cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decrease in the growth rates of atmospheric chlorofluorocarbons 11 and 12

THE discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole1 in 1985 led to international efforts to reduce emissions of ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons2. These efforts culminated in the Montreal Protocol3 and its subsequent amendments, which called for the elimination of CFC production by 1996. Here we focus on CFC-11 (CC13F) and CFC-12 (CC12F2), which are used for refrigeration, air conditioning and the production of aerosols and foams4, and which together make up about half of the total abundance of stratospheric organic chlorine5. We report a significant recent decrease in the atmospheric growth rates of these two species, based on measurements spanning the past 15 years and latitudes ranging from 83° N to 90° S. This is consistent with CFC-producers' own estimates of reduced emissions6,7. If the atmospheric growth rates of these two species continue to slow in line with predicted changes in industrial emissions, global atmospheric mixing ratios will reach a maximum before the turn of the century, and then begin to decline.
Forearm Fractures in Children and Adolescents: A Practical Approach

This article presents a practical approach to management of displaced radius and ulna fractures in children and adolescents while addressing areas of controversy. Nonsurgical and surgical management are discussed. A technique for intramedullary fixation of the radius and ulna is presented in detail.
LONG TERM PARENTERAL NUTRITION IN CHILDREN (PN): NON ALUMINUM DEPENDENT OSTEOPATHY

We previously reported a bone disease with PN related aluminum toxicity. In a prospective study, we assessed the trabecular bone mineral content of 14 asymptomatic patients, age 9.1 ± 3.9 years, on long term parenteral nutrition (PN). The PN was started in the first month of life in 11 pts. and between 3 and 5 years of age in 3 pts. In all children PTH, calcitonin, Vit D, 25-OH, Vit D, 1, 25-(OH)2 and serum aluminum level were within normal range. Computerized tomography was performed in the lumbar region. The mean trabecular bone mineral content measurement of L1, L1, L3 and L4 was compared to the mineral content of a normal population of the same age and sex. 7/14 pts. had trabecular bone mineral content below -2 SD (108.1 ± 21.6 mg/cc; 62.9% ± 13.9% of the normal mineral content), 5/14 pts were below -1 SD (142.4 ± 12.8 mg/cc; 83.9% ± 6.25%) and 2/14 had normal mineral content. There is a significant correlation (r=0.56, p<0.05) between the duration of PN and the decrease in mineral content. In 50% of the pts., there is a loss of more than 35% of the trabecular bone mineral content, even if they are asymptomatic. Children on long term PN who have never been aluminum toxic still may have a PN dependent osteopathy. The basis for this is unknown.
Influence of age and illness on color preference

Color preference was evaluated in 14 non-demented end 10 demented (Alzheimer’s disease) elderly residents of a skilled nursing facility. whereas blue (480 mu) was the color most preferred by the non-demented subjects, green (525 mu) was that color most preferred by those with dementia. In addition to reporting study results, factors capable of Influencing color selection are discussed. Health planners should consider preferences for environmental colors, especially for institutionalized persons incapable of changing their own environment.
Telephone use by patients fitted with the ineraid cochlear implant

A survey of telephone use by 66 patients fitted with the Ineraid cochlear prosthesis revealed that 51% initiate telephone calls (most calls are to family or friends) and that 66% answer the telephone. Of the patients who answer the telephone, 49% indicated that they could identify the gender and/or age of the caller most of the time, 27% could identify a familiar caller most of the time, and 48% indicated that they could understand a conversation most of the time if speaking to a familiar speaker about a familiar topic. Understanding dropped rapidly as the speaker and topic became unfamiliar.
A professional director's view : interview with Kerry McDonald, President of the New Zealand Institute of Directors (2009-2010)

Clive had the privilege of speaking with Kerry in late March 2010. They covered a number of governance issues, and here are Kerry's thoughts.From a New Zealand perspective, but also with an eye on the US and UK, and to a lesser extent Australia, for me the overriding issue is that boards and Directors are not providing consistently strong leadership that adds value to businesses.Underneath that I think that there are three specific issues. Firstly, there is a real shortage of directors with a strong business background. These are the sort of people who have been senior executives or chief executives. They understand strategy and leadership in the broadest sense of the word, and they can lead people and organizations. They have been well trained to make decisions and understand how business decisions are made. Critically, they know about sustained business improvement and creating high performance companies – how to lead people and to use systems to increase productivity. So, if you are trying to recruit directors now in New Zealand, there is a very limited pool of people who have that real depth of business background. There are a lot of people who want to be directors and who are trained in accounting, law and other professions, but there is an increasing shortage of people with the real depth of business experience that is required.
The effect of feeding di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on the lipid metabolism of laying hens

Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), a commonly used plasticizer, is now seen as an environmental pollutant. DEHP has been found to inhibit lipid and sterol synthesis in rats and mice. The effects of DEHP on various aspects of lipid metabolism were examined in chickens. White Leghorn laying hens were fed either a standard laying mash control diet (C) or the control diet containing 1% DEHP (DEHP) or 1% DEHP and 5% tallow (DEHP-T) for 28 days. DEHP and DEHP-T lowered feed consumption 10% but did not significantly affect body weight. After 3 weeks on the diets, egg production was 15–20% less in DEHP-T than in C and DEHP hens. No differences were observed in egg weight, percent shell, white or yolk among the groups. DEHP and DEHP-T did not alter egg lipid or egg cholesterol concentrations. DEHP and DEHP-T lowered plasma lipid concentration about 20% and free and total cholesterol 20–30%. Liver weights increased, being 30, 34 and 39 g for C, DEHP and DEHP-T hens, respectively, after 28 days. Total liver lipid and cholesterol increased 19% and 26% in DEHP hens and 54% and 79% in DEHP-T hens when compared to controls. In contrast, the fat content of pectoralis major muscle decreased significantly in DEHP and DEHP-T hens. These results, in showing that DEHP alters plasma and tissue cholesterol but not yolk cholesterol, demonstrate again that egg cholesterol is remarkably resistant to alteration by dietary means.
On the hierarchy of interfacial dislocation structure

Many different types of dislocations have been defined in dislocation models for grain boundaries and interphase boundaries. It is emphasized that there is no unique dislocation model for a boundary, and that the formal dislocation content depends upon the choice of the lattice correspondence relating the adjoining lattices. However, it is concluded that no problems of real physical significance arise from this lack of uniqueness. “Best≓, or most useful, descriptions often exist, and these are discussed. A hierarchy consisting of four different types of interfacial dislocations may be distinguished, which is useful in describing the dislocation content of interfaces. These entities are termed: (1) primary interfacial dislocations; (2) secondary interfacial dislocations; (3) coherency interfacial dislocations; and (4) translational interfacial dislocations. While there may be a lack of agreement on terminology in the literature, it is believed that these dislocation types are distinguishable and play unique roles in useful dislocation models for interfaces. Detailed descriptions of these dislocation types are given, and actual examples in real interfaces are presented. It is concluded that dislocation descriptions of interface structures become of purely formal significance in the limit of fully incoherent interfaces since the cores are then delocalized. The utility of various dislocation descriptions therefore depends on the degree to which various types of local coherency exist.
On the Tracking Control of Differentially Steered Wheeled Mobile Robots

Fundamental tracking control algorithms ofa differentially steered wheeled mobile robot with two conventional driven wheels are studied through analyzing the robot's inherent kinematics. This includes the tracking variable assignment as well as the tracking singularity and position-orientation tracking decoupling problems. Globally convergent tracking control algorithms are proposed, which can exactly track any differentiable reference path. A fundamental motion orientation equation under the condition of exact position tracking is developed, and it is shown that it is not possible to exactly track both position and orientation concurrently for this kind of mobile robot configuration if the tracking point is not on the baseline. Examples are provided illustrating the tracking ability of the developed control algorithms.
Vaporizing liquid microthruster

MEMS technology is expanding into increasingly diverse applications. As part of a micropropulsion system, microthruster attitude controls have been micromachined in silicon. This paper presents the microthruster design, fabrication, and test results. Fluid injected into a microchamber is vaporized by resistive silicon heaters. The exiting vapor generates the thruster force as it exits a silicon micro-nozzle. The vaporization chamber, inlet and exit nozzles were fabricated using anisotropic wet etching of silicon. With a 5 W heater input, injected water could be vaporized for input flow rates up to a maximum of 0.09 cc/s. Experimental testing produced thruster force magnitudes ranging from 0.15 mN to a maximum force output of 0.46 mN depending on fabrication parameters: chamber length, nozzle geometries, heater power, and liquid flow rates.
Propagation of surface polaritons over macroscopic distances at optical frequencies

Abstract We report the propagation of surface polaritons over macroscopic distances along copper-air interfaces at 10.6 μm wavelength using a prism coupling technique for generating and detecting the surface modes. The measured propagation length (∼ 1.6cm) is in agreement with theoretical estimates based on available optical data. The surface polaritons are easily observed visually using Radelin thermographic phosphor paper.
After This Strange Starting: Method, Theory and the Philosophy of Religion(s)

This paper argues for the ineluctably philosophical nature of “method and theory” in the academic study of religion. More to the point, it encourages a significant re-consideration of what passes for the “Philosophy of Religion,” a subfield whose concentration on mediaeval and contemporary Christian philosophical theology has impeded the development of an effective philosophical treatment of global human religious behavior. The paper seeks a History of Religions that is more informed by and about philosophy as a tradition and as a method and which therefore includes a disciplinary Philosophy of Religion(s) that is more relevant, practical, far-ranging, and productive.
The Growth and Survival of Streptococcus Faecalis in Pasteurized Milk American Cheddar Cheese

