cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insensitivity of Lepidopteran tissues to ouabain : absence of ouabain binding and Na^+-K^+ ATPases in larval and adult midgut

Abstract Insensitivity of midgut epithelium to ouabain was studied in three phytophyagous Lepidoptera: the tobacco hornworm. Manduca sexta, the Cecropia silkmoth. Hyalophora cecropia, and the Monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus. The midgut failed to selectively bind ouabain in the presence of 8 mM K−. The presence of K+ stimulated ouabain sensitive Na+K+-ATPases in midgut could not be confirmed. Neuronal tissues collected from the same species at the same stages in development bound ouabain readily, and possessed K+ stimulated ouabain sensitive Na+K+-ATPases. It is proposed that alkali metal transport across the midgut epithelium of these phytophagous Lepidoptera occurs via energy-linked processes not requiring Na+K+-ATPases.
High-automation proofs for properties of requirements models

We describe an approach and experimental results in the application of mechanized theorem proving to software requirements analysis. Serving as the test article was the embedded controller for SAFER, a backpack propulsion system used as a rescue device by NASA astronauts. SAFER requirements were previously formalized using the prototype verification system (PVS) during a NASA pilot project in formal methods, details of which appear in a NASA guidebook. This paper focuses on the formulation and proof of properties for the SAFER requirements model. To test the prospects for deductive requirements analysis, we used the PVS theorem prover to explore the upper limits of proof automation. A set of property classes was identified, with matching proof schemes later devised. After developing several PVS proof strategies (essentially prover macros), we obtained fully automatic proofs of 42 model properties. These results demonstrate how customized prover strategies can be used to automate moderate-complexity theorem proving for state machine models.
Short‐Term Effect of Lime, Phosphorus, and Iron Amendments on Water‐Extractable Lead and Arsenic in Orchard Soils

Abstract Lead arsenate was extensively used to control insects in apple and plum orchards in the 1900s. Continuous use of lead arsenate resulted in elevated soil levels of lead (Pb) and arsenic (As). There are concerns that As and Pb will become solubilized upon a change in land use. In situ chemical stabilization practices, such as the use of phosphate‐phosphorus (P), have been investigated as a possible method for reducing the solubility, mobility, and potential toxicity of Pb and As in these soils. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of calcium carbonate (lime), P, and iron (Fe) amendments in reducing the solubility of As and Pb in lead‐arsenate‐treated soils over time. Under controlled conditions, two orchard soils, Thurmont loam (Hapludults) and Burch loam (Haploxerolls), were amended with reagent‐grade calcium carbonate (CaCO3), iron hydroxide [Fe(OH)3], and potassium phosphate (KH2PO4) and incubated for 16 weeks at 26°C. The experimental results suggested that the inorgan...
Primary prevention of heart failure: what is the evidence?

Purpose of reviewHeart failure is a worldwide epidemic. Aggressive treatment of patients at risk for heart failure is important. There are no trials targeting primary prevention of heart failure. However, there is trial data demonstrating that treatment of patients with atherosclerotic vascular dise
GERMINATION ECOPHYSIOLOGY OF ARENARIA GLABRA, A WINTER ANNUAL OF SANDSTONE AND GRANITE OUTCROPS OF SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

The germination ecophysiology of Arenaria glabra Michx., a characteristic winter annual plant species of granite and sandstone outcrops of southeastern United States, was investigated. Seeds germinate in early autumn, plants overwinter in the rosette stage and then flower, set seeds, and die in late spring; seeds are dispersed soon after maturity. Eighty-five to 90o of freshly-matured seeds were innately dormant, and the other 10-15% germinated only at temperatures lower than those that occur in the habitat at the time of seed dispersal in June. During the summer after-ripening period, seeds stored dry under ambient laboratory conditions exhibited progressive increases in rates and total percentages of germination, a widening of the temperature range for germination, and a loss of the light requirement. At a 14-hr daily photoperiod, seeds kept on continuously moist soil germinated to 83% at simulated July and August temperatures during July and August, and the remainder germinated at September temperatures in September. On the other hand, seeds subjected to alternate wetting and drying during July and August germinated to only 9o during those 2 months, and the remainder germinated after the soil was kept continuously moist, beginning on 1 September, at simulated habitat temperatures during September and October. Thus, the timing of germination of A. glabra in the field is controlled by an interplay of the seeds' physiological state with the dynamics of temperature
The mouse T cell receptor: Comparison of MHC-restricted receptors on two T cell hybridomas

The receptors for antigen plus a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene product on a T cell hybridoma specific for ovalbumin plus a Class II MHC product were compared with those on another T cell hybridoma, specific for a Class I MHC product. In each case receptor material was identified by a clone-specific monoclonal antibody. The two receptors proved to have very similar gross structures, being 70-85 kd proteins, and reducing to an acidic alpha-chain and a slightly basic beta-chain, each 40-43 kd. The charge of both the acidic and basic polypeptides varied between the two receptors studied, showing that variable amino acid sequences occur in both chains.
Race, Difference, and Anthropology in Kant's Cosmopolitanism

