cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Shifting of Ecological Restoration Benchmarks and Their Social Impacts: Digging Deeper into Pleistocene Re-wilding

Current and projected rates of species loss prompt us to look for innovative conservation efforts. One such proposal is that large areas of North America be reâwilded with old world species that descended from Pleistocene megaâfauna. We argue that this approach overlooks many important ecological, evolutionary, cultural, and economic issues and detracts from conservation efforts by adding another arbitrary restoration benchmark. Our objectives are to specifically address the shifting benchmark for ecological restoration, explore the social dimensions of Pleistocene reâwilding, which have been largely overlooked, and discuss why we think Pleistocene reâwilding is not a proactive approach for conservation. This is not intended as a critique of innovative approaches. Instead it is an argument that human and ecological factors need to be considered in depth before any restoration initiative can be practically implemented. Proactive approaches should consider historical conditions while managing based on the present, should plan for the future, and should allow adaptation to changing conditions. We support the strategy to restore ecological interactions using species that coevolved with these interactions, bearing in mind the complexities of the socioâecological dimensions of any management action.
Age invariant face recognition using graph matching

In this paper, we present a graph based face representation for efficient age invariant face recognition. The graph contains information on the appearance and geometry of facial feature points. An age model is learned for each individual and a graph space is built using the set of feature descriptors extracted from each face image. A two-stage method for matching is developed, where the first stage involves a Maximum a Posteriori solution based on PCA factorization to efficiently prune the search space and select very few candidate model sets. A simple deterministic algorithm which exploits the topology of the graphs is used for matching in the second stage. The experimental results on the FGnet database show that the proposed method is robust to age variations and provides better performance than existing techniques.
Acoustic Emission Intensity Analysis for In Situ Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Slabs

A three-story apartment building on the University of Miami campus in Florida, built in 1947 and scheduled for demolition in the spring of 2011, was used as a research test bed. Two identical strips of the one-way reinforced concrete (RC) slab of the first floor of the building were saw cut and load tested. In parallel with the well-established measurements of load and deflection, a continuous acoustic emission (AE) monitoring was carried out throughout the load test in order to estimate the AE evaluation parameters that relate to RC damage. The analysis of the AE results provides experimental evidence for the validity of AE technology as an assessment tool in the practice of in situ load testing.
Methodologies for Examining Homelessness and Their Application to a Mandated Statewide Study

Using findings from a federally mandated statewide study of homelessness in the state of Iowa, this paper presents methodologies developed to address various aspects of homeless research, including enumeration of the population, screening for reporting duplications, estimating the annual number of incidents of homelessness, and exploring county-level estimates of homelessness. After implementing an algorithm to eliminate duplicate reporting, and using the baseline unduplicated reported number of homeless persons, a statewide estimate of the number of homeless individuals was derived. Following further adjustments for differences in agency reporting practices and after extrapolating for nonreported time periods, we estimated the number of Unique incidents of homelessness experienced in the state during the year of the study (1997). The policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Effects of enkephalin, morphine, and naloxone on the electrical activity of the in vitro hippocampal slice preparation.

Abstract The effects of infusion of low concentrations of d -Ala- d -Leu-enkephalin, morphine, or naloxone on electrical responses to stimulation of the in vitro hippocampal slice preparation were investigated. Concentrations of enkephalin as low as 10 n m and morphine as low as 1 μ m dramatically increased the magnitude of the population spike response of pyramidal cells to Schaffer-commissural stimulation. The drug response had a rapid onset and was replicable several times after infusion of normal incubation medium. Enhancement of the population spike by either morphine or enkephalin was blocked by the opiate receptor antagonist naloxone. The response to antidromic stimulation was not altered by enkephalin, nor was the slope of the dendritic response, indicating that the enkephalin effect is not mediated by depolarization of the pyramidal cells themselves nor by facilitation of synaptic processes at the dendrites. The possibility that the enkephalin effect might be produced by alteration of either a feed-forward or a feedback mechanism mediated by basket cells was investigated. Feed-forward inhibition was demonstrated, but enkephalin did not alter its efficacy. Feedback inhibition induced by antidromic stimulation was also unaffected by enkephalin. On the basis of these results we suggest that enkephalin acts to alter the efficiency of a mechanism involved in coupling the dendritic EPSP with the spike initiation mechanism of the cell body.
Survival after the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism: A population-based study

