cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Conceptual Framework for Battery Storage Integration into the Electric Grid

Energy storage is expected to flourish considerably, requiring large investments in tools and instruments that support its integration into the electric grid. This paper addresses the research question: "How can we determine the optimal locations for energy storage for proper integration into the electricity system?" Therefore, we have developed a conceptual framework for decision-making that caters to utilities for it considers the impacts of the energy storage placement on the grid, and the electric circuit capacity constraints. Additionally, we have built a prototype of Geographic Decision Support Systems (GDSS) to aid in the battery storage systems location choices and provide actionable information for utilities and other stakeholders who are concerned about the grid reliability and the urgency of energy storage deployment as a distributed energy resource.
Marfan syndrome: improved clinical history results in expanded natural history

Life expectancy for a person with Marfan syndrome has essentially doubled over the past four decades. During this period, the clinical histories of the organs managed routinely have improved, and will continue to be. Prominent examples are the eyes, the heart and aorta, and some features of the skeletal system. Meanwhile, the natural histories of organ systems that have not been subjected to treatment need to be described. This is particularly important as due to the improved life span many symptoms and organ systems are only recently being recognized as being intrinsic to Marfan syndrome. Examples are the distal aorta and peripheral arteries, ventricular function, the central nervous system, sleep apnea, and adiposity. As a result, each person with Marfan syndrome will need to be evaluated and followed by more specialists than previously. Moreover, the coordinator of diagnostic testing and clinical referral must be aware of the expanded phenotype as people with Marfan syndrome age and the importance of life-long management of classical and novel features. The benefits of increased longevity and its consequences need to be addressed by investigators, health-care providers, and patients alike.
Medial Closing Wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy

The main indication for performing a distal femoral osteotomy is valgus malalignment of the knee joint. The ideal candidates are young and active individuals with isolated lateral compartment arthritis. The goal of the procedure is to create a neutral mechanical axis of the limb to relieve pain and preserve the knee joint. The amount of correction is calculated from a preoperative, high-quality, weight-bearing radiograph from the hip to ankle. This technically challenging operation is a viable option for patients with valgus malalignment because early survivorship is strong and patient-reported outcome scores are significantly improved.
Alcohol mediated degenerate chain transfer controlled cationic polymerisation of para-alkoxystyrene

In this report we demonstrate methanol as an effective degenerative chain transfer agent to control the cationic polymerisation (initiated by triflic acid) of electron rich p-alkoxy-styrenes, such as p-methoxystyrene (p-MOS). Kinetic analysis revealed that an induction period occurs initially during which free cationic polymerisation occurs at low monomer conversion before proceeding through the pseudo first order rate, analogous to the RAFT mechanism. Ethanol and isopropanol also demonstrated excellent control (Đ > 1.30), however, with an apparent increase in experimental molecular weight. Furthermore, methanol controlled polymers were successfully chain extended upon sequential monomer addition, demonstrating the ‘livingness’ of the alcohol mediated cationic polymerisation.
Behavior as a Phenomenon

The cognitive apparatus under development in this book takes human social behavior as its phenomenological domain. In doing so, it assumes the existence of a phenomenon known as social behavior that takes place in the “real world” outside the mind of the scientific observer. At the same time, however, it assumes, from a neoconstructivist perspective, that this phenomenon cannot be encountered directly through the senses “as it is” but must be constructed in the mind of the observer by use of a cognitive apparatus. This means that the term social behavior, especially in the context of a scientific theory, inevitably refers to a conventionalized abstraction that builds a reality called social behavior by means of cognitive action.
Interactions Between the Plant Endomembranes and the Cytoskeleton

In eukaryotic cells, the endomembrane system comprises the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the vacuole, and several other types of membrane-enclosed compartments that share membrane origins and communicate with each other. These endomembrane compartments are indispensable for the cell and together exert essential cellular functions, such as intracellular membrane transport and secretion. In plant cells, the endomembrane compartments interact extensively with the cytoskeleton system, mainly the actin cytoskeleton, in concert with their dynamic biogenesis and movement. Recent studies have characterized conserved mechanisms and a set of plant-specific proteins that are involved in the endomembrane–cytoskeleton interactions. In this chapter, we review mechanisms of the interactions between plant cytoskeleton and the major endomembrane compartments in a broad context of organelle morphogenesis, dynamics, and cellular functions.
Physiological consequences of transient hyperleptinemia during discrete developmental periods on body weight in mice.

