cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MODELING OF THE CONTACT STRESS DISTRIBUTION AT THE TOOL-CHIP INTERFACE

ABSTRACT This paper deals with the modeling of the contact stress distribution at the tool-chip interface. It includes a comprehensive critical review of the various attempts that have been made to determine the stress distribution over this interface. It reveals that more than ten different types of contact stress distribution have been reported in literature. According to the latest reported results, the uniform distribution of normal and shear stresses is the case in metal cutting. To understand the real contact stress distribution, the tool-chip interface was modeled as a contact problem of indentation of the deformable work material by a rigid punch. The analytical and FEM results are obtained, discussed, and compared with those obtained experimentally. It is proven conclusively that the distribution of normal and shear stresses is not uniform. The real stress distribution is discussed on the basis of the obtained results.
Intercellular permeability in the earlyAsterias embryo

It has been previously observed that the initiation of electrical coupling between cells of the starfish embyo ( Asterias forbesi ) is delayed until the early blastula stage. It can be demonstrated that the flow of small ions (e.g., K + ) carrying the current between cells at this stage occurs through intercellular low-resistance pathways. The present experiments suggest that these low-resistance pathways are not permeable to somewhat larger ions than those most probably carrying current between cells. The fluorescent dyes fluorescein, molecular weight 330, and Procion Yellow M4RS, molecular weight approximately 500, have been introduced iontophoretically into cells at various stages of development. In general, subsequent to iontophoretic injection of these molecules, the cells maintain electrical coupling and exhibit normal cleavage but do not allow transfer of the fluorescent dyes to adjacent cells. This selective permeability of the intercellular pathways may play a significant role in the differentiation of this embryo and, furthermore, it represents a clear difference between similar low-resistance pathways of adult tissues, several of which are freely permeable to fluorescein, Procion, and several other molecules.
Detecting Plate Damage by Using Wavelets

The detection of damage prior to the degradation of structural parameters of plates is investigated using an algorithm based on the continuous wavelet transform. Plates are examined because they are one of the basic building blocks for many structures, such as naval ships. A representative plate geometry is evaluated using finite element analysis. Damage to connecting joints, stiffeners, cracks, and plate inconsistencies is modeled and the ability of a wavelet based algorithm to detect and locate is evaluated. The plate is subjected to dynamic loads, such as impulse and oscillatory. From the finite element results, time histories are extracted to simulate in-plane strain sensor data. The wavelet algorithm is applied to the strain data.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Investigation of Se-containing proteins in Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K. (Brazil nuts) by ICPMS, MALDI-MS and LC–ESI-MS methods

Abstract Owing to recent studies which showed that Se supplementation in the diet can reduce the risk of several forms of cancer, efforts have been directed to identify anticarcinogenic activity in Se compounds from natural sources with the objective of using those as food supplements. As a part of a continuing research project directed at identifying Se-containing species in food stuffs, the distribution of selenium-containing proteins in water-soluble protein fraction of seeds of Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K., which typically have a high Se content, was studied under non-denaturing conditions and the effectiveness of protein fractional precipitation by ammonium sulfate was investigated with the objectives to preconcentrate the protein(s) of interest and to reduce the matrix complexity. By SEC–ICPMS, Se-containing proteins (selenoproteome with some additional proteins) were found demonstrating the usefulness of ICPMS as an “on-line assay” in sub-proteomics investigations. Fractions with Se-containing proteins, collected from SEC, were tryptically digested and tryptic digests were analyzed by MALDI-TOF-reflectron MS and capLC–ESI-QTOF-MS. Isotope patterns which are different from the typical isotope patterns of peptides containing C, H, O, N and S were used to identify selenium-containing peptides in the digests. Observed isotope patterns were slightly different from the predicted isotope patterns and partial deamidation of selenium-containing peptides is suggested to explain the modified isotope pattern. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the effect of partial deamidation of selenium-containing peptides on the observed selenium isotope pattern, although the evidence is indirect. According to the SEC–ICPMS study, Se-containing proteins in water-soluble protein fraction of Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K. seeds can be divided into two main sub-groups-high molecular weight Se-containing proteins and low molecular weight Se-containing proteins. LC–ESI-MS and MS/MS analysis of tryptic digest of low-molecular weight Se-containing proteins identified 2S albumins, which are rich in methionines; therefore, with a high probability of non-specific selenomethionine incorporation—as the proteins present in that fraction.
Object matching with a locally affine-invariant constraint

In this paper, we present a new object matching algorithm based on linear programming and a novel locally affine-invariant geometric constraint. Previous works have shown possible ways to solve the feature and object matching problem by linear programming techniques [9], [10]. To model and solve the matching problem in a linear formulation, all geometric constraints should be able to be exactly or approximately reformulated into a linear form. This is a major difficulty for this kind of matching algorithms. We propose a novel locally affine-invariant constraint which can be exactly linearized and requires a lot fewer auxiliary variables than the previous work [10] does. The key idea behind it is that each point can be exactly represented by an affine combination of its neighboring points, whose weights can be solved easily by least squares. The resulting overall objective function can then be solved efficiently by linear programming techniques. Our experimental results on both rigid and non-rigid object matching show the advantages of the proposed algorithm.
Magnetic resonance imaging of overall and regional body fat, estrogen metabolism, and ovulation of athletes compared to controls