Abstract Background: Reports of increased mortality from cardiovascular disease and malignancy in primary hyperparathyroidism have been based primarily on patients who have undergone parathyroidectomy. In order to assess the true impact of primary hyperthyroidism on mortality in the general population, we assessed survival in a large inception cohort of Rochester, Minnesota residents with primary hyperparathyroidism initially diagnosed over a 28-year span, the majority of whom were followed with uncomplicated disease. Methods: All Rochester residents with primary hyperparathyroidism first recognized in 1965 to 1992 were identified through the Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records linkage system. Included as cases were patients with pathologic confirmation of hyperthyroidism, hypercalcemia with inappropriately elevated parathyroid hormone levels, or hypercalcemia for more than a year with no other cause. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan Meier product-limit method. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine associations, as relative hazards (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), of various risk factors with time to death. Results: During the study period, 435 cases of primary hyperparathyroidism were identified. Altogether, parathyroid surgery was performed on 126 patients (29%), with a mean delay between the initial elevated serum calcium level and surgery of 3.3 years. Patients who underwent surgery had higher maximum serum calcium levels than the patients who were observed (mean ± SD, 11.3 ± 0.7 versus 10.7 ± 0.4 mg/dL, P P = 0.02), but by age-adjusted multivariate analysis, higher maximal serum calcium level was an independent predictor of mortality (RR = 1.3 per mg/dL; 95% CI: 1.1–1.6; P Conclusion: Overall survival is not adversely affected among unselected patients with mild primary HPT in the community, although patients with more severe disease, as manifested by higher serum calcium levels, may have an increased risk of death.
Structural features required for inhibition of cyanide-insensitive electron transfer by propyl gallate.

Abstract A series of 19 structural analogs of propyl gallate (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester) were tested for their ability to inhibit the cyanide-insensitive, electron transfer pathway in isolated mung bean mitochondria. The results indicate that the trihydroxy substituent, not the ester, of propyl gallate is the structural feature of the molecule required to produce inhibition. Further, only one OH group, if it is located para to the ester moiety, will bring about specific inhibition. Of the compounds which contained the appropriate hydroxyl group, the lower the pKα of the hydroxyl group, the lower the observed inhibition constant (Ki′) for blocking the alternative pathway. Even though the observed Ki′ values varied over two orders of magnitude for the compounds tested, the calculated pH-independent, intrinsic inhibition constants (Ki) were markedly similar for all inhibitory compounds. The results indicate that a simple phenolate anion is the minimum structural feature required to observe specific inhibition of the alternative pathway and the more easily the anion can be formed, the better the observed inhibition. Similarities between the above compounds and the structural features associated with hydroxamic acids were also noted.
Innate immune responses and permissiveness to ranavirus infection of peritoneal leukocytes in the frog Xenopus laevis.

Ranaviruses such as frog virus 3 ([FV3] family Iridoviridae) are increasingly prevalent pathogens that infect reptiles, amphibians, and fish worldwide. Whereas studies in the frog Xenopus laevis have revealed the critical involvement of CD8 T-cell and antibody responses in host resistance to FV3, little is known about the role played by innate immunity to infection with this virus. We have investigated the occurrence, composition, activation status, and permissiveness to infection of peritoneal leukocytes (PLs) in Xenopus adults during FV3 infection by microscopy, flow cytometry, and reverse transcription-PCR. The total number of PLs and the relative fraction of activated mononucleated macrophage-like cells significantly increase as early as 1 day postinfection (dpi), followed by NK cells at 3 dpi, before the peak of the T-cell response at 6 dpi. FV3 infection also induces a rapid upregulation of proinflammatory genes including arginase 1, interleukin-1, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Although PLs are susceptible to FV3 infection, as evidenced by apoptotic cells, active FV3 transcription, and the detection of viral particles by electron microscopy, the infection is weaker (fewer infectious particles), more transitory, and involves a smaller fraction (less than 1%) of PLs than the kidney, the main site of infection. However, viral DNA remains detectable in PLs for at least 3 weeks postinfection, past the point of viral clearance observed in the kidneys. This suggests that although PLs are actively involved in anti-FV3 immune responses, some of these cells can be permissive and harbor quiescent, asymptomatic FV3.
Aggregation and Applied Trade Theory

The influence of data aggregation on applied trade theory may not be generally appreciated. Aggregation can have a direct impact on the direction of trade, factor intensity, factor abundance, factor substitution, product differentiation, and intra-industry trade. This paper develops some propositions for applied trade theorists on the effects of aggregation.
Microbial O-methylation of the flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol-A.

We demonstrated the O-methylation of tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) [4,4′-isopropylidenebis (2,6-dibromophenol)] to its mono- and dimethyl ether derivatives by microorganisms present in different sediments. A most probable number assay of a marsh sediment suggested that up to 10% of the total aerobic heterotrophs may be capable of O-methylation. Although TBBPA dimethyl ether is not produced in industry, it has been detected in terrestrial and aquatic sediments. Our study supports the hypothesis that TBBPA dimethyl ether is a product of microbial O-methylation. The O-methylation of TBBPA, as well as its analog, tetrachlorobisphenol-A (TCBPA), was also demonstrated in cultures of two chlorophenol-metabolizing bacteria, Mycobacterium fortuitum CG-2 and Mycobacterium chlorophenolicum PCP-1. These strains also mediated the O-methylation of 2,6-dibromophenol and 2,6-dichlorophenol, analogs of TBBPA and TCBPA, to their corresponding anisoles, but 2,6-fluorophenol was not transformed. Due to the addition of hydrop...
Say ‘Pulp Fiction’ One More Goddamn Time: quotation culture and an Internet-age classic

