cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of model and experiment for a high frequency (35 MHz) linear ultrasonic array

In this study we evaluate the ability of a 2-D finite element model (FEM) using the PZFlex software package, as well as a 1-D PiezoCAD KLM model, to predict the performance of a fabricated high frequency array. A four element 35 MHz array prototype array was fabricated and tested and compared to both models. The array featured monolithic elements mechanically diced out of a fine grain high density PZT-5H ceramic and spaced 50 micron pitch. Electrical interconnection was made via a flexible circuit and matched to the 50 Ohm system electronics with an 85 Ohm transmission line coaxial cable. An average center frequency of 34 MHz was measured and a -6 dB bandwidth of at least 45% per element was achieved for the fabricated array. The experimental results agree well with both models. The PiezoCAD model predicted a 35.6 MHz center frequency with a 60 % -6dB bandwidth, and the FEM predicted a 34.4 MHz center frequency and a 46 % -6dB bandwidth. Because the KLM model cannot be used to simulate the response of multiple elements it should be used only to access the feasibility of an initial high frequency array design and determine the best thickness and composition of the matching, backing and piezoelectric layers. In contrast, the FEM proved to be a far more valuable tool for predicting the response of the array. With this model, kerf fillers, slotted versus continuous matching layers and variable depth dicing can be investigated further as they relate to the overall array performance.
Inherent Powers of Arbitrators to Deal with Ethical Issues

Arbitrators’ views of their own powers are changing. Although the exercise of powers not clearly provided to arbitrators has in the past been generally prohibited, as arbitration has become the international dispute resolution method of choice, the use of so-called inherent powers has become more common. Such powers are more needed in today’s world as arbitrators tackle more complex, statutory-based issues, deal with more divergent parties and counsel, encounter the reality of international corruption, and cope with guerilla tactics of counsel who adopt opportunistic methods to delay and harass their opponents. Recent rules and guidelines have acknowledged the critical need for arbitrators to have sufficient power to properly discharge their adjudicatory function. Arbitrators must have the power to control the arbitral process and the counsel who appear before them, and must be able to carry out their mandate to provide a fair and reasonable dispute resolution process, untainted by conduct that is nefarious or in bad faith.
Assessment of student learning using augmented reality Grand Canyon field trips for mobile smart devices

In searching for ways to improve undergraduate success in introductory geoscience courses, the importance of experiential learning in engaging students has become clear—and in geoscience, that is encapsulated best by field trips. However, as general education class sizes increase, so do the cost, liability, and difficulty of running a field trip. A solution for economically and conveniently bringing kinesthetic field experiences to a broader audience lies in the integration of technology through mobile-device games, apps, and augmented reality (AR) field trips. We report here an examination of learning gains at five colleges after intervention with augmented reality field trips to Grand Canyon. The AR field trips cover three topics taught in introductory geoscience courses: geologic time, geologic structures, and hydrologic processes. Results involving nearly 1000 students show that overall gains are similar to control groups, with completion of the AR field trips being a predictor of student learning success in some cases. Prior interest in the geosciences, students’ base-level understanding of the material, and whether or not the student is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) major are strong predictors of improvement in geoscience learning. Gender and ethnicity had no statistical impact on the results, suggesting the AR field trip modules have broad reach across student demographics. Because these modules have been shown elsewhere to increase student interest in learning the geosciences, we advocate their adoption, leading to increases in student learning.
Pathogenic Variant in ACTB, p.Arg183Trp, Causes Juvenile-Onset Dystonia, Hearing Loss, and Developmental Delay without Midline Malformation

ACTB encodes the β-actin, and pathogenic variations in this gene have typically been associated with Baraitser-Winter cerebrofrontofacial syndrome, a congenital malformation syndrome characterized by short stature, craniofacial anomalies, and cerebral anomalies. Here, we describe the third case with the p.Arg183Trp variant in ACTB causing juvenile-onset dystonia. Our patient has severe, intractable dystonia, developmental delay, and sensorineural hearing loss, besides hyperintensities in the caudate nuclei and putamen on the brain MRI, which is a distinct but overlapping phenotype with the previously reported case of identical twins with the same alteration in ACTB.
Evaluation of the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 as a Screening Tool for Depression during the Acute Stroke Admission

Background The ideal time to screen for poststroke depression remains uncertain. We evaluated the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) as a screening tool for depression during the acute stroke admission by determining the prevalence of positive depression screen during admission and by calculating the level of agreement between positive screens during admission and follow-up. Methods This was a retrospective cohort of adult stroke survivors discharged January to December 2013 with principal discharge diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage. Depression screening was systematically performed during the hospital admission using the PHQ-2. The 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), which includes the PHQ-2, was completed by patients at outpatient follow-up. Results The study cohort consisted of 337 patients with mean age of 66.3 years. Median time from admission to PHQ-2 was 3 days (interquartile range 1-4 days). The screen was positive for depression in 4.7% (95% confidence interval 2.7%-7.6%) of patients. Of the 150 patients with PHQ-9 data at outpatient follow up, 19.3% screened positive for depression. In both the inpatient setting and at outpatient follow-up, the prevalence of a positive depression screen was similar between patients with and without a history of depression or antidepressant use. Conclusions Systematic screening for depression using PHQ-2 during hospitalization for acute stroke identified few patients. Most patients with depressive symptoms were identified only at the time of outpatient follow-up. Further study is needed to evaluate the usefulness of other depression screens for stroke patients in the acute hospital setting and the optimal timing for depression screening after stroke.
Governing the Bering Sea Region

