cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Politics as exchange: the classical liberal economics and politics of James M. Buchanan

James Buchanan advocated the market mechanism for allocating resources because it is based on voluntary exchange. People engage in market transactions only when they believe they benefit from doing so. Buchanan depicted the political process the same way. People engage in collective activities to accomplish together ends that they would be unable to accomplish individually, or through bilateral exchange. Buchanan’s vision of politics as exchange is a normative framework for evaluating the rules within which political activity takes place. Rules that meet the criterion of agreement are desirable constitutional rules, and Buchanan recognized that not all government activity satisfies that criterion. Buchanan is the father of the subdiscipline of constitutional political economy, and his “politics as exchange” approach provides the foundation for much work in that area. Buchanan has created a foundation that is rich in ideas, but leaves behind a number of unanswered questions that point the way toward a further development of the research program in constitutional political economy.
Synthesis, properties and controlled release behaviors of hydrogel networks using cyclodextrin as pendant groups

Based on inclusion character of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with drug molecule and low glass transition temperature of poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA), a series of hydrogels with different compositions were synthesized by the copolymerization of a monovinyl cyclodexrin monomer with 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA). The structure and properties of the hydrogels were characterized by FTIR, DSC, TGA and swelling measurements. It is found that swelling ratios of these β-CD hydrogels can keep a relative stability in the range of pH from 1.4 to 7.4, and are not sensitive to change in NaCl concentration. Using drug N-acety-5-methoxytryptamine (melatonin, MEL) as a model molecule, the controlled drug release behaviors of these hydrogels were investigated. The results indicate that the diffusion and permeation of MEL from the hydrogels may be a dominant factor for its release. Owing to the formation of MEL/β-CD retarding diffusion rate of MEL, a sustained release of MEL from hydrogel with high content of β-CD can be obtained compared with hydrogel PHEA without β-CD.
Joining of Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Steels for Advanced Reactors

The design, manufacture, and experimental analysis of structural materials capable of operation in the high temperatures, corrosive environments, and radiation damage spectra of future reactor designs remain one of the key pacing items for advanced reactor designs. The most promising candidate structural materials are vanadium-based refractory alloys, silicon carbide composites and oxide dispersion strengthened steels. Of these, oxide dispersion strengthened steels are a likely near-term candidate to meet required demands. This paper reviews different variants of oxide dispersion strengthened steels and discusses their capability with regard to high-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and radiation damage resistance. Additionally, joining of oxide dispersion strengthened steels, which has been cited as a limiting factor preventing their use, is addressed and reviewed. Specifically, friction stir welding of these steels is reviewed as a promising joining method for oxide dispersion strengthened steels.
Thermodynamics and crystal structure anomalies in lithium-intercalated graphite

We found anomalous behaviors during lithium electrochemical intercalation into graphite in the entropy curve and the crystal structure, especially, during the stages from 2 to 1 transition at x = 0.5 in LixC6. The entropy first decreases monotonously, then re-increased sharply at the transition. The average interlayer spacing displays a hysteresis during intercalation and de-intercalation and departs from linearity. The results are discussed in relation with a contribution of the vibrational entropy and possible occurrence of intermediary phase(s) between the two lithium-rich intercalation stages.
Note on a mechanism of the distribution of wealth

A population of individuals is considered to be characterized by a distribution of wealth which is the result of gain and loss from the outside as well as a result of exchange. The population is assumed to be uniform except for the variation in a parameter determining the manner of partition during exchange. The parameter is assumed to be normally distributed over the population. The resulting distribution of wealth is calculated for some special cases and it is found to be very asymmetric.
Cytochemical Assay of Interferon Produced by Duck Hepatitis Virus

A microscopic, cytochemical technique for assay of interferon is described in which psittacosis virus is the indicator agent. Interferon, produced in tissue culture cells in response to duck hepatitis virus, is used to illustrate the procedure.
Multi-marker strategies in heart failure: clinical and statistical approaches

Advances in genomics and proteomics promise to transform biomarker research, in which the major challenges will not be the discovery of new markers but rather the optimal selection and validation of a subgroup of clinically useful markers from the large pool of candidates. Critically, the value of new biomarkers panels will need to be assessed in the context of readily available clinical information in order to create more actionable knowledge rather than just greater complexity. Appropriate methodologies for the clinical and statistical evaluation of so called “multi-marker strategies” have not been systematically defined. Although specific criteria for the appropriate clinical and statistical evaluation of multi-marker strategies will vary based on the intended use (e.g., diagnosis vs. screening), the ultimate measure of success is the ability for a biomarker panel to both correct a meaningful portion of misclassification by standard methods (discrimination) and to improve quantification of absolute risk (calibration) in comparison to existing clinical information. Findings should be validated in an independent dataset of the representative patient population before a given multi-marker strategy can be considered for clinical use. Here, we define multi-marker strategies, summarize recent examples of biomarker combinations in heart failure, address key statistical and clinical issues, and discuss future directions for this rapidly evolving field.
Novel role of adrenergic neurons in the brain stem in mediating the hypothalamic-pituitary axis hyperactivity caused by prenatal alcohol exposure.