This paper explores the connections between Kant’s theory of hierarchical racial difference, on the one hand, and his cosmopolitanism and conceptions of moral and political progress, on the other. I argue that Kant’s racial biology plays an essential role in maintaining national-cultural differences, which he views as essential for the establishment of the cosmopolitan union. Unfortunately, not only are these views racist, they also complicate Kant’s ability to consistently think through the prospect of the human species’ moral progress. Thus, while in the abstract, Kant’s attempts to understand the prospects for moral and political progress as rooted in historical reality, and his insistence that such progress is necessarily connected to the persistence of cultural difference, is appealing, his own way of carrying this out is decidedly not, being so intimately connected to racial hierarchy as a basic source of difference.
A force field for monosaccharides and (1→4) linked polysaccharides

A force field for monosaccharides that can be extended to (1 → 4) linked polysaccharides has been developed for the AMBER potential function. The resulting force field is consistent with the existing AMBER force field for proteins and nucleic acids. Modifications to the standard AMBER OH force constant and to the Lennard-Jones parameters were made. Furthermore, a 10–12 nonbonded term was included between the hydroxyl hydrogen of the saccharide and the water oxygen (TIP3P, SPC/E, etc.) to reproduce better the water–saccharide intermolecular distances. STO-3G electrostatic potential (ESP) charges were used to represent the electrostatic interactions between the saccharide and its surrounding environment. To obtain charges for polysaccharides, a scheme was developed to piece together saccharide residues through 1 → 4 connections while still retaining a net neutral charge on the molecule as a whole. Free energy perturbation (FEP) simulations of D-glucose and D-mannose in water were performed to test the resulting force field. The FEP simulations demonstrate that AMBER overestimates intramolecular interaction energies, suggesting that further improvements are needed in this part of the force field. To test further the reliability of the parameters, a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of α-D-glucose in water was also performed. The MD simulation was able to produce structural and conformational results that are in accord with experimental evidence and previous theoretical results. Finally, a relaxed conformational map of β-maltose was assembled and it was found that the present force field is consistent with available theoretical and experimental results. © 1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Non-microsurgical breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy should aim at resulting in an aesthetic outcome that matches the patient's expectations and without interfering in the oncologic treatment. Whether the reconstruction is performed immediately or in a delayed fashion depends on various factors, which needs detailed attention. Autologous tissue, implants or both are used in the reconstruction. This article reviews the current concepts in these, with emphasis on non-microsurgical methods of using the autologous tissue for reconstruction. Breast conservation has become an accepted practice of treatment. Reconstruction in these situations as well as in an occasion when the surgery is done for failed breast conservation is discussed in detail. The article also reviews the various methods for nipple reconstruction available.
Expression of platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor and their correlation with cellular morphology in glial tumors

This study was undertaken to evaluate the role of two sets of growth factors, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), in the induction and maintenance of glial tumors and their phenotypic expression. Explants from eight malignant tumors, five benign tumors, and two nontumor glial cells were analyzed for levels of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of PDGFA, PDGFB, TGF-beta 1, and TGF-beta 2. Results were normalized to the mRNA expression of tubulin, a "housekeeping" gene present in glial cells. Of the 15 explants tested, PDGFB was seen in six, all of which were malignant tumors; PDGFA was seen in all 15 with much higher levels expressed in malignant tumors; and TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 were seen in all 15 without a clear difference between cell types, although expression tended to be higher in malignant tumors. This project supports the theory that the induction and maintenance of glial tumors is likely to be a multifactorial phenomenon.
Shear and craze development in the fatigue of ductile amorphous polymers

The competitive interplay between shear and craze deformation in the fatigue of ductile amorphous polymers leads to the formation of intricate fatigue crack shapes and stable crack growth. The craze/shear dual deformation mode is expressed in a unique crack tip plastic zone, which has been observed in polycarbonate, polysulfone, a polyarylate block copolymer and a polyestercarbonate copolymer. The fatigue crack growth resistance in these polymers is high, and factors which affect the relative ease of shear flow and crazing are expected to affect their fatigue endurance.
Maximum Likelihood Methods for Time-Resolved Imaging Through Turbid Media

Recently technological advances now enable time-gated acquisitions of photons at very fast rates. This can allow one to separate scattered and unscattered photons in transillumination imaging. Time-resolved transillumination (TRT) imaging opens the door to an new type of imaging through turbid (scattering) media such as soft tissue and fog/smoke, and exciting potential applications in bioimaging and surveillance. This paper proposes a novel maximum likelihood based approach to TRT image reconstruction.
Local level complexities in governance of climate change mitigation practices and adaptation measures in U. S. cities.