Leptin plays a role in central nervous system developmental programs and intercurrent physiological processes related to body fat regulation. The timing and neuromolecular mechanisms for these effects are relevant to the prevention and treatment of obesity. Factors implicated in a body weight “set point” including dietary fat, circulating leptin, and other adipokines tend to covary with adiposity and are difficult to disarticulate experimentally. To dissociate leptin effects from adiposity and diet, we created a transgenic mouse in which leptin expression is regulated by doxycycline exposure. Using this system, we investigated the physiological consequences of developmentally-timed transient hyperleptinemia on subsequent adiposity. We evaluated physiological effects of leptin elevation during adulthood (9 to 29 weeks old), “adolescence” (3 to 8 weeks old), and the immediate postnatal period [postnatal days 0 to 22 (P0 to P22)] on long-term adiposity and susceptibility to gain weight on high-fat diet (HFD) fed ad libitum. We found that inducing chronic hyperleptinemia in adult or “adolescent” mice did not alter body weight when excess leptin was discontinued, and upon later exposure to HFD, weight gain did not differ from controls. However, transient elevation of circulating leptin from P0 to P22 increased weight and fat gain in response to HFD, indicating greater susceptibility to obesity as adults. Thus, transient plasma leptin elevations—mimicking one aspect of transient adiposity—increased later susceptibility to diet-induced obesity, although these effects were restricted to a critical developmental (P0 to P22) time window. These findings may have clinical implications for weight management in infancy.
Examining responses to informality in the Global South: A framework for community land trusts and informal settlements

Abstract Informality has been a predominant source of affordable housing for the urban poor in the Global South. Despite many efforts to eliminate and/or improve informal settlements, these communities still prevail as one of the only housing options for low-income households burdened by exclusion, dispossession, and stigma. This article evaluates the potential for and impediments to community land trusts (CLTs) as an alternative response to informality. We compare the CLT model to predominant policy responses to informality to understand it strengths and weaknesses. Based on this analysis, we propose a conceptual framework delineating the main conditions necessary to implement the CLT model within informal settlements in the Global South. This framework informs the work of communities, governments, practitioners, and researchers pursuing an alternative response to housing informality. This study expands the existing understanding about CLTs and their possibilities for application in the Global South.
It's not all in their heads: the differing role of cognitive factors and non-cognitive traits in undergraduate success

This paper examines the determinants of retention and GPA for a large population of students enrolled at a U.S. public four-year university. Using a Heckman selection model to correct for sample se...
‘STEM girls should be’: a discourse analysis of school structures and their impact on African American, middle school girls’ positioning in science

This paper explores school structure in an all-girls, predominantly African American middle class school to examine the ways in which discourses of education, race, gender, and science work to posi...
Is concomitant cholecystectomy safe during abdominal wall reconstruction? An AHSQC analysis

Unlike routine ventral hernia repair, abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) can results in large pieces of mesh and extensive manipulation of the intra-abdominal contents, rendering subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy challenging. This study addresses the additional wound morbidity of concomitant cholecystectomy. The Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC) was retrospectively reviewed and logistic regression modeling was used to control for multiple covariates. Patients that underwent open AWR with cholecystectomy were compared to a similar group of patients undergoing uncomplicated, open, clean, AWR alone. 130 patients undergoing concomitant cholecystectomy were compared to a control group of 6440 patients. The addition of a cholecystectomy did not cause a significant change in wound morbidity (SSI: p = 0.16; SSOPI: p = 0.65). This study noted that a concomitant cholecystectomy does not increase the wound morbidity as compared to an uncomplicated, clean, AWR. This provides support for consideration of routine cholecystectomy in patients with cholelithiasis undergoing AWR.
Smart Light-Based Information Leakage Attacks

Modern Internet-enabled smart lights promise energy efficiency and many additional capabilities over traditional bulbs. However, these connected lights also expose a new attack surface, which can be maliciously used to violate users' privacy and security. We design and evaluate novel inference attacks that take advantage of the light emitted by these smart lights to infer sensitive user data and preferences.
A Decision Architecture for Safety Computations

Accurately estimating safety is critical to pursuing nondefensive survival behaviors. However, little attention has been paid to how the human brain computes safety. We conceptualize a model that consists of two components: (i) threat-oriented evaluations that focus on threat value, imminence, and predictability; and (ii) self-oriented evaluations that focus on the agent's experience, strategies, and ability to control the situation. Our model points to the dynamic interaction between these two components as a mechanism of safety estimation. Based on a growing body of human literature, we hypothesize that distinct regions of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) respond to threat and safety to facilitate survival decisions. We suggest safety is not an inverse of danger, but reflects independent computations that mediate defensive circuits and behaviors.
Deep learning for control of nonlinear optical systems

We demonstrate the use of machine learning for adaptive control of nonlinear optical systems. From deep learning algorithms to nonlinear control methods, the optical sciences are an ideal platform for integrating data-driven control and machine learning for robust, self-tuning operation. For the specific case of mode-locked lasers, commercially available servo-controllers enact a training and execution software module capable of self tuning the laser cavity even in the presence of mechanical and/or environmental perturbations and discrepancies, thus providing algorithmic stabilization of mode-locking performance. The execution stage quickly stabilizes optimal mode-locking using various algorithmic innovations including (i) extremum seeking control, (ii) deep reinforcement learning and (iii) deep model predictive control. The demonstrated methods are robust and equation-free, thus requiring no detailed or quantitatively accurate model of the physics.
Childhood Mistreatment and Opioid Use in Adulthood: Lifelong Consequences

