cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Central correlates of peripheral pattern alterations in the trigeminal system of the rat. II. The effect of nerve section

The effect of trigeminal nerve section on pattern formation in the rat central nervous system was investigated. Nerve section was found to abolish all evidence of afferent segmentation in the brain stem. At thalamic and cortical levels the pattern of afferent segmentation was affected in a time-dependent fashion. The later the procedure is performed, the less severe the resultant effect. Early section abolishes all afferent segmentation, later section only within-row segmentation, and still later section has no effect on pattern formation. The results of this experiment support the hypothesis that peripheral spatial information plays an important role in pattern formation in the central trigeminal system.
Freedom and justice: The macro‐modes of social relations

Abstract Two modes of social relations have been identified as fundamental to interaction between individuals or in small groups. Variously labeled—agonic and hedonic, catathetic and anathetic, or power and status—these refer respectively to relations of control, domination, and punishment, on the one hand, and relations of support, cooperation, and friendliness, on the other. Here these two modes of relations are examined in data at the macro level, within and between large societies and nations. Evidence from numerous factor analyses of societal and international level variables leads to the conclusion that the two modes are the fundamental relational variables at the macro level too. Considering that societal and international relations are the subjects of history, the two modes can be recast to capture the important resonances of past and present national and international aspirations as freedom and justice.
Reciprocal regulation of adult rat hepatocyte growth and functional activities in culture by dimethyl sulfoxide

Hepatocyte DNA synthesis, initiated by epidermal growth factor (EGF), is reversibly inhibited by 2% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). At that concentration, both the survival of the cells in culture and the expression of differentiated functions are prolonged. DMSO does not affect thymidine uptake or EGF receptor binding. Moreover, EGF receptor binding is maintained at 84% of initial 12 hr binding when cells are cultured for several days in the presence of DMSO, whereas specific receptor binding declines to 49% of initial binding under standard culture conditions without DMSO. Studies of hepatocyte functional activity indicate that, during early culture, total cellular export protein synthesis, specific albumin synthesis, and glycogen synthesis are enhanced in the presence of DMSO. Dexamethasone is required for the effect of DMSO on survival, and although dexamethasone alone enhances hepatocyte DNA synthesis in the presence of EGF, it does not reverse the inhibitory effect of 2% DMSO on DNA replication. The correlation of prolonged survival with growth inhibition supports the hypothesis that hepatic growth and differentiated functional activity may be reciprocally regulated.
Isotopic Studies of the Proton–Hydrogen Molecule Reaction

The atomic‐ion–molecule systems of protons or deuterons and isotopic hydrogen molecules have been the subject of an experimental study designed to provide data to be compared with recently reported classical trajectory calculations on an ab initio potential energy surface. Absolute cross sections (accurate to within an estimated error of ± 20%) for the following atomic‐ion exchange reactions D++H2→HD+H+, H++D2→HD+D+, D++HD→D2+H+ have been investigated in a tandem mass spectrometer system, with carefully calibrated geometry, as a function of collision energy. Endothermic charge‐transfer processes D++H2→HD++H, D++D2→D2++D, D++HD→HD++D →D2++H, H++H2→H2++H, H++D2→HD++D →D2++H have been observed, and their cross sections were determined as a function of collision energy. Energy distributions of the ionic species participating in these reactions were measured by application of appropriate retarding fields. The experimental results for atomic‐ion exchange reactions [(1)–(3)] are not easily compared with theoreti...
New regulators of melanin biosynthesis and the autodestruction of melanoma cells

The hues of mammalian skin and hair vary from white to jet black. Silvers has recently catalogued over 130 different coat colour mutations at more than 50 genetic loci in the house mouse (Mus musculus), a useful model for study1. Some of these loci govern differentiation of melanocytes and their migration from the neural crest region during embryogenesis2. Others, however, involve expression of genes for melanin synthesis within the pigment cell, such as c-locus mutations, where animals are phenotypically albino, c-locus albinism is presumably due to a deficiency of active tyrosinase, the enzyme catalysing the initial steps in the melanin synthetic pathway. It has generally been assumed that the only regulated steps in this pathway are those governed by tyrosinase, since in vitro, melanin is spontaneously formed from dopa quinone (Fig. 1). However, Logan and Weatherhead have provided evidence for post-tyrosinase inhibition of melanogenesis by melatonin in hair follicles of Siberian hamsters5, as do our studies with various mutants of Cloudman mouse melanoma cells, suggesting the involvement of a second regulatory site. We describe here three new factors which control melanin synthesis that we have partially purified from Cloudman cells: (1) dopachrome conversion factor (DCF), which accelerates the conversion of dopachrome to 5,6-dihydroxyindole (see ref. 6 for detailed description); (2) 5,6-dihydroxindole conversion factor, which catalyses the conversion of 5,6-dihydroxyindole to melanin and is active only when cells are exposed to melanotropin (MSH), and (3) 5,6-dihydroxyindole blocking factor, which restricts melanogenesis at 5,6-dihydroxyindole. This third factor appears to protect cells from the cytotoxic effects of melanin precursors, and it is removed when the cells are exposed to MSH. Discovery of the factors indicates that regulation of the melanin biosynthetic pathway is more complex than previously supposed.
Thiazole and oxazole building blocks for combinatorial synthesis