The Bering Sea Region (Map 12.1) – a large marine ecosystem or LME encompassing an area of almost 2.3 million square kilometres in the northernmost reaches of the Pacific Ocean (Sherman, 1992; Broadus and Vartanov, 1994, Ch. 3; National Research Council, 1996; WWF/The Nature Conservancy, 1999; National Research Council, 2003) – is famous both for its high levels of biological productivity and for the value of its natural resources to human users (Alexander, 1990). Although many residents of the mid-latitudes know next to nothing about this region, Beringia, as ecologists and archaeologists often call the Bering Sea Region, has attracted the attention of a diverse group of human users during the period beginning with the voyages of Vitus Bering during the middle of the 18 century (Hodgson, 1992). In 1991, a peak year, the fisheries of this LME accounted for ‘... approximately 10% of the world’s fishery production’ (White House Office of the Press Secretary, 1992). ‘Walleye pollock landings alone exceeded 4.8 million metric tons and accounted for approximately 5% of the combined world landings of fish, shellfish and crustaceans’ (BESIS Project Office, 1997: 18). During average years, ‘[t]he Bering Sea supplies nearly 5% of the world’s fishery products’ (Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee, 1997: 5). The region is also home to ‘the largest marine mammal populations in the world’, including whales, walrus, sea lions, sea otters, and seals as well as ‘the largest bird populations per unit area’ (Hunt, 1975: 339), including ‘43% of all breeding seabirds in the United States’ (National Marine Fisheries Service, 1997: 2). Once prized mainly by consumptive users, these animals and birds now constitute a principal attraction of the Bering Sea Region as a destination for the growing number of people interested in ecotourism. Yet this extraordinary ecosystem is also subject to stresses and fluctuations that have profound implications both for the viability of industries dependent on the use of Bering Sea resources and for the welfare of the region’s permanent residents (National Marine Fisheries Service, 1997; WWF/Beringia Conservation Program, 2000, National
Prediction of Subsurface NMR T2 Distributions in a Shale Petroleum System Using Variational Autoencoder-Based Neural Networks

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is used in geological characterization to investigate the internal structure of geomaterials filled with fluids containing 1H and 13C nuclei. Subsurface NMR measurements are generally acquired as well logs that provide information about fluid mobility and fluid-filled pore size distribution. Acquisition of subsurface NMR log is limited due to operational and instrumentation challenges. We implement a variational autoencoder (VAE) for improved training of a neural network (NN) to generate the NMR-T2 distributions along a 300-ft depth interval in a shale petroleum system at 11000-ft depth below sea level. Subsurface mineral and kerogen volume fractions, fluid saturations, and T2 distributions acquired at 460 discrete depth points were used as the training data set. The trained VAE-NN successfully predicts the T2 distributions for 100 discrete depths at an $R^{2}$ of 0.75 and normalized root-mean-square deviation of 15%.
Enhancing Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources (CIKR) Level-0 Physical Process Security Using Field Device Distinct Native Attribute Features

The need for improved critical infrastructure and key resource security is unquestioned and there has been minimal emphasis on level-0 (PHY process) improvements. Wired signal distinct native attribute finger-printing is investigated here as a non-intrusive PHY-based security augmentation to support an envisioned layered security strategy. Results are based on experimental response collections from highway addressable remote transducer differential pressure transmitter devices from three manufacturers (Yokogawa, Honeywell, and Endress+Hauser) in an automated process control system. Device discrimination is assessed using time domain (TD) and slope-based FSK (SB-FSK) fingerprints input to multiple discriminant analysis, maximum likelihood and random forest (RndF) classifiers. For 12 different classes (two devices per manufacturer at two distinct set points), both classifiers performed reliably and achieved an arbitrary performance benchmark of average cross-class percent correct of %C > 90%. The least challenging cross-manufacturer results included near-perfect %C ≈ 100%, while the more challenging like-model (serial number) discrimination results included 90% <; %C <; 100%, with TD fingerprinting marginally outperforming SB-FSK fingerprinting; SB-FSK benefits from having less stringent response alignment and registration requirements. The RndF classifier was most beneficial and enabled reliable selection of dimensionally reduced fingerprint subsets that minimize data storage and computational requirements. The RndF selected feature sets contained 15% of the full-dimensional feature sets and only suffered a worst case %C Δ = 3% to %C Δ = 4% performance degradation.
Supporting mental health providers: The feasibility and promise of a virtual professional learning community.