The association of menstrual dysfunction of athletes with changes in body composition has been controversial, because most estimations of body fatness have been indirect. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we quantified the sc and internal fat over a specific volume from the fifth thoracic vertebra to femoral fat in the upper thigh and at 4 other anatomical landmarks of 17 athletes (13 oarswomen and 4 runners) compared to that in 11 nonathletic controls. The magnetic resonance imaging data were also analyzed for the athletes and controls in relation to ovulatory status, which was determined by assay of urinary pregnanediol glucuronide, and in relation to the extent of 2-hydroxylation of estradiol to a nonpotent metabolite, 2-hydroxyestrone, which was evaluated by radiometric analysis. We found that 1) the relative and absolute body fat values of the athletes were significantly less (P < 0.05) than those of the controls overall and at each of the six regional sites, although the body weights of the rowers were significantly heavier than those of the controls, and the runners did not differ from the controls; 2) the ratio of sc fat to internal fat was 80%:20% among both athletes and controls, even though the athletes had significantly less fat; 3) the extent of estradiol 2-hydroxylation was significantly (P = 0.005) inversely related to total fat as a percentage of the total volume and to sc fat as a percentage of the total volume (P = 0.004) overall and at each of the regional fat depots; 4) athletes with menstrual disorders had significantly decreased sc and internal fat overall and at all regional sites compared to controls; and 5) a subgroup of ovulatory rowers had an apparent increase or lack of decrease in internal fat at the level of vertebrae lumbar 4, sacral 1, and sacral 4, compared to controls, whereas their sc fat was decreased at these sites compared to that in controls. Changes in regional fat deposits of both sc and internal fat may be involved in the menstrual dysfunction of the athletes in addition to their decreased overall fatness. The body weight and body mass index of well trained athletes can be a misleading index of body composition.
Low-temperature measurements of the specific heat capacity of a thick ferroelectric copolymer film of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene

The specific heat capacity ${c}_{p}$ of a $110\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ thick and partially crystallized $(\ensuremath{\sim}77%)$ ferroelectric copolymer film of vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) $(\ensuremath{\sim}75\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mol}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}%)$ and trifluoroethylene $(\ensuremath{\sim}25\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mol}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}%)$ was measured from $2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{to}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}20\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. The temperature dependence of ${c}_{p}∕{T}^{3}$ reveals a shallow hump, centered at $\ensuremath{\sim}5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, consistent with non-Debye behavior of semicrystalline materials. These ${c}_{p}$ data were used, in conjunction with previous measurements of the pyroelectric coefficient $\ensuremath{\mid}{p}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\mid}$, to infer the temperature profile of the macroscopic Gr\"uneisen parameter based on ratios of $\ensuremath{\mid}{p}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\mid}∕{c}_{p}$. Comparisons with similar data for PVDF are consistent with a correlation between anharmonicity of the interaction potential and excess specific heat capacity.
Effects of fire on spotted owl site occupancy in a late-successional forest

Abstract The spotted owl ( Strix occidentalis ) is a late-successional forest dependent species that is sensitive to forest management practices throughout its range. An increase in the frequency and spatial extent of stand-replacing fires in western North America has prompted concern for the persistence of spotted owls and other sensitive late-successional forest associated species. However, there is sparse information on the effects of fire on spotted owls to guide conservation policies. In 2004–2005, we surveyed for California spotted owls during the breeding season at 32 random sites (16 burned, 16 unburned) throughout late-successional montane forest in Yosemite National Park, California. Our burned areas burned at all severities, but predominately involved low to moderate fire severity. Based on an information theoretic approach, spotted owl detection and occupancy rates were similar between burned and unburned sites. Nest and roost site occupancy was best explained by a model that combined total tree basal area (positive effect) with cover by coarse woody debris (negative effect). The density estimates of California spotted owl pairs were similar in burned and unburned forests, and the overall mean density estimate for Yosemite was higher than previously reported for montane forests. Our results indicate that low to moderate severity fires, historically common within montane forests of the Sierra Nevada, California, maintain habitat characteristics essential for spotted owl site occupancy. These results suggest that managed fires that emulate the historic fire regime of these forests may maintain spotted owl habitat and protect this species from the effects of future catastrophic fires.
Reduction of regrowing hair shaft size and pigmentation after ruby and diode laser treatment.

