cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prenatal testosterone triggers long-term behavioral changes in male zebra finches: unravelling the neurogenomic mechanisms

Maternal hormones, like testosterone, can strongly influence developing offspring, even generating long-term organizational effects on adult behavior; yet, the mechanisms facilitating these effects are still unclear. Here, we experimentally elevated prenatal testosterone in the eggs of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and measured male aggression in adulthood along with patterns of neural gene expression (RNA-seq) and DNA methylation (MethylC-Seq) in two socially relevant brain regions (hypothalamus and nucleus taenia of the amygdala). We used enrichment analyses and protein-protein interaction networks to find candidate processes and hub genes potentially affected by the treatment. We additionally identified differentially expressed genes that contained differentially methylated regions. We found that males from testosterone-injected eggs displayed more aggressive behaviors compared to males from control eggs. Hundreds of genes were differentially expressed, particularly in the hypothalamus, including potential aggression-related hub genes (e.g., brain derived neurotrophic factor). There were also enriched processes with well-established links to aggressive phenotypes (e.g., somatostatin and glutamate signaling). Furthermore, several highly connected genes identified in protein-protein interaction networks also showed differential methylation, including adenylate cyclase 2 and proprotein convertase 2. These results highlight genes and processes that may play an important role in mediating the effects of prenatal testosterone on long-term phenotypic outcomes, thereby providing insights into the molecular mechanisms that facilitate hormone-mediated maternal effects.
Anomaly Detection in Exchange Traded Funds

Detecting anomalous returns in Exchange Traded Fund(ETF) constituents helps us maintain industry sector exposure while at the same time tuning sector ETF holdings by augmenting portfolio with dollar neutral and sector neutral trades. We demonstrate how Robust Principal Component Analysis (RPCA) can be used to tease out observed ETF constituent returns X into L, a low dimensional manifold, and S, an anomalous matrix containing abnormal returns. Abnormality of returns is determined by checking entries in anomalous matrix against public filings in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission EDGAR database. Additionally, we show how sparsity in S can be controlled by a tuning parameter that gives us improved f1_scores. Moreover, we build several portfolios with daily and weekly turnover to show how trading in sector ETF anomalies can alter the portfolio return profile.
The European Union’s Emissions Trading System: Climate Policymaking Model, or Muddle? (Part II)

In the first half of this Article, I outlined the genesis of the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) and the history of its implementation during its first two phases from 2005 to 2008. In the second half o f this Article. I will I) outline the contours of implementation of the EU-ETS in Phase 3; 2) examine the implications of recent decisions by the European Council and Commission for implementation of Phase 4; 3) assess the effectiveness of the EU-ETS to date in meeting key climate and energy objectives in what continues to be characterized as the “cornerstone” of climate policymaking in Europe: and 4) suggest some potential methods to strengthen the framework, or move away from it as the primary climate policy mechanism to reduce emissions.
‘Just because you are right, doesn’t mean I am wrong’: Overcoming a bottleneck in development and evaluation of Open-Ended VQA tasks

GQA (CITATION) is a dataset for real-world visual reasoning and compositional question answering. We found that many answers predicted by the best vision-language models on the GQA dataset do not match the ground-truth answer but still are semantically meaningful and correct in the given context. In fact, this is the case with most existing visual question answering (VQA) datasets where they assume only one ground-truth answer for each question. We propose Alternative Answer Sets (AAS) of ground-truth answers to address this limitation, which is created automatically using off-the-shelf NLP tools. We introduce a semantic metric based on AAS and modify top VQA solvers to support multiple plausible answers for a question. We implement this approach on the GQA dataset and show the performance improvements.
Heating performance of a novel externally-heated geothermal bridge de-icing system: field tests and numerical simulations

Abstract An external geothermal bridge de-icing system deploys hydronic loops covered in insulation and attached to bridge decks to heat the bridge using geothermal energy. Several studies were performed on the laboratory system under controlled temperatures and showed promising results for field deployment. However, no field tests or investigations of its heating performance were conducted during snow events. In this study, the external geothermal bridge de-icing system was deployed on a mock-up bridge deck in the field and tested during several winter events, providing an opportunity to conduct non-heating, heating, and de-icing tests. A 3-dimensional multi-physics finite element model of the heated deck was developed in COMSOL and fully calibrated with the field tests in transient analyses. The simulated temperatures were verified with the measured thermocouple readings at the inlet and outlet of the bridge loops and different bridge deck depths. Based on the calibrated FEM model, a record snowfall event in the Spring of 2015 was simulated using the equivalent snow-melting heat flux loss on the deck surface. The heated bridge deck maintained a minimum temperature of 0.3 °C (32.6 °F) during the snow event with a supplied inlet temperature of 43.3 °C (110 °F), and the equivalent heat flux loss on the deck surface was around 220 W/m2. The developed FEM model provided satisfactory simulations of bridge heating in winter events. The external geothermal bridge de-icing system maintained a snow-free deck during the record snow event and is ready for implementation.
T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a Patient with Pre-existing Essential Thrombocythemia: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Abstract The occurrence of T–cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T–ALL), on a background of preexisting Philadelphia–negative Myeloproliferative neoplasm is rare. Among the few reported cases where no deep molecular sequencing was performed, it was difficult to ascertain whether these leukemia's occurred de-novo or were due to the clonal progression of underlying MPN. We present a case of a 49–year-old man with a history of essential thrombocythemia who subsequently developed T–ALL. By utilizing next generation sequencing we were able to determine that these two entities originated from two distinct clones and were likely random events. We report the outcome and review the literature.
Mining Modern Music: The Classification of Popular Songs