ABSTRACTIn collaboration with a large state entity, two virtual professional learning communities (VPLCs) were developed to support community mental health providers following a 12-month evidence-b...
Exploitation of Spatial Coherence for Reducing the Complexity of Acoustic OFDM Systems

This paper addresses the question as to how to exploitspatial coherence between receiving elements in multichannel multi- carrier acoustic communication systems in order to reduce the signal processing complexity without compromising the performance. To answer this question, an adaptive pre-combining method is proposed. Without requiring any a priori knowledge about the spatial distribution of received signals, the method exploits spatial coherence between receive channels by linearly combining them into fewer output channels so as to reduce the number of subsequent channel estimators. The algorithm learns the spatial coherence pattern recursively over the carriers, thus effectively achieving broadband beamforming. The reduced-complexity pre-combining method relies on differentially coherent detection which keeps the receiver complexity at a minimum and requires a very low pilot overhead. Using the experimental data transmitted over a 3–7 km shallow water channel in the $10. 5-15.5 \mathrm {k}\mathrm {H}\mathrm {z}$ acoustic band, we study the system performance in terms of data detection mean squared error (MSE) and show that the receiver equipped with the proposed reduced- complexity pre-combining scheme requires three times fewer channel estimators while achieving the same MSE performance as the full- complexity receiver.
Disposition and functions of clarithromycin in human THP-1 monocytes during stimulated and unstimulated conditions.

Abstract The macrolide antibiotics are bacteriostatic agents interfering with protein synthesis but they are taken up by phagocytic cells, e.g. macrophages, neutrophils and fibroblasts which take up infectious organisms into phagosome-lysosomal vaculoes. Recent studies have suggested that these macrolide antibiotics block the spread of infections by mechanisms associated with the inflammation process. Herein is a study with clarithromycin using human THP-1 monocytes, a phagocytic cell which has not been studied to date. Clarithromycin was rapidly taken up by the monocytes (approximately 1%) utilizing both saturable carrier and passive processes at pH 7.4 but was exclusively passive at pH 6.8 and 5.0. The carrier process was energy and temperature dependent and appeared to be linked to certain ion channels. Efflux of the drug was rapid and complete in 1 hr. Intracellular disposition showed 74% in the cell sap and 11% in the nucleus. Upon stimulation with zymogen A or bacteria significant increases of uptake occurred in the isolated lysosome-phagosomes. Examination showed that initially clarithromycin treatment triggered the release of NO, H2O2, IL-1 and TNFalpha from the monocytes, known mediators of inflammation, but also mediators which cause bacterial cell death or apoptosis. The activity of the monocyte marker hydrolytic enzyme NAG was elevated at this time as well as protein kinase C activity. Treatment from 2-4 hr with clarithromycin appeared to reverse this process in that the chemical mediator release was reduced along with the activities of hydrolytic enzymes, e.g. NAG and cathepsin D with no evidence of lipid peroxidation and protective SOD enzyme activity elevation. The latter effects of the antibiotic would be useful in blocking the spread of infection or inflammation from the original site. The normal bacterial static killing effects of clarithromycin was evident at 24 but not 2 hr in both extracellular free bacteria and those bacteria phagocytosed by the THP-1 monocytes.
Image feature reduction through spoiling: its application to multiple matched filters for focus of attention

In order to be of use to scientists, large image databases need to be analyzed to create a catalogue of the objects of interest. One approach is to apply a multiple tiered search algorithm that uses reduction techniques of increasing computational complexity to select the desired objects from the database. The first tier of this type of algorithm, which is often called a focus of attention (FOA) algorithm, selects candidate regions from the image data and passes them to the next tier of the algorithm. In this paper we present a new approach to FOA that employs multiple matched niters (MMF), one for each object prototype, to detect the regions of interest. The MMF are formed using k-means clustering on a set of example image patches identified by experts. An innovation of the approach is to radically reduce the dimensionality of the feature space, used by the k-means algorithm, by spoiling the sample image patches. This research was motivated by the need to detect small volcanos in the Magellan probe data from Venus. An empirical evaluation of the approach illustrates that MMF plus average filter perform better than a single matched filter for high true detection rates.
The real-world incidence of immunotherapy-related thyroid dysfunction: A retrospective analysis of a single center's experience over five years.

98Background: Immunotherapy related thyroid abnormalities are well described. Any grade abnormality has been reported in 6-18% of patients. The clinical relevance of thyroid abnormalities in a real...
Recognizing Vulnerability and Capacity: Federal Initiatives Focused on Children and Youth Across the Disaster Lifecycle

Over the past decade, a number of U.S. federal agencies have not only recognized children as a potentially vulnerable group in disaster but also made strides in involving children in hazards mitigation and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. This chapter provides an inventory of government efforts (such as guidance documents and initiatives) that recognize children’s vulnerability to negative physical, psychological, and educational impacts of disaster, while also acknowledging their capacity to meaningfully contribute across the disaster lifecycle. The chapter concludes with a discussion of commonalities and points of divergence when it comes to government responses to children’s vulnerability and capacity in disaster contexts.
Chapter 19 – TrailBlazer: Enabling blind users to blaze trails through the Web

