cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Construction and utilization of multiple combs in Polistes canadensis in relation to the biology of a predaceous moth

1. Colonies of Polistes canadensis canadensis (L.) in the lower Amazon region of Brazil are founded by 2–29 females (average: 9.1). Subsequent combs are added around the first at a rate correlated with number of foundresses and with the overall rate of new cell construction. Combs grow for an average of 15.4 days and achieve an average size of 30.8 cells. As older combs are abandoned, brood rearing moves into new combs. A large, mature but still growing colony had 838 cells distributed among 38 combs. 2. It is estimated that the cost to the average P. canadensis colony of constructing multiple combs is 12% of its nest construction budget, and that failure to reutilize cells for a second batch of brood may cost an additional 100%. 3. The most common pest of P. canadensis colonies is a tineid moth belonging to an undescribed genus. Its larvae, present in 56% of the colonies surveyed, primarily scavenge on meconia in the nest, but can burrow from cell to cell and on occasion prey on wasp pupae. 4. It is hypothesized that several peculiar behaviors exhibited by the wasp, including multiple comb building, are adaptations that reduce brood loss to these moths. Since a comb cannot be invaded by moths until a meconium is exposed by the production of the first adult, dividing the brood into many small isolated batches of short age range reduces the risk that a given pupa will be attacked by moth larvae. It also reduces the risk that brood will be lost due to the nest-weakening effects of moth infestation. Colonies infested by the moth did not use their combs to rear a second batch of brood, while uninfested colonies did. This may be an adaptation to counter the much greater risk to the second batch of brood of loss to moth infestation. Chewing down cell walls and the removal of whole combs by a colony may also be directed toward reducing the impact of the moths on colony success.
Long-term phosphorus removal in the Everglades stormwater treatment areas of South Florida in the United States

Abstract Annual phosphorus (P) removal in the six Everglades stormwater treatment areas (STAs) was examined during the period of record water years 1995–2011. The STAs have received approximately 13.6 billion m 3 of stormwater inflow containing an annual total P (TP) concentration (flow-weighted mean) of 143 ± 62 μg P L −1 , with annual P loading rate (PLR) of 1.56 ± 0.91 g P m −2 year −1 and annual hydraulic loading rate (HLR) of 3.1 ± 1.36 cm day −1 , and retained 1500 metric tons of TP. The STAs produced discharges with an annual TP concentration of 41 ± 31 μg P L −1 and have annual load-based, TP retention of 76 ± 11%. Annual areal removal rate was 1.1 ± 0.5 g P m −2 year −1 , and annual k value (settling rate for TP removal) was 16.1 ± 7.4 m year −1 . Regression analysis indicates that outflow TP concentrations increased with increasing inflow TP concentrations ( R 2 = 0.705, p n = 59) and PLRs ( R 2 = 0.435, p n = 59). The k value increased with increasing HLRs ( R 2 = 0.663, p n = 59) and PLR ( R 2 = 0.289, p n = 59), and decreased with increasing inflow TP concentration ( R 2 = 0.105, p n = 59). STA performance, in terms of outflow TP concentration and/or k value, depended on three primary variables: HLR, inflow TP concentration, and PLR. To improve and sustain P removal in the STAs, it is operationally necessary to maintain these important variables at optimal ranges. Additional data on internal P removal mechanisms, such as P flux and microorganism activities, along the flow-ways should be collected to further understand the controlling variables and processes in the STAs. Challenges for STA management and operation were also discussed.
Layer and tunnel structures in new molybdenophosphates: Cs2Mo4P6O26 and M4Mo8P12O52 (M = Cs, Rb, K, Tl)