Laser pulses which selectively damage pigmented hair follicles are a useful treatment for hypertrichosis. Clinically, regrowing hairs are often thinner and lighter after treatment. In this study, hair shaft diameter and optical transmission (700 nm) were measured before and after ruby (694 nm) and diode (800 nm) laser irradiation. Hair was collected from 47 and 41 subjects treated with ruby (0.3 ms and 3 ms) and diode (10-20 ms) lasers, respectively. Responders were defined as subjects with significant long-term hair loss as determined by hair counts at 9 and/or 12 months after treatment. In ruby laser responders (34/47), regrowing hairs were significantly both thinner (decreased diameter) and lighter (increased transmission). In nonresponders (13/47), regrowing hairs were lighter, but not thinner. The regrowing hair shaft absorption coefficient (as calculated assuming Beer's law) was significantly decreased by 0.3 ms ruby laser treatment, but was not changed by 3 ms ruby laser or diode laser treatment. After diode laser treatment, 38 of the 41 subjects were responders and regrowing hairs were both thinner and lighter. These results show that laser treatments can affect structural recovery (size of hair), follicular pigmentation (hair absorption coefficient), or both. Regrowth of thinner hair (decreased shaft diameter) occurs in conjunction with actual loss of hair. After long pulses (3 ms ruby; diode), regrowing hair was thinner and also lighter to an extent related to the decrease in hair diameter. In contrast, short ruby laser pulses (0.3 ms) appeared to be capable of inhibiting follicular pigmentation per se, in addition to affecting the hair diameter. This may account for the complete regrowth of lighter hair in nonresponders treated with 0.3 ms pulses. Laser-induced reduction in hair diameter and/or pigmentation are both long-term responses which confer cosmetic benefits in addition to actual hair loss.
Bacterial DNA in Water and Dialysate: Detection and Significance for Patient Outcomes

The fluid used for hemodialysis may contain DNA fragments from bacteria, which could be harmful for patient outcomes. DNA fragments from bacteria, containing the nonmethylated CpG motif, can trigger i
Automated GPS Data Analysis Service

Automatic analysis of geodetic-quality GPS data is available with the use of e-mail and ftp (file transfer program) as an interface to a computer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where precise transmitter parameters – GPS ephemerides and clock errors – are computed regularly. The interface is such that e-mail from an external user causes the JPL computer to fetch the user's data. The computer than analyzes the data, and places the results in an area accessible to the user. An e-mail to the user gives information on the location of the analysis results, which the user can subsequently fetch. Operations on the JPL computer are entirely automatic, and require essentially no labor. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Partial purification of biologically active, low molecular weight, human antihemophilic factor free of Von Willebrand factor II. Further purification with thiol-disulfide interchange chromatography and additional evidence for disulfide bonds susceptible to limited reduction

Thiol-disulfide interchange chromatography was used in the preparation of partially purified (approx. 17 000-fold) low molecular weight, Mr ≈ 115 000, human antihemophilic factor essentially free of Von Willebrand factor. This antihemophilic factor was prepared from fresh plasma which had undergone limited reduction with 1 mM dithiothreitol and was subsequently reacted with 2,2′-dipyridyl disulfide, a sulfhydryl reagent which readily undergoes disulfide exchange. Exchange of protein-2-pyridyl mixed disulfide with thiopropyl-Sepharose resulted in the chromatographic adsorption of approx. 96% of the coagulant activity, of which approx. 20% subsequently eluted with 1.0 mM dithiothreitol. After reductive displacement from the thiopropyl-Sepharose the antihemophilic factor could be S-alkylated with iodo-[1-14C]acetamide. The ratio of coagulant activity to Von Willebrand factor-antigen activity was greater than 30 000 : 1. In contrast, reduced antihemophilic factor was alkylated with iodoacetamide prior to chromatography as a control, and showed no exchange with the thiopropyl-Sepharose, eluting quantitatively in the breakthrough volume.
Islam, Fun, and Social Capital in Kazakhstan

Small-group solidarity is important in Islamic movements. Islamic movements are not simply groups based on Islamic ideology, but they are also based on a sense of community nurtured by, for lack of a better term, hanging out together. In this paper, I examine how members of the piety movement in Kazakhstan have fun and build community. I will start by examining how elites in the piety movement create spaces for Muslims to have a particular type of ethical fun. I then move on to discuss how many members of the piety movement use these spaces for their own purposes. I argue that the piety movement in Kazakhstan increases social capital among its members by developing intense social networks that bond members together through fun activities.
Lightweight, multi-contact, slip-ring commutator for recording and stimulation with small animals.