Abstract Three thiazole and oxazole containing amino acids were synthesized in good yields by condensation-cyclization. The active functional groups used, a C-terminal imino ester or a C-terminal aldehyde, reacted with both the amino groups and side chains of either serine or cysteine within 5 minutes at rt to form oxazolines or diasteriomeric mixtures of thiazolidines, respectively. The intermediate heterocyclic rings were then dehydrogenated to form the more stable, fully aromatic, rings. Ready availability of N-protected thiazole and oxazole-containing building blocks facilitates the solid-phase synthesis of natural products such as microcin B17 and other peptide-derived natural products that contain 2,4-linked thiazole and oxazole rings.
Ti–Au Metallic Glasses Formed by Ion Mixing

Two metallic glasses, Ti65Au35 and Ti40Au60, are formed by ion mixing of thin multilayered samples of Ti and Au at room temperature. Ti and Au have different crystal structures, but almost identical atomic size. The results suggest that structural differences play a main role in amorphization. Thermal stability and irradiation property of the Ti–Au metallic glasses so obtained are discussed. Die metallischen Glaser Ti65Au35 und Ti40Au60 werden mit Hilfe von Ionendurchmischung dunner mehrschichtiger Ti- und Au-Filme bei Raumtemperatur erzeugt. Ti und Au haben verschiedene Kristallstrukturen, aber fast gleiche Atomgrosen. Die Resultate weisen darauf hin, das bei der Amorphisation die strukturellen Unterschiede die Hauptrolle spielen. Die thermische Stabilitat und die Bestrahlungseigenschaften der so gebildeten metallischen Ti–Au-Glaser werden diskutiert.
Quality of early care and buffering of neuroendocrine stress reactions: Potential effects on the developing human brain

Brain development is affected by stress early in development. Activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis plays a role in mediating the effects of adversity on the developing brain. The impact of glucocorticoids on brain development has been studied in animal models. The literature linking activity of the HPA axis to memory, attention, and emotion in human children is briefly reviewed. Evidence for decreased reactivity of the HPA system developing over the first year of life is presented. Finally, the role of sensitive and responsive caregiving in buffering reactivity of the HPA system to potentially stressful events is described. It is argued that these data provide yet more support for the importance of fostering safe, secure care for children early in their development.
The effect of indolebutyric acid and kinetin on shoot induction of cauliflower leaf cuttings

Abstract In 3 separate experiments, IBA at 2000 or 5000 mg l−1 stimulated shoot development on leaf cuttings. Success was higher during the summer months. Kinetin in the range of 10–1000 mg l−1 neither promoted nor inhibited shoot development. Hormones were prepared as aqueous solutions in 50% ethanol and applied to the basal portion of the cuttings. This technique provides a practical method for vegetative propagation of cauliflower for use in breeding programs in temperate regions.
First-principles study of superconductivity in high-pressure boron

We study superconductivity in boron using first-principles LAPW calculations, the rigid-muffin-tin approximation, and the McMillan theory. Our results point to an electron-phonon mechanism producing transition temperatures near 10 K at high pressures, in agreement with recent measurements.
Juvenile polyps of the colon and their relationship to allergy

Summary A prominent microscopic feature of juvenile polyps of the colon is infiltration of eosinophils. Since the presence of eosinophils usually denotes an allergic response, the possibility that the polyps are a result of allergy was studied. Questionnaire responses in thirteen cases of juvenile polyps and eighteen control cases of hernia showed the following: o 1. Eleven of thirteen patients with polyps (85 per cent) had a personal or family history of allergy, whereas only five of eighteen (28 per cent) with hernia had a similar history. 2. Personal history of allergy was present in 46 per cent of children with polyps, and in 17 per cent of children with hernia. 3. Family history of allergy occurred in 77 per cent of those with polyps, and in 17 per cent of patients with hernia. These results are statistically significant, and support the hypothesis that allergy and juvenile polyps may be related. These findings characterize more thoroughly the setting in which such polyps may appear, and lend support to those investigators who believe that juvenile polyps have no malignant potential.
High-power, Coherent 95 GHz Radar System: HIPCOR-95

The Georgia Institute of Technology Engineering Experiment Station is developing a pulsed, coherent, high-power 95 GHz instrumentation radar employing an extended interac-tion amplifier (EIA) transmitter. The system (HIPCOR-95) is intended to provide milli-meter wave instrumentation support to future reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition programs. This paper describes the new technology which supports the develop-ment of such a radar and the characteristics and operating parameters of the system.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The murine tub (rd5) mutation is not associated with a primary axonemal defect.