Abstract Exposure to alcohol during embryonic development leads to changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis such that adult offspring release more adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) than controls when exposed to stress. In the present work, we tested the hypothesis that changes in the activity of the catecholaminergic system modulate, at least in part, this upregulation of the HPA axis. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to alcohol 6 h daily during gestation days 7–18 using the vapor chamber model, which generated mean blood alcohol levels of 188.6±10 mg/dl. All experiments were performed on 2 to 3-month-old offspring. We first measured the ACTH response to i.c.v. injection of adrenergic receptor agonists. In rats exposed to footshocks, we then investigated the activity of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) as well as indexes of catecholamine ir, namely tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunopositive neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), TH immunopositive neurons in the locus coeruleus, and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) immunopositive neurons in the brain stem. While adult females exposed to alcohol during fetal development (FAE) displayed the expected enhanced ACTH response to stress, there were no significant differences in response to adrenergic receptor agonists or in shock-induced CRF/TH ir and neuronal activity, as determined by c-fos colocalization. In contrast, FAE female offspring exposed to footshocks showed a significant increase in the activity of adrenergic neurons in the C1 region of the brain stem, a population of cells that project to the PVN. Collectively, these results suggest that while FAE-induced hyperactivity of the HPA axis is not accompanied by significant changes in PVN CRF or TH-ir neurons, it is characterized by an upregulation of C1 adrenergic neurons of the brain stem. This novel finding should lead to the functional characterization of this brain region in the FAE model.
Dichloramine decomposition in the presence of excess ammonia

Abstract The decomposition of aqueous dichloramine in the presence of excess ammonia was studied to verify a proposed decomposition mechanism. Experiments were conducted under conditions in which the three significant reactions were isolated from others that could potentially complicate interpretation of results. The decomposition of dichloramine, producing primarily nitrogen gas and monochloramine, was initiated by mixing solutions of dichloramine and monochloramine under varying experimental conditions of pH, phosphate concentration, and initial dichloramine and monochloramine concentration. The chloramine concentrations were then monitored titrimetrically with time. Rate constants characterizing the reactions were determined using nonlinear least squares regression analysis and the reaction stoichiometry determined by comparing dichloramine loss to monochloramine formed. Phosphate did not catalyze the decomposition which suggests that the mechanism does not involve general base catalysis. A mechanism including a direct reaction of monochloramine was indicated based on both kinetic and stoichiometric considerations. The experimental results obtained at a high initial ratio of dichloramine to monochloramine could be reasonably predicted with the proposed mechanism and one set of rate constants. However, the constants were somewhat dependent on the initial dichloramine ratio. This discrepancy may be due to the existence of another reaction(s) not included in the proposed mechanism.
Resource adaptive netcentric systems: a case study with SONET - a self-organizing network embedded transcoder

In this paper we discuss architecture for network aware adaptive systems for next generation networks. We present in the context of a novel cognizant video transcoding system, which is capable of negotiating local network state based rate and let the video propagate over extreme network with highly asymmetric link and node capacities utilizing knowlege about the network, content protocol and the content itself.
A Review of Jeff Schmidt's Disciplined Minds: A Critical Look at Salaried Professionals and the Soul‐Battering System That Shapes Their Lives

From 1975 to 1977 I lived in a graduate student group house that included two physicists. Both were hard working and loved their chosen craft. One, the more theoretical, idiosyncratic, and, I believe, the smarter and more creative of the two, washed out of his program after two years with a terminal master’s. He just did not fit in. He took his rejection hard, but the last I heard, he was a computer professional and manager. He could not even stand to read physics studies, however, as this material just brought up too many painful memories. The other, better connected in the labs and more sociable, finished his Ph.D. working on laser technology. He was committed to the peaceful uses of lasers. He swore he’d never do military work. He went on to build and test lasers for the military. He is a professional scientist. In Disciplined Minds, Jeff Schmidt, a graduate physicist (Ph.D., UC-Irvine) and an editor at Physics Today, attacks in scathing and confrontational language what he believes to be the mindand soul-crushing world of professional work and training. He gives no quarter in this polemical screed. He denounces the indoctrination of apprentices in the “mysteries” of the professions (broadly defined to include almost all employed brain workers whose work demands
Pathology consultation on monitoring direct thrombin inhibitors and overcoming their effects in bleeding patients.

