cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of salinity acclimation on the pesticide-metabolizing enzyme flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Thioether-containing pesticides are more toxic in certain anadromous and catadromous fish species that have undergone acclimation to hypersaline environments. Enhanced toxicity has been shown to be mediated through the bioactivation of these xenobiotics by one or more flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs), which are induced by hyperosmotic conditions. To better understand the number of FMO genes that may be regulated by hyperosmotic conditions, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were maintained and acclimated to freshwater ( kidney>gills=olfactory tissues; in hypersaline-acclimated animals activities were higher in liver>gills>olfactory tissues>kidney. Acclimation to 18 g/L caused a significant induction in the stereoselective formation of R-MTSO in gill. In olfactory tissues, stereoselective (100%) formation of S-MTSO was observed and was unaltered by acclimation to hypersaline water. When specific transcripts were evaluated, salinity-acclimation increased FMO A in liver (up to 2-fold) and kidney (up to 3-fold) but not in olfactory tissues and gills. FMO B mRNA was significantly down-regulated in all tissues, and FMO C was unchanged by hypersaline acclimation. FMO B and C failed to correlate with any FMO catalytic activity, but FMO A mRNA expression linearly correlated to both FMO catalytic activities (MTSO and BZNO) in liver (r(2)=0.92 and r(2)=0.88) and kidney microsomes (r(2)=0.93 and r(2)=90). FMO A only correlated with MTSO activity in gills (r(2)=0.93). These results indicate unique tissue specific expression of FMO genes in salmonids and are consistent with salinity-mediated enhancement of thioether-containing pesticide bioactivation by FMO which may occur in liver or kidney after salinity acclimation.
MAXIMUM ANGLE OF STABILITY IN WET AND DRY SPHERICAL GRANULAR MEDIA

We demonstrate that stability criteria can be used to calculate the maximum angle of stability ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{m}$ of a granular medium composed of spherical particles in three dimensions and circular disks in two dimensions. The predicted angles are in good agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, we determine the dependence of ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{m}$ on cohesive forces, applying the results to wet granular material by calculating the dependence of ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{m}$ on the liquid content of the material. We have also studied wet granular media experimentally and find good agreement between the theory and our experimental results.
The life cycle of continental rifting as a focus for U.S.-African scientific collaboration

The East African Rift System (EARS) provides the unique opportunity found nowhere else on Earth, to investigate extensional processes from incipient rifting in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, to continental breakup and creation of proto-oceanic basins 3000 km to the north in the Afar Depression in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti.The study of continental rifts is of great interest because they represent the initial stages of continental breakup and passive margin development, they are sites for large-scale sediment accumulation, and their geomorphology may have controlled human evolution in the past and localizes geologic hazards in the present. But there is little research that provides insights into the linkage between broad geodynamic processes and the life cycle of continental rifts: We do not know why some rifts evolve into mid-ocean ridges whereas others abort their evolution to become aulacogens. Numerous studies of the EARS and other continental rifts have significantly increased our understanding of rifting processes, but we particularly lack studies of the embryonic stages of rift creation and the last stages of extension when continental breakup occurs.
Place Identity and Copper Mining in Sonora, Mexico

Place is a process, and it is human experience and struggle that give meaning to place. Place identity is a cultural value shared by the community, a collective understanding about social identity intertwined with place meaning. The process through which place identity is constructed and internalized is poorly understood. This study analyzes the relationship between changing power relations, meanings in the built environment, and the emergence of place identity in two copper mining towns in Sonora, Mexico. I focus on how hegemony is materialized in the landscape. Hegemony can serve to create the perception of harmony between landscape meaning and material reality. If this occurs, place identity emerges. Through the course of my analysis, the focus on two mining towns in Sonora also illustrates the importance of place in political economic change, particularly for neoliberal adjustments in Mexico.
Surface Decomposition Kinetics of Organosilane Precursors to Silicon Carbide

Reactive molecular beam scattering techniques with mass spectrometric detection have been used to characterize the kinetics and mechanism of the decomposition of two 1,3-disilacyclobutane precursors to SiC on the Si(100) surface to yield SiC and gas-phase byproducts. Both compounds adsorb and desorb without dissociation at ambient temperature. Reaction probability increases with increasing surface temperature to a maximum exceeding 0.8 at 1100 K. Both compounds yield large quantities of gas-phase intermediates, while only one produces a significant yield of SiC in the initial collision. In situ and ex situ analysis of the SiC film indicate that it is stoichiometric SiC. A combination of mass spectrometric detection with time of flight analysis of surface reaction products permits formulation of a reaction scheme involving a multistep surface decomposition sequence.
Exploring expectations for upper-extremity motor treatment in people after stroke: a secondary analysis.