Background: Although the rapid rise in the use of opioid medications in recent decades increased concerns of health professionals and policymakers about an opioid epidemic, most of the extant research focuses on the individual-level characteristics related to opioid medication use and little research has considered the impact of broader contextual factors. Guided by life course perspective, the current study investigates whether experiencing childhood mistreatment impacts opioid medication use in adulthood. Methods: Data were derived from the Midlife in the United States study (MIDUS), specifically the second wave of the original sample (2004-2006) and the refresher sample (2012-2015). The analytic sample consists of two groups (mean age = 55.4, SD = 11.3): opioid medication users (n = 134) and non-opioid medication users (n = 670) who were systematically age- and sex-matched to the opioid medication users at 1:5 ratio. Opioids prescription use was identified from the participants’ medication list by using the MULTUM Lexicon Drug Database Classification System. Five types of childhood mistreatment—emotional/physical/sexual abuse and emotional/physical neglect—were assessed via summary scales derived from the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Outcomes: Physical abuse during childhood was significantly associated with the use of opioid medications in adulthood, even after adjusting sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and chronic pains. Interpretation: The findings underscore the lasting adverse health impacts of physical abuse in childhood and suggest support for the development and implementation of tailored intervention strategies, particularly for those who experienced childhood physical abuse. Funding/Support: Endowed Research Fund Declaration of Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
How Stringent Are the US EPA’s Proposed Carbon Pollution Standards for New Power Plants?

AbstractIn the absence of legislation for a US national climate policy, regulatory responsibility has fallen to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In March 2012, the EPA announced a prop...
Role of the type III protein secretion system in bacterial infection of plants.

In the past two decades, research into the molecular basis of bacterial pathogenesis has led to the conclusion that although different bacteria may use unique mechanisms to subvert hosts, a few strategies are common. One striking example is the discovery that many plant and animal bacterial pathogens contain members of a family of protein secretion systems classified as type III. The type III secretion system (TTSS) supramolecular structures in both mammalian and plant pathogenic bacteria have been characterized. The central importance of the TTSSs in mammalian and plant bacterial pathogenesis is underscored by the finding that a defect in this system often leads to a complete loss of bacterial pathogenicity. Plant pathogenic bacteria encounter a unique eukaryotic cell type that is enveloped by a cell wall; they multiply predominantly in the intercellular space outside of the plant cell wall and are therefore extracellular pathogen. Plant basal defense is associated with the induction of certain general defense genes, the production of antimicrobial phytoalexins, and the fortification of plant cell walls, which involves the localized deposition of callose (β-1,3-glucan) and other compounds in the plant cell wall. Recent studies show that certain virulent Pseudomonas syringae strains have found ways to break down gene-for-gene resistance and expand the host range at the cultivar level. TTSS effectors appear to be highly evolved microbial molecules that have adapted to carry out precise functions on specific host proteins.
Accounting for Variation in Resource Availability and Animal Behavior in Resource Selection Studies

Publisher Summary There are two important assumptions contained in the techniques developed for analyzing resource selection data: the availability of resources is constant over time and each individual has equal access to those resources deemed available to that individual. Violations of these assumptions are discussed in the area of habitat selection. Habitat selection studies assume that all habitats in the study site are available to all individuals or that some spatially or temporally defined subsets of the area are available to different individuals. With the complications of defining resource availability, there is also often an unexplored aspect of resource selection relating to animal behavior. In the case of habitat selection, animals choose different habitat patches for different behaviors. Discrete choice models are derived from economic utility theory, where “utility” is synonymous with satisfaction. These models assume that an individual gains satisfaction from selecting a given resource. Discrete choice models give an insight into how the characteristics of the resources in question and of the individuals selecting those resources affect the probability of a particular resource being chosen. Such resources are a patch of habitat or a type of prey or forage item. The data required for these models is similar to that necessary for logistic regression, and the characteristics of the resources and individuals may be either continuous or categorical variables.
Visualization of Real-Time Radar Data by Integration of X-Band Software

To have a fully functional FMCW X-band radar for the SMARTLabs ACHIEVE trailer, it is necessary to produce code to retrieve data from an FPGA board linked to the radar, calculate Fourier transforms and display the power spectrum in near-real time using a computer code based on freely available scientific development tools. In order for the communication between the FPGA board and the computer to be reliable and accurate, developing a specific format through the use of C was an initial step. This was followed by the development of a method to visualize data efficiently. In this case, Python, along with its matplotlib, SciPy, and NumPy modules, were used. Both programs were then integrated together within a graphical user interface.
Mechanical property characterization of spatially-ordered laser-fabricated alginate microbead arrays