Objectives: Direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs), a relatively new class of anticoagulants, present several challenges regarding monitoring of their anticoagulant effects and overcoming bleeding associated with their use. The aim of this article is to (1) briefly present the pharmacologic properties of
On the Impact Characterization of Polymer Composite Plates: Dimensionless Parameters and Damage Criteria

In this study, important physical and material parameters dealing with high velocity impact events are identified and characterized. The most significant material and geometrical parameters of the target that control the initiation and growth of dominant damage modes are discussed. An energy balance expression is formulated in a manner that can be used for polymer composite systems with the two major damage modes namely, delamination, and penetration in mind, and their assessment is made reinterpreting some of the significant experimental data on high-velocity impact situations using dimensionless parameters. Three criteria are proposed to characterize the impact events viz, projectile-based criteria, target-based criteria, and projectile–target interactionbased criteria.
Characterization of the human quadriceps muscle in active elders

Abstract Stevens JE, Binder-Macleod S, Snyder-Mackler L. Characterization of the human quadriceps muscle in active elders. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2001;82:973-8. Objective: To compare muscle activation deficits and muscle physiology in older versus younger adults. Design: A maximal volitional isometric contraction of the quadriceps muscle with burst-superimposition was used to assess strength and activation. In addition, force-frequency testing during fresh, fatigue, and recovery conditions and electrically elicited fatigue testing were performed. Setting: Muscle performance laboratory. Patients: Healthy, active young (age range, 20-28yr) and older (age range, 66-83yr) subjects. Main Outcome Measures: Torque production, activation of the quadriceps, F50 values from the force-frequency relationships (frequency at which 50% of the maximum normalized force is produced), and the average amount of fatigue. Results: Older subjects were weaker (574.4 ± 156N) than younger subjects (900.9 ± 295N) and had significantly greater deficits in central activation in the quadriceps muscles (elderly = 95.5% activation; younger=98.1% activation). The force-frequency curves for the elderly were to the left of the younger subjects for all 3 testing conditions. Aged muscles fatigued to the same extent as younger muscle (young = 49.8% ± 2.6%, elderly=51.1% ± 2.8%). Conclusions: These results can be used to modify high-intensity strength training protocols designed to optimize sustainable strength gains in the elderly during rehabilitation. © 2001 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Loss of HtrA2/Omi activity in non-neuronal tissues of adult mice causes premature aging.

mnd2 mice die prematurely as a result of neurodegeneration 30–40 days after birth due to loss of the enzymatic activity of the mitochondrial quality control protease HtrA2/Omi. Here, we show that transgenic expression of human HtrA2/Omi in the central nervous system of mnd2 mice rescues them from neurodegeneration and prevents their premature death. Interestingly, adult transgenic mnd2 mice develop accelerated aging phenotypes, such as premature weight loss, hair loss, reduced fertility, curvature of the spine, heart enlargement, increased autophagy, and death by 12–17 months of age. These mice also have elevated levels of clonally expanded mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions in their tissues. Our results provide direct genetic evidence linking mitochondrial protein quality control to mtDNA deletions and aging in mammals.
Vibrationally-excited hydroxyl molecules in the lower atmosphere

The vibrational energy distributions of hydroxyl molecules in the lower atmosphere were calculated. As expected, the distributions are found to be highly nonequilibrated. Attention is drawn to the role that vibrationally-excited molecules may play in modifying the chemistry of the lower atmosphere. The most likely role for the OH molecule in the stratosphere is via reactions that may not otherwise be energetically viable.
Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury is cause of significant morbidity and mortality in the young adult population and the spondolytic population. CT and MRI imaging modalities are essential diagnostic exams in their workup. Cord hemorrhage is an important prognosticator. MR imaging such as diffusion tensor imaging may play a role in evaluating response to therapy.
A high quality electron and pion beam for NAL

Abstract A design for a secondary electron beam suitable for electron scattering experiments at the National Accelerator Laboratory is presented. Using standard NAL beam transport magnets it will operate at up to 300 GeV/c with the following properties: acceptance 9.5μsr%Δp/p(fw), momentum bite ±2%, momentum resolution of momentum hodoscope Δp/p=±0.30% (hw at base), final spot size ≤±3.0mm×±5.5mm(hw at base). Hodoscopes are also included for measuring the angles at which electrons pass through the experimental target with resolutions in both planes of better than ±0.1 mr. These properties are achieved by a periodic beam structure which includes correction of 2nd order aberrations by means of sextupoles. The yield of electrons is estimated to be ∽108/1013 incident protons when the energy of the electrons is about one half the energy of the protons. It is emphasized that synchrotron radiation by electrons in the beam transport magnets is very significant in reducing pion contamination of the final beam spot. It is shown that superconducting magnets to enhance this effect are superfluos. Pion impurity is ≤0.01% at every energy and may be made essentially zero at energies greater than 160 GeV. The beam is designed with four focussing stages, the first two of which provide a beam spot of sufficient quality for tagged photon experiments.
Molecular Characterization of Histomonas meleagridis and Other Parabasalids in the United States Using the 5.8S, ITS-1, and ITS-2 rRNA Regions