Pulp Fiction, as a film classic of the Internet age, circulates through a culture of online quotation. Fans of the movie repeat bits of dialogue such as ‘royale with cheese’, share images from the film such as the shot of Jules and Vincent aiming their guns, and recreate scenes such as the dance scene with Mia and Vincent. This paper historicizes classic films through the example of Pulp Fiction fans who share expressions of their fandom in YouTube videos and Tumblr postings of images and GIFs. It looks at these quotations as evidence of audiences' interpretive work, which produces ideological meanings about the film. These meanings speak of dominant structures of knowledge and understanding that come from the broader society and its unequal relations of power. Meanings about race and gender, and to a lesser extent class, are especially important in the film's circulation. Some examples of moments and characters of Pulp Fiction analyzed in this paper are Jules and Vincent's interracial hit-man partnership...
High temperature sensitivity of notched AISI 304L stainless steel tests

Abstract Experiments were designed to determine the failure characteristics of AISI 304L stainless steel under different stress triaxialities and temperatures up to 70% of melt. The data show that as temperature increases the displacement to failure of notched tensile specimens increases. The complex interaction of deformation mechanisms, such as twinning and dynamic recrystallization, appears to negate the damage accumulation at higher temperatures. Microstructural analyses and finite element simulations indicate that voids nucleate, grow, and coalesce more rapidly as temperature and triaxiality increase. Finite element simulations were performed to analyze temperature dependence on the Cocks–Ashby void growth model. The finite element simulations qualitatively show a double-knee that was observed in the notched experimental specimens after loading. The combined experimental–numerical study indicates that failure can be defined at several points in the notch tests when: (1) macrovoids starts to form, (2) the load drop-off occurs, and (3) total perforation of the specimen occurs. These three points occur simultaneously in ambient conditions but occur at different displacements at higher temperatures.
Unilateral disk edema in a young woman

A patient with elevated intracranial pressure from aqueductal stenosis presented with unilateral disk edema, enlarged blind spot and a vague visual disturbance. The importance of considering elevated intracranial pressure in some cases without bilateral papilledema is emphasized.
A Markoff chain model for crystalline polymers

A molecular model for completely unoriented polymer chains which can be formed on a square lattice is presented. Using the mathematical methods of the Markoff formalism, expressions for the dimensions of the molecular chain, values for the per cent crystallinity and sequence length in amorphous and crystalline regions are derived in terms of two probability parameters. The problem of excluded volume is not considered.
Corrigendum to “Transient burning of a convective fuel droplet” [Combust. Flame 157 (2010) 970–981]

In the paper, we solved in a coupled fashion the Navier–Stokes equations, energy equation, and species continuity equations for the reacting, multi-component, variable-properties gas field surrounding a vaporizing droplet with the Navier–Stokes and energy equations for the incompressible liquid inside the spherical droplet. Eqs. (2) and (3) in the paper govern the two components of momentum for the incompressible, constant-viscosity liquid. They apply for the spherical coordinates used for the axi-symmetric flow problem. As the paper is written, a reader could easily but mistakenly believe that those same two momentum equations were used for the gas phase. Rather, we used the following forms for the gasphase momentum equations in spherical coordinates; they apply for an axi-symmetric flow of a Newtonian fluid with variable density and properties and zero bulk viscosity. Momentum equation in r-direction:
Managing electronic commerce retail transaction costs for customer value

We investigate how electronic commerce (EC) retailers, or e-tailers, manage transaction costs and generate customer value. We integrate information systems and marketing theories in a framework for transaction cost management based on four contingency factors: channel, customer, product and shopping occasion characteristics. We build the framework using archival case studies and validate it with customer interviews. We show that trying to minimize the entire cost of retail transactions is either unsustainable or devalues the customer shopping experience. Instead, looking at transactions as a series of atomic steps enables e-tailers to better understand and manage what really matters for consumers.
Thermodynamic considerations of " solid state engines" based on thermoelastic martensitic transformations and the shape memory effect

Engine applications of the shape memory ("Marmem" ) effect associated with thermoelastic transformations are discussed. Such devices potentially enable the direct conversion of heat(i.e., solar energy or waste heat) into mechanical work. It is shown that efficiencies on the order of 20 pct may be expected and can be improved with alloys having certain transformation hysteresis loop characteristics.
Magnetic Fields in Massive Stars. I. Dynamo Models