Some genetic syndromes causing loss of hearing and vision, such as some forms of Usher’s syndrome, also cause reduced sperm cell motility, bronchiectasis, and other pathologies involving cilia- and flagella-bearing cells. In some Usher’s patients, ultrastructural defects of axonemes within photoreceptor ciliary bridges, nasal cilia, and sperm cell flagella have been found, indicating a primary defect of axonemal conformation. Mice homozygous for the tub (rd5) mutation exhibit progressive retinal degeneration, sensorineural hearing loss, reduced fertility, and obesity, and presently represent the only animal model with neuroepithelial degeneration of both cochlea and retina without other neurological abnormalities. They provide a good phenotypic match to human genetic sensory syndromes, particularly human sensory/obesity syndromes, such as Alstrom’s and Bardet/Biedl, although no human candidate genes have been identified. Because of their unique phenotype, tubby mice are an appropriate model in which to look for a primary axonemal defect. We studied the axonemal ultrastructure of photoreceptors and sperm cells and performed functional testing of sperm in tub/tub mice before and after the onset of obesity. Approximately 15% of photoreceptor axonemes appeared abnormal in tub/tub animals, compared to 0% in controls. Both tub homozygotes and controls exhibited approximately 10% abnormal sperm cell axonemes, and no differences in sperm cell motile function were found at any age. The modest occurrence of axonemal defects in photoreceptors of tub/tub animals is likely to be a secondary effect of retinal degeneration. We conclude that the tubby phenotype is not associated with a generalized defect of cilia- and flagella-bearing cells and that the tub mutation does not primarily affect axonemal structure.
A patch algorithm for fast registration of distortions

This note describes an algorithm for registration of non-linear distortions in two-dimensional (2D) images. The algorithm solves an integrated form of linearized image matching equation over a set of patches in the image domain. The distortion field is represented as a linear combination of multinomials in the image-plane coordinates. Prior to registration, the images are convolved with band-pass filters that are implemented at a coarse-to-fine hierarchy of spatial scales (specified at input by the user); and some heuristics are given for choosing these scales. Images registered at a coarse scale are used as input approximations for deriving images registered at a subsequent finer scale of resolution. With this prescribed hierarchy, the algorithm is non-iterative; it is also robust to noise, and can in principle accommodate arbitrary local or global distortions. The results indicate that non-linear registration does improve the match between images.
O PESO DA MOCHILA ESCOLAR RELACIONADO AO PESO DA CRIANÇA: ANÁLISE EM ALUNOS DE 1º AO 5º ANO DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL DE UMA ESCOLA PARTICULAR DE CANOAS/RS, BRASIL

Introducao: alteracoes posturais estao cada vez mais comuns entre individuos adultos, contudo, estes problemas podem se originar na infância, a qual consiste em um periodo de desenvolvimento bastante propicio para adquirir habituais vicios posturais. Objetivo: verificar se o peso da mochila escolar transportada por alunos do 1o ao 5o ano do ensino fundamental estava dentro dos limites de tolerância em relacao ao peso corporal. Materiais e metodos: estudo de corte transversal composto por 98 individuos de ambos os sexos com 8,5 ± 1,5 anos. Utilizaram-se como instrumentos de medida uma balanca, um estadiometro e um formulario de informacoes pessoais com perguntas fechadas abertas. Resultados: verificou-se que 46,94% das criancas estavam com sobrepeso ou obesas. Ficou evidenciado que 68,37% das criancas transportavam na mochila cargas acima da faixa de tolerância. Nao houve associacao entre estar ou nao dentro da faixa de tolerância em funcao da serie e tambem nao houve diferenca no percentual do peso da mochila em relacao ao peso da crianca em funcao do ano escolar. Para a maioria das criancas (69,39%), suas mochilas eram um pouco pesadas ou muito pesadas. Em relacao ao que se transporta na mochila, a maioria das criancas (77,55%) afirmou transportar somente o material necessario para o dia de aula. Conclusao: a maior parte das criancas transportava na mochila carga acima da faixa de tolerância de 10% do seu peso corporal total.
Dopaminergic regulation of dopamine release from PC12 cells via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein.

Abstract Regulation of dopamine (DA) release from PC12 cells was investigated. Apomorphine and quinpirole, a selective D 2 agonist, significantly reduced K + -evoked DA release, and this reduction was reversed by haloperidol. Furthermore, spiroperidol, a selective D 2 antagonist, and haloperidol, a nonselective DA antagonist, enhanced the K + -evoked DA release. Pertussis toxin treatment of the cells abolished the quinpirole-induced reduction of K + -evoked DA release. Also, the haloperidol-induced enhancement of K + -evoked DA release was not seen in pertussis toxin treated cells. These results, therefore, suggest the presence of D 2 receptors on PC12 cells which result in the modulation of K + -evoked DA release via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein.
Clinical and "actuarial" evaluation of organic brain damage by psychologists and non-psychologists using the Memory-for-Designs.