abstract: Extracted DNA from 28 Histomonas meleagridis-infected avian tissue samples from multiple hosts and geographic locations was analyzed for variation in the 5.8S rRNA and the flanking internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS 1 and ITS 2). Samples were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, sequenced, and compared with known sequences from GenBank accessions of H. meleagridis and other related protozoa. The analyses revealed significant genetic variation within H. meleagridis sequences and suggested the possibility of multiple genotypes within the samples or a possible misdiagnosis. Related protozoa found in some samples were mostly identified as Tetratrichomonas spp. However, 1 sample had a 93% identity to Simplicimonas similis, a newly described organism, suggesting the possibility of a new pathogen in poultry. A phylogenetic tree analyzing the 5.8S and flanking ITS regions was inconclusive and we were unable to resolve all H. meleagridis into a single grouping. In contrast, a tree constructed o...
Maternal prenatal and child organophosphate pesticide exposures and children's autonomic function

A B S T R A C T Background: Organophosphate pesticides (OP), because of their effects on cholinergic fibers, may interfere with the functions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). We conducted a study to assess the relation of in utero and child OP pesticide exposures and children’s autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation under resting and challenge conditions. We hypothesized that children with high OP levels would show parasympathetic activation and no sympathetic activation during rest and concomitant parasympathetic and sympathetic activation during challenging conditions. Methods: OP exposures were assessed by measuring urinary dialkylphosphate metabolites (DAPs, total diethyls-DEs, and total dimethyls-DMs) in maternal and children’s spot urine samples. ANS regulation was examined in relation to maternal and child DAPs in 149 children at 6 months and 1 year, 97 at 3 1/2 years and 274 at 5 years. We assessed resting and reactivity (i.e., challenge minus rest) measures using heart rate (HR), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and preejection period (PEP) during the administration of a standardized protocol. Cross-sectional (at each age) and longitudinal regression models were conducted to assess OP and ANS associations. To estimate cumulative exposure at 5 years, we used an area-under-the-concentration–time-curve (AUC) methodology. We also evaluated whether children with consistently high versus low DAP concentrations had significantly different mean ANS scores at 5 years. Results: Child DMs and DAPs were significantly negatively associated with resting RSA at 6 months and maternal DMs and child DEs were significantly positively associated with resting PEP at 1 year. No associations with resting were observed in 3 1/2- or 5-year-old children nor with reactivity at any age. There was no significant relationship between the reactivity profiles and maternal or child DAPs. Cumulative maternal total DEs were associated with low HR (3.19 bpm decrease; 95% CI: 6.29 to 0.09, p = 0.04) only at 5 years. In addition, there were no significant differences in ANS measures for 5year-olds with consistently high versus low DAPs. Conclusion: Although we observe some evidence of ANS dysregulation in infancy, we report no consistent associations of maternal and child OP pesticide exposure, as measured by urinary DAPs, on children’s ANS (HR, RSA, and PEP) regulation during resting and challenging conditions up to age 5 years.
Synthesis of new second-order nonlinear optical chromophores: implementing lessons learned from theory and experiment

Studies on the influence of chromophore geometry on electro- optic coefficient/loading density and poling efficiency reveal that chromophore optical loading density is largely defined by the shape of the center of chromophore, and bulky groups at the end of chromophore is not preferable for most efficient poling of chromophore dipole. An EO coefficient of 122 pm/V at 1.06 micrometers has been achieved as a result of the systematic chromophore geometry optimization. Even high EO coefficients are expected to realized in the near future. Practical Mach-Zehnder modulators have been fabricated using CLD-1/APC material and have shown good dynamic thermal stability (120 degree(s)C), low optical loss (1.67db?cm at 1.55 micrometers ), low modulation voltage (2.4 volt, 2cm modulation length), and high extinction ratio (26dB).
Fiber optic sensor based on gold island plasmon resonance

Abstract A fiber optic chemical sensor based on gold-island surface plasmon excitation is presented. The sensing part of the fiber is a one inch portion on which cladding has been removed and onto which a thin layer of gold has been deposited to form a particulate surface. Annealing the gold reshapes the particles and produces an absorbance near 535 nm when the only medium residing outside the surface is air. A range of wavelengths provided by a white light source and monochromator is launched through the optical fiber. The transmitted spectra display shifts in the resonance absorption due to any changes in the medium surrounding, or adsorbed onto the fiber. Experimental results for the sensitivity and dynamic range in the measurement of liquid solutions are in agreement with a basic theoretical model which characterizes the surface plasmon using nonretarded electrodynamics. Furthermore, the model assumes the particles are isolated oblate spheroids with a distribution of eccentricities.
Macromolecular organometallic catalysis: I. Epoxidation. A comparative kinetic study of tungstate, molybdate, and vanadate ions as catalysts for the epoxidation of maleic acid at pH 5

