOS. Although both models adequately correlated liquid phase compositions, WATAM provided a better fit of the near-critical vapor phase data. The Peng−Robinson EOS consistently overestimated the mixture critical pressures. Several correlations, based on different objective functions, for the temperature-dependent binary interaction parameter were developed. Slight improvements in the predictive capabilities of the PR EOS were realized using the Panagiotop...
Regulation of base excision repair: Ntg1 nuclear and mitochondrial dynamic localization in response to genotoxic stress

Numerous human pathologies result from unrepaired oxidative DNA damage. Base excision repair (BER) is responsible for the repair of oxidative DNA damage that occurs in both nuclei and mitochondria. Despite the importance of BER in maintaining genomic stability, knowledge concerning the regulation of this evolutionarily conserved repair pathway is almost nonexistent. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae BER protein, Ntg1, relocalizes to organelles containing elevated oxidative DNA damage, indicating a novel mechanism of regulation for BER. We propose that dynamic localization of BER proteins is modulated by constituents of stress response pathways. In an effort to mechanistically define these regulatory components, the elements necessary for nuclear and mitochondrial localization of Ntg1 were identified, including a bipartite classical nuclear localization signal, a mitochondrial matrix targeting sequence and the classical nuclear protein import machinery. Our results define a major regulatory system for BER which when compromised, confers a mutator phenotype and sensitizes cells to the cytotoxic effects of DNA damage.
Structure-activity relationship (SAR) models established in vitro with the neutral red cytotoxicity assay

The neutral red (NR) cytotoxicity assay has been applied to the determination of structure-activity relationships (SARs). The in vitro cytotoxic potency of a series of alcohols with varying chain lengths, of chlorinated phenolics, of nitro- and methyl-containing phenolics and of chlorinated toluenes could be directly correlated with the lipophilicity of the molecules, expressed in terms of their log octanol/water partition coefficients (log P values). Dinitrotoluenes were outliers, in that their cytotoxicity was not a function of their lipophilicity. The sequence of cytotoxicity for a series of divalent cationic metals was a function of softness: the softer the metal (i.e. the lower its chemical softness parameter, sigma(p)), the greater its cytotoxicity. The SAR models developed with the NR assay were consistent with similar models developed in vivo. The NR assay has been further modified to include, when useful, total protein determinations.
Flow patterns and mixing rates in agitated vessels

Mixing rates in agitated vessels are predicted through measurement of the flow patterns which determine them. These measurements suggest the use of a model that assumes that nearly all the mixing occurs in a small “perfectly mixed” region near the impeller, with flow throughout the remainder of the tank serving primarily to bring the fluid into this region of the impeller. On the basis of this model, equations were developed for relating volumetric flow rates, hence the mixing rates, to the operating variables. While the theory could be checked directly only to Reynolds numbers of slightly over 600 (owing to limitations of the experimental technique employed in this part of the mixing-rate studies), the volumetric flow rates could be measured from Reynolds numbers of 36 to 1.7 × 104. The times required for completion of an acid-base neutralization (terminal mixing) were also measured from Reynolds numbers of 1.6 to 1.8 × 105. Flat-blade, dimensionally similar turbines with diameters of 2, 4, and 6 in. were used. Tank diameters ranged from 5.76 to 15.5 in. The baffle width equaled one tenth of the tank diameter in all runs. All the data were for Newtonian fluid systems, but the extension of this work to non-Newtonian materials is discussed briefly.