cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interfirm collaboration as a modernization strategy: A survey of case studies

Interfirm collaboration (IFC) has been explored by organizations seeking a vehicle for the industrial modernization of small and medium-sized manufacturers. This paper offers five models of the impacts of IFC networks based on a survey of 123 case studies. The models examine the association between impacts of IFC with variables describing the origins, activities, and structures of networks. Impacts are measured through aggregate assessments of business expansion, bottom line savings, increases in projects, increases in membership, and increases in other benefits. We find that business expansion is associated most strongly with factors related to the origins of projects. Increases in membership and other benefits are most strongly associated with structural factors. Finally, bottom line savings and increases in projects are most closely associated with both origin and structural factors.
Introduction to 2013 Symposium on Bacterial Diseases of Potatoes

Numerous bacterial diseases limit potato productivity. Healthy potato seed tubers are vital for sustaining the continued supply of potatoes between seasons. The pathogens that cause soft rots and ring rots of tubers, and wilting and stem and foliar necrosis may be introduced as secondary-infecting pathogens after the plant has been compromised or be disseminated within seed tubers. Recurrent and persistent bacterial soil-borne diseases have long plagued potato production systems, such as common scab. Recently, a more insidious bacterial disease that is vectored by the potato psyllid, Zebra chip appeared in North America and New Zealand. Although conventional agrochemical pest control has historically been generally ineffective for control of bacterial diseases of potatoes, integrated methods of bacterial disease management is driven by increasing concern over economic and environmental sustainability of potato production. The 2013 Potato Association of America Symposium entitled “Bacterial Disease Issues, Basic to Applied Aspects“ was organized to summarize persistent and emerging bacterial disease issues in potato production. Four speakers presented their experience with the underlying theme common in many academic circles, the process of applying basic research and applied research to benefit the food production system. On a sad note, Dr. Leslie Wanner who presented information on common scab of potato passed away on Christmas day, 2014. All who knew her will miss her. We have all benefited from her excellent and extensive research and spirit of collegiality.
Nonshivering thermogenesis in adult and aged C57BL/6J mice housed at 22°C and at 29°C

Abstract Twelve- and 28-month-old C57BL/6J male mice were housed either at room temperature of 22°C or at thermoneutrality (29°C) during the two months prior to experiments. Acute experiments were conducted under anesthesia, myorelaxation, and artificial ventilation. We recorded efferent electrical impulse activity in one of the sympathetic nerves innervating the interscapular brown adipose tissue in response to acute cold stimulation, when body temperature was lowered 7.5°C below control level. In separate experiments we measured O 2 consumption and CO 2 production and calculated the nonshivering thermogenesis. We also measured the concentration of uncoupling protein in interscapular brown adipose tissue before and after three-hour cold stress. In aged mice, both sympathetic nervous activity and nonshivering thermogenesis were lower in animals housed at thermoneutrality (29°C) than in mice housed at 22°. Among mice maintained at 22°C, but not at thermoneutrality, aged animals had greater nonshivering thermogenesis and greater cold induced concentration of uncoupling protein in the brown adipose tissue than adults. Sympathetic nervous outflow to brown adipose tissue was always greater in aged mice, regardless of the temperature of acclimation. We concluded that aged mice, housed at 22°C, showed the changes in nonshivering thermogenesis associated with cold acclimation. However, an increased sympathetic outflow to brown adipose tissue in aged animals reflects an age-related elevation of the tone and responsiveness of the sympathetic nervous system.
Use of a Doppler signal to confirm migraine headache trigger sites.

Background:The senior author (B.G.) has been able to use the Doppler as a tool for identifying the site of irritation of a nerve by an adjacent artery in different migraine trigger sites. The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between the most intense pain site identified by the pat
A phonological disorder in an English-speaking child: A case study

(1990). A phonological disorder in an English-speaking child: A case study. Clinical Linguistics & Phonetics: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 29-38.
Resolution and interpretation of the ESR spectra of polyphenylacetylene polymerized with ferric acetylacetonate and triethylaluminum

Abstract Features characteristic of triphenylcyclohexadienyl radicals formed in backbone cyclization, and of Al/Fe interactions are reported.
An Asymmetric Two Electrode Cuf for Generation of Unidirectionally Propagated Action Potentials

An asymmetric two electrode cuff (ATEC) for generation of unidirectionally propagated action potentials (UPAP's) has been tested in animals. Results indicate that the design is well suited for applications of "collision block" of peripheral nerve transmission. This electrode cuff differs from a standard bipolar electrode cuff in that the anode is enclosed by an insulating sheath of larger diameter than the cuff's cathode and the electrodes are asymmetrically placed within the cuff. In all 13 animals studied, ATEC's with anodes of 1.6 or 3.4 mm diameter and with cathodes of 1.2 mm diameter generated UPAP's when used on a nerve trunk of approximately 1 mm diameter. The cuff length used was 16 mm and the cuff length asymmetry (i. e., distance from cathode to proximal end over distance from cathode to distal end) was 1.7:1. Stimuli were regulated-current rectangular pulses with exponential trailing phases. For pulse widths of 100-500 ?s, exponential (90-10 percent) fall-times of 100-500 f4s minimized total charge injection. The virtual cathode excitation typically seen in standard bipolar electrode cuffs was always adequately suppressed with the ATEC configuration. ATEC's generated UPAP's over a larger window of current amplitudes than monopolar electrodes of similar dimensions.
Ecology and Conservation of Mudminnow Species Worldwide