The mechanical properties of alginate microbeads affect resistance to loading, degradation kinetics, and cell behavior. At present, techniques are only available for analyzing single microbead constructs, which requires machinery with μN-level resolution. Herein, we utilize micro-compression technology, with mN-level resolution, to mechanically characterize laser-fabricated, spatially-ordered arrays of alginate microbeads. This novel technique provides Young's modulus values on the order of kPa; typical of alginate microbeads [1]. This method may be applied further to study the effects of tunable parameters on the mechanical properties of microbeads, or microcapsules.
Monocytic Leukemia and Other Neoplastic Diseases Occurring in Mice following Intrasplenic Injection of 1: 2-Benzpyrene

Earlier Attempts to Produce Leukemia by Cancerogenic Agents Numerous neoplasms have been produced by the introduction of cancerogenic chemicals into different organs (cf. 1). This paper deals with the neoplasms occurring in mice receiving intrasplenic injections of benzpyrene in attempts to produce leukemia. Nine years ago we introduced tar into the femoral marrow of five chickens. Seven months after the injection one of the chickens developed leukemia with vast numbers of primitive white blood cells in the blood and generalized osteosclerosis. The erythrocyte count was 560,000 and the leukocyte count 930,000. Attempted transmission of the disease into 12 chickens was unsuccessful. While our experiments were in progress, Thomsen and Engelbreth-Holm (2) reported on the results of similar experiments. They found leukemia-like alterations in 2 of 4 chickens injected, but likewise failed in their attempts to transmit this disease. It is often difficult to distinguish leukemia and leukemoid reactions in chickens, and since attempts to transmit the leukemia-like conditions observed were unsuccessful, there is doubt concerning the character of these alterations. Moreover, leukemia is common in chickens and it is possible that a few cases of this disease occurring in a small experimental series may be of spontaneous origin. Similar considerations apply to the leukemias observed in association with the chicken tumors produced by McIntosh (3) by the administration of tar. These tumors were transmissible and were occasionally accompanied by leukemia-like alterations.
Finite Field Arithmetic Using the Connection Machine

A Connection Machine (model CM-2) with 32K processors has been used to carry out calculations in finite fields with as many as 221 elements and of various characteristics; a typical calculation is to determine the number of roots of a large family of polynomials. The programs use discrete logarithms, employing a table of “successor” logarithms to perform addition. The table is computed in advance, in parallel. The system can evaluate some 4 × 106 polynomial terms per second; performance is limited by the general communication time needed for table lookup. Orbits of the p-th power bijection (also calculated in parallel) are used to deal with common symmetries arising in the calculations. The techniques are illustrated by calculations to determine the number of rational points of a polynomial surface over several fields, quantities which are useful in analyzing certain cyclic codes.
A detailed vertical profile of sterols in the Sargasso Sea1,2

Detailed vertical profiles from the Sargasso Sea show that several stcrols, e.g. brassicasterol, appear to be produced and consumed in the upper 1,000 m of the water column. A few, e.g. cholesterol, were found in the entire 4,500-m water column and may represent more resistant organic compounds. Several mechanisms may introduce stcrols into the deep sea. Vertical fluxes of organic particles from the surface appear to control delivery of sterols to the middepth waters of the Sargasso Sea. However, some other process, e.g. physical transport (viz horizontal advection and diffusion), resuspension of sediments, or in situ deep water biological production and consumption controls deep water sterol distribution. Detailed profiles of ancillary data (e.g. POC, total particulate matter, and hydrography) must complement detailed profiles of specific organic compounds to identify the transport mechanisms to
Chapter 11 Forecasting with Trending Data

Abstract This chapter examines the problems of dealing with trending type data when there is uncertainty over whether or not we really have unit roots in the data. This uncertainty is practical – for many macroeconomic and financial variables theory does not imply a unit root in the data however unit root tests fail to reject. This means that there may be a unit root or roots close to the unit circle. We first examine the differences between results using stationary predictors and nonstationary or near nonstationary predictors. Unconditionally, the contribution of parameter estimation error to expected loss is of the same order for stationary and nonstationary variables despite the faster convergence of the parameter estimates. However expected losses depend on true parameter values. We then review univariate and multivariate forecasting in a framework where there is uncertainty over the trend. In univariate models we examine trade-offs between estimators in the short and long run. Estimation of parameters for most models dominates imposing a unit root. It is for these models that the effects of nuisance parameters in the models is clearest. For multivariate models we examine forecasting from cointegrating models as well as examine the effects of erroneously assuming cointegration. It is shown that inconclusive theoretical implications arise from the dependence of forecast performance on nuisance parameters. Depending on these nuisance parameters imposing cointegration can be more or less useful for different horizons. The problem of forecasting variables with trending regressors – for example, forecasting stock returns with the dividend–price ratio – is evaluated analytically. The literature on distortion in inference in such models is reviewed. Finally, forecast evaluation for these problems is discussed.
Del tigre de la ira al tigre del ensueño: William Blake y Jorge Luis Borges