Abstract As a prelude to an examination of the concept of macromolecular organometallic catalysis, a comparative kinetic study was made of the catalytic activity of tungstate, molybdate, and vanadate ions at pH 5 in order to select the preferred catalyst for the conversion of maleic acid to cis -epoxysuccinic acid using hydrogen peroxide. A facile method for the analysis of the degree of epoxidation achieved was theoretically deduced, confirmed experimentally, and used to establish the reaction kinetics under varying conditions of pH, catalyst concentration, and temperature. The tungsten-containing catalyst is superior to the others examined at pH 5 and the rate equation and activation energy for this system were determined.
QUANTUM FIELD TRANSITION RATES AT FINITE TEMPERATURES

The Euclidean solutions (instantons) discovered in field theories seem to be interpretable as tunnelings between vacuums with different winding numbers. The associated transition rate for such tunnelings has been estimated. We study the effect of temperature on the transition rate between quantum-field configurations in thermodynamic equilibrium. We do this by extending the "most probable escape path" (MPEP) WKB vacuum-tunneling formalism of Bitar and Chang to finite temperatures. Our approach employs elementary results from quantum statistical mechanics. We believe the method offers an easily calculable approximation for quantum-field transition rates at finite temperatures.
Skilled nursing facility referral and hospital readmission rates after heart failure or myocardial infarction.

Abstract Background Substantial hospital-level variation in the risk of readmission after hospitalization for heart failure (HF) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been reported. Prior studies have documented considerable state-level variation in rates of discharge to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), but evaluation of hospital-level variation in SNF rates and its relationship to hospital-level readmission rates is limited. Methods Hospital-level 30-day all-cause risk-standardized readmission rates (RSRRs) were calculated using claims data for fee-for-service Medicare patients hospitalized with a principal diagnosis of HF or AMI from 2006-2008. Medicare claims were used to calculate rates of discharge to SNF following HF-specific or AMI-specific admissions in hospitals with ≥25 HF or AMI patients, respectively. Weighted regression was used to quantify the relationship between RSRRs and SNF rates for each condition. Results Mean RSRR following HF admission among 4101 hospitals was 24.7%, and mean RSRR after AMI admission among 2453 hospitals was 19.9%. Hospital-level SNF rates ranged from 0% to 83.8% for HF and from 0% to 77.8% for AMI. No significant relationship between RSRR after HF and SNF rate was found in adjusted regression models ( P =.15). RSRR after AMI increased by 0.03 percentage point for each 1 absolute percentage point increase in SNF rate in adjusted regression models ( P =.001). Overall, HF and AMI SNF rates explained Conclusion SNF rates after HF or AMI hospitalization vary considerably across hospitals, but explain little of the variation in 30-day all-cause readmission rates for these conditions.
Extension Theory: The interface between set-theoretic and algebraic topology

Abstract Extension Theory can be defined as studying extensions of maps from topological spaces to metric simplicial complexes or CW complexes. One has a natural notion of an absolute (neighborhood) extensor K of X. It is shown that several concepts of set-theoretic topology can be naturally introduced using ideas of Extension Theory. Also, it is shown that several results of set-theoretic topology have a natural interpretation and simple proofs in Extension Theory. Here are sample results. Theorem. Suppose X is a topological space. Then: (a) X is normal iff every finite partition of unity on a closed subset of X extends to a finite partition of unity on X; (b) X is normal iff every countable partition of unity on a closed subset of X extends to a countable partition of unity on X; (c) X is collectionwise normal iff every partition of unity on a closed subset of X extends to a partition of unity on X; (d) if X is paracompact, then every locally finite partition of unity on a closed subset of X extends to a locally finite partition of unity on X; (e) if X is metrizable, then every point-finite partition of unity on a closed subset of X extends to a point-finite partition of unity on X. Theorem. Suppose X is a topological space. Then: (a) finite simplicial complexes are absolute neighborhood extensors of X iff every finite partition of unity on a closed subset of X extends to a partition of unity on X; (b) complete simplicial complexes are absolute neighborhood extensors of X iff every partition of unity on a closed subset of X extends to a partition of unity on X; (c) simplicial complexes are absolute neighborhood extensors of X iff every point-finite partition of unity on a closed subset of X extends to a point-finite partition of unity on X; (d) CW complexes are absolute neighborhood extensors of a first countable X iff every locally finite partition of unity on a closed subset of X extends to a locally finite partition of unity on X. Theorem. A complete simplicial complex K is an absolute neighborhood extensor of X iff its 0-skeleton K0 is an absolute neighborhood extensor of X. Theorem. Suppose X is a topological space and A is a subset of X. Then: (a) A is C*-embedded in X iff every finite partition of unity on A extends to a finite partition of unity on X; (b) A is C-embedded in X iff every countable partition of unity on A extends to a countable partition of unity on X; (c) A is P-embedded in X iff every partition of unity on A extends to a partition of unity on X; (d) A is M-embedded in X iff every partition of unity α on A extends to a partition of unity β on X so that β(B) = α(A) for some zero-set B of X which contains A.
Effects of Stream Cleaning on Juvenile Coho Salmon and Dolly Varden in Southeast Alaska