Publisher Summary This chapter provides TrailBlazer that can accurately predict the next step that users are likely to perform on the basis of an initial action and provides an accessible interface enabling blind users to leverage those suggestions. A next step will be user studies with blind Web users to study how they use the system and discover improvements on the provided interface to suggestions. Guiding Web users through completing Web tasks has many applications beyond improving access for blind Web users. The TrailBlazer approach adapts easily to commonly used phone menu systems. Because of the reduction in complexity achieved by guiding users, the TrailBlazer approach may also be appropriate for certain users with learning or cognitive disabilities. Additionally, users of small screen devices face many of the same problems as screen reader users do in finding relevant information on complex Web pages and may benefit from a similar approach. Interfaces for nonvisual access could benefit from moving toward task-level assistance of the kind exposed by TrailBlazer. Current interfaces too often focus on either low-level annotations or deciding beforehand what users will want to do, taking away their control.
Attitudes About Mental Illness Among Seminary Students: a Qualitative Analysis

Tragically, a majority of people with mental illness never seek treatment; however, people may be more likely to seek help from religious clergy than from mental health professionals. In the current study, 25 Protestant seminary students were interviewed. The majority of students considered there to be biological, spiritual, and environmental causes of mental illness and favored psychological, medication, or spiritual treatments. Some participants reported stigma of mental illness, including avoidance and "dangerous" stereotypes. Religious clergy are frontline mental health providers, and their attitudes about mental illness are critical in reducing stigma and increasing treatment seeking among people with mental illness.
CRISPR Gene Editing in Strawberry

Because cultivated strawberries are genetically complex, conventional breeding of strawberry can be difficult. Therefore, gene editing can be useful when developing strawberry varieties. This 3-page document discusses CRISPR gene editing in strawberry. Written by Seonghee Lee, Cheolmin Yoo, Kevin Folta, and Vance M. Whitaker and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, February 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1315
Regulation in an Era of Surveillance and Other Threats to Privacy

Given the dramatic rise in the mechanisms through which governments, private industry, and other interests can access, gather, analyze, and employ information on citizens, we offer a theory of coevolving disruptions in the technological, business, and policy spheres. We then consider competing conceptions of privacy in a world of ever-evolving norms; we also assay public opinion on matters of surveillance and privacy focusing on points of consensus and conflict. We find that public opinion on privacy matters is a more complex phenomenon than most regulation scholars may assume. Finally, we consider theoretical guideposts for policy actors in their attempt to reconcile public demands for privacy with competing interests.
Evaluation of 21 Thailand Maize Germplasms for Resistance to Leaf Feeding Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Native to the Americas, the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae), is a recent invasive pest of Africa and Asia. This insect causes economic damage to maize (Zea mays L.) primarily through leaf and ear tissue feeding. The pest is resistant to several classes of insecticide and several Bt-maize toxins. Native resistance in maize to fall armyworm could be used with existing control tactics to enhance control of this insect. The objective for this study was to evaluate maize germplasm, developed from Thailand and maintained by the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System, for resistance to leaf feeding fall armyworm. Plants were grown in the field and artificially infested at the seven-leaf stage with fall armyworms. Visual rating scores for leaf feeding damage were recorded at 7 and 14 days post infestation. Scores for maize germplasm Ames 26254 were not different than the resistant check, GT-FAWCC(C5), and germplasm PI 506347 and PI 690324 were not significantly different from Ames 26254. In total, five Thailand maize germplasms received 14-day damage scores of ≤ 6.0 across both years of testing and were considered moderately resistant to fall armyworm leaf feeding. These maize germplasms are tropical and require breeding to adapt progeny for research in temperate areas.
Ortho-vanillin derived Al(III) and Co(III) catalyst systems for switchable catalysis using ε-decalactone, phthalic anhydride and cyclohexene oxide

Switchable catalysis is a useful one-pot method to prepare block polyesters utilising a single catalyst exposed to a mixture of monomers. The catalyst is switched between lactone ring-opening polymerization (ROP) and epoxide/anhydride ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP) by controlling its chain-end chemistry. Here, novel aluminium(III) (1) and cobalt(III) complexes (2), coordinated by ortho-vanillin derived salen ligands, show excellent switchable catalytic activity and selectivity for the preparation of poly(e-decalactone-block-cyclohexene phthalate-block-e-decalactone) [PDL-b-PCHPE-b-PDL]. Both complexes have competitive activities with a commercial chromium salen catalyst for epoxide/anhydride ROCOP (TOFCr(III) = 1200 h−1vs. TOFAl(III) = 350 h−1, 1 mol% catalyst loading vs. anhydride, 100 °C) and are significantly more active than the commercial catalyst for lactone ROP (TOFcr(III) = 3 h−1vs. TOFAl(III) = 300 h−1; 0.5 mol% catalyst loading vs. lactone, T = 100 °C). The catalysts are tolerant to low loadings (0.1 mol% vs. anhydride, 0.05% vs. lactone) and produce high molar mass triblock polyesters (Mn = 6–57 kg mol−1). The efficient production of high molar mass polyesters allows for future optimization of the block polyester thermal–mechanical properties and applications.
Loss and Consequence: An Examination of the Old English Case Marking System As Opposed to that of Other Old Germanic Languages