Summary Three lots of milk pasteurized at 143–145° F. for 30 minutes were made into American Cheddar cheese. These lots contained, respectively, 2 per cent commercial lactic starter, 1 per cent commercial lactic starter plus 1 per cent Streptococcus faecalis starter, and 2 per cent S. faecalis starter. A selective penicillin-azide medium was used to count and isolate the enterococci. In 1-day-old cheese made with commercial lactic starter, the number of bacteria growing on the selective medium was small, 300 per ml., but these gradually increased to 23million per ml. at the end of 120 days at 50° F., and to 28million per ml. after 120 days at 60° F. At the end of 180 days the counts on the selective medium had decreased to 11million and 13million per ml. at 50 and 60° F., respectively. In this cheese most of the increase was due to lactobacilli and not to enterococci. When S. faecalis was used as a starter for pasteurized milk American Cheddar cheese, the highest enterococcus count was found to exist in the cheese curds just prior to salting, the count being 500million per g. for cheese containing 1 per cent commercial lactic starter plus 1 per cent S. faecalis starter, and 1,370million per g. for the cheese containing 2 per cent S. faecalis starter. S. faecalis was able to grow and survive in Cheddar cheese in large numbers for a considerable period of time, both at 50 and 60° F. At 50° F., cheese made with both lactic and S. faecalis starters still gave counts of 345million per g., and cheese made with S. faecalis starter gave counts of 1,085million per g. at the end of 60 days, whereas at 60° F. the former cheese contained 305million per g. and the latter cheese contained 750million per g. at the end of 60 days. At the end of 180 days the numbers of bacteria in the cheese growing on the selective medium had decreased, although considerable numbers still were present.
Comment: Dravet syndrome—“Old gene,” novel mechanism

Dravet syndrome (DS, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man#607208), or severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy, is one of the most severe types of genetic epilepsy. Individuals with DS face a high risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. In ≥75% of cases, DS is associated with mutations of the gene encoding the α1 subunit of the sodium channel, SCN1A . However, the genetic causes of DS without mutations in SCN1A remain largely unknown.
A thermal NO(x) prediction model - Scalar computation module for CFD codes with fluid and kinetic effects

A thermal NO(x) prediction model is developed to interface with a CFD, k-epsilon based code. A converged solution from the CFD code is the input to the postprocessing model for prediction of thermal NO(x). The model uses a decoupled analysis to estimate the equilibrium level of (NO(x))e which is the constant rate limit. This value is used to estimate the flame (NO(x)) and in turn predict the rate of formation at each node using a two-step Zeldovich mechanism. The rate is fixed on the NO(x) production rate plot by estimating the time to reach equilibrium by a differential analysis based on the reaction: O + N2 = NO + N. The rate is integrated in the nonequilibrium time space based on the residence time at each node in the computational domain. The sum of all nodal predictions yields the total NO(x) level.
Use of penalty variable in finite element analysis of contacting objects

In this paper, we investigate the solution to a subset of contact problems where the finite element systems are positive semidefinite resulting from insufficient supports to the objects at the onset of the analysis. A finite element algorithm, which incorporates a penalty variable defined as a function of the constraint condition, is developed to solve these kinds of contact problems. The solution algorithm employs an iterative technique to calculate the deformation of the object while enforcing compatibility through a modified penalty function. The new method is applied to example problems having the above characteristics. The method accurately predicts the contact zones and deformed configurations of the objects.
Parallel momentum distributions as a probe of halo wave functions.

Distributions of the parallel momentum of $^{10}\mathrm{Be}$ fragments from the breakup of $63A$ MeV $^{11}\mathrm{Be}$ have been measured for $^{9}\mathrm{Be}$, $^{93}\mathrm{Nb}$, $^{181}\mathrm{Ta}$, and $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ targets. The distributions have similar narrow widths with a mean value of 43.6 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 1.1 MeV/c FWHM, and agree with a theoretical momentum distribution for the valence neutron in $^{11}\mathrm{Be}$. The breakup mechanisms do not appear to distort the parallel momentum distribution of the $^{10}\mathrm{Be}$ core. These findings support the existence of a one-neutron halo in $^{11}\mathrm{Be}$ and the use of the parallel momenta of the heavy breakup products as a reliable probe of halo neutron momenta.
Design and initial results from a kilojoule level Dense Plasma Focus with hollow anode and cylindrically symmetric gas puff.

We have designed and built a Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) Z-pinch device using a kJ-level capacitor bank and a hollow anode, and fueled by a cylindrically symmetric gas puff. Using this device, we have measured peak deuteron beam energies of up to 400 keV at 0.8 kJ capacitor bank energy and pinch lengths of ∼6 mm, indicating accelerating fields greater than 50 MV/m. Neutron yields of on the order of 107 per shot were measured during deuterium operation. The cylindrical gas puff system permitted simultaneous operation of DPF with a radiofrequency quadrupole accelerator for beam-into-plasma experiments. This paper describes the machine design, the diagnostic systems, and our first results.
Multimerization of the Ligand Binding Domains of Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels comprise four subunits and are activated by the direct binding of cyclic nucleotide to an intracellular domain on each subunit. This ligand binding domain is thought to contain a β roll followed by two α helices, designated the B and C helices. To examine the quaternary structure of CNG channels and how it changes during ion channel gating, we introduced single cysteines along the C helix of each subunit in an otherwise cysteineless channel. We found that cysteines on the C helices could form intersubunit disulfide bonds, even between diagonal subunits. Disulfide bond formation occurred primarily in closed channels and inhibited channel opening. These data suggest that the C helices from all four channel subunits are in close proximity in the closed state and move apart during channel opening.
‘Minor GAD’: Characteristics of subsyndromal GAD in older adults