The rising popularity of streaming services has made in-depth musical data more accessible than ever before and has created new opportunities for data mining. This project utilizes data from 19,000 songs made available by Spotify. Several data mining algorithms (including J48 Decision Trees, Random Forest, Simple K Means, NaiveBayes, ZeroR, and JRIP) were used to assess the data as a classification task with the target class being popularity. The data was pre-processed and the popularity class was split into two different schemes, both of which were used to train the aforementioned algorithms with the goal of attaining the highest possible classification accuracy. Once reliable models were produced, the best performing algorithms were used in conjunction with association algorithms and Information Gain evaluation in order to assess the importance of features such as key, acousticness, tempo, instrumentalness, etc., in the prediction of the popularity class. Through this lens certain groups of attributes emerged as indicators of what makes a song popular or unpopular, and relationships between the attributes themselves were revealed as well. Overall it was concluded that popular music does in fact have patterns and a formulaic nature, making the “art” of creating music seem more like a science. However, within those patterns enough variation can be seen to account for different genres and musical moods that still persist in this era of pop music, and support the idea that as a modern musical community we still maintain some diversity.
Creating a Minority Stress Index to Examine Mental Health Impacts of Discrimination Among Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Adults

Purpose: This study analyzed the differing impact of discrimination on mental health outcomes among transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) adults. Methods: We utilized data from the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey. Mental health outcomes included psychological distress, suicidal thoughts, and a suicide attempt. To determine the impact of discrimination categories, we utilized a weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression approach to create a minority stress index (MSI). The MSI included seven discrimination categories: interpersonal, workplace, health care, religious, public services, housing, and verbal and/or physical attack. Results: The average psychological distress score was 10.65 points (standard deviation = 6.05), range: 0-24. Nearly 82% and 39% of TGNB adults reported ever having suicidal thoughts and a suicide attempt, respectively. Verbal and/or physical attack and religious discrimination had the most significant weights in the MSI for each mental health outcome. Every 0.1 point increase in the MSI significantly increased the psychological distress score by 0.468 points (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.434-0.503; p < 0.0001), and the odds of suicidal thoughts and a suicide attempt by 27.07% (95% CI = 24.15-30.05; p < 0.0001) and 28.46% (95% CI = 26.34-30.61; p < 0.0001), respectively. Conclusion: This study introduces a novel method for analyzing experiences of minority stress in health disparities research. By using the WQS regression method, we were able to parse out the indicators of minority stress that had the greatest impact on mental health outcomes. There is a continued need for interventions to mitigate the high rates of suicidality and psychological distress among TGNB populations.
What Determines Bilateral Trade Flows

This paper undertakes an exhaustive search for robust determinants of international trade, where robustness is tested using three popular empirical methods. The paper is frankly atheoretical: our goal is solely to establish statistically robust relationships. Along the way, however, we relate our results to the empirical results obtained by prior researchers and to the received theory of international trade. We find that robust variables include a measure of the scale of factor endowments; fixed exchange rates; the level of development; and current account restrictions. Variables that are robust under certain methods and sample periods include exchange rate volatility, an index of sectoral similarity, and currency union. However, the estimated coefficient on currency union is much smaller than estimates obtained by prior researchers.
The design and implementation of family energy management system facing the intelligent power

Based on the construction of intelligent electrical pilot in the state grid corporation of China, fully grasp the requirements of intelligent power demand management, intelligent network based on the research of smart grid-oriented Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), we design and realize the family comprehensive energy management system for the power users. Based on the family network which is composed of smart meters, intelligent terminals, intelligent sockets and other smart devices, the system can access and measure distributed power sources and electric cars, monitor the comprehensive energy consumption and optimize the family energy management, realize intelligent control of household appliances and the two-way interaction with users. AMI system provides powerful technical support for the construction of new interactive relationship in which energy information and traffic flows real-timely between company and customers, and meet the demand of the advanced technology, economic efficiency, flexible and diverse services, the requirements of opening, friendly to actively development.
Transforming Mozambique: The Politics of Privatization, 1975-2000