OBJECTIVE We explored expectations for outcomes during a research intervention for people with stroke. METHOD Twelve people with chronic stroke participated in this secondary analysis from a pilot trial of a high-repetition, task-specific, upper-extremity intervention. First, we examined relationships between individual expectancy and session-by-session achievement of high numbers of repetitions. Second, we examined the relationship between expectancy for the intervention as a whole and improvements in upper-extremity motor function. We used Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients to evaluate the relationships. RESULTS Correlations between individual expectancy and session-by-session achievement ranged from 0 to .84. Expectancy for improvement from the intervention was good (average = 7 of 10) but had a low correlation (.17) with actual improvement. CONCLUSION Individual expectancy ratings were inconsistently related to session-by-session achievement. Expectancy for the invention as a whole was not related to improvement in upper-extremity motor function.
The sinking of the Al-Salam Boccaccio 98 ferry in the Red Sea: The integration of disaster support system models and emergency management experience

Abstract This study analyzes emergency management plan utilized during maritime disaster experience. Qualitative methods were used to explore the various factors that contributed to the sinking of Al-Salam Boccaccio 98 ferry in the Red Sea in 2006. The study results showed inadequate DSS and its impact on the existence of risk vulnerability and miscommunication. Recommendations were provided to raise attention to such type of disasters and to inform the industry, decision makers, and emergency management administrators on the need to develop effective policies and standards to protect the public against devastating consequences.
A study of heart sounds and murmurs by direct heart recordings.

A method is described for recording heart sounds and murmurs on the surface of the heart chambers and great vessels. Studies were performed on normal dogs and in those with murmurs of known origin, chiefly pulmonic and aortic stenosis. In addition, the reappearance of the murmurs in such cases was studied, following the release of caval occlusion. It was found that the systolic murmur of pulmonic stenosis returned almost immediately after release of caval occlusion, whereas the aortic murmurs did not return until usually from six to 10 beats after release. This may provide a basis for the differentiation of right heart and left heart murmurs by a carefully controlled Valsalva maneuver.
ANGULAR CORRELATION IN THE TRIPLE CASCADE TRANSITIONS

The theory of the angular correlation between the radiations involved in three successive nuclear transitions is presented. The formalism is applicable to the case of three successively emitted radiations as well as to the case in which one of the emission processes is replaced by an absorption process. Thus, applications are made to (1) the emission of three cascade gamma-rays and (2) to the double-cascade gamma-emission following capture of particles with nonzero orbital angular momentum. In some cases the angular correlation depends on the order of the transitions. Under process (2), special results are presented which are applicable to ${B}^{11}(p,\ensuremath{\gamma},\ensuremath{\gamma}){C}^{12}$. It is also pointed out that the formalism properly describes the angular correlation in all processes wherein three directions are specified and is therefore applicable when one of these directions refers to a polarization state while the other two refer to propagation vectors. Results are given for the limitation on anisotropy for the triple cascade transition with two radiations parallel or antiparallel and for two radiations in cascade with intervening radiations unobserved.
Organelle Dynamics: A Tale of Fusing Nucleoli

Recent experiments on nucleoli suggest that their dynamic behavior is liquid-like with common fusion events and that the surrounding actin plays an active role in these dynamics.
Friction on small objects and the breakdown of hydrodynamics in solution: Rotation of anthracene in poly(isobutylene) from the small-molecule to polymer limits

The friction on a nanometer-sized object, as measured by the molecular rotation time of dissolved anthracene, is compared to the macroscopic viscosity in poly(isobutylene) (PIB) over a molecular-weight range extending from the small-molecule limit (isooctane, M = 114 g/mol) to the entangled polymer (M = 85 000 g/mol). Calibration studies in small-molecule solvents show that anthracene rotation is a near ideal example of Stokes−Einstein−Debye (SED) behavior with slip boundary conditions. The average rotation time follows SED behavior based on the macroscopic viscosity η∞ for PIBs up to a moderate length (M = 615 g/mol, η∞ = 2000 cP). Beyond this length, the rotational friction shows a sharp transition to a weak dependence on the polymer length. The transition length is not associated with any standard length scale of the static polymer structure. In particular, SED behavior continues well beyond the point where the solvent length or volume exceeds the solute's dimensions. An additional transition from expo...
Memory and the Holocaust: processing the past through a gendered lens

Viewed through the prism of gender, race and generational change, memories of the Holocaust acquire a dynamic and a salience that differ substantially from one group to the next. This article exami...
Superplastic process modeling of plane strain components with complex shapes

Computational process models using membrane element method are developed in this paper for the superplastic forming of plane strain boxes with complex cross-sectional details. Many practical superplastic components manufactured in industry have sloping sidewalk with die bottoms either corrugated and/or at angles to the sides. The new method is used to develop process models for such configurations and the resulting software can be used interactively in a computer. The method is useful to a designer in the parametric study of die geometry, die wall friction, initial thickness, and material property, or to determine if a specific geometry is suitable for superplastic forming. The kinematics of deformation are illustrated, and the numerical results of the model are compared with continuum finite element solutions and also with experimental data.
Technology in the hearts of the faculty