Abstract A slip-ring commutator which can be used to electrically stimulate and/or record from the brains of small, unrestrained animals is described. In addition to providing 4 to 10 independent electrical contacts, features of this model include its small size, low torque characteristics, low rate of contact oxidation, and minimal noise generated at the brush-ring surface. The compactness and light weight of this unit permit it to be suspended from a counterweighted boom assembly, thus providing additional freedom for vertical movement.
Selective expression of carcinoembryonic antigen promoter in cancer cell lines: targeting strategy for gene therapy in colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to characterize the mechanisms regulating the expression of the human carcinoembryonic antigen promoter (pCEA), in terms of tissue-specific targeting for gene therapy. The promoter was subcloned to a luciferase reporter gene (pCEA/Luc) in our laboratory and compared with a virally controlled luciferase vector (pSV40/Luc). METHODS: Four human cancer cell lines (HeLa, SW480, Caco2, and SW1116) were transfected with either pCEA/Luc or pSV40/Luc. Cells were treated with interferon-gamma and assayed at 72 hours after treatment. Carcinoembryonic antigen level was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Luciferase expression was measured at 48 hours and one week after transfection by luminometry. RESULTS: Luciferase activity after transfection with pCEA/Luc was higher in CEA-positive cells than in CEA-negative cells (P<0.0001). pCEA/Luc demonstrated higher activity than pSV40/Luc in CEA-positive cells (P<0.0001), but not in CEA-negative cells. In Caco2 cells, which before confluence are CEA-negative, luciferase expression increased on reaching confluence (P<0.0001). Well to moderately differentiated cells responded to the interferon-gamma treatment, but the increase in CEA secretion did not correspond to an increase in pCEA/Luc expression. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of pCEA correlates well with the CEA production by the specific cell line offering a potential tissue-specific targeting strategy for colon cancer gene therapy. Furthermore, the tissue-specific CEA promoter has a higher and more persistent activity in CEA-positive human cancer cells than a viral promoter. The lack of response to interferon-gamma treatment suggests a different mechanism of action for interferon-gamma other than directly interacting with the promoter.
Effectiveness and Infant Acceptance of the Rx Medibottle versus the Oral Syringe

Study Objective. To compare the effectiveness and infant acceptance of drug delivery of the Rx medibottle with the standard oral syringe. Design. Prospective open-label, randomized, crossover clinical study. Setting. General pediatric outpatient clinic at an urban university. Subjects. Thirty healthy, bottle-fed infants, aged 2–14 months, receiving routine vaccinations. Intervention. Each infant received a single dose of acetaminophen (Tempra syrup), with one-half delivered by the Rx medibottle and one-half delivered with an oral syringe. Measurements and Main Results. Three raters independently evaluated effectiveness and infant acceptance of each drug-delivery device. Effectiveness was based on the percentage of infants receiving 100% of the intended dose. Infant acceptance was scored using a validated infant medication acceptance scale (MAS, 10 = highest level). Significantly more infants received 100% of the intended dose with the Rx medibottle (93.3%) than with the oral syringe (56.7%, p=0.0074). Infants had a significantly higher mean MAS score when using the Rx medibottle (8.3 ± 1.8 vs 7.3 ± 1.7, p=0.002). In addition, a significantly higher percentage had ideal MAS scores of 9 or above with the Rx medibottle (73%) compared with the oral syringe (17%, p=0.0001). Conclusion. The Rx medibottle was more effective and had a higher level of infant acceptance than the oral syringe. Although further studies are necessary, this suggests that the Rx medibottle may be a better method of delivering liquid drug and may increase infant adherence.
Open problems in the security of learning

Machine learning has become a valuable tool for detecting and preventing malicious activity. However, as more applications employ machine learning techniques in adversarial decision-making situations, increasingly powerful attacks become possible against machine learning systems. In this paper, we present three broad research directions towards the end of developing truly secure learning. First, we suggest that finding bounds on adversarial influence is important to understand the limits of what an attacker can and cannot do to a learning system. Second, we investigate the value of adversarial capabilities-the success of an attack depends largely on what types of information and influence the attacker has. Finally, we propose directions in technologies for secure learning and suggest lines of investigation into secure techniques for learning in adversarial environments. We intend this paper to foster discussion about the security of machine learning, and we believe that the research directions we propose represent the most important directions to pursue in the quest for secure learning.
Analysis of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria from hypersaline Mono Lake, California, on the basis of 16S rRNA sequences.

Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria were detected by PCR amplification of DNA extracted from filtered water samples throughout the water column of Mono Lake, California. Ammonia-oxidizing members of the β subdivision of the division Proteobacteria (β-subdivision Proteobacteria) were detected using previously characterized PCR primers; target sequences were detected by direct amplification in both surface water and below the chemocline. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis indicated the presence of at least four different β-subdivision ammonia oxidizers in some samples. Subsequent sequencing of amplified 16S rDNA fragments verified the presence of sequences very similar to those of cultured Nitrosomonas strains. Two separate analyses, carried out under different conditions (different reagents, locations, PCR machines, sequencers, etc.), 2 years apart, detected similar ranges of sequence diversity in these samples. It seems likely that the physiological diversity of nitrifiers exceeds the diversity of their ribosomal sequences and that these sequences represent members of the Nitrosomonas europaea group that are acclimated to alkaline, high-salinity environments. Primers specific for Nitrosococcus oceanus, a marine ammonia-oxidizing bacterium in the γ subdivision of the Proteobacteria, did not amplify target from any samples.
A GFSK demodulator for low-IF Bluetooth receiver

