cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two-phase coexistence in Fe–Cu alloys synthesized by ball milling

We used mechanical alloying with a Spex 8000 mixer/mill to synthesize a series of Fe100–xNix alloys from x=0 to x=49. The Spex mill was modified so that it could also operate at a reduced milling intensity, and we compared the alloys synthesized after long times with the normal and reduced milling intensities. X-ray diffractometry and Mossbauer spectrometry were used to measure the volume fractions of the bcc and fcc phases in the alloys, and to determine the chemical compositions of the individual phases. We found that the composition ranges of the bcc and fcc single phase regions were extended well beyond their equilibrium ranges. At the higher milling intensity, we found that the bcc phase was destabilized with respect to the fcc phase, and the two-phase region shifted to lower Ni concentrations. For those alloys with coexisting bcc and fcc phases, we present evidence that the chemical compositions of the two phases are nearly the same. We explain the destabilization of the bcc with milling intensity as originating with a higher defect density in the bcc alloys than in the fcc alloys. We argue that this defect density is not homogeneous throughout the alloy, however, and the distribution of defect enthalpies can explain the two-phase coexistence in the as-milled alloys.
Single femtosecond pulse nanochannel formation in glass

Single pulse femtosecond laser damage in transparent dielectrics has been shown to occur through nonlinear damage mechanisms that can allow material removal on scales well below the classical limit of the order of the wavelength of the incident light. These mechanisms can be harnessed to allow the optical machining of devices on the nanoscale. We observe the formation of high aspect-ratio nanochannels by single femtosecond pulses. These channels, several microns in length, can be formed at the front or rear surface of a sample, corresponding to conditions under which spherical aberration is expected and where it is minimized. The presence of similar channels at both locations suggests that aberration does not play a critical role in nanochannel creation, and we present evidence supporting a dominant role of self focusing and microscale filamentation. Applications for these long nanoscale diameter channels include nanopores, nanowells, or out-of-plane vias. The ability to generate these channels with single pulses allows rapid fabrication that complements existing techniques, thus addressing a major limitation to fabrication of microfluidics and nanopores.
The role of a recombinant fragment of laminin-332 in integrin α3β1-dependent cell binding, spreading and migration

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is thought to be an essential component of tissue scaffolding and engineering because it fulfills fundamental functions related to cell adhesion, migration, and three-dimensional organization. Natural ECM preparations, however, are challenging to work with because they are comprised of macromolecules that are large and insoluble in their functional state. Functional fragments of ECM macromolecules are a viable answer to this challenge, as demonstrated by the RGD-based engineered scaffolds, where the tri-peptide, Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD), represents the minimal functional unit of fibronectin and related ECM. Laminins (Ln) are main components of epithelial tissues, since they enter into the composition of basement membranes. Application of Ln to epithelial tissue engineering would be desirable, since they could help mimic ideal functional conditions for both lining and glandular epithelial tissues. However, functional fragments of Ln that could be used in artificial settings have not been characterized in detail. In this paper, we describe the production and application of the recombinant LG4 (rLG4) fragment of laminin-332 (Ln-332), and show that it mimics three fundamental functional properties of Ln-332: integrin-mediated cell adhesion, spreading, and migration. Adhesive structures formed by cells on rLG4 closely resemble those formed on Ln-332, as judged by microscopy-based analyses of their molecular composition. As on Ln-332, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is phosphorylated in cells adhering to rLG4, and colocalized with other focal adhesion components. We conclude that rLG4 could be a useful substitute to recapitulate, in vitro, the tissue scaffolding properties of Ln-332.
Hydrogen related fatigue fracture of Ti-6Al-4V

Hydrogen concentrations were measured in the fracture surface of a fatigued Ti-6A1-4V specimen. Results show that hydrogen migrated to the triaxial stress region of the crack during slow crack growth where it accumulated and remained trapped before fracture. (FS)
Structure ofR(3,3)-groups

We describe groupsG in which the set {abc, acb, bac, bca, cab, cba} contains three different elements at most for anya, b, c ∈G and show how this type of problem is connected with the rewritability (or permutation) properties of groups.
Identification and partial characterization of a new luteovirus associated with rose spring dwarf disease.