While global negotiations regarding climate change between nations are underway around the world, locally scaled policies and measures for climate protection and resilience are drafted and implemented by municipalities across the globe. These political units, with their small contributions to the much larger issue at hand are unable to fully receive adequate gains of their policies for their local stakeholders, as theory states that local level administrators would find it difficult to reduce emissions for the benefit of the global citizenry. In other words, municipalities are concerned with the provision of locallybased public goods and services. For climate policies however, they are locally producing a global public good. On the other hand, local level leaders have an advantage as they control many of the factors related to emissions, such as land use decisions, residential and commercial regulations, transit options and solid waste disposal. This is perhaps fitting due to the nature of the place-based vulnerability where impacts are experienced in the forms of inundation, heat waves, bushfires or rising sea levels. Additionally, due to their structure, it is comparatively easier to implementing such policies successfully than many international policy makers who have struggled with such goals or milestones due to added complications. This essay will explore the rudimentary complexities at the city level and observe the paradox of participation and engagement in sustainable addressing global climate change. Original Research Article British Journal of Environment & Climate Change, 4(1): 5-26, 2014 6
Research Note: Simultaneous Histochemical Determination of Three Fiber Types in Single Sections of Broiler Skeletal Muscles

A staining procedure used for simultaneously determining three different fiber types in single sections of bovine, porcine, or ovine skeletal muscle was modified for use with broiler skeletal muscle. The modification involved acid-preincubation of muscle sections at a pH of 4.15 followed by staining for reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) tetrazolium reductase enzyme and for acid-stable myosin-adenosine triphosphatase enzyme activity, respectively. Four broiler muscles were selected for fiber-type determination of fast (alpha), slow (beta), red, aerobic (R), or white, anaerobic (W) properties. The anterior latissimus dorsi muscle was composed almost entirely of beta-R fibers while the pectoralis superficialis muscle was composed almost entirely of alpha-W fibers. The sartorius and posterior latissimus dorsi muscles were much more heterogeneous in fiber-type distribution, exhibiting all three types of fibers (alpha-W, alpha-R, and beta-R).
Child Advocacy vs. Appropriate Treatment

Abstract During the past ten years, the Juvenile Court System has undergone a major evolution. The concept of parens patriae in which the court has singular benevolent authority has evolved toward an advisary process similar in concept and form to adult court proceedings. Children have acquired many rights and protections under the law. However, practical problems arise which at times, work against a child's chances of receiving the most appropriate treatment, because judges, probation officers, defense attorneys, prosecutors, psychologists and psychiatrists are often unable to work as a team toward common goals. In cities, children and adolescents under 18 years old account for nearly half of all felony arrests. It was estimated in 1974 that over 500,000 juvenile were on formal or informal probation and nearly 30,000 children and adolescents were in custody in state run institutions (Uniform Crime Reports, 1975). Rehabilitation, treatment and the prevention of recidivism are prominent concerns among thos...
Aquarius advertising revisited: a case becomes an experience

This experiential exercise is based on a traditional organization theory case related to structural contingency theory. The exercise provides a means by which students can play the role of advertising agency professionals and their clients. The objectives of the exercise are to demonstrate structural contingency theory; to illustrate the relationship between contextual factors in an organization's environment and its internal organization design; to demonstrate the effects of structural deficiency on communication and project completion in a creative organization; and to demonstrate the need for horizontal linkages for effective project completion. The exercise is appropriate for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Electoral Institutions and Ethnic Group Politics in Austria, 1867–1914

This article tests ethnic exceptionalist and non-exceptionalist theories of political behavior by analyzing parliamentary elections in the Western half of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Austria's gradual implementation of universal manhood suffrage before World War I provides an excellent opportunity to assess the effects of ethnic divisions in a democratizing country. Examining the interaction between political institutions and ethnic divisions affirms that voters’ choices and the resulting party system were no more likely to reflect ethnic than other societal cleavages.
Electron contamination in 8 and 18 MV photon beams.

The contribution from contaminant electrons in the buildup region of a photonbeam must be separated when calculating the dose using a photon convolution kernel. Their contribution can be extrapolated from fractional depth dose (FDD) data using the fractional depth kerma (or the “equilibrium dose”) derived from measured quantities such as beam attenuation with depth, phantom scatter factor as a function of field size and depth, and inverse-square law for the incident photonbeam. Good agreement is observed between the extrapolated and the EGS4 Monte Carlo simulated, primary dose-to-kerma ratios in the surface region for the photonbeams, excluding electron contamination. The FDD was measured using a Scanditronix photon diode and was normalized to a reference depth far beyond maximum range of contaminant electrons. An analysis for the 8 and 18 MV photonbeams from a Varian 2100CD indicates that at a source-to-surface distance (SSD) of 100 cm, the maximum electron contaminant dose (relative to its maximum FDD) varies from 1% to 33% for 8 MV and 2% to 44% for 18 MV, for square collimator settings ranging from 5 to 40 cm (defined at 100 cm from the source). This value at a depth of maximum dose (2 cm for 8 MV and 3.5 cm for 18 MV) can reach 1% for 8 MV and 2.3% for 18 MV. This contaminant electron dose is almost independent of SSD for 8 MV and starts to fall off for 18 MV at SSDs larger than 120 cm. Compared with the open beam, the contaminant electron dose increases when a solid tray is used, and the magnitude of increase increases with field size, reaching 19% and 16% for a 40×40 cm 2 field for 8 and 18 MV photons, respectively. The contaminant electron dose increases slightly for a blocked beam compared with an open beam of the same field size if a tray is used in both cases. The contaminant electron dose for the wedged field is less than that for an open field. However, the reduction is less significant at larger collimator settings (c=20 cm ) and may increase slightly for 8 MV photons.
Aerosolized granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) therapy in metastatic cancer.