List of figures Preface List of abbreviations and acronyms Glossary Map Introduction 1. The reconfiguration of the interventionist state after independence 2. Demiurge ascending: high modernism and the making of Mozambique 3. State sector erosion and the turn to the market 4. A privatizing state or a statist privatization? 5. Continuities and discontinuities in manufacturing 6. Capital and countryside after structural adjustment 7. The end of Marx and the beginning of the market? Rhetorical efforts to legitimate transformative preservation Bibliography Index.
Role of Methionine in Biosynthesis of Prodigiosin by Serratia marcescens

Methionine alone did not allow biosynthesis of prodigiosin (2-methyl-3-amyl-6-methoxyprodigiosene) in nonproliferating cells (NPC) of Serratia marcescens strain Nima. However, when methionine was added to NPC synthesizing prodigiosin in the presence of other amino acids, the lag period for synthesis of prodigiosin was shortened, an increased amount of the pigment was formed, and the optimal concentrations of the other amino acids were reduced. Less prodigiosin was synthesized when addition of methionine was delayed beyond 4 h. The specific activity of prodigiosin synthesized by addition of 14CH3-methionine was 40 to 50 times greater than that synthesized from methionine-2-14C or 14COOH-methionine. NPC of mutant OF of S. marcescens synthesized norprodigiosin (2-methyl-3-amyl-6-hydroxyprodigiosene), and the specific activity of this pigment synthesized in the presence of 14CH3-methionine was only 5 to 13 times greater than that synthesized from methionine-2-14C or 14COOH-methionine. A particulate, cell-free extract of mutant WF of S. marcescens methylated norprodigiosin to form prodigiosin. When the extract was added to NPC of mutant OF synthesizing norprodigiosin in the presence of 14CH3-methionine, the prodigiosin formed had 80% greater specific activity than the norprodigiosin synthesized in the absence of the extract. The C6 hydroxyl group of norprodigiosin was methylated in the presence of the extract and methionine. Biosynthesis of prodigiosin by NPC of strain Nima also was augmented by addition of S-adenosylmethionine. Various analogues of methionine such as norleucine, norvaline, ethionine, and α-methylmethionine did not affect biosynthesis of prodigiosin by NPC either in the presence or absence of methionine.
Inheritance and Linkage Analysis of a New Fiber Mutant in Cotton

A cotton plant, Gossypium hirsutum L., with abnormally short fibers was discovered in 1984 by Dr. G. A. Niles in a breeding nursery of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station
Estriol excretion in normal and complicated pregnancies

Abstract Estriol excretion patterns were studied in normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The data reveal a significant correlation between estriol levels and fetal weight. Three distinct excretion patterns of significant prognostic value were found in the diabetic pregnancies. In this laboratory, urinary estriol determinations have been found to be a useful adjunct in the management of complicated gestations.
Modelling rotary lip seals

Abstract A numerical model that predicts the behavior of the rotary lip seal, under normal operating conditions and with an ingested meniscus, has been constructed. Under normal conditions, the meniscus that separates the sealed liquid from the atmosphere lies on the air side of the seal. As the shaft speed is increased, the meniscus moves closer to the edge of the lip, until a critical speed is reached. Above that critical speed, the meniscus is ingested into the sealing zone. Under such ingested conditions, multiple equilibrium meniscus locations exist. Thus, the seal operation no longer depends only on the seal design and steady state operating conditions, but also depends on the history of the seal.
Calculation of the partition function for 14N216O

Abstract Internal and vibrational partition functions are tabulated for 14 N 2 16 O for the temperature range 200–350°K at 10°K intervals. Rotational partition functions are also computed for the five lowest vibrational states.
Midpoint Potential of the Interpolypeptide [4Fe-4S] Cluster FX in Reaction Centers from Heliobacterium Modesticaldum

Heliobacteria are members of a class of poorly characterized phototrophic bacteria that utilize a photosynthetic reaction center (RC) containing Fe/S clusters to convert light into chemical energy. The homodimeric RC of heliobacteria contains ∼22 light harvesting bacteriochlorophyll g (BChl g) pigments, the primary donor P800 (a special pair of BChl g') and the electron transfer cofactors A0 (81-OH ChlaF) and FX (an interpolypeptide [4Fe-4S] cluster). This terminal Fe/S cluster has been characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and mossbauer spectroscopies as being in the [4Fe-4S]1+ oxidation state with S = 3/2 in isolated RCs. To further characterize this cluster isolated RCs were titrated with sodium dithionite and analyzed by low temperature, transient, and field-modulated time-resolved EPR. Titration of the S = 3/2 signal with low temperature EPR revealed a midpoint potential of −504 mV (v. SHE). These results were confirmed by analysis of the one-and-the same samples by both transient and field-modulated time-resolved EPR.Altogether these three techniques reveal a midpoint potential of −500 mV ± 5 mV (v. SHE) for the FX cluster at pH 11. In agreement with previously published work, the lifetime of the flash-induced field-modulated EPR signal of P800+ was ∼ 2 ms at 90 K. These experiments suggest that the midpoint potential of FX in heliobacteria is ∼ 200 mV more positive than the counterpart FX cluster in Photosystem I, and show recombination kinetics with the primary donor that are faster at 90 K (∼ 2 ms) than at room temperature (∼ 15 ms). Funded by the Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences, Office of Basic Energy Sciences of the U.S. Department of Energy, under Grant DE-FG02-08ER15989.
The possible effects of magnetic fields on laser experiments of Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities

Abstract The interaction of a blast wave generated in a supernova explosion with a composition discontinuity in the star's envelope produces crossed density and pressure gradients that are unstable to the growth of Rayleigh–Taylor modes. This instability is thought to be responsible for mixing of nuclear species in the ejecta and to produce observable effects in the light curve and spectrum of the explosion. Blast-wave-driven instabilities of this type have been studied extensively by numerical simulation as well as experimentally using the Omega Laser at the University of Rochester. Initial comparisons between the numerical simulations and the experiments show poor agreement. The simulations show the bubble and spike morphology of the classic Rayleigh–Taylor instability, with well-developed mushroom caps at the tips of the spikes. However, the mushroom caps seem to be completely absent from experiments with three-dimensional initial seed perturbations and are smaller than expected in two-dimensional experiments. Also, some experiments show mass extending beyond the spikes and penetrating almost to the shock front. This effect is completely absent from the numerical simulations. This paper discusses the possibility that the morphology of the instability is significantly altered by the generation of very strong magnetic fields during the laser experiments.
Postmortem stability of dopamine D1 receptor mRNA and D1 receptors

The effects of postmortem interval on dopamine D1 mRNA and D1 receptors were assessed in rat striatum under conditions simulating the handling of human brain tissue at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h postmortem. The amount of D1 mRNA was measured by both in situ hybridization film and emulsion autoradiography with [35S]dATP-labeled oligonucleotide probes. D1 receptor density was determined by autoradiography with [125I]SCH 23982. Neither the total amount of D1 mRNA in the striatum nor the frequency distribution of striatal cells expressing D1 mRNA varied with the postmortem interval. There was a modest but significant decrease (ca. 10%) in D1 receptors over the 24 h postmortem interval; this decrease occurred within the first 6 h postmortem, with no further decreases up to 24 h postmortem. These findings suggest that the effects of postmortem interval on D1 mRNA and receptors are minimal and should not limit an examination of possible alterations in dopamine D1 receptor mRNA and D1 receptors in the postmortem brains of humans with neuropsychiatric disease.
Association of detectable cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in monocytes rather than positive CMV IgG serology with elevated neopterin levels in community-dwelling older adults

In immunocompetent persons, cytomegalovirus (CMV) is thought to persist primarily in monocytes and myeloid progenitor cells, establishing a chronic infection. In older adults, chronic CMV infection is typically diagnosed by a positive IgG serology. While many studies have shown CMV-specific T-cell expansion in CMV seropositive older individuals, significant heterogeneity has also been observed in this elderly population. In a study of 71 community-dwelling older adults, we assessed CMV viral DNA in peripheral monocytes by nested PCR and compared the relationships of detectable CMV DNA and IgG serology with serum levels of neopterin, a marker for monocyte/macrophage-mediated immune activation. The results showed that 52 (73.2%) participants were CMV seropositive, of whom 30 (57.5%) had detectable CMV DNA. CMV seropositive and seronegative participants did not differ in their neopterin levels, but individuals with detectable CMV DNA had higher neopterin than those without (10.6±4.4 vs 8.0±1.9nM, respectively, p<.0001) adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates and interferon (IFN)-γ levels. In addition, there was no association between IgG titers and neopterin. These findings suggest that detection of CMV viral DNA in monocytes may be an informative tool to evaluate chronic CMV infection and its potential role in monocyte/macrophage-mediated immune activation in the elderly.
Vascular effects of sildenafil in hypertensive cardiac transplant recipients.

Background Sildenafil is commonly used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in hypertensive male cardiac transplant recipients (CTR); however, little is known about the vascular effects of sildenafil in these patients. Methods Central and peripheral arterial blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and brachial artery reactivity were determined in 15 hypertensive male CTR before and after oral sildenafil (50 mg) administration. Results Sildenafil improved brachial and aortic systolic BP, pulse pressure, aortic augmentation index, left ventricular tension time index, travel time of the reflected aortic pressure wave, and brachial artery reactivity (P < .01 for each comparison). No patient became hypotensive with sildenafil despite continuation of usual antihypertensive medications. Conclusions Sildenafil (50 mg) is well tolerated in hypertensive CTR and improves BP, aortic augmentation index, and endothelial function. By decreasing the amplitude of the reflected pressure wave and delaying its return to the heart, sildenafil reduces left ventricular afterload and systolic stress.
Effect of product state anharmonicity on triatomic direct photofragmentation

Abstract The classical trajectory approach has been used to investigate the effect of anharmonic versus harmonic representation of CN in the 234–266 nm photod
“Show People: Downtown Directors and the Play of Time”

Can there be a performance without live performers? Can the plastic arts be animated to create stage movement? The 11 May–17 August 2002 installation at Exit Art in SoHo, “Show People: Downtown Directors and the Play of Time,” posed these conundrums and managed to achieve the impossible: the excitement and spontaneity of live performance in a gallery setting. For this aspect alone, the show was an appropriate tribute to directors who changed our performance landscape.
Evidence for functional differences between the two sites of rabbit transferrin: effects of serum and carbon dioxide.