A number of viruses in the genera Ilarvirus and Nepovirus have been shown to be associated with specific diseases in rose, but many graft-transmissible rose diseases still have unknown etiologies. One of these diseases originally was detected by grafting from nonsymptomatic roses to Rosa multiflora indicator plants. Double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) were recovered and used as templates for cDNA synthesis and generating a cDNA library. Analysis of deduced amino acid sequences clearly positioned this virus as a member of the family Luteoviridae. The name rose spring dwarf associated virus (RSDaV) is tentatively proposed for the novel virus because the symptoms of this virus on R. multiflora are consistent with previous descriptions of rose spring dwarf disease (RSD). Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship of RSDaV with members of the genus Luteovirus. Aphid transmission studies identified the rose-grass aphid (Metapolophium dirhodum) and yellow rose aphid (Rhodobium porosum) as vectors for this new virus. Host range data showed that RSDaV has a host range including both monocots and dicots. A specific reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assay was developed and revealed the presence of the RSDaV in several rose cultivars. RSDaV-inoculated rose plants developed RSD symptoms, confirming its role in the etiology of the disease.
Solubility of strontium sulphate in water and aqueous solutions of hydrogen chloride, sodium chloride, sulphuric acid and sodium sulphate by the radiotracer method

Values are given for the solubility of strontium sulfate in water and in aqueous solutions of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid at 0 deg and 25 deg C. Determinations were made by means of a radiotracer method using a salt labeled with Sr90 or S35. (R.J.S.)
Outcome prediction by quantitative right ventricular function assessment in 575 subjects evaluated for pulmonary hypertension.

Background— Although right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a major determinant of outcome in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), the optimal measure of RV function is poorly defined. We hypothesized that RV strain measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography predicts outcome in PH over a broad range of pulmonary pressures. Methods and Results— Prospective peak RV longitudinal systolic strain measurement was performed on 575 patients (mean age, 56±18 years; 63% women) referred for echocardiography for known or suspected PH. Survival status was assessed over a median of 16.5 (interquartile range, 7.6–20.0) months. There were 406 patients with PH (71%) (74% group 1, 14% group 3, and 12% group 4) and 169 patients without evidence of PH (29%). Among patients with PH, 46% were World Health Organization functional class III–IV. The mean RV strain was −21.2±6.7% for all patients. RV strain declined with worse functional class, shorter 6-minute walk distances, higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and the presence of right heart failure. RV strain predicted outcome across pulmonary pressures and groups of PH. Eighteen-month survival was 92%, 88%, 85%, and 71% according to RV strain quartile ( P <0.001), with a 1.46 higher risk of death (95% confidence interval, 1.05–2.12) per 6.7% decline in RV strain. RV strain predicted survival when adjusted for pulmonary pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and right atrial pressure and provided incremental prognostic value over conventional clinical and echocardiographic variables. Conclusions— Quantitative assessment of RV free-wall systolic strain is feasible and is a powerful predictor of the clinical outcome of patients with known or suspected PH.
Competitively evolved probability densities for signal interpolation

A procedure is described and illustrated enabling efficient estimation of the relative probabilities of unknown signal values located between given signal values. A simple competition among the smoothest possible interpolating functions evolves the probability densities governing this estimation.
Preattentive texture discrimination with early vision mechanisms

We present a model of human preattentive texture perception. This model consists of three stages: (1) convolution of the image with a bank of even-symmetric linear filters followed by half-wave rectification to give a set of responses modeling outputs of V1 simple cells, (2) inhibition, localized in space, within and among the neural-response profiles that results in the suppression of weak responses when there are strong responses at the same or nearby locations, and (3) texture-boundary detection by using wide odd-symmetric mechanisms. Our model can predict the salience of texture boundaries in any arbitrary gray-scale image. A computer implementation of this model has been tested on many of the classic stimuli from psychophysical literature. Quantitative predictions of the degree of discriminability of different texture pairs match well with experimental measurements of discriminability in human observers.
A comparison of epidural buprenorphine plus detomidine with morphine plus detomidine in horses undergoing bilateral stifle arthroscopy

Abstract Objective To compare the analgesic efficacy of buprenorphine plus detomidine with that of morphine plus detomidine when administered epidurally in horses undergoing bilateral stifle arthroscopy. Study design Prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial. Animals Twelve healthy adult horses participating in an orthopedic research study. Group M (n = 6) received morphine (0.2 mg kg−1) and detomidine (0.15 mg kg−1) epidurally; group B (n = 6) received buprenorphine (0.005 mg kg−1) and detomidine (0.15 mg kg−1) epidurally. Methods Horses received one of two epidural treatments following induction of general anesthesia for bilateral stifle arthroscopy. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), end-tidal CO2 (P e ’CO2), and end-tidal isoflurane concentrations (E’Iso%) were recorded every 15 minutes following epidural administration. Post-operative assessment was performed at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours after standing; variables recorded included HR, respiratory rate (fR), abdominal borborygmi, defecation, and the presence of undesirable side effects. At the same times post-operatively, each horse was videotaped at a walk and subsequently assigned a lameness score (0-4) by three ACVS diplomates blinded to treatment and who followed previously published guidelines. Nonparametric data were analyzed using Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test. Inter- and intra-rater agreement were determined using weighted kappa coefficients. Statistical significance was set at p = 0.05. Results No statistically significant differences were found between groups with respect to intra-operative HR, MAP, E’Iso%, or post-operative HR, gastrointestinal function and cumulative median lameness scores. Post-operative fR in group B [24 (12-30), median (range)] breaths per minute was significantly higher than in group M [18 (15-20)] breaths per minute, p = 0.04. Conclusions and clinical relevance In horses undergoing bilateral stifle arthroscopy, these doses of buprenorphine plus detomidine injected epidurally produced analgesia similar in intensity and duration to that of morphine plus detomidine injected epidurally.
Resiliency of Transportation Network of Santo Domingo,Dominican Republic