This study examined the effects of type of training and level of education on clinical judgment, as demonstrated in “clinical” and “actuarial” evaluation of the Graham-Kendall Memory-for-Designs (1960). Protocols of 6 organic and 6 non-organic patients matched for age and IQ were evaluated by 18 judges. Nine of the judges were psychologists and nine had degrees in some field other than psychology. In each group 3 judges had PhDs, 3 had Master's degrees, and 3 had Bachelor's degrees. There was no significant difference (p > .01) between the 2 groups in clinical or actuarial diagnoses of brain damage regardless of level of education, and inter-rater reliability was all but identical. Results were consistent with other research on clinical judgment.
Isotropic Gamma Radiation and the Metagalactic Cosmic Ray Intensity

DATA from the OSO-3 high energy gamma ray experiment have indicated an apparent isotropic background flux of gamma rays with energies greater than 100 MeV (ref. 1). The intensity of this flux has been found to be less than or equal to (1.1 ± 0.2) × 10−4 cm−2 s−1 sr−1. Clark et al.1 have pointed out that this flux may be compatible with an extrapolation of the observed X-ray spectrum below 1 MeV if the isotropic X-rays continue to follow a power-law spectral form. The explanation most usually considered for this power-law spectrum is that the X-rays may be generated by the interaction of metagalactic cosmic ray electrons with the universal thermal radiation2,3. (While the OSO-3 data are compatible with an extrapolation of the X-ray spectrum, they may indicate a gamma ray flux greater than this extrapolation. Above 100 keV, the differential X-ray spectrum is of the form4, I(Eγ) ≅ 1.5 × 10−2, Eγ−2.3 cm−2 MeV−1 s−1 sr−1 with Eγ in MeV. Such a power law would predict an integral flux above 100 MeV of 2.9 × 10−5 cm−2 s−1 sr−1, a factor of 4 below the OSO-3 value.)
Successful practices for online computing, engineering, and technology courses

Distance learning has been one vehicle of course delivery at the Rochester Institute of Technology since the early 1990s. Building on the authors' experience in teaching completely online and blended (partly on-campus and partly online) courses to both undergraduate and graduate students, in diverse areas of computing, engineering, and technology, this paper explores issues in delivering online classes in these disciplines. One particular focus is on conveying the traditional in-class laboratory experience to a similar one in the online world while another focus is to leverage the modalities available in online to create newer and richer experiences for students and instructor. The paper presents the challenges and pitfalls in totally asynchronous learning, from assessment to assignments, from lectures to labs, and from participation to plagiarism. For each challenge, the authors provide examples of practices that succeeded, building on experience with those that did not. To place this work in perspective, the paper also examines related work in online computing and engineering education.
Eculizumab in AQP4-IgG-positive relapsing neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: an open-label pilot study

Summary Background Complement activation after binding of an IgG autoantibody to aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is thought to be a major determinant of CNS inflammation and astrocytic injury in neuromyelitis optica. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of eculizumab—a therapeutic monoclonal IgG that neutralises the complement protein C5—in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Methods Between Oct 20, 2009, and Nov 3, 2010, we recruited patients from two US centres into an open-label trial. Patients were AQP4-IgG-seropositive, aged at least 18 years, had a neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and had at least two attacks in the preceding 6 months or three in the previous 12 months. Patients received meningococcal vaccine at a screening visit and 2 weeks later began eculizumab treatment. They received 600 mg intravenous eculizumab weekly for 4 weeks, 900 mg in the fifth week, and then 900 mg every 2 weeks for 48 weeks. The coprimary endpoints were efficacy (measured by number of attacks [new worsening of neurological function lasting for more than 24 h and not attributable to an identifiable cause]) and safety. Secondary endpoints were disability (measured by expanded disability status scale), ambulation (Hauser score), and visual acuity. At follow-up visits (after 6 weeks and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of treatment; and 3 and 12 months after discontinuation), complete neurological examination was undertaken and an adverse event questionnaire completed. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00904826. Findings We enrolled 14 patients, all of whom were women. After 12 months of eculizumab treatment, 12 patients were relapse free; two had had possible attacks. The median number of attacks per year fell from three before treatment (range two to four) to zero (zero to one) during treatment (p Interpretation Eculizumab seems to be well tolerated, significantly reduce attack frequency, and stabilise or improve neurological disability measures in patients with aggressive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. The apparent effects of eculizumab deserve further investigation in larger, randomised controlled studies. Funding Alexion Pharmaceuticals.
Magnetic properties of Cu‐Fe alloys

Analysis of magnetization data at 1.3 to 32.5 °K for copper with ≈ 110 ppm Fe [3] shows the presence of giant moments, in addition to single Fe and Fe pair moments; it gives no indication of spincompensation or local spin fluctuation. Similar analysis of data at 0.012to 0.4 °K [4] also shows magnetic clusters. The differencesbetween the two sets of data can be rationalized without assuming spin compensation or local spin fluctuation. Each of the copper alloys with 380,478 and 9200 ppm Fe has a magnetization maximum at a temperature increasing with the Fe content. The 9200 ppm Fe alloy is shown to be micto-magnetic.
Subperitoneal layer of elastic fibers in the female pelvis