Abstract A recently developed technique combining urea gel electrophoresis with Western immunoblotting has been modified for assessing the relative ability of each iron binding site of rabbit transferrin in delivering iron to rabbit reticulocytes. The two sites can be made to release iron at the same or differing rates, depending on the experimental conditions. In Hanks' balanced salts solution in an atmosphere of room air or 5% CO 2 , the acid-labile site in the N-terminal lobe of the protein was found to be 1.4- and 2.9-times more effective than its acid-stable counterpart in providing iron to reticulocytes after 90 min incubation. Both sequential and simultaneous release of iron from the two sites was observed, but sequential release was initiated only from the N-terminal site. The same site also proved to be a better iron donor by a factor of 2 when incubations were conducted in Hanks' medium enriched with 20% serum in 5% CO 2 . Only in 20% serum in air were the two sites found to be equivalent iron suppliers to reticulocytes. In the cases studied, an atmosphere of 5% CO 2 increased 2-fold the effectiveness of iron donation by the acid-labile site to reticulocytes, while the presence of 20% serum enhanced the iron-donating ability of the acid-stable C-terminal site. Thus, the transferrinreticulocyte interaction is sensitive to environmental variables, and such sensitivity may help account for apparent discrepancies in previous studies of the relative iron-donating abilities of the two sites of transferrin.
White matter correlates of neuropsychological dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Patients diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus have similar levels of neuropsychological dysfunction (i.e., 20-50%) as those with Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (NPSLE). We hypothesized a gradient between cognition and white matter integrity, such that strongest brain-behavior relationships would emerge in NPSLE, intermediate in non-NPSLE, and minimal in controls. We studied thirty-one patients (16 non-NPSLE; 15 NPSLE), ranging in age from 18 to 59 years old (100% female), and eighteen age and gender matched healthy controls. DTI examinations were performed on a 1.5T scanner. A broad neuropsychological battery was administered, tapping attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning. The Total z-score consisted of the combined sum of all neuropsychological measures. In control subjects, we found no significant FA-Total z-score correlations. NPSLE, non-NPSLE, and control subjects differed significantly in terms of Total z-score (NPSLE = -2.25+/-1.77, non-NPSLE = -1.22+/-1.03, Controls = -0.10+/-.57; F = 13.2, p<.001). In non-NPSLE subjects, FA within the right external capsule was significantly correlated with Total z-score. In NPSLE subjects, the largest FA-Total z-score clusters were observed within the left anterior thalamic radiation and right superior longitudinal fasciculus. In subsequent analyses the largest number of significant voxels linked FA with the Processing Speed z-score in NPSLE. The current results reflect objective white matter correlates of neuropsychological dysfunction in both NPSLE and (to a lesser degree) in non-NPSLE. non-NPSLE and NPSLE subjects did not differ significantly in terms of depression, as measured by the GDI; thus, previous hypotheses suggesting moderating effects of depression upon neuropsychological performance do not impact the current FA results.
How common is heterodichogamy

Abstract The sexual systems of plants usually depend on the exact spatial distribution of the gamete-producing structures. Less well known is how the exact timing of male and female function might influence plant mating. New papers by Li et al. on a group of tropical gingers describe differential maturing of male and female structures, such that half the individuals of a population are in the female stage when the other half is in the male stage. This new case of heterodichogamy is unique in involving reciprocal movement of the styles in the two temporal morphs.
Effects of Simulated Hail Events and Subsequent Fungicide Applications on Cranberry Fruit Rot Incidence and Yield