Every day dependence on transportation grows as local, regional, national, and international independence increases. Resilient transportation systems are needed to secure the highest possible level of service during disruptive events, including natural disasters and those caused by humans. To prepare for these events, decision makers need guidance to determine what investments are likely to improve the resiliency of their networks, which are often hampered by limited resources. To date, such guidance has been primarily qualitative. This paper presents a methodology to quantify resiliency, under preevent conditions, by use of a fuzzy inference approach. This methodology expands on previous work by the authors and others, by refining the definitions of key variables, adjusting model interactions, and increasing transparency between metrics. The paper includes a case study in which the methodology is applied to a disruptive event in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The case study illustrates the methodolog...
Grover’s quantum searching algorithm is optimal

I show that for any number of oracle lookups up to about $\ensuremath{\pi}/4\sqrt{N},$ Grover's quantum searching algorithm gives the maximal possible probability of finding the desired element. I explain why this is also true for quantum algorithms which use measurements during the computation. I also show that unfortunately quantum searching cannot be parallelized better than by assigning different parts of the search space to independent quantum computers.
Neuromuscular analysis of closing in the dimorphic claws of the lobster Homarus americanus.

The mechanical and electrical activity of the closer muscle is compared in the cutter and crusher claws of the lobster Homarus americanus. Two excitor axons innervate the closer muscle. In the cutter the fast axon produces twitch contractions in response to single stimuli while its counterpart in the crusher gives twitches only to paired stimuli. The twitches fatigue more rapidly in the cutter than in the crusher. The slow axon in both claws produces tonic contractions which are fatigue resistant. The electrical events in the muscle fibers correlate closely with the mechanical activity. Thus the cutter fast EPSPs show poor facilitation and fatigue rapidly while the slow EPSPs have high facilitation values and are less prone to fatigue. The slow and fast axon EPSPs in the crusher are qualitatively similar to their counterparts in the cutter. In both claws the postsynaptic response was considerably enhanced by paired stimuli.
Systems-Level Metabolic Flux Profiling Elucidates a Complete, Bifurcated Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle in Clostridium acetobutylicum

Obligatory anaerobic bacteria are major contributors to the overall metabolism of soil and the human gut. The metabolic pathways of these bacteria remain, however, poorly understood. Using isotope tracers, mass spectrometry, and quantitative flux modeling, here we directly map the metabolic pathways of Clostridium acetobutylicum, a soil bacterium whose major fermentation products include the biofuels butanol and hydrogen. While genome annotation suggests the absence of most tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes, our results demonstrate that this bacterium has a complete, albeit bifurcated, TCA cycle; oxaloacetate flows to succinate both through citrate/α-ketoglutarate and via malate/fumarate. Our investigations also yielded insights into the pathways utilized for glucose catabolism and amino acid biosynthesis and revealed that the organism's one-carbon metabolism is distinct from that of model microbes, involving reversible pyruvate decarboxylation and the use of pyruvate as the one-carbon donor for biosynthetic reactions. This study represents the first in vivo characterization of the TCA cycle and central metabolism of C. acetobutylicum. Our results establish a role for the full TCA cycle in an obligatory anaerobic organism and demonstrate the importance of complementing genome annotation with isotope tracer studies for determining the metabolic pathways of diverse microbes.
The Colorimetric Estimation of Plasma Amino Nitrogen with DNFB

A simple procedure for the estimation of plasma amino nitrogen based on the reaction of amino groups with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and subsequent measurement of the dinitrophenyl (DNP) amino derivatives at 420 mµ is presented. Elevated concentrations of bilirubin, hemoglobin, and the major nonprotein and nonamino acid nitrogen components of plasma do not seriously interfere. The proposed procedure compares favorably with a corresponding ninhydrin technic for plasma amino nitrogen. The mean plasma amino nitrogen values and range for a group of adults (age 18-50 years) by the proposed method is 5.56 mg./100 ml. (3.6-7.0 mg./100 ml.) compared to 4.12 mg./100 ml. (3.6-5.2 mg./100 ml.) for a group of children (age 2-10 years). Values from a group of children with sickle cell anemia showed no significant variance with the normal population. Optimum conditions for quantitation of plasma amino nitrogen along with other procedural parameters are presented.
Superior pattern processing is the essence of the evolved human brain