Si bien la critica tiende a atribuir caracteristicas negativas inherentes al tigre poetizado por William Blake, en el caso de Jorge Luis Borges el pendulo oscila hacia el lado opuesto. Aunque Borges tiene presente en su obra "el tigre de la ira" de Blake, poeta a quien tanto admiraba, el escritor adapta la imagen del tigre con gran originalidad en sus poemas y breves narraciones.
Enhancement of absorption from the intact and transected canine small intestine by electrical pacing

Abstract Our aim was to answer three questions: Does retrograde electrical pacing enhance absorption from intact jejunum? Does duodenal transection, which facilitates pacing, reduce jejunal absorption? Does pacing after transection enhance absorption over that of intact bowel? In four dogs, a 75-cm segment of jejunum was constructed to exclude its lumen from the intestinal stream, but to preserve its myoelectric continuity with the duodenal pacemaker via a bridge of tunica muscularis. Recording and stimulating electrodes were sewn to the segment, and an infusion catheter was inserted into its proximal end. After recovery, six experiments were done in each dog; in each a 100 mM-glucose, 90 mM-NaCl solution was infused into the proximal end of the segment at 14.5 ml/5 min, and 5-min aliquots of effluent were collected from the distal stoma for 3 hr. During the second hour, electric stimuli were given via a distal bipolar electrode. The experiments were repeated after complete duodenal transection and reanastomosis. Before transection, electrical stimulation did not alter pacesetter potential frequency (x ± SE, 17.9 ± 0.2 cycles/min), but absorption of water, glucose, and sodium was increased (P
Capital structure and firm response to poor performance

Abstract This paper tests the relation between capital structure and a firm's response to short-term financial distress. In a sample of 358 firms that perform poorly for a year, higher predistress leverage increases the probability of operational actions, particularly asset restructuring and employee layoffs. Higher predistress leverage also increases the probability of financial actions such as dividend cuts. These results are consistent with Jensen's (1989) argument that higher predistress leverage increases the speed with which a firm reacts to poor performance. Interestingly, higher managerial holdings reduce the probability of operational actions, especially those that do not generate cash.
Role Of The zerknüllt Gene In Dorsal-Ventral Pattern Formation In Drosophila

Publisher Summary This chapter considers some aspects of the regulatory hierarchy responsible for the asymmetric distribution and function of zygotic regulatory genes along the DV axis of early embryos. This chapter illustrates maternal and zygotic genes that are responsible for the differentiation of the dorsal–ventral pattern. Furthermore, this chapter focuses on the zen gene as a means to raise several current issues regarding DV pattern formation. This chapter also considers how zen comes to be expressed in a restricted portion of the DV axis, and how localized zen products might regulate the differentiation of the amnioserosa and other dorsally derived embryonic tissues. It also presents evidence that the zen protein is a sequence-specific transcriptional activator and discusses this observation in the context of the regulation of “target” genes responsible for the differentiation of dorsal tissues.
3-D photonic crystals operating at optical wavelengths

Summary form only given. A photonic crystal is a three-dimensional periodic dielectric structure possessing a frequency band or bandgap over which all electromagnetic modes, spontaneous emission, and zero point fluctuations are forbidden irrespective of propagation directions. We demonstrate the successful fabrication of these tiny 3D nanostructures with lithographically controlled operating wavelengths. We have synthesized and characterized photonic crystals, up to four successive vertical layers deep in GaAs, with varying hole diameters and lattice constants. Optical transmission spectra provide evidence for an optical scale photonic band gap.
Gun incidents at the local level: understanding the demographic variables

To maintain public safety and improve system response, a strong need exists for understanding the demographic variables associated with gun offenders and gun cases. This paper was focused on exploring these variables by creating and analyzing a weapon-related database at a local police department. The findings, although limited due to the explorative nature of the study and the quality of case files, shed some light on the personal background variables of suspects such as age, race, residence, and prior record and the weapon offenses they were involved in. The research also reveals certain challenges in developing and analyzing a gun-case database at the local level. Future researchers need to resolve these difficulties before achieving a more accurate and systematic understanding of individuals involved in gun crimes.
Improving the quadratic objective function in module placement

