cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Dynamic Model Updating of a Hysteretic Structural System

Linear model updating techniques have been successfully applied in structural health monitoring (SHM) for assessing structural conditions. However, civil structures generally exhibit nonlinear hysteretic behavior under damaging loading conditions. Updating nonlinear models is necessary to represent a structure’s deteriorating behaviors. Here, an approach is proposed to update a hysteretic model in real time. An experimental study is conducted to demonstrate the use of this nonlinear updating technique on a lab-sized shear building. A recently proposed modified Bouc-Wen model is used. A numerical study is performed to demonstrate the capabilities of the model updating technique in identifying the nonlinear model. The need for deionizing filters is also emphasized. The experimental study considers quasistatic cyclic tests to characterize the nonlinear behavior of the structure, and two shake table tests for demonstrating the proposed approach in the prediction of future responses. Comparison of the error indexes shows that the real-time updated model can be used to predict the response of the tested building structure during strong motion inputs. The real-time testbed developed in this study has the potential to enable rapid structural diagnosis and prognosis, and will facilitate many other engineering applications, such as rapid risk assessment and structural control design.
Managerialism and Terrorism Policy for the Urban Financial Industry The Implications of Ignoring Geographical Process

The urban financial industry is expected to continue to be a primary target of terrorism. Critical policy analyses call for reevaluations of knowledge via direct linkages with served communities. We use interview and survey data from 79 financial executives in New York after 9/11 to study place-based subsidy policies. We demonstrate that place is an important, and often overlooked, geographical concept for understanding how financial decision makers should respond to terrorism. We show that an analysis of local context must be included when crafting effective policies, and we argue that microscales are as important to urban resiliency as the citywide and regional scales.
Finite element/finite volume solutions of full potential, Euler and Navier‐Stokes equations for compressible and incompressible flows

A cell-vertex finite volume formulation, using local finite element approximations to calculate fluxes through an auxiliary mesh (control volumes) is used to solve inviscid and viscous compressible flow equations on unstructured grids. Non-linear artificial viscosity methods are adopted to avoid decoupling and capture shock waves. Artificial time-dependent terms are augmented if needed, to guarantee convergence of common iterative procedures to a steady-state solution. The incompressible limit of compressible flow equations is studied. A unified approach for solving both compressible and incompressible flow problems is proposed. Also some results of a zonal formulation with different governing equations in different regions are presented. Applications to the solution of Maxwell's equations for wave propagation and scattering are discussed in an appendix
Doppler assessment of pulmonary venous flow in healthy subjects and in patients with heart disease

Pulmonary venous flow as assessed by Doppler echocardiography is a current topic of investigation. Pulmonary venous flow has been used recently as part of a comprehensive assessment of left ventricular diastolic filling dynamics in restrictive myocardial diseases and constrictive pericarditis. Abnormalities of flow have been described in dilated cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, and arrhythmias. With the advent of transesophageal echocardiography, pulmonary venous flow can be readily obtained in all patients by pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography. Recently, it has been used to assess the severity of mitral regurgitation and to estimate mean left atrial pressure. This article emphasizes the utility, physiology, and technique of measuring pulmonary venous flow with Doppler echocardiography in health and in disease.
Charcoal sampling tubes for organic vapor analysis by gas chromatography.

Abstract Variation in efficiency of recovery of organic vapors collected on activated charcoal and desorbed into carbon disulfide, was studied with respect to certain parameters of the process. Chemicals used were methylethyl ketone, toluene, trichloroethylene, butyl acetate, 2-methylcyclobexanol, and styrene. Analyses were performed with a gas chromatograph. The effects of charcoal mesh size, sampling rate, volume collected, and vapor concentration were considered. Mesh sizes of carbon granules studied were 10/20, 20/30, 30/40, and 40/50. Also, a special vapor adsorption charcoal, 60/80 mesh was used. Effects of sampling rate were determined over a 100 ml/min to 1000 ml/min range. From 0.5 to 1.5 liters of sample were collected for experiments dealing with volume collected. In studying the effect of varying concentration, a range of 1 TLV to 5 TLV was employed.
Fluorescence lifetime imaging for the characterization of the biochemical composition of atherosclerotic plaques.

This study investigates the ability of a flexible fiberoptic-based fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) technique to resolve biochemical features in plaque fibrotic cap associated with plaque instability and based solely on fluorescence decay characteristics. Autofluorescence of atherosclerotic human aorta (11 autopsy samples) was measured at 48 locations through two filters, F377: 377/50 and F460: 460/60 nm (center wavelength/bandwidth). The fluorescence decay dynamic was described by average lifetime (τ) and four Laguerre coefficients (LECs) retrieved through a Laguerre deconvolution technique. FLIM-derived parameters discriminated between four groups [elastin-rich (ER), elastin and macrophage-rich (E+M), collagen-rich (CR), and lipid-rich (LR)]. For example, τF377 discriminated ER from CR (R = 0.84); τF460 discriminated E+M from CR and ER (R = 0.60 and 0.54, respectively); LEC-1F377 discriminated CR from LR and E+M (R = 0.69 and 0.77, respectively); P 87% (all cases) and sensitivity as high as 86%. Current results demonstrate for the first time that clinically relevant features (e.g., ratios of lipid versus collagen versus elastin) can be evaluated with a flexible-fiber based FLIM technique without the need for fluorescence intensity information or contrast agents.
Mechanistic studies of the astacin-like Serratia metalloendopeptidase serralysin: highly active (>2000%) Co(II) and Cu(II) derivatives for further corroboration of a "metallotriad" mechanism.