Old English—early in its existence—did not differ much from its Germanic cousins. In fact, these languages could be considered distant dialects from one another. However, through the course of its development, Old English lost part of its Germanic morphology: the case-marking system. The loss of this system had such an impact on the development of the language that the results are seen in Modern English. This paper examines these results, and to an extent the reasons, behind this reduction.
Reluctance to Accept Palliative Care and Recommendations for Improvement: Findings From Semi-Structured Interviews With Patients and Caregivers:

Background:Despite some insurance plans now paying for home-based palliative care, recent reports have suggested that insurance coverage for palliative care may be insufficient in expanding patient...
Abstract TP85: Screening Individuals with Intracranial Aneurysms for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms is Cost-Effective Based on Estimated Co-prevalence

Introduction: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture is associated with high mortality and morbidity. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends one-time ultrasound screening for AAA in men age 65-75 who have ever smoked. Little is known about other high-risk subpopulations. Recent linkage and genome-wide association studies confirm a shared genetic risk between AAA and intracranial aneurysms (IA). We tested the hypothesis that sonographic screening for AAA in individuals known to have IA is cost-effective. Methods: A decision tree model was developed to compare costs and outcomes of AAA screening compared to no screening in a hypothetical cohort of patients with IA. Event probabilities, utilities, and costs included in the model were derived through a comprehensive literature review. Expected outcomes of screening vs. no screening were measured in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALY), lifetime costs and the overall cost-effectiveness ratio. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the effects of ranging baseline variables, within plausible minimum and maximum values, on model outcomes, as well as to identify thresholds of model variables where a decision alternative was dominated (both more expensive and less effective than the alternative). Results: In our base-case analysis, screening for AAA provided an additional 0.1055 QALYs (28.1521-screening, 28.0466-no screening) at an additional lifetime cost of $3.62 ($374.57-screening and $370.95-no screening). This yielded an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $34.31/QALY. In sensitivity analyses, a prevalence of AAA in the IA population ≥ 7.5%, sensitivity of ultrasound screening ≥ 91%, or extrapolating the risk of AAA rupture to 6 years each caused the screening arm to dominate the model. Conclusion: Based on this model, screening for AAA in individuals with IA is cost-effective with an ICER of $34.31/QALY. This is well below accepted societal thresholds estimated to be less than $50,000/QALY. The sensitive variables in the model, particularly co-prevalence of IA and AAA, favored screening within conservative estimates from the literature. Prospective study evaluating the co-prevalence of IA and AAA will further elucidate the value of dedicated screening.
The Biology of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder Symptomatology: Identifying an Extremely K-Selected Life History Variant

Size at birth, growth rate, age at sexual maturity, number and size of offspring, and longevity are among the variables studied in life history evolution, a mid-level branch of evolutionary biology. Long-lived, slow maturing, and highly encephalized Homo sapiens, though skewed as a group towards the very slow end of the spectrum, nevertheless show some life history variation; variation which may relate to, and to some extent explain, personality variation. When applied to extant personality disorders, the risk-taking, boldness, and impulsivity of psychopathy is explained as a fast life history strategy. Herein, it is argued that the highly heritable obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), opposite psychopathy, is a slow life history strategy. Both OCPD and slow life history strategists exhibit anxiety and harm avoidance, risk and loss aversion, future-oriented thought and time urgency, delayed gratification, and conscientious labor and fidelity. In addition to a host of compelling correlations, the preponderance of intrinsic over extrinsic mortality that explains the evolution of slow life histories is precisely that which has been described in an ecological etiology that explains OCPD as a product of post-migration evolution from Africa into Eurasia.
Coral Farming: Past, Present and Future Trends

There Have Been Significant Technical Advances in Marine Aquarium Maintenance in The Last 20 Years. It is Now Possible to Maintain, Grow and Reproduce in Aquaria Many of the Coral Species Found on Coral Reefs. Due to the increased Demand For Live Corals and Other Reef Invertebrates, The Commercial Production of these Organisms for the Home Aquarium Market Has Become Feasible. This Paper Describes the Early Beginnings of Live Coral Propagation, Current Coral Propagation Facilities Located in Europe, North America, and the Pacific Basin Followed by a Discussion of an Example of the Possible Future for Coral Farming, Namely Propagation by Sexual Reproduction. Suggestions for Areas of Further Research in Captive Coral Propagation are Also Presented.
NMR measurement of cytosolic free calcium, free magnesium, and intracellular sodium in the aorta of the normal and spontaneously hypertensive rat.