Crystals of Cs/sub 2/Mo/sub 4/P/sub 6/O/sub 26/ and Cs/sub 4/Mo/sub 8/P/sub 12/O/sub 52/ were both discovered in the same reaction product obtained from heating a stoichiometric mixture of Cs/sub 2/MoO/sub 4/, MoO/sub 3/, MoO/sub 2/, and P/sub 2/O/sub 5/ in an evacuated quartz tube at 800/sup 0/C. For Cs/sub 2/Mo/sub 4/P/sub 6/O/sub 26/, monoclinic, P2/c, a = 7.479(3), b = 8.461(5), c = 9.018(2) A, ..beta.. = 101.99(3)/sup 0/, V = 558.2(7) A/sup 3/, Z = 1, and R = 0.045, R/sub w/ = 0.045, R/sub w/ = 0.053 for 936 independent reflections. For Cs/sub 4/Mo/sub 8/P/sub 12/O/sub 52/, monoclinic, P2/sub 1/, a = 6.398(1), b = 19.497(6), c = 9.835(2) A, ..beta.. = 107.06(3)/sup 0/, V = 1173(1) A/sup 3/, Z = 1, and R = 0.046, R/sub w/ = 0.046, R/sub w/ = 0.058 for 1398 independent reflections. Cs/sub 2/Mo/sub 4/P/sub 6/O/sub 26/ consists of layers of molybdenum phosphorus oxide with the cesium atoms between the layers. Each layer is built up from corner-sharing MoO/sub 6/ octahedra, PO/sub 4/ tetrahedra, and pyrophosphate groups, P/sub 2/O/sub 7/. Cs/sub 4/Mo/sub 8/P/sub 12/O/sub 52/ is composed of the same building units arranged in a different way to give rise to tunnelsmore » where the cesium cations reside. The rubidium, potassium, and thallium analogs of Cs/sub 4/Mo/sub 8/P/sub 1//sup 2/O/sub 52/ were also prepared. The Cs/sub 2/Mo/sub 4/P/sub 6/O/sub 26/ structure is closely related to that of K/sub 4/Mo/sub 8/P/sub 12/O/sub 52/.« less
Atomic-Scale Friction Measurements Using Friction Force Microscopy: Part II—Application to Magnetic Media

Abstract : Atomic Force/Friction Force Microscopes (AFM/FFM) were used to study tribological properties of metal-particle tapes with two roughnesses, Co-gamma Fe2O3 tapes (unwiped and wiped), and unlubricated and lubricated thin-film magnetic rigid disks (as-polished and standard textured). Nanoindentation studies showed that the hardness of the tapes through the magnetic coating is not uniform. These results are consistent with the fact that the tape surface is a composite and is not homogeneous. Nanoscratch experiments performed on magnetic tapes using silicon nitride tips revealed that deformation and displacement of tape surface material occurred after one pass under light loads (approx. 100 nN). A comparison between friction force profiles and the corresponding surface roughness profiles of all samples tested shows a poor correlation between localized values of friction and surface roughness. Detailed studies of friction and surface profiles demonstrate an excellent correlation between localized variation of the slope of the surface roughness along the sliding direction and the localized variation of friction. Atomic-scale friction in magnetic media and natural diamond appears to be due to adhesive and ratchet (roughness) mechanisms. Directionality in the local variation of atomic-scale friction data was observed as the samples were scanned in either direction, resulting from the scanning direction and the anisotropy in the surface topography. Atomic-scale coefficient of friction is generally found to be smaller than the macro coefficient of friction as there may be less ploughing contribution in atomic-scale measurements.
Nonlinear band structure in Bose-Einstein condensates: Nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a Kronig-Penney potential

All Bloch states of the mean field of a Bose-Einstein condensate in the presence of a one-dimensional lattice are presented in closed analytic form. The band structure is investigated by analyzing the stationary states of the nonlinear Schr\"odinger, or Gross-Pitaevskii, equation for both repulsive and attractive condensates. The appearance of swallowtails in the bands is examined and interpreted in terms of the condensates superfluid properties. The nonlinear stability properties of the Bloch states are described and the stable regions of the bands and swallowtails are mapped out. We find that the Kronig-Penney potential has the same properties as a sinusoidal potential. Bose-Einstein condensates are trapped in sinusoidal optical lattices. The Kronig-Penney potential has the advantage of being analytically tractable, unlike the sinusoidal potential, and, therefore, serves as a good model for understanding experimental phenomena.
European rabbits as potential Least Tern nest predators.