A simple transformation of the quadratic objective which recaptures the linear nature of the original minimum-wirelength objective is proposed for module placement operations. Computational results for a wide range of standard benchmarks show that this refinement gives very significant savings in both total wirelength and channel width for linear placement: these values are respectively reduced by an average of 7% and 18% over results obtained with the previous standard approach. >
A new algorithm for ESD protection device extraction based on subgraph isomorphism

An efficient device recognition algorithm is critical to ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection device extraction. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm based on a subgraph isomorphism, where subgraphs appearing multiple times within the same or different device model graphs are presented once only, thus reducing computational effort of detecting them in an input layout file. The mechanism to detect and reduce redundant devices is also presented. The algorithm is implemented in a new CAD tool, ESDExtractor, developed to extract ESD devices of arbitrary shapes. Examples are provided to demonstrate the application of ESDExtractor and efficiency of the new algorithm.
Eastern equine encephalitis in the United States, 1971: Past and prologue

During 1971, surveillance for equine encephalitis in the United States was increased due to an epizootic of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis. Of 1,982 specimens from 1,551 equines, 76 isolates of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus were recovered from 67 individuals. The virus was isolated from 50/176 brains, 8/74 spleens, 14/1,127 sera, and 4/147 whole bloods from infected equines in 12 of the 31 states bounded by or east of the Mississippi River and in Texas and Iowa; no specimens were received from 9 of these 31 states. Thus, EEE virus was isolated from equines in 12 of 22 of these states. Determinations of antibody to EEE and western equine encephalitis (WEE) viruses indicated a relatively high prevalence of infection with EEE virus in the eastern USA and similarly high prevalence of antibody to WEE virus in the western USA. These data indicate that equine infections with EEE virus in the eastern USA are considerably more common than previous surveillance data have suggested. Increased surveillance and submission of specimens to diagnostic laboratories for diagnosis of EEE virus infections in equines are suggested so that a greater proportion of the thousands of unspecified equine encephalitis cases occurring in the United States each year can be laboratory confirmed.
JKR Studies of Acrylic Elastomer Adhesion to Glassy Polymer Substrates

Adhesion between a model acrylic elastomer and a glassy polymeric substrate has been investigated by the JKR technique. Hemispherical lenses of lightly cross-linked poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PNBA) were subjected to loading/unloading cycles on flat poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrates. Significant adhesion hysteresis is observed at all accessible rates of unloading. The amount of hysteresis is seen to increase systematically with unloading rate and is characterized by the measured energy release rate (G). The presence of free PNBA chains, whether in the elastomer or applied directly to the interface, significantly reduces adhesion of the elastomer to the glassy substrate. Unloading profiles of the crack growth rate dependence of G yield a threshold value (G(0) = 70 ± 30 mJ/m2) which is close to the expected thermodynamic work of adhesion (W) between PNBA and PMMA. However, fits of the JKR model to loading data result in values of G which are significantly lower than W. We also examine the underlying a...
Metal-enhanced fluorescence based excitation volumetric effect of plasmon-enhanced singlet oxygen and super oxide generation

In this contribution we show that the Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence (MEF) Excitation Volumetric Effect (EVE), has a profound effect on the formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), such as singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide anion radical (O2−*), when sensitizers are placed in close proximity to plasmon supporting nanoparticulate substrates. In particular, when the singlet oxygen sensitizer rose bengal is placed on a SiFs surface, i.e. on a silver island film, the 1O2 response to power is non-linear, and at 100 mW excitation power (535 nm) it is about 5 times higher, as compared to glass control samples, measured with the commercially available 1O2 probe Sensor Green™. We also report a similar power dependence of superoxide generation for acridine on SiFs surfaces, but using the dihydroethidium O2−* probe (DHE). Our findings are consistent with our previously postulated Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence (MEF) and EVE models.
High-resolution localization of clathrin assembly protein AP180 in the presynaptic terminals of mammalian neurons.

Synaptic vesicles (SVs) assemble at the presynaptic compartment through a clathrin-dependent mechanism that involves one or more assembly proteins (APs). The assembly protein AP180 is especially efficient at facilitating clathrin cage formation, but its precise ultrastructural localization in neurons is unknown. Using immunoelectron microscopy, we demonstrate the presynaptic localization of AP180 in axon terminals of rat cerebellar neurons. In contrast, the assembly protein AP2 was associated with both the presynaptic plasma membrane and the cytosolic side of the membrane at postsynaptic and extrasynaptic sites. Furthermore, ultrastructural analysis of primate retina showed that AP180 immunoreactivity was preferentially and highly enriched at ribbon synapses, where glutamate is released tonically at high levels and rapid vesicle turnover is essential. To maintain functional synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter-filled SVs must be readily available, and this requires proper reassembly of new vesicles. The expression of AP180, in addition to AP-2, in the clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway might add another level of control to SV reformation for efficient assembly of clathrin, effectively controlling the size of assembled vesicles and faithfully recovering SV-specific components. J. Comp. Neurol. 447:152–162, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Knowing where they're going: statistics for online government document access through the OPAC

While documents librarians are generally familiar with document usage through their circulation statistics, they have no idea of how publications are being accessed online. The University of Denver has developed a system for tracking online document access. By redirecting every URL in their OPAC for federal documents first to a ColdFusion database, recording the URL, and then sending the user to the online document, they were able to track each access to online documents. Then, importing these statistics into an Access database, they were able to provide an analysis by agency, date of document, and other features. This article presents the results of one year of tracking access through the University of Denver library OPAC.
Cell-mediated immune response to respiratory syncytial virus infection: relationship to the development of reactive airway disease.