Humans have long pondered the nature of their mind/brain and, particularly why its capacities for reasoning, communication and abstract thought are far superior to other species, including closely related anthropoids. This article considers superior pattern processing (SPP) as the fundamental basis of most, if not all, unique features of the human brain including intelligence, language, imagination, invention, and the belief in imaginary entities such as ghosts and gods. SPP involves the electrochemical, neuronal network-based, encoding, integration, and transfer to other individuals of perceived or mentally-fabricated patterns. During human evolution, pattern processing capabilities became increasingly sophisticated as the result of expansion of the cerebral cortex, particularly the prefrontal cortex and regions involved in processing of images. Specific patterns, real or imagined, are reinforced by emotional experiences, indoctrination and even psychedelic drugs. Impaired or dysregulated SPP is fundamental to cognitive and psychiatric disorders. A broader understanding of SPP mechanisms, and their roles in normal and abnormal function of the human brain, may enable the development of interventions that reduce irrational decisions and destructive behaviors.
LEEM and UHV-PEEM: A retrospective $

The evolution of LEEM and the later extension to spectroscopic PEEM, which run more or less parallel to Gertrude F. Rempfer's involvement in UV-PEEM and LEEM, are recounted with emphasis on instrumentation.
On a plane-wave based crosscorrelation-type seismic interferometry

We explored a new approach to retrieve virtual seismic responses from crosscorrelating acquired seismic data in the plane-wave domain. Using this method, slant stacking is first performed over shot or receiver locations of observed seismic data to produce plane-wave transformed gathers. Crosscorrelation is then performed by selecting traces with the same ray parameters from different shot or receiver locations of the plane-wave gathers. Unlike traditional crosscorrelation-type time-space domain interferometry, where full range of ray parameters is used for each survey location, this method directly selects common ray parameters to cancel overlapping raypaths. This approach can be used to retrieve reflections in the presence of dispersive waves and to select certain ranges of ray parameters with directional wave paths for retrieval. It can avoid spurious arrivals in supervirtual interferometry when unwanted arrivals such as reflections break the requirement of conventional interferometry. In addition, computation time can be saved with this approach because plane-wave transform usually results in a reduction of the original data volume. We demonstrate this method with synthetic and ocean bottom seismometer data examples.
Nucleoside Phosphonate Interactions with Multiple Organic Anion Transporters in Renal Proximal Tubule

The interactions of two antiviral, acyclic nucleoside phosphonates, adefovir and cidofovir, with xenobiotic transporters was studied in intact killifish ( Fundulus heteroclitus ) renal proximal tubules by using fluorescent substrates, confocal microscopy, and quantitative image analysis. Both drugs reduced in a concentration-dependent manner the transport of fluorescein on the classical organic anion system and transport of fluorescein-methotrexate on multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2). Neither drug inhibited transport of a fluorescent cyclosporin A derivative on P-glycoprotein. Inhibition of Mrp2-mediated transport was abolished by 50 μM p -aminohippurate, indicating that adefovir and cidofovir entered the cells at the basolateral membrane on the classical organic anion transport system (OAT1). Comparison of the inhibitory potencies of the nucleoside phosphonates with other substrates and inhibitors showed them to be moderate inhibitors of OAT1- and Mrp2-mediated transport.
On the diagnosis of erythrodermic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Erythrodermic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (E-CTCL) is the cause of less than 5% of all cases of generalized erythroderma. A methodical evaluation of skin, blood, and lymph node samples using standard histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry (FC), and molecular analysis for evidence of a dominant T-cell clone has been recommended in a recently published diagnostic algorithm. In this commentary, the author discusses available information regarding the role of these diagnostic methods for the diagnosis of E-CTCL with emphasis on personal observations regarding skin IHC and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular studies as adjunct diagnostic studies on a series of 55 patients with erythrodermic mycosis fungoides and 50 patients with Sezary syndrome compared to 50 patients with extensive benign inflammatory skin disease. The conclusions are (1) IHC of the skin does not reliably differentiate E-CTCL from benign simulants, (2) presence of phenotypically abnormal T cells in the blood or expanded subsets of CD4+CD7- or CD4+CD26- cells by FC is particularly helpful as a diagnostic study, (3) the presence of an identical T-cell clone in the skin and blood also is a specific diagnostic criterion for E-CTCL, but exceptions may occur, and (4) the PCRgamma-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis technique appears to be more reliable than PCRgamma-single-stranded conformational polymorphism for diagnostic purposes.
On process planning with multiple agents: environmentally conscious decisions among feasible process plans

For many problems involving the choice of a process plan from among those generated by a process planner with multiple agents, the formulation and calculation of an objective function based on utilities or preferences is unnecessary as well as time-consuming and likely to introduce errors or inaccuracies into the analysis. Instead, the decision can and should be based on cost minimization using price data which is readily available to the firm. This paper focuses on the case of tradeoffs among alternative feasible process plans with different environmental effects.
Equipment and Techniques for Nocturnal Wildlife Studies