An efficient mixed-mode Gaussian frequency-shift keying (GFSK) demodulator with a frequency offset cancellation circuit is presented. The structure is suitable for a low-IF Bluetooth receiver and can also be applied to other receivers involving continuous phase shift keying (CPSK) signals. The demodulator implementation is robust to tolerate process variations without requiring calibration. It can also track and cancel the time-varying local oscillator frequency offset between transmitter and receiver during the entire reception period. The chip was fabricated in CMOS 0.35-/spl mu/m digital process; it consumes 3 mA from a 3-V power supply and occupies 0.7 mm/sup 2/ of silicon area. A 16.2-dB input signal-to-noise ratio is obtained to achieve 0.1% bit-error rate as specified in Bluetooth specs. The co-channel interference rejection ratio is about 11 dB. Theoretical and experimental results are in good agreement.
Epidural hematoma causing paraplegia after a fluoroscopically guided cervical nerve-root injection. A case report.

Extraforaminal cervical nerve-root blocks, administered under image guidance, are extremely useful for both the diagnosis and treatment of cervical radiculopathy. In terms of safety, Ma et al., in their analysis of fluoroscopically guided cervical nerve blocks, found no instances of paralysis in their 1036 patients after injection1. Although devastating neurological complications after cervical transforaminal nerve block are rare, there have been anecdotal case reports of spinal cord infarction2-4, injection into surrounding vascular structures5,6, epidural abscess7, and cerebellar and/or brain-stem herniation and infarction8,9. An expanding epidural hematoma is a rare complication that can cause major neurological morbidity. Repeated injections, preexisting coagulopathy, and the use of anticoagulation or antiplatelet medications are known risk factors for the development of an epidural hematoma in the lumbar spine after an injection10-13. Injection-related epidural hematomas in the cervical spine have rarely been reported11,14. Consequently, the risk factors for the development of cervical epidural hematoma following transforaminal nerve-root injection are not clearly defined. We present the case of a patient with dense paralysis as a result of a slowly expanding cervical epidural hematoma that developed after a series of image-guided transforaminal cervical nerve-root injections. The only potential risk factor identified in this patient was the administration of multiple injections. Our patient was informed that data regarding this case would be submitted for publication. An otherwise healthy, thirty-eight-year-old woman was involved in a motor-vehicle accident that resulted in a right upper-extremity radiculopathy. She was initially evaluated and treated by an orthopaedic surgeon who recommended physical therapy and cervical epidural injections. After a short course of physical therapy, the patient underwent a series of three fluoroscopically guided right transforaminal epidural injections at the C7-T1 level. …
A single-molecule study on the structural damage of ultraviolet radiated DNA.

The structural damage of double-stranded DNA under UV radiation was examined using single-molecule fluorescence microscopy. Compared to undamaged DNA, the diffusion coefficient of λ-DNA was significantly increased with 12 min or 20 min of radiation but remained unchanged for 40 min of exposure possibly due to strand crosslinking. The structural damage of DNA was further examined using transmission electron microscopy which revealed kinks and sharp bends along the DNA backbone.
STAT4 isoforms differentially regulate Th1 cytokine production and the severity of inflammatory bowel disease

STAT4, a critical regulator of inflammation in vivo, can be expressed as two alternative splice forms, a full-length STAT4alpha, and a STAT4beta isoform lacking a C-terminal transactivation domain. Each isoform is sufficient to program Th1 development through both common and distinct subsets of target genes. However, the ability of these isoforms to mediate inflammation in vivo has not been examined. Using a model of colitis that develops following transfer of CD4(+) CD45RB(high) T cells expressing either the STAT4alpha or STAT4beta isoform into SCID mice, we determined that although both isoforms mediate inflammation and weight loss, STAT4beta promotes greater colonic inflammation and tissue destruction. This correlates with STAT4 isoform-dependent expression of TNF-alpha and GM-CSF in vitro and in vivo, but not Th1 expression of IFN-gamma or Th17 expression of IL-17, which were similar in STAT4alpha- and STAT4beta-expressing T cells. Thus, higher expression of a subset of inflammatory cytokines from STAT4beta-expressing T cells correlates with the ability of STAT4beta-expressing T cells to mediate more severe inflammatory disease.
Online monitoring of MPC disturbance models using closed-loop data

In model predictive control applications, knowledge about the disturbances affecting the system can be incomplete or non-existent. Typically, the state noise and sensor noise covariances used in the state estimation problem are not known. Additionally, an integrated white noise disturbance is often used to remove offset. Imperfect or non-existent knowledge of this additional covariance is another source of uncertainty in the controller design. In this paper, methods are developed to employ closed-loop MPC data to identify the unknown covariances and fully realize the potential of the state estimator. Two simulation examples are provided, demonstrating the benefits of using such techniques.
Non-random mating in a wild radish, Raphanus sativus