Abstract This paper describes the effects of selective removal of woody debris on populations of juvenile coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch and Dolly Varden Salvelinus malma in two small streams on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, during the summers of 1979–1981. These streams contained debris left when surrounding forests were clear-cut in the late 1960s. Debris smaller than 60 mm in diameter and larger debris not embedded in the stream channel were manually removed from half of the study reach on each stream in 1979 by state-of-the-art techniques. Immigration and emigration of fish from the study sections and intrastream movements were very limited after an initial period of population adjustment in the spring regardless of treatment. Population densities and production of both species were typically higher in sections where debris accumulations had not been removed. Production of age-0 + and age-1 + coho salmon and age-1 + and age-2 + Dolly Varden during the June-September period ranged from 0.70 to 2.22...
The Development of a Miniature Flexible Flapping Wing Mechanism for Use in a Robotic Air Vehicle

In this study a mechanism which produced flapping and pitching motions was designed and fabricated. These motions were produced by using a single electric motor and by exploiting flexible structures. The aerodynamic forces generated by flexible membrane type wings were measured using a two degree of freedom force balance constructed during the course of these experiments which measured the aerodynamic forces of lift and thrust. Lift and thrust measurements were acquired as the mechanism flapped the flexible wings in nine cases, and the two most interesting conditions were explored in more detail. These two conditions consisted of a zero velocity free stream condition and a forward flight condition of 5 m/s. For these two conditions, high-speed video of the flapping wing was taken. The images from the video were also correlated with cycle averaged aerodynamic forces produced by the mechanism. Several observations were made regarding the behavior of flexible flapping wings that should aid in the design of future flexible flapping wing vehicles.
Design-of-experiment optimization of exhaled breath condensate analysis using a miniature differential mobility spectrometer (DMS).

Abstract Analytical instruments that can measure small amounts of chemicals in complicated biological samples are often useful as diagnostic tools. However, it can be challenging to optimize these sensors using actual clinical samples, given the heterogeneous background and composition of the test materials. Here we use gas chromatography–differential mobility spectrometry (GC/DMS) to analyze the chemical content of human exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Ultimately, this system can be used for non-invasive disease diagnostics. Many parameters can be adjusted within this instrument system, and we implemented a factorial design-of-experiments to systematically test several combinations of parameter settings while concurrently analyzing effects and interactions. We examined four parameters that affect sensitivity and detection for our instrument, requiring a 24 factorial design. We optimized sensor function using EBC samples spiked with acetone, a known clinical biomarker in breath. Two outputs were recorded for each experiment combination: number of chemicals detected, and the amplitude of acetone signal. Our goal is to find the best parameter combination that yields the highest acetone peak while also preserving the largest number of other chemical peaks in the spectra. By optimizing the system, we can conduct further clinical experiments with our sensor more efficiently and accurately.
Command and Control of Deep Submergence Vehicles

The wide variety of applications for deep submergence vehicles gives rise to a complex set of command and control requirements. An over-view of the command control requirements is presented by setting forth a catalog of the deep submergence vehicle family in terms of type and mission. The vehicle types are categorized by a set of eight descriptors, manned/unmanned, free/tethered, suspended/bottomed, and propelled/inert. The missions considered are search, rescue, salvage, and exploration, implantation, exploitation. The limiting requirements for the various levels of command and control are related to this spectrum of vehicles and missions. The command/control systems for several vehicles are illustrated.
Mechanical Maceration Divergently Shifts Protein Degradability in Condensed-Tannin vs. o -Quinone Containing Conserved Forages