Serralysin is a bacterial Zn-endopeptidase which has been considered a virulence factor to cause tissue damage and anaphylactic response. It contains a coordinated Tyr that is unique to the astacin-like Zn enzymes. The coordinated Tyr has been proposed to play an important role in the action of this endopeptidase family. Several metal-substituted derivatives of serralysin (including Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+ derivatives) are found to exhibit significant activities. Particularly, the Co- and Cu-substituted derivatives exhibit much higher activities than the native serralysin toward the hydrolysis of the tripeptide mimic benzoyl-Arg-p-nitroanilide, i.e., 35 and 49 times higher in k cat and 33 and 26 times in k cat/K m, respectively. Such remarkably higher activities of metal-substituted derivatives, especially the Cu derivative, than that of the native Zn enzyme are rare in the literature, reflecting the uniqueness of this enzyme among all Zn enzymes. The significantly different k cat yet similar K m values among the several metal derivatives suggests that the metal center is involved in catalysis, but not necessarily in the binding of the substrate, whereas the dramatically different inhibition constants for Arg-hydroxamate binding to the metal-substituted derivatives indicates direct binding of this inhibitor to the metal center. The activity-pH profiles of serralysin and its Co2+ and Cu2+ derivatives and the optical-pH profile of Cu-serralysin have been obtained, in which the decrease in activity at higher pH values was found to be associated with a dramatic increase in the Tyr-to-Cu2+ charge transfer transitions. This observation suggests that the binding of Tyr216 to the metal is inhibitory. A metal-centered mechanism is proposed for serralysin catalysis based on the results presented here, in which the detachment of the coordinated Tyr and formation of a H-bond with the transition-state complex are considered essential for the stabilization of the transition state.
Electric gradient force drive mechanism for novel microscale all-dielectric gyroscope

MEMS vibratory gyroscopes have recently shown great promise in the field of micro-scale position, navigation, and timing (μPNT), yet their performance often falls short of navigation grade due to losses in the vibratory structure. This paper reports a novel drive mechanism used to excite a cylindrical, all-dielectric micro-shell gyroscope structure. The drive mechanism operates by generating a gradient electric field force from a set of interdigitated electrodes placed adjacent to the gyroscope structure. This novel transduction mechanism enables mechanical actuation of a pristine dielectric structure without the need for direct metallization which could degrade the quality factor (Q) and mechanical performance. Mode spectroscopy in the range of 5-50 kHz is demonstrated with mode amplitudes as large as 0.3 μm for a 10 V drive signal. Quality factors of 12,000 have been measured. Design, fabrication, and experimental demonstration are presented.
Science and Engineering Doctoral Student Socialization, Logics, and the National Economic Agenda: Alignment or Disconnect?

This study explores the institutional logics and socialization experiences of STEM doctoral students in the context of the current American economic narrative that is specific to science and technology. Data from qualitative interviews with 36 students at three research universities first reveals a disconnect between a well-established national science and technology policy narrative that is market-oriented and the training, experiences, and perspectives of science and engineering doctoral students. Findings also indicate science and engineering doctoral students mostly understand entrepreneurship and innovation in the contexts of funding research activities and creating social impact, which parallel rather than oppose dominant academic values and norms. Based on the findings, we contend that it is both possible and prudent for universities and graduate programs to pursue strategies that align science and engineering doctoral education with the current national economic agenda and support the personal, professional values and perspectives of students without coming in conflict with the scientific core of the academy.
An embedded atom analysis of Au clusters on a Ni surface

Abstract The embedded atom model (EAM) was utilized to analyze the cohesive energy and atom positions of Au clusters on a (111) Ni surface. The cohesive energy per atom of Au in the clusters decreased as the cluster size increased, and the cohesive energy per atom in large monolayer clusters was less than the bulk chemical potential indicating that monolayer clusters were favored over three-dimensional clusters. For all monolayer and three-dimensional clusters analyzed, the monolayer was of lower energy for the same number of Au atoms. Small Au clusters (less than 17 atoms) were calculated to have the bulk lattice parameter or to be in a slight state of compression and to assume a “tent” type shape with the center atom pushed away from the Ni substrate. For larger Au clusters the outer atoms in the cluster passed over saddle points between Ni atoms on the (111) surface and occupied positions that created stacking faults in the cluster; also, the Au cluster was significantly strained in tension after the Au atoms at the edge of the cluster passed the Ni saddle-point positions. The Ni substrate surface was significantly strained in tension particularly for large Au cluster sizes. Au atoms on the outer edge of large clusters were displaced into the substrate and Ni surface atoms outside the cluster were displaced out of the surface; this could provide an effective mechanism for blocking cluster mobility.
Antimicrobial and Analgesic Prescribing Patterns for Acute Otitis Externa, 2004-2010:

ObjectiveAcute otitis externa (AOE) is a common but preventable ear condition. Clinical guidelines issued in 2006 recommended topical treatments for uncomplicated AOE, but systemic antimicrobials appear to be commonly prescribed. The objective of this analysis was to describe pre- and postguideline prescribing patterns by clinician specialty and antimicrobial type and assess trends over time.Study DesignRetrospective longitudinal analysis of a large insurance database.SettingOutpatient departments in the United States.MethodsInitial outpatient visits in 2004 to 2010 for AOE (excluding visits with complicating conditions) were extracted from an insurance database. Prescription drug claims were linked and categorized by clinician specialty and antimicrobial type.ResultsThe analysis included 907,261 initial outpatient visits. Use of systemic antimicrobials declined by 4.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1%, 5.7%) from 36.5% of initial visits in 2004 to 32.1% in 2010. Use of systemic antimicrobials varied b...
Pain syndromes of the face.

Abstract 1. 1. The dentist's responsibility in problems of face pain has been considered. 2. 2. A brief account of the various types of face pain is presented together with valuable diagnostic hints. 3. 3. Nerve blocking is frequently useful diagnostically and therapeutically in the management of patients with pain in the face and its contents. 4. 4. Emphasis is placed on the difficulties of diagnosis and treatment which can be ameliorated only by meticulous care in the study of each problem.
SOMATOMEDIN-C SHARES THE CARBOXY-TERMINAL ANTIGENIC DETERMINANTS WITH INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOP-I

Insulin-like growth factor I is a human plasma peptide with strong homology to human proinsulin. Many lines of evidence suggest that somatomedin-C and insulin-like growth factor I are identical molecules. However, no structural data regarding the carboxy-terminal end of somatomedin-C has yet been produced. We report a region-specific immunoassay directed against the carboxy-terminal end of insulin-like growth factor I. Somatomedin-C and insulin-like growth factor I are indistinguishable in this region-specific immunoassay. Insulin-like activity II and multiplication stimulating activity show partial cross reaction in this immunoassay. This study provides the first evidence about the carboxy-terminal portion of somatomedin-C and re-emphasizes that somatomedin-C and insulin-like growth factor I should be considered identical molecules.
Gamma-ray Observations of the Galactic Centre

A POINTABLE gas-Cerenkov γ-ray telescope was flown twice from Parana, Entre Rios, Argentina (31.8° S), to search for γ-radiation from the galactic centre. Parana is an excellent location for such measurements because the galactic centre passes within 3 arc deg of the zenith.
Reduction of Cytochrome c by Halide-Modified, Laser-Ablated Silver Colloids

Silver colloids of 20 nm mean particle diameter were prepared by laser ablation and modified by adsorption of iodide and bromide ions. Addition of cytochrome c to this colloid resulted in the reduction of the protein, which was monitored by surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering and absorption spectroscopies. Colloidal metal films, prepared from the same Ag colloid, were employed to minimize contributions from aggregation. Effects of surface modification on the Ag plasmon resonance were studied in both colloidal suspensions and colloidal metal films. The conclusion was made that adsorption of I- and Br- results in charging of the Ag particle as a whole and a shift of its potential to more negative values. The donated charge is delocalized in a thin surface layer and does not significantly affect the plasmon resonance frequency of the particle.
OLDER ADULTS EARNING UNIVERSITY CREDITS: A DESCRIPTION

Of only 72 persons aged 62 and older who are enrolled for credit on campuses of the University of Wisconsin system, 48 responded to a questionnaire designed to assess demographic characteristics, attitudes toward lifelong education, and class format and group make‐up preferences. Respondents were more likely to be employed (60.4%), home owning (79.2%), and younger (M = 67.1, SD = 8.19; than both auditing and nonparticipant elders previously described (Hooper & March, 1978). Female credit earners reported preferring seminar format, while male credit earners preferred lecture format; these preferences are opposite to those expressed by auditing respondents in the earlier study. Only 16.3% of the credit earners had fewer than 12 years of education, and only 4.8% had no previous experience of the university through their own participation or that of members of their families. Implications of the findings for teachers of older students are discussed.
An Essential Difference Between Dielectric Mirrors and Chiral Mirrors