ABSTRACTWe review and summarize the ecology and conservation status of the group of fishes commonly known as “mudminnows” (formerly known as the family Umbridae but recently reclassified as Esocidae), consisting of only five species distributed on three continents. These small-bodied fish—residing in freshwater habitats and exhibiting limited mobility—often occur in isolated populations across landscapes and are subject to conservation threats common to highly endemic species in close contact with anthropogenic impacts, such as pollution, habitat alteration, and nonnative species introductions. Herein we summarize current knowledge of the distributions, phylogenetic relationships, ecology, and conservation status of each species of mudminnow, including nonnative occurrence and distribution. We also outline the primary conservation threats to particular species and make recommendations for future research to promote much needed knowledge and conservation attention.
Direct imaging of in vivo neuronal migration in the developing cerebellum

The upper rhombic lip (URL), a germinal zone in the dorsoanterior hindbrain, has long been known to be a source for neurons of the vertebrate cerebellum [1]. It was thought to give rise to dorsally migrating granule cell precursors [2](Figure 1e); however, recent fate mapping studies have questioned the exclusive contributions of the URL to granule cells 3, 4 and 5. By taking advantage of the clarity of the zebrafish embryo during the stages of brain morphogenesis, we have followed the fate of neuronal precursor cells generated within the upper rhombic lip directly. Combining a novel GFP labeling strategy with in vivo time-lapse imaging, we find, contrary to the former view, that most URL-descendants migrate anterior toward the midhindbrain boundary (MHB) and then course ventrally along the MHB (Figure 1f). As the migrating neuronal precursors reach the MHB, they form ventrally extending projections, likely axons, and continue ventral migration to settle outside of the cerebellum, in the region of the ventral brainstem. Thus, we define a new pathway for URL-derived neuronal precursor cells consistent with the recent fate maps. In addition, our results strongly suggest that the MHB plays a crucial role, not only in induction and patterning of the cerebellar anlage, but also in organizing its later morphogenesis by influencing cell migration.
How to play with particles

Introduction to Experimental Particle Physics. By Richard C. Fernow. Cambridge University Press: 1986. Pp. 421. £32.50, $44.50. Statistics for Nuclear and Particle Physicists. By Louis Lyons. Cambridge University Press: 1986. Pp.226. £25, $44.50 Detectors for Particle Radiation. By Konrad Kleinknecht. Cambridge University Press: 1986. Pp.206. £25, $44.50.
Single Frequency RF Powered ECG Telemetry System

It has been demonstrated that a radio frequency magnetic field can be used to power implanted electronic circuitry for short range telemetry to replace batteries. A substantial reduction in implanted volume can be achieved by using only one RF tank circuit for receiving the RF power and transmitting the telemetered information. A single channel telemetry system of this type, using time sharing techniques, was developed and employed to transmit the ECG signal from Rhesus monkeys in primate chairs. The signal from the implant is received during the period when the RF powering radiation is interrupted. The ECG signal is carried by 20 , us pulse position modulated pulses, referred to the trailing edge of the RF powering pulse. satisfactory results have been obtained with this single frequency system. The concept and the design presented may be useful for short range, longterm implant telemetry systems.
Electromagnetic Sounding For Seismologists With Case History

A transformation based on similarity between Electra-Magnetic (EM) wave propagation in dielectric media and diffusion propagation in conductive media is used to interpret time domain EM sounding. The transformation enables the conversion of measured electromagnetic field data into a wave like response. The technique is demonstrated on data from Night Hawk geophysical test range. The data is used to generate a sub surface resistivity image similar to seismic sounding. Comparison to seismic in terms of resolution, reverberation and migration is presented.
Pediatric tracheotomy: a review of technique.