How do we, as technology professionals, get the technology near and dear to our hearts into the hands of the faculty?People like to stay where they are comfortable, therefore faculty stay immersed in academia, and we stay immersed in technology. Can we expect faculty to visit our world? Or do we intrude upon theirs? If the goal is to get technology tools into the hands of the faculty, the answer is yes to both.At Lewis & Clark College we have taken this dual approach. We present ourselves to the faculty by sending them Technology Guides and New Computer Packets. We also invite them into the world of technology with our annual Institute and Showcase. The Faculty Technology Guide is updated and delivered to faculty every year. In only 20 pages it introduces faculty to the IT department, the resources available, how to get training and help and to their Divisional Liaison - the Consultant they can always turn to if they don't know where else to go. The New Computer Packets are delivered with every new computer and cover not only the specifications of the equipment but a list of software installed and tips on using the computer, especially when an OS upgrade is involved. These are subtle ways of letting them know that we don't expect them to be experts at everything.The Showcase, where faculty display what they're doing with computing technology, is designed to show possibilities to other faculty. A few weeks later we follow the Showcase with the Faculty Technology Institute, bringing the faculty into our world and allowing us to guide them through the confusion of technology to find tools that are useful for them.All of these forms of contact allow us to form relationships with faculty based on mutual respect. These are partnerships in which we bring our respective experience and expertise together.
The Development of Parenting Efficacy Among New Mothers and Fathers

Predictors of prenatal and postnatal parenting efficacy were examined in a sample of 115 primiparous mothers and 73 fathers in an effort to examine the association between preexisting parental characteristics and prenatal efficacy and the association between prenatal characteristics and postnatal efficacy when aspects of the current parenting context are taken into account. The most robust predictors of maternal postnatal efficacy included both prenatal efficacy, which significantly predicted postnatal efficacy independent of all other predictors including the current parenting context, and perceived infant temperamental reactivity as both a main effect and as buffered by social support. This was not the case for fathers, whose postnatal efficacy was primarily a function of their amount of involvement in parenting tasks and social support. The differential predictors of mother and father efficacy as well as their implications for future research are discussed.
Engineering starch biosynthesis for increasing rice seed weight: the role of the cytoplasmic ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase

ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) controls a rate-limiting step in starch biosynthesis. In cereals, manipulation of this enzyme is a prime target to increase starch production during seed development as a means to increase sink strength and, in turn, crop yields. The Escherichia coli glgC triple mutant (TM) gene, which encodes a highly active and allosterically insensitive AGPase, was introduced into rice and expressed during endosperm development. The mutated enzyme was targeted to either the amyloplast or cytoplasm to determine the relationship between intracellular location of ADP-glucose formation and starch synthesis. Transgenic rice seeds expressing the amyloplast or cytoplasmic AGPase-TM showed up to 13-fold higher levels of AGPase activity compared to untransformed plants when assayed in the presence of inorganic phosphate to suppress the endogenous activity. Plants having elevated cytoplasmic AGPase activity under Pi-inhibitory conditions showed increases in 14C-sucrose labeling into starch and, in turn, increases (up to 11%) in seed weight over the wt. In contrast, transgenic plants expressing the amyloplast-targeted AGPase activity showed small to moderate increases in 14C-sucrose-labeling rates into starch and either a moderate increase in seed weight or, in several instances, a reduction in seed weight. Our results demonstrate that the intracellular location of AGPase has a marked effect on the capacity of the enzyme to increase starch synthesis and, in turn, seed weight.
The synthesis of E-(2S,3S)-3-trimethylsilylglycidol and its conversion to (−)-propranolol

Abstract (−)-Propranolol was synthesized in a highly enantio- and regioselective manner by using titanium mediated asymmetric epoxidation via the key intermediate, E-(2S,3S)-3-trimethylsilylglycidol.
Retention of [99mTc]-d,l-HM-PAO in Rat Brain: An Autoradiographic Study:

The regional cerebral distribution pattern of [99mTc]-d,l-HM-PAO in rat brain was studied by autoradiography. The regional cerebral uptake of this tracer is related to regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF); however, the ratio of retained radioactivity (determined by digital imaging techniques) in gray matter compared to white matter is lower than that reported for the blood flow ratio. Considerable inhomogeneity is observed in cortical gray matter for at least 60 min postinjection, demonstrating that minimal, if any, cerebral redistribution of this agent occurs.
A penalty approach for contact in smoothed particle hydrodynamics

