cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bridge damage detection using machine learning algorithms

The application of accelerated bridge construction (ABC) methods is becoming more widespread owing to their many advantages. In this construction method, prefabricated bridge elements are assembled on-site by establishing in-situ joints to minimize on-site construction time. Despite the improved life-cycle performance and cost benefits of ABC bridges, some concerns exist about the degrading environmental effects on the joints and invisible internal damages. In this study, the long-term performance of an ABC bridge that had been in service for more than 50 years was investigated utilizing machine-learning processes. Observation of reflective cracking on the deck surface and leakage through the joints in this bridge indicated some damage to the bridge longitudinal joints. Damages to the joints are not always visible, nor their extent is known. Therefore, a new damage detection approach is proposed that uses the results of a series of load tests as input in machine-learning techniques with the ultimate aim of detecting the location and severity of joint damages with a high level of certainty. The proposed approach uses the bridge responses obtained from a detailed finite element (FE) model under the assumption of various damage scenarios and predicts the potential damages using the training process of machine-learning algorithms and the actual bridge responses. The results show that the supervised learning algorithm successfully estimated the location and amount of damage in the bridge joints.
A Retrospective Analysis of the Clinical Quality Effects of the Acquisition of Highland Park Hospital by Evanston Northwestern Healthcare

In 2004, the Federal Trade Commission brought legal action retrospectively challenging the 2000 acquisition of Highland Park Hospital by Evanston Northwestern Healthcare in Evanston, Illinois. A major issue in the case was whether the merger had resulted in improved clinical quality at Highland Park. In this paper, we report the findings of our analysis of that issue. We examined numerous quantitative measures of clinical quality and found little evidence that the merger improved quality. We also describe the conceptual framework in which we evaluated the case-specific evidence, as well as the applicability of that framework to the prospective analysis of unconsummated hospital mergers.
The Use of Machine Learning to Create a Risk Score to Predict Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A TCGA Cohort Analysis

Introduction. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 90% of primary liver malignancies and is currently the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Due to varying underlying etiologies, the prognosis of HCC differs greatly among patients. It is important to develop ways to help stratify patients upon initial diagnosis to provide optimal treatment modalities and follow-up plans. The current study uses Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Classification Tree Analysis (CTA) to create a gene signature score that can help predict survival in patients with HCC. Methods. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-LIHC) was analyzed for differentially expressed genes. Clinicopathological data were obtained from cBioPortal. ANN analysis of the 75 most significant genes predicting disease-free survival (DFS) was performed. Next, CTA results were used for creation of the scoring system. Cox regression was performed to identify the prognostic value of the scoring system. Results. 363 patients diagnosed with HCC were analyzed in this study. ANN provided 15 genes with normalized importance >50%. CTA resulted in a set of three genes (NRM, STAG3, and SNHG20). Patients were then divided in to 4 groups based on the CTA tree cutoff values. The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significantly reduced DFS in groups 1, 2, and 3 (median DFS: 29.7 months, 16.1 months, and 11.7 months, p < 0.01) compared to group 0 (median not reached). Similar results were observed when overall survival (OS) was analyzed. On multivariate Cox regression, higher scores were associated with significantly shorter DFS (1 point: HR 2.57 (1.38–4.80), 2 points: 3.91 (2.11–7.24), and 3 points: 5.09 (2.70–9.58), p < 0.01). Conclusion. Long-term outcomes of patients with HCC can be predicted using a simplified scoring system based on tumor mRNA gene expression levels. This tool could assist clinicians and researchers in identifying patients at increased risks for recurrence to tailor specific treatment and follow-up strategies for individual patients.
Multimedia Learning: Multimedia Instructional Messages

A multimedia instructional message is a communication using words and pictures that is intended to promote learning. For example, a multimedia instructional message in a book could include printed text and illustrations, whereas a multimedia instructional message on a computer could include narration and animation. Examples of multimedia instructional messages include words and pictures intended to explain how lightning storms develop, how car braking systems work, and how bicycle tire pumps work . WHAT ARE MULTIMEDIA INSTRUCTIONAL MESSAGES? This book is concerned with the design of multimedia instructional messages . A multimedia instructional message is a communication using words and pictures that is intended to promote learning. This definition has three parts: First, the message part of the term reflects the idea that multimedia instructional messages are communications or presentations involving a teacher and learner. Second, the instructional part of the definition reflects the idea that the purpose of the multimedia instructional message is to promote learning (including understanding) in the learner. Third, the multimedia part of the definition reflects the idea that the multimedia instructional message is presented using both words and pictures. In this chapter, I present three main examples of multimedia instructional messages: an explanation of how lightning storms develop, an explanation of how car braking systems work, and an explanation of how bicycle tire pumps work. For each example, I present the explanation in words to show the conventional way the material is presented as a single-media instructional message.
Factors of Cryosol Formation