Abstract When mating is non-random among several, compatible donors, the fitness of pollen donors, maternal plants, and offspring may be affected. Although this process may be important, it is much less studied than other forms of non-random mating such as incompatibility and avoidance of inbreeding. Therefore, the amount and consequences of non-random mating were investigated in greenhouse studies with wild radish, Raphanus sativus. Six compatible donors differed in the number, position, and weight of seeds sired, so mating was non-random at the level of mate identity. Mate number also affected mating patterns; fruits with more fathers were allocated more resources. This keeps mate number per fruit high. In contrast, other processes appear to keep mate number below the maximum so that mate number per fruit is regulated at an intermediate level. Mate identity had clear consequences as offspring with different fathers were of different sizes after 11 weeks. The effects of mate number on offspring success were less clear. These and other data suggest that non-random mating among compatible donors is a relatively common process in wild radish. It may occur through mechanisms controlled by the pollen tubes, the maternal plants or the embryos. While this non-random mating is the raw maternal for sexual selection in plants, whether sexual selection actually occurs and how important it may be is still nuclear.
Doing More with Less: Teacher Professional Learning Communities in Resource-Constrained Primary Schools in Rural China.

Teacher professional learning communities provide environments in which teachers engage in regular research and collaboration. They have been found effective as a means for connecting professional learning to the day-to-day realities faced by teachers in the classroom. In this paper, we draw on survey data collected in primary schools serving 71 villages in rural Gansu Province, as well as transcripts from in-depth interviews with 30 teachers. Our findings indicate that professional learning communities penetrate to some of China's most resource-constrained schools, but that their nature and development are shaped by institutional supports, principal leadership, and teachers' own initiative.
Genetic and Nongenetic Risk Factors for Childhood Cancer

The causes of childhood cancer have been systematically studied for decades, but apart from high-dose radiation and prior chemotherapy there are few strong external risk factors. However, inherent risk factors including birth weight, parental age, and congenital anomalies are consistently associated with most types of pediatric cancer. Recently the contribution of common genetic variation to etiology has come into focus through genome-wide association studies. These have highlighted genes not previously implicated in childhood cancers and have suggested that common variation explains a larger proportion of childhood cancers than adult. Rare variation and nonmendelian inheritance may also contribute to childhood cancer risk but have not been widely examined.
An Analysis of Authority Issues within National Response Framework ESF #6 ‐ Mass Care, Housing and Human Services Policy

This policy analysis reviews the shared authority provisions between the American Red Cross and FEMA in ESF-6 of the U.S. National Response Framework (NRF), which covers mass care, housing, and human services. The shared authority base in place prior to Hurricane Katrina contributed to confusion during the response in 2005. FEMA rewrote ESF-6 in 2008; the role of FEMA and the American Red Cross under this policy continues to be reviewed at the federal level. This study evaluates policy options related to ESF-6 authority issues using Patton and Sawicki's (1993) policy analysis framework.
Modeling sensor detectability with the VANTAGE geometric/sensor modeler

A G-source, an abstract sensor component representing either a light source or a TV camera, is defined. G-source illumination conditions are investigated to describe the condition under which each G-source illuminates (or observes) surface regions with respect to its illumination/observation directions. Sensor detectability is defined as a function that takes object boundaries and produces a set of points on the object from which the sensor can obtain useful data. It is shown that sensor detectability can be represented by G-source illumination conditions and/or operations between them. The way in which G-sources are combined is described by a sensor-composition tree in which leaf nodes represent G-source illumination conditions and branch nodes represent set operations. Applications of the sensor composition tree to object boundaries are investigated and a set of detectable points is obtained using the VANTAGE geometric modeler. Several 2D structures are proposed to represent these detected points given by VANTAGE. A brief overview of how to use these capabilities in building model-based vision systems is given. >
Sex effects on plasma leptin concentrations in newborn and postnatal beef calves

Changes in neonatal plasma leptin play a central role in regulating development of the hypothalamic appetite control centers in rodents. In lambs, a postnatal leptin surge has just been reported, and maternal obesity induced by overfeeding initiated before conception and continued throughout gestation blocks this leptin surge in newborn lambs. To investigate the presence, timing, and duration of neonatal leptin profiles, nulliparous cows carrying bull (n = 6) and heifer (n = 6) calves were selected. Cows exhibited no complications during parturition and received no assistance during delivery were chosen for this experiment. A blood sample from the jugular vein was obtained within 2 h of birth, then daily until d 8, and then every other day until d 18 of age at 0700 h. Plasma was collected and analyzed for glucose, insulin, cortisol, and leptin concentrations via validated colorimetric and radioimmunoassay procedures. Plasma hormone and metabolite values were analyzed as repeated measures. Bull calves exhibited elevated plasma leptin concentrations compared with heifers (P = 0.01). Furthermore, plasma leptin concentrations increased from birth until d 2 and then decreased until d 16 of age (P < 0.01). Plasma cortisol was elevated (P < 0.01) at birth and then decreased over the next 5 d. Bull calves had greater (P = 0.04) plasma insulin than did heifer calves. We conclude that there is a postnatal change in plasma leptin with differences due to calf sex and may affect the appetite centers of the hypothalamus influencing appetite and BW gain.
Galactose Transport in Saccharomyces cerevisiae III. Characteristics of Galactose Uptake in Transferaseless Cells: Evidence Against Transport-Associated Phosphorylation