Subsyndromal emotional symptoms are common in older adults and are associated with increased disability, health care utilization, and risk for developing psychiatric disorders. The purpose of this study was to examine subsyndromal generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in older adults. Participants included 30 older adults with diagnosable GAD, 19 with subsyndromal anxiety symptoms [minor GAD; (MGAD)], and 21 normal control volunteers (NC). Participants were assessed using the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for DSM-IV and completed self-report measures of anxiety, worry, depression, and life satisfaction. Excessive worry on more days than not, difficulty controlling worry, and clinically significant distress or impairment were the diagnostic criteria endorsed by MGAD participants least often. Therefore, these criteria may be useful in distinguishing between GAD and subsyndromal GAD. Self-reported anxiety and worry also systematically differed across groups in the expected directions, with a discriminant analysis yielding good classification of the GAD and NC groups based on these measures. Categorization of MGAD participants generally was poor, with most misclassified as GAD patients. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
EFFECTS OF LARGE DOSES OF ANDROGEN ON THE TESTIS IN THE GROUND SQUIRREL, CITELLUS TRIDECEMLINEATUS1

BECAUSE of clinical as well as theoretical interest in the effects of steroidal hormones on the gonads, it seems desirable to contribute the present observations, especially since they cover a considerable range of dosages. A brief account of this investigation has been published (Wells, 1942a). The literature on this subject has been considered recently by Moore and Morgan (1942,). In several species, it has been observed that injection of androgens causes a decrease in the size of the testis. The usual interpretation has been that this was due to the inhibiting action, via the hypophysis, on the seminiferous tubules. The evidence for such action has been secured chiefly from experiments involving prepuberal animals; however, the writer knows of no instances in such animals in which injections have prevented indefinitely the production of spermatozoa. In adult animals, there are no reports that androgen reduces appreciably and consistently the number of spermatozoa within the tubules.
Synthesis of Ultrafine Spherical Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Powders from Yttrium Nitrate and Aluminum Nitrate System

Ultrafine spherical yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) powders have been synthesized via homogeneous precipitation method using urea as the precipitant. The precursor powders were calcinated at 1000°C or 1100°C for 4 hrs and then were studied by means of FE-SEM, XRD, FT-IR and TG-DTA. The result shows that the amount of ammonium sulfate has a significant effect on morphology and particle size of powders. Pure phase and spherical YAG particles with 350 nm in diameter can be obtained when the molar ratio of ammonium sulfate to aluminum nitrate is about 0.75 and the concentration of the metallic ions is 0.008M.
Self-Concept and Satisfaction With Physical Appearance in Youth With and Without Oral Clefts

This study investigated relationships between child/parent dissatisfaction with child facial appearance and the self-concept/social competence of 8- to 15-year-old children with (N = 34) and without (N = 34) oral clefts. Children in both groups had normative psychosocial adjustment, but also reported moderate dissatisfaction with facial appearance. Cleft group parents were more likely to agree with their child's dissatisfaction. When cleft group parents were more dissatisfied with child facial appearance, their children reported better quality of life. Results suggest that parents of children with clefts reporting greater dissatisfaction may respond in positive ways that enhance quality of life.
The behavior of polyisobutylene during melt shear

Studies were made of the apparent melt viscosity and chain rupture of polyisobutylene melts during high mechanical shear at various temperatures, and for varied times of shearing action. A biconical rheometer was constructed and used for this study. It was observed that the torque developed in such a rheometer by the action of shear on molten polymer shows peculiarities. The initial high torque, or the apparent melt viscosity which may be derived from it, drops rapidly to a pseudo steady state value in about one or two minutes. An interval of shear cessation permits considerable return of the system to the original high value of the apparent melt viscosity, especially if the cessation interval is long (e.g., 10 min. at 45°C.). During the pseudosteadystate period there is a small and continuous drop in the already reduced torque or the apparent melt viscosity. Study of the chain rupture rate, made by examination of dilute solution viscosities, and the viscosity-average molecular weights determined from them, showed the rate of chain degradation to decrease as the temperature during the shearing operation is raised. The chain rupture rate decreases steadily as shearing is continued, and increases with increase of shear rate at a given temperature and time of shear application. The behavior of the apparent melt viscosity, decreasing sharply to a pseudosteady-state value shortly after intense shear begins, is presently pictured as due to two mechanisms, one chemical, the other mechanical, acting simultaneously. One process is considered to be the rapid breakdown of the chainlike molecules to smaller fragments forming mainly free radicals or ion pairs at their ends. These reactive ends begin immediately to recombine at a rate which increases with the rise in their concentration until the pseudoequilibrium state is reached. The second process is considered to arise from both chain disentanglement and the preferential migration of holes in the liquid away from the center of gravity of the chains to form regions of low viscosity which may be termed fault lines or regions.
Bone mass and subtle abnormalities in ovulatory function in healthy women.