We have utilized multinuclear NMR spectroscopy to examine the relationship between cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]in), free Mg2+ ([Mg2+]in) and intracellular Na+ ([Na+]in) levels of the intact thoracic aorta and primary hypertension using the Wistar-Kyoto and Sprague-Dawley rats as controls and the spontaneously hypertensive rat as a model for genetic hypertension. Cytosolic free [Ca2+] was measured using 19F NMR of the intracellular Ca2+ indicator 5,5'-difluoro-1,2-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, free [Mg2+] using the 31P resonances of intracellular ATP, and intracellular [Na+] by 23Na NMR in combination with the extracellular shift reagent dysprosium tripolyphosphate. We have found that both the [Na+]in and [Ca2+]in levels were significantly increased in the hypertensive animals relative to normotensive controls (p less than 0.01). Mean systolic blood pressures (using tail cuff method) of control and hypertensive rats were 123 +/- 8 mm Hg (mean +/- 2 S.E., n = 7) and 159 +/- 6 mm Hg (mean +/- 2 S.E., n = 7), respectively. [Na+]in and [Ca2+]in were 21.9 +/- 6.4 mM (mean +/- 2 S.E., n = 7) and 277 +/- 28 nM (mean +/- 2 S.E., n = 5) for the spontaneously hypertensive rats versus 10.1 +/- 1.8 mM (mean +/- 2 S.E., n = 7) and 151 +/- 26 nM (mean +/- 2 S.E., n = 5) for control rats, respectively. A slight difference observed between intracellular free Mg2+ levels in hypertensives (180 +/- 38 microM, mean +/- 2 S.E., n = 4) and controls (246 +/- 76 microM, mean +/- 2 S.E., n = 4) was not statistically significant (p greater than 0.1). These data indicate alterations in the cell membrane ion transport function of the aortic smooth muscle in primary hypertension.
Comparison by Gas-Liquid Chromatography of the Fatty Acids of Mycobacterium avium and Some Other Nonphotochromogenic Mycobacteria

Abstract Fifty-eight strains of nonphotochromogenic mycobacteria representing nine different serotypes were studied, including 38 strains of Mycobacterium avium and 20 strains of Battey bacilli. The lipids were extracted from whole cells, saponified with potassium hydroxide, and esterified with diazomethane. The fatty-acid profiles determined by gas-liquid chromatography included saturated fatty acids ranging from C8 to C24, plus some unsaturated analogues and a branched-chain acid. No consistent differences in the fatty-acid profiles were observed between strains of M. avium and Battey bacilli. Quantitative differences in the means (significant at P < 0.01) were observed in the relative amounts of 14:0, 16:1, 18:0, 18:1, and a branched-chain acid among strains of the same serotype. We were unable to differentiate the fatty-acid profiles of recently isolated strains or those maintained in culture for more than 2 years.
Modal field theory and quasi-sparse eigenvector diagonalization

We review recent developments in non-perturbative field theory using modal field methods. We discuss Monte Carlo results as well as a new diagonalization technique known as the quasi-sparse eigenvector method.
In vivo radiofrequency heating in swine in a 3T (123.2-MHz) birdcage whole body coil.

Purpose To study in vivo radiofrequency (RF) heating produced due to power deposition from a 3T (Larmour frequency = 123.2 MHz), birdcage, whole body coil. Methods The RF heating was simulated in a digital swine by solving the mechanistic generic bioheat transfer model (GBHTM) and the conventional, empirical Pennes bioheat transfer equation for two cases: 1) when the swine head was in the isocenter and 2) when the swine trunk was in the isocenter. The simulation results were validated by making direct fluoroptic temperature measurements in the skin, brain, simulated hot regions, and rectum of 10 swine (case 1: n = 5, mean animal weight = 84.03 ± 6.85 kg, whole body average SAR = 2.65 ± 0.22 W/kg; case 2: n = 5, mean animal weight = 81.59 ± 6.23 kg, whole body average SAR = 2.77 ± 0.26 W/kg) during 1 h of exposure to a turbo spin echo sequence. Results The GBHTM simulated the RF heating more accurately compared with the Pennes equation. In vivo temperatures exceeded safe temperature thresholds with allowable SAR exposures. Hot regions may be produced deep inside the body, away from the skin. Conclusion SAR exposures that produce safe temperature thresholds need reinvestigation. Magn Reson Med 72:1141–1150, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reading History: Moving from Memorizing Facts to Critical Thinking

The task of reading and studying history in the K-12 setting has long been a memory task—knowing dates, places, and events. In contrast, historians use disciplinary-specific heuristics of sourcing, corroboration, and contextualization to understand not just what the text says, but when the text was written, who wrote it, and what may be missing from the text. “Doing history” is largely dependent on reading and studying texts (VanSledright, Read Res Q 39:342–346, 2004b) and it is the texts themselves, as well as the thinking about those texts that distinguishes history from other disciplines. This chapter explores what makes text in history different from texts in other disciplines. Identifying what makes historical texts unique suggests specific instruction that is needed to move students from novice readers to readers with growing levels of expertise in disciplinary reading.
Participation Factor Studies for Distributed Slack Bus Models in Three-Phase Distribution Power Flow Analysis