It is well documented that the morbidity, mortality, and complication rates for pediatric tracheotomy are significantly higher than for adult tracheotomy. IF4 With trends toward performing pediatric tracheotomies in an increasingly premature population with less emergent indications, it is essential that techniques be reviewed for any factors that may reduce complications. At Children’s Hospital of Michigan, the same tracheotomy technique has been used since 1985. The technique and experience with 141 patients are reviewed.
IN-BEAM IMPLANTATION OF IRON INTO GERMANIUM IN AN EXTERNAL MAGNETIC FIELD STUDIED BY THE MOSSBAUER EFFECT

In order to determine whether the doublet observed in the Mossbauer spectra of57Fe after in-beam, recoil implantation into Ge is due to a quadrupole interaction or corresponds to two implantation sites, this implantation experiment was performed in the presence of a 35 kG external magnetic field. The resulting Mossbauer spectrum favors a dominant quadrupole interaction hypothesis.
Informal learning in engineering education: Where we are — Where we need to go

This paper investigates the state of programmed informal learning (e.g., team competitions, internships) in engineering education, the relevant research and available assessment instruments. Our purpose is to synthesize the existing informal learning research in engineering education for the engineering community, which should subsequently lead to the development of improved programs and learning experiences for engineering students. We also draw on the research performed in science education to identify potential outcomes for engineering education, including: improved student attitudes towards engineering, development of an engineering identity, knowledge of engineering practices, and broadened participation in engineering. Last, we provide future direction for informal learning research in engineering education.
A semiquantitative prediction of the erosion of graphite nozzle inserts

The erosion of graphite throat inserts is shown to be explicable on the basis of a chemical mechanism if account is taken of the chemical composition of the exhaust stream, the geometrical and temperature history of the insert, the ballistic effects of erosion, the rates of diffusion of the molecular species through the boundary layer, and the chemical kinetics of the surface reactions. Semiquantitative agreement with experiment is demonstrated for a noiialuminized propellant, and the effect of changing temperature and solids loading is predicted correctly. The results show that graphite erosion is kinetically limited by the two processes of diffusion and surface chemical reactions. Pressure is probably the most important single variable involved in erosion, and the relative importance of the two mechanisms is not strongly dependent on pressure or concentration of the corroding species. In general, the amount of erosion which is acceptable seems to be poorly defined. The limiting factor in determining the permissible amount of throat erosion is unlikely to be degradation of specific impulse, chamber pressure, thrust, or mass ratio. More probably, the limit on erosion will be dictated by the practical problem of fabricating inserts which will provide acceptably reproducible erosivities.
Mortality Curves of Bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque) Simultaneously Exposed to Temperature and Zinc Stress

Abstract Bluegills were exposed to a temperature-zinc interaction consisting of five temperature regimes and four concentrations of zinc which were 1.0, 5.6, 10.0 and 32.0 mg Zn++/1. All of the above concentrations of zinc and a control were tested on five groups of fish which had been acclimated to (1) 20 ± 1 C, (2) 30 ± 1 C and fish which had been acclimated to 20 ± 1 C and were exposed to temperature increases at the following rates: (3) 1 C/24 hours, (4) 1 C/1 hour and (5) 1.5 C/10 minutes until a maximum of 30 C was reached. This study showed that a rise in temperature could reduce the survival time of bluegills exposed to lethal and sublethal concentrations of zinc. Reductions in survival time were a function of the rates at which the temperature was increased. For example, bluegills acclimated to 20 and 30 and then exposed to a lethal concentration of zinc (32 mg Zn++/1) at each temperature died 2.6 times faster at 30 C than at 20 C. Fish acclimated to 20 C and exposed to a temperature increase of ...
Hunger level during food consumption: Effects on subsequent preference.

Rats in Group G were fed grape juice while hungry and milk while satiated; Group M was fed milk while hungry and grape juice while satiated. In a subsequent choice between grape juice and milk, Group G preferred grape juice more than Group M. It is theorized that the mechanism responsible for this change in preference is also largely responsible for the major effects of hunger on performance.
Lipid peroxidation: A mechanism involved in acute ethanol toxicity as demonstrated by in vivo pentane production in the rat

The effect of a single dose of ethanol on lipid peroxidation in three groups of rats fed different amounts of vitamin E was determined by the measurement of pentane in the breath. All rats had increased pentane production above basal levels by 15 min following oral administration of 6 g ethanol/kg body wt. The increase in total pentane production during a 13-hr test period after intragastric administration of ethanol was greater in the rats fed the vitamin E-deficient diet than in the rats, fed vitamin E-supplemented diets (α=2P=0.02). The results support the hypothesis that acute ethanol toxicity involves lipid peroxidation and further demonstrate the usefulness in toxicological studies of monitoring pentane as an index of lipid peroxidation in vivo.
The Lost Drum: The Myth of Sexuality in Papua New Guinea and Beyond

The Lost Drum: The Myth of Sexuality in Papua New Guinea and Beyond. JAMES F. WEINER. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1995. xxii + 199 pp., figures, illustrations, notes, references, index.
Combinatorial QPs via a low-dimensional subspace sampling

Several large scale data processing problems can be formulated as quadratic programs subject to combinatorial constraints. We present a novel low-rank approximation framework for problems such as sparse PCA, nonnegative PCA, or finding the k-densest submatrix. Our framework comes with provable approximation guarantees, that dependent on the spectrum of the data-set matrix. Our algorithm operates by solving a number of QP instances, which are randomly sampled from a low-dimensional subspace of the input matrix.
Efficiency of energy transfer in protonated diglycine and dialanine SID: Effects of collision angle, peptide ion size, and intramolecular potential