Many biologists speculate on the nocturnal behavior of wildlife. Night-vision technologies may provide ways to move beyond speculation to observation of nocturnal activity. Nocturnal activity data collection is often secondary to broader study objectives; consequently, techniques for such studies are poorly understood and infrequently used. We reviewed 53 papers to examine image enhancement (i.e., night vision) and assess trends in nocturnal research techniques. We also conducted a field study on nocturnal behavior of roosting cranes (Grus spp.) to evaluate equipment function and efficacy for wildlife studies. A third-generation night-vision scope greatly outperformed a pair of first-generation night-vision binoculars, and we were able to identify cranes by species and observe and record their behaviors while they were on their nocturnal roost sites. Techniques reported in the literature included use of moonlight or natural ambient light, spotlight or simulated luminosity, remote photography, surveillance radar, infrared thermal imaging, and image enhancement. With the many techniques available, scientists can select the procedure or a combination of strategies explicit to their purpose. We believe night-viewing technologies are an exceptional, nonintrusive, functional tool for wildlife ecology studies. However, even the best equipment will have problems or issues with contrast, inclement weather, and large group size and density. Regardless of the specific method used and the inherent challenges, we believe third-generation, American-manufactured night-vision equipment can provide valuable insight into the complete life history of animals and can promote a more comprehensive approach to wildlife studies.
The influence of several factors controlling the interactions between Prince William sound, Alaska, and the northern Gulf of Alaska

Abstract Interactions between the circulation of Prince William Sound (PWS), Alaska, and that of the continental shelf region of the northern Gulf of Alaska are studied numerically. The focus is on the flow structure at Hinchinbrook Entrance (HE) and Montague Strait (MS) and the associated PWS interior circulation under various initial state and forcing configurations. Bottom topography inhibits flow into PWS under barotropic conditions, while stratification very much facilitates flow into PWS. Layered flow develops at HE and MS under baroclinic conditions, with two (four) layers under March (September) stratification conditions. In both baroclinic cases, the top layer transports inflow and a cyclonic eddy develops over the central basin of PWS. Westward wind (the predominant direction) enhances this upper-layer inflow and the lower-layer outflow. Eastward wind completely reverses the flow direction not only at HE but also inside PWS. Remarkably, the total outflow through MS is consistently less than the ...
Role of sodium/hydrogen exchanger isoform NHE3 in fluid secretion and absorption in mouse and rat cholangiocytes

Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) isoforms play important roles in intracellular pH regulation and in fluid absorption. The isoform NHE3 has been localized to apical surfaces of epithelia and in some tissues ...
Between Economics and Sociology: The New Path of Deterrence

This short essay surveys recent works (including an article by Neal Katyal in the same issue of the Michigan Law Review) that attempt to enrich the standard conception of deterrence by incorporating social norms. The motivation for grouping these works together is as much political as conceptual: to draw attention to their potential to negotiate the space between economic and sociological approaches to crime control. The economic approach rests on an account of human motivations that is too thin to be believable, and generates policies that are too severe to be just. The sociological approach is much richer but also hopelessly impractical; it is clear that American society has neither the social-scientific know-how nor the political will to eradicate the social "root causes" of crime. The works surveyed in this essay, in contrast, focus on social phenomena that are important enough to be worth regulating but malleable enough to be regulated efficiently. (Among these are "social organization," "moral credibility," "social meaning," and "social influence.") The payoff is a host of morally acceptable and politically feasible law-enforcement policies -- from curfews, to gang-loitering laws, to order-maintenance policing, to reverse stings, to shaming penalties -- that deter as well or better than severe prison terms and that cost much less.
A Typology of Players: Between Instinctive and Contemplative

A new typology of players is proposed based on the classification of actions as either instinctive or contemplative. A person’s type is the probability of him choosing a contemplative action. To test the typology, results of 10 games are analyzed. Actions in each game were classified depending on whether their response time was more or less, respectively, than the median response time of all subjects who played the game. It is argued that fast actions are more instinctive and slow actions are more contemplative. A subject’s contemplative index (CI) is defined as the proportion of games in which he chose a contemplative action. It is found that for 8 of the 10 games, the CI in the other 9 games is positively correlated with a player’s choice of a contemplative action in that game (average Spearman correlation of 9%). The CI is used to shed light on the nature of choice in five additional games. JEL Codes: C72, C91.
Simulation of grain growth in polycrystalline materials: A signal processing perspective

Polycrystalline materials are solids that are made up of crystals, also called grains, that have varying sizes and orientations. Materials of this class are used in many applications, including steels, films, and electronic interconnects, to name just a few. The factors that influence how the grains in a polycrystalline form are not well understood, although materials scientists and engineers have been studying this issue for many years. One approach to understanding how polycrystalline materials form is through simulation using Monte Carlo methods. In this paper we describe some of these simulation methods in the context of signal processing, which is much different from the materials community's view of the work. In particular, we describe how materials scientists and engineers have modified traditional Metropolis sampling using prior information about the physics of grain growth to simulate realistic grain growth. We present results of experiments we have performed to simulate one aspect of importance in grain growth: the mobility of boundaries between neighboring grains.
Community Cookbooks: Sponsors of Literacy and Community Identity