Summary This paper describes the development and testing of a contact algorithm for SPH. The treatment of contact boundary conditions in SPH has not been adequately addressed, and the development of the normalised smoothing function approach has highlighted the need for correct treatment of boundary conditions. A particle to particle contact algorithm was developed for 2D. The penalty formulation was used to enforce the contact condition, and several equations for the penalty force calculation were considered. The contact algorithm was tested for one and two dimensional problems for the velocity range between 0.2 and 4.0 km/s to determine the best penalty force equation and the best approach for applying the contact force. The tests showed that the zero-energy mode problem in the SPH method had to be addressed, as contact excited a zero-energy mode that caused non-physical motion of particles. The test results were compared to the DYNA3D results for the same problems. Background to boundary condition treatment in SPH is given in Section 1. In Section 2 the development of a contact algorithm for SPH in 1 and 2D is described. Testing of the contact algorithm in 1 and 2D is described in Section 3. Conclusions are presented in Section 4.
A Longitudinal Study to Determine Non-technical Deterrence Effects of Severity and Communication of Internet Use Policy for Reducing Employee Internet Abuse

This is the second part of a longitudinal study that examines how employee Internet abuse may be reduced by non-technical deterrence methods, specifically via IT acceptable use policies (AUP). Both studies used actual usage and audit logs (not self-reporting measures) to monitor the web activity of employees. In the earlier study, a mild AUP reminder to company employees resulted in a 12 percent decrease in non-work Internet usage. The current study utilized a more severe AUP communication and resulted in a 33 percent decrease in non-work Internet usage. For both studies, the AUP reminder resulted in an immediate decrease in non-work Internet usage. Results indicate that while non-work traffic under both treatments returned over time, the longevity effect of the severe AUP message was greater than the mild AUP message and non-work traffic did not return to its previous pre-treatment level by the end of the study.
Physiological effects of swim bladder overexpansion and catastrophic decompression on red snapper

Abstract The commercial and recreational harvests of red snapper Lutjanus campechanus in the Gulf of Mexico have declined over the past five decades, prompting strict regulations. Release mortality associated with catastrophic decompression (CD) is a possible cause for the continuing decline, although to date no physiological data exist to support this assumption. Using a flow-through high-pressure chamber, subadult red snapper were acclimated to 101.2, 405.3, 608.0, and 1,215.9 kPa, simulating depths typical of their distribution (as deep as 200 m), and then decompressed at a rate of 10.1 kPa/s. Lateral and dorsal X-ray imaging in combination with necropsy showed that swim bladders expanded in a predictable manner. Ventral expansion into the caudal body cavity space occurred at lower pressures, whereas expansion into the cranial portion of the body cavity occurred at the highest pressure. Expansion patterns resulted in over 70 different overexpansion injuries, the most severe being to vital organs. Our r...
Computerized tomography cystography for the diagnosis of traumatic bladder rupture.

Purpose: We present our experience with computerized tomography (CT) cystography for diagnosing bladder rupture in patients with blunt abdominal and pelvic trauma, and compare the results of CT cystography with those of surgical exploration.Materials and Methods: We identified all patients with blunt trauma diagnosed with bladder rupture from 1992 to September 1998. We reviewed the radiology computerized information system for all CT cystography performed to evaluate blunt trauma during the same period. We also reviewed the medical records and pertinent radiographic studies of patients with bladder rupture who underwent CT cystography as part of the hospital admission evaluation. Operative and radiographic findings were compared.Results: CT cystography was performed in 316 patients as part of the initial evaluation of blunt trauma. Of the 44 patients with the ultimate diagnosis of bladder rupture CT cystography revealed bladder rupture in 42, while 23 of the 28 (82%) who underwent formal bladder explorati...
The effects of large organic debris on sediment processes and stream morphology in Vermont

Abstract Research conducted on a small third-order stream in the Green Mountains of Vermont suggests that large organic debris (LOD) has an important influence on areal sorting and storage of sediment, spacing of pool-riffle sequences, and channel geometry. Large organic debris forms local base-levels that trap over 26 cubic meters of sediment and cause over 14 percent of the vertical drop along a 412 meter study reach on Tiger Brook, Vermont. The local base-levels created by large organic debris accumulations are the most important control on sediment storage between large bedrock knickpoints along the study reach, focusing fine-grained sediment deposition in areas stable at low and moderate discharges. The micro-steps created by these LOD local base-levels dominate gradient and sediment storage at short time-scales between the slowly evolving large bedrock macrosteps. The relation that exists among the volumes of standing timber adjacent to the channel, LOD and sediment stored behind LOD seems to indicate that large organic debris causes a negative feedback-type mechanism where channel degradation leads to increased standing timber recruitment and large organic debris sediment-storage sites.
Shoot apical meristem: In vitro regeneration and morphogenesis in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