Abstract Classical trajectory simulations are performed to study energy transfer in collisions of protonated diglycine, (gly) 2 H + , and dialanine, (ala) 2 H + , ions with the diamond {1 1 1} surface, for a collision energy E i in the range of 5–110 eV and incident angles of 0 and 45° with respect to the surface normal. The distribution of energy transfer to vibrational/rotational degrees of freedom, Δ E int , and to the surface, Δ E surf , and of energy remaining in peptide ion translation, E f , are very similar for (gly) 2 H + and (ala) 2 H + . The average percent energy transferred to Δ E surf and E f increases and decreases, respectively, with increase in E i . Average energy transfer to Δ E int is less dependent on E i , but does decrease with increase in E i . The AMBER and AM1 models for the (gly) 2 H + intramolecular potential give statistically identical energy transfer distributions in (gly) 2 H + + diamond {1 1 1} collisions. A comparison of the current study with previous trajectory simulations of glyH + , (gly) 3 H + , and (gly) 5 H + collisions with diamond {1 1 1} shows that the energy transfer efficiencies to Δ E int , Δ E surf , and E f are similar for (gly) n H + , n =1–5. The energy transfer distributions for (gly) 2 H + + diamond {1 1 1} collisions depend on the collision angle and do not scale in accord with the normal component of the collision energy E i n for collisions with θ i of 0 and 45°.
Microstructural and chemical changes associated with cataclasis and frictional melting at shallow crustal levels: the cataclasite-pseudotachylyte connection

In pelitic schists of the Nason terrane of Washington state, pseudotachylyte can be demonstrated to have developed subsequent to the formation of foliation-parallel cataclasite zones. Numerous microstructural lines of evidence point to a genetic link between pseudotachylyte and cataclasite, and chemical evidence indicates that cataclasis played an important role in controlling pseudotachylyte, chemistry. Besides optical and textural differences between the cataclasite and pseudotachylyte, which may occur together, there is unambiguous evidence of a melt origin for the pseudotachylyte, while such evidence within the cataclasite is absent. TEM evidence indicates that glass is present in at least some of the veins as demonstrated by a lack of electron diffraction. Microlites present in the glass lack dislocations. High-temperature microlites, of a mineralogy and composition not present in the host schist, occur in various habits which depend on the distance from the vein margin. Also present are assimilation textures, apparently quenched sulfide droplets and vesicles and amygdules. In a pseudotachylyte vein studied in detail, five microstructural domains occur. These include vein margin cataclasite, a transitional dark pseudotachylyte, vein-interior glass, opaque and sulfide-rich blebs and translucent haloes surrounding some of the blebs. The cryptocrystalline cataclasite matrix grades into the dark pseudotachylyte, which optically grades into the glass. After adjustment for silica, the host schist and cataclasite matrix are chemically very similar. The dark pseudotachylyte and glass, with the exception of Na2O and CaO, are chemically quite similar to the cataclasite matrix. The main difference may be the result of the segregation of the opaque (plagioclase) blebs. Thus, the pseudotachylyte chemistry is strongly dependent upon the chemistry of the material comprising the cataclasite matrix, which in turn is dependent on mineral susceptibility to incorporation into the cataclasite matrix. Fluids infiltrated along the cataclasite zones prior to pseudotachylyte generation, as recorded by hydration reactions, sulfide veining, Na2O loss and fluid inclusions. This demonstrates that pseudotachylytes can form under fluid-rich conditions, as opposed to the commonly assumed dry conditions.
Poverty effects of food price escalation: The importance of substitution effects in Mexican households

Abstract Recent food price increases reportedly caused significant numbers of households to fall into poverty, particularly in the developing world. Most research into the welfare effects of these food price changes assumes constant demand or approximates second order substitution effects. Poverty forecasts with these assumptions may overestimate or underestimate the effect of food price increases in a nation where most households consume diverse food baskets. We account for full substitution by calculating a theoretically consistent food demand system, accounting for household responses to food price changes by decreasing some food purchases and increasing other food purchases. We use Mexican data to confirm the mitigation of adverse welfare effects from food price increases after accounting for country-specific dietary preferences in modeling demand. In comparison to previous literature, our welfare measures predict theoretically consistent numbers of Mexican households entering poverty due to recent food price changes.
An Interactive Multimedia Framework for Education on Vehicle Electrification

This paper presents an interactive multimedia framework for introducing students to vehicle electrification/hybridization. The framework familiarizes its target audience with: (i) the societal factors driving the development of hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs/PHEVs); (ii) the differences between conventional vehicles, HEVs, and PHEVs; and (iii) the high-level performance constraints and tradeoffs inherent in hybrid vehicle design. The framework consists of two coupled components: (i) a set of educational videos on vehicle electrification; and (ii) a 3D videogame built around physics-based models of conventional and series hybrid ambulances. The paper presents both the above education framework and the specific principles from the pedagogy literature guiding its design.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
How To Measure Slab-Off and Reverse Slab-Off Spectacle Lenses