Motivated by mounting evidence for the presence of magnetic fields in the atmospheres of "normal" early-type main-sequence stars, we investigate the various possible modes of dynamo action in their convective core. Working within the framework of mean field electrodynamics, we compute α2 and α2Ω dynamo models and demonstrate that the transition from the former class to the latter occurs smoothly as internal differential rotation is increased. Our models also include a magnetic diffusivity contrast between the core and radiative envelope. The primary challenge facing such models is to somehow bring the magnetic field generated in the deep interior to the stellar surface. We investigate the degree to which thermally driven meridional circulation can act as a suitable transport agent. In all models with strong core-to-envelope magnetic diffusivity contrast—presumably closest to reality— whenever circulation is strong enough to carry a significant magnetic flux, it is also strong enough to prevent dynamo action. Estimates of typical meridional circulation speeds indicate that this regime is likely not attained in the interior of early-type main-sequence stars. Dynamo action then remains highly probable, but an alternate mechanism must be sought to carry the magnetic field to the surface.
Unexplained haemoglobinuria associated with extracorporeal circulation

Summary Haemoglobinuria occurred within a few minutes of institution of extracorporeal circulation which is not a common phenomenon. A case report is presented and several possible causes of haemoglobinuria are discussed. The cause of early haemoglobinuria on ECC in this case remains unexplained.
TH‐D‐AUD‐07: The Impact of SBRT Treatment Techniques On Dose Delivery in Presence of Organ Motion and Deformation

Purpose: The impact of organ motion and deformation has been studied for conventional radiation therapy. The cumulative dose is usually a blurred version of the static plan after motion‐induced hot and cold spots average out over a large number of fractions. However, for stereotactic body radiation therapy(SBRT)treatment where 1–6 fractions with large fractional doses are typical, such impact needs investigation. Method & Materials: Five liverSBRT cases were studied. The targets were located in different regions of the liver where motion and deformation varied. 4D‐CT images were acquired and sorted into 5 breathing phases via external breathing signals from a respiratory management system. For each case, three static plans were generated using 3D conformal (3D), dynamic arc (DARC) with MLC reshaping to target during gantry rotation, and IMRT with dynamic MLCdelivery techniques. The spatial/temporal interplay of radiation beam (e.g., gantry/MLC motion) and organ motion was studied using in‐house software. The segmented dosesdelivered to each phase were registered using a deformable registration algorithm. The delivered to the target and other organs with and without motion were compared. Results: For each case, the three static plans were of equivalent quality. When the interplay of radiation beam and organ motion was included, dose coverage to ITV deteriorated. For the worst case, the D98/D95 changed 4.1%/2.9%, 14.4%/10.8%, and 23.3%/28.1% for 3D, DARC and IMRT techniques, respectively. For the best case, the D98/D95 changed <2.1% for all 3 techniques. For case ♯2 where PTV was close to the kidney, the mean dose to the kidney changed from ∼2% to ∼5% when motion was included. Conclusion: The spatial/temporal interplay of radiation beam and organ motion causes deterioration of the dose coverage. Overall, 3D plans had the least and IMRT plans had the most variations between planned and delivereddose distributions.
The Sindbis virus 6K protein can be detected in virions and is acylated with fatty acids.

Abstract A small hydrophobic polypeptide is encoded within the genome of the alphaviruses by a set of 165 nucleotides which map between the sequences for the two virus glycoproteins. This polypeptide has been referred to as 6K and was previously found on membranes in virus-infected cells. We report here that this protein is heavily acylated with long chain fatty acids covalently attached in hydroxylamine-sensitive ester bonds and that the 6K protein can be detected in purified preparations of virions. A polyclonal rabbit serum, raised against a peptide which contained the 16 amino acids at the amino-terminus of the 6K protein, was used to identify the 6K protein in infected cells and virions. This antibody also precipitated a 4K protein which was present in Sindbis virus-infected cells but not in virions. This latter protein was shown to be an underacylated form of the 6K protein and infected cells contained about twice as much 4K as 6K. In the cell there was close to a 1:1 stoichiometry between the 4K + 6K proteins and the virus glycoproteins E1, p62, and E2, but in virions the ratio of 6K to El + E2 ranged from 0.08 to 0.12.
A Daily Diary Study of Reading Motivation inside and outside of School: A Dynamic Approach to Motivation to Read.

Abstract Qualitative literacy motivation research increasingly documents students' divergent motivations to read in and outside of the school setting. However, commonly used assessments of literacy motivation do not measure the contribution of in-school and outside-school settings to students' motivation to read. Consequently, quantitative research has not explored potential systematic motivational differences between these settings. The current study offers a new methodology for examining the potentially dynamic nature of reading motivation using a daily diary approach to capture 119 fifth graders' daily in-school and outside-of-school reading motivations. Data were analyzed using the Multilevel Model for Change framework. Results indicate that students exhibited large daily intra-individual fluctuations in their levels of reading motivation within and between contexts. The present study supports the design of dynamic assessments of reading motivation and promotes research programs that try to understand the constellation of situational factors that lead to high motivation.
Consultation with a Magistrate in Justinian's Code