The boundary conditions on the exposed face of a dielectric mirror are shown to be effectively the same as those for perfect electric conductors, whereas the boundary conditions on the exposed face of a chiral mirror are very different from those for either perfect electric conductors or perfect magnetic conductors. Cavities between two chiral mirrors have a relatively uniform field distribution, which is significant for spectral-hole filters and coherent light generation. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 47: 63–64, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21082
A quantum description of bubble growth in a superheated fluid

We discuss a quantum description of bubble growth in a superheated liquid Helium by addressing the problem of operator ordering ambiguities that arise due to the presence of position dependent mass (PDM) in this system. Using a supersymmetric quantum mechanics formalism along with the Weyl quantization rule, we are able to identify specific operator orderings for this problem. This is a general method which should be applicable to other PDM systems.
ULTRASOUND MEASUREMENT OF URINE VOLUME OF CHILDREN WITH NEUROGENIC BLADDER

This study assessed the accuracy and precision of a portable ultrasound unit which computes bladder volume after scans are made in the sagittal and transverse planes. 39 ultrasound measures were made on 20 children between the ages of one month and 16 years, and these measures were then compared with catheterized volumes. The mean difference of ultrasound minus true volume was 6.9 ml (SD 32ml). The ultrasound scanner was found to be accurate, inexpensive and easy to use for measuring post-voiding residual urine volumes in children with neurogenic bladder.
Structural Design and Analysis of Un-pressurized Cargo Delivery Vehicle

As part of the Exploration Systems Architecture Study, NASA has defined a family of vehicles to support lunar exploration and International Space Station (ISS) re-supply missions after the Shuttle s retirement. The Un-pressurized Cargo Delivery Vehicle (UCDV) has been envisioned to be an expendable logistics delivery vehicle that would be used to deliver external cargo to the ISS. It would be launched on the Crew Launch Vehicle and would replace the Crew Exploration Vehicle. The estimated cargo would be the weight of external logistics to the ISS. Determining the minimum weight design of the UCDV during conceptual design is the major issue addressed in this paper. This task was accomplished using a procedure for rapid weight estimation that was based on Finite Element Analysis and sizing of the vehicle by the use of commercially available codes. Three design concepts were analyzed and their respective weights were compared. The analytical structural weight was increased by a factor to account for structural elements that were not modeled. Significant reduction in weight of a composite design over metallic was achieved for similar panel concepts.
Annual and decadal variability in the western subtropical North Atlantic: signal characteristics and sampling methodologies

Abstract Upper ocean (above 750 m) temperature structure of the northwestern subtropical Atlantic, including the Gulf Stream and a recirculation gyre south of the Stream, is characterized using primarily bathythermograph (BT) data collected between 1950 and 2003. Geostrophic calculations, using mean temperature–salinity relationships to compute dynamic height, are used to estimate velocities and transports. The mean annual Gulf Stream transport at 72° W relative to 750 m, 36.1 Sv, is approximately equal to the sum of the transport of the Florida Current, 32.0 Sv, and a shallow recirculation gyre described by Wang and Koblinsky [Journal of Physical Oceanography 26 (1996) 2462–2479], 5.5 Sv. The annual cycle of geostrophic transport relative to 750 m at 72° W is in phase with both an earlier published annual cycle of transport relative to 2000 m derived from hydrographic observations and the annual cycle of Florida Current transport measured indirectly by a submarine cable (i.e., maximum transports are observed in the summer and minimum in the fall, early winter). However, simple Sverdrup dynamics are inadequate to explain these cycles as maximum Sverdrup transports extend from winter to summer, while observed transports are minimum (maximum) in fall/winter (summer). The annual cycles derived from the BT data of the size of the shallow southern recirculation gyre, Gulf Stream position and upper layer transport (relative to 300 m) are in phase (maximum size, northern position and transport in fall) and consistent with the WK results derived from altimetry. However, the shallower annual cycles are out of phase with the deeper signals (i.e., maximum for the former (latter) are observed in fall (summer)). Decadal signals after 1965 in Gulf Stream position, geostrophic transport relative to 450 m, and the size of a recirculation gyre south of the Stream are approximately in phase as observed for the annual signal. This gyre and the shallow WK gyre exhibit the same horizontal structure, however, the decadal signal propagates deeper into the water column (at least to 700 m). The eastern expansion and contraction of the gyre on decadal time-scales is correlated with propagating SST signals. The sampling implications of these findings are addressed.
Poker as a group project for artificial intelligence

Assigning the development of a poker-playing agent as a group project allows flexibility with respect to the topics and techniques typically covered in an introductory Artificial Intelligence course. A poker agent project also provides students the experience of 'authentic' AI research, due to the status of poker as an 'unsolved' problem in AI. Despite this status, a poker agent project is feasible for a semester, half-semester, or quarter-long group project. Problems in assigning group projects are also considered, as are suggestions for mitigating these problems.
Ethylene signalling and response pathway: a unique signalling cascade with a multitude of inputs and outputs