A recent phase I study of aerosolized granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in patients with malignant metastases to the lungs demonstrated excellent tolerance and possible efficacy. This therapy was offered to other patients who refused “standard” treatment or when no effective
The Hydrography of Barnstable Harbor, Massachusetts1

Barnstable Harbor, on the north shore of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, originated from the growth of an offshore barrier bar across an indentation of the coastline. In common with many other East Coast tidal embayments of similar origin it has : 1) low runoff, carried by :I few small streams, which togcthcr with direct rainfall and groundwater seepage provides a total frcshwat,cr acquisition that is small compared to the tidal prism volume; 2) essentially marinc internal aquatic environments; and 3) extcnsivc salt marshes drained by tidal creek sgstcms. The hydrography of the harbor is largely determined by the internal arrangcment of its shoals and channels. The shoals and channels act as dams and weirs, distorting the tides lmtil they approximate those found in typical river estuaries. The tidal distort,ion results in a time asymmetry of the maximum currents which in turn produces a net rip-harbor t,ransporl, of sediments, despite the fact that t.he ebb currents are of the greatel velocity. The hydrography of the harbor in spring, summer, and fall is described. Parameters discus& include salinity, temperature, transparency, water masses, tidal currents, xedimcnt anal~yscs, the salinity relations of intertidal flats, and some aspects of the annual
TU‐C‐224A‐10: A Novel Neighborhood for Local Search and Simulated Annealing Methods in Beam Orientation Optimization in IMRT

Purpose: To select quality coplanar solutions to the beam orientation optimization (BOO) problem in intensity‐modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)treatment planning, and to demonstrate that high‐quality treatment plans can be obtained using fewer beams than typically used in equi‐spaced plans. Method and Materials: We consider the problem of obtaining quality 3‐ and 4‐beam coplanar radiation treatment plans. Two methods to obtaining these solutions are tested: the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm, which provides a global approach to the problem, and the Add/Drop heuristic, which provides a locally optimal solution. In the algorithms, a novel neighborhood is considered wherein a beam's neighborhood consists of a number of beams adjacent to the current beam plus a number of beams adjacent to the parallel‐opposed beam, which we call the “flip neighborhood”. For the SA algorithm, several methods of obtaining neighboring solutions and different cooling schedules are considered. The algorithms were tested on six head‐and‐neck cases using coplanar beams on a 5° grid. The resulting treatment plans were compared to the 5‐ and 7‐beam equi‐spaced plans typically used in practice. Results: While the 3‐beam treatment plans were poor in quality, the 4‐beam treatment plans obtained using both the SA method and the Add/Drop heuristic had comparable or improved quality to the 5‐ and 7‐beam equi‐spaced plans typically used in head‐and‐neck treatment.Conclusion: For head‐and‐neck cases, quality plans with fewer beams than standard 5–7 beam treatment plans can be obtained if BOO is applied. We also show that although the flip neighborhood increases run time for the Add/Drop heuristic (the run‐time of the simulated annealing algorithm is unchanged), it improves the FMO value for both the simulated annealing algorithm and the Add/Drop heuristic. This work supported in part by NSF DMI‐0457394 and the NSF Alliances for Graduation Education and the Professoriate and Graduate Research Fellowship programs.
Chemical states of the molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) surface

The analysis of the oxidation of MoSi2 at room temperature was carried out using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A clean surface of MoSi2 was obtained by sputter-etching the bulk material inside the spectrometer, and the chemical states of the surface were examined with both high and low take-off angles for the conditions of as-etched and exposed to the air for different times. The commercially pure MoSi2 powder was also investigated in the as-received condition. The analysis indicated that the exposure of a clean molybdenum disilicide to the air for just a few minutes led to the formation of SiO2 and MoO2, and this oxidation would persist at least for more than 24 h with the final surface of MoSi2 being covered by a duplex oxide layer of SiO2 + MoO3.
A Surge of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Accompanies the Estradiol-Induced Gonadotropin Surge in the Rhesus Monkey*