We report a less genotype-dependent in vitro regeneration system capable of producing multiple shoot clumps and whole plants in four different wheat genotypes. Shool apical meristems from 7-d-old-seedlings produced axillary and adventitious shoots and somatic embryos on media containing N6-benzyladenine (BA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). All four genotypes responded positively to shoot multiplication depending upon media composition. Scanning electron microscopies of cultures showed a proliferating budding state that gave rise to adventitious shoots and somatic embryos on further multiplication. The percentage of relative shoot apical meristem multiplication was 80–90%, and the average number of shoot meristems per multiplied shoot was 40–50 in all genotypes. Among different concentrations of phytohormones, 2 and 4 mgl−1 BA (8.8 and 17.7 μM) in combination with 0.5 mg l−1 2,4-D (2.26 μM) gave the best results. Actively multiplying shoot clumps were recovered with high frequency among 3-mo.-old cultures. These shoot clumps regenerated normally and produced fertile plants containing viable seeds. This in vitro system might prove useful for the production of transgenic plants of wheat in a relatively genotype-independent manner.
Physicochemical properties of the fluoroquinolone antimicrobials: V. Effect of fluoroquinolone structure and pH on the complexation of various fluoroquinolones with magnesium and calcium ions

Abstract The complexation of nalidixic acid and nine 7-piperazinylfluoroquinolone antimicrobials with magnesium and calcium ions was studied at room temperature (22 ± 1°C) by spectrofluorometry. Scatchard plots were used to determined the stoichiometry of binding and the effects of pH were investigated to determine which Bjerrum species of the compounds bound most tightly to the metal ions. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the association constants and the binding to magnesium ions. The results of that analysis were then used to propose a structure for the 2:2 complex of magnesium and lomefloxacin.
Animal models of focal brain ischemia

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in many countries. Understanding the pathophysiology of ischemic injury and developing therapies is an important endeavor that requires much additional research. Animal stroke models provide an important mechanism for these activities. A large number of stroke models have been developed and are currently used in laboratories around the world. These models are overviewed as are approaches for measuring infarct size and functional outcome.
In vitro plantlet regeneration from cotyledon, hypocotyl and root explants of hybrid seed geranium

In vitro plantlet regeneration systems for the seed geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum Bailey) using cotyledon, hypocotyl and root explants were optimized by studying the influence of seedling age, growth regulators and excision orientation on organogenesis. Indole-3-acetic acid combined with zeatin yielded the highest rate of shoot production on cotyledon explants (0.2–2 shoots per explant). More shoots were produced on explants cut from the most basal region of cotyledons from 2 to 4-day-old seedlings than from older seedlings or more distal cut sites. Hypocotyl explants produced the highest number of shoots, up to 40 shoots per explant, on indole-3-acetic acid (2.8–5.6 mM) + zeatin (4.6 mM) or thidiazuron (4.5 mM). Maximum shoot formation (0.3–1.4 shoots per explant) on root explants occurred when they were cultured on medium containing zeatin. Regenerated shoots rooted best on a basal medium containing no growth regulators. There were substantial differences among cultivars in shoot formation from each of the explant systems.
Nucleon and nucleon-pair momentum distributions in A ≤ 12 nuclei

We report variational Monte Carlo calculations of single-nucleon momentum distributions for A≤12 nuclei and nucleon-pair and nucleon-cluster momentum distributions for A≤8. The wave functions have been generated for a Hamiltonian containing the Argonne ν18 two-nucleon and Urbana X three-nucleon potentials. The single-nucleon and nucleon-pair momentum distributions exhibit universal features attributable to the one-pion-exchange tensor interaction The single-nucleon distributions are broken down into proton and neutron components and spin-up and spin-down components where appropriate. The nucleon-pair momentum distributions are given separately for pp and pn pairs. The nucleon-cluster momentum distributions include dp in 3He, tp and dd in S4He, αd in 6Li,αt in 7Li, and αα in 8Be. Detailed tables are provided on-line for download.
Influence of parameterized ice habit on simulated mixed phase Arctic clouds

[1] The phase partitioning of cloud mass between liquid and ice in mixed phase clouds and its dependence on ambient ice nuclei (IN) concentrations and ice habit parameterizations is explored in this paper. Single-layered and multilayered cloud systems observed during the Mixed-Phase Arctic Cloud Experiment were simulated with a cloud-resolving model. The model used a two-moment (mass and number concentration) microphysical scheme with ice crystal habit parameterized by mass and fall speed relationships and IN prediction scheme that accounts for depletion of IN through nucleation scavenging. The mixed phase cloud simulations show a strong sensitivity to the ambient deposition/condensation freezing IN concentrations, which is similar to some prior studies. This sensitivity depends on the mass, fall speed, and capacitance relationships used to parameterize crystal habit and vapor growth: Mass and fall speed relationships associated with compact, high-density crystals produce clouds with a weaker sensitivity to ambient IN concentrations, whereas more extreme crystal shapes (e.g., dendrites) produce clouds with strong IN concentration sensitivity. This sensitivity also affects the number of liquid layers (from 1 to 5) predicted for the multilayer case. The strength of the vapor growth rates and the crystal fall speeds appear to be of roughly equal importance for determining the strength of mixed phase cloud sensitivity to ice concentrations.
Generation of unidirectionally propagating action potentials using a monopolar electrode cuff.