A preliminary report from this group described a unique layer of subperitoneal elastic fibers in the female pelvis. The current study was undertaken to better characterize this elastic layer in the female and determine if it exists in the male pelvis. Thirty-seven hemipelves were used in this study and were employed for one of two purposes: dissection and/or sampling for histologic study. The following histologic stains were employed: Verhoeff's hematoxylin for elastic fibers, Masson's trichrome for collagen, and hematoxylin and eosin for general morphology. In some areas (broad ligament) the subperitoneal elastic layer was very thin with dispersed fibers while in other areas (uterosacral fold) the layer was thick with tightly packed fibers. A subperitoneal layer of elastic fibers was not detected in samples from the greater omentum; however, a dense but poorly organized layer of elastic fibers was noted between the posterior layer of the rectus sheath and the peritoneum. While a similar layer of elastic fibers was found in the male pelvis, the layer was less dense and less well organized than in the female. These findings indicate that in addition to the well-accepted pelvic ligaments, in the female there may be a layer of elastic fibers that assists in supporting pelvic viscera in a more dynamic manner than the ligaments. Proper alignment or manipulation of this layer during reconstructive surgery may enhance postoperative results.
Digital simulation model of aquifer response to stream stage fluctuation

Abstract A digital computer model is presented that simulates the response of an unconfined aquifer to changes in stream stage. The aquifer is considered to be finite, homogeneous, and isotropic. The stream is considered to have semipervious banks. The hydraulic conductivity of the semipervious layer of the streambed is assumed smaller than that of the aquifer, and the storage capacity of the semipervious layer is assumed insignificant. Numerical solutions describing the water level fluctuation in the aquifer due to an arbitrarily varying flood pulse in the stream are obtained by a predictor-corrector scheme with a nonuniform grid spacing. The numerical scheme is unconditionally stable.
Navier–Stokes analysis methods for turbulent jet flows with application to aircraft exhaust nozzles

Abstract This article presents the current status of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods as applied to the simulation of turbulent jet flowfields issuing from aircraft engine exhaust nozzles. For many years, Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) methods have been used routinely to calculate such flows, including very complex nozzle configurations. RANS methods replace all turbulent fluid dynamic effects with a turbulence model. Such turbulence models have limitations for jets with significant three-dimensionality, compressibility, and high temperature streams. In contrast to the RANS approach, direct numerical simulation (DNS) methods calculate the entire turbulent energy spectrum by resolving all turbulent motion down to the Kolmogorov scale. Although this avoids the limitations associated with turbulence modeling, DNS methods will remain computationally impractical in the foreseeable future for all but the simplest configurations. Large-Eddy simulation (LES) methods, which directly calculate the large-scale turbulent structures and reserve modeling only for the smallest scales, have been pursued in recent years and may offer the best prospects for improving the fidelity of turbulent jet flow simulations. A related approach is the group of hybrid RANS/LES methods, where RANS is used to model the small-scale turbulence in wall boundary layers and LES is utilized in regions dominated by the large-scale jet mixing. The advantages, limitations, and applicability of each approach are discussed and recommendations for further research are presented.
Two-dimensional transient simulation of an idealized high electron mobility transistor

We develop a model for the high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) in which we include both hot-electron effects and conduction outside the quantum subband system using hydrodynamic-like transport equations. With such a model we can assess the significance of the various physical phenomena involved in the operation of the HEMT. We calculate results with a two-dimensional numerical technique for both steady-state and transient operation. For a 3-µm device at 77 K, we determine a transconductance of 450 mS/mm, a current-switching speed of 6 ps, and a capacitive charging speed of 4 ps/fanout gate which corresponds to the performance measured by other workers. We also see that electronic heating, velocity overshoot, and conduction outside the quantum well are significant near the pinchoff point. We conclude that the advantage of HEMT is twofold. The excellent conduction in the quantum well results in a low access resistance, and the low impurity concentration in the GaAs results in optimum overshoot effects.
Risk factors for multiple forms of violent experiences: Analyses of the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey

There is a growing body of empirical research indicating a significant co-occurrence of multiple forms of experiences with violence among US youth. However, very little information is available about shared risk factors across forms of violence. Current analyses were based on cross-sectional data from the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The YRBS includes a nationally representative sample (n = 16,410) of high-school students in 9–12th grades in the US. Multinomial regression analyses were conducted to test the associations between risk factors and reports of multiple violence exposures (i.e. physical fights, dating violence, forced sex, and being bullied at school). Among high-school students, 33.0% reported one experience, 11.4% reported two experiences, and 4.0% reported 3–4 experiences with violence. Multinomial regression analyses indicate that experience with 3–4 forms of violence were highly associated with sadness, feeling too unsafe to go to school, early alcohol use, binge drinking, drug ...
Fluctuations in fuel moisture across restoration treatments in semi-arid ponderosa pine forests of northern Arizona, USA