Women with occasional anovulatory or short luteal phase menstrual cycles have been reported to lose bone mineral density (BMD) at a greatly accelerated rate compared to women without such abnormalities. To investigate this association, we performed a longitudinal study of BMD in a group of healthy premenopausal women enrolled in a comprehensive study of ovulatory function. Subjects had collected daily urine samples that were analyzed for estrone and progesterone metabolites by enzyme-linked immunoassay. The 53 participants collected urine for an average of 4.1 cycles. Computer algorithms identified 7 (13.2%) women with luteal phase abnormalities (> 1 anovulatory cycle or cycle with luteal phase length < or = 10 days) and 17 (32.1%) women with other menstrual abnormalities. Areal BMD (grams per cm2) was measured at the lumbar spine, hip, and whole body using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry; BMD was measured 2-3 times over an average observation period of 17.5 months. At baseline, women with luteal abnorma...
Health information processed under limited attention: is it better to be "hot" or "cool?".

Introduction: The attentional myopia model (T. Mann & A. Ward, 2004) posits that under conditions of limited attention, individuals will be disproportionately influenced by highly salient cues. The "hot/cool" model (J. Metcalfe & W. Mischel, 1999) suggests that cues designed to activate "hot" emotional systems will typically dominate attention and promote relevant behavior more than cues designed to activate "cool" cognitive systems. Method: While under conditions of high or low cognitive load, participants heard information regarding the use of a zinc supplement and reported their intentions to try it. In Study 1, cool message cues that promoted the use of zinc were more salient than hot cues that discouraged its use. In Study 2, hot cues that discouraged the use of zinc were more salient than cool cues that promoted its use. Results: In both studies, the imposition of cognitive load increased the influence of salient cues, regardless of their motivational "temperature." Conclusions: Consistent with the attentional myopia model, either hot or cool health message cues can exert strong influence over individuals, depending on the relative salience of those cues.
A Framework for Integrating Water Projects in Disaster Reconstruction Processes in the International Context

Water projects triggered by disaster reconstruction processes are inherently unique and warrant a specialized approach. Thus, the objective of this article is to guide reconstruction actors toward the establishment of more culturally and environmentally sensitive water arrangements by providing a framework of key points to consider. Water infrastructure introduced after disasters differs from “normal” water infrastructure in several distinct ways: nature and needs of the subjects, expectations of recovery and rehabilitation, scale, funding and organizational structure, resettlement, and temporal constraints. Acknowledging these differences, a framework is presented to more aptly manage water sector reconstruction. The framework—informed by fieldwork in post-tsunami South India, the literature, and gaps therein—seeks to minimize project failures that have surfaced across space, time, and disaster.
Radiation Therapy and Ferromagnetic Hyperthermia in the Treatment of Murine Transgenic Retinoblastoma

Background: Combined modality therapy for childhood retinoblastoma holds the potential of decreasing treatment-related morbidity while maintaining excellent tumor control rates. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), ferromagnetic hyperthermia (FMH), and the combination of both modalities in the control of ocular tumors in a transgenic murine model of retinoblastoma. Methods: One hundred sixty-six mouse eyes from 4-week-old animals transgenically positive for simian virus 40 large T antigen were treated with a total dose of 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 45, or 50 Gy of EBRT in 5-Gy fractions twice daily, with 48°C or 54°C FMH for 20 minutes, or with combined EBRT at 10 or 30 Gy and 48°C or 54°C FMH for 20 minutes. Serial histologic sections, obtained 8 weeks after treatment, were examined for the presence of tumor. Results: The tumor control dose for 50% of eyes (TCD 50 ) treated with EBRT occurred at 27.6 Gy. Ferromagnetic hyperthermia at 48°C cured 30% (6/20) of eyes, while 54°C FMH resulted in a 100% (20/20) cure rate. Combined treatment with 48°C FMH and EBRT exhibited a TCD 50 at 3.3 Gy. The thermal enhancement ratio was 8.4. Ferromagnetic hyperthermia at 54°C exhibited tumor cure in all animals, but 25% of eyes were lost owing to secondary treatment complications. Conclusions: This represents the first documentation of tumor control via EBRT, ocular FMH, and a combination of these treatment modalities in this murine transgenic retinoblastoma model. The extent of treatment synergy in this model suggests that combined treatment application may allow a reduction in total ocular and periocular radiation dose while maintaining excellent local tumor control.
Equivalence between the Mueller Regge model and the multiperipheral model

Abstract It is proven that a large class of pionization Mueller Regge models are equivalent to the multiperipheral model. An orthogonal similarity transformation is found which allows one to transform in either direction between equivalent multiperipheral and Mueller models. Models with charge are discussed and the problem of constructing charge conserving Mueller models is solved.
Sonar signal enhancement using fractional Fourier transform