In his monograph on the praetorian prefect, L. L. Howe found it necessary to include an appendix concerning the Codex Justinianus as a source for this official. The problem was that while manuscripts or early editors had labelled various recipients of third-century imperial constitutions as prefects, all save two of those appellations were expunged by Krueger in his edition of the CJ . Howe considered it ‘impossible to believe’ that only two of the numerous pre-Diocletianic rescripts preserved by Justinian's compilers should have been directed to praetorian prefects; but he also realised that without further evidence or argumentation, Krueger's scepticism could not simply be ignored. The solution was to label some cases dubious; others, following Krueger, were rejected altogether. But beyond this, Howe was able to discover several instances of entirely unlabelled addressees who could be identified with otherwise known praetorian prefects, and he supposed that many similar cases might be found.
Efficacy of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) in skin B16-F0 melanoma tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mice

Several epidemiological studies show that aspirin can act as a chemopreventive agent and decrease the incidences of various cancers including melanoma. In this work, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) as an antimelanoma agent in B16-F0 cells and skin B16-F0 melanoma tumor mouse model. Our findings indicate that the IC50 (48 h) for ASA in B16-F0 melanoma cells was 100 μM and that ASA caused a dose- and time-dependent GSH depletion and increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in B16-F0 melanoma cells. Male C57BL/6 mice were inoculated s.c. with 1 × 106 B16-F0 melanoma cells. ASA (80, 100, and 150 mg/kg) was initiated on day 1 or day 7, or day 9 after cell inoculation and continued daily for 13, 7, and 5 days, respectively. Animals were weighed daily and sacrificed on day 13. The tumors were excised and weighed. The animals receiving 13 days of ASA therapy at 80, 100, and 150 mg/kg demonstrated tumor growth inhibition by 1 ± 12 %, 19 ± 22 %, and 50 ± 29 %, respectively. Animals receiving 7 days of therapy at 80, 100, and 150 mg/kg demonstrated tumor growth inhibition by 12 ± 14 %, 27 ± 14 %, and 40 ± 14 %, respectively. No significant tumor growth inhibition was observed with 5 days of therapy. ASA at 100 and 150 mg/kg caused significant tumor growth inhibition in C57BL/6 mice when administered for 13 and 7 days, respectively. The results obtained in this study are consistent with the recent epidemiologically based report that aspirin is associated with lower melanoma risk in humans.
Adaptation of TDMA Parameters Based on Network Conditions

Soft clustering of the nodes combined with time division multiple access (TDMA) channel access within a cluster has been shown to provide an energy-efficient solution for Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks (MANET). Such channel access schemes use a parameter that is critical in determining network performance: the number of frames per superframe, which determines the amount of spatial reuse possible, similar to the frequency reuse factor in cellular networks. When a smaller number of frames per superframe is used, each frame will consist of a larger number of slots, enabling the frame (i.e., cluster) to support more nodes, but also limiting the choices of frames for clusterheads to select, causing higher co-channel interference and collisions. Conversely, when a larger number of frames per superframe is used, the clusterheads will only be able to grant channel access to a limited number of nodes, which in turn increases the number of dropped packets (i.e., blocked channel access). The optimum value of the number of frames is the one that minimizes the combined effect of both collisions and dropped packets. By analytically determining the effects of dropped packets and collisions, we can find the optimal value for any given scenario. This paper develops a model to determine the optimal TDMA structure under various settings, showing the advantages that can be obtained by adapting protocol parameters as network conditions change.
Median RED algorithm for congestion control

The paper focuses on the queue size estimation problem in random early detection (RED) gateways. Queue size estimation plays a critical role in gateways' packet dropping/marking decisions. Conventional RED gateways use exponentially weighted moving averages (EWMA) to estimate the queue size. These IIR filters require very small weights in order to avoid nonlinear instabilities and accommodate transient congestion. Small weights, however, lead to failure of gateways to track rapid queue size depletion closely and thus causes link under utilization. We use adaptive weighted median filters for queue size estimation and study the corresponding queue dynamics. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm provides better stability in queue dynamics, greater network power, less global synchronization, and a fairer treatment to bursty traffic than the RED algorithm.
Public Value and the Integrative Mind: How Multiple Sectors Can Collaborate in City Building

Creating the public realm in an era of constrained resources demands a level of cooperation among multiple sectors rarely seen before and a recognition that the boundaries between what we have considered “public” and “private” have become porous and blurred. A number of recent projects on either side of the Mississippi River near downtown Minneapolis show what this means in terms of delivering public value much greater than any one sector could produce on its own.
Amniostat-FLM: An initial clinical trial with both vaginal pool and amniocentesis samples

Amniostat-FLM, a new rapid slide agglutination test, was compared with thin-layer chromatography as a method for detecting phosphatidylglycerol in amniotic fluid. This is the first reported use of Amniostat-FLM to evaluate vaginal pool and contaminated vaginal pool amniotic fluid. One hundred one of 161 amniotic fluid samples were collected from the vaginal pool. Thirty-nine of these were contaminated. Vaginal pool amniotic fluid, whether contaminated or not, did not adversely effect the ease of performance, reliability, or interpretation of Amniostat-FLM. This test seems ideally suited to institutions where 24-hour availability of thin-layer chromatography is not available. In institutions where it is available, Amniostat-FLM could be used as a screening test. Amniostat-FLM was found to be significantly less sensitive when compared with thin-layer chromatography in detecting the presence of phosphatidylglycerol. At our institution the screening of amniotic fluid samples with Amniostat-FLM before use of thin-layer chromatography was only cost effective at greater than or equal to 34 weeks of gestation.
Incidence of Phoradendron leucarpum (Viscaceae) at General Burnside State Park, Pulaski County, Kentucky

Abstract A survey of host trees infested with eastern mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum, Viscaceae) at General Burnside State Park in Pulaski County, Kentucky, was made in late 2008 and early 2009. It is the only island state park in Kentucky, and consists of 174.0 ha in the middle of Lake Cumberland, adjacent to the city of Burnside. A total of 244 mistletoe-infested trees from nine tree species in eight families were found. Prunus serotina, Juglans nigra, and Ulmus americana were the most common host trees. Mistletoe infestation had a greater occurrence in older, full-crowned canopy trees of open, exposed sunny habitats.
Monolithic integration of waveguide structures with surface-micromachined polysilicon actuators

The integration of optical components with polysilicon surface micromechanical actuation mechanisms show significant promise for signal switching, fiber alignment, and optical sensing applications. Monolithically integrating the manufacturing process for waveguide structures with the processing of polysilicon actuators allows actuated waveguides to take advantage of the economy of silicon manufacturing. The optical and stress properties of the oxides and nitrides considered for the waveguide design along with design, fabrication, and testing details for the polysilicon actuators are presented.
Re-emergence of Chikungunya and O'nyong-nyong viruses: evidence for distinct geographical lineages and distant evolutionary relationships.

Chikungunya (CHIK) virus is a member of the genus Alphavirus in the family Togaviridae. Serologically, it is most closely related to o’nyong-nyong (ONN) virus and is a member of the Semliki Forest antigenic complex. CHIK virus is believed to be enzootic throughout much of Africa and historical evidence indicates that it spread to other parts of the world from this origin. Strains from Africa and Asia are reported to differ biologically, indicating that distinct lineages may exist. To examine the relatedness of CHIK and ONN viruses using genetic data, we conducted phylogenetic studies on isolates obtained throughout Africa and Southeast Asia. Analyses revealed that ONN virus is indeed distinct from CHIK viruses, and these viruses probably diverged thousands of years ago. Two distinct CHIK virus lineages were delineated, one containing all isolates from western Africa and the second comprising all southern and East African strains, as well as isolates from Asia. Phylogenetic trees corroborated historical evidence that CHIK virus originated in Africa and subsequently was introduced into Asia. Within the eastern Africa and southern Africa/Asia lineage, Asian strains grouped together in a genotype distinct from the African groups. These different geographical genotypes exhibit differences in their transmission cycles: in Asia, the virus appears to be maintained in an urban cycle with Aedes aegypti mosquito vectors, while CHIK virus transmission in Africa involves a sylvatic cycle, primarily with Ae. furcifer and Ae. africanus mosquitoes.
Interpretation of the variability of selectivity coefficients for exchange between ions of unequal charge on smectites

Ion-exchange experiments in expanding clay minerals conducted over a wide range of surface ionic compositions and ionic strength produce variable mass-action selectivity coefficients. When the ex- changing ions are of unequal charge, tactoid structure appears to influence selectivity, although configu- rational entropy of adsorbed ions may also generate variable selectivity. The degree of deviation from ideal mass-action exchange is related to the dissimilarity of the ions undergoing exchange. Data involving tri- valent ion adsorption on smectites suggest that mass-action is a poor approximation when the adsorbing and desorbing ions have different hydration energies and charge. No form of exchange equation is suc- cessful in describing ion exchange for a wide range of experimental conditions, although the fluctuation of the selectivity coefficient follows consistent trends with changing experimental conditions. The strong ad- sorption of high-charge ions on clays is not exothermic, but must be driven by the increasing disorder of ions and/or water.
Bicomponent acrylic fibers—their characterization in the forensic science laboratory

Abstract The increased incidence of bicomponent acrylic fibers received in this laboratory (approximately 30 samples in a five-year period) led us to investigate methods of recognizing, characterising and comparing fibers of this type. Nine varieties present in our own reference collection were examined by brightfield and polarized light microscopy, cross-sectioning, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The case work samples were compared with these to see whether they reflected any additional varieties. Nearly 70% of them were Orion types, approximately 20% resembled Monsanto X-24 and only one type (encountered twice) did not correspond exactly to any reference sample. Some bicomponent fibers may be easily overlooked by normal microscopical examination. When recognised, they may be characterised into one of the various types using the methods described.
Global and blow-up solutions for a mutualistic model

Abstract We study the global and blow-up solutions for a strong degenerate reaction–diffusion system modeling the interactions of two biological species. The local existence and uniqueness of a classical solution are established. We further give the critical exponent for reaction and absorption terms for the existence of global and blow-up solutions. We show that the solution may blow up if the intraspecific competition is weak. This supports ecologist A.J. Nicholson’s conclusion that intraspecific competition is the main factor regulating population size.
Novel Use of Glucagon in a Closed-Loop System for Prevention of Hypoglycemia in Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To minimize hypoglycemia in subjects with type 1 diabetes by automated glucagon delivery in a closed-loop insulin delivery system. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Adult subjects with type 1 diabetes underwent one closed-loop study with insulin plus placebo and one study with insulin plus glucagon, given at times of impending hypoglycemia. Seven subjects received glucagon using high-gain parameters, and six subjects received glucagon in a more prolonged manner using low-gain parameters. Blood glucose levels were measured every 10 min and insulin and glucagon infusions were adjusted every 5 min. All subjects received a portion of their usual premeal insulin after meal announcement. RESULTS Automated glucagon plus insulin delivery, compared with placebo plus insulin, significantly reduced time spent in the hypoglycemic range (15 ± 6 vs. 40 ± 10 min/day, P = 0.04). Compared with placebo, high-gain glucagon delivery reduced the frequency of hypoglycemic events (1.0 ± 0.6 vs. 2.1 ± 0.6 events/day, P = 0.01) and the need for carbohydrate treatment (1.4 ± 0.8 vs. 4.0 ± 1.4 treatments/day, P = 0.01). Glucagon given with low-gain parameters did not significantly reduce hypoglycemic event frequency ( P = NS) but did reduce frequency of carbohydrate treatment ( P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS During closed-loop treatment in subjects with type 1 diabetes, high-gain pulses of glucagon decreased the frequency of hypoglycemia. Larger and longer-term studies will be required to assess the effect of ongoing glucagon treatment on overall glycemic control.
PlotIRT: A Collection of R Functions to Plot Curves Associated With Item Response Theory

The PlotIRT set of R functions facilitates plotting a variety of curves associated with item response theory (IRT). These functions were developed so that researchers using IRT could have a simple, yet flexible method for creating graphics associated with item parameters. These graphics can be customized in numerous ways to produce attractive figures that can be used in manuscripts or presentations. The R software environment was chosen so that users could produce IRT graphics via free software. The plots that are available in PlotIRT are item and test characteristic curves, item and test information curves, expected item score functions, and posterior density distributions. The R functions are applicable to the two-parameter logistic, three-parameter logistic, graded, nominal, and multiple-choice models. The functions work with both individual items or with groups of items, which do not need to be based on the same IRT model. If the user chooses, the graphics can be customized with a number of options. These options include varying the color of the lines by item, response category, or test; making the lines a solid, dashed, or other pattern; labeling the response category curves; specifying the number of items per plot and the number of plots per window; labeling the plot and axes; and adjusting the font and its size. The posterior distribution plot requires the user to specify a response pattern for the items, and it may be produced along with the item characteristic curves and the underlying y distribution. Basic R functions can be used to read in an assortment of item parameter files, or item parameters can be typed directly into R arrays. As the function is submitted, plots appear in windows within the R interface. An option is included in the function to save the plots as any file type supported by R, including postscript and portable document format.
Influence of Heart Rate and Area Stenosis on Coronary Diagnostic Parameters in a Porcine Model

Several parameters have been proposed to assess the physiologic significance of coronary lesions invasively. The purpose of the present study is to determine the effect of heart rate and percentage area stenosis on Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR), which is the ratio of mean pressure distal to stenosis over the mean proximal (aortic) pressure and Pressure Drop Coefficient (CDP), ratio of trans-stenotic pressure gradient to distal dynamic pressure. In-vivo experiments were performed on three Yorkshire pigs, to achieve the objective. It was found that increase in heart rate does have a significant effect on the coronary diagnostic parameters with increase in area stenosis.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Rendered Whole-Bird Layer Mortality as an Ingredient in Layer Diets

SUMMARY In an effort to gather information about an environmentally acceptable alternative for mortality disposal and utilization, we explored the nutritional acceptability of a rendered product in the diets of White Leghorn hens. Approximately 2,275 kg of commercial laying hen mortalities were collected and frozen over 3 wk. The whole birds were then rendered at a commercial facility, stabilized, dried, and sampled for analysis. Two experiments, each 84 d long, were completed using 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, or 10% of the rendered product in the diet. With the exception of lowered egg weights, rendered layer mortality (RLM) supported comparable or superior performance to controls when used at dietary levels up to 10%.
A Composite Analysis of the Boundary Layer Accompanying a Tropical Squall Line

Abstract Rawinsonde data from the GARP Atlantic Tropical Experiment (GATE) have been used to prepare a composite of the boundary layer associated with a tropical squall line on 12 September 1974. Soundings from fifteen GATE ships have been composited with respect to the center of the squall radar echo, as determined by Gamache and Houze (1982), for a 9-hour period during which the squall system was approximately in steady-state moving to the southwest at 13.5 m s−1 Particular emphasis is given to the modified boundary layer or wake that trails the leading edge of the squall system. Immediately behind the ∼200 km wide squall line to a distance of ∼100 km exists a very cool, stable layer of air several hundred meters deep just above the ocean surface. This region is followed by a Shallow mixed layer ∼100 m deep which gradually increases to ∼500 m (a depth characteristic of undisturbed regions) at distances behind the line ranging from 500 km on the northwest side to ∼300 km on the southeast side. Surface te...
Origin and Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni in Ducks and Duck Meat at the Farm and Processing Plant Level

The epidemiology of Campylobacter jejuni colonization in poultry at the farm remains unclear. In this study, over a 6-month period, we evaluated the prevalence and possible ways of transmission of C. jejuni in a duck farm and a processing plant, belonging to the same company. C. jejuni was isolated from fecal ducking samples as early as the 4th day of age while the birds were still on wire. Practically all the birds became positive after the 11th day of age. Based on egg and fecal duckling sample analysis and feeding and water trials with farm and university feed and water, colonization of the birds by C. jejuni did not originate from the hatchery. Central feed and water was not a source of colonization for the ducklings. Wild birds and flies were also excluded as a source because their entrance to the houses was improbable during the first 5 days. Ducklings placed in sterile university brooders, located inside the farm brooder houses away from the other birds and given university feed and water were colonized by the 6th and 7th day. The most probable source of colonization by C. jejuni was the C. jejuni carrier rats and mice found in abundance on the premises. The prevalence of C. jejuni in rat fecal contents was 86.7%, and rat and mice droppings were found in the feeding and watering troughs. In the processing plant, C. jejuni was isolated from 96.7% of feather picker drip water samples. Isolation rates of C. jejuni for the liver, gizzard, heart, and skin samples were 34, 20, 6 and 6.7%, respectively, which are considerably lower than the rates reported for the chickens and turkeys. These lower rates were probably due to passage of the carcasses through two tanks of hot wax after defeathering.
RFID: An Anticounterfeiting Tool

In this paper, we describe several applications concerning how an RFID system can be used as an anticounterfeiting tool. We survey the security services that are necessary for such RFID applications. We introduce potential threats to such an RFID system and the necessary security services. We discuss security models for the security services in an anticounterfeiting RFID system and construct a generic protocol that can be used (i.e., slightly modified to fit the necessary application).
Pediatric urethral and perineal injuries.

Perineal and urethral injuries in the young are fortunately uncommon. Their sequelae are often more difficult to manage than the original injury. Self-inflicted injuries are quite unusual and iatrogenic injury to the urethra is seldom encountered today. Most injuries are the result of external trauma. The management of these injuries and their sequelae are described in detail.
Assigning Geo-relevance of Sentiments Mined from Location-Based Social Media Posts

Broad adoption of smartphones has increased the number of posts generated while people are going about their daily lives. Many of these posts are related to the location where that post is generated. Being able to infer a person’s sentiment toward a given location would be a boon to market researchers. The large percentage of system-generated content in these posts posed difficulties for calculating sentiment and assigning that sentiment to the location associated with the post. Consequently our proposed system implements a sequence of text cleaning functions which was completed with a naive Bayes classifier to determine if a post was more or less likely to be associated with an individual’s present location. The system was tested on set of nearly 30,000 posts from Foursquare that had been cross-posted to Twitter which resulted in reasonable precision but with a large number of posts discarded.
Allelopathic effects of Trichostema lanceolatum (Labiatae) in the California annual grassland

(1) Trichostema lanceolatum, a common herb in the California annual grassland, contains 2-9% volatile essential oil in its fresh foliage. Vapours and aqueous extracts from its leaves have been shown to inhibit germination and growth of other plants in vitro. The present study evaluated the potential of T. lanceolatum to restrict plant growth in the field. (2) Dry soil charged with T. lanceolatum volatiles in the laboratory reduced radicle elongation of seeds, but dry seeds and dry soil exposed to volatiles under T. lanceolatum plants in the field did not show appreciable inhibition. (3) Trichostema lanceolatum throughfall from early-season rains was, at most, only weakly toxic. Soil at the base of T. lanceolatum plants was not rendered toxic by throughfall and stemflow from the first autumn rain. (4) Water and ether extracts of dead, brown T. lanceolatum leaves were very toxic in bioassays in Petri dishes, but similar leaves mixed with soil had little allelopathic effect. (5) Trichostema lanceolatum seedlings were no more resistant to volatiles of T. lanceolatum essential oil than seedlings of other annual grassland species. (6) The allelopathic potential of T. lanceolatum under natural conditions appears to be low. This conclusion is surprising since both green and dead, brown leaves from it were much more inhibitory in laboratory bioassays than were leaves and litter from Salvia leucophylla, a species previously reported to be strongly allelopathic.