Fuel moisture is an important variable in estimating fire behaviour and wildfire hazard. We measured three replicates each of thin-and-burn, burn-only, and control treatments in semi-arid ponderosa pine forests of northern Arizona, USA to quantify temporal changes and treatment effects on live foliar and dead fuel moisture content. Overstorey structure and canopy bulk density were reduced 40–75% in the thin-and-burn treatment v. the burn-only and control treatments. Fluctuations in foliar moisture content varied temporally and across study areas. In 2003, a significant treatment effect was found for two study sites for 1-year-old foliage, but no significant treatment effect was found for new foliage. In 2004, a significant treatment effect was found across all three study sites for both 1-year-old and new foliage. However, no clear pattern existed regarding a specific treatment and its effect on moisture content of old or new foliage. No conclusive evidence was found for a significant treatment effect on the moisture content of fuel particles in the size classes of 0–6, 6–25, and 25–100-mm diameter. Proposals regarding amplified fire behaviour as a consequence of reduced fuel moisture contents in treated v. untreated forest stands in semi-arid ponderosa pine forests of northern Arizona therefore appear to be unwarranted.
From bouncy legs to poisoned arrows: elastic movements in invertebrates

Elastic mechanisms in the invertebrates are fantastically diverse, yet much of this diversity can be captured by examining just a few fundamental physical principles. Our goals for this commentary are threefold. First, we aim to synthesize and simplify the fundamental principles underlying elastic mechanisms and show how different configurations of basic building blocks can be used for different functions. Second, we compare single rapid movements and rhythmic movements across six invertebrate examples - ranging from poisonous cnidarians to high-jumping froghoppers - and identify remarkable functional properties arising from their underlying elastic systems. Finally, we look to the future of this field and find two prime areas for exciting new discoveries - the evolutionary dynamics of elastic mechanisms and biomimicry of invertebrate elastic materials and mechanics.
The social and spatial character of the Indian State

Abstract The mutual connection between the class structure and state actions, and also the spatiality of state actions in India are examined under two headings: how does the class structure affect the nature of state policies over time?, and, why is there a spatial unevenness in state's success in implementing its own policies? The Indian state, like all capitalist states, has certain necessary causal properties because of its insertion into a capitalist social structure. It has to create political and economic conditions for the reproduction of capitalist relations, and it can offer economic concessions to exploited classes. But exactly how it carries out its functions—what sorts of policies it implements and whether it succeeds in implementing these—is conditioned by the factors that cannot however be reduced to its capitalist character. Two of these factors are discussed. These are: the ensemble of class relations (i.e. the coexistence of both capitalist and `semi-feudal' class relations, and the spatio-temporally changing power of classes), and, the formal aspects of the state (i.e. its democratic and territorial forms). The operation of these factors means that the state works not merely as a capitalist state but as a capitalist-landlord, federal-democratic state. The historical-geography of state interventions is a product of the fact that these factors affect the way the state works.
Radial artery bypass grafts have an increased occurrence of angiographically severe stenosis and occlusion compared with left internal mammary arteries and saphenous vein grafts

Background— The radial artery has been increasingly used in CABG. However, angiographic outcome data have been limited. Methods and Results— We reviewed all coronary angiography procedures from February 1996 to October 2001 and selected patients with a radial artery bypass graft. Angiographic outcomes were divided into groups as (1) occluded, (2) severe disease (≥70% stenosis, or string sign), or (3) patent (<70% stenosis). Multivariable analyses determined predictors of severe disease or occlusion. A total of 310 patients had a radial artery graft. Mean follow-up after coronary artery bypass grafting was 565±511 days. Radial artery grafts had a patency rate of 51.3%, which was significantly lower than that for left internal mammary arteries (90.3%, P<0.0001) or saphenous vein grafts (64.0%, P=0.0016). Radial artery grafts had an occlusion rate of 33.7%, compared with 4.8% for left internal mammary arteries (P<0.0001), and had a severe stenosis rate of 15.1%, compared with 5.9% for saphenous vein grafts (...
Is the selenium drinking water standard justified

Abstract Four cases are presented which suggest that the present U. S. E. P. A. drinking water standard for selenium of 10 ug/L is inappropriate. The rationale upon which this standard is based is that selenium is carcinogenic, induces dental caries formation, and is highly toxic to animals. However, a critical assessment of this literature can not support these claims. Case #1 demonstrates that there is insufficient evidence to classify selenium as a carcinogen. Data derived from the three respective groups of researchers claiming a carcinogenic effect induced by selenium are obscure due to 1) the inability to accurately identify malignancies, 2) the apparent opposite effects of different selenium compounds, and 3) the lack of proper controls. Case #2 reviews recent evidence that selenium reduces the indidence of cancer in laboratory animals and in man, an effect which can probably be attributed to the anti-oxidant properties of selenium compounds. Case #3 provides evidence which does not permit the classification of selenium as a cariogenic element. Epidemiological studies supporting such a claim are inadequate since they lack properly matched control groups. Animal data do not support this link as well. Case #4 is a review of studies which clearly demonstrate the essentiality of selenium, an aspect of selenium metabolism that was not considered when the 10 ug/L standard was promulgated. In light of the four cases presented and an assesment of selenium toxicity in man, it is concluded that the 10 ug/L standard can not be justified. Instead, it is suggested that 50 ug/L selenium should provide sufficient protection from the toxic effects of this element. This is consistent with the current state of knowledge with respect to the potential adverse health effects associated with selenium.
Mineral Exploration and Mining Essentials