Conditioning and conservation methods may interact with polyphenols to alter forage crude protein (CP) solubility and degradability. In this study, forages with ∼200 g CP Kg-1 dry matter were roll conditioned or macerated, conserved as hay or silage, and then analyzed for CP fractions. Shifting from roll conditioning to maceration of polyphenol-free alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) reduced buffer soluble protein (SP) with little effect on protease rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) and intestinal available protein (IAP, RUP minus acid-detergent insoluble CP). In birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), condensed tannin (GT) and maceration independently reduced SP and increased RUP to yield up to 62% more IAP in hay and 145% more IAP in silage than alfalfa. Based on results with trefoil, roll-conditioned for-age with 70 to 120 g CT kg -1 CP or macerated forage with more modest CT levels should meet a 350 g RUP kg-1 CP target to support 35 kg d-1 milk yield by cattle. In roll-conditioned red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), o-quinones formed by polyphenol oxidase reduced SP and increased RUP to yield 50% more IAP in hay and 88% more IAP in silage than alfalfa. Surprisingly, maceration reduced SP, RUP, and IAP in clover. Following maceration, RUP and IAP in conserved clover and trefoil responded similarly to CT, suggesting that maceration disabled o-quinone protection of protein substrates. Although red clover has high RUP, low reported milk yields indicate 0-quinones might depress lAP.
Cancer Gene Therapy: Scientific Basis

Gene therapy of cancer has been one of the most exciting and elusive areas of therapeutic research in the past decade. Critical developments have occurred in gene therapy targeting cancer cells, cancer vasculature, the immune system, and the bone marrow, itself often the target for severe toxicity from therapeutic agents. We review some recent developments in the field. In each instance, clear preclinical models validated the therapeutic approach and efforts have been made to evaluate the target impact in both preclinical and early clinical trials. Although no cures can consistently be expected from today's cancer gene therapy, the rapid progress may imply that such cures are a few short years away.
Friars, Soldiers, and Reformers: Hispanic Arizona and the Sonora Mission Frontier, 1767-1856

The Franciscan mission San Jose de Tumacacori and the perennially undermanned presidio Tubac become John L. Kessell's windows on the Arizona–Sonora frontier in this colorful documentary history. His fascinating view extends from the Jesuit expulsion to the coming of the U.S. Army. Kessell provides exciting accounts of the explorations of Francisco Garces, de Anza's expeditions, and the Yuma massacre. Drawing from widely scattered archival materials, he vividly describes the epic struggle between Bishop Reyes and Father President Barbastro, the missionary scandals of 1815–18, and the bloody victory of Mexican civilian volunteers over Apaches in Arivaipa Canyon in 1832. Numerous missionaries, presidials, and bureaucrats—nameless in histories until now—emerge as living, swearing, praying, individuals. This authoritative chronicle offers an engrossing picture of the continually threatened mission frontier. Reformers championing civil rights for mission Indians time and again challenged the friars' "tight-fisted paternalistic control" over their wards. Expansionists repeatedly saw their plans dashed by Indian raids, uncooperative military officials, or lack of financial support. Frairs, Soldiers, and Reformers brings into sharp focus the long, blurry period between Jesuit Sonora and Territorial Arizona.
Californium-254 and Supernovae

It is suggested that the spontaneous fission of Cf254 with a half-life of 55 days is responsible for the form of the decay light-curves of supernovae of Type I which have an exponential form with a half-life of 55 nights. The way in which Cf254 may be synthesized in a supernova outburst, and reasons why the energy released by its decay may dominate all others are discussed. The presence of Tc in red giant stars and of Cf in Type I supernovae appears to be observational evidence that neutron capture processes on both a slow and a fast time-scale have been necessary to synthesize the heavy elements in their observed cosmic abundances.
Virtual Reality and Learning by Design: Tools for Integrating Mechanical Engineering Concepts*

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University recently began to redesign its introductory courses in mechanical engineering. The objectives of these newly designed courses are to incorporate the “learner as designer” strategy and engage students in real-world applications in order to positively impact student motivation and conceptual understanding of mechanical engineering concepts. To achieve these objectives, the courses are designed to use virtual reality as a tool that integrates the fundamental concepts of design, analysis, and manufacturing. The first implementation of one of these courses afforded an opportunity to study a particular type of “learner as designer” strategy-the “learner as instructional designer strategy.” This paper describes the four courses and the impact of the “learner as instructional designer strategy” on students' conceptual understanding of and attitude towards mechanical engineering concepts.
Controlled release of vanadium from titanium oxide coatings for improved integration of soft tissue implants.