Plants as immobile organisms need to constantly monitor the changes in the environment to modify and adjust developmental and metabolic pathways accordingly. The responses to these environmental cues require an integrative mechanism where external and internal signals are detected and processed to trigger an appropriate ‘reaction’ in the plant. Hormones play a key role in mediating some of these integrative processes and in generating the response reactions. The identification and characterization of the basic hormone signalling components and their interactions represent the first step towards comprehensive understanding of plant responses to intrinsic and extrinsic cues. A relatively well-characterized ethylene signalling and response pathway, together with numerous evidences of its interactions with other signalling/response pathways, provide an excellent example to illustrate our current knowledge and perspective on how signal integration occurs in plants.
Assessment of risk factors for post-rewarming “rebound hyperthermia” in cardiac arrest patients undergoing therapeutic hypothermia

Abstract Introduction The outcomes associated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) after cardiac arrest, while overwhelmingly positive, may be associated with adverse events. The incidence of post-rewarming rebound hyperthermia (RH) has been relatively unstudied and may worsen survival and neurologic outcome. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with RH as well as its relationship to mortality, neurologic morbidity, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Methods A retrospective, observational study was performed of adult patients who underwent therapeutic hypothermia after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Data describing 17 potential risk factors for RH were collected. The primary outcome was the incidence of RH while the secondary outcomes were mortality, discharge neurologic status, and LOS. Results 141 patients were included. All 17 risk factors for RH were analyzed and no potential risk factors were found to be significant at a univariate level. 40.4% of patients without RH experienced any cause of death during the initial hospitalization compared to 64.3% patients who experienced RH (OR: 2.66; 95% CI: 1.26–5.61; p =0.011). The presence of RH is not associated with an increase in LOS (10.67 days vs. 9.45 days; absolute risk increase=−1.21 days, 95% CI: −1.84 to 4.27; p =0.434). RH is associated with increased neurologic morbidity ( p =0.011). Conclusions While no potential risk factors for RH were identified, RH is a marker for increased mortality and worsened neurologic morbidity in cardiac arrest patients who have underwent TH.
A Model for Multisystem Evaluation Treatment of Individuals with Parkinson's Disease

In this article, we present a model of Parkinson's disease based on pathophysiology, impairments, and disabilities. The model provides a format for deciding what to assess, for interpreting assessment findings, and for deciding which impairments can be corrected by physical therapy intervention and which cannot. From the model, we can predict effective treatment approaches. We can also use the model to identify specific research questions related to the efficacy of physical therapy intervention.
Origins of replication: timing and chromosomal position

Several new methods have been used to localize replication initiation sites in mammalian chromosomes. The results of these studies argue strongly for the presence of defined sequence elements that function much like the origins in the genomes of simple microorganisms. However, relatively disparate results from in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that initiation reactions in mammalian chromosomes may have unique features, possibly related to a more complicated chromosomal architecture.
Investment in a methane digester: an application of capital budgeting and real options.

Methane digesters may offer dairy producers a way to lower production costs by becoming self-sufficient in electricity production. In addition, the technology may offer additional income through surplus electricity sales and fertilizer and bedding savings as well. However, the typical methane digester is a large and irreversible capital investment characterized by value uncertainty. Analyzed in a real option framework, the theory suggests a potential explanation for why producers in states like Pennsylvania require significant grant funding to adopt the technology, namely, as monetary compensation for the uncertainty in the value of the completed project. The study presents an empirical application
Adaptive stabilization of Model-Based Networked Control Systems

In this paper Model Based Networked Control Systems (MB-NCS) are considered and on-line identification of system parameters in state space representation is used to upgrade the model and the controller of the system. The updated model is used to control the real system when feedback information is unavailable. The Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is analyzed in the context of parameter identification and implemented in the MB-NCS framework. Emphasis is placed on global asymptotic estimators for the case when sensors provide noiseless measurements of the state of a linear system; it can be shown that the identification of parameters in this case is a linear problem, in contrast to the nonlinear combined state-parameter estimation problem. We propose new estimation models that offer better convergence properties than the EKF in this case. This estimation strategy is also applied to the MB-NCS framework resulting in a better usage of the network by allowing longer intervals without need for a measurement update.
Genetic engineering of reproductive sterility in forest trees