Robert Stevens. Pp. 336. Pakawau GeoManagement Inc., Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. 2011. Soft Cover. ISBN 978-0-9867221-0-3. Price CAN$99.95. Mineral Exploration and Mining Essentials is a comprehensive book covering the most important aspects of exploration and mining in sufficient detail for an introductory audience. As stated in the preface, the main audience is non-technical. The book provides a general introduction to a number of technical topics (geology, resource estimation, mining, metallurgy) that individually would be the subjects of a college degree. The organization of the book is logical, starting with a foundation of geology and mineral deposits, and following the natural progression from exploration, to mining and processing, and then to mine closure and reclamation. The book is well illustrated, with numerous high-quality photographs from throughout the world, as well as technical illustrations taken from industry examples and various reference papers. For an introductory volume, I would have liked to see a more comprehensive reference section for each chapter to …
An Evaluation of Perceptual Experience of Skiers Using Quantitative Image Processing

We applied the principles of visual perception, light, and optics to quantify the influence of ambient sunlight on the ability of skiers and snowboarders to perceive ground contours on a ski slope. To this end, we systematically measured the visibility of the terrain on ski runs under a variety of lighting conditions at Mammoth Mountain in California. Recreational skiers, snowboarders, and ski patrol members were surveyed to determine their subjective ratings of visibility. These subjective visibility ratings for various weather/lighting conditions were compared to quantified on-slope visibility measurements that were obtained using quantitative contrast and luminance measurements. The preliminary results support the objective measure as a tool to objectively quantify on-slope visibility and suggest additional cues skiers/snowboarders may be using to assess visibility. The methodology presented in this paper provides a first step in using software-based image analysis as a tool to predict conditions under which the likelihood of injuries may increase. Ultimately, resorts could use these data to develop methods of enhancing visibility on poorly lit runs before injuries occur.
GABA metabolism in O2-induced convulsions

Abstract The effect of increased oxygen pressure on cortical GABA metabolism was investigated. Increased oxygen pressure decreased cortical GABA, GAD, and glutamate, and increased glutamine. Marked increases in cortical GABA over controls were found in mice pretreated with gabaculine, a specific GABA-T inhibitor, and exposed to either 4% or 100% of 6 atm of oxygen. The increase appears to be a pressure effect. Gabaculine failed to protect mice from oxygen convulsions although brain GABA was increased approximately 200%. Disulfiram, protective against oxygen convulsions did not prevent the oxygen-induced decrease in cortical GAD and GABA. The decrease in GABA by oxygen appears to be due to the inhibition of GAD.
Interactive visual analysis promotes exploration of long‐term ecological data

Long-term ecological data are crucial in helping ecologists understand ecosystem function and environmental change. Nevertheless, these kinds of data sets are difficult to analyze because they are usually large, multivariate, and spatiotemporal. Although existing analysis tools such as statistical methods and spreadsheet software permit rigorous tests of pre-conceived hypotheses and static charts for simple data exploration, they have limited capacity to provide an overview of the data and to enable ecologists to explore data iteratively, and interactively, before committing to statistical analysis. These issues hinder how ecologists gain knowledge and generate hypotheses from long-term data. We present Ecological Distributions and Trends Explorer (EcoDATE), a web-based, visual-analysis tool that facilitates exploratory analysis of long-term ecological data (i.e., generating hypotheses as opposed to confirming hypotheses). The tool, which is publicly available online, was created and refined through a user-centered design process in which our team of ecologists and visualization researchers collaborated closely. The results of our collaboration were (1) a set of visual representation and interaction techniques well suited to communicating distribution patterns and temporal trends in ecological data sets, and (2) an understanding of processes ecologists use to explore data and generate and test hypotheses. We present three case studies to demonstrate the utility of EcoDATE and the exploratory analysis processes using long-term data on cone production, stream chemistry, and forest structure collected as part of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest (HJA), Long Term Ecological Research (LTER), and US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station programs. We also present results from a survey of 15 participants of a working group at the 2012 LTER All Scientists Meeting that showed that users appreciated the tool for its ease of use, holistic access to large data sets, and interactivity.
Recent recommendations on steroid-induced osteoporosis: More targeted, but more complicated

The latest recommendations for preventing and treating glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, published by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 2010, incorporate developments that occurred since the release of its 2001 guidelines, such as new drugs and the World Health Organization's Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, or FRAX. They outline a more targeted approach but have the possible disadvantage of being more complicated and therefore harder to use.
Surgical anatomy of the temporal bone: an atlas