Abstract The characteristics of the inducible galactose transport system in bakers' yeast were studied in uridine diphosphate, galactose-1-phosphate uridylyl-transferaseless cells. Transferaseless cells transport galactose at the same initial rate as wild-type cells and accumulate a mixture of free galactose and galactose-1-phosphate. The addition of 14C-labeled galactose to cells preloaded with unlabeled galactose and galactose-1-phosphate results in a higher rate of labeling of the free-sugar pool than of the galactose-1-phosphate pool. These results support other evidence that galactose uptake in bakers' yeast is a carrier-mediated, facilitated diffusion and that phosphorylation is an intracellular event after uptake of the free sugar.
Databases for Clinical Research.

The growing availability of digital health data offers many opportunities for clinical research. Studies drawing on electronic data are often efficient, although the usefulness and validity of the data depend on the research question. We briefly review types of epidemiologic study designs commonly used with patient databases and then describe the types of electronic databases available, outline considerations for the ad hoc design of new databases, and discuss potential limitations to consider when performing database research.
Symptomatic male with subclinical varicocele found on ultrasound evaluation.

Subclinical varicocele is a common incidental ultrasound finding detected during evaluation of men with infertility or presenting with chronic scrotal content pain. Studies regarding this disease entity mainly investigated the value of its management in infertile men rather than for pain relief. Current guidelines do not indicate varicocelectomy for subclinical varicocele. Coming across such a diagnosis in the context of chronic orchialgia, the clinician should be careful in ruling out other potentially treatable etiologies. Conservative measures are initially recommended. However, if pain persists, spermatic cord denervation may be an option provided that a favorable response to spermatic cord block has been achieved.
Glacial history and landscape evolution of southern Cumberland Peninsula, Baffin Island, Canada, constrained by cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al

Since the first application of cosmogenic nuclides to the study of glacial history and processes in 1990, increasing numbers of studies have used a variety of cosmogenic isotopes to quantify the exposure age and erosion rate of glaciated landscapes. However, obtaining chronological data from glaciated landscapes once covered by cold-based, nonerosive ice is challenging because these surfaces violate assumptions associated with simple cosmogenic exposure dating. Nonerosive glacial ice fails to completely remove nuclides produced during previous periods of exposure, leaving behind rock surfaces with complex, multigenetic nuclide inventories. Here, we constrain the glacial history, landscape evolution, and efficiency of subglacial erosion in the Pangnirtung Fiord region of southern Baffin Island using over 300 paired analyses of in situ cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al. Simple exposure ages are 6.3–160 ka for 10Be ( n = 152) and 4.3–124 ka for 26Al ( n = 153). Paired bedrock-boulder samples have discordant ages, simple exposure ages generally increase with elevation, 10Be and 26Al ages for the same sample disagree, and both boulders and bedrock yield multimodal age distributions—all patterns suggestive of limited subglacial erosion. Measured 26Al/10Be ratios indicate that about one third of the samples in the data set experienced at least one period of pre-Holocene exposure followed by burial with limited erosion. Modeled two-isotope minimum-limiting exposure durations are as high as hundreds of thousands of years, and minimum-limiting burial durations range up to millions of years, implying that parts of southern Baffin Island have been preserved beneath nonerosive glacial ice for much, if not all, of the Quaternary. A subset of the samples contains few nuclides inherited from prior periods of exposure and is thus useful for constraining the chronology of the most recent deglaciation. Using these samples, we infer that deglaciation of most of the landscape occurred ca. 11.7 ka and that the Duval moraines, a prominent feature of the last deglaciation, formed ca. 11.2 ka.
Continuous flow toluene methylation over AlPO4 and AlPO4-Al2O3 catalysts

Toluene methylation with methanol over AlPO4 (AP) and AlPO4-Al2O3 (APAl) catalysts, obtained through different methods, was carried out in a continuous down-flow fixed bed reactor. The main products were xylenes (XYL), although trimethylbenzenes (TMB) were also found over APAl catalysts. The benzene and ethylbenzene selectivities increased slightly with time on stream at the expense of XYL and TMB selectivities. Isomer distribution was approximately 50, 24 and 26 mol% foro-, m- andp-XYL, and 72, 27 and 0 mol% for 1,2,3-, 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-TMB. The initial reaction rate constants were higher on APA1 catalysts and, furthermore, APAl catalysts exhibited similar catalytic activities, although those obtained in ethylene or propylene oxide are the most active ones. The same occurs on AP catalysts. Moreover, the changes in catalytic activity are similar to the changes in the acidic characteristics measured, in gas phase, versus pyridine. Furthermore, the activity decreased with time on stream due to coke deposition according to the expressionk = k0 exp(-βt). The rate of deactivation, evaluated from the deactivation coefficients (β), was greater for APAl than for AP catalysts.
Cardiovascular evaluation of a pressor amine (tetrahydrozoline) showing hypotensive properties in man.