Containment of transgenes inserted into genetically engineered forest trees will probably be necessary before most commercial uses are possible. This is a consequence of (1) high rates of gene dispersal by pollen and seed, (2) proximity of engineered trees in plantations to natural or feral stands of interfertile species, and (3) potentially undesirable ecological effects if certain transgenes become widely dispersed. In addition to gene containment, engineering of complete or male sterility may stimulate faster wood production, reduce production of allergenic pollen, and facilitate hybrid breeding. We review the regulatory and ecological rationale for engineering sterility, potentially useful floral genes, strategies for creating sterility-causing transgenes, and problems peculiar to engineering sterility in forest trees. Each of the two primary options — ablating floral tissuesvia floral promoter-cytotoxin fusions, and disrupting expression of essential floral genes by various methods of gene suppression — has advantages and disadvantages. Because promoters from structural and enzymatic floral-specific genes often work well in heterologous species, ablation methods based on these genes probably will not require cloning of homologs from angiosperm trees. Methods that inhibit gene expression will require cloning of tree genes and may be more prone to epigenetic variability, but should allow assay of transgene efficacy in seedlings. Practical constraints include the requirement for vegetative propagation if complete sterility is engineered and the need for highly stable forms of sterility in long-lived trees. The latter may require suppression of more than one floral gene or employment of more than one genetic mechanism for sterility.
Chlorophyll fluorescence from single cells: Interpretation of flow cytometric signals

The relationship between flow cytometric fluorescence signals and photosynthetic pigments was investigated in three species of marine eucaryotic phytoplankton, ThaZassiosiru weissflogii, Hymenomonas carterae, and Amphidinium carteri. The species were grown over a range of light intensities to provide a spectrum of pigment compositions for the study. Both interspecific and intraspecific differences were observed. Variations among the species in fluorescence per unit of chlorophyll a (Chl a) could be explained by differences in the relative abundance of Chl a and accessory pigments. Amphidinium carteri had much greater fluorescence per unit of Chl a than the other two species and it had the highest Chl c : Chl a ratio. Fluorescence per unit of Chl a decreased as Chl a per cell increased in H. carterae and A. carteri, whereas it remained the same in T. weissflogii. We interpret these differences to have their origins in the “package” effect on light absorption. This effect seems to be least evident in the diatom because cell size increased as Chl a per cell increased in low-light-grown cells. In H. carterae and A. carteri the opposite was true, such that the intracellular concentration of Chl a increased substantially in the low-light cells. Based on these data, we find that to interpret fluorescence signals among species, differences in the relative abundances of Chl a and accessory pigments must be considered, while for intraspecific fluorescence differences, the package effect may be more important.
Altered de novo lipogenesis contributes to low adipose stores in cystic fibrosis mice.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) mouse models exhibit exocrine pancreatic function, yet they do not develop adipose stores to the levels of non-CF mice. CF mice homozygous for the Cftr mutation (F508del) at 3 ...
Salinity and specific ion effects on onion establishment in relation to disposal of desalting concentrates

Concentrate from nanofiltration (NF) is usually enriched with divalent ions, and low in proportions of monovalent ions. Therefore, its disposal to irrigation water may not be deleterious, especially for growing crops susceptible to specific effects of Na and/or Cl. This possibility was examined in a greenhouse by observing effects of four levels of salinity and ion composition of irrigation solutions on seedling emergence and growth of onions (sensitive to Cl ions) in loamy sand and silt loam. Seedling emergence from surface-irrigated loamy sand was excellent, regardless of the saline solutions used. In subirrigated silt loam, however, seedling emergence was reduced by increasing initial soil salinity and salinity of irrigation solutions, but not by the ion composition. Seedling growth was reduced by increasing Cl to SO4 ratio only when the Cl concentration of irrigation solutions exceeded a concentration between 10 and 20 me L-1. The Cl effect seems to appear after seedling growth is first reduced by sal...
Energetic Localization of Saxitoxin in Its Channel Binding Site

Abstract Saxitoxin (STX) selectively blocks the voltage-gated sodium channel at the outer vestibule lined by P-loops of the four domains. Neosaxitoxin has an additional -OH group at the N1 position of the 1,2,3 guanidinium (N1-OH) that interacts with domains I and IV of the Na + channel. Determination of a second toxin interaction with the channel would fix the location of STX. Gonyautoxin 2,3 and Gonyautoxin 1,4 are C-11 sulfated derivatives of saxitoxin and neosaxitoxin, respectively. We used these variants to constrain the STX docking orientation by energetically localizing the C-11 sulfate in the outer vestibule. Interactions between the C-11 sulfate and each of the four domains of the channel were determined by a systematic approach to mutant cycle analysis in which all known carboxyl groups important for site 1 toxin binding were neutralized, allowing energetic triangulation of the toxin sulfate and overcoming some limitations of mutant cycles. Toxin IC 50 s were measured by two-electrode voltage clamp from Xenopus oocytes injected with the channel mRNA. Three unique types of analysis based on the coupling results localized the C-11 sulfate between domains III and IV. Combined with our previous report, the data establish the orientation of STX in the outer vestibule and confirm the clockwise arrangement of the channel domains.
p16Ink4a Interferes with Abelson Virus Transformation by Enhancing Apoptosis

