cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of an in vitro model of fish skin and gill

Abstract Rainbow trout explants of skin and gill were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing 5% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum. Trout skin pieces (0.5–1 cm) or whole gill arches were placed in a controlled atmospheric chamber, gassed with a mixture of 45% O2, 5% CO2 and 50% N2, and incubated on a rocking platform at 13°C. Tissues were fixed at intervals of up to 30 days for light and electron microscopy. In skin cultures, the epidermis including scales, mucous cells and dermis remained normal for at least 30 days by which time epithelial outgrowth had occurred along the edges of the explant and onto the culture dish forming a monolayer. Similar normally appearing gill epithelium was noted including preservation of epithelial cells, chloride cells and pillar cells in the central stroma. Cultures were exposed to 1 mM or 10 μm HgCl2 for up to 6 h. These cultures showed marked changes in the epithelium including swelling of cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria and nuclear lysis. By 6 h, many cells were necrotic with flocculent intramatrical densities in mitochondria and interruption in plasmalemmal permeability. In many gill filaments, only the pillar cells and capillaries remained intact. These studies show that skin and gill can be successfully cultured and that they remain essentially normal for up to 30 days. In addition, skin explants can serve as an important way to initiate monolayer cultures. They also show that gill and skin show responses to environmental/toxic injury that lead to cell death at higher doses.
A two-dimensional simulation of a cooled, submicrometer indium arsenide Schottky-gate FET

A two-dimensional simulation of an InAs, Schottky-gate FET operated at 77 K is reported. A device of 0.25-µm source-drain spacing is assumed. The full field-dependent mobility is treated. The results suggest that such a device would have performance characteristics comparable even to Josephson junctions for high-speed low-power logic applications.
The Use of Streptokinase to Treat Renal Artery Thromboembolism

The effects of streptokinase are difficult to determine. Furthermore, it has toxic side effects, and renal function may not recover from its use. However, because of favorable experiences with this drug in the early treatment of venous thromboembolism and following myocardial infarction, as well as the favorable findings with early perfusion in the dog model, the use of local streptokinase may be justified if the infusion is begun early, preferably within four to six hours.
RGB-D image-based detection of stairs, pedestrian crosswalks and traffic signs

A computer vision-based wayfinding and navigation aid can improve the mobility of blind and visually impaired people to travel independently. In this paper, we develop a new framework to detect and recognize stairs, pedestrian crosswalks, and traffic signals based on RGB-D (Red, Green, Blue, and Depth) images. Since both stairs and pedestrian crosswalks are featured by a group of parallel lines, we first apply Hough transform to extract the concurrent parallel lines based on the RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) channels. Then, the Depth channel is employed to recognize pedestrian crosswalks and stairs. The detected stairs are further identified as stairs going up (upstairs) and stairs going down (downstairs). The distance between the camera and stairs is also estimated for blind users. Furthermore, the traffic signs of pedestrian crosswalks are recognized. The detection and recognition results on our collected datasets demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed framework.
Two-dimensional Finsler metrics with constant flag curvature

We construct infinitely many two-dimensional Finsler metrics on 𝕊2 and 𝔻2 with non-zero constant flag curvature. They are all not locally projectively flat.
Commentary: a call to go green in health care by reprocessing medical equipment.

Health care is one of the largest contributors to waste production in the United States. Given increased awareness of the environmental and financial costs associated with waste disposal and its public health impact, many hospitals are adopting environmentally friendly practices that reduce waste pr
Acute fulminant hepatic failure and toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with the use of moxifloxacin

Acute fulminant hepatic failure and toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with the use of moxifloxacin
Augmenting spatial skills with semi-immersive interactive desktop displays: do immersion cues matter?

3D stereoscopic displays for desktop use show promise for augmenting users' spatial problem solving tasks. These displays have the capacity for different types of immersion cues including binocular parallax, motion parallax, proprioception, and haptics. Such cues can be powerful tools in increasing the realism of the virtual environment by making interactions in the virtual world more similar to interactions in the real non-digital world [21, 32]. However, little work has been done to understand the effects of such immersive cues on users' understanding of the virtual environment. We present a study in which users solve spatial puzzles with a 3D stereoscopic display under different immersive conditions while we measure their brain workload using fNIRS and ask them subjective workload questions. We conclude that 1) stereoscopic display leads to lower task completion time, lower physical effort, and lower frustration; 2) vibrotactile feedback results in increased perceived immersion and in higher cognitive workload; 3) increased immersion (which combines stereo vision with vibrotactile feedback) does not result in reduced cognitive workload.
Science Under Scarcity: Principles and Practice for Agricultural Research Evaluation and Priority Setting

Science under scarcity :principles and practice for agricultural research evaluation and priority setting , Science under scarcity :principles and practice for agricultural research evaluation and priority se... , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی
Increase buoyancy of a solid fragment using micropillars