Storms containing hail are a common occurrence in Wisconsin, with a few or many cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) growers being affected every year. Growers usually apply fungicides immediately following hail events to prevent fruit rot, despite a lack of research to support this practice. We conducted field trials in 2010 and 2011 to address the question of whether applying fungicides to injured fruit reduces fruit rot incidence (% rotten fruit). Hail damage was simulated by forcibly projecting pea gravel into cranberry beds using a mist-blower sprayer modified for this purpose, and the fungicides azoxystrobin or copper hydroxide were applied to fruit immediately after applying gravel. Fruit rot incidence and yield were evaluated within 2 weeks prior to commercial harvest in late September and early October. Fruit rot incidence was greater (P ≤ 0.05) and yield was lower (P < 0.05) in plots treated with gravel than in the nontreated control plots in six of seven trials. Fungicides did not reduce fruit rot incidence (P ≥ 0.05) in gravel-treated plots compared to the nontreated control in six of seven trials. However, in a trial conducted on relatively immature berries, fruit rot incidence in gravel-treated plots treated with azoxystrobin was less (P = 0.0103) than fruit rot incidence in gravel-treated plots receiving no fungicide treatment. In that same trial, fruit rot incidence was not reduced (P = 0.1243) in gravel-treated plots treated with copper hydroxide compared to gravel-treated plots that were not treated with fungicide. Results suggest that under most circumstances, if cranberries are damaged by hail, it is unlikely that an application of fungicide will reduce the amount of fruit rot at the time of harvest.
Junctional transfer in cultured vascular endothelium: I. Electrical coupling.

Vascular endothelial cultures are composed of flat, polygonal monolayer cells which retain many of the growth, metabolic and physiological characteristics of the intimal endothelium. However, intercellular gap and tight junctions, which are thought to perform important roles in normal intimal physiology, are reduced in complexity and extent in culture. We have used electrophysiological techniques to test confluent (3- to 5-day) primary cultures of calf aortic (BAEC) and umbilical cord vein (BVEC) endothelium for junctional transfer of small ions. Both cell types are extensively electrically coupled. The passive electrical properties of the cultured cells were calculated from the decrease in induced membrane potential deflections with distance from an intracellular, hyperpolarizing electrode. Data analyses were based on a thin-sheet model for current flow (Bessel function). The generalized space constants (λ) were 208.6 μm (BAEC) and 288.9 μm (BVEC). The nonjunctional (6.14 and 8.72×108 Ω) and junctional (3.67 and 3.60×106 Ω) resistances were similar for the BAEC and BVEC, respectively. We detected no statistically significant differences in the resistance estimates for the two cell types.In vivo ultrastructural studies have suggested that aortic endothelium has more extensive gap junctions than venous endothelium. We have found that these ultrastructural differences are reduced in culture. The lack of any significant difference in electrical coupling capability suggests that cultured BAEC and BVEC have functionally similar junctional characteristics.
Occupation measures for Markov chains

We give simple proofs of large deviation theorems for the occupation measure of a Markov chain using a regeneration argument to establish existence and convexity theory to identify the rate function.
A Screen for Modulators of Large T Antigen's ATPase Activity Uncovers Novel Inhibitors of Simian Virus 40 and BK Virus Replication

New polyomaviruses are continually being identified, and it is likely that links between this virus family and disease will continue to emerge. Unfortunately, a specific treatment for polyomavirus-associated disease is lacking. Because polyomaviruses express large Tumor Antigen, TAg, we hypothesized that small molecule inhibitors of the essential ATPase activity of TAg would inhibit viral replication. Using a new screening platform, we identified inhibitors of TAg's ATPase activity. Lead compounds were moved into a secondary assay, and ultimately two FDA approved compounds, bithionol and hexachlorophene, were identified as the most potent TAg inhibitors known to date. Both compounds inhibited Simian Virus 40 replication as assessed by plaque assay and quantitative PCR. Moreover, these compounds inhibited BK virus, which causes BKV Associated Nephropathy. In neither case was host cell viability compromised at these concentrations. Our data indicate that directed screening for TAg inhibitors is a viable method to identify polyomavirus inhibitors, and that bithionol and hexachlorophene represent lead compounds that may be further modified and/or ultimately used to combat diseases associated with polyomavirus infection.
The Decoupling Technique for Continuously Varying Time Delay Systems

This note extends Clarke's decoupling technique to systems with varying time delays in the state variable. We show how it can be used to derive the usual necessary conditions for such problems.
Thermochromic liquid crystal temperature measurements through a borescope imaging system

Thermochromic liquid crystals (TLCs) have proven to be a valuable tool for the collection of full-field, high-resolution heat transfer data. This paper presents an extension of previously developed calibration techniques to a simplified transonic linear cascade for a highly cambered turbine blade geometry. This required the introduction of miniature periscopes to image the measurement surfaces. The procedures and equipment used to ensure high-accuracy wide-band TLC measurements are presented. These included a geometry-matched calibration device, mechanisms to accurately position the borescope imaging optics, an algorithm to automatically divide the imaging region into a large number of calibration subregions (termed as cells), and algorithms to correct for geometric and optical image distortions. The cell calibration approach is shown to halve calibration times and dramatically reduce memory requirements when compared to a pixel-by-pixel calibration. The results of an extensive validation study are presented.
Oxidation Kinetics in SrTiO3 Homoepitaxy