Alexander Christoff CO, COT, David L. Guyton MD; Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD Vertical diplopia while reading can occur when glasses are made for an anisometropic individual. The difference in the powers of the lenses induces a prismatic difference that can cause double vision in off-center areas of the lenses when patients try to read through anisometropic corrections. This induced prismatic effect can be compensated at one level of downgaze by the use of slab-off or reverse slab-off prism, where typically the slab-off correction is ground into the stronger minus, or weaker plus, lens. Slab-off lenses can also be used for patients who demonstrate vertical strabismus at near fixation only, or where the magnitude of the vertical deviation is worse at near versus at distance. Unfortunately, determining the amount of slab-off prism already incorporated into spectacle lenses is nonintuitive and inconvenient, usually requiring the use of a lens clock, not widely accessible to many ophthalmology practices. A simple technique, described in the past but poorly known, is illustrated for quickly measuring slab-off and reverse slab-off prism prescription lenses in the clinic with a common manual lensmeter.
Double Talk: Synthesizing Everyday and Science Language in the Classroom.

This research project explores the language practices that emerged as a teacher taught a lesson designed to promote science literacy development for traditionally underrepresented students. This ethnographic study of a Detroit, Michigan, school examined the teacher's use of science language and its influence on students' use of science language. Using sociolinguistic discourse analysis, two modes of classroom language were identified. First, the teacher used a hybrid method of language involving her explaining science ideas by using vernacular and scientific language. This parenthetical type of speech, which we describe as “double talk,” was also found in students. Second, students appropriated this same strategy for using science language in which they produced vernacular and scientific descriptions during explanations. The findings of this study are significant in their contribution to contemporary research about teaching and learning for minority students. These results implicate the need to teach science explicitly as a second language in urban classrooms. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed92:708–732, 2008
A trap-building predator exhibits different tactics for different aspects of foraging behaviour

Abstract Orb-web spiders present a particularly informative system for the analysis of foraging strategies because foraging investment, as measured by web size and foraging bout length, is temporally disjunct from decisions determining diet breadth. This decoupling allows simultaneous consideration of both aspects of foraging behaviour. The orb-weaving spider, Nephila clavipes , exhibits variation in foraging bout length, orb-web structure and diet that may reflect different strategic responses to different rates of prey capture. Within each of three study populations, orb size increased with spider size. Spiders built larger orbs relative to spider size during times of decreased mean rate of prey capture. Similarly, decreased mean prey capture corresponded to longer foraging bouts among populations. In contrast, diet breadth did not increase with decreasing mean prey capture. The changes in foraging investment follow the predictions of optimal foraging behaviour, whereas the changes in patterns of prey rejection can be explained as physiological limitations such as water requirements during the dry season.
Size dependence of radiative association rates

Abstract Large but regular changes in the rates of formation of gas-phase complexes by radiative association occur as the number of degrees of freedom of the complex changes. In interpreting measurements of such rates for purposes like bonding energy comparisons, it is important to have a confident and predictively useful understanding of these size effects; the present work was carried out to provide useful sets of comparative data for two homologous series of ketone complexes, and to match the observations with our present theoretical understanding. Improved measurements were made in the ion cyclotron resonance ion trap for the series of NO + /ketone complexes from acetone to pentanone. Also, the series of complexes of protonated ketones with their parent ketones was extended upward from the well-studied acetone case, by new measurements for the butanone, pentanone and hexanone molecules. For both series, the systematic dependence of the association rate on the number of degrees of freedom of the complex was considered in the context of the semiquantitative generic theoretical approach termed the ‘standard hydrocarbon’ approach. For both series, the standard hydrocarbon predictions were in excellent agreement with the relative values observed for the different sized members of the series. The model also gave reasonable predictions for the absolute rates of the NO + /ketone series, but was much too low for the protonated ketone/ketone series. The latter discrepancy is due in large part to emission rates from the protonated ketone/ketone complexes being exceptionally high relative to typical hydrocarbon systems. The results are encouraging to the use of the standard hydrocarbon approach for comparisons and predictions of radiative association for series of related molecules, while also reinforcing the warning against expecting better than order-of-magnitude predictions of absolute rates from this approach.
Qualitative features and the generalized hough transform