Abstract When a solid fragment has a higher density than water, it may still float on water surface due to the support of surface tension. However, once the solid fragment is completely immersed inside water, it sinks down to water bottom due to elimination of the surface tension. In this work, we demonstrated that, after the incorporation of micropillars on such a solid fragment, it may still get back to water surface. Air is trapped between micropillars. This increases the space that the solid fragment occupies under water. Accordingly, the buoyancy is increased. The critical values of trapped air, micropillar-covered area, micropillar height and water depth for a micropillar-covered fragment to rise up to water surface were formulated. Four micropillar-incorporated SU-8 fragments were fabricated and tested to validate the derived relationships. Experimentally determined critical values of micropillar-covered areas and trapped air volumes had good match with theoretically predicted ones. In addition, through force analysis, we showed that surface tension at the triple lines between water, micropillars and trapped air retains the volume of the trapped air but does not provide any lifting force to make the fragment rise up to water surface. Since the incorporation of the micropillars may make a completely immersed fragment get back to water surface from under water, the presented results have potential applications in developing miniaturized devices, such as submarines and water robots, that may need to rise up to water surface.
Tensor hierarchy and generalized Cartan calculus in SL(3) × SL(2) exceptional field theory

We construct exceptional field theory for the duality group SL(3) × SL(2). The theory is defined on a space with 8 ‘external’ coordinates and 6 ‘internal’ coordinates in the (3, 2) fundamental representation, leading to a 14-dimensional generalized spacetime. The bosonic theory is uniquely determined by gauge invariance under generalized external and internal diffeomorphisms. The latter invariance can be made manifest by introducing higher form gauge fields and a so-called tensor hierarchy, which we systematically develop to much higher degree than in previous studies. To this end we introduce a novel Cartan-like tensor calculus based on a covariant nil-potent differential, generalizing the exterior derivative of conventional differential geometry. The theory encodes the full D = 11 or type IIB supergravity, respectively.
Role of nonenzymatic glycosylation in experimental cataract formation

Abstract The relevance of nonenzymatic glycosylation of lens proteins to cataract formation was studied in rats on a normal and high galactose diet, treated with and without sorbinil, an aldose reductase inhibitor. All galactosemic rats not receiving sorbinil had cataracts; none receiving sorbinil had cataracts. Lens homogenate was treated with a 200 fold molar excess of [3H]-borohydride and the extent of glycosylation was estimated from radioactivity incorporation and quantitation of hexitol-lysine adduct after extensive dialysis. We found no differences in the radioactivity uptake nor the amounts of hexitol-lysine in the lenses of galactosemic rats treated with and without sorbinil. Thus, nonenzymatic glycosylation was not responsible for the sugar-induced cataracts.
Acclimation of Litopenaeus vannamei Postlarvae to Low Salinity: Influence of Age, Salinity Endpoint, and Rate of Salinity Reduction

Abstract.— Inland culture of Liropenaeus vannarnei in low salinity well waters is currently conducted on a small scale in a few areas in the U.S. To successfully rear shrimp in low salinity water, postlarvae (PL) must be transferred from high-salinity larval rearing systems to low-salinity growout conditions. To determine effective transfer methods, a series of experiments were conducted under controlled conditions to evaluate the influence of PL age, rate of acclimation, and salinity endpoint on 48 h survival of shrimp. Three age classes of L. vannurnei PL (10, 15, and 20-d) were acclimated from a salinity of 23 ppt to treatment endpoint salinities of 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 ppt. Survival of PL10 acclimated to 0, 1, or 2 ppt salinity was significantly lower than survival of PL acclimated to salinities of 4, 8, and 12 ppt. Survival of PL, and PL20 shrimp was only reduced for the 0 ppt salinity treatment, thus indicating a clear effect of age on salinity tolerance. The same age classes of PL were acclimated from 23 ppt to final salinity endpoints of I or 4 ppt at three different rates of salinity reduction: low, 19%/h; medium, 258/h, and high, 478/h. Survival was not significantly influenced by the acclimation rates for any of the three PL age classes. As in the fixed rate experiments, survival of the 10-d-old PL was significantly lower for shrimp acclimated to the 1 ppt endpoint compared to the 4 ppt endpoint. Under the reported conditions, age appears to influence PL tolerance to a salinity end-point. A 10-d-old PL can be acclimated to 4 ppt with good survival, whereas 15- and 20-d-old PL can be acclimated to a salinity of 1 ppt with good survivals.
Usefulness of a Test for Slime Production as a Marker for Clinically Significant Infections with Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci

The usefulness of a test for slime production as a marker for clinically significant infections with coagulase-negative staphylococci and its implications for therapy were examined. Hospital records were reviewed for 59 patients from each of whom more than one isolate of coagulase-negative staphylococci was obtained. In patients with a prosthetic device, 81% of 59 infectious episodes were due to a slime-positive coagulase-negative staphylococci. In contrast, 22 noninfectious episodes (in which the organisms were contaminants) were equally distributed between episodes due to slime-positive or slime-negative isolates (P = .005). Only 32% of infections caused by slime-positive organisms, in contrast to 100% of infections caused by slime-negative organisms, were improved by treatment with antibiotics alone (P = .02). Prosthetic device removal in addition to antibiotic treatment significantly improved the outcome in patients with infections due to slime-positive organisms when compared with treatment with antibiotics alone (93% vs. 32% improvement; P = .00025).
Selectivity coefficients of cation-exchange membranes: Maximizing consistency and minimizing error amplification