Using an oblique-incidence optical reflectivity difference technique, we investigated kinetic processes in SrTiO3 homoepitaxy on SrTiO3(001) under pulsed laser deposition conditions. Depending upon growth temperature and oxygen ambient pressure, we found that the oxidation of an as-grown SrTiO3 monolayer may take a much longer time to complete than the recrystallization of the monolayer. The oxidation reaction was found to be characterized by an effective activation energy barrier of 1.35 eV and a large pre-exponential factor.
The 2002 Acquisitions Institute at Timberline Lodge

The 2002 Acquisitions Institute at Timberline Lodge was held May 18–21 in the historic Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood in Oregon. Once again this small acquisitions and collection development confer...
Magnetic Discontinuities in Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence and in the Solar Wind

Recent measurements of solar wind turbulence report the presence of intermittent, exponentially distributed angular discontinuities in the magnetic field. In this Letter, we study whether such discontinuities can be produced by magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence. We detect the discontinuities by measuring the fluctuations of the magnetic field direction, $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\theta}$, across fixed spatial increments $\ensuremath{\Delta}x$ in direct numerical simulations of MHD turbulence with an imposed uniform guide field ${B}_{0}$. A large region of the probability density function (pdf) for $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\theta}$ is found to follow an exponential decay, proportional to $\mathrm{exp}﻿(\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\theta}/{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{*})$, with characteristic angle ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{*}\ensuremath{\approx}(14\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})({b}_{\mathrm{rms}}/{B}_{0}{)}^{0.65}$ for a broad range of guide-field strengths. We find that discontinuities observed in the solar wind can be reproduced by MHD turbulence with reasonable ratios of ${b}_{\mathrm{rms}}/{B}_{0}$. We also observe an excess of small angular discontinuities when $\ensuremath{\Delta}x$ becomes small, possibly indicating an increasing statistical significance of dissipation-scale structures. The structure of the pdf in this case closely resembles the two-population pdf seen in the solar wind. We thus propose that strong discontinuities are associated with inertial-range MHD turbulence, while weak discontinuities emerge from dissipation-range turbulence. In addition, we find that the structure functions of the magnetic field direction exhibit anomalous scaling exponents, which indicates the existence of intermittent structures.
A novel index structure for large scale image descriptor search

This paper presents a k-means based algorithm for approximate nearest neighbor search. The proposed Embedded k-Means algorithm is a two-level clustered index structure which consists of two groups of centroids; additionally, an inverted file is used for recording of the assignments. The coarse-to-fine structure achieves high search efficiency using multi-assignment operations on the coarse level. At the query stage, pruning strategies are utilized to balance the trade-off between search qualities and speeds. Our algorithm is able to explore the neighborhood space of a given query efficiently. Due to its good recall/selectivity and memory efficiency, the proposed algorithm is scalable and is able to process very large databases. Experimental results on SIFT and GIST image descriptor datasets show search performance better and comparable to the state-of-the-art approaches with lower memory usage and complexity.
The impact of left ventricular size on response to cardiac resynchronization therapy

Patients with nondilated (NDCM) or severely dilated cardiomyopathies (SDCM) have been underrepresented in clinical trials of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We examined changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and survival in patients with NDCM or SDCM compared with those with traditionally studied moderately dilated cardiomyopathy. Methods We evaluated 800 consecutive patients undergoing the original implantation of a biventricular pacemaker between January 2004 and August 2007. For inclusion, patients had a baseline and pre-CRT echocardiogram, an LVEF ≤40%, a US social security number, and New York Heart Association class II to IV symptoms on standard medical therapy. Patients with a follow-up echocardiogram >2 months after device implantation were included in an analysis of remodeling. Using multivariate models, the impact of baseline left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) on change in LVEF and all-cause mortality was assessed. Results A total of 668 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in the assessment of mortality. Four hundred seventy-one had an appropriately timed follow-up echocardiogram and were included in the analysis of remodeling. Patients in all 3 groups realized improvements in LVEF (%) after CRT as follows: NDCM (n = 137; LVEDD ≤5.5 cm) 10.0 ± 12.7, P P P P P = .01). Conclusion Patients with NDCM and SDCM experience significant improvements in LVEF after CRT. The degree of baseline left ventricular dilatation before CRT is an important predictor of subsequent changes in LVEF and survival.
Hydrogen peroxide release by rat peritoneal macrophages in the presence and absence of tumor cells.