Abstract In this paper we show how the use of qualitative features can enhance the performance of recognition and localization techniques, in particular, the Generalized Hough Transform. Qualitative features (i.e. scene features with qualitative attributes assigned to them) are shown to be effective in pruning the search space of possible scene interpretations and also reducing the number of spurious interpretations explored by the recognition and localization technique. The redundancy of the computed transform and the probability of spurious peaks of significant magnitude due to random accumulation of evidence are two criteria by which the performance of the Generalized Hough Transform is judged. The straightforward Generalized Hough Transform shows a high probability of spurious peaks of significant magnitude even for small values of redundancy and small magnitude of the search space of scene interpretations. The use of qualitative features enables us to come up with a weighted Generalized Hough Transform where each match of a scene feature with a model feature is assigned a weight based on the qualitative attributes assigned to the scene feature. These weights could be looked upon as membership function values for the fuzzy sets defined by these qualitative attributes. Analytic expressions for the probability of accumulation of random events within a bucket are derived for the weighted Generalized Hough Transform and compared with the corresponding expression for the straightforward Generalized Hough Transform. The weighted Generalized Hough Transform is shown to perform better than the straightforward Generalized Hough Transform. An experiment for the recognition of polyhedral objects from range images is described using dihedral junctions as features for matching and pose computation. The experimental results bring out the advantages of the weighted Generalized Hough Transform over the straightforward Generalized Hough Transform.
A Comparison of SWAT Model-Predicted Potential Evapotranspiration Using Real and Modeled Meteorological Data

Adequate characterization of potential evapotranspiration (PET) plays a critical role in hydrologic budgets, rainfall–runoff models, infiltration calculations, and drought prediction models (to name a few applications). The availability of reliable and continuous meteorological data remains a challenge; therefore, it is common to use modeled (simulated) meteorological data. This research used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to estimate PET using different meteorological input data (simulated vs. real data) and the three commonly used PET calculation methods (viz. Penman–Monteith, Hargreaves, and Priestley-Taylor). The overall goal of this research was to determine the accuracy of prediction using simulated and real meteorological data when used with three PET calculation methods. Initial input layers to SWAT were: digital elevation models, soils, and land use. Real meteorological data were obtained from three local meteorological stations, whereas simulated meteorological data were generated by SWAT using one nearby national meteorological site. The model-predicted PET results were validated using independent PET measurements from Florida Automated Weather Network sites. The results of the study indicate that the difference in predicted PET between simulated (modeled) and real meteorology for a given PET calculation method is not significant; however, it is significant across the methods of PET calculation.
Superparamagnetic Fe2O3 Beads−CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots Core−Shell Nanocomposite Particles for Cell Separation

This paper describes the synthesis of new nanocomposite nanoparticles that consist of polymer coated γ-Fe2O3 superparamagnetic cores and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) shell. A single layer of QDs was bound to the surface of thiol-modified magnetic beads through the formation of thiol−metal bonds to form luminescent/magnetic nanocomposite particles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the size, size distribution, and composition of the luminescent/magnetic nanoparticles. Their average diameter was 30 nm with a size variation of ±15%. The nanoparticles were modified with carboxylic groups to increase their miscibility in aqueous solution. A 3-fold decrease in the luminescence quantum yield of the luminescent/magnetic particles and a slight blue shift in their emission peaks compared to individual luminescent QDs were observed. However, the particles were bright and were easily observed using a conventional fluorescence microscope. Additionall...
Immunocytochemical localization of calmodulin in PC12 cells and its possible interaction with histones

Abstract The subcellular localization of calmodulin, a multi-functional calcium-binding regulatory protein, was examined immunocytochemically in undifferentiated PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells and cells differentiated with nerve growth factor (NGF) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP. In undifferentiated PC12 cells, diffuse immunostaining for calmodulin was observed in the cytoplasm, and weak, patch-like staining was found in the nucleus. In differentiated cells, intense immunostaining for calmodulin was observed in the cytoplasm, while nuclear immunostaining was still evident. Immunoreactivity for calmodulin was also observed along newly-formed neuritic processes, with strong staining in varicosity-like structures and growth cones. Using double-label immunochemistry, the relative intensity of immunostaining for calmodulin among the nuclei was found to correlate with the relative intensity of immunostaining for histones in the same nuclei. A comparison of a profile of 125I-calmodulin binding in the nuclear fraction from PC12 cells to that of immunoblotting for histones in the same fraction indicated that some of the histones are calmodulin-binding proteins in PC 12 cells. These results show that the level and subcellular distribution of calmodulin are altered during the course of nerve cell differentiation and suggest the possibility that histones may function as major nuclear binding proteins for calmodulin.
Effects of hemicholinium-3 and choline on hippocampal electrical activity during immobility vs. movement ☆

Abstract Earlier studies have shown that the hippocampal rhythmical slow activity (RSA or theta ) which may occur during behavioral immobility (IRSA) is abolished by systemically administered atropine (is atropine-sensitive), although the RSA which accompanies movements, such as walking, running or swimming (MRSA) is atropine-resistant. This study was designed to manipulate brain cholinergic activity in ways other than through the use of postsynaptic receptor antagonists, and to determine the effects of such manipulations on IRSA and MRSA. The IRSA elicited by electrical stimulation of the reticular formation in urethanized rats was severely attenuated by intraventricular injections of hemicholinium-3 (HC-3), a drug which depletes brain acetylcholine. A subsequent systemic injection of choline chloride restored IRSA elicited by electrical stimulation. In contrast, HC-3 had no deleterious effects on the MRSA recorded from freely moving rats. Therefore, atropine-sensitive IRSA is also HC-3 sensitive, and atropine-resistant MRSA is also HC-3-resistant. These results support the hypothesis that there are two pharmacologically distinct neurochemical systems which may produce hippocampal RSA. It is suggested that acetylcholine is necessary for the production of MRSA, but is not necessary for the production of MRSA.
IL-4-induced expression of germline γ1 transcripts in B cells following cognate interactions with T helper cells