Abstract After the complete destruction of a Sterna antillarum (Least Lern) nesting colony on Lovells Island in Boston Harbor in 2007, we set remote-sensing cameras over artificial tern nests in an effort to identify potential nest predators. In addition to Corvus brachyrhynchos (American Crows) and Rattus norvegicus (Brown Rats), Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbits) were photographed burying eggs and destroying artificial nests. These observations indicate that introduced European Rabbits on islands may have a direct impact on nesting terns.
System Level Combinatorial Testing in Practice -- The Concurrent Maintenance Case Study

Combinatorial test design (CTD) is an effective test design technique that reveals faults resulting from parameter interactions in a system. CTD requires a test space definition in the form of a set of parameters, their respective values, and restrictions on the value combinations. Though CTD is considered an industry best practice, there is only a small body of work on the practical application of CTD to industrial systems, and some key elements of the CTD application process are under-explored. Specifically, little consideration has been given to the process for identifying the parameters of the test space and their interrelations, how to validate the test space definition remains an open question, the application of CTD in reported work concentrates mostly on function or interface level testing and is hardly expanded to other levels of testing, and there is a significant lack of evaluation of the degree to which CTD helped improve the quality of the system under test. In this work, we analyze the continuous application of CTD in system test of two large industrial systems: IBM® POWER7® and IBM® System z®. For POWER7, CTD was used to design test cases for server concurrent maintenance. The application of CTD was in direct response to inconsistent reliability of those features on the prior POWER6® servers, and resulted in noteworthy quality improvements on POWER7. Success with POWER7 led to application of the methods to System z Enhanced Driver Maintenance testing, also featured in this work. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive analysis of CTD usage in system test of industrial products, and the first analysis of long term use of CTD. We describe the methodology that we followed to define the combinatorial test space, while answering some unique challenges rising from the use of CTD to design functional test cases at system level rather than at interface or function level. We also describe our methodology for evaluating the test space definition and continuously improving it over time. In addition, we describe advanced CTD features that we found helpful for achieving an effective yet affordable test plan. Finally, we quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the overall effectiveness of CTD usage, and show that it resulted in significantly improved server concurrent maintenance features.
Free-space optical interconnects and parallel accessed optical storage

Over the last decade, free-space optical interconnects have been investigated for their potential use for inter- and intra-chip communication. Among the unique characteristics of free-space interconnects are their 3D nature, lower power requirements and potential for higher connectivity and compactness. On the other hand, 3D assembly which can are emerging to package many electronic chips in a single 3D assembly which can provide single chip like performance. These 3D packaging techniques are especially useful when applications of interest require simultaneously algorithms with functions that do not fit in a few chips and a systems implementation with a small volume and weight. At UCSD, jointly with Hughes Research, we are investigating the potential impact of using free-space optical interconnects to communicate between several such 3D electronic modules. This approach relies on implementing long module to module communication by free-space optical interconnects conserving the benefits of 3D packaging of chips at the system level. This is derived by the good match that exists in the characteristics and capabilities of these electronic and optical 3D techniques in terms of I/O density, bandwidth, and small volume and power.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An enteric-coated pancreatic enzyme preparation that works.

A new enteric-coated pancreatic enzyme preparation (microspheres) was compared with traditional enzyme tablets in six subjects with severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The microspheres were found to be as effective as traditional enzyme supplements. In most patients in balance studies, the lowest fecal fat values were obtained with microsphere therapy in spite of a smaller amount of lipase administered (6015 vs 10,800–43,200 lipase units per meal). In contrast to enteric-coated tablets, microspheres can be recommended in the treatment of pancreatic steatorrhea.
Facile synthesis of a semicrystalline aromatic fluoroaliphatic poly (ether sulfone)

Poly(ether sulfone) [PhSO 2 CF 2 CF 2 CH 2 O] n was synthesized by polycondensation of the alcohol FPhSO 2 CF 2 CF 2 CH 2 OH or the siloxane FPhSO 2 CF 2 CF 2 CH 2 OSiMe 3
Biometric recognition of conjunctival vasculature using GLCM features