This article looks at the various ways that communities can be "read" through their cookbooks. Recipes and collections can reveal much about communities, including shared memories/traditions, geographical identifications, and representations of class.
Use of Multihead Transducer Scanner in Amniocentesis

Because there is some risk associated with amniocentesis, we have employed real time ultrasound scanning for determining fetal position and location of the placenta in establishing a site for amniocentesis.
Analgesics and their Antagonists: Structure-Activity Relationships

Qualitative theories that attempt to relate molecular structure to analgesic or narcotic antagonist activity have given the contemporary medicinal chemist only slight ability to predict, a priori, the analgesic potencies of compounds. The discovery of new types of analgesics by the medicinal chemist has often been serendipitous (Eddy and May, 1973). Other new analgesics were designed through clever rationalizations based on natural products or previously synthesized similar drugs.
In vitro durability of Hancock Model 242 porcine heart valve.

Two Hancock Model 242 prostheses, tissue anulus diameter 21 mm., were tested in a closed, low-volume, accelerated fatigue tester. The fluid media was sterile fresh-frozen plasma. The normal human aortic root was simulated. The cyclic rate was 20 Hz at 37° C. The prostheses developed severe fatigue at 77 million cycles. Fraying of the free edges was found after 2 million cycles. Small tears near the commissures and then holes between collagen bundles at the base of the leaflets appeared at 7 million cycles. At 71 million cycles the leaflets began to tear and complete prolapse, with gross valvular insufficiency occurring at 77 million cycles. The accelerated wear of Hancock porcine prostheses is frequency dependent and independent of media and the flow geometry of the testing device.
Job Satisfaction in High Technology and Traditional Industry: Is There a Difference?

It is widely believed that work in the high technology sector is different from traditional industry. Yet based upon a random sample of 1509 members of the Silicon Valley work force, no reliable differences were found between industrial sectors on composite job satisfaction. Although degrees of satisfaction were virtually the same for high technology and traditional work, relatively large differences divided social classes within the workplace. These findings may challenge the theory that work in the “postindustrial,” high technology society of the future will be more satisfying. The results suggest that the well documented relationship among class, occupation, and job satisfaction will persist into the new workplaces.
New concepts in molecular and energy transport within carbon nanotubes and graphene: Optical sensors, resonant ion channels and thermo power waves

O laboratory has been interested in how 1D electronic material such as carbon nanotubes can be utilized to illustrate new concepts in molecular transport and energy transfer. In the first example, we predict and demonstrate the concept of thermo power waves for energy generation. Coupling an exothermic chemical reaction with a thermally conductive CNT creates a selfpropagating reactive wave driven along its length. We realize such waves in MWNT and show that they produce concomitant electrical pulses of high specific power >7 kW/kg. Such waves of high power density may find uses as unique energy sources. In the second system, we fabricate and study SWNT ion channels for the first time and show that the longest, highest aspect ratio and smallest diameter synthetic nanopore examined to date, a 500 μm SWNT demonstrates oscillations in electro-osmotic current at specific ranges of electric field that are the signatures of coherence resonance yielding self-generated rhythmic and frequency locked transport. The observed oscillations in the current occur due to a coupling between stochastic pore blocking and a diffusion limitation that develops at the pore mouth during proton transport. Lastly, our laboratory has been interested in how semiconducting single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) can be modified such that their fluorescent emission is modulated in response to specific molecules, hence creating a new class of sensor. Such sensors have important advantages including enhanced optical penetration of tissues in the near infrared, reduced auto-fluorescence, infinite resistance to photo bleaching and most recently, single molecule analyte sensitivity. This presentation will review our recent efforts in this space including new platforms for label free protein detection, nitric oxide, H2O2 and the interfacing of sensor arrays to living cells.
Improved survival and complete response rates in patients with advanced melanoma treated with concurrent ipilimumab and radiotherapy versus ipilimumab alone

ABSTRACTThere is a growing body of evidence supporting the synergistic roles of radiotherapy and immunotherapy in the treatment of malignancy. Published case studies of the abscopal effect have been reported with the use of ipilimumab and radiotherapy in metastatic melanoma, but evidence supporting the routine use of this combination of therapy is limited. We conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate patients treated with ipilimumab for advanced melanoma at a single institution from May 2011 to June 2015. Patients were grouped into those who had received concurrent radiotherapy while on ipilimumab (Ipi-RT), and those who did not. We then evaluated the treatment response following completion of ipilimumab. A total of 101 patients received ipilimumab in the prespecified time frame. 70 received Ipi-RT and 31 received ipilimumab without concurrent radiotherapy. Median overall survival (OS) was significantly increased in the concurrent Ipi-RT arm at 19 months vs. 10 months for ipilimumab alone (p = 0.01)....
Seismological evidence on the tectonics of central and northern California and the Mendocino escarpment