T cell-dependent B cell activation and the induction of isotype switching require antigen and direct contact with helper T (Th) cells. During activation, B cells can switch from the expression of IgM to that of IgG, IgE or IgA, depending on the lymphokines secreted by the Th cell with which they interact. Studies of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated B cells have suggested that lymphokines regulate isotype switching via a transcriptional mechanism that increases the accessibility of downstream CH genes to a switch recombinase(s). To assess the roles of T cell contact and lymphokines in isotype switching, we have examined the accessibility model for the regulation of isotype switching to IgG1 in the context of cognate interactions between Th cells and normal B cells. We demonstrate that Th2 cells that secrete IL-4 can induce expression of germline gamma 1 transcripts in B cells. The steady-state level of germline gamma 1 transcripts induced by Th2 cells is enhanced as compared with the level induced by IL-4 alone or Il-4 and LPS also alters the relative usage of the germline gamma 1 transcription initiation sites. Enhanced expression of germline gamma 1 transcripts requires direct contact between T and B cells suggesting a role for T cell contact-mediated signals in regulating the accessibility of switch regions.
Social interest, extreme response style, and implications for adjustment

Abstract As part of a series of studies examining Adler's proposition that social interest, or interest and concern for others, is a major factor facilitating personal adjustment, the research investigated the relation between social interest and Extreme Response Style (ERS). ERS was chosen as an indirect measure of maladjustment since research has confirmed Adler's contention that it is especially prevalent among neurotic individuals. In three studies involving a total of 221 subjects, inverse relations were found between a measure of social interest and ERS scores derived from four questionnaires concerning attitudes toward self, others, and a wide variety of attitudinal issues. The data also indicated that the results were not due to either apathy or repression being associated with social interest. The results provided further evidence that positive relations between social interest and adjustment are not limited to self-reports of the latter.
Covariance Modeling Method for Use in Compliant Assembly Tolerance Analysis

In assemblies involving compliant parts, springback and residual stress are caused when geometric variation in the assembly requires the parts be deformed to allow for assembly. A method is needed to predict the deformation due to the geometric variations. Researchers in the areas of Statistical Tolerance Analysis and Stochastic Finite Element Analysis have developed methods to account for statistical variation of parameters in a finite element model. A new statistical method uses an orthogonal polynomial-based covariance model to account for surface variation of the compliant parts over a wide range of wavelengths. The method has been demonstrated to match the accuracy of Monte Carlo simulation with a single calculation, and accurately model covariance data taken from real parts.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Compassion Stress and the Qualitative Researcher

Human subjects are carefully protected in the research process. However, the same consideration is not currently being given to the qualitative researcher, even those investigating topics that are likely to elicit powerful emotions. The role of researcher's emotional responses and the self-care strategies that, in some circumstances, are appropriate for the researcher and other research support personnel have not received the attention they deserve in qualitative research literature. Based on experience in conducting research on the topic of self-directed learning and breast cancer, and on the limited literature available, the author makes the case for the use of strategies such as counseling, peer debriefing, and journal writing as means of dealing with the potential for "compassion stress" as experienced by the researcher and other research support personnel. She also suggests that the preparation of social science researchers should include information on appropriate self-care strategies.
Human uterine epithelial cell secretions regulate dendritic cell differentiation and responses to TLR ligands

The balance between immunity and tolerance in the endometrium is governed by dynamic interactions of UEC and immune cells including DC. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that soluble immune mediators secreted by UEC modulate the differentiation and functions of human DC. We found that DC differentiated with CM from polarized UEC (i.e., CM-DC) expressed significantly lower surface CD86. Upon activation with LPS or PIC, the expression of CD80, CD86, and CD83 was decreased significantly on CM-DC relative to Con-DC. Further, mRNA for TLR3, TLR4, and TLR5 was decreased significantly in CM-DC relative to Con-DC. As a functional read-out of the effect of CM on DC, we determined the following parameters: First, analysis of cytokine production showed that when compared with Con-DC, CM-DC responded to LPS or PIC stimulation with enhanced IL-10 production but undetectable IL-12p70 secretion. Second, RT-PCR analysis showed that CM-DC significantly expressed higher mRNA for IDO, an immune tolerance-promoting enzyme. Lastly, in a MLR assay, CM-DC induced significantly lower allogeneic proliferative responses compared with Con-DC. These findings indicate collectively that epithelial cells confer a tolerogenic phenotype to DC in the endometrium. Our results suggest novel cellular and molecular mechanisms for the regulation of adaptive immunity within the FRT.
Sitagliptin Exerts an Antinflammatory Action