Climate is the most important factor influencing development of cryosols. There is a wide variety of climates for cryosols that ranges from maritime to continental. The mean annual air temperature ranges from +1 °C to −20 °C or colder; the mean annual precipitation ranges from <10 mm in interior Antarctica to more than 2,000 mm in high-mountain environments. High winds are common in many areas with cryosols. There is a variety of vegetation in the cold regions, but they are largely treeless except in the boreal forest or taiga. Birds transfer large amounts of nutrients from the coast to land in areas fringing the Arctic and Southern Oceans. Patterned ground is a common landform component in areas with cryosols. These features may be sorted in circles, nets and stripes, or they may be unsorted in the form of ice-wedge polygons, frost boils, and earth hummocks. The most common parent materials are eolian (loess and sand dunes), alluvium, lacustrine, peat, colluvium, gelifluction materials, and beach sediments. These materials may be of recent age or may extend back as far as the Miocene.
High-Throughput Assays to Measure Intracellular Ca2+ Mobilization in Cells that Express Recombinant S1P Receptor Subtypes

Intracellular Ca2+ mobilization is a useful readout to screen for agonists or antagonists of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here, we describe methods to conduct high-throughput screening of stably or transiently transfected HTC4 cells expressing the individual S1P1–5 receptor subtypes. The cells are grown in 96-well plates and loaded with the cell permeable fluorescent Ca2+ indicator dye Fura-2-AM. Changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels in response to S1P or test compounds are detected using a FlexStation II scanning fluorometer with integrated fluidics transfer capabilities.
Gutting the Vindication-of-Rights Challenge to Arbitration Agreements

As this essay goes to print, the Supreme Court is set to decide American Express v. Italian Colors Restaurant, in which the Justices will presumably determine the viability and scope of the so-called “vindication of rights” doctrine, under which at least some arbitration agreements will not be enforced where enforcement would preclude the claimant from being able to vindicate federal statutory rights. As many commentators have argued – myself very much included – the vindication of rights doctrine presents the last line of defense against a world where contractual bans on aggregate claiming are per se enforceable; where every company has the option to exempt itself from aggregate claiming (and why exactly would they pass that up?); where one day soon, some unfortunate transactional lawyer will be the first to be held liable for failing to insert an arbitration clause banning all aggregate claiming in a standard form agreement. But the stakes in Amex may be lower than meets the eye. In reality, if the argument being urged by the Plaintiff-Respondents is accepted, the overwhelming majority of cases that have been the subject of class actions in the United States for decades will nonetheless be thwarted – rendered fully impossible to vindicate – by the simple and rote expedient of inserting magic arbitration words in a standard form agreement.
Transformations of Logic Programs Related to Causality and Planning

We prove two properties of logic programs under the answer set semantics that may be useful in connection with applications of logic programming to representing causality and to planning. One theorem is about the use of disjunctive rules to express that an atom is exogenous. The other provides an alternative way of expressing that a plan does not include concurrently executed actions.
Computation of Orientations for GIS — the ‘Roll’ of Quaternions

Abstract Geographical information systems are powerful research tools but they lack the ablility to handle basic operations involving the rotation and interpolation of orientation data and therefore are limited in their application to structural geology. This paper describes a solution to these limitations using mathematical operators called quaternions which were invented in the last century by Sir William Rohan Hamilton (who also developed vector theory). Quaternions combine the properties of complex numbers and vectors and incorporate the basic concept of Euler's Theorem.
Estradiol selectively regulates alpha 1B-noradrenergic receptors in the hypothalamus and preoptic area

We previously demonstrated that estradiol administered in vivo elevates the number of alpha 1-adrenoceptors in preoptic area (POA) and hypothalamic membranes from ovariectomized female rats and potentiates alpha 1 receptor augmentation of beta-adrenoceptor-stimulated cAMP formation in slices from these brain regions. Present studies examined (1) if estradiol selectively regulates any alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtype, and (2) which alpha 1 receptor subtype mediates the augmentation of cAMP synthesis. Hypothalamic and POA membranes from estradiol-treated rats, when compared to ovariectomized rats, had modestly (30–50%) but significantly elevated numbers of 3H-prazosin (alpha 1) binding sites. Estradiol affected neither the number of alpha 1 receptor sites in frontal cortex nor the affinity of 3H-prazosin binding in any brain region examined. Results of binding studies conducted in the presence of chlorethylclonidine, a selective, irreversible inactivator of the alpha 1B receptor subtype, indicated that the estrogen-dependent increase in total alpha 1 binding sites in POA and hypothalamic membranes was attributable to a selective, five- to sixfold increase in alpha 1B receptor number. Progesterone had no measurable effects on alpha 1 receptor binding. Blockade of alpha 1B receptors with chlorethylclonidine eliminated phenylephrine augmentation of isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP formation in slices, whereas the alpha 1A antagonist 5-methyl-urapadil did not. This suggests that the alpha 1B receptor subtype potentiates cAMP formation. Thus, the increased alpha 1 receptor augmentation of cAMP formation seen in slices from estradiol-treated rats is correlated with increased alpha 1B receptor number.
Organization Theory and Fiscal Economics: Society, State, and Public Debt