Abstract Experimental estimation of the selectivity coefficient of ion-exchange membranes involves significant error amplification, but no previous studies quantified the error propagation. Errors in measuring the concentration of the mono-valent cation can be magnified up to 500 times in estimating the selectivity coefficient of mono- to di-valent cations. Further, arithmetic averaging of individual estimations led to systematic overestimation of the selectivity coefficient. To avoid this overestimation, we suggested a least-square method to determine the selectivity coefficient over a range of conditions. In addition, a cohesive explanation for the consistency of the selectivity coefficient with changes in ionic content and equivalent fraction has been lacking in previous literature. We found that the selectivity coefficient of mono-valent potassium to di-valent calcium was consistent with the aqueous-phase ionic content from 5 to 100 mN and the aqueous-phase equivalent fraction from 0.2 to 0.8. The valence effect (membranes favoring di-valents over mono-valents) plays an important role in maintaining this consistency. The consistency is also governed by the aqueous-phase activity coefficients and thus depends on the aqueous-phase activity (i.e., unit of the aqueous-phase concentration). The consistency is maintained with the molarity but lost with fractional units, such as mole or equivalent fraction, for the aqueous-phase concentration.
Cross-linked ionic resins and gels from epoxide-functionalized imidazolium ionic liquid monomers

Abstract A novel bis(epoxide)-functionalized ionic liquid (IL) monomer has been reacted with a commercially available amine monomer to produce cross-linked, epoxy-amine-based poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) resins and PIL/IL ion-gels via step-growth (S-G) polymerization. The degree of chemical functionality was controlled by manipulating the monomer stoichiometric ratios. The S-G PIL resins were investigated for CO2 sorption and have a relatively high equilibrium loading of 1.0 mmol CO2/(g resin). PIL/IL ion-gel membranes were subsequently prepared and tested for CO2/light gas permeation. These materials have CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 permselectivity values near the Robeson upper bound. Analysis of their gas permeation data revealed that these materials exhibit a rare case of inverse CO2/CH4 diffusion selectivity ( D CO 2 / D CH 4 1 ). This phenomenon was attributed to the interaction of CO2 with residual and formed amine groups in the S-G PIL, resulting in a low CO2 diffusivity compared to that of non-interacting CH4.
EFFECTS OF ICE ON ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM WITHIN THE GREAT BAY ESTUARY SYSTEM OF NEW HAMPSHIRE‐MAINE12

The, effects of ice on Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis within the Great Bay Estuary System of New Hampshire-Maine, U.S.A. were assessed during the winter of 1980–81. Approximately 50% of the plants late fall standing crop, or an estimated 136 tonnes dry weight, was removed by ice-rafting. Pieces of Ascophyllum removed averaged 22 cm in length, 15 g in fresh weight and generally represented 2–3 years of growth. Although the winter of 1980–81 wax somewhat extreme, a similar pruning process probably occurs each year contributing to the characteristic bushy habit of attached inner estuarine plants. Ascophyllum fragments rafted in ice and deposited into salt marshes are suggested as a major source of the, ecad scorpioides (Hornemann) Hauck.
Tropical plants with unusual taste properties

A screening program of tropical plants for unusual taste properties gave some leads that suggested the need for further laboratory evaluation and exploration to determine their economic importance. Taste–modifying substances were of interest for applications in some food and pharmaceutical uses. Intensely sweet substances of superior taste quality were sought for applications in dietetic foods. Plants that were selected for further research wereSynsepalum dulcificum Daniell, Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii Diels, andThaumatococcus daniellii Benth.
Architecture for Low Power Large Vocabulary Speech Recognition

This paper proposes an architecture for real-time large vocabulary speech recognition on a mobile embedded device. The speech recognition system is based on Hidden Markov Model (HMM), which involves complex mathematical operations such as probability estimation and Viterbi decoding. This computational nature makes it power hungry and realtime recognition is not achieved by porting software solutions on embedded device. Our system architecture has a low power embedded processor and dedicated ASIC units for complex computations. These units operate at a low frequency of 50 MHz thus consuming low power. The system uses RAM for the intermediate values and flash memory to store acoustic and language models for speech recognition.
Ritual as a Mode of Production: Ethnoarchaeology and Creative Practice in Hindu Temple Arts

This essay examines some of the ethnoarchaeological evidence of contemporary South Indian Hindu temple and image-making practices to show how they can contribute to a more adequate understanding of ancient South Asian monuments and their aesthetic qualities. Without such concrete evidence, a contemporary historical imagination, by default, is understandably liable to represent the past as a series of discontinuous, creative innovations produced by individualised creative agents. Even where the names of such agents have not been preserved, as in the case of ancient India, their cosmogonic function is still likely to be presumed in narrative forms that portray discrete temporal discontinuities as primary signifiers of value. However, the rituals of temple production in South India function as a mode of creative practice that diverges profoundly from modern economic mythologies including those of creative personhood (‘possessive individualism’) and intellectual property rights. While these are presently beco...
A factor analysis of the important people inventory