Pre-B-cell transformation by Abelson virus (Ab-MLV) is a multistep process in which primary transformants are stimulated to proliferate but subsequently undergo crisis, a period of erratic growth marked by high levels of apoptosis. Inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor pathway is an important step in this process and can be accomplished by mutation of p53 or down-modulation of p19Arf, a p53 regulatory protein. Consistent with these data, pre-B cells from either p53 or Ink4a/Arf null mice bypass crisis. However, the Ink4a/Arf locus encodes both p19Arf and a second tumor suppressor, p16Ink4a, that blocks cell cycle progression by inhibiting Cdk4/6. To determine if p16Ink4a plays a role in Ab-MLV transformation, primary transformants derived from Arf−/− and p16Ink4a−/− mice were compared. A fraction of those derived from Arf−/− animals underwent crisis, and even though all p16Ink4a−/− primary transformants experienced crisis, these cells became established more readily than cells derived from +/+ mice. Analyses of Ink4a/Arf−/− cells infected with a virus that expresses both v-Abl and p16Ink4a revealed that p16Ink4a expression does not alter cell cycle profiles but does increase the level of apoptosis in primary transformants. These results indicate that both products of the Ink4a/Arf locus influence Ab-MLV transformation and reveal that in addition to its well-recognized effects on the cell cycle, p16Ink4a can suppress transformation by inducing apoptosis.
Current status of radioactive seed for localization of non palpable breast lesions.

BACKGROUND: Wire-localized breast biopsy (WLBB) remains the standard method for the surgical excision of nonpalpable breast lesions. Because of many of its shortcomings, most important a high microscopic positive margin rate, alternative approaches have been described, including radioactive seed localization (RSL). This review highlights the literature regarding RSL, including safety, the ease of the procedure, billing, and oncologic outcomes. METHODS: Medline and PubMed were searched using the terms “radioactive seed” and “breast.” All peer-reviewed studies were included in this review. CONCLUSIONS: RSL is a promising approach for the resection of nonpalpable breast lesions. It is a reliable and safe alternative to WLBB. RSL is at least equivalent compared with WLBB in terms of the ease of the procedure, removing the target lesion, the volume of breast tissue excised, obtaining negative margins, avoiding a second operative intervention, and allowing for simultaneous axillary staging.
From a Genetic Predisposition to an Interactive Predisposition : Rethinking the Ethical Implications of Screening for Gene-Environment Interactions

In a widely acclaimed study from 2002, researchers found a case of gene-environment interaction for a gene controlling neuroenzymatic activity (low vs. high), exposure to childhood maltreatment, and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Cases of gene-environment interaction are generally characterized as evincing a genetic predisposition; for example, individuals with low neuroenzymatic activity are generally characterized as having a genetic predisposition to ASPD. I first argue that the concept of a genetic predisposition fundamentally misconstrues these cases of gene-environment interaction. This misconstrual will be diagnosed, and then a new concept—interactive predisposition—will be introduced. I then show how this conceptual shift reconfigures old questions and raises new questions for genetic screening. Attempts to screen embryos or fetuses for the gene associated with low neuroenzymatic activity with an eye towards selecting against the low-activity variant fall prey to the myth of pre-environmental prediction; attempts to screen newborns for the gene associated with low neuroenzymatic activity with an eye towards early intervention will have to face the interventionist’s dilemma.
An evaluation of video fidelity metrics

We assess the capability of four metrics (average MSE, average SNR, ANSI parameters, and ITS metric) to determine the fidelity of video sequences. First, we discuss the ideal requirements for a video fidelity metric, in terms of monotonicity, degree of change, and consistent behavior. Then, we construct a series of highly reproducible degraded sequences containing artifacts common to DCT based transform coders, such as H.263, and evaluate the performance of each metric on those sequences. From the resulting data, we determine the accuracy and reliability of each of those metrics. Our analysis can help guide the choice of an appropriate video fidelity metric for evaluating algorithm and architecture choices and tradeoffs.
Effects of Telemetry Location Error on Space-Use Estimates Using a Fixed-Kernel Density Estimator

Fixed-kernel density estimates using radiotelemetry locations are frequently used to quantify home ranges of animals, interactions, and resource selection. However, all telemetry data have location error and no studies have reported the effects of error on utilization distribution and area estimates using fixed-kernel density estimators. We simulated different home range sizes and shapes by mixing bivariate-normal distributions and then drawing random samples of various sizes from these distributions. We compared fixed-kernel density estimates with and without error to the true underlying distributions. The effects of telemetry error on fixed-kernel density estimates were related to sample size, distribution complexity, and ratio of median Circular Error Probable to home range size. We suggest a metric to assess the adequacy of the telemetry system being used to estimate an animal's space use before a study is undertaken. Telemetry location error is unlikely to significantly affect fixed-kernel density estimates for most wildlife telemetry studies with adequate sample sizes.
American College of Rheumatology 2008 Recommendations for the Use of Nonbiologic and Biologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Guidelines and recommendations developed and/or endorsed by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) are intended to provide guidance for particular patterns of practice and not to dictate the care of a particular patient. The ACR considers adherence to these guidelines and recommendations to be voluntary, with the ultimate determination regarding their application to be made by the physician in light of each patient’s individual circumstances. Guidelines and recommendations are intended to promote beneficial or desirable outcomes but cannot guarantee any specific outcome. Guidelines and recommendations developed or endorsed by the ACR are subject to periodic revision as warranted by the evolution of medical knowledge, technology, and practice.
A new compact multichannel receiver for underwater wireless communication networks