In this paper we present an approach for signal enhancement of sonar signals. Work reported is based on sonar data collected by the Volume Search Sonar (VSS), as well as VSS synthetic data. The Volume Search Sonar is a beamformed multibeam sonar system with 27 fore and 27 aft beams, covering almost the entire water volume (from above horizontal, through vertical, back to above horizontal). The processing of a data set of measurement in shallow water is performed using the Fractional Fourier Transform algorithm. The proposed technique will allow efficient determination of seafloor bottom characteristics and bottom type using the reverberation signal. A study is carried out to compare the performance of the presented method with conventional methods. Results are shown and future work and recommendations are presented.
Transition period following a nutritional shift-up in the bacterium Escherichia coli B/r : Stable RNA and protein synthesis

Abstract The previously observed patterns of stable RNA and protein synthesis during the transition period following a nutritional shift-up are analyzed and described by kinetic equations. (i) The kinetics of the stable RNA synthesis rate after a shift-up are diphasic; the first phase, a step-like increase occurring within minutes after the shift, reflects an induction of rRNA and tRNA transcription; the second phase, an exponential increase with a higher (post-shift) rate constant, reflects a change in the accumulation rate of functioning RNA polymerase. The ratio of the numbers of ribosomes and functioning RNA polymerase molecules is shown to be independent of growth rate or time after the shift. (ii) The protein synthesis rate increases exponentially throughout the transition period with a rate constant corresponding to that of post-shift steady-state growth, which reflects the exponentially increasing number of ribosomes. An initial step-like increase in the protein synthesis rate due to an increase in the ribosome efficiency occurs when the pre-shift growth is below 1·2 doublings/hr. (iii) The duration of the transition period is estimated from the time it takes for the stable RNA to protein ratio to reach its post-shift steady-state value. The period is approximately 3 hr but has no clearly defined end. (iv) When RNA or protein synthesis rates are measured in different units, for example as rate per unit of culture volume, rate per cell or per genome, these differently defined rates change in different patterns after a shift-up. The relationships between these units and the resulting kinetics are explained.
Apparatus to Facilitate Changing Seed in Planting Research Plots

ABSTRACT A precision vacuum seeder was modified to facilitate changing seeds for research plot work. A suction tube was permanently mounted inside the seed hopper and connected through a valve to a vacuum cyclone attachment on the planter so that the seed hopper(s) could be emptied automatically by opening the valve(s). The apparatus was tested to determine the effect of the tube on metering rate and to verify that the apparatus did effectively remove the seeds from the hopper. It worked well with small vegetable seeds.
Impact of sampling design in estimation of graph characteristics

Studying structural and functional characteristics of large scale graphs (or networks) has been a challenging task due to the related computational overhead. Hence, most studies consult to sampling to gather necessary information to estimate various features of these big networks. On the other hand, using a best effort approach to graph sampling within the constraints of an application domain may not always produce accurate estimates. In fact, the mismatch between the characteristics of interest and the utilized network sampling methodology may result in incorrect inferences about the studied characteristics of the underlying system. In this study we empirically investigate the sources of information loss in a sampling process; identify the fundamental factors that need to be carefully considered in a sampling design; and use several synthetic and real world graphs to elaborately demonstrate the mismatch between the sampling design and graph characteristics of interest.
Nitrogenase activity of rice plant root systems

Abstract Field experiments were conducted to determine the N 2 ase activity of washed rice ( Oryza saliva L.) roots grown under cultural practices common to Arkansas. Using the C 2 H 2 reduction technique, the magnitude of N 2 ase activity of rice roots was shown to be similar to published data. The pattern of root N 2 ase activity as a function of time showed a midseason maximum. When cultivars of different introduction dates were compared, the N 2 ase activities of older cultivars introduced before the advent of inorganic N fertilization were higher than, or equal to, the N 2 ase activities of those cultivars introduced later. The application of midseason fertilizer N caused an initial depression in N 2 ase activity followed by an enhancement in N 2 ase activity.
Global context recovery: A new strategy for parser recovery from syntax errors

Methods for error recovery in parsing a deterministic, context-free language need not be derived by ad hoc means. When fixed, table-driven parsing algorithms are used the error recovery procedures can also make use of knowledge about the grammar for the language, derived from the parsing tables. However, at the point of detection of certain kinds of syntax errors, the knowledge of a sentential prefix already parsed, as reflected in the current state of the parsing stack, will be incorrect. Effective error recovery under such circumstances has proven to be difficult. We suggest the use of fiducial, or trustworthy symbols of a language as a key to recovery in these difficult cases. In this paper we give a characterization of such symbols in terms of properties of a grammar and give an algorithm that is capable of global context recovery under all circumstances. It has been implemented in conjunction with an LL(1) parser. We have compared it experimentally with the LR-parser recovery algorithm of Pennello and DeRemer on a test set of 126 small Pascal programs.
Salt-tolerance genes involved in cation efflux and osmoregulation of Sinorhizobium fredii RT19 detected by isolation and characterization of Tn5 mutants.