Besides the iris, conjunctival vasculature may also be used for ocular biometric recognition. Conjunctival vessel patterns can be easily observed in the visible spectrum and can compensate for off-angle or otherwise occluded iridial texture. In this paper, classification of conjunctival vasculature using Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) is studied. Statistical features of GLCM, i.e., contrast, correlation, energy and homogeneity, were used in conjunction with Fisher linear discriminant analysis and regularized neural network classifiers in order to recognize textures arising from conjunctival vessels. Match score level fusion of Fisher LDA and neural networks provided the best results, resulting in a test set equal error rate (EER) and area under receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC AUC) of 13.97% and 0.9333, respectively. These figures improved to 11.9% and 0.9504 after fusion of LDA and neural network match scores.
On being an editorial board member of the Journal of Applied Physiology: Privileges and responsibilities

recently, we announced in the Journal of Applied Physiology the Journal's updated Editorial Board (EB). The EB continues to provide a vital function serving the central mission of the Journal of Applied Physiology , which is to publish physiology research of the highest quality. We are indeed
Wildfire impacts on the processes that generate debris flows in burned watersheds

Every year, and in many countries worldwide, wildfires cause significant damage and economic losses due to both the direct effects of the fires and the subsequent accelerated runoff, erosion, and debris flow. Wildfires can have profound effects on the hydrologic response of watersheds by changing the infiltration characteristics and erodibility of the soil, which leads to decreased rainfall infiltration, significantly increased overland flow and runoff in channels, and movement of soil. Debris-flow activity is among the most destructive consequences of these changes, often causing extensive damage to human infrastructure. Data from the Mediterranean area and Western United States of America help identify the primary processes that result in debris flows in recently burned areas. Two primary processes for the initiation of fire-related debris flows have been so far identified: (1) runoff-dominated erosion by surface overland flow; and (2) infiltration-triggered failure and mobilization of a discrete landslide mass. The first process is frequently documented immediately post-fire and leads to the generation of debris flows through progressive bulking of storm runoff with sediment eroded from the hillslopes and channels. As sediment is incorporated into water, runoff can convert to debris flow. The conversion to debris flow may be observed at a position within a drainage network that appears to be controlled by threshold values of upslope contributing area and its gradient. At these locations, sufficient eroded material has been incorporated, relative to the volume of contributing surface runoff, to generate debris flows. Debris flows have also been generated from burned basins in response to increased runoff by water cascading over a steep, bedrock cliff, and incorporating material from readily erodible colluvium or channel bed. Post-fire debris flows have also been generated by infiltration-triggered landslide failures which then mobilize into debris flows. However, only 12% of documented cases exhibited this process. When they do occur, the landslide failures range in thickness from a few tens of centimeters to more than 6 m, and generally involve the soil and colluvium-mantled hillslopes. Surficial landslide failures in burned areas most frequently occur in response to prolonged periods of storm rainfall, or prolonged rainfall in combination with rapid snowmelt or rain-on-snow events.
Spectra and structure of organophosphorus compounds. LV. Microwave spectrum, structure, and ab initio calculations of ethylphosphonic difluoride☆

Abstract The microwave spectrum of ethylphosphonic difluoride, CH3CH2P(O)F2, has been recorded from 26.5 to 39.0 GHz. The R-branches of the a-type transitions have been assigned for both the trans and gauche conformers. For the gauche conformer, the b-type Q transitions of the ground and one vibrationally excited states have also been assigned. Utilizing 91 transitions for the gauche form and 14 transitions for the trans form, the rotational and first order distortional constants have been obtained. From relative intensity measurements, it is estimated that the enthalpy difference between the two conformers is less than 10 cm−1. Ab initio calculations have been carried out using the RHF 3-21 G ∗ , RHF 6-31 G ∗ and MP 2 6-31 G ∗ basis sets, from which structural parameters have been obtained. Utilizing the ab initio data, along with the six rotational constants, structural parameters have been determined by the diagnostic least-squares adjustment procedure. Additionally, from measurements of the frequency of the Stark effect, the dipole moment components of the gauche conformer have been determined. The experimental results are compared to those for some similar molecules.
Chemical Control of Clover Leaf Weevil Larvae