The possibility that cell-mediated immunity might play a role in the pathogenesis of infection with respiratory syncytial virus was evaluated in a study of 39 infants. Infection with RSV was confirmed by identification of virus in nasopharyngeal secretions using immunofluorescence, and by tissue culture infectivity. CMI, as determined by a whole blood lymphocyte transformation technique, was evaluated in samples taken 0 to 10 and 20 to 60 days after the onset of illness. Patients diagnosed as having RSV-induced bronchiolitis or recurrence of asthma had evidence of significantly ( P P
Modeling nonlinear photonics of nonlinear fiber core for optical limiting application

A quantitative model for nonlinear photonic absorption processes in a liquid and their effects in the nonlinear transmission and limiting of a laser pulse are studied. The theoretical simulation results accounting for two-photon- and excited-state absorption processes, and the dynamic evolution of the molecular level populations and propagation of picosecond and nanosecond laser pulses through a fiber core formed by such liquid are in good agreement with experimental observations. In pump-prove studies using picosecond and nanosecond laser pump pulses and cw probe, we have also observed oscillatory transmission associated with laser induced thermal/density effects. We also discuss applications of the supra optical nonlinearity of nematic liquid crystal film for anti-laser jamming and optical limiting operation against long-pulse or cw lasers.
H2S adsorption on chromium, chromia, and gold/chromia surfaces: Photoemission studies

The reaction of H2S with chromium, chromia, and Au/chromia films grown on a Pt(111) crystal has been investigated using synchrotron-based high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy. At 300 K, H2S completely decomposes on polycrystalline chromium producing a chemisorbed layer of S that attenuates the Cr 3d valence features. No evidence was found for the formation of CrSx species. The dissociation of H2S on Cr3O4 and Cr2O3 films at room temperature produces a decrease of 0.3–0.8 eV in the work function of the surface and significant binding-energy shifts (0.2–0.6 eV) in the Cr 3p core levels and Cr 3d features in the valence region. The rate of dissociation of H2S increases following the sequence: Cr2O3<Cr3O4<Cr. For chromium, the density of states near the Fermi level is large, and these states offer a better match in energy for electron acceptor or donor interactions with the frontier orbitals of H2S than the valence and conduction bands of the chromium oxides. This leads to a large dissociation probability for H2S on the metal, and a low dissociation probability for the molecule on the oxides. In the case of Cr3O4 and Cr2O3, there is a correlation between the size of the band gap in the oxide and its reactivity toward H2S. The uptake of sulfur by the oxides significantly increases when they are “promoted” with gold. The Au/Cr2O3 surfaces exhibit a unique electronic structure in the valence region and a larger ability to dissociate H2S than polycrystalline Au or pure Cr2O3. The results of ab initio SCF calculations for the adsorption of H2S on AuCr4O6 and AuCr10O15 clusters show a shift of electrons from the gold toward the oxide unit that enhances the strength of the Au(6s)↔H2S(5a1,2b1) bonding interactions and facilitates the decomposition of the molecule.
Retardation of cleavage in sea urchin eggs by cell extracts.

Abstract 1. 1. Homogenates of sea urchin eggs, ovaries, testes and gut contain a cleavage retarding factor. 2. 2. Egg homogenates and their supernatants possess a retarding activity which is heat stable, adsorbable on charcoal, dialyzable and remains after chloroform extraction. 3. 3. The degree of delay imposed on cleaving eggs by the retarding factor depends upon the concentration, the pH and the age of the homogenate. 4. 4. Division will be delayed if the test eggs are exposed before or after fertilization, as well as early or late in the cleavage cycle. 5. 5. Cleavages delayed for about 1.5 to 2 hours will include a certain percentage of 1 into 4 cell divisions.
Predicting Television Extreme Viewers and Non-viewers A Neural Network Analysis