In several species, the ovulatory LH surge is preceded by a surge of GnRH. Although a role for estradiol in the initiation of the LH surge is well established in the primate, several observations in the rhesus monkey have questioned whether such an estradiol-induced neurosecretory event takes place. We report on GnRH measurements in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples obtained from the third ventricle of intact and ovariectomized (OVX) conscious rhesus monkeys during control periods and throughout the estradiol-induced positive feedback phase. In the first experiment, we measured control GnRH concentrations in CSF collected at 15-min intervals uninterruptedly for a period of 1-5 days in tethered OVX monkeys (n = 4) in their cages without steroid priming. As had been demonstrated previously with the same method in restrained animals, CSF from the third ventricle contained detectable amounts of GnRH. Spontaneous GnRH secretion was pulsatile; overall mean pulse interval was 67.4 (+/- 2.2 SE) min for a total of 177 GnRH pulses. During 2 periods (8 and 6 h) when simultaneous blood and CSF samples were obtained, 14 out of 15 GnRH pulses were accompanied by an LH pulse. To evaluate the effects of an estrogen challenge on GnRH secretion, estradiol benzoate (E2B; 330 micrograms) was given to 4 intact (5 experiments) and to 2 OVX monkeys. CSF collection was initiated 8-24 h before E2B injection and continued for 72-84 h thereafter. E2B administration resulted in a surge of LH and of GnRH in all but one experiment. The mean time of onset of the GnRH surge was 22.0 (+/- 4.0) h after E2B, whereas that of the LH surge was 24.7 (+/- 3.4) h. In contrast to LH, which declined after a peak at 35.2 +/- 3.9 h, the increase in GnRH secretion persisted throughout most of the observation period. The magnitude of the GnRH response differed in the 2 groups; in the intact animals, mean peak GnRH concentration increased 8.9-fold but only 3.8-fold in the OVX monkeys. A similar GnRH surge was observed in 1 OVX monkey, receiving an iv infusion of E2, which produced more physiological concentrations of E2. In this animal, an initial suppression of GnRH concentration in the 24-48 h period after E2 (GnRH control, 14.6 +/- 1.9; post-E2, 4.0 +/- 0.5 pg/ml) preceded the initiation of the GnRH surge which occurred at 54 h after E2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Novel processes to reinforce the piezoelectric actuator interface with carbon nanotubes

A study was performed to develop a novel technique to enhance the bond strength between a piezoelectric (PZT) actuator and a hosting structure. The bond interface has been considered to be a critical linkage between the structure and the surface-mounted actuators. The loss of interface integrity can have a detrimental effect on the performance of the PZT actuators. The key feature of the proposed technique is to embed a high-density array of oriented carbon nanotubes (CNTs film) into the adhesive layer between the structure and the actuators to enhance the interfacial strength. This presentation focuses primarily on the two fabrication techniques that were developed during the investigation: one is to grow the CNTs directly on the PZT surface at elevated temperatures and the other is to grow the CNTs film on a substrate and then transfer it into the bonding layer at significantly lower temperatures. The latter method is a cost-effective and easy technique which has the potential to be used for structural (as the one proposed here) and for high-performance electronic applications. Through a microscopic examination of the adhesive, it was found that CNTs were uniformly dispersed and aligned into the bonding adhesive. Mechanical tests were performed to investigate the shear strength of the adhesive layer with the embedded CNTs film. Preliminary results show that an increase of the bondline strength up to nearly 300% could be achieved. However a wide data dispersion was also observed and might be attributable to the ratio between the length of the CNTs and the actual PZT-structure gap [1].
Structure, vibrational frequencies, ionization energies, and photoelectron spectrum of the para-benzyne radical anion

Equilibrium structure, vibrational frequencies, and ionization energies of the para-benzyne radical anion are characterized by coupled-cluster and equation-of-motion methods. Vibronic interactions with the low-lying excited state result in a flat potential energy surface along the coupling mode and even in a lower-symmetry C2v structures. Additional complications arise due to Hartree–Fock instabilities and near-instabilities. The magnitude of vibronic interactions was characterized by geometrical parameters, charge localization patterns and energy differences between the D2h and C2v structures. The observed trends suggest that the C2v minimum predicted by several theoretical methods is an artifact of incomplete correlation treatment. The comparison between the calculated and experimental spectrum confirmed D2h structure of the anion, as well as accuracy of the coupled-cluster and spin-flip structures, frequencies and normal modes of the anion and the diradical. Density functional calculations (B3LYP) yielded only a D2h minimum, however, the quality of the structure and vibrational frequencies is poor, as follows from the comparison to high-level wave function calculations and the calculated spectrum. The analysis of charge localization patterns and the performance of different functionals revealed that B3LYP underestimates the magnitude of vibronic interactions due to self-interaction error.
Machine Learning for Video-Based Rendering

We present techniques for rendering and animation of realistic scenes by analyzing and training on short video sequences. This work extends the new paradigm for computer animation, video textures, which uses recorded video to generate novel animations by replaying the video samples in a new order. Here we concentrate on video sprites, which are a special type of video texture. In video sprites, instead of storing whole images, the object of interest is separated from the background and the video samples are stored as a sequence of alpha-matted sprites with associated velocity information. They can be rendered anywhere on the screen to create a novel animation of the object. We present methods to create such animations by finding a sequence of sprite samples that is both visually smooth and follows a desired path. To estimate visual smoothness, we train a linear classifier to estimate visual similarity between video samples. If the motion path is known in advance, we use beam search to find a good sample sequence. We can specify the motion interactively by precomputing the sequence cost function using Q-learning.
Banded-matrix high-performance algorithm and architecture.