Aims :For well over a decade, the Important People Inventory ( IP , Clifford and Longabaugh, 1991; Clifford et al., 1992) has been used to collect a wide range of valuable information regarding network support for alcohol use. However, because of psychometric limitations and varied adaptations of the IP , the following study performed factor analyses to develop a more structurally consistent model of the scaleas compared to the existing model. Methods A first principal components analysis (Varimax rotation) was run on the indices of the IP using data from a national investigation of residents within a recovery community ( N = 897). Next, a second principal components analysis was run using data collected from participants recruited from inpatient treatment settings ( N = 150). Results Results indicated a nine-index, three-factor model, which explained about two thirds of the common variance. These three factors included: Support for Drinking from Network Members (3 items), Drinking Behaviours of Network Members (3 items), and General Social Support (3 items). Conclusions Results of both studies suggest that the IP fits a multi-component structure. It is recommended that Drinking Behaviours of Network Members be examined for predictive validity and that General Social Support be removed from the scale or have additional items added.
Left hemisphere superiority for event-related potential effects of hypnotic obstruction

Abstract Twenty-two highly hypnotizable subjects were run in a visual target detection task which compared hypnotic obstruction of the left and right visual fields over separate blocks. The visual event-related potentials (ERPs) to non-target stimuli revealed that hypnotic obstruction reduced the P200 component to stimuli in the right hemifield, but did not affect P200 for stimulation in the left hemifield. The earlier P100 and N100 were also reduced to hypnotic obstruction but not as preferentially for either hemifield, while the P300 was not significantly changed. Right visual field/left hemisphere P200 reduction predicted suppression of behavioral response (button press) to hypnotically obstructed targets in both hemifields. The results are discussed in terms of Farah's model of a left hemisphere mechanism for image generation, and how highly hypnotiable subjects might use this mechanism to comply successfully with the suggestion of a hallucinated visually opaque barrier.
Probing native lignin macromolecular configuration in Arabidopsis thaliana in specific cell wall types: Further insights into limited substrate degeneracy and assembly of the lignins of ref8, fah 1–2 and C4H::F5H lines

The interest in renewable, plant-derived, bioenergy/biofuels has resulted in a renaissance of plant cell-wall/lignin research. Herein, effects of modulating lignin monomeric compositions in a single plant species, Arabidopsis, are described. The earliest stage of putative "AcBr/Klason lignin" deposition was apparently unaffected by modulating p-coumarate 3-hydroxylase or ferulate 5-hydroxylase activities. This finding helps account for the inability of many other studies to fully suppress the reported putative levels of lignin deposition through monolignol biosynthesis manipulation, and also underscores limitations in frequently used lignin analytical protocols. The overall putative lignin content was greatly reduced (circa 62%) in a plant line harboring an H-(p-hydroxyphenyl) enriched lignin phenotype. This slightly increased H-monomer deposition level apparently occurred in cell-wall domains normally harboring guaiacyl (G) and/or syringyl (S) lignin moieties. For G- and S-enriched lignin phenotypes, the overall lignification process appeared analogous to wild type, with only xylem fiber and interfascicular fiber cells forming the S-enriched lignins. Laser microscope dissection of vascular bundles and interfascicular fibers, followed by pyrolysis GC/MS, supported these findings. Some cell types, presumably metaxylem and possibly protoxylem, also afforded small amounts of benzodioxane (sub)structures due to limited substrate degeneracy (i.e. utilizing 5-hydroxyconiferyl alcohol rather than sinapyl alcohol). For all plant lines studied, the 8-O-4' inter-unit frequency of cleavable H, G and/or S monomers was essentially invariant of monomeric composition for a given (putative) lignin content. These data again underscore the need for determination of lignin primary structures and identification of all proteins/enzymes involved in control of lignin polymer assembly/macromolecular configuration.
Robust Dynamic Implementation

Abstract This paper extends the belief-free approach to robust mechanism design to dynamic environments, in which agents obtain information over time. A social choice function (SCF) is robustly partially implemented if it is perfect Bayesian incentive compatible for all possible beliefs. It is shown that this is possible if and only if the SCF is ex-post incentive compatible. Robust full implementation imposes the stronger condition that, for all possible beliefs, all Perfect Bayesian Equilibria induce outcomes consistent with the SCF. Characterizing the set of such equilibria is a key difficulty in studying this problem. This paper shows that, for a weaker notion of equilibrium, the set of all such equilibria can be computed by means of a recursive procedure which combines the logic of rationalizability and backward induction reasoning. These results are then used to show that, in environments with single-crossing preferences and well-behaved intertemporal effects, strict ex-post incentive compatibility and a condition which limits the strength of preference interdependencies are sufficient to guarantee robust full implementation.
Adhesion to Dentin