ABSTRACT Some 300 regional earthquakes have been located for 1962 through June 1965 using readings from local stations. The three greatest concentrations occur close to the north-facing Gorda escarpment off Cape Mendocino (latitude 40.°4 N); in the Coast Ranges west of the San Andreas fault (latitude 36.°8N) between Watsonville and Salinas; and 40 km southwest, in the Gabilan Range west of the San Andreas fault near the Pinnacles (latitude 36.°5 N). For 280 km northward of a small cluster which straddles the San Andreas off San Francisco, earthquakes were not detected near to the San Andreas but eastward in the Coast Ranges. The bulk of earthquakes with magnitudes in excess of 2 1 2 in the Coast Ranges have focal depths less than 5 km; no reliable depths were estimated greater than 20 km. Seismicity on the Gorda scarp is high; it decreases westward along the Mendocino escarpment. Submarine earthquakes were detected westward to the northerly-trending (Escanaba) trough which traverses the Gorda ridge and then northward along the Gorda ridge. Earthquakes also were located within the Gorda basin between the California coast and the Gorda ridge. The first motions of P were read for 29 earthquakes using mainly the high-resolution near-stations. The patterns are consistent with dominant right-lateral strike-slip along the San Andreas-Calaveras fault system from Parkfield to San Francisco Bay; some exceptional motion occurs near the San Andreas fault in the vicinity of the San Francisco Peninsula. In the Coast Ranges north of San Francisco Bay, right-lateral strike-slip appears again to be the rule. Along the Gorda wall, the P polarities are consistent with the local escarpment trend of about N70°W. Earthquakes on the continental shelf north of Cape Mendocino and in the Gorda basin have fault-plane solutions which again indicate right-lateral strike-slip with strikes of about N40°W. The motions are consistent with a broad system of branching faults whose trend at the northern extremity becomes aligned with the Blanco fracture zone. On the Gorda ridge, the shock of 18 April 1965 shows normal fault characteristics. Mechanisms for four earthquakes on the Blanco fracture zone are not uniform; right-lateral strike-slip motion is again found for the earthquakes of 8 May 1968 at 128° west and of 14 June 1965 at nearly 130° west, while an earthquake nearly midway between them has normal faulting. Overall, from the Gulf of California to the Juan de Fuca ridge, seismicity and earthquake mechanism agree well with a mechanical model based on the theory of J. Tuzo Wilson. Some motion is transferred by transcurrent faulting from the San Andreas fault across the Gorda basin to the Blanco transform-fault system.
Compressive sensing for single-shot two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy

In this work, we explore the use of compressive sensing for the rapid acquisition of two-dimensional optical spectra that encodes the electronic structure and ultrafast dynamics of condensed-phase molecular species. Specifically, we have developed a means to combine multiplexed single-element detection and single-shot and phase-resolved two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy. The method described, which we call Single Point Array Reconstruction by Spatial Encoding (SPARSE) eliminates the need for costly array detectors while speeding up acquisition by several orders of magnitude compared to scanning methods. Physical implementation of SPARSE is facilitated by combining spatiotemporal encoding of the nonlinear optical response and signal modulation by a high-speed digital micromirror device. We demonstrate the approach by investigating a well-characterized cyanine molecule and a photosynthetic pigment-protein complex. Hadamard and compressive sensing algorithms are demonstrated, with the latter achieving compression factors as high as ten. Both show good agreement with directly detected spectra. We envision a myriad of applications in nonlinear spectroscopy using SPARSE with broadband femtosecond light sources in so-far unexplored regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Increased infections with β-blocker use in ischemic stroke, a β 2 -receptor mediated process?

Strokes promote immunosuppression, partially from increased sympathetic activity. Altering sympathetic drive with β-blockers has variably been shown to improve stroke outcomes. This study adds to this literature using propensity score matching to limit confounding and by examining the effects of selective and non-selective β-blockers. Prospective data from acute ischemic stroke admissions at a single center from July 2010-June 2015 were analyzed. Outcomes included infection (urinary tract infection [UTI], pneumonia, or bacteremia), discharge modified Rankin Score (mRS), and in-hospital death. Any selective and non-selective β-blocker use during the first 3 days of admission were investigated with propensity score matching. A sensitivity analysis was also performed. This study included 1431 admissions. Any β-blocker use was associated with increased infections (16.4 vs. 10.7%, p = 0.030). Non-selective β-blocker use was associated with increased infections (18.9 vs. 9.7%, p = 0.005) and UTIs (13.0 vs. 5.5%, p = 0.009). Selective β-blocker use was not associated with infection. There were no associations between β-blocker use and in-hospital death or discharge mRS. In the sensitivity analysis, the association between non-selective β-blocker use and urinary tract infections persisted (12.5 vs. 4.2%, p = 0.044). No associations with death or mRS were found. Early β-blocker use after ischemic stroke may increase the risk of infection but did not change disability or mortality risk. The mechanism may be mediated by β2-adrenergic receptor antagonism given the different effects seen with selective versus non-selective β-blocker use.
The Politics of Football in Post-colonial Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone, like Ghana, was one of several British West African colonies where British seamen and colonial officials introduced football (soccer) in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. By the first half of the twentieth century, football was gaining popularity in Freetown, the capital city, where British and Sierra Leonean civil servants, company officials, and soldiers played matches to foster good relations and camaraderie. Likewise, students, faculty, and staff of institutions such as Fourah Bay College (later the University of Sierra Leone) and the Church Missionary Society Grammar School (later Sierra Leone Grammar School) in Freetown played football regularly as part of their sports program. Today, however, unlike Ghana that has represented Africa in the FIFA Football World Cup competitions at both senior and junior levels, Sierra Leone’s “soccerscape” has been dysfunctional for the best part of its postcolonial existence since independence in 1961. 1 Paradoxically, even with the myriad problems associated with “professional” football in contemporary Sierra Leone, it is by far the country’s most popular sport and an important facet of the cultural and socioeconomic lives of the people.
Space-time modeling of soil moisture