Both the magnitude and the apparent permanence of budgetary deficits have refocused economists' attention on the basic theory of public debt. Although the issues are different in the debates of the 1980s from those that were central in the debates of the late 1950s and early 1960s, a common element in both discussions is the dominance of a macroeconomic methodological perspective. Buchanan's 1958 challenge to the Keynesian macroeconomists, which was only partially successful, applies with equal force to much of the macroeconomic policy discussion of the 1970s and 1980s. Our purpose in this paper is not to prolong or to extend the debate on the basic economic theory of public debt. We shall not examine the respective macroeconomic consequences of debt versus tax financing, an issue that has occupied much of the received debate. Our purpose is the different one of demonstrating that elementary organization theory can be used to draw attention to relevant dimensions that remained implicit in the arguments that separated Buchanan from his critics (Buchanan 1958; Ferguson 1964; Buchanan and Wagner 1977). While the thrust of our analysis supports Buchanan's criticism of the macroaggregation embodied in the orthodox view, the arguments used here are quite different from those advanced earlier by Buchanan.1 The main target of our criticism is not the organic fallacy implied
Preliminary results of thermal alteration investigations of the Cambrian acritarchs in the Holy Cross Mts.

Analyses comparing thermal alteration degree between main tectonic units of the Holy Cross Mts. were performed. Results indicate a distinctive heating increase of the Cambrian organic matter from the south to the north. The Lower Cambrian acritarch assemblages from the Dyminy-Klimontow Anticlinorium indicate the temperatures not exceeding 80oC. The maximum temperature influencing the Cambrian deposits of the Kielce-Łagow Synclinorium varies from less than 80oC to significantly exceeding 100oC. In the Łysogory area a significant thermal alteration of the Cambrian acritarchs suggests that the maximum temperature significantly exceeded l00oC, locally even 300oC.
Aflatoxin B1 modulates the expression of phenotypic markers and cytokines by splenic lymphocytes of male F344 rats

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is immunotoxic to animals and a suspected immunosuppressant in humans. In this study, we investigated the effects of AFB1 on splenic lymphocyte phenotypes and the inflammatory cytokine expression in male F344 rats. Exposure of animals to AFB1 [5-75 µg kg(-1) body weight (BW)] for 1 week showed dose-dependent decreases in the percentage of splenic CD8(+) T cells and CD3(-) CD8a(+) NK cells. A general inhibition of the expression of interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ by CD4(+) T cells, IL-4 and IFN-γ by CD8a(+) cells, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression by natural killer (NK) cells was also found; however, no concurrent histological changes in spleen tissue were present, suggesting acute immunosuppression without overt toxicity. Five-week exposure with AFB1 significantly increased the percentages of CD3(+) and CD8(+) T cells, especially at low doses (≤ 25 µg kg(-1)). AFB1 treatment significantly decreased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 expression by CD4(+) T cells and significantly increased the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ expression by CD4(+) T cells and TNF-α expression by NK cells. These results indicated that repeated AFB1 exposure promotes inflammatory responses by regulating cytokine expression. Our data provides novel insights into the mechanisms by which AFB1 exposure differentially modulates the cell-mediated immune responses and suggests the involvement of an inflammatory response upon repeated exposure.
Modeling of the vapor release from the LCROSS impact: 2. Observations from LAMP

[1] Using a Monte Carlo model, we analyze the evolution of the vapor plume emanating from the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) impact into Cabeus as seen by the Lyman Alpha Mapping Project (LAMP), a far-ultraviolet (FUV) imaging spectrograph onboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The best fit to the data utilizes a bulk velocity between 3.0 and 4.0 km/s. The fits to the light curve comprised of Hg, Ca, and Mg are not strongly dependent on the temperature. In contrast, the best fit to the light curve from H2 and CO corresponds to a 500 K thermal velocity distribution. The LAMP field of view primarily encounters particles released at low angles to the horizontal and misses fast moving particles released at more vertical angles. The isotropic model suggests that 117 ± 16 kg H2, 41 ± 3 kg CO, 16 ± 1 kg Ca, 12.4 ± 0.8 kg Hg, and 3.8 ± 0.3 kg Mg are released by the LCROSS impact. Additional errors could arise from an anisotropic plume, which cannot be distinguished with LAMP data. Mg and Ca are likely incompletely volatilized owing to their high vapor temperatures. The highly volatile components (H2 and CO) might derive from a greater mass of material. To agree with predicted abundances by weight of 0.047%, 0.023%, 11%, 0.28% and 3.4% for H2, CO, Ca, Hg, and Mg, respectively, the species would be released from 250,000 kg, 180,000 kg, 140 kg, 4400 kg, and 110 kg of regolith, respectively. This is consistent with the relative volatility of these species.
Development of Retinal Layers in Prenatal Human Retina