Salt-tolerance genes of Sinorhizobium fredii RT19 were identified by the construction and screening of a transposon Tn5-1063 library containing over 30,000 clones. Twenty-one salt-sensitive mutants were obtained and five different genes were identified by sequencing. Eight mutants were found with disruptions in the phaA2 gene, which encodes a cation efflux system protein, while mutations in genes encoding other cation effux system proteins were found in seven (phaD2), two (phaF2) and two (phaG2) mutants. A mutation in the metH gene, encoding 5′ methyltetrahydrofolate homocysteine methyltransferase, was found in two of the salt sensitive strains. Growth experiments showed that phaA2, phaD2, phaF2 and phaG2 mutants were hypersensitive to Na+/Li+ and slightly sensitive to K+ and not sensitive to sucrose and that metH mutants were highly sensitive to any of Na+, Li+, K+ and sucrose. Na+ intracellular content measurements established that phaA2, phaD2, phaF2 and phaG2 are mainly involved in the Na+ efflux in S. fredii RT19. Recovery of growth of the metH mutants incubated with different concentrations of NaCl could be obtained by additions of methionine, choline and betaine, which showed that the metH gene is probably involved in osmoregulation in S. fredii RT19.
Lithium isotopes within the ab initio no-core full configuration approach

We perform no-core full configuration calculations for the lithium isotopes ${}^{6}$Li, ${}^{7}$Li, and ${}^{8}$Li with the realistic nucleon-nucleon interaction JISP16. We obtain a set of observables, including spectra, radii, multipole moments, and transition probabilities, and compare with experiment where available. We also present one-body density distributions for selected states. Convergence properties of these density distributions shed light on the convergence properties of one-body observables. We obtain underbinding by 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 MeV for ${}^{6}$Li, ${}^{7}$Li, and ${}^{8}$Li, respectively. Magnetic moments are well converged and agree with experiment to within 20$%$.
Environmental and genetic control of the larval diapause of the Southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella

. The interaction of photoperiod and temperature in the regulation of the induction and termination of the larval diapause of the Southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella Dyar (Lepidoptera), was examined. A population originating from south-eastern Missouri had critical daylengths for diapause induction of about 15h 5min (ecological threshold) and llh (physiological threshold). The ecological threshold was more stable than was the physiological threshold at temperatures lower than 25°C. Above 25°C the diapause response was suppressed. The insect appears to measure photoperiods in a stationary manner since a stepwise increase or decrease in photoperiod did not affect the incidence of diapause. In the critical region of the photoperiodic response curve, a higher incidence of diapause was found among females than among males. Females entered diapause later than did males, but resumed active development earlier than males. The rate of diapause development was more temperature dependent than was the rate of diapause induction, yet it was also clearly under photoperiodic control. The temperature coefficient (Q10) for this process was about 4. Several other factors including sex-linkage, age, and geographic adaptations are involved in controlling the rate of diapause development, even more so than they are in controlling diapause induction. In the laboratory, the intensity of diapause declined gradually without larvae being exposed to non-diapause inducing conditions. Incubation of field-collected larvae revealed that their sensitivity to diapause maintaining photoperiods had ended by January. Three generations of selection of a Mississippi population of D. grandiosella at 30°C and LD 12:12 led to the production of an essentially diapause-free strain and a diapause strain.
Root-zone temperature and nitrogen affect the yield and secondary metabolite concentration of fall- and spring-grown, high-density leaf lettuce.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the effects of temperature and nitrogen levels on key variables, particularly under field conditions during cool seasons of temperate climates, is important. Here, we document the impact of root-zone heating and nitrogen (N) fertility on the accumulation and composition of fall- and spring-grown lettuce biomass. A novel, scalable field system was employed. RESULTS: Direct-seeded plots containing a uniform, semi-solid, and nearly stable rooting medium were established outdoors in 2009 and 2010; each contained one of eight combinations of root-zone heating (−/+) and N fertility (0, 72, 144, and 576 mg day −1 ). Root-zone heating increased but withholding N decreased biomass accumulation in both years. Low N supplies were also associated with greater anthocyanin and total antioxidant power but lower N and phosphorus levels. Tissue chlorophyll a and vitamin C levels tracked root-zone temperature and N fertility more closely in 2009 and 2010, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Experimentally imposed root-zone temperature and N levels influenced the amount and properties of fall- and spring-grown lettuce tissue. Ambient conditions, however, dictated which of these factors exerted the greatest effect on the variablesmeasured.Collectively,theresultspointtothepotentialforgainsinsystemsustainabilityandproductivity,including with respect to supplying human nutritional units. c � 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Brace Management in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Skeletally immature patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis are at risk for curve progression. Although numerous nonoperative methods have been attempted, including physical therapy, exercise, massage, manipulation, and electrical stimulation, only bracing is effective in preventing curve progression and the subsequent need for surgery. Brace treatment is initiated as either full-time (TLSO, Boston) or nighttime (Charleston, Providence) wear, although patient compliance with either mode of bracing has been a documented problem. We review the natural history of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, identify the risks for curve progression, describe the types of braces available for treatment, and review the indications for and efficacy of brace treatment.
Effectiveness of pyramidal emergence traps for estimating production of Culex mosquitoes (Diptera:Culicidae)