In this letter it is shown that by taking advantage of the particle velocity, in addition to the pressure, multichannel reception can be accomplished in underwater acoustic wireless channels. Theoretical formulation and Monte Carlo simulations are provided for a vector sensor equalizer that measures the pressure and the velocity at a single point in space. These results demonstrate the usefulness of small-size vector sensors as multichannel equalizers for underwater acoustic wireless systems and sensor networks.
Review of Microbial Physiology

The cell wall of bacteria protects the cell against osmotic lysis. Both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria have peptidoglycan (mucopeptide) as the innermost layer of the cell wall. They differ in amount, and in the nature of the surface layers.
CHANGES IN HORMONE CONTENT OF THE FEMALE RABBIT HYPOPHYSIS AFTER MATING

EXPERIMENTS cited by Hill (1) have shown that in the rabbit ovulation is brought about by a neuro-secretory mechanism. Impulses induced by copulation stimu late the anterior hypophysis to discharge gonadotropic hormones, which may then act upon the ovary to produce ovulation in from ten to twelve hours. Ovulation will not take place if the hypophysis is removed within one hourafter mating (2). Hill (1) has shown that there is a progressive decrease in gonadotropic potency of the rabbit hypophysis following mating, and that the lowest level of potency is reached in about 24 hours. The discharge from the hypophysis would thus appear to continue beyond the period required for ovulation. The hormones released in the postovula tory period may therefore be availablefor the production of corpora lutea and per haps for other processes. Hill's method of analysis, using the female rabbit in estrus as the test animal, gives a measure of the gonadotropic potency only, and does not per mit an estimation of the relativ...
Potential feedback of recent vegetation changes on summer rainfall in the Sahel

The Sahel region of Northern Africa is home to more than 50 million people for whom summer rainfall is a crucial water resource in terms of food security and societal stability. Using satellite-based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and gridded observational precipitation records during 1982–2012, we detected a significant increase (p-value < 0.01) in both vegetation greenness and monsoon rainfall over the Sahel since the early 1980s. A significant positive association between NDVI and precipitation was observed for most of the Sahel during the boreal summer. In further efforts to examine the potential causal association behind the positive correlation, we found that summer vegetation greenness Granger-causes summer rainfall in the Sahel. Regarding the physical process behind this identified Granger causality, we inferred that significantly increasing latent heat flux and specific humidity resulted in increasing summer rainfall during the years of high NDVI in the Sahel. A significant increas...
Integrated approach in predicting damage to components in iter-like fusion devices during plasma instabilities

Summary form only given. During normal operation of the high confinement mode in future ITER device, edge-localized modes (ELMs) are a potential threat to the divertor components lifetime and plasma contamination. A major disruption or a giant ELM event has a complex sequence of interaction stages with the tokamak components: part of plasma energy released to SOL, then converted to heat load on divertor plate, heating/melting/vaporization of plate, vapor expansion and continued heating from impinging plasma particles, vapor shielding of direct plasma deposition to plate, conversion of plasma deposited energy into photon radiations, radiation transport in shielding layer, and then radiation deposition on nearby components. In this regard, configuration/geometry of tokamak wall and divertor components and the magnetic field structure is a key factor in the performance of the tokamak fusion reactor. To predict the outcome of the direct ELM plasma impact on the divertor plate, conversion of plasma energy into radiation in the shielding layer, and then the resulting energy deposition of this radiation flux to surrounding areas, comprehensive physical and numerical models are developed and implemented in HEIGHTS package. The integrated models included five main parts: Monte Carlo block of disrupting plasma particles interaction with solid, liquid, vapor, and plasma matter; magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) block of plasma evolution taking into account magnetic field diffusion; heat conduction and vaporization block for tokamak plasma facing components; heat conduction block for vapor and plasma; and Monte Carlo radiation transport. The radiation transport block is based on the optical data calculated by the HEIGHTS atomic physics package.
Spontaneous Closure of a Full-Thickness Macular Hole With Conversion to Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Spontaneous Closure of a Full-ThicknessMacular HoleWith Conversion to Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration Macular hole formation is thought to occur secondary to anteroposterior forces and traction at the vitreofoveal interface. Although it is uncommon, there have been numerous reports of spontaneous closuresofmacularholes.1,2 These closures are triggered by the release of anterior traction at the vitreofoveal interface or glial proliferation from retinal or epiretinal tissue.We report a case of spontaneous closure of a full-thicknessmacularhole (FTMH)after conversion fromnonexudative to exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).