Abstract The ability of mineral oil-elicited rat peritoneal macrophages to release hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) to the extracellular medium was measured in the presence and absence of rat lymphoma cells grown in tissue culture, and in the presence of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-catalyzed oxidation of scopoletin or phenol red was used to measure H 2 O 2 release during incubation of cells in monolayer culture for periods up to 24 h. Macrophages appeared to release H 2 O 2 with or without PMA, although PMA greatly increased the amount of H 2 O 2 released in short (1 to 4 h) incubations. Tumor cells did not replace PMA as a triggering agent for H 2 O 2 release. Instead, tumor cells inhibited H 2 O 2 release. The probable basis for inhibition was competition between macrophages and tumor cells for the supply of oxygen (O 2 ). Tumor cells did not inhibit H 2 O 2 release when the O 2 concentration was held constant. The rates at which macrophages took up O 2 and released H 2 O 2 were proportional to the O 2 concentration, as measured with the O 2 electrode. Rates of H 2 O 2 release could be calculated from the difference in the rate constants for O 2 uptake measured in the presence of two different extracellular H 2 O 2 -consuming systems (HRP-scopoletin vs catalase). PMA-stimulated uptake of O 2 and release of H 2 O 2 were highest in a small subpopulation of macrophages, obtained at the lowest-density position on gradients of bovine serum albumin. These cells also released H 2 O 2 in the absence of PMA. Tumor cells had no effect on the rate constants for O 2 uptake and H 2 O 2 release by the unfractionated macrophages or the macrophage subpopulations.
Correlation of bone mineralization in the radius and humerus of well premature neonates over the first 4 months of life.

To determine how well mineralization correlates in the radius and humerus of neonates, we have measured with photon absorptiometry the bone mineral content (BMC) and bone width (BW) in the humerus and radius of well premature neonates and in the radius alone of well term neonates at birth, 8 and 16 weeks of age. These data allow (1) the correlation of bone mineralization in the humerus and radius at birth and over the first 4 months of life and (2) the correlation between bone mineralization in the radius or humerus at birth and that measured at 8 and 16 weeks in the same bone site. The BMC of the radius was significantly (P < 0.02) correlated with the BMC of the humerus at birth, 8 and 16 weeks, but the BW of the radius was significantly correlated with the BW of the humerus only at 16 weeks. On the other hand, the BMC of the radius at birth in both term and premature neonates failed to correlate significantly (P = ns) with the BMC of the radius at 8 or 16 weeks. In the humerus, the BMC at birth was significantly (P < 0.001) correlated with that measured at 8 but not at 16 weeks. These data indicate that the humerus and radius increase in mineral content at a similar rate over the first 4 months of life but that one cannot accurately predict from the BMC at birth what the bone mineral content will be at 8 and 16 weeks of age.
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A PLANAR HEAT PIPE FOR COOLING ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

A planar heat pipe (;rectangular cross section) was designed, built and tested using flexible electrical rubber heaters to provide the necessary heat. The device was constructed from 0.043” (0.1092 cm) copper sheet, with three layers of 100-mesh copper screen as a capillary wick. The dimensions of the planar heat pipe were 6 inches ( 15.24 cm) by 12 inches (30.48 cm) by 3/4 inches (1.905 cm). Water was used as the working fluid. Steady state, and in once case, transient responses, were investigated. External axial temperature profiles for different applied powers and operating temperatures were measured. Operation of the device was stable and repeatable within a temperature range of 30° to 95°C; no temperature or pressure fluctuations were noted. The optimum amount of working fluid for a typical situation was obtained experimentally. Effects of air and amount of working fluid inside the planar heat pipe were investigated. The optimum amount of working fluid which was obtained experimentally was used throu...
A Technique For Infrared Background Suppression

AbstractBased on temporal and spatial characterizations of IR background clutter, an optimal algorithm, which inessence, is equivalent to a maximum likelihood test, is derived for clutter suppression and target detec- tion. The algorithm is adaptive in that the algorithm parameters (temporal and spatial correlations of thebackground clutter) could be continually updated if desired.The algorithm also makes use of the a priori knowledge of target intensity, whenever possible.Preliminary simulation results indicate that background clutter can be sufficiently suppressed so thatthe detection of low intensity targets (signal -to -noise ratio of 1) can be achieved. Introduction A recurring problem common to most IR sensor systems for detection is the presence of interferingbackground events which degrade the sensors' target detection capability. In most cases, the backgroundevents drive the design and limit the performance of IR sensors. When the background is not as intense asthe target of interest, simple thresholding could eliminate the background interference, and only the targetsignals would be above the threshold. However, in most sensors, occasions arise when the background isas intense as the target, and the background returns far outnumber the target returns. It is in those situ-ations that an effective detection algorithm could be implemented to distinguish a target from the back -ground by taking advantage of certain statistical properties of the background.Sensors are generally designed to suppress the background signals, to the extent possible, while en-hancing target signals. However, it is often extremely difficult to design against all background situations.For example, one complicating factor is often the similarity in phenomenology between the backgroundevents and the target emissions so that background events cannot be totally suppressed from the sensoroutput by sound sensor design practice alone. A background suppression algorithm is often required tofurther enhance the sensor's target detection capability.A number of ad hoc background suppression schemes such as thresholding, frame -to -frame subtraction,have been proposed in various systems with some success. These techniques are usually adequatewhen the background events are benign in the sense that the background induced returns at the sensor out-put are few in number or weak in magnitude.One systematic approach to solving the background suppression problem is to model the background -induced outputs statistically and derive a target detection algorithm based on the "best" model of the back-