Larvae of the clover leaf weevil ( Hypera punctata (F.)) were n serious pest of legumes in Southwest Kentucky during the spring of 1956. The usually prevalent fungus disease of this insect did not give satisfactory control. Field tests in combination with laboratory studies indicated that the larvae were relatively difficult to kill within a short time with economically feasible dosages of various insecticides. However, aldrin, Chlorthion, endrin, heptachlor, lindane, and toxaphene, all applied as emulsions, caused a high per cent of moribund individuals. These moribund larvae did little feeding and most of them were not able to complete development. Such larvae were commonly found in open spaces away from the host plant, and their numbers were reduced, presumably by predators. Diazinon and methoxychlor emulsions apparently had little effect on the larvae. The treatment with malathion emulsion gave the highest mortality of larvae soon after application but more larvae survived in this treatment than in some of the other treatments when the insects were held in laboratory cultures for several weeks. Granulated formulations of aldrin and heptachlor were far inferior to emulsions of the same materials used at comparable levels.
Particle growth in high-speed particle beam inlets

Abstract Physical and chemical characterization of airborne particles is essential for determining their role in air pollution. Characterization instruments typically employ the use of sonic nozzles that transmit a wide range of particle sizes to a low-pressure region. The carrier gas generally undergoes expansion resulting in wide temperature and pressure variations, and as a result volatile species may condense or evaporate. This is undesirable since it may change the size and composition of the particles and lead to uncertainities in measurements, especially during surface chemical characterization. In this work we investigate the effect of heterogeneous condensation of volatile species on particles in the size range 0.1–10 μm, in such nozzles. From available experimental and theoretical data, we first conclude that the clusters formed due to homogeneous condensation are too small to influence characterization. From theoretical estimates, we then show that for atmospheric sampling, water vapor is the main cause of particle growth, and using numerical simulations, we illustrate particle growth in some commonly used nozzles and its dependence on the vapor concentration of volatile species in the carrier gas. We further investigate growth dependence on the surface accommodation coefficient of the particle. Finally, we illustrate the particle exit velocity characteristics and draw some useful conclusions about inlet design
Finding Your Island: To Return or Not to Return

Based upon multiple field visits to the same site in northwest Mindanao in the southern Philippines, the issue addressed here is how ethnographic data may differ, pro and con, as the researcher ages and changes over time. Issues of validity, reliability and even potential creativity of insights are touched upon as variables in long-term research to the same locale.
Thermophysical properties of liquid copper and aluminum

The electrical resistivity and equation of state of liquid copper and aluminum have been measured to temperatures of 4500 and 4000 K, respectively, using the isobaric expansion apparatus. The specific heats for the liquid are in good agreement with extrapolation of the 1973 Hultgren tables. The electrical resistivities are presented both with and without correction for thermal expansion. Both resistivity and thermal expansion results for aluminum are compared with the predictions of pseudopotential calculations. The specific volumes observed for both metals are less than those reported in the literature, apparently because of axial hydrodynamic displacement. In addition, sudden rapid acceleration in sample growth rate with a corresponding rapid rise in resistivity were observed.
Leveraging affiliations by marketing to and through associations