A new time- and space-integrating optical linear algebra processor is described that achieves high accuracy and high-computational rates. Attention is given to the use of this system in solving banded linear algebraic equations. This new architecture readily allows partitioning and the use of nonbinary encoding. A new LU decomposition algorithm is described that significantly simplifies the required processor. A new method for handling bipolar data is also used.
Experimental investigation of an ion-drag pump-assisted capillary loop

An ion-drag pump was constructed and calibrated to determine the available pumping pressure as a function of input voltage for various working fluids. The experimental results were then compared with an analytical model and found to predict the ion-drag pump performance to within ±15%. Using this information, an analytical model capable of predicting the performance enhancement of an ion-drag pump-assisted capillary loop was also developed and compared with the values obtained from experimental tests conducted on a thermal test loop. Although the analytical model slightly overpredicted the performance enhancement resulting from the ion-drag pump, the predicted trends were similar to those obtained from the experimental program. These trends included decreased thermal test loop performance with increased evaporator/condenser elevation difference, increased performance (due to increased operating temperature), and an increase in performance ranging from 20 to 100%, due to the addition of a two-stage ion-drag pump. The performance enhancement of the thermal test loop was verified at various operating temperatures and evaporator/condenser elevation differences. Nomenclature d = diameter g = gravitational acceleration h = evaporator/condenser height difference / = current L = length Me = merit number P — pressure Q = heat transport capacity r = radius V = voltage 8 = emitter/collector electrode spacing e = dielectric constant 77 = efficiency @ = wetting angle A = latent heat jit = viscosity v = volumetric flow rate p = density a = surface tension (/> = angle of inclination Subscripts c = capillary EHD = electrohydrody namic g = gravitational / = liquid v = vapor 0 = charge
A free-drifting measurement of mid-water mixing by an acoustic current meter array in NATRE

A five meter tall array of acoustic travel-time current meters, was deployed in the North Atlantic Tracer Release Experiment in May, 1992, to measure shear and internal wave mixing. Preliminary results from a four day test deployment at the start of the experiment show shear of 2 cm/s over the 5 meter length of the array with much variability. >
Radiographic Secondary Caries Prevalence in Teeth with Clinically Defective Restorations

Decisions to replace existing restorations are often based on clinical findings of margin discrepancies and other restoration defects. Previous studies have suggested that such findings do not correlate well with the actual presence of secondary caries, and that treatment should be deferred until caries is clinically or radiographically evident. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency with which clinically defective restorations are associated with radiographic secondary caries. As part of a study to assess the efficacy of guidelines for the ordering of dental radiographs, 6285 restored teeth in 490 subjects were examined clinically and radiographically by three calibrated investigators. Specific criteria were used to determine whether restorations were intact or defective. Of the total, 822 teeth (13%) were judged to have clinically defective restorations. Of these, 113 teeth (14%) had radiographic secondary caries. Of the 5463 teeth with intact restorations, 5% had radiographic secondary caries. We found that the likelihood of radiographic secondary caries was nearly three-fold higher for defective restorations than for intact restorations. The large percentage (86%) of defective restorations with no radiographic secondary caries suggests, however, that replacement of all defective restorations due to risk of secondary caries may constitute overtreatment. The use of defective restoration status and presence of radiographic secondary caries as a combined criterion for replacement may potentially reduce such overtreatment. The prevalence of secondary caries under defective restorations should be determined clinically so that the usefulness of combining the criteria of defective restoration with those of radiographic secondary caries can be evaluated.
Analyzing Production Data From Tight Oil Wells

Performance prediction of wells producing from tight (microdarcy) formations is a daunting task. Complexities of geology (the presence/absence of naturally occurring fractures and contribution from different lithological layers), completion and fracture geometry complexities (multiple transverse or longitudinal fractures in long horizontal boreholes), and two-phase flow are impediments to simple performance forecasting. We demonstrate the use of various analytical and numerical tools to learn about both short- and long-term reservoir behaviours. These tools include (a) traditional decline-curve analysis (Arps 1945), (b) Valko's stretched-exponential (SE) method (Valko 2009), (c) the Ilk et al. (2008, 2010) power-law exponential (PLE) method, (d) rate-transient-analysis (RTA) and transient-productivity index (PI) analyses to ascertain the stimulated-reservoir volume (SRV), and (e) numerical-simulation studies to gain insights into observed flow regimes. The benefits of collective use of analytical modelling tools in history matching and forecasting both short- and long-term production performance of tight oil reservoirs are demonstrated with the use of real and simulated data. Diagnosing natural fractures, quantifying stimulated-reservoir volume, and assessing reliability of future performance predictions all became feasible by using an ensemble of analytical tools.
Integrated magnetics for current-doubler rectifiers