The bond strengths of dentinal bonding systems to dentin and the microleakage at the dentinal bonding system to dentin interface are often determined in laboratory studies prior to the clinical evaluation of these systems. The shear bond strengths of some of the third generation dentinal bonding systems to dentin and the microleakage at the dentinal bonding system to dentin interface are discussed. In addition, the shear bond strengths of fluoride-containing liners/bases and the fluoride release from these systems are evaluated.
Gas exchange rates for three closed‐basin lakes1

Long term monitoring of the /sup 14/C:/sup 12/C ratio in three closed-basin lakes in the western United States has resulted in reliable estimates of the mean CO/sub 2/ invasion rates. When normalized to sea level pressure the results are 6 mol m/sup -/2 yr/sup -/1 for Pyramid Lake, 17 for Walker Lake, and 38 for Mono Lake. Except for Mono Lake, these bomb /sup 14/C-derived invasion rates are consistent with those derived from the distribution of natural radiocarbon. The big difference in the invasion rates estimated for Mono Lake by the two methods is attributed to the influx of /sup 14/C-free spring waters to the lake. Possible causes for the difference in CO/sub 2/ invasion rates among the three lakes are wind velocity, salinity, and pH.
Novel arylpyrazole compounds selectively modulate glucocorticoid receptor regulatory activity

The activities of intracellular receptors are regulated by their cognate ligands. Here we show that a series of related arylpyrazole compounds, which specifically bind the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), selectively modulated GR-regulated biological functions in preadipocyte, preosteoblast, and lung epithelial cell lines. Indeed, when we monitored 17 endogenous GR target genes in one of these cell types, we found that distinct arylpyrazole compounds induced different expression patterns. We showed by chromatin immunoprecipitation that the arylpyrazole compounds regulated, in a gene-specific manner, either GR occupancy of the genomic glucocorticoid response element (GRE) or events after GR association, such as histone modification. Overall, our results establish that subtle differences in ligand chemistry can profoundly influence the transcriptional regulatory activity of GR, and that endogenous genes bearing natural GREs are especially sensitive detectors of these differences.
Comparative analysis of multi-item online auctions: evidence from the laboratory

Abstract The dynamics of customer relationship are being reshaped by price-setting processes such as online auctions. This paper analyzes price setting process in business-to-consumer (B2C) online auctions. Typically, these auctions involve multiple identical units and utilize a variant of the traditional English-auction mechanism. We describe an online laboratory experiment that compares the efficiency of such a mechanism with a multi-item version of Vickrey's [Journal of Finance 41 (1961) 8.] second-price auction with respect to both seller's revenue and allocative efficiency. Our results reject the revenue equivalence principle and indicate that English auctions may dominate the Vickrey auctions. However, we observe that the allocative efficiency of Vickrey auctions is higher than the English auctions.
The Design of Intentional Communities: A Recycled Perspective on Sustainable Neighborhoods

This article uses Skinner’s The Design of Experimental Communities to guide behavior analytic interpretations of non-behavior analytic research on contemporary intentional communities, highlighting ways in which this research substantiates many of Skinner’s notions about reinforcement contingencies in a successful community. The article then considers intentional communities in light of more current behavioral theory, such as the notion of reconciling personal and collective contingencies and shifting the balance of resource-intensive, resource-light, and resource-free reinforcers. This article goes on to suggest one new concept (i.e., macroshaping), along with concepts from outside the field (i.e., deliberative democracy, behavior setting theory) that may be useful in a behavioral approach to the design and analysis of intentional communities.
Famine Vulnerability in the Contact-Era Basin of Mexico

This study simulates vulnerability to famine and food poverty among peasant households in the Basin of Mexico two decades after the Conquest. Using demographic and cadastral data recorded in the Codice de Santa Maria Asuncion (Tepetlaoztoc), vulnerability is assessed by comparing household and patio-group (household compound) food production to consumption needs at the same scales, Modeling of food production of the principal subsistence crops (maize, beans, and maguey) uses the soil types noted for each field in the Asuncion document and a production model that accounts for soil-productivity differences. Both typical and poor years are modeled. Household and patio-group food needs are based on the codex data for each individual in the community. The study reveals that 60% of the population was at risk of famine in a poor year and that up to 16% would have suffered food poverty in a typical year. Nevertheless, even in a poor year, 40% of the population would have had adequate-or-better nutrition. Thus, this analysis supports contrasting views of early Contact-period nutrition. Because of the unequal distribution of food-production resources in Nahua society, some commoner households were usually adequately fed, while others normally suffered chronic undernutrition. Patio groups represent a possible response to this situation, as analysis by patio group indicated reduced vulnerability to food poverty. Land per capita ratios appear to be the best explanation of the differences in food poverty and famine risk among the households or patio groups.
Female genitalia of goblin spiders (Arachnida: Araneae: Oonopidae): a morphological study with functional implications