Abstract Associations offer a wide range of benefits to their members and thus offer a rich source for understanding relationship marketing practices. Yet, the marketing academic literature is devoid of any frameworks that help us understand the process of marketing to and through associations at the firm level. What are the appropriate dimension(s) of characterizing associations, and how might they be best classified? What are organizational factors that foster or hinder such characterizations, and, what are their consequences and implications? Based on literature review and field interviews with association executives and related exploratory research, we uncover “affinity strength,” or members' attachment to the association, as the key dimension distinguishing associations. We then test to determine antecedent factors (association systems characteristics) that foster or hinder affinity strength as well as its consequences and implications. The major study involved a survey of executives of a wide range of associations, selected from the Encyclopedia of Associations . Certain association systems characteristics do predict affinity strength. Also, affinity strength's relationship with some of the antecedents as well as consequential variables was shown to be stronger or weaker, contingent upon the type of association (i.e., Professional, Cause-based, Common Interest, or Demographic) being considered. Overall, however, attributes of associations (e.g., association systems and outcomes), rather than association types, were more critical in explaining several phenomena pertaining to marketing to and through associations.
Adrenal masses in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were 1) to report the characteristics and the clinical outcome of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients with adrenal masses in the FAP registry at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and 2) to estimate the prevalence of adrenal masses detected by computed tomography in FAP patients compared with that expected in a normal population. METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken of the FAP registry database at our institution. Only 738 patients treated at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation were included in the study. A metaanalysis was conducted to determine the relative risk of adrenal incidentaloma in this series of FAP patients and in a general population as reported in the four largest pertinent studies published in the past 15 years. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (11 females) were identified. Two patients had symptoms related to cortisol hypersecretion (arterial hypertension) and underwent surgery. The final pathology was adrenocortical carcinoma and bilateral nodular hyperplasia. Adrenal masses were found incidentally (incidentalomas) in 13 patients: 12 were detected by computed tomography and one during laparotomy for total abdominal colectomy. Only one patient underwent left adrenalectomy for a 5-cm mass. Pathologic report revealed adrenocortical adenoma. Among the 738 patients considered in this study, only 162 underwent abdominal computed tomographic scan, mainly for assessing intra-abdominal desmoid. The prevalence of incidentaloma in our series compared with that reported in the literature is significantly different (7.4vs.0.6–3.4 percent;P<0.001 (chi-squared test)). DISCUSSION: Although the presence of other extracolonic manifestations represents a selection bias for computed tomographic study in our series, the incidence of incidentalomas in FAP patients seems to be higher than in a general population. However, incidental detection of an adrenal mass in FAP patients has probably a limited clinical relevance, and the management should be the same as that for the normal population.
Effect of l-arginine cardioplegia on recovery of neonatal lamb hearts after 2 hours of cold ischemia

Background. Despite hypothermia and cardioplegia, myocardial ischemia followed by reperfusion results in both ventricular and endothelial dysfunction. The endothelial dysfunction is characterized by a reduced response to acetylcholine, which implies a reduced ability of the endothelium to release nitric oxide after hypothermic ischemia and reperfusion. We have previously demonstrated that infusion of the nitric oxide precursor l-arginine only during reperfusion after hypothermic ischemia significantly improves the recovery of ventricular function and results in an increased vasodilator response to the infusion of acetylcholine. In contrast, other investigators have found that nitric oxide has deleterious effects during postischemic reperfusion. Methods. In the current experiments we have further examined the role of endothelial production of nitric oxide by adding 10 mmol/L l-arginine to cardioplegia in isolated, blood-perfused neonatal lamb hearts having 2 hours of cold cardioplegic ischemia. In another group 10 mmol/L d-arginine, an inactive enantiomer of l-arginine, was added to the cardioplegia. Controls received only cardioplegia (dextrose-potassium). Results. At 30 minutes of reperfusion, the l-arginine group showed a significantly improved recovery in left ventricular systolic function (maximum developed pressure, developed pressure at a constant balloon volume [V10] resulting in an end-diastolic pressure of 10 mm Hg before ischemia, positive maximum dP/dt, and dP/dt at V10), diastolic function (negative maximum dP/dt and end-diastolic pressure at V10), coronary blood flow, endothelial function (assessed by the coronary vascular resistance response to acetylcholine), and myocardial oxygen consumption compared with the control group ( p Conclusions. These results suggest that provision of more substrate for the endothelial production of nitric oxide during ischemia has an important salutary effect on the recovery of postischemic myocardial and endothelial function and provide further evidence for an important role for the endothelial production of nitric oxide in the response to hypothermic ischemia and reperfusion in the neonatal lamb heart.
The impact of excitation frequency on the nuclear modulation of electron spin echoes: 14N hyperfine and quadrupole interactions of DPPH in disordered solids