This paper presents a new integrated magnetic structure for current-doubler rectifiers (CDR). Compared to previously published structures, the proposed design allows the equivalent filtering inductance to be increased with significantly less increase in total winding conduction loss. The increased inductance leads to reduced current and voltage ripple, thereby reducing the size of capacitors required for output filtering. The lower current and flux ripple also helps to reduce the conduction loss and the magnetic core loss. As the result, the overall converter efficiency can be improved, especially under light load when the losses due to ripple current and ripple flux are more significant. Analysis of the proposed structure is presented in the paper, along with an equivalent circuit model suitable for steady-state and dynamic response analyses. Detailed design procedures are also provided by using a half-bridge converter as example. Experimental results from two 100-W, 3.3-V output half-bridge converters are presented to validate the concept and the analyses.
A numerical study of sedimentation by dripping instabilities in viscous fluids

Abstract A common instability in metallurgy and geophysics is the dripping of negatively-buoyant, solid–liquid mixtures. We conducted a numerical study of the finite amplitude evolution of multiphase Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities. For systems with a density-weighted average viscosity of less than 0.2, two time scales of sedimentation were observed. Initially, plumes form and merge, and solids disperse throughout the cavity. Final clarification of the carrier phase by hindered Stoke's settling then occurs. The ratio of the time to clear the mixture to the time for near-uniform dispersal of the solids can be two or three orders of magnitude. Roof sedimentation in more viscous liquids demonstrates a complex time dependence. The solid volume fraction distribution becomes non-topological with features of both viscous and inertially dominated conditions at a given time step. Cyclic sedimentation occurs as the potential energy associated with the initially unstable layer does not decay in a temporally uniform manner.
Causative errors with unaccusative verbs in L2 Spanish

Unaccusative verbs do not form a homogeneous class with respect to the syntactic constructions in which they may appear. Change of state unaccusatives alternate in transitivity (romper ‘break’), ot...
Reactions of alkoxy radicals with O2. III. i‐C4H9O radicals

i-C4H9ONO was photolyzed with 366-nm radiation at −8, 23, 55, 88, and 120°C in a static system in the presence of NO, O2, and N2. The quantum yield of i-C3H7CHO, Φ{i-C3H7CHO}, was measured as a function of reaction of reaction conditions. The primary photochemical act is and it proceeds with a quantum yield ϕ1 = 0.24 ± 0.02 independent of temperature. The i-C4H9O radicals can react with NO by two routes The i-C4H9O radical can decompose via or react with O2 via Values of k4/k2 ≃ k4b/k2 were determined to be (2.8 ± 0.6) × 1014, (1.7 ± 0.2) × 1015, and (3.5 ± 1.3) × 1015 molec/cm3 at 23 55, and 88°C, respectively, at 150-torr total pressure of N2. Values of k6/k2 were determined from −8 to 120°C. They fit the Arrhenius expression: For k2 ≃ 4.4 × 1011 cm3/s, k6 becomes (3.2 ± 2.0) × 10−13 exp{−(836 ± 159)/T} cm3/s. The reaction scheme also provides k4b/k6 = 3.59 × 1018 and 5.17 × 1018 molec/cm3 at 55 and 88°C, respectively, and k8b/k8 = 0.66 ± 0.12 independent of temperature, where
Tradeoffs in carbon commodification: A political ecology of common property forest governance

Abstract Carbon markets have gained traction worldwide as an ostensibly win–win solution to climate change, providing low-cost emission reductions in the Global North and sustainable development in the Global South. However, sustainable development and livelihood co-benefits have largely failed to materialize in a range of carbon offset projects, particularly those in forest communities. While some scholars explain this failure as an outcome of fundamental tradeoffs between market efficiency and sustainable development, others argue that institutions of common property land tenure can resolve tradeoffs and generate important co-benefits for local communities. Using a political ecology approach, integrating insights of Karl Polanyi and Noel Castree on the commodification of nature and evidence from a carbon forestry project in Chiapas, Mexico, this article grapples with the ways in which carbon market requirements shape forest governance within common property tenure arrangements. I argue that the centralization of forest governance and decision making into the hands of project implementers and brokers, the necessity for legible land rights and boundaries, and the technical requirements for measurement, calculation, and monitoring of carbon have reshaped forest governance in ways that have undermined the social and ecological benefits often associated with common property management schemes. This research therefore demonstrates that so-called tradeoffs between market efficiency and equitable sustainable development goals may not be inherent to carbon forestry and calls into question the reliance on disembedding market mechanisms for climate change mitigation in forest ecosystems. As such, this work has important implications for REDD+.
Plaque-Associated Local Toxicity Increases over the Clinical Course of Alzheimer Disease