. Fine morphological details of the genitalia have large potential consequences for the understanding of the reproductive biology of a particular species, especially when mating behavioral studies are difficult to conduct. Oonopidae are a highly diverse spider family comprising a variety of species with complex female reproductive systems, which may have evolved under sexual selection by cryptic female choice. The present study describes the female genitalia of five oonopid species belonging to both conventionally recognized subfamilies by means of semi-thin sections and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the male palps are briefly described. The organization of the female genitalia in Scaphiella hespera and Scaphiella sp. resembles the entelegyne type. A chitinized canal connects the receptaculum, where sperm are stored, with the uterus. Sperm are also present in the uterus and the canal is suggested to function as fertilization duct. The genitalia of the parthenogenetic species Triaeris stenaspis are surprisingly complex. A large sac with glands is proposed to represent the equivalent of a receptaculum in sexually reproducing females. In females of Opopaea recondita, sperm are stored in a bulge derivating from the uterus. Contractions of muscles attached to the bulge may lead to sperm dumping. The uterus can be closed by a sclerite in its anterior wall. The receptacula of females of Stenoonops reductus are joined together and contain masses of spermatozoa. Additional sperm were found in the receptacula connection suggesting that fertilization takes place there. The male palps of all the investigated species, except for S. hespera, seem to lack a distincly sclerotized sperm duct. Spermatozoa and secretions are stored in a large reservoir inside the genital bulb surrounded by glandular epithelium.
Seasonal changes in D/H fractionation accompanying lipid biosynthesis in Spartina alterniflora

To investigate potential variability in the biosynthetic fractionation of hydrogen isotopes between environmental water and plant lipids, the cord grass Spartina alterniflora was sampled from a single location in a coastal marsh over a period of 16 months. Values of δD for a variety of lipids were measured by gas chromatography/pyrolysis/isotope ratio mass spectrometry. S. alterniflora grows partially submerged in seawater, so it has a virtually unlimited supply of water with nearly unvarying isotopic composition. Temporal changes in the δD values of lipids can thus be interpreted as representing mainly variations in biosynthetic fractionation. Fatty acids, n-alkanes, and phytol extracted from S. alterniflora have nearly constant δD values from ∼October through May, but exhibit marked decreases of up to 40‰ during summer months. These shifts in lipid δD values are interpreted as representing a change in the source of organic substrates, principally acetate, used for their biosynthesis. Lower summertime δD values for lipids are consistent with an increasing reliance on current photosynthate as feedstock for biosynthesis, whereas stored carbohydrate reserves are utilized more extensively during other times of the year. Regardless of the specific mechanism, the data emphasize that overall fractionations between water and plant lipids depend on biological as well as environmental variables, and that the biosynthetic fractionation is not necessarily constant even for a single plant. Because lipids such as fatty acids are present in all cells and turn over on timescales of weeks to months, measurements of δD values in fatty acids may also provide useful constraints for distinguishing biologic versus environmental controls on cellulose δD values in trees.
Radicals and Oxidants Instrument (ROXI) for Mars surface analyses

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is likely the most sensitive technique for detection of elements and compounds with unpaired electrons. Typical analyses in the laboratory utilize a fixed microwave frequency and a scanning magnetic field to induce electron spin-state transitions in the sample. The location of the resonant absorption in the scan is a diagnostic property of the material, and the intensity of the signal is proportional to the concentration. We have developed a frequency scan EPR for planetary surface applications where a fixed magnetic field and tunable microwave sources are used to produce these characteristic resonant peaks. Our narrowband spectrometer covers 7.5 to 8.5 GHz at a field strength 2.8 kGauss and is specifically designed for the identification of organic radicals, minerals with radiation-induced defects, and reactive compounds in martian surface samples. Our wideband spectrometer covers 2.0 to 8.0 GHz at a field strength of 1.0 kGauss and is useful for the detection of paramagnetic cations. The detection limit of the narrowband and wideband spectrometers for species with unpaired electrons is 50 PPB and 1 PPM, respectively.
Video detection and analysis techniques of transient astronomical phenomena.

Low-light-level television systems have been utilized to gain information on meteors, aurorae, and other faint, transient astronomical phenomena. Such phenomena change not only their position as a function of time, but also their photometric and spectral characteristics in as little as 1/60 second, thus requiring unique methods of analysis. Data observed with television systems and recorded on video tape have been analyzed with a system utilizing both analog and digital techniques. Both off-the-shelf equipment and inhouse developments are used to isolate sequences of moving images and to store them in a form suitable for photometric and spectral reduction. Current emphasis of the analysis effort is directed at the measurement of the first-order emission lines of meteor spectra, the results of which will yield important compositional information concerning the nature of the impinging meteoroid.
Amplitude stability improvement of CW submiltimeter wave lasers with phase modulated optical pumping

An experimentally measured reduction of 4:1 in the amplitude fluctuation of an optically pumped CW-submillimeter wave laser was achieved using a mirror, vibrating at audio frequencies, to decouple the pump beam reflected back to a CO 2 pump laser. An expression is derived for the peak frequency deviation of the pump laser due to a phase modulated feedback signal.
Comparison of healthcare resource use between patients receiving ondansetron or palonosetron as prophylaxis for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