Summary1. Seventeen of 42 patients wrho received tetrahydrozoline intravenously exhibited an immediate pressor response which lasted an average of 12 minutes. Twenty-five minutes following the initial injection hypotension ensued, lasting an average of 3 hours. The pressor phase was characterized by a decrease in cardiac output, bradycardia and an increase in total peripheral resistance. The hypotensive phase was characterized by no change in cardiac output, less bradycardia than in the pressor phase, and a decrease in peripheral resistance. 2. When tetrahydrozoline was administered orally, no pressor response was noted. Twenty-seven of 34 patients exhibited an average reduction of 44 mm Hg systolic pressure, 25 mm Hg diastolic pressure, and an average decrease in heart rate of 20 beats per minute. Tolerance usually developed in 7 to 10 weeks.
Computer-Assisted Tutorials in College Mathematics

(1975). Computer-Assisted Tutorials in College Mathematics. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 82, No. 8, pp. 846-848.
Documenting the complex relationship between self-efficacy, resiliency, and workplace empowerment: a case study of humanitarian workers in Palestine

There remains a critical gap in understanding challenges faced by humanitarian workers who may be key in providing assistance during complex emergencies. This study examines self-reported views by humanitarian workers working in Palestine concerning three concepts: resilience, generalized self-efficacy, and importance of workplace empowerment. Aid workers in Palestine face unique obstacles placed on economic, social, and political autonomy imposed by Israeli policy. Data obtained from 46 humanitarian workers recruited using snowball sampling methodology hint at a complex relationship between the three concepts. Firstly, a hypothesized positive relationship between resiliency and generalized self-efficacy was supported. Secondly, an unexpected negative relationship was found between resiliency and workplace empowerment. Finally, counter to our hypothesis, no significant relationship was found between self-efficacy and workplace empowerment. Gender differences also highlight disparities between the experience of women and men in the non-profit workplace in Palestine. This study adds to our knowledge regarding unique stresses on humanitarian workers and enhances a growing base of literature focused on national staff and volunteers.
Selective diagnostic uroradiography for trauma.

AbstractFifteen years of personal experience have yielded 157 penetrating and 225 blunt urological injuries, including only 2 instances of simultaneous upper and lower tract involvement (0.5 per cent). A similar review of 2,750 cases from the urological literature has yielded only 17 patients with simultaneous upper and lower tract injuries (0.6 per cent). Blunt trauma was responsible in all but 1 of these 17 patients (95 per cent).Based upon these observations, it is suggested that comprehensive radiographic evaluation of traumatic hematuria or suspected occult urological trauma unnecessarily may be expensive and dilatory, and that evaluation may be limited routinely to the area of maximum injury.
Smooth Muscle Cell–Derived Interleukin-17C Plays an Atherogenic Role via the Recruitment of Proinflammatory Interleukin-17A+ T Cells to the Aorta

Objective—Atherosclerosis is characterized by frequent communication between infiltrating leukocytes and vascular cells, through chemokine and cytokine networks. Interleukin-17C (IL-17C) is detectable within atherosclerotic lesions; however, the potential involvement of this cytokine has not been examined. Thus, we sought to investigate the role of IL-17C in atherosclerosis. Approach and Results—The expression of IL-17 cytokines was profiled within aortas of apolipoprotein E double knockout (Apoe−/−) mice, and Il17c expression was elevated. Flow cytometry experiments revealed a major population of aortic IL-17C–producing smooth muscle cells. Next, we generated Il17c−/−Apoe−/− mice and demonstrated that atherosclerotic lesion and collagen content was diminished within Western diet–fed Il17c−/−Apoe−/− aortas and aortic roots in comparison to Apoe−/− controls. Smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts were mainly responsible for the reduced Col1A1 expression in the aorta of Il17c−/−Apoe−/− mice. Importantly, IL-17...
12.06 – Estuarine and Coastal Ecosystems and Their Services

The global decline in estuarine and coastal ecosystems (ECEs) is affecting a number of critical benefits, or ecosystem services. We review the main ecological functions and their services across a variety of ECEs, including marshes, mangroves, nearshore coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sand beaches and dunes. We cite estimates of the key economic values arising from these services, and discuss how the natural variability of ECE impacts their benefits, the synergistic relationships of ECE across seascapes, and the management implications.