Purpose To determine the developmental sequence of retinal layers to provide information on where in utero pathologic events might affect retinal development. Design Qualitative and quantitative descriptive research. Methods A histology collection of human eyes from fetal week (Fwk) 8 to postnatal (P) 10 weeks was analyzed. The length of the nasal and temporal retina was measured along the horizontal meridian in 20 eyes. The location of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and outer plexiform layer (OPL) was identified at each age, and its length measured. Results The human eye retinal length increased from 5.19 mm at Fwk 8 to 20.92 mm at midgestation to 32.88 mm just after birth. The IPL appeared in the presumptive fovea at Fwk 8, reached the eccentricity of the optic nerve by Fwk 12, and was present to both nasal and temporal peripheral edges by Fwk 18–21. By contrast, the OPL developed slowly. A short OPL was first present in the Fwk 11 fovea and did not reach the eccentricity of the optic nerve until midgestation. The OPL reached the retinal edges by Fwk 30. Laminar development of both IPL and OPL occurred before vascular formation. Conclusions In human fetal retina, the IPL reached the far peripheral edge of the retina by midgestation and the OPL by late gestation. Only very early in utero events could affect IPL lamination in the central retina, but events occurring after Fwk 20 in the peripheral retina would overlap OPL laminar development in outer retina.
Production and sensory characterization of a bitter peptide from β-casein

Peptide β-casein fragment 193-209 (β-CN f193-209) was isolated and purified for detailed sensory analysis in different matrices. The purity of the peptide was >98%. The mass of the peptide was 1882.51 Da, which coincided with the expected mass of β-CN f193-209. N-Terminal analysis confirmed that the peptide started at residue 193 on the published sequence of β-casein. Detection thresholds were 0.03, 0.06, and 0.63% (w/w) for water, milk, and cheese, respectively. Descriptive sensory analysis confirmed that the peptide exhibited a bitter taste, which increased with increasing concentrations, with minimal other flavors or tastes detected. The β-CN f193-209 can contribute to bitterness in cheeses. Keywords: Caseins; peptide; bitter taste; caffeine; quinine sulfate; sensory threshold analysis; descriptive sensory analysis
Structural Basis of the Ca2+ Inhibitory Mechanism of Drosophila Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger CALX and Its Modification by Alternative Splicing

Summary The Na + /Ca 2+ exchanger CALX promotes Ca 2+ efflux in Drosophila sensory neuronal cells to facilitate light-mediated Ca 2+ homeostasis. CALX activity is negatively regulated by specific Ca 2+ interaction within its two intracellular Ca 2+ regulatory domains CBD1 and CBD2, yet how the Ca 2+ binding is converted to molecular motion to operate the exchanger is unknown. Here, we report crystal structures of the entire Ca 2+ regulatory domain CBD12 from two alternative splicing isoforms, CALX 1.1 and 1.2, exhibiting distinct regulatory Ca 2+ dependency. The structures show an open V-shaped conformation with four Ca 2+ ions bound on the CBD domain interface, confirmed by LRET analysis. The structures together with Ca 2+ -binding analysis support that the Ca 2+ inhibition of CALX is achieved by interdomain conformational changes induced by Ca 2+ binding at CBD1. The conformational difference between the two isoforms also indicates that alternative splicing adjusts the interdomain orientation angle to modify the Ca 2+ regulatory property of the exchangers.
Control of Shh activity and signaling in the neural tube

The generation of diverse cell types in the neural tube requires inductive signals that are generally derived from tissues adjacent to the neural tube and capable of patterning cell fates at a distance. Shh, a signaling molecule secreted from the notochord and the floor plate, has been shown to induce motor neurons (MN) as well as interneurons, dorsal to the MN, in a concentration-dependent manner. The cellular response to the Shh signal is mediated by receptors, cytoplasmic factors as well as transcription factors, which act both positively and negatively to modulate Shh activity in the patterning of diverse cell types in the ventral neural tube. Additionally, Shh also cooperates with Bmp and Fgf molecules in the control of diverse neuronal cell fates in the brain. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Political dimensions of the blues

(1990). Political dimensions of the blues. Popular Music and Society: Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 37-48.
Coexistence of antiferrodistortive and ferroelectric distortions at the PbTiO 3 ( 001 ) surface

The $c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2)$ reconstruction of $(001)\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{PbTiO}}_{3}$ surfaces is studied by means of first principles calculations for paraelectric (nonpolar) and ferroelectric (in-plane [100] polarized) films. Analysis of the atomic displacements in the near-surface region shows how the surface modifies the antiferrodistortive (AFD) instability and its interaction with ferroelectric (FE) distortions. The effect of the surface is found to be termination dependent. The AFD instability is suppressed at the ${\mathrm{TiO}}_{2}$ termination while it is strongly enhanced, relative to the bulk, at the $\mathrm{PbO}$ termination resulting in a $c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2)$ surface reconstruction which is in excellent agreement with experiments. We find that, in contrast to bulk ${\mathrm{PbTiO}}_{3}$, in-plane ferroelectricity at the $\mathrm{PbO}$ termination does not suppress the AFD instability. The AFD and the in-plane FE distortions are instead concurrently enhanced at the $\mathrm{PbO}$ termination. This leads to a surface phase with coexisting FE and AFD distortions which is not found in ${\mathrm{PbTiO}}_{3}$ bulk.
Pressure‐temperature phase diagram for the Allende meteorite