This atlas demonstrates the usefulness of reconstructed high-resolution CT for planning temporal bone surgery. The first part focuses on a sagittal plane, the second on a rotated longitudinal plane, and the third on a rotated transverse plane. We believe knowledge of temporal bone anatomy in these planes facilitates surgical planning by showing anatomic relationships and providing a customized map for each patient. This decreases the likelihood of surgical mishap and improves teaching.
Depletion of renal cortical glutathione and nephrotoxicity by cephaloridine, cephalothin and gentamicin in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Abstract Cephaloridine and gentamicin are selectively accumulated in renal cortex and produce necrosis of proximal tubular cells. However, the mechanisms responsible for renal cortical accumulation of these two antibiotics are quite different; therefore the early pathogenetic processes may not be the same. In the present study, effects of two cephalosporins (cephaloridine and cephalothin) and an aminoglycoside (gentamicin) on rat renal cortical glutathione were determined. Cephaloridine produced a dose-related depletion of renal cortical glutathione one hour following a single administration of the drug. In contrast, cephalothin in equivalent doses did not reduce renal cortical glutathione. Gentamicin had no effect on renal cortical glutathione, even when an acutely lethal dose (1000 mg/kg) was used. Pretreatment of rats with diethyl maleate (0.4 ml/kg) markedly depleted renal cortical glutathione and this pretreatment also potentiated cephaloridine nephrotoxicity. These results suggest that glutathione may play a protective role against cephaloridine but not gentamicin nephrotoxicity.
Algebraic Geometry and Effective Lagrangians

Abstract N=2 supersymmetric Landau-Ginsburg fixed points describe nonlinear models whose target spaces are algebraic varieties in certain generalized projective spaces; the defining equation is precisely the zero set of the superpotential, considered as a condition in the projective space. The ADE classification of modular invariants arises as the classification of projective descriptions of P 1; in general, the hierarchy of fixed points is conjectured to be isomorphic to the classification of quasihomogeneous singularities. The condition of vanishing first Chern class is an integrality condition on the Virasoro central charge; the central charge is determined by the superpotential. The operator algebra is given by the algebra of Wick contractions of perturbations of the superpotential.
Dissolution and Interface Reactions between Palladium and Tin(Sn)-Based Solders: Part II. 63Sn-37Pb Alloy

The interface microstructures as well as the rate kinetics of dissolution and intermetallic compound (IMC) layer formation were investigated for couples formed between molten 63Sn-37Pb (wt pct) solder and 99.9 pct Pd sheet. The solder bath temperatures were 488 K to 593 K (215 °C to 320 °C), and the immersion times were 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, and 240 seconds. The predominant IMC phases were Pd(Sn, Pb)4, PdSn4, and PdSn3. The IMC layer microstructure contained these phases and varying amounts of solder Pb- and Sn-rich phases. Isolated Pd-Sn needles appeared in the solder field at temperatures and times of ≥563 K (290 °C) and ≥30 seconds, respectively. Palladium dissolution was largely monotonic as a function of time and solder temperature, except for a sharp decline at 593 K (320 °C). The dissolution rate kinetics over 488 K to 563 K (215 °C to 290 °C) were represented by the At n exp(−ΔH/RT) equation. The values of n and ΔH were 0.67 ± 0.19 and 48 ± 20 kJ/mol, respectively, suggesting that a combination of interface reaction and solid-state mass transport processes controlled dissolution. The IMC layer grew monotonically with time and solder temperature, except at 593 K (320 °C) where growth dropped off significantly. The IMC growth rate kinetics over 488 K to 563 K (215 °C to 290 °C) exhibited values of n and ΔH equal to 0.88 ± 0.10 and 64 ± 10 kJ/mol, respectively, indicating a combination of interface reaction and solid-state diffusion processes. The extents of Pd dissolution and IMC layer development were significantly greater for molten Sn-Pb solder than the Pb-free Sn-Ag-Cu solder (Part I study) at a given test temperature.
A Compact, Fast, Wide-Field Imaging Spectrometer System

We present test results from a compact, fast (F/1.4) imaging spectrometer system with a 33 degree field of view, operating in the 450-1650 nm wavelength region with an extended response InGaAs detector array. The system incorporates a simple two-mirror telescope and a steeply concave bilinear groove diffraction grating made with gray scale x-ray lithography techniques. High degree of spectral and spatial uniformity (97%) is achieved.
GRAPHiQL: A graph intuitive query language for relational databases

Graph analytics is becoming increasingly popular, driving many important business applications from social network analysis to machine learning. Since most graph data is collected in a relational database, it seems natural to attempt to perform graph analytics within the relational environment. However, SQL, the query language for relational databases, makes it difficult to express graph analytics operations. This is because SQL requires programmers to think in terms of tables and joins, rather than the more natural representation of graphs as collections of nodes and edges. As a result, even relatively simple graph operations can require very complex SQL queries. In this paper, we present GRAPHiQL, an intuitive query language for graph analytics, which allows developers to reason in terms of nodes and edges. GRAPHiQL provides key graph constructs such as looping, recursion, and neighborhood operations. At runtime, GRAPHiQL compiles graph programs into efficient SQL queries that can run on any relational database. We demonstrate the applicability of GRAPHiQL on several applications and compare the performance of GRAPHiQL queries with those of Apache Giraph (a popular ‘vertex centric’ graph programming language).