Context: Sitagliptin is an inhibitor of the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), which degrades the incretins, glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, and thus, sitagliptin increases their bioavailability. The stimulation of insulin and the suppression of glucagon secretion that follow exert a glucose lowering effect and hence its use as an antidiabetic drug. Because DPP-IV is expressed as CD26 on cell membranes and because CD26 mediates proinflammatory signals, we hypothesized that sitagliptin may exert an antiinflammatory effect. Patients and Methods: Twenty-two patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive either 100 mg daily of sitagliptin or placebo for 12 wk. Fasting blood samples were obtained at baseline and at 2, 4, and 6 hours after a single dose of sitagliptin and at 2, 4, 8, and 12 wk of treatment. Results: Glycosylated hemoglobin fell significantly from 7.6 ± 0.4 to 6.9 ± 3% in patients treated with sitagliptin. Fasting glucagon-like peptide-1 ...
Rechargeable lithium polymer electrolyte batteries

Rechargeable lithium polymer electrolyte batteries have been under development for over ten years. The organic electrolyte has a low-vapor pressure and, in principle, during times of abuse, will be safe with respect to volatilization, ignition, and explosion. The electrolyte can be fabricated in the form of a thin solid film so no other separator element is required. Thus, the very thin electrolyte, combined with thin electrode structures, may allow good high rate performance and improved lithium plating morphology. The possibility of greater intrinsic safety combined with improved rate capability makes the polymer electrolyte battery system a viable candidate for high performance batteries. Advantages of such batteries are summarized. The polymer electrolyte battery is based upon thin film components that incorporate very large area electrolyte and electrode layers of about 25-250- mu m thickness, such that the ohmic losses associated with the impedance of the electrolyte are minimized and the electrode kinetics are enhanced. The high energy densities for lithium systems result from the low atomic mass of Li and its high reactivity with most positive materials. Modeling studies of the energy and power capabilities as a function of battery design are discussed. >
Amyloid-β vaccination for Alzheimer's dementia

1report that the vaccine reduced the plaque burden, but did not aff ect cognitive decline. This trial was predicated on the hypothesis that Alzheimer’s dementia is caused by the toxicity of amyloid β in plaque. Clearly, the fi ndings are not consistent with this model. Along with our own fi ndings, 2 they suggest that plaque is only a biomarker for the underlying cause of cognitive decline. Amyloid β is produced during the normal post-translational processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the endoplasmic reticulum. Since it is formed from the trans membrane portion of APP, it is highly hydrophobic and spontaneously aggregates in the aqueous environment of the extracellular space. Why then, in sporadic disease, is plaque only seen in elderly people? Our studies indicate that, in normal cerebrospinal fl uid, amyloid β is bound to two chaperones in the endoplasmic reticulum, ERp57 and calreticulin, which keep it in solution. 2
On the linear span of binary sequences obtained from q-ary m-sequences, q odd

A class of periodic binary sequences that are obtained from q-ary m-sequences is defined, and a general method to determine their linear spans (the length of the shortest linear recursion over the Galois field GF(2) satisfied by the sequence) is described. The results imply that the binary sequences under consideration have linear spans that are comparable with their periods, which can be made very long. One application of the results shows that the projective and affine hyperplane sequences of odd order both have full linear span. Another application involves the parity sequence of order n, which has period p/sup m/-1, where p is an odd prime. The linear span of a parity sequence of order n is determined in terms of the linear span of a parity sequence of order 1, and this leads to an interesting open problem involving primes. >
SNP discovery in Litopenaeus vannamei with a new computational pipeline.

Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) have been farmed in the Americas for many years and are growing in popularity in Asia with the development of specific pathogen-free stocks. The full genomic sequence of this species might not be available in the near future, so other tools are needed to discover the location of polymorphic sites for quantitative trait loci mapping, association studies and subsequent marker-assisted selection. Currently, 25 937 L. vannamei expressed sequence tags (ESTs) are publicly available. These sequences were manually screened, masked for tandem repeats and inputted into CAP3 for clustering. The resulting 3532 contigs were analysed for possible single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with SNPIDENTIFIER, a newly developed computer program for predicting SNPs. SNPIDENTIFIER is designed for ESTs without accompanying chromatogram sequence quality information, and therefore it performs quality control checks on all data. SNPIDENTIFIER sets a threshold such that the sequences used have a poor quality nucleotide (N) frequency 0.1, it must be observed at least four times and the 15 bases on either side must exactly match the consensus sequence. Using these conservative parameters, 504 SNPs were predicted from 141 contigs for L. vannamei. A small sample of 18 individuals from three lines have been sequenced to verify prediction results and 17 of 39 (44%) of the tested SNPs have been confirmed.