Piston cylinder and multianvil experiments from 1 to 27 GPa have been performed on the Allende CV3 meteorite to establish a pressure-temperature phase diagram that includes major phase boundaries and the silicate-oxide-sulfide melting intervals. Olivine is the liquidus phase up to ∼14 GPa, followed by garnet up to ∼25 GPa. Near 26 GPa a cotectic exists where garnet and magnesiowustite are liquidus phases. Magnesiowustite is likely to be a lower mantle liquidus phase in both chondritic and peridotitic (see also Zhang and Herzberg, 1994) compositions. Hence element partitioning tests that neglect the role of liquidus magnesiowustite may be incomplete for describing planetary differentiation at pressures >25 GPa. Allende shows immiscibility between (Fe,Ni)-sulfide melt and FeO-rich silicate melt. (Fe,Ni)-sulfide is the lower temperature melt phase and is present at all experimental pressures and temperatures investigated. It is concluded that a terrestrial planet with a radius of ∼3000 km (maximum internal pressure of ∼30 GPa), and a bulk composition of carbonaceous chondrite, will upon magmatic differentiation form an FeO-rich silicate mantle with an Fe-Ni-S core. The silicate fraction of Allende in our high-pressure experiments is too rich in FeO to be a good match for the composition of peridotite xenoliths from Earth's upper mantle. However, the major elements of a peridotite upper mantle may be derived from an Allende-like bulk Earth by a combination of lower mantle magnesiowustite, perovskite, and sulfide fractionation and by upper mantle olivine flotation.
Identification of an active Mutator -like element (MULE) in rice ( Oryza sativa )

Transposable elements (TEs) represent an important fraction of plant genomes and play a significant role in gene and genome evolution. Among all TE superfamilies discovered in plants, Mutator from maize (Zea mays) is the most active and mutagenic element. Mutator-like elements (MULEs) were identified in a wide range of plants. However, only few active MULEs have been reported, and the transposition mechanism of the elements is still poorly understood. In this study, an active MULE named Os3378 was discovered in rice (Oryza sativa) by a combination of computational and experimental approaches. The four newly identified Os3378 elements share more than 98% sequence identity between each other, and all of them encode transposases without any deletion derivatives, indicating their capability of autonomous transposition. Os3378 is present in the rice species with AA genome type but is absent in other non-AA genome species. A new insertion of Os3378 was identified in a rice somaclonal mutant Z418, and the element remained active in the descendants of the mutant for more than ten generations. Both germinal and somatic excision events of Os3378 were observed, and no footprint was detected after excision. Furthermore, the occurrence of somatic excision of Os3378 appeared to be associated with plant developmental stages and tissue types. Taken together, Os3378 is a unique active element in rice, which provides a valuable resource for further studying of transposition mechanism and evolution of MULEs.
Evidence for the involvement of kainate receptors in synaptic transmission in the avian cochlear nucleus

Abstract Previous studies using various excitatory amino acid antagonists have shown that synaptic transmission between the auditory nerve and the cochlear nucleus of chickens (nuc. magnocellularis; NM) is mediated by non-N-methyl- d -aspartate (non-NMDA) receptors. In the present study we have attempted to define the subclass of non-NMDA receptor in the NM by examining the effects of various excitatory amino acid agonists on synaptically evoked field potentials in an in vitro preparation of the chicken brain stem. Both quisqualate and dl -α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), whose actions operationally define the quisqualate receptor class, caused variable and weak depression of evoked responses in the NM, as did l -glutamate. Kainic acid, on the other hand, completely blocked postsynaptic responses at micromolar concentrations. We conclude that kainate-preferring non-NMDA receptors play a predominant role in mediating transmission in the NM.
The fine structure of the parietal retinas of Anolis carolinensis and Iguana iguana

An electron microscopic examination of the parietal retinas of Anolis carolinensis and Iguana iguana demonstrated within each retina (1) two distinct populations of neurons, (2) two populations of glia, and (3) a population of photoreceptors which could not be subdivided. A small population of very electron-dense cells, in many respects similar to photoreceptors, was also found in the iguana. Correspondingly dark processes were found in the plexiform layer of each retina. Parietal photoreceptors generally resemble cones of the lateral eye. Glial cells were sub-classified on the basis of the location of their somata and the disposition of their processes. Neurons were identified by virtue of their cytology and their reception of axosomatic ribbon synapses from unidentified plexiform layer processes. Neuronal subtypes were located on opposite sides of the plexiform layer. Neurons distal to that layer were found to project the initial segments of their processes into the plexiform layer parallel to its long axis, while neurons central to the plexiform layer projected axons centrally and dendrites radially into the plexiform layer. The existence of at least two neuronal populations and of interphotoreceptor synapses suggests that photosensory processing within the parietal retina may be more complex than previously assumed.
Efficient photon detection from color centers in a diamond optical waveguide