With the increase of distributed generators (DGs) installed within power networks, new analysis tools for planning and operating are required to develop for distribution systems with multiple sources. Power flow with a distributed slack bus model is considered more realistic than a single slack bus model, since there is no slack bus in real power systems. Participation factors can be applied to assign slack for distributed slack bus models. Previous works about participation factors for distributed slack bus models focused on transmission systems. Due to special characteristics of distribution systems, such as high R/X ratios and network imbalance, these previous works cannot be applied directly. This paper presents a three-phase distribution power flow with a distributed slack bus model and studies of two different methods to calculate participation factors. The methods are based on network sensitivity factors and on the concepts of generator domains
A view of consecutive binding events from structures of tetrameric endonuclease SfiI bound to DNA

Many reactions in cells proceed via the sequestration of two DNA molecules in a synaptic complex. Sfi I is a member of a growing family of restriction enzymes that can bind and cleave two DNA sites simultaneously. We present here the structures of tetrameric Sfi I in complex with cognate DNA. The structures reveal two different binding states of Sfi I: one with both DNA‐binding sites fully occupied and the other with fully and partially occupied sites. These two states provide details on how Sfi I recognizes and cleaves its target DNA sites, and gives insight into sequential binding events. The Sfi I recognition sequence (GGCCNNNN↓NGGCC) is a subset of the recognition sequence of Bgl I (GCCNNNN↓NGGC), and both enzymes cleave their target DNAs to leave 3‐base 3′ overhangs. We show that even though Sfi I is a tetramer and Bgl I is a dimer, and there is little sequence similarity between the two enzymes, their modes of DNA recognition are unusually similar.
Effects of Static Compression on the Vibration Modes of a Fingertip

The vibrotactile perception threshold measurement technique is used to diagnose sensory neuropathy of the hand. The vibration perception threshold of a human finger could be most sensitive in the vicinity of one or more of its resonant frequency. The purpose of the present study is to investigate, theoretically, the effects of deformation (compression) on the free vibration behaviour of fingertips. An in-plane finite element model of the fingertip tissue has been formulated on the basis of the anatomical structure and the nonlinear elastic material properties of the soft tissue. The vibration modes of a fingertip model have been analyzed under different deformation states. Our results show that the modal vibration characteristics of the fingertip are deformation-dependent; the eigenfrequencies of the fingertip increase with the increasing preload. The present study suggests, from a theoretical point of view, that the static deformation state will influence the vibration modes and thus the perception thres...
Schottky diode analysis for evaluation of RIE effects on silicon surfaces

Abstract Electrical measurements on titanium-Schottky diodes were used to evaluate the effects of reactive ion etching (RIE) processing and various post-RIE treatments on silicon substrates. Based on a model for the Schottky barrier with an interfacial layer, the measurements allow one to estimate the effect of an oxygen treatment or an O 2 -RIE clean-up with a wet chemical etch on the C- and F-containing insulator layer and the residual damage to a silicon surface by different RIE systems. It was shown that the oxygen treatment reduced the thickness of the “polymeric” layer, and decreased the density of surface states. A significant residual damage after O 2 clean-up with HF dip was found for the CF 4 /H 2 system. Lastly, the effect of thermal annealing at 950°C was investigated, and it was found that it gives rise to an increased density of surface states.
Evaluation of Noncorn Host Plants as a Refuge in a Resistance Management Program for European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on Bt-Corn

Abstract Studies in New York and Pennsylvania compared egg mass recruitment and larval survival on corn and other hosts of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (H[umlaut]ubner), to assess the potential of these plants to act as a refuge in a resistance management program. Assessments were made on replicated plantings and natural plant stands in the field and under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Scouting of mixed field plantings revealed more egg masses on corn than any other crop or weed species. At least twice as many larvae per plant were recovered from naturally infested corn compared with the next best host plant across both years. Larval recovery from noncorn host plants varied widely. Fewer adults emerged from overwintering weed stubble than from corn stubble, and the parasitoid Macrocentris grandii (Goidanich) was found associated only with corn stubble. Survival on plants infested with corn borer larvae was consistently higher on corn than on other plants. In a laboratory study, t...
Alpha enhancement as a treatment for pain: A case study

Abstract Drawing on past reports of raised pain thresholds of yogis in a meditative state, the high alpha content during meditation, and reports of operant alpha wave conditioning, a hypothesis was formulated that a high alpha state and pain are incompatible behaviors, and thus the production of alpha could be used for symptomatic treatment of pain. A patient, who suffered from severe headaches resulting from head injuries, went through 67 alpha conditioning sessions and increased his alpha activity from 20 per cent time alpha with eyes closed to 92 per cent time alpha with eyes closed and 50 per cent with eyes open. Although the patient was not able to rid himself of pain by achieving a high alpha state, he was in some instances able to prevent pain by going into a high alpha state before the headache began.
Identification of Protein Folding Patterns Using Site-Directed Spin Labeling. Structural Characterization of a β-Sheet and Putative Substrate Binding Regions in the Conserved Domain of αA-Crystallin†