Dans le but de comprendre davantage les qualites du telespectateur « moyen », une analyse des donnees caracterisant les personnes ne regardant pas la television et celles qui ne peuvent s'en passer a ete effectuee. Les AA. ont realise une analyse de reseau neuronal et discutent de l'importance des resultats. Une comparaison a ete realisee avec une analyse discriminante, qui est moins parlante que celle du reseau neuronal. La serie de variables demographiques a ete identifiee comme l'element de prevision le plus important, caracteristique du groupe ne regardant pas la television, et la combinaison des variables relatives a la famille d'une part et au style de vie et a l'activite sociale d'autre part sont les attributs les plus significatifs pour les spectateurs fanatiques
The ailing invader

The nature of biological invasions prompts researchers to focus on questions of great importance: How far will a nonnative species go? How fast? And what are the consequences to native species? To crops? To us? This perspective had crystallized long before Charles Elton wrote his classic treatise on the subject in 1958 (1). In it, Elton noted that scientific accounts of invasion have “a sense of urgency and scale” reflecting the uncertainties and high stakes surrounding the arrival of invaders such as brown tree snakes, Russian wheat aphids, and the West Nile virus. The resulting body of research has greatly increased our ability to estimate eventual distribution (2, 3) and the most effective modes of intervention (4). Nevertheless, the prevailing focus has left other questions virtually unasked. In this issue of PNAS, Brown et al. (5) take on a good one: What is the impact of invasion on the invader? Perhaps invasion biologists may be forgiven for overlooking such a question. After all, invasive species that gain our attention are highly successful in ecological terms. Despite being displaced from their native turf, they have managed not just to gain a toehold in a new environment but to thrive. Like wealthy neighbors or bright classmates, their problems may tend to escape our notice.
Molybdenum in pore waters of anoxic marine sediments by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract Pore water samples of anoxic sediments from Great Bay, N.H. and Jeffrey's Basin, New England continental shelf, have been analyzed for dissolved molybdenum by the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy technique of Hanson et al. (1977). The method has been modified so that only 0.50 ml of pore water sample is utilized for the analysis. The concentrations of Mo in the Jeffrey's Basin pore fluids are as much as an order of magnitude higher than that of the overlying water, while the estuarine water concentrations are only twice that of the overlying water. The Mo in the pore water is negatively correlated to dissolved Fe 2+ and positively correlated to the precent of organic carbon in the sediments. This suggests that Mo is remobilized by the anaerobic degradation of sedimentary organic matter and is not directly incorporated into iron pyrite during early diagenesis.
Vertical Tail Buffeting Alleviation Using Piezoelectric Actuators - Some Results of the Actively Controlled Response Of Buffet-Affected Tails (ACROBAT) Program

Buffet is an aeroelastic phenomenon associated with high performance aircraft especially those with twin vertical tails. In particular, for the F/A-18 aircraft at high angles of attack, vortices emanating from wing/fuselage leading edge extensions burst, immersing the vertical tails in their wake. The resulting buffet loads on the vertical tails are a concern from fatigue and inspection points of view. Recently, a 1/6-scale F-18 wind-tunnel model was tested in the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel at the NASA Langley Research Center as part of the Actively Controlled Response of Buffet Affected Tails (ACROBAT) Program to assess the use of active controls in reducing vertical tail buffeting. The starboard vertical tail was equipped with an active rudder and the port vertical tail was equiped with piezoelectric actuators. The tunnel conditions were atmospheric air at Mach 0.10. By using single-input-single-output control laws at gains well below the physical limits of the actuators, the power spectral density of the root strains at the frequency of the first bending mode of the vertical tail was reduced by as much as 60 percent up to angles of attack of 37 degrees. Root mean square (RMS) values of root strain were reduced by as much as 19 percent. The results herein illustrate that buffet alleviation of vertical tails can be accomplished using simple active control of the rudder or poezoelectric actuators. In fact, as demonstrated herein, a fixed gain single input single output control law that commands piezoelectric actuators may be active throughout the high angle-of-attack maneuver without requiring any changes during the maneuver. Future tests are mentioned for accentuating the international interest in this area of research.
The value of long-term commitment.

In the 1950s, the founders of Texas Instruments adopted a daring business strategy; they committed to developing pocket calculators and then selling them for less than their production costs. Texas Instruments expected the low price to create a mass market for calculators and gambled that its production costs would fall quickly as the company gained experience producing calculators in greater numbers. The founders shared their expectations with employees and made them the key to finding cost saving techniques. Management rewarded employees for their individual contributions and for the successes of the company. As sales grew, employees found ways to continually decrease production costs and earn increasingly dramatic profits. In fulfilling the commitments of its founders and its employees, Texas Instruments became one of the great American business success stories of the 1960s.
High resolution i.r. spectrum of the ν1 band of HCCCl

Abstract The ν1 spectrum of HCCCl was studied at a resolution of 0.045 cm−1. Six bands were assigned and analyzed, two for the Cl37 and four for the Cl35 isotope. Band constants obtained for the six bands are listed. The ν1 + ν5 ← ν5 band is unusually intense on the P side.