A common limitation of experiments using color centers in diamond is the poor photon collection efficiency of microscope objectives due to refraction at the diamond interface. We present a simple and effective technique to detect a large fraction of photons emitted by color centers within a planar diamond sample by detecting light that is guided to the edges of the diamond via total internal reflection. We describe a prototype device using this ``side-collection'' technique, which provides a photon collection efficiency $\ensuremath{\approx}47%$ and a photon detection efficiency $\ensuremath{\approx}39%$. We apply the enhanced signal-to-noise ratio gained from side collection to ac magnetometry using ensembles of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers, and demonstrate an ac magnetic field sensitivity $\ensuremath{\approx}100\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{pT}/\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}$, limited by added noise in the prototype side-collection device. Technical optimization should allow significant further improvements in photon collection and detection efficiency as well as subpicotesla NV-diamond magnetic field sensitivity using the side-collection technique.
Apotrisporin: A major metabolite ofBlakeslea trispora

Abstract A major metabolite, an apotrisporoid and a sesquiterpenoid, has been identified in cultures of Blakeslea trispora . It is apotrisporin: 2,4,4,-trimethyl-3-(5′-hydroxyl-3′-methylpenta-1′,3′-dienyl)-cyclohex-2-enone. Its inability to stimulate the development of zygophores is consistent with its putative origin as an inactivation product of trisporin.
An accurate model of a highly ordered 81/19 Permalloy AMR Wheatstone bridge sensor against a 48 pole pair ring-magnet

Presented is a method to model a magnetoresistive Wheatstone bridge using a new magnetoresistive model for resistor elements in saturation. The model works well with highly ordered thin films such as Permalloy. This new model accurately predicts the behaviour of individual magnetoresistors and follows the form ΔR/R0 = A + B((1 + C × cos(2θ)2) + C × sin(2θ)2)1/2. To demonstrate the use of this model, a 17.5 nm thick Permalloy sensor bridge was used to sense a 48 pole pair ring-magnet. The results show a good correlation between the model and an actual device under test.
Segregation of interstitial impurities in single-crystal NiAl

Abstract The distribution of interstitials, such as carbon and boron, in commercial-purity and high-purity (zone-refined) single crystals of NiAl has been characterized in the atom-probe field-ion microscope. These interstitials were found to form ultrafine precipitates containing refractory metals. The estimated precipitate number density in the commercial-purity single crystal was observed to be at least an order of magnitude higher than the high-purity crystal. The increase in yield stress as a result of this precipitation was predicted using the Orowan relationship for precipitation strengthening and compared to existing data.
Enhancing the contrast of subcutaneous veins

A technique for enhancing the contrast of subcutaneous veins has been demonstrated. This technique uses a near infrared light source and one or more infrared sensitive CCD TV cameras to produce a contrast enhanced image of the subcutaneous veins. This video image of the veins is projected back onto the patient's skin using an LCD vein projector. The use of an infrared transmitting filter in front of the video cameras prevents any positive feedback from the visible light from the video projector from causing instabilities in the projected image. The demonstration contrast enhancing illuminator has been tested on adults, both Caucasian and African-American, and it enhances veins quite well in most cases. Preliminary studies on a 9 month old girl indicate promise for pediatric use.
Comment on “Free energy of solvation of simple ions: Molecular dynamics study of solvation of Cl− and Na+ in the ice/water interface” [J. Chem. Phys. 123, 034706 (2005)]

Salt uptake by ice requires ions to bind strongly near broken H bonds. Because these favorable binding sites form in oppositely charged pairs, a salt’s heat of solution in ice does not converge at low concentration to the sum of ionic heats of solution taken separately. Individual ion solution heats are diminished by the formation energies of free H-bonding defects, amounting to several tenths of an eV each.
Reconsidering the basis of Locke's primary‐secondary quality distinction

Rejetant les interpretations ontologiques et relationnelles (P. Alexander) du fondement de la distinction entre qualites premieres et qualites secondes etablie par Locke dans son «Essai sur l'entendement humain», l'A. montre que la division lockienne releve, non pas d'une distinction entre les types de caracteristiques des corps et les idees simples, mais d'une approche representationnaliste de la notion de qualite, fondee sur la description de la nature des processus causaux, sur la causation des idees simples portant sur les objets individuels et sur l'idee de premier exprimant la dependance epistemologique d'un ensemble d'idees par rapport a un autre
Expression of binding sites for β chemokines on human astrocytes