The folding pattern of the segment of αA-crystallin encoded by exon 2 and containing putative substrate binding sites was explored using site-directed spin labeling (SDSL). For this purpose, a nitroxide scan was carried out between residues 60 and 108. At each site, structural constraints describing the local environment and topography were obtained from analysis of the nitroxide mobility and its solvent accessibility. Periodic patterns in the sequence-specific variation of these parameters were used to assign the secondary structure along the sequence. Geometric constraints describing the packing of secondary structure were deduced from patterns of proximities in 20 nitroxide pairs, specifically designed to differentiate between supersecondary structural motifs. Our data, in conjunction with those of Berengian et al. [Berengian, A. R., Bova, M. P., and Mchaourab, H. S. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 9951−9957], reveal that the fold of the segment between residues 84 and 120 consists of an antiparallel β-sheet o...
Comparing flow and context sensitivity on the modification-side-effects problem

Precision and scalability are two desirable, yet often conflicting, features of data-flow analyses. This paper reports on a case study of the modification---ide-effects problem for C in the presence of pointers from the perspective of contrasting the flow and context sensitivity of the solution procedure with respect to precision and scalability. The results show that the cost of precision of flow- and context-sensitive analysis is not always prohibitive, and that the precision of flow- and context-insensitive analysis is substantially better than worst-case estimates and can be sufficient for certain applications. Program characteristics that affect the performance of data-flow analysis are identified.
The influence of fiber diameter of electrospun substrates on neural stem cell differentiation and proliferation

Abstract Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) are capable of self-renewal and differentiation into all types of neural lineage under different biochemical and topographical cues. In this study, we cultured rat hippocampus-derived adult NSCs (rNSCs) on laminin-coated electrospun Polyethersulfone (PES) fiber meshes with average fiber diameters of 283 ± 45 nm, 749 ± 153 nm and 1452 ± 312 nm; and demonstrated that fiber diameter of PES mesh significantly influences rNSC differentiation and proliferation. Under the differentiation condition (in the presence of 1 μ m retinoic acid and 1% fetal bovine serum), rNSCs showed a 40% increase in oligodendrocyte differentiation on 283-nm fibers and 20% increase in neuronal differentiation on 749-nm fibers, in comparison to tissue culture polystyrene surface. SEM imaging revealed that cells stretched multi-directionally to follow underlying 283-nm fibers, but extended along a single fiber axis on larger fibers. When cultured on fiber meshes in serum free medium in the presence of 20 ng/mL of FGF-2, rNSCs showed lower proliferation and more rounded morphology compared to that cultured on laminin-coated 2D surface. As the fiber diameter decreased, higher degree of proliferation and cell spreading and lower degree of cell aggregation were observed. This collective evidence indicates fiber topography can play a vital role in regulating differentiation and proliferation of rNSCs in culture.
Phasing of a two-channel continuous-wave master oscillator-power amplifier by use of a fiber phase-conjugate mirror.

Phasing of two-channel cw master-oscillator–power-amplifier beams by using a phase-conjugate mirror has been demonstrated for the first time to the best of our knowledge. Phasing was achieved with two fiber amplifiers in conjunction with a single-frequency Nd:YAG master oscillator by using a fiber phase-conjugate mirror in a double-pass geometry. The successful demonstration of phasing of two cw amplifier beams with a fiber phase-conjugate mirror greatly enhances the prospects for phasing of multiple laser amplifiers without complex servo-loop control systems.
Lipid components of two basidiomycetes—Calvatia gigantea and Clitocybe illudens☆

Abstract 1. 1. The only coenzyme Q component present in wild speciments of two Basidiomycetes (a giant puffball, Calvatia gigantea , and Jack-o'-lantern, Clitocybe illudens ) was CoQ 9 . 2. 2. The major components of the neutral lipid fraction of Clitocybe illudens were free sterol and a relatively nonpolar material, presumably sterol ester or simple wax. The major sterol was identified as ergosterol; traces of other unidentified sterols were also present. 3. 3. The major components of the phospholipids of Clitocybe illudens were chromatographically identical with phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine (or serine). 4. 4. The fatty acids present in both specimens consisted almost entirely of palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. A high proportion of the fatty acid mixture was accounted for by linoleic acid.
Evaluation of different combinations of gated trapping, RF-only mode and trap compensation for in-field MALDI Fourier transform mass spectrometry

MALDI, while providing advantages such as the ability to do in-depth and repeated exploration of the sample, challenges the existing performance capabilities of Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS). The challenge arises because MALDI-produced ions have high mass-to-charge ratios and uncertain kinetic-energy distributions. We demonstrate that a combination of a gated trapping event, a RF-only mode pressure focusing event, and an electrically compensated trap provides a compelling advantage in meeting these challenges. Removal of any of the above combination elements significantly degrades the detection performance of substance P from 850 K resolving power at 34.9 kHz and of melittin from 278 K resolving power at 16.5 kHz when using a 3-Tesla magnet-based spectrometer.