Objective: To analyze the differences between ondansetron and palonosetron in healthcare resource use (i.e., inpatient/ outpatient encounters) among patients receiving intraperitoneal cisplatin.Method: A medical record review was performed. Intraperitoneal cisplatin administrations for gynecological cancers from January through June 2006 and from October 2007 through June 2008 were divided into two groups based on the serotonin-receptor antagonist used. The occurrence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)-related hospital readmissions, emergency department visits, and outpatient encounters occurring within 7 days after cisplatin administration was compared. CINV-related resource use was defined as events associated with dehydration, hypovolemia, nausea/vomiting, hypokalemia, constipation, shortness of breath, or syncope/collapse.Results: Ondansetron or palonosetron was used in 39 and 89 cisplatin administrations, respectively. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups with ...
Using a Saliency Map for Active Spatial Selective Attention: Implementation & Initial Results

In many vision based tasks, the ability to focus attention on the important portions of a scene is crucial for good performance on the tasks. In this paper we present a simple method of achieving spatial selective attention through the use of a saliency map. The saliency map indicates which regions of the input retina are important for performing the task. The saliency map is created through predictive auto-encoding. The performance of this method is demonstrated on two simple tasks which have multiple very strong distracting features in the input retina. Architectural extensions and application directions for this model are presented.
Affective Arousal as Information: How Affective Arousal Influences Judgments, Learning, and Memory

The affect-as-information framework posits that affect is embodied information about value and importance. The valence dimension of affect provides evaluative information about stimulus objects, which plays a role in judgment and decisionmaking. Affect can also provide evaluative information about one's own cognitions and response inclinations, information that guides thinking and reasoning. In particular, positive affect often promotes, and negative affect inhibits, accessible responses or dominant modes of thinking. Affect thus moderates many of the textbook phenomena in cognitive psychology. In the current review, we suggest additionally that the arousal dimension of affect amplifies reactions, leading to intensified evaluations, increased reliance on particular styles of learning, and enhanced long-term memory for events. We conclude that whereas valenced affective cues serve as information about value, the arousal dimension provides information about urgency or importance.
MODELS OF DIVISION OF LABOR IN SOCIAL INSECTS

▪ Abstract Division of labor is one of the most basic and widely studied aspects of colony behavior in social insects. Studies of division of labor are concerned with the integration of individual worker behavior into colony level task organization and with the question of how regulation of division of labor may contribute to colony efficiency. Here we describe and critique the current models concerned with the proximate causes of division of labor in social insects. The models have identified various proximate mechanisms to explain division of labor, based on both internal and external factors. On the basis of these factors, we suggest a classification of the models. We first describe the different types of models and then review the empirical evidence supporting them. The models to date may be considered preliminary and exploratory; they have advanced our understanding by suggesting possible mechanisms for division of labor and by revealing how individual and colony-level behavior may be related. They s...
Commercial Mortgage Default and Refinancing Risk: A Primer

In the period 1993–2006, commercial mortgages and commercial mortgage-backed securities provided highly competitive returns, on a risk-adjusted basis, relative to other investments in the stock and bond universe. The severe 2007–2009 financial market meltdown, induced by the downturn in the housing bubble, provides a stiff challenge to the continuation of previously strong results. Corcoran examines historical performance of commercial mortgage defaults and seeks to draw inferences about defaults in the unusual 2007–2009 U.S. economic downturn. The article serves as a primer for investors considering relative value in the sector at a bottom-of-the-cycle moment, when relative value is typically high.
Vomissements incoercibles de la grossesse : mise au point

Vomiting of pregnancy is a physiological symptom of the first trimester and is a frequent reason for consultation as well as hospitalization in the severe forms (hyperemesis gravidarum), which complicate 0.3 to 4% of the pregnancies and represent the first cause of hospitalization in the first trimester. Hyperemesis gravidarum may be responsible for a loss of weight with dehydration and/or hypokalemia. The use of scores such as PUQE-modified or NVPQOL may allow an objective and accurate assessment of symptoms and impairment of quality of life. Organic disease should be always eliminated and hospitalization may be necessary to effectively treat vomiting and correct any electrolyte disorders.
Hyperpermeability and ATP depletion induced by chronic hypoxia or glycolytic inhibition in Caco-2BBe monolayers