Amyloid (senile) plaques, one of the two pathologic hallmarks of Alzheimer disease (AD), are associated with dystrophic neurites and glial responses, both astrocytic and microglial. Although plaque burden remains relatively stable through the clinical course of AD, whether these features of local plaque toxicity continue to worsen over the course of the disease is unclear. We performed an unbiased plaque-centered quantification of SMI312 + dystrophic neurites, GFAP + reactive astrocytes, and IBA1 + and CD68 + activated microglia in randomly selected dense-core (Thioflavin-S + ) plaques from the temporal neocortex of 40 AD subjects with a symptom duration ranging from 4 to 20 years, and nine nondemented control subjects with dense-core plaques. Dystrophic neurites (Kendall τ = 0.34, P = 0.001), reactive astrocytes (Kendall τ = 0.30, P = 0.003), and CD68 + (Kendall τ = 0.48, P P = 0.655), exhibited a significant positive correlation with symptom duration. When excluding control subjects, only the positive association between CD68 + microglia and symptom duration remained significant (Kendall τ = 0.39, P = 0.0003). The presence of the APOE e4 allele did not affect these results. We conclude that plaques exert an increasing toxicity in the surrounding neuropil over the clinical course of AD, thereby potentially contributing to cognitive decline.
Mechanistic Explanation of the pH Dependence and Onset Potentials for Hydrocarbon Products from Electrochemical Reduction of CO on Cu (111)

Energy and environmental concerns demand development of more efficient and selective electrodes for electrochemical reduction of CO2 to form fuels and chemicals. Since Cu is the only pure metal exhibiting reduction to form hydrocarbon chemicals, we focus here on the Cu (111) electrode. We present a methodology for density functional theory calculations to obtain accurate onset electrochemical potentials with explicit constant electrochemical potential and pH effects using implicit solvation. We predict the atomistic mechanisms underlying electrochemical reduction of CO, finding that (1) at acidic pH, the C1 pathway proceeds through COH to CHOH to form CH4 while C2 (C3) pathways are kinetically blocked; (2) at neutral pH, the C1 and C2 (C3) pathways share the COH common intermediate, where the branch to C-C coupling is realized by a novel CO-COH pathway; and (3) at high pH, early C-C coupling through adsorbed CO dimerization dominates, suppressing the C1 pathways by kinetics, thereby boosting selectivity for multi-carbon products.
Vascular Complications After Total Knee Arthroplasty-A Single Institutional Experience.

Abstract Background Vascular complications during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are uncommon but potentially devastating. We evaluated cases of vascular complication during TKA in our high-volume, community hospital system. Methods Patients were identified by cross-referencing billing codes for TKA with diagnosis codes for vascular complication during the same hospital stay between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2014. Clinical and radiographic data, time to diagnosis, intervention, and outcomes were collected. Results We identified 13 vascular complications in 9951 TKAs (0.13%). Average age was 66.2 years (95% CI: 5.55; range: 54.1-87.9), 12 (92.3%) were female, average body mass index was 32.3 (5.17; 20-50), and average Charlson Comorbidity Index was 4.08 (1.03; 2-7). Black females (relative risk = 18.33, 95% CI: 6.20-54.22) were at particularly high risk. Preoperatively, 6 knees exhibited varus coronal malalignment and 2 valgus malalignment (only 1 >15°). None had flexion contracture >10°. Four knees exhibited vascular calcifications on preoperative radiographs. Twelve were diagnosed and treated the same day as index TKA and 1 on postoperative day 2. All underwent interventions: 9 stents, 2 endarterectomies, 1 thrombectomy, and 1 bypass. One patient sustained a peroneal nerve injury; 3 had persistent stiffness postoperatively that improved after manipulation. There were no revision surgeries, further vascular intervention, compartment syndrome, periprosthetic joint infection, amputation, or mortality. Conclusion Incidence of vascular complications at our community-based hospital system is in line with previous reports. Black race and female gender were significant risk factors. Although outcomes were remarkable for a high rate of stiffness and one peroneal neuropathy, the devastating complications of amputation, compartment syndrome, periprosthetic joint infection, or early mortality were not observed.
He@Mo6Cl8F6: A Stable Complex of Helium

The electronic structure and chemical stability of the endo helium cluster, He@Mo6Cl8F6, were investigated carefully by using density function theory. The results show that the cluster is significantly different from typical van der Waals systems: the bond distance between helium and molybdenum is only about 1.89 A. Moreover, the bonding analysis clearly reveals considerable charge and bond order on the helium atom and bond order for He−Mo. The dissociation of He@Mo6Cl8F6 to He + Mo6Cl8F6 is prohibited by a barrier of 0.86 eV (19.8 kcal/mol), indicating that the cluster is chemically stable. However, no covalent He−Mo bonding was found so it is an analogue of He@adam. Comparison was also made with the isoelectronic system of [Mo6Cl8F6]2−.