Abstract A physically derived space-time mathematical representation of the soil moisture field is carried out via the soil moisture balance equation driven by stochastic rainfall forcing. The model incorporates spatial diffusion and in its original version, it is shown to be unable to reproduce the relative fast decay in the spatial correlation functions observed in empirical data. This decay resulting from variations in local topography as well as in local soil and vegetation conditions is well reproduced via a jitter process acting multiplicatively over the space-time soil moisture field. The jitter is a multiplicative noise acting on the soil moisture dynamics with the objective to deflate its correlation structure at small spatial scales which are not embedded in the probabilistic structure of the rainfall process that drives the dynamics. These scales of order of several meters to several hundred meters are of great importance in ecohydrologic dynamics. Properties of space-time correlation functions and spectral densities of the model with jitter are explored analytically, and the influence of the jitter parameters, reflecting variabilities of soil moisture at different spatial and temporal scales, is investigated. A case study fitting the derived model to a soil moisture dataset is presented in detail.
A Reconfigurable Hybrid Low Dropout Voltage Regulator for Wide-Range Power Supply Noise Rejection and Energy-Efficiency Trade-Off

A scan-reconfigurable hybrid low dropout (LDO) macro with four operating modes to support tuning across a wide range of power supply noise rejection and power efficiency is presented. The configurations include: 1) a full-digital LDO; 2) an analog loop in parallel with a digital loop in switched mode control; 3) an analog LDO in parallel with discrete current sources; and 4) discrete current sources with an analog LDO in shunt with the load. Measurements on a 130-nm CMOS test chip show a wide power supply noise rejection range of −9 dB to −34 dB and a corresponding power efficiency range of 87% to 56%.
Mitigating the Expansion of Harmful Algal Blooms Across the Freshwater-to-Marine Continuum.

Anthropogenic nutrient overenrichment, coupled with rising temperatures, and an increasing frequency of extreme hydrologic events (storms and droughts) are accelerating eutrophication and promoting the expansion of harmful algal blooms (HABs) across the freshwater-to-marine continuum. All HABs—with a focus here on cyanobacterial blooms—pose serious consequences for water supplies, fisheries, recreational uses, tourism, and property values. As nutrient loads grow in watersheds, they begin to compound the effects of legacy stores. This has led to a paradigm shift in our understanding of how nutrients control eutrophication and blooms. Phosphorus (P) reductions have been traditionally prescribed exclusively for freshwater systems, while nitrogen (N) reductions were mainly stressed for brackish and coastal waters. However, because most systems are hydrologically interconnected, single nutrient (e.g., P only) reductions upstream may not necessarily reduce HAB impacts downstream. Reducing both N and P inputs is...
Succession, Phenomenon of

Ecological succession is the progression of structural and compositional changes in ecosystems. Ecologists have debated whether the succession is a community process or the product of individual species interacting with each other and their environment. Modern ecologists favor the latter view. Investigations of interactions among species have produced an increased interest in vegetation as a mosaic. The biodiversity of landscapes may be highest when there is an intermediate level of disturbance. The appearance of species at different times in succession appears to be idiosyncratic to the particular vegetation; the rate of loss of species from communities seems to decrease logarithmically.
Selecting a Database Partitioning Technique

In this paper we examine different techniques which can be used to partition a database: horizontal, group horizontal, single vertical, physical vertical, group vertical, and mixed partitioning. We evaluate these techniques by examining eight properties which determine the behavior of database operations. For each property, we derive rankings of the partitioning techniques. These rankings can be used to help select the best partitioning technique for a database system. An approach to obtain the overall ranking is discussed. While no best partitioning approach exists for all environments, the information and discussions contained within this paper can be used by a database designer to aid in selecting the best technique for a target environment.