This study evaluates the potential of titanium oxide coatings for short-term delivery of vanadium for improved wound healing around implants. Titanium and vanadium oxides are bioactive agents that elicit different bioresponses in cells, ranging from implant integration and reduction of inflammation to modulation of cell proliferation and morphology. These oxides were combined in biomaterial coatings using metal-organic precursors and rapidly screened in cell-culture microplates to establish how vanadium-loading influences cell proliferation and morphology. Twenty-eight-day elution studies indicated that there was a controlled release of vanadium from stable titanium oxide matrices. Elution profiles were mathematically modeled for vanadium loading of 20–1.25% up to a period of 28 days. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy of the coatings indicated that the vanadium was present as a nanoscale dispersion and not segregated micron-scale islands. The study confirmed that the observed bioresponse of cells was modulated by the soluble release of vanadium into the surrounding medium. Controlled release of vanadium from titania coatings may be used to influence soft-tissue integration of implants by modulating cell proliferation, attachment, inflammation, and wound healing dynamics. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Tufted Titmouse Entangled in the Burrs of Beggar's Lice (Hackelia virginiana)

We discovered a live Baeolophus bicolor (Tufted Titmouse) entangled in the burrs of Hackelia virginiana (Beggar's Lice) on 28 September 2012 in Kutztown, PA. We extracted and released the titmouse because it appeared to be unable to free itself from the plant. To our knowledge, this is the second published report of a bird becoming entangled in Beggar's Lice and the first documentation of a Tufted Titmouse becoming entangled in any plant. Entanglement in Beggar's Lice is unusual because of the small size (3–4 mm) of its burrs.
Acute and long term mineral metabolism adaptation in living kidney donors: A prospective study

Abstract Background Living kidney donors (LKDs) experience an abrupt decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Mineral metabolism adaptations in early CKD are still debated and not well studied in LKDs. We prospectively studied acute and long term mineral metabolism adaptation of LKDs. Methods From May 2010 to December 2012, we included 27 adult LKDs. Their mineral parameters and renal function were repeatedly measured at days 0, 1, 2, 3, 180 and 360 after donation. We also measured in uninephrectomized rats' Klotho in the remnant kidney and FGF23 circulating levels. Results In the first days after nephrectomy, LKDs experience transient dilution hypocalcemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Urinary phosphate reabsorption decreases in spite of an abrupt decline in circulating FGF23 and Klotho. In a more chronic stage, at days 180 and 360 after donation, LKDs have lower GFR and 1,25(OH)2D compared to pre-donation levels, with unchanged 25(OH)D. PTH levels increase, resulting in decreased plasma phosphate levels and renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate. In comparison to pre-donation, FGF23 levels are not significantly changed whereas circulating Klotho levels are lower than pre-donation but higher than immediately post-donation. In uninephrectomized rats, Klotho kidney expression increases after three weeks, whereas circulating FGF23 levels are unchanged. Conclusion From six months after kidney donation, LKDs develop secondary hyperparathyroidism related to a decrease in 1,25(OH)2D, and decreased plasma phosphate levels. FGF23 levels do not rise in LKDs. Middle term mineral metabolism adaptations to decreased eGFR in donors include decrease in 1,25(OH)2D and increase in PTH and fractional excretion of phosphate resulting in lowered plasma phosphate levels, independently of FGF23. These adaptations differ from those described in CKD patients.
Generation of di-lithiated peptide ions from multiply protonated peptides via ion/ion reactions

Abstract Gas phase conversion of multiply protonated peptides to alkali di-metalated peptide ions via ion/ion reactions is demonstrated as an alternative strategy to forming alkali di-metalated ions from solution. Previously, alkali di-metalated peptide ions have been generated by direct electrospray (ESI) of solutions that contain both peptides and a salt of the metal of interest. Here, di-lithiated peptides are generated in the gas-phase via ion/ion reactions of multiply charged protonated peptides with metal containing anions (Metal 2 L 3 − ) where lithium is the metal, and L is a singly charged anionic ligand. Fragmentation spectra of a series of di-lithiated model peptide ions [Pep-H + 2Metal] + formed via ion/ion reactions are compared with fragmentation of ions of the same molecular formula formed directly from nano-electrospray ionization (nano-ESI) of solutions that contain metal salts and peptides. Di-lithiated ions formed in the gas phase fragment in a similar manner to those formed directly from nano-ESI of a solution containing metal salt and peptide. Low energy beam type collisionally induced dissociation (CID) is also demonstrated as a tool to form the ion of interest from an intermediate complex that is formed during an ion/ion reaction.
JPEG-2000 on an advanced architecture, multiple execution unit DSP

This paper presents an analysis of the factors to be considered in the system design of JPEG-2000 on an advanced architecture digital signal processor (DSP) with a focus on achieving parallelism of the multiple execution units of the DSP in a SIMD processing model. The results of implementation of a feature rich JPEG-2000 codec developed on Motorola Star*Core/spl trade/ have been presented, the focus being on the decoding performance figures. The results will be useful in understanding the effect of the coding options of JPEG-2000 and, in the design of JPEG-2000 based embedded systems and hardware solutions or in a combined hardware-firmware solution. To our knowledge, this is the first analysis of a DSP based implementation of JPEG-2000 reported in literature.