AbstractThe percentage of emergent mosquitoes (Culex spp.) collected, temporal dynamics of collection by pyramidal emergence traps, and the effect of a chemical deterrent (pest control strips) for terrestrial scavengers, which remove emergent mosquitoes from collection jars, on the number of emergent mosquitoes collected were studied in ponds in southern California. On average, 75.5% of emergent mosquitoes were collected in jars at the apex of 0.25-m2 emergence traps placed on the water surface. Recently emerged mosquitoes spent ∼1 d in emergence traps before moving into the collection jars. Pest control strips (2.54 cm2 of Vaportape II: 10% 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate), which have been used in collection jars during previous studies to deter foraging on newly emerged mosquito adults by Argentine ants (Linepithema humile Mayr), did not significantly reduce the number of adult mosquitoes in collection jars and did not delay the movement of adult mosquitoes into collection jars. The cumulative prop...
Overview of Inference about ROC Curve in Medical Diagnosis

Medical diagnosis aims to identify diseased individuals through the evaluation of the measurements of some biomarkers by performing a diagnostic test based on some biomarker measurements. Biomarkers are measured on either discrete or continuous scale and continuous biomarkers are utilized more often in medical practice. This article introduces the most popular tool for evaluating continuous biomarkers: the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve.
The thoracic inlet : Normal anatomy

The thoracic inlet is the junction between the neck and the chest. A number of neural structures traverse this region. A knowledge of the location of these various neural structures and their relationship to one another is important when interpreting cross-sectional images of this region. This article will review the normal anatomy of the major neural structures that are found in this region.
Regulated cell-to-cell variation in a cell-fate decision system

Here we studied the quantitative behaviour and cell-to-cell variability of a prototypical eukaryotic cell-fate decision system, the mating pheromone response pathway in yeast. We dissected and measured sources of variation in system output, analysing thousands of individual, genetically identical cells. Only a small proportion of total cell-to-cell variation is caused by random fluctuations in gene transcription and translation during the response ('expression noise'). Instead, variation is dominated by differences in the capacity of individual cells to transmit signals through the pathway ('pathway capacity') and to express proteins from genes ('expression capacity'). Cells with high expression capacity express proteins at a higher rate and increase in volume more rapidly. Our results identify two mechanisms that regulate cell-to-cell variation in pathway capacity. First, the MAP kinase Fus3 suppresses variation at high pheromone levels, while the MAP kinase Kss1 enhances variation at low pheromone levels. Second, pathway capacity and expression capacity are negatively correlated, suggesting a compensatory mechanism that allows cells to respond more precisely to pheromone in the presence of a large variation in expression capacity.
Wilms tumor 1/cytokeratin dual‐color immunostaining reveals distinctive staining patterns in metastatic melanoma, metastatic carcinoma, and mesothelial cells in pleural fluids: An effective first‐line test for the workup of malignant effusions

BACKGROUND The workup of a malignant effusion usually requires immunostaining with a panel of markers. Although nuclear Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) expression is widely used to detect tumors of ovarian and mesothelial origin, it is less well known that WT1 is also expressed in the cytoplasm of melanomas and mesenchymal tumors. Because to the authors' knowledge the diagnostic utility of cytoplasmic WT1 expression has not been explored to date, the usefulness of a WT1/AE1/AE3 dual-color immunostain in the workup of malignant effusions was evaluated. METHODS A total of 86 pleural effusions, including 17 metastatic melanomas, 31 metastatic adenocarcinomas, 10 malignant mesotheliomas, 10 lymphoproliferative disorders, 5 metastatic sarcomas, and 13 benign specimens, were immunostained using a peroxidase-based brown chromogen for WT1 and an alkaline phosphatase-based red chromogen for AE1/AE3 on cell block sections. RESULTS The majority of malignant effusions stained in 1 of 4 distinctive patterns: 1) all lung and breast adenocarcinomas demonstrated cytoplasmic AE1/AE3 expression without nuclear or cytoplasmic WT1 expression; 2) serous carcinomas of Mullerian origin, mesotheliomas, and benign mesothelial cells were positive for cytoplasmic AE1/AE3 as well as nuclear WT1; 3) melanomas, sarcomas, and a subset of plasma cell neoplasms were positive for cytoplasmic expression of WT1 but negative for AE1/AE3; and 4) large B-cell lymphomas and a subset of plasma cell neoplasms were negative for both markers. CONCLUSIONS A WT1/AE1/AE3 dual-color immunostain can reliably identify malignancy in pleural effusions and group malignant cells into discrete subsets, thereby narrowing the differential diagnosis. This simple double stain can be a cost-effective, first-line test in the workup of patients with malignant effusions. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2014;122:586–595. © 2014 American Cancer Society.