Unidirectionally propagating action potentials, which can be used to implement transmission failure on peripheral nerve through “collision block,” have been generated electrically on cat myelinated peripheral nerve using a monopolar electrode cuff with the conductor positioned closest to the “arrest” end of the cuff. A single cathode located at least 5 mm from the arrest end resulted in unidirectional propagation with minimal current and charge injection. The range of stimulus current values that produced unidirectional propagation increased with increases in longitudinal asymmetry of cathode placement over the range of asymmetries tested (1.7: 1 to 7: 1). The stimulus current pulse that minimized charge injection was quasitrapezoidal in shape with a plateau pulse width of approximately 350 μsec and an exponential trailing phase having a fall time (90%-10%) of approximately 600 μsec. These parameters were found to be independent of cuff geometry. Arrest efficiency was not degraded using a cuff of sufficient internal diameter to prevent nerve compression in chronic implantation. The critical current density within the extracellular space of the electrode cuff required to produce conduction failure at the arrest end was estimated to be 0.47±0.08 mA/mm2.
Variations of calcium carbonate, organic carbon and iron sulfides in anoxic sediment from the Orca Basin, Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Sediment from the anoxic Orca Basin is highly laminated and enriched in iron sulfides and organic carbon, unlike sediment from the surrounding northwest Gulf of Mexico continental slope. Black laminae are enriched in calcium carbonate (19 vs. 15%), organic carbon (1.8 vs. 0.7%) and iron sulfides (0.7 vs. 0.4%) compared to light gray laminae. However, more of the FeS is converted to FeS2 in the light gray laminae. Dark gray laminae of intermediate composition are also common. The laminae probably reflect annual and longer-term variations in organic matter supply to the basin and variations in mixing at the brine—seawater interface.
Discovering topological motifs using a compact notation.

Discovering topological motifs or common topologies in one or more graphs is an important as well as an interesting problem. It had been classically viewed as the subgraph isomorphism problem. This...
Generalized Polynomial Chaos-Based Extended Kalman Filter: Improvement and Expansion

The generalized polynomial chaos (gPC) method for propagating uncertain parameters through dynamical systems (previously developed at Virginia Tech) has been shown to be very computationally efficient. This method seems also to be ideal for real-time parameter estimation when merged with the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). The resulting technique is shown in the present paper for systems in state-space representations, and then expanded to systems in regressions formulations. Due to the way the filter interacts with the polynomial chaos expansions, the covariance matrix is forced to zero in finite time. This problem shows itself as an inability to perform state estimations and causes the parameters to converge to incorrect values for state space systems. In order to address this issue, improvements to the method are implemented and the updated method is applied to both state space and regression systems. The resultant technique shows high accuracy of both state and parameter estimations.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
An ultrastructural analysis of abnormal otic development in exencephalic mutant mice.

Homozygous loop-tail (Lp/Lp) mice exhibit defects in the otocyst as well as extensive neural dysraphism. At 9 days of gestation, cells in the otic pit of abnormal embryos are flattened and lack the rounded luminal contours characteristic of otic cells in their normal littermates. Apical filaments also are not as prominent as in normal embryos, and there is an increase in densely stained globular material in cells at the ventral lip of the otic pit. With glutaraldehyde-tannic acid fixation, the basal lamina of the otic pit cells shows differences from that of the normal otic pit. In abnormal specimens, the lamina densa is irregular and clumped, and the adjacent less dense area is spotty and lacks the more uniformly arranged and delicate fibrils characteristic of the normal basal lamina. These defects may reflect faulty developmental interactions between the dysraphic neural tube, mesenchymal cells, and otic anlage.
Brothers and Friends in Philippi: Family Honor in the Roman World and in Paul's Letter to the Philippians

The essay seeks to demonstrate the value of insights from the social sciences for New Testament interpretation by triangulating between (a) a cultural anthropological model of ancient Mediterranean family honor, (b) the social realia of the Roman colony at Philippi, and (c) Paul's letter to the Philippians. Archaeological evidence from Philippi decidedly confirms the particular aspect of the social scientific model in view, namely, that family members in the ancient Mediterranean world ideally deferred in honor to persons within their kinship groups and competed for honor with representatives of other families. Both activities are amply attested in the inscriptions from Philippi. The presence of these values in the colony sheds light, moreover, upon portions of Philippians, since Paul viewed the Jesus community in Philippi as a family, and he sought in his letter to encourage the Philippians to treat one another like surrogate siblings. This suggests that Paul desired to establish a relational ethos among...
Assessing L2 reading texts at the intermediate level: An approximate replication of Crossley, Louwerse, McCarthy & McNamara (2007)

This paper follows up on the work of Crossley, Louwerse, McCarthy & McNamara (2007), who conducted an exploratory study of the linguistic differences of simplified and authentic texts found in beginner level English as a Second Language (ESL) textbooks using the computational tool Coh-Metrix. The purpose of this study is to provide a more comprehensive study of second language (L2) reading texts than that provided by Crossley et al. (2007) by investigating the differences between the linguistic structures of a larger and more selective corpus of intermediate reading texts. This study is important because advocates of both approaches to ESL text construction cite linguistic features, syntax, and discourse structures as essential elements of text readability, but only the Crossley et al. (2007) study has measured the differences between these text types and their implications for L2 learners. This research replicates the methods of the earlier study. The findings of this study provide a more thorough understanding of the linguistic features that construct simplified and authentic texts. This work will enable material developers, publishers, and reading researchers to more accurately judge the values of simplified and authentic L2 texts as well as improve measures for matching readers to text.
AFM of Iron Oxide Particles Attachment on Mica

Abstract The attachment of iron oxide colloidal particles on a mica surface in the presence of humic acid (HA) and/or aluminum ions (Al3+) was investigated with atomic force microscopy (AFM). In the absence of both HA and Al3+, adhesion of some individual colloidal particles onto the solid substrate increased with time as clusters formed and grew. HA substances present in the colloidal suspension considerably reduced the attachment of iron oxide colloidal particles onto the mica surface. In addition, most attached colloidal particles tended to aggregate following long immersion times forming big clusters on specific areas of the mica sheet, thus displaying a selective way of attaching to the mica surface. The presence of Al3+ greatly increased the attachment of iron oxide colloidal particles whether in the absence or in the presence of HA. These observations carry significance in the colloid‐facilitated transport and mobilization of contaminants in subsurface environments, where humic substances have prev...
INSTRUMENTATION FOR WORK PHYSIOLOGY

The industrial community has recently recognized the needs for close evaluation of the workers' physiological strain on the job. Consequently, a new era is forthcoming in which the challenge regarding the design and sensibility of the instruments will involve portability, direct reading of data, fast response, and simple analysis procedure. Instruments for cardiopulmonary and thermoregulatory responses were discussed in light of the widely used measurements of steady-state responses and the future needs to measure transient responses.
K-12 - University - Industry STEM Educational Partnerships

Abstract - Marquette University is creating a Culture-of-Innovation Bridge between the K-12 world and the world of industrial, multidisciplinary problem-solving, with Graduate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Fellows comprising a Community of Innovative and Integrative Engineers, Scientists, and Mathematicians serving as mentors and guides. This will give K-12 teachers and students a direct, sustainable connection to real-world problem solving. Up to now, their main connection to the industrial world has been through the university, and mostly second hand. This bridge will have traffic in both directions with the travelers being K-12 teachers and students, industrial engineers, and applied scientists and mathematicians, with the Graduate STEM Fellows acting as facilitators and catalysts for change. This bridge will foster the development of: (1) a human-centered, real-world-problem focus in the teaching and research of STEM topics; (2) professional attributes - team building, leadership, critical thinking, communication, teaching, and social awareness; (3) partnerships among K-12, university, and industry environments; (4) STEM knowledge, basic and applied, and integration into teaching; and (5) STEM interest for K-12 students. The research themes will come from the fields of engineering (mechanical, electrical, biomedical, and civil) and applied mathematics, computer science, and physics.
INTENT RECOGNITION IN MULTI-AGENT SYSTEMS: COW HERDING

In a multi-agent system, an agent may utilize its idle time to assist other agents in the system. Intent recognition is proposed to accomplish this with minimal communication. An agent performing recognition observes the tasks other agents are performing and, unlike the much studied field of plan recognition, the overall intent of an agent is recognized instead of a specific plan. The observing agent may use capabilities that it has not observed. A conceptual framework is proposed for intent recognition systems. An implementation of the conceptual framework is tested and evaluated. We hypothesize that using intent recognition in a multi-agent system increases utility (where utility is domain specific) and decreases the amount of communication. We test our hypotheses using the domain of Cow Herding, where agents attempt to herd cow agents into team corrals. A set of metrics, including task time and number of communications, is used to compare the performance of plan recognition and intent recognition. In our results, we find that intent recognition agents communicate fewer times than plan recognition agents. In addition, unlike plan recognition, when agents use the novel approach of intent recognition, they select unobserved actions to perform. Intent recognition agents were also able to outperform plan recognition agents by consistently scoring more points in the Cow Herding domain. This research shows that under certain conditions, an intent recognition system is more efficient than a plan recognition system. The advantage of intent recognition over plan recognition becomes more apparent in complex domains.
Successful treatment of portal hypertension from splenic arteriovenous fistula by coil embolization followed by splenectomy

Splenic arteriovenous fistulas (SAVF) are a rare cause of portal hypertension (PHTN). They usually occur secondary to abdominal trauma, aneurysmal erosion, or as a complication of abdominal surgery [1]. Their clinical presentation depends on the size, location, and acuity. Indications for treatment include: hemorrhage, ascites, and worsening PHTN [2]. There are less than 50 published cases of PHTN due to SAVF based on our literature review. A 61-year-old female without prior liver disease, abdominal trauma, or surgery, complained of a 3-month history of ascites and intermittent melena. Hemoglobin was 8 g/dL. Platelet count, transaminase levels, bilirubin, albumin and INR were normal. Anti-smooth muscle, anti-mitochondrial, and anti-nuclear antibodies were all negative. The serum-ascites-albumin-gradient was 2.5 g/dL and an ascitic fluid total protein was 1.2 g/dL. Large esophageal varices were found on endoscopy and were banded prophylactically. Abdominal ultrasound with Doppler showed ascites, splenomegaly, and a large SAVF at the splenic hilum. Abdominal CT scan followed by angiography confirmed the same SAVF (Fig. ​(Fig.1A1A & B). Figure 1 (A) CT abdomen and (B) angiogram showing splenic arteriovenous malformation A two-step approach involving endovascular coil embolization (Fig. 2) followed by surgical splenectomy was performed. The resected spleen is shown with a metal pointer traversing the fistula (Fig. 3). The proximity of the arteriovenous (AV) fistula to the spleen may result in splenic infarction during coil embolization. Upfront excision of the AV fistula may result in massive hemorrhage. In order to prevent these complications, we proceeded with a two-step approach with coil embolization followed by splenectomy. The patient tolerated the surgery well and remained asymptomatic. Figure 2 Endovascular coil embolization of the arteriovenous fistula Figure 3 Gross surgical specimen of the spleen with arteriovenous fistulous tract (metal pointer)
A Brief Historical Review of the Development of the Distinction between Data and Information in the Information Systems Literature

It is a commonplace among contemporary information systems professionals that the concepts of data and information are obviously distinct and clearly understood. Through a review of the historical literature, this paper shows that, in fact, the distinction is not obvious, that it is an outgrowth of work in the information systems area, and that the distinction is not clearly understood. The paper briefly notes some of the implications of this historical development for information systems theory. This paper will be of interest primarily to academics and those with an interest in the conceptual foundations and theoretical frameworks guiding Information Systems research.
Bending of Lamellar Microdomains of Block Copolymers on Nonselective Surfaces

Symmetric diblock copolymers self-assemble into lamellar microdomains which can be used to create line and space patterns on substrates by controlling the orientation of microdomains. Previously, it has been reported that the orientation of lamellar microdomains can be controlled perpendicular to the surface by modifying the substrate surface to become nonselective to each domain. For practical use of the block copolymer based patterns for nanofabrications, of great interest is precise control over the lateral placement of lamellar microdomains. Commonly predefined guiding patterns containing chemical and/or topographical contrast have been used to direct the lateral placement of lamellae on substrates. In the absence of guiding patterns, the lamella microdomains produce fingerprint-like surface patterns on nonselective substrates as reported previously with a variety of model diblock copolymers, where the most well-studied diblock copolymer is poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA). The fact that this fingerprint-like pattern contains many regions of high curvature of bent lamellae suggests the cost of lamellae bending may be relatively small. Previously, Nealey and co-workers reported that the lamellar microdomains of PS-bPMMA faithfully follow the lithographically predefined surface patterns of chemical contrast. They showed that bent block copolymer lamellae could be obtained when homopolymers were added to the copolymer. More recently, Wilmes et al. examined the extent to which patterns with different curvatures can be created within the same block copolymer thin films. They showed that the lamellae conform to patterns with radii of curvature equal to the equilibrium domain spacing. In this Note, we report our investigation on the bending characteristics of lamellar microdomains resulting from directed assembly using topographic guiding patterns. We designed the topographic guiding patterns as elbows with varying corner angles. By controlling the surface of guiding patterns nonselective to the microdomains, we rendered the orientation of lamellae perpendicular to the surfaces of bottom and sidewalls of the guiding patterns. Detailed experimental observation of the degree of bending and tilting of lamellae at the sidewall surface is reported along with a theoretical investigation using self-consistent-field calculations, which provide additional knowledge regarding the free energy and interfacial characteristics of the experimentally observed morphologies. We also extended our investigation to a block copolymer hybrid system which is a mixture of an organic diblock copolymer, poly(styrene-b-ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PEO), and an organosilicate (OS) resin. The effect of larger orientational correlation length of the hybrid system on the bending property of lamellar microdomains will be discussed.
Beam dynamics and RF evolution in a multistage klystron-like free-electron laser

The current understanding of beam dynamics and RF evolution in a klystron-like free-electron laser (KFEL) is presented. Phase sensitivity to injection jitters estimated by existing theories is discussed. BBU (beam breakup) suppression due to linear detuning is proposed as an alternative for the previously proposed techniques. It is concluded that most of the principal issues in multistage KFEL physics have been analyzed and serious obstacles to realizing a machine will be overcome with appropriate cures. However, in an interaction between a bunched beam and mode converters, RF extraction septums will induce further detrimental aspects in beam dynamics. Its assessment and cure are left unsolved. >