cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Navigation and steering for autonomous virtual humans

The ever-increasing applicability of interactive virtual worlds in industry and academia has given rise to the need for robust, versatile autonomous virtual humans to inject life into these environments. There are two fundamental problems that must be addressed to produce functional, purposeful autonomous populaces: (1)Navigation: finding a collision-free global path from an agent's start position to its target in large complex environments, and (2) Steering: moving an agent along the path while avoiding static and dynamic threats such as other agents. In this review, we survey the large body of contributions in steering and navigation for autonomous agents in dynamic virtual worlds. We describe the benefits and limitations of different proposed solutions and identify potential future research directions to meet the needs for the next generation of interactive virtual world applications. WIREs Cogn Sci 2013, 4:263–272. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1223 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Effect of exposure to novelty on brain monoamines in C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice

Abstract Male and female mice from two inbred strains, C57BL/6 (B6) and DBA/ 2 (D2), were exposed to a novel environment (vs. undisturbed control) for 10 min. Immediately after this treatment, the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and the brains were removed and dissected into ventral midbrain (VMB), caudate-putamen (CP), nucleus accumbens (NA), and medial prefrontal cortex (FC). Analyses of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) were made by high-performance liquid chromatography. Utilization of the parent amines was estimated by the ratios, DOPAC/DA, HVA/DA, and 5-HIAA/5-HT. Novelty increased DOPAC levels in NA of both strains of mice and in CP of D2 males; however, it did not induce significant changes in DA, or 5-HT levels or utilization of the latter. The results did, however, reveal large strain differences in DA and its metabolites. The data suggest that genetically based neurophysiological and neurochemical differences exist in dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in mice, and that the DA systems in NA may be more sensitive to novelty than other DA systems.
Structure-Spectroscopy Correlations in Silver Thiolates: Application to the Structure of Silver 1,5-Pentanedithiolate

A variety of spectroscopic methods have been used to deduce the solid-state structure of Ag2[S(CH2)5S] (1), the yellow compound formed by mixing of Ag+ and 1,5-pentanedithiol. Solid-state reflectance UV−vis, X-ray diffraction, cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) 13C NMR, and CPMAS 109Ag NMR spectra of 1 were compared to corresponding spectra for two crystallographically-characterized homoleptic Ag thiolates, the cluster Ag5{μ2-S(CH2)3N(CH3)2}3{μ2-S(CH2)3NH(CH3)2}3(ClO4)2 (2) and the infinite strand AgSC(CH2CH3)2CH3 (3). Two limiting geometries for 1 are considered: a linear polymer and a layered geometry similar to that adopted by neutral Ag thiolates with primary, unbranched alkane chains. All spectroscopic data are consistent with the latter structure. Information about alkane chain orientation and Ag−S vibrational modes in 1 was obtained by comparison of low-wavenumber Raman and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectra with those for all-trans AgS(CH2)3CH3 (T) and the...
Alcohol-induced Prinzmetal variant angina.

Prinzmetal variant angina occurred in a 47 year old man only in association with the ingestion of alcohol. Results of exercise testing were normal. Coronary arteriography substantiated the presence of two significant coronary lesions. Double aortocoronary saphenous vein bypass grafts resulted in complete relief of symptoms.
The 40Ca(n,α)37Ar cross section from 3 to 14·7 MeV

Abstract The 40Ca(n,α)37Ar reaction cross section has been measured at twelve neutron energies between 3 and 14·7 MeV using radiochemical techniques. The 37Ar, separated from CaO targets, was counted on an external Si(Li) detector. The 115In(n,n′)115mIn or the 27Al(n,α)24Na reactions were used to determine neutron fluences. The relative error in the Ca cross sections is estimated to be 3 per cent, and the absolute error 6 per cent.
A Radial Velocity Survey of the Cyg OB2 Association

We conducted a radial velocity survey of the Cyg OB2 association over a 6 yr (1999-2005) time interval to search for massive close binaries. During this time we obtained 1139 spectra on 146 OB stars to measure mean systemic radial velocities and radial velocity variations. We spectroscopically identify 73 new OB stars for the first time, the majority of which are likely to be association members. Spectroscopic evidence is also presented for a B3 Iae classification and temperature class variation (B3-B8) on the order of 1 yr for Cyg OB2 No. 12. Calculations of the initial mass function with the current spectroscopic sample yield Γ = -2.2 ± 0.1. Of the 120 stars with the most reliable data, 36 are probable and 9 are possible single-lined spectroscopic binaries. We also identify three new and eight candidate double-lined spectroscopic binaries. These data imply a lower limit on the massive binary fraction of 30%-42%. The calculated velocity dispersion for Cyg OB2 is 2.44 ± 0.07 km s-1, which is typical of open clusters. No runaway OB stars were found.
Geochemical modeling to predict the chemistry of leachates from alkaline solid wastes: oil shale deposits, western U.S.A.

Abstract Oil shale processing at elevated temperatures to extract oil results in large amounts of alkaline oil shale solid wastes (OSSW). The objective of this study was to use a geochemical model to help predict the chemistry of leachates, including toxic chemicals, from OSSW. Several geochemical models were evaluated (e.g. EQ3/EQ6, GEOCHEM, MINTEQA2, PHREEQE, SOLMINEQ, WATEQFC); the model GEOCHEM was selected based on its more comprehensive capabilities. The OSSW samples were subjected to solubility and XRD studies. Element concentrations and pH of OSSW leachates were used as input to GEOCHEM to predict their chemistry. Ion activity products were used to infer the likely solid phases controlling the concentration of toxic elements (e.g. F and Mo) in these leachates. The model predicted that silicate phases produced during the heating process buffered the pH and controlled concentrations of major cations. The F concentrations in OSSW leachates appeared to be controlled by fluorite (CaF 2 ). Contrary to previous findings, powellite (CaMoO 4 ) probably does not control the concentrations of Mo in OSSW leachates.
Perspectives on precaution: the role of policymakers in dealing with the uncertainties of agricultural biotechnology

From 1999 to 2004, the European Union had in place a moratorium on new genetically modified (GM) products. This moratorium created a tense trade dispute between the United States and the EU. While the moratorium has now been lifted, differences remain between the EU's and US's approach to GM products. The essence of the conflict involves differing approaches to the rate of technological transfer. The US advocates a rapid rate of technological transfer, while the EU advocates a slow and cautious rate. The EU's "proceed slowly" approach is grounded in the controversial precautionary principle (PP). Crudely, the PP places the burden of proof on the developers of new technologies like GM to show that their products do not pose a threat to human health or the environment. While the PP has grown in influence in Europe over the last three decades policymakers in the US have largely rejected it. The following enquiry will examine the justifications for these conflicting perspectives on precaution toward technological transfer of GM, or transgenic research. The ultimate goal is to shed light on the role of policymakers in dealing with the uncertainties associated with this new and powerful technology.
Alternative Approaches for Analyzing Sampling and Analytical Methods

Abstract Alternative approaches are developed for analyzing errors in evaluating sampling and analytical methods. The aim is to decide with given confidence (e.g., 90%) that an accuracy criterion is met. The accuracy criterion specifies the fraction (e.g., 95%) of an acceptable method's concentration estimates that must fall within a given range (e.g., 25%) of a true or reference value. Inaccuracy in the form of both bias and imprecision must be considered. Three approaches to analyzing experimental error in method evaluations are presented. Integral control establishes a single-sided rejection confidence band for bias and imprecision estimates. This band is defined by requiring a high probability of rejecting methods that are unacceptable according to the accuracy criterion. If the reference method imprecision is small enough and if the number of degrees of freedom of the evaluation experiment is large enough, this probability can be specified. Tolerance interval control, contrary to integral control, is...
Revisiting the effect of positive mood on variety seeking

Prior research indicates that variety seeking (VS) behaviors increase in the presence of mild positive mood. However, extant studies are not informative about VS outcomes with more extreme positive moods. It is theorized that extreme positive moods may often be associated with decreases in VS, because the rather moderate stimulation to be gained from VS is not sufficient to meet the demands of an extreme positive mood. Two experiments and two pilot tests are consistent with an updated theoretical account of positive mood and VS that is proposed.
Acquired Apraxia of Speech: Features, Accounts, and Treatment

The features of apraxia of speech (AOS) are presented with regard to both traditional and contemporary descriptions of the disorder. Models of speech processing, including the neurological bases for apraxia of speech, are discussed. Recent findings concerning subcortical contributions to apraxia of speech and the role of the insula are presented. The key features to differentially diagnose AOS from related speech syndromes are identified. Treatment implications derived from motor accounts of AOS are presented along with a summary of current approaches designed to treat the various subcomponents of the disorder. Finally, guidelines are provided for treating the AOS patient with coexisting aphasia.
Parallel optical fuzzy logic inference using improved fuzzy associative memories

A new optoelectronic fuzzy inference system is proposed for processing a large number of fuzzy rules in parallel. The proposed system using spatial light modulator implements various membership functions as well as max-min inference. It has the features of easy implementation and large data processing capability. The membership function decomposition method in the improved fuzzy associative memory is used to save both space bandwidth and accommodate multiple-input fuzzy inference.
Emergence of Dormant Conditioned Incentive Approach by Conditioned Withdrawal in Nicotine Addiction

Background Nicotine is one of the determinants for the development of persistent smoking, and this maladaptive behavior is characterized by many symptoms, including withdrawal and nicotine seeking. The process by which withdrawal affects nicotine seeking is poorly understood. Method The impact of a withdrawal-associated cue on nicotine (.2 mg/kg)-conditioned place preference was assessed in male C57BL/6J mice ( n = 8–17/group). To establish a cue selectively associated with withdrawal distinct from those associated with nicotine, a tone was paired with withdrawal in their home cages; mice were chronically exposed to nicotine (200 μg/mL for 15 days) from drinking water in their home cages and received the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist mecamylamine (2.5 mg/kg) to precipitate withdrawal in the presence of a tone. The effect of the withdrawal-associated tone on nicotine-conditioned place preference was then evaluated in the place-conditioning apparatus after a delay, when nicotine-conditioned place preference spontaneously disappeared. Results A cue associated with precipitated withdrawal reactivated the dormant effect of nicotine-associated cues on conditioned place preference. This effect occurred during continuous exposure to nicotine but not during abstinence. Conclusions A conditioned withdrawal cue could directly amplify the incentive properties of cues associated with nicotine. This observation extends the contemporary incentive account of the role of withdrawal in addiction to cue–cue interaction.
Effect of recombination current on current gain of HBTs

In order to predict more accurately the current gain behaviour of HBTs at low collector current region, surface recombination and interface recombination have to be considered. Recombination current has been obtained by the combination of bulk recombination in the neutral base, interface recombination at the heterointerface, space charge recombination, and surface recombination components. Results from the present model have been compared with experimental results, and the most recent analytical models for abrupt and graded heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs). The study shows that this model can predict the device gain more accurately.
2-O-propargyl ethers: readily cleavable, minimally intrusive protecting groups for beta-mannosyl donors.

The use of 2-O-propargyl ethers as protecting groups in 4,6-O-benzylidene-protected mannopyranosyl donors bearing either bulky silyl groups or glycosidic linkages on O3 overcomes the poor stereoselectivity achieved with the corresponding 2-O-benzyl ethers, due to a reduction of steric buttressing. Deprotection is conducted by treatment with potassium tert-butoxide followed by catalytic osmium tetroxide and N-methylmorpholine N-oxide.
Commentary on d'Hoine

Professor d’Hoine claims that Proclus assigns a specific ontological function to the Form of Likeness in his Commentary on the Parmenides. According to d’Hoine, for Proclus, each individual must, qua individual striving to imitate the form, present a difference; this difference or unlikeness of one member of a coordinate kind to another, the plurality of participants in a Form, is Form’s by the Form of Unlikeness. And in a similar way, the Form of Likeness then guarantees the imitation of the Form by the particular. I try to show that in other passages in Proclus’ oeuvre, likeness extends to include many more relationships than the Forms instantiation as a material particular. Hence, Likeness is not confined to this specific ontological function.
Cytology, Reproductive Behavior, and Forage Potential of Hexaploid Dallisgrass Biotypes

During the past 25 yr, several different dallisgrass (Poir.) biotypes have been discovered, but little is known regarding their cytology and reproductive behavior. This study was undertaken to determine the cytology, method of reproduction, and fertility of three biotypes and the forage yield and quality of two of them. Two biotypes, Torres and Uruguaiana, were introduced from southern Brazil and the third, Uruguayan, was collected in Uruguay. All three are hexaploids with 2 = 6 = 60. The Torres biotype was meiotically irregular, with a mean chromosome association of 58.74 univalents and 0.63 bivalents per cell. Two accessions of the Uruguaiana biotype were studied; they had a mean meiotic chromosome association of 9.62 univalents, 25.17 bivalents, and 0.01 quadrivalents. Eleven accessions of the Uruguayan biotype were studied; their mean chromosome associations were 1.26 univalents, 29.28 bivalents, and 0.04 quadrivalents. It was proposed that the lack of chromosome pairing in the Torres biotype is genetically controlled. The genomic formulas of the Uruguaiana and Uruguayan biotypes are proposed to be AABBCC and AABBCC, respectively. An examination of megasporogenesis and embryo sac development revealed that all three biotypes reproduce by apomixis, with apospory followed by pseudogamy. One Uruguayan accession was a facultative apomict with a small degree of sexuality. The forage yield potential and forage quality were determined for the Torres and Uruguayan biotypes, as well as for common dallisgrass. Torres produced less forage than the other two. Common dallisgrass produced less forage than the mean of the Uruguayan accessions in most environments. In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) differences among accessions were relatively small. Common dallisgrass did not differ in IVDMD from any of the Uruguayan accessions.
Receptor-selective analogs demonstrate NPY/PYY receptor heterogeneity in rat brain.

Abstract Neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors are heterogeneous, consisting of at least two subclasses, Y 1 and Y 2 . We sought evidence for differential expression of NPY receptor subtypes in the rat brain. Tissue was incubated with 125 I-peptide YY (PYY) which labels NPY and PYY binding sites. The Y 1 -selective agonist, p[Pro 34 ]NPY, and the Y 2 -selective agonist, pNPY 13–36, were used as displacing ligands. Autoradiographic analyses of regional receptor binding demonstrated heterogeneity across brain regions. We conclude that Y 1 - and Y 2 -receptors may be independently expressed in the brain. While the predominate NPY/PYY receptor subtype in the brain is Y 2 , there are also Y 1 -receptors in some brain regions such as the superficial layers of the parietal cortex.
Selective regulation of hydrogen peroxide signaling by receptor tyrosine phosphatase-α

Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are constantly produced in the human body and are involved in the pathogenesis of aging, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Emerging evidence indicates that oxidation and inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are critical for ROS signal transduction. However, the role of individual PTPs in ROS signaling remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that the receptor-like PTPα (RPTPα) was an effector of H 2 O 2 , the most stable form of ROS. H 2 O 2 at nontoxic concentration rapidly induced the association of RPTPα with Src family kinases, platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β, and protein kinase D in various cultured cells, although it markedly suppressed RPTPα phosphorylation on Tyr-789. We further identified that RPTPα selectively regulated the signal transduction pathways induced by H 2 O 2 . Particularly, RPTPα was required for the activation of protein kinase D and for the modulation of p130Cas tyrosine phosphorylation in response to H 2 O 2. In contrast, the H 2 O 2 -induced inactivation of Src family kinases and suppression of paxillin phosphorylation on Tyr-118 were both largely independent of RPTPα. Our findings indicate that H 2 O 2 signaling pathways are selectively regulated by RPTPα in cells, which may provide new insights into the functional regulation of ROS signal transduction by PTPs.
Raman spectroscopic evidence for isomorphous structure of GdLiF4 and YLiF4 laser crystals

Abstract Lattice vibrations of oriented GdLiF4 and YLiF4 single crystals are studied by polarized Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra show identical symmetry properties in both materials implying that the vibrational modes of the new laser crystal GdLiF4 have the same irreducible representation of the point group as in YLiF4. The substitution of Gd3+ for Y3+ causes isotropic shifts for most of the modes and makes it possible for the assignment and separation of external modes from the internal modes. Potential applications of GdLiF4 as a laser host are discussed.
Enantioselective metabolism of camazepam by rat liver microsomes

Abstract Camazepam [3-( N,N -dimethyl)carbamoyloxy-7-chloro-1-methyl-1,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-2 H -1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, CMZ] possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and hypnotic properties. CMZ is clinically used as a racemate. The enantioselective metabolism of racemic CMZ by rat liver microsomes was studied. Major metabolites were isolated by normal-phase and reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC) and further characterized by UV absorption, mass, and circular dichroism spectral analyses, and by chiral stationary phase LC analysis. Following an in vitro incubation of rac-CMZ, the unmetabolized CMZ was found to be enriched in the (S)-CMZ, indicating that the Renantiomer was enantioselectively metabolized. Two of the most abundant metabolites, formed by hydroxylation and demethylation of a methyl group of the N,N -dimethylcarbamyloxy side chain, were found to be enriched in the Renantiomer. The results indicated that the (R)-CMZ was metabolized at a faster rate than (S)-CMZ by rat liver microsomes.
Formation of η3-Allyl and Its Cryogenic Coupling Reaction with Allyl Bromide on Cu(100)

Over the past three decades, a variety of transition metal-catalyzed coupling reactions between organometallic nucleophiles and organic halide electrophiles have become important processes for the formation of carbon-carbon bond in both heterogeneous catalysis and organometallic chemistry. The authors report for the first time the facile formation of 1,5-hexadiene at cryogenic temperatures (110 K) while dosing allyl bromide on Cu(100) covered with {eta}{sup 3}-allyl and bromide atoms. This cryogenic coupling reaction in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions is akin to metal-catalyzed coupling reactions in solutions and on heterogeneous catalysts. Furthermore, it contrasts with typical carbon-carbon coupling reactions of adsorbed alkyl and vinyl groups on Cu and other transition metals under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions. These workers also report the first high-resolution reflection absorption infrared spectrum (RAIRS) of the chemisorbed {eta}{sup 3}-allyl group. Such spectra have the potential to address ambiguities in the mechanistic interpretations of the formation of C{sub 3} species, for example, propylene.
Alternate antiestrogens and approaches to the prevention of breast cancer.

The biological rationale and extensive clinical experience with the breast cancer drug tamoxifen make it the agent of choice for testing as a breast cancer preventive. However, concerns (Jordan and Morrow, Eur J Cancer, in press) about development of endometrial cancer in patients and liver tumors in rats with tamoxifen has encouraged the investigation of other antiestrogens. At present no compounds are available to replace tamoxifen, but two triphenylethylenes, toremifene and droloxifene, have been tested in postmenopausal women to treat advanced breast cancer. The response rates are similar to those observed with tamoxifen (i.e., approximately 35% [CR + PR] in unselected patients), although dosage regimens of the new antiestrogens are higher than the 20 mg tamoxifen required daily. Doses of up to 200 mg toremifene daily are being tested and studies use up to 100 mg droloxifene daily. Side effects appear comparable, but neither droloxifene nor toremifene produce liver tumors in rats. Tamoxifen produces DNA adducts, whereas toremifene and droloxifene appear to be only weakly active. A new tamoxifen analogue, idoxifene, is entering clinical trial. The drug is designed to be metabolically stable so that there will be low carcinogenic potential. In contrast, a novel strategy may be considered to be of value to protect women from developing breast cancer. It is known from laboratory and clinical studies that antiestrogens protect bone and prevent rat mammary cancer. One compound, raloxifene, is being tested as an agent to treat osteoporosis. If the drug becomes generally available to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, a beneficial side effect may be a reduction in breast cancer risk. This broad-based strategy may prove more effective than focusing on small groups of women with a high risk for breast cancer alone. Protection from breast cancer may be as an advantageous side effect from the successful treatment of other diseases in women.
Newcomb’s Many Problems

Newcomb’s paradox rests on two arguments one appealing to the principle of maximizing expected utility and one appealing to dominance in order to generate conflicting recommendations in certain kinds of choice situations. In my essay, I argue that the applications of the principle of maximizing expected utility and of the domi-nance principle are both fallacious and that the specification of the decision problem is too indeterminate to render a verdict between the two options considered. I also show that if Nozick’s case for invoking the dominance principle is taken seriously, it leads to contradictions.
Using California Gnatcatcher to Test Underlying Models in Habitat Conservation Plans

Abstract Habitat Conservation Plans are a widely used strategy to balance development and preservation of species of concern and have been used in southern California, USA, to protect the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). Few data exist on gnatcatcher abundance and distribution, and existing data have problems with issues of closure (i.e., sampling occurs in a short enough time period such that abundance or distribution are not changing), detectability, and proper attention to probability-based sampling schemes. Thus, a habitat model has been relied upon in reserve design. California gnatcatchers are the flagship and umbrella species of many plans and we provide the first estimates that incorporate probabilistic sampling and test predictions from the habitat model. Probability of occurrence was 26% (SE = 0.06); however, occupancy varied by modeled habitat quality with slopes <40%, warm, and wet sagebrush habitat having higher occupancy probabilities. Interpreting abundance and occup...
Rat eggs normally exhibit a variety of surface phenomena during fertilization

The surface topography of the rat egg was examined during fertilization in vitro and in vivo. Using phase optics, 348 in vitro fertilized and 50 in vivo fertilized eggs were continuously monitored throughout the 7-hour period of sperm incorporation. A myriad of different surface configurations were seen, with each egg exhibiting one or more of the following changes. A small number of eggs (4–6%) formed surface elevations over the sperm head after its detachment from the flagellum, 15–30 min after sperm-egg fusion; 1 to 1.5 hr after fusion, 40–50% of the eggs produced the so-called incorporation cone, a prominent surface elevation over the decondensing sperm nucleus. The vast majority of eggs (74–82%) formed surface elevations over the proximal tip of the flagellum 2–3 hr after sperm-egg fusion. These had no association with the decondensing sperm nucleus. A few eggs (11–12%) exhibited multiple protrusions that were distributed randomly about the egg surface, whereas 14–20% did not manifest any surface elevations and remained spherical throughout the sperm incorporation period. Regardless of the type of surface change, all of the eggs resumed a spherical shape by the time sperm incorporation was complete. These observations are in contrast to the conclusions by previous authors that formation of the so-called incorporation cone over the decondensing sperm nucleus is a ubiquitous event.
NEW METHODS FOR SCREENING LACTIC ACID BACTERIA THAT PRODUCE BACTERIOCIN ACTIVE AGAINST LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES AND FOR DETERMINING BACTERIOCIN ACTIVITY 1

New methods using a microtiter plate for screening lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that produce bacteriocin active against Listera monocytogenes, and determination of bacteriocin activity using Omnispec 4000 were developed. In Modified Oxford (MOX, Oxoid) medium, L. monocytogenes produces a black color around the growth. In this study, inhibition of L. monocytogenes by bacteriocin was determined using the color change of the medium in a microtiter plate. Because each well of a microtiter plate limits the spread of microbial growth activity, this method can overcome the disadvantage of the agar overlay method in which a large clear zone can cover other microorganisms that are not producing bacteriocin. This new method is rapid, simple, and economical. Among the 96 strains of LAB isolated from meat, 25 strains produced bacteriocin against L. monocytogenes. The Omnispec 4000 was used to automatically record color changes due to the growth of L. monocytogenes in MOX medium containing six different concentrations of Nisin (bacteriocin) in wells of a microtiter plate. Depending on bacteriocin activities (IU). the slopes of the color changes recorded were different. The bacteriocin activities were determined easily and accurately by using the slopes to construct a calibration curve (r2= 0.96).
A northern lead in the orbital band: north–south phasing of Ice-Age events

Abstract Re-analysis of existing data sets shows that they are fully consistent with northern-insolation control of Ice-Age cycles, and do not provide strong support for alternate models invoking tropical or southern controls. The coldest time of the last 100 ka in central Greenland was nearly synchronous with the minimum in summer insolation about 24 ka BP (thousand years before 1950). Approximately one-third of the total Termination-I warming since then was achieved over the almost 10 ka before the abrupt warming into the Bolling, which some workers have interpreted as the start of the warming. Southern warming as recorded in the Byrd Station, Antarctica ice-isotopic record lagged northern warming. CO2 rise was roughly synchronous with southern warming, methane rise may have been delayed a little as was sea-level rise, and the change in the isotopic composition of atmospheric oxygen was delayed significantly. The data for the extrema just before Termination II are consistent with occurrence of the same phasing as for Termination I, but with somewhat different progression of the two terminations once initiated, perhaps because of differences in the forcing.
Field estimate of net trophic transfer efficiency of PCBs to Lake Michigan chinook salmon from their prey

Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) has been the predominant piscivore in Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Ontario since the 1970s, and therefore accurate quantification of its energy budget is needed for effective management of Great Lakes fisheries. A new approach of evaluating a fish bioenergetics model in the field involves field estimation of the efficiency with which the fish retains PCBs from its food. We used diet information, PCB determinations in both chinook salmon and their prey, and bioenergetics modeling to generate a field estimate of the efficiency with which Lake Michigan chinook salmon retain PCBs from their food. Our field estimate is the most reliable field estimate to date because (a) the estimate was based on a relatively high number (N = 142) of PCB determinations for chinook salmon from Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan in 1985, (b) a relatively long time series (1978-1988) of detailed observations on chinook salmon diet in Lake Michigan was available, and (c) the estimate incorporated new information from analyses of chinook salmon age and growth during the 1980s and 1990s in Lake Michigan. We estimated that chinook salmon from Lake Michigan retain 53% of the PCBs that are contained within their food.
SU-E-T-567: Improve Dose Conformity with IMRT Using Shorter Source to Tumor Distance.

Purpose: To reduce the potential of late toxicity (tissue necrosis and cognitive function loss) from brainradiotherapy, we studied a novel planning technique for MLC‐equipped linear accelerators(LINACS) that reduces the high doses delivered outside the PTV, enhancing radiationdose conformity. Methods: The feasibility of improving dose conformity by using variable source‐to‐tumor distances was tested on brain CT datasets with tumor contours representing solitary lesions and an example with two lesions. For the single tumor cases, different tumor volumes from 2 to 83 cc were explored, while an example double lesion had a total volume of 13 cc. Three different source‐to‐axis distances (SADs), 100, 80 and 65 cm, were used to create separate 5‐field IMRT plans with the same beam angles for all SADs. For each example, the PTV dose coverage and critical organdoses were constrained to be the same, except for the normal braindoses that were determined by the dose conformity. High dose spillage outside the PTV was quantified by R50 (the ratio between the 50% isodose volume and the PTV), and the V12 (volume of normal brain receiving 12Gy or higher). Results: R50 decreased monotonically with shorter SAD for all examples. Compared with 100 cm SAD, average R50 reductions of 13% and 19% were observed with 80 and 65 cm SAD respectively. Improved conformity was more notable on smaller lesions and the multiple lesion case. V12 also decreases significantly with shorter SAD. Conclusions: Improvement in dose conformity can be achieved on existing LINACS by reducing the treatment distance for each IMRT field. Sharper beam penumbra and smaller projected MLC leaf width contribute to the improvement. Precise delivery of non‐ isocentric beams can be challenging on traditional LINACS, but the problem is much more manageable on machines with precise robotic gantry and couch capabilities.
Oxidative stress, fibrosis, and early afterdepolarization-mediated cardiac arrhythmias

Animal and clinical studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress, a common pathophysiological factor in cardiac disease, reduces repolarization reserve by enhancing the L-type calcium current, the late Na, and the Na-Ca exchanger, promoting early afterdepolarizations (EADs) that can initiate ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) in structurally remodeled hearts. Increased ventricular fibrosis plays a key facilitatory role in allowing oxidative-stress induced EADs to manifest as triggered activity and VT/VF, since normal non-fibrotic hearts are resistant to arrhythmias when challenged with similar or higher levels of oxidative stress. The findings imply that antifibrotic therapy, in addition to therapies designed to suppress EAD formation at the cellular level, may be synergistic in reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Device characterization with non-contact probes in the THz band

Summary form only given. Advances in high-speed electronic devices enabled by new electronic materials and advanced processing techniques are opening up the THz band for integrated solutions in sensing, imaging, and communications. For example, InP-integrated circuits (mixers, LNAs, oscillators, etc.) have recently been demonstrated at 0.67 THz (Deal et al, IEEE Microwave and Wireless Component Letters, 21, 7, 368-370, 2011) and GaN is being considered to realize high power THz amplifiers and sources. Moreover, to circumvent the shortcomings of available devices, unconventional device topologies are being investigated (Dyakonov and Shur, Phys. Rev. Lett. 71, 15, 2465-2468, 1993; Zhang et al. IEEE Microwave and Wireless Component Letters, 21, 5, 267-269, 2011; Lederer et al. Solid State Electronics, 49, 9, 1488-1496, 2005). Nonetheless, testing and verification of the new devices at their intended operation frequencies has been a challenge (Reck et al, IEEE Trans. on Terahertz Science and Technology, 1, 2, 357-363, 2011). Particularly for frequencies above 500GHz, conventional contact probes are either not available, or extremely fragile for continuous use.To address the aforementioned difficulties in THz-frequency device testing, we have been developing a non-contact measurement approach that avoids the requirement to make physical contact with the test chip. Our approach is based on radiative coupling of network analyzer ports into the electromagnetic environment of the device (input and output co-planar waveguides) using integrated planar THz antennas (Topalli et al, 2012 IEEE Int. Symp. on Antennas and Propagation). Broadband butterfly-shaped antennas are used to ensure that the characterization setup is not limited by the bandwidth of the non-contact probe setup. As a first step in realizing these new probes, we recently fabricated test antennas and calibration structures (shorted CPW lines with varying lengths) on a 400um-thick GaAs wafer. The input impedance of the THz antennas were characterized in the 325-500GHz using contact probes (SP-I500-GSG-50-01) from Cascade Inc. and the implementation of the non-contact THz probe is under way. We will present the characterization details and our progress toward realizing this new THz frequency device testing methodology.
An application of Markov models to the dynamics of Minnesota's forests

Markov models are matrices of transition probabilities between states and are used to project a vector of state distribution forward in time. Traditionally, Markov models of landscapes assume that the transition probabilities are independent of age for all pixels in a given cover type. But harvesting practices vary the probability of harvesting within cover types by stand age, and so the transition probabilities between older age-classes or into other cover types depend not only on the cover type but also on the age-class within a cover type or successional stage. We used satellite imagery and stand inventory data for northern Minnesota to parameterize and set initial conditions for both age-class independent and age-class dependent Markov models. The assumptions of an age-class independent Markov model are not satisfied by current landscape dynamics in northern Minnesota. Making the probability of harvest depend on age within a cover type results in different landscape dynamics than making the harvest in...
Water-soluble SOA from Alkene ozonolysis: composition and droplet activation kinetics inferences from analysis of CCN activity

Abstract. Cloud formation characteristics of the water-soluble organic fraction (WSOC) of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formed from the ozonolysis of alkene hydrocarbons (terpinolene, 1-methlycycloheptene and cycloheptene) are studied. Based on size-resolved measurements of CCN activity (of the pure and salted WSOC samples) we estimate the average molar volume and surface tension depression associated with the WSOC using Kohler Theory Analysis (KTA). Consistent with known speciation, the results suggest that the WSOC are composed of low molecular weight species, with an effective molar mass below 200 g mol−1. The water-soluble carbon is also surface-active, depressing surface tension 10–15% from that of pure water (at CCN-relevant concentrations). The inherent hygroscopicity parameter, κ, of the WSOC ranges between 0.17 and 0.25; if surface tension depression and molar volume effects are considered in κ, a remarkably constant "apparent" hygroscopicity ~0.3 emerges for all samples considered. This implies that the volume fraction of soluble material in the parent aerosol is the key composition parameter required for prediction of the SOA hygroscopicity, as shifts in molar volume across samples are compensated by changes in surface tension. Finally, using "threshold droplet growth analysis", the water-soluble organics in all samples considered do not affect CCN activation kinetics.
On joint detection and decoding of linear block codes on Gaussian vector channels

Optimal receivers recovering signals transmitted across noisy communication channels employ a maximum-likelihood (ML) criterion to minimize the probability of error. The problem of finding the most likely transmitted symbol is often equivalent to finding the closest lattice point to a given point and is known to be NP-hard. In systems that employ error-correcting coding for data protection, the symbol space forms a sparse lattice, where the sparsity structure is determined by the code. In such systems, ML data recovery may be geometrically interpreted as a search for the closest point in the sparse lattice. In this paper, motivated by the idea of the "sphere decoding" algorithm of Fincke and Pohst, we propose an algorithm that finds the closest point in the sparse lattice to the given vector. This given vector is not arbitrary, but rather is an unknown sparse lattice point that has been perturbed by an additive noise vector whose statistical properties are known. The complexity of the proposed algorithm is thus a random variable. We study its expected value, averaged over the noise and over the lattice. For binary linear block codes, we find the expected complexity in closed form. Simulation results indicate significant performance gains over systems employing separate detection and decoding, yet are obtained at a complexity that is practically feasible over a wide range of system parameters
Neural Activity, Neural Connectivity, and the Processing of Emotionally-Valenced Information in Older Adults: Links with Life Satisfaction

This study examines whether differences in late-life well-being are linked to how older adults encode emotionally valenced information. Using fMRI with 39 older adults varying in life satisfaction, we examined how viewing positive and negative images would affect activation and connectivity of an emotion-processing network. Participants engaged most regions within this network more robustly for positive than for negative images, but within the PFC this effect was moderated by life satisfaction, with individuals higher in satisfaction showing lower levels of activity during the processing of positive images. Participants high in satisfaction showed stronger correlations among network regions—particularly between the amygdala and other emotion processing regions—when viewing positive, as compared with negative, images. Participants low in satisfaction showed no valence effect. Findings suggest that late-life satisfaction is linked with how emotion-processing regions are engaged and connected during processing of valenced information. This first demonstration of a link between neural recruitment and late-life well-being suggests that differences in neural network activation and connectivity may account for the preferential encoding of positive information seen in some older adults.
Supply Contracting Under Information Asymmetry and Delivery Performance Consideration

A global economy and rapidly-changing market conditions have greatly intensified industry competition. This, in turn, has led to an ever-increasing level of outsourcing/offshoring activities by firms in order to gain cost advantage and market share [35, 40]. According to the Department of Commerce [29], typical US manufacturers spend more than half of their revenue on goods and services obtained from external suppliers. As a result, supply management has become a significant issue for many companies that rely more on their suppliers for the delivery of components, products, and services. When sourcing from outside suppliers, a buyer should consider both price and non-price factors.
Primary Aldosteronism: A Channelopathy?

See related article, p 783–789 Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of secondary hypertension accounting for ≈10% of patients referred to hypertension clinics and as high as 20% of those with refractory hypertension.1 The most important causes of PA are idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA), also called bilateral zona glomerulosa hyperplasia, responsible for ≈50% to 70% of PA and aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) in 30% to 50% of PA and less common causes in ≈2% of patients with PA.1 The latter include 3 familial types of PA or hyperaldosteronism. Familial hyperaldosteronism (FHA) I, or glucocorticoid-suppressible aldosteronism, is because of gene duplication by an uneven crossover recombination of the 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) and the aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) genes, resulting in the expression of an ACTH-regulated chimeric gene in the zona fasciculata, which produces aldosterone. FHA II, the most common, is of yet unknown cause though many cases are in linkage with chromosome 7p22. FHA III is described below.2–4 Until relatively recently, research on PA concentrated in defining ways to diagnose and differentiate between the various types of PA and best way to treating them. Studies of the pathogenesis and the molecular basis of APAs had been limited to searches of aberrant expression of G-protein–coupled receptors and altered expression of genes using microarray technology. Studies of the pathogenesis of IHA had focused on the futile search for unknown aldosterone-stimulating factors in the 1970s and 1980s. In 2011, the use of the whole exome sequencing technique by the Lifton group led to the identification of somatic mutations of the G-protein–activated potassium inward rectifying channel KCNJ5 (Kir3.4 channel) in adenomas of ≈30% of patients with APA2 and initiated the use of this powerful technique to address …
Using Clinical and Research Activities to Enhance the Undergraduate Experience

In many disciplines, there is the expectation that involvement of undergraduate students in active learning activities related to clinical processes and research will be greatly beneficial. In this paper, we review a variety of methods for involving undergraduate students in communication sciences and disorders in both clinical activities and research processes, which can be both practical and draw on existing resources.
Subjectivity in the Opera Films of Jean-Pierre Ponnelle

ABSTRACT A leading director of stage opera in the late 20th century, Jean-Pierre Ponnelle is also important as a director of opera film for television. Unlike full-length opera films that stress ideology (for example those of Losey, Rosi, or Syberberg), Ponnelle9s opera films are striking in their emphasis on subjectivity. Examples from Ponnelle9s most cinematic opera films—— Madama Butterfly (1974), Le nozze di Figaro (1976), and Rigoletto (1982)——demonstrate key elements of his subjective emphasis: camera work that highlights the individual, including point-ofview technique, zoom shots, and low-angled shots; doubling, where mirrored or duplicated elements tell us more about a character; interior singing, where the viewer hears the soundtrack but sees no moving lips on screen; and manipulations of time, especially structural flashback, circularity, and quick flashes of past and future. Although Ponnelle9s devices are cinematic, we see how his approach is more suited to television than to cinema. His emphasis on music and subjectivity would seem to preclude the term auteur , which usually describes a highly individual approach that minimizes handed-down elements. Yet the marriage of innovation and tradition witnessed in his work suggests that he may indeed be considered a major auteur of screen opera.
Pyritized tube feet in a protasterid ophiuroid from the Upper Ordovician of Kentucky, U.S.A.

A single specimen of the protasterid ophiuroid Protasterina flexuosa from the Kope Formation (Cincinnatian, Upper Or− dovician) of Kentucky exhibits three−dimensionally pyritized tube feet. This represents the first report of soft−tissue pres− ervation in an echinoderm from the type−Cincinnatian series. The tube feet are solid and lack all internal structure. They consist of aggregated masses of small euhedral to subhedral pyrite crystals suggesting that pyritization, although de− cay−induced and mediated, did not necessarily replicate soft−tissues but might instead have formed inside the void−spaces left behind during the decay process. The discovery of pyritized soft−tissue as delicate as ophiuroid tube feet suggests that similar forms of soft−tissue preservation might be found in other taxa in the Kope Formation. Perhaps much more impor− tantly, this unexpected occurrence demonstrates the incompleteness of our knowledge of permissible conditions for the preservation of soft−tissues and it thereby indicates promise for discovery of other such occurrences in diverse organisms in unexpected settings. Systematics of Paleozoic ophiuroids remains problematic in spite of many years of study by capa− ble paleontologists. The incomplete but well−preserved specimens treated here include the types of Protasterina flexuosa and Protasterina fimbriata as well as previously undescribed specimens. Together they permit a revised diagnosis and de− tailed description of the genus Protasterina. Protasterina fimbriata is the type species of the genus but is a subjective ju− nior synonym of Protaster flexuosus (= Protasterina flexuosa). The genus is clearly differentiated from the only other known protasterid ophiuroid from the Cincinnatian series, Taeniaster spinosus, and from all other protasterid genera.