Astrocytes are major sources of chemokines and are thus critical effectors of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. However, it is as yet unclear whether these cells, like leukocytes, also possess receptors for chemokines (CCRs). To address this issue, we utilized a novel fluorescence approach to detect qualitatively and quantitatively binding sites for biotinylated derivatives of the beta chemokines monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha) on cultured human fetal astrocytes. Both chemokines were found to bind to the surface of astrocytes in a specific and saturable manner and with the high-affinity typical of these chemokines' binding to leukocyte CCRs. Binding of labeled MCP-1 and of labeled MIP-1alpha was antagonized by the respective unlabeled homologue but not by the unlabeled heterologous chemokine. Binding of labeled MCP-1 was also inhibited by unlabeled MCP-3, both of which are ligands for CCR2. In a parallel manner, binding of labeled MIP-1alpha was first shown to be attenuated by unlabeled RANTES, both of which recognize CCR1 and CCR5, and then separately antagonized by MCP-3 and MIP-1beta, which bind to CCR1 and CCR5, respectively. Finally, binding of both labeled chemokines was observed to be modulated in response to astrocyte stimulation by proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), further indicating that these binding sites are subject to regulation and, thus, likely to be physiologically responsive. Collectively, these results indicate that binding sites exhibiting characteristics of chemokine receptors exist on human astrocytes. Such sites might function in the recruitment of both astrocytes and leukocytes to specified brain regions during physiological and pathophysiological processes.
Positive artifact sulfate formation from SO2 adsorption in the silica gel sampler used in NIOSH Method 7903.

NIOSH Method 7903, which uses one section of glass fiber filter and two sections of silica gel, has been developed to determine the total concentrations of acid mists in workplace air, although certain gases are suspected to cause interference. In this study, experiments were performed to investigate the roles of sulfur(IV) oxidation and sulfur dioxide (SO2) adsorption in causing artifacts in sulfuric acid measurement. First, sulfur(IV) oxidation, under four combinations of water bath temperature and Na2CO3 solution concentration, was examined to investigate the effect of the extraction process of NIOSH Method 7903. It was shown that sulfur(IV) oxidation to form sulfate could reach 100% within just 2−3 min, following the extraction process of NIOSH Method 7903. The results demonstrate that, using the procedure, SO2 adsorbed by the silica gel and the glass fiber filter easily yields artifact sulfate. Sulfur dioxide adsorption under various flow rates, SO2 concentrations, and sampling times was also investi...
Cell-Context Specific Role of the E2F/Rb Pathway in Development and Disease

Development of the central nervous system (CNS) requires the generation of neuronal and glial cell subtypes in appropriate numbers, and this demands the careful coordination of cell-cycle exit, survival, and differentiation. The E2F/Rb pathway is critical for cell-cycle regulation and also modulates survival and differentiation of distinct cell types in the developing and adult CNS. In this review, we first present the specific temporal patterns of expression of the E2F and Rb family members during CNS development and then discuss the genetic ablation of single or multiple members of these two families. Overall, the available data suggest a time-dependent and cell-context specific role of E2F and Rb family members in the developing and adult CNS.
Public hearings for EIAs in post-communist Bulgaria: do they work?

The participatory practices required as part of the established systems of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) practiced in the United States, Canada, Western Europe as well as several international agencies are more recent to the countries of Eastern Europe. The most common official forum for citizen participation in EIAs is the public hearing, which can provide important benefits. However, public hearings have been criticized as exhibiting several problems that preclude meaningful citizen input. This research explores three cases of public hearings held for EIA projects in Bulgaria. It argues that the public participation process and the public hearing in particular share the same problems that have been observed in other countries (including the United States and Canada). At the same time, however, Bulgarian public hearings do provide important indirect benefits that can contribute to the capacity for democratic governance and an active civil society. In the face of substantial economic obstacles and dramatic governmental reforms the country has endured since the end of communism, forums such as the public hearing are important means to foster institutional restructuring of a newly democratized country.
Sexual Dimorphism in Broilers Following Periods of Equal Water and Feed Intake

Abstract A study involving three experiments was conducted to investigate patterns of feed and water intake following an initial period in which both sexes received the same water or feed allowance. Restriction of water to an equal intake level in males and females from 0 to 10 days resulted in similar feed intake patterns and similar body weights for both sexes. Following exposure to ad libitum water, males immediately consumed 7 to 11% more water than females, while the accompanying change in feed intake was smaller in magnitude (1 to 6%). Restriction of feed to equal intake levels in both sexes from 0 to 12 days resulted in males and females consuming similar amounts of water. Body weights of males were slightly greater than female weights due to differences in feed efficiency. Following placement under ad libitum feed, males consumed more feed than females (8 to 9%). However, the divergence in feed intake following feed restriction between sexes was more gradual than the divergence in water intake following water restriction. These data indicate that feed and water intake patterns of males and females are controlled by inherent mechanisms independent of differences in body weight or maintenance requirements.
An n-well CMOS with self-aligned channel stops

A new n-well CMOS structure is described in which the performance of the n-channel MOSFETs can be optimized. This structure also provides self-aligned channel stops to offer rigorous isolation for high density ICs. A novel process was developed to fabricate the structure. Extremely low body effect coefficients (γ=0.1-0.2) are obtained from the resulting n-channel MOSFETs with 1.25µm channel length. Moreover even at 10V, subthreshold currents in the isolation region between two similar or two opposite type FETs are < 1 pA.
Kimmswick: A clovis-mastodon association in Eastern Missouri

Stone tools characteristic of the Clovis culture have been found in direct association with bones of the American mastodon at Kimmswick, Missouri. The vertebrate fauna from Clovis components suggests a deciduous woodland and meadow habitat. Such an environmental reconstruction provides a new perspective for Clovis adaptations and the ecological tolerances of Mammut americanum.
Short-term molecular-level effects of silver nanoparticle exposure on the earthworm, Eisenia fetida

Short-term changes in levels of expression of nine stress response genes and oxidative damage of proteins were examined in Eisenia fetida exposed to polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coated Ag nanoparticles (Ag-NP) and AgNO3 in natural soils. The responses varied significantly among days with the highest number of significant changes occurring on day three. Similarity in gene expression patterns between Ag-NPs and AgNO3 and significant relationships of expression of CAT and HSP70 with Ag soil concentration suggest similarity in toxicity mechanisms of Ag ions and NPs. Significant increases in the levels of protein carbonyls on day three of the exposure to both ions and Ag-NPs indicate that both treatments induced oxidative stress. Our results suggest that Ag ions drive short term toxicity of Ag-NPs in E. fetida. However, given that <15% of Ag in the NPs was oxidized in these soils, dissolution of Ag-NPs is likely to occur after or during their uptake.
Multiple-reflection λ4 phase shifter: A viable alternative to generate circular-polarized synchrotron radiation

Abstract We propose the use of a multiple-reflection polarizer as a highly effective tool to generate circular-polarized synchrotron radiation by utilizing the phase difference in the s- and p-components of multiple-reflected light. In the energy range hν = 8–100 eV, a quadruple reflector can be optimized either in the degree of circular polarization P circ or in the modified throughput TP circ 2 . A linear undulator/quadruple reflector polarizer system is much more effective than the crossed-field undulator concept. In addition to the high throughput, a multiple reflector used as a post-polarizer for monochromatized light provides an easy way to control and modulate the state of polarization P circ . The proposed concept of converting linearly polarized monochromatic light into circular light does not encounter the potential dephasing problems intrinsic to the other alternatives. Extensive model calculations to optimize the figure of merit TP circ 2 are presented, and a mechanical design of a prototype quadruple polarizer presently under construction at SRC is discussed in detail.
Determination of naproxen and its desmethyl metabolite in human plasma or serum by high performance liquid chromatography

1. A liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of the anti-inflammatory agent naproxen and its metabolite, 6-0-desmethyl-naproxen, in human plasma or serum. 2. After addition of p-chlorowarfarin as the internal standard, plasma is acidified and extracted with either chloroform (for assay of naproxen only) or ethyl acetate (for assay of naproxen and desmethyl-naproxen), the organic solvent is evaporated, the residue is dissolved in acetonitrile and injected onto a reverse phase column coupled with an ultra-violet absorbance detector. 3. Drug and metabolite can be detected readily in concentrations above 2 μg per ml in 0.5 ml samples. Salicylic acid and its metabolites and a number of other drugs were found not to interfere with the assay.
Studies of n-propanol, iso-propanol, and propane flames

Abstract The phenomena of propagation and extinction of flames of saturated C3 alcohols and propane were studied experimentally and numerically in order to assess the effects of the presence and location of the hydroxyl radical in the fuel molecular structure. The experiments were carried out in the counterflow configuration under atmospheric pressure and for unreacted fuel-carrying stream temperature of 343 K. The simulations included detailed descriptions of molecular transport and chemical kinetics using a recently developed kinetic model for C3 alcohols. The experimental results revealed that the laminar flame speeds and extinction strain rates of n-propanol/air and propane/air flames are close to each other whereas those of iso-propanol/air flames are consistently lower. Similar behavior was observed also for the extinction strain rates of non-premixed n-propanol and iso-propanol flames. It was shown through sensitivity and reaction path analyses that there are two major differences between the intermediates of n-propanol/air and iso-propanol/air flames. In iso-propanol/air flames there are notably higher concentrations of propene whose consumption pathway results in the relatively unreactive allyl radicals, retarding thus the overall reactivity. In n-propanol/air flames there are notably higher concentrations of formaldehyde that reacts readily to form formyl radicals whose subsequent reactions enhance the overall reactivity. The kinetic model used in this study was found to overpredict the experimental results for rich n-propanol/air and propane/air flames. Analysis revealed that those discrepancies are most likely caused by deficiencies in the C3 alkane kinetics. Through sensitivity analysis, it was determined also that the propagation and extinction of n-propanol/air and iso-propanol/air flames are sensitive largely to hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and C1–C3 kinetics and not to fuel-specific reactions. Finally, the relative sooting propensities of flames of these three fuels were assessed computationally.