Previous studies have documented that the barrier function of epithelial or endothelial monolayers is deranged when cellular ATP levels are rapidly decreased to very low levels by inhibitors of mitochondrial and glycolytic function. We hypothesized that lesser degrees of ATP depletion also might affect epithelial permeability, particularly if the perturbation were sustained for a prolonged interval. Using Caco-2BBe cells grown on permeable supports mounted in bicameral chambers, we assessed permeability by measuring the apical-to-basolateral clearance (flux divided by apical compartment concentration) of fluorescein disulfonic acid. ATP was depleted by incubating cells in glucose-free (Glu-) medium containing 10 mM 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) for 12, 24, or 48 h or under an anoxic atmosphere for 24, 48, or 72 h. Although both models of energy depletion were characterized by significant derangements in barrier function, metabolic inhibition with 2-DOG/ Glu- resulted in greater increases in permeability and more profound decrements in cellular ATP content. Morphological studies using electron and confocal fluorescence microscopy showed structural changes in individual cells and derangements in the normal distribution of perijunctional actin after monolayers were incubated with 2-DOG/Glu- but not after incubation under an anoxic atmosphere. Addition of 10 mM lactic acid (final pH 6.7) provided significant protection against both hyperpermeability and ATP depletion induced by 2-DOG/Glu-. We conclude that moderate degrees of ATP depletion are sufficient to increase the permeability of Caco-2BBe monolayers and that lactic acidosis helps to preserve ATP content, barrier function, and morphological integrity in hypoxic intestinal epithelial cells.
Discretized Air Phase Modeling in the Simulation of Pipeline Refilling Operations

This chapter focuses in the numerical simulation of the filling of water mains, and how to incorporate the effects of air phase in those computations. Water ma…
Spatiotemporal Instability of Fiber Amplifier

Modulation instability is shown to arise from coupling between signal and pump fluctuations and its effect on phase stability is calculated. The results are relevant for phased fiber laser arrays.
Preliminary Study on Converting Hybrid Poplar to High-Value Chemicals and Lignin Using Organosolv Ethanol Process

The organosolv ethanol process was adapted for converting hybrid poplar (Populus nigra L. × P. maximowiczii) into organosolv lignin and saccharide-derived chemicals, such as levulinic acid (LA), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and furfural. The effect of process conditions (temperature, ethanol concentration, sulfuric acid dosage, and reaction time) on product yields was investigated using an experimental matrix designed with response surface methodology (RSM) and small Hartley composite design. The conditions ranged over 173−207 °C, 15−66 min, 2.3−5.7% H2SO4 (SA) on oven-dry wood (w/w), and 33−67% ethanol concentration (v/v). Results indicated that temperature, sulfuric acid loading, and their interaction had a significant effect on the yields of lignin and saccharide-derived chemicals. Comparative investigation of the organosolv process and acid process indicated that ethanol not only enhanced the delignification and production of organosolv lignin, but also improved the conversion yields of pentoses to fu...
SWEDE MIDGE CONTROL WITH INSECTICIDES ALLOWED FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION, 2013

This trial was conducted to evaluate insecticides allowed for organic production. The trial was conducted on a field managed using practices allowed for organic production since 2008 at Cornell’s New York State Experiment Station in Geneva, NY. An overwintered red clover cover crop was plowed under in May. Broccoli (‘Belstar F1’) with 3-4 true leaves was transplanted on 17 Jun. The transplants were set by hand using a Water Wheel transplanter with a solution of 0.5oz/gal Fertrell fish oil emulsion into raised beds with 1.25 mil black polyethylene and drip irrigation. Annual ryegrass was seeded between the rows for weed control and mowed as needed. Five treatments and an untreated control were arranged in a RCB design with four replications. Each plot consisted of six plants spaced 12 inch apart with 7 ft between rows and 2 ft between treatments. Sprays (with the exception of Surround) were applied with a CO2 pressurized backpack sprayer at 40 psi delivering 40 gal/acre through two TeeJet 8002VS flat fan nozzles spaced 19 inch apart. Surround was applied to thoroughly cover the foliage, using a hand pump pressurized sprayer with a single nozzle. Treatments included Azera (pyrethrum plus azadirachtin) at 3.5 pt/acre, Ecotec (rosemary, peppermint, and wintergreen oils) at 4 pt/acre, Grandevo (Chromobacterium substugae strain PRAA4-1 and spent fermentation media) at 3 lb./acre, Surround (kaolin clay) at 0.5 lb./gal, Venerate (heat-killed Burkholderia sp.) at 2 gal/acre and an untreated control. Nu Film P was added to all treatments to improve spray adhesion. The first spray was applied 24 Jun. Five more sprays were applied on 2, 9, 16, 24, and 31 Jul. The last application occurred just before head formation. On 14 Aug plots were rated for damage using a visual damage rating scale (Hallett 2007), where 0 is no damage, 1 is mild twisting of stem or leaves and/or mild swelling of petioles, 2 is severe twisting of stem and/or crumpling of leaves and/or swelling of florets, and 3 is death of apical meristem and/or multiple compensatory shoots. Broccoli with a damage rating of 0 or 1 at harvest would be considered marketable. As heads matured between 14 and 27 Aug, they were measured (diameter) and harvested. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test because of the qualitative nature of the damage rating data and the lack of fit to the normal distribution of the head formation data. Steel-Dwass All Pairs comparisons were conducted on damage ratings, head diameter, and head formation data to separate treatments (Table 1). Average maximum temperatures for 24-30 Jun, Jul, and 1-27 Aug, were 76.5, 79.9, and 75.4 F; average minimum temperatures were 59.2, 64.5, and 59.1 F. Rainfall amounts (inches) were 0.9, 4.8, and 4.1 for 24-30 Jun, Jul, and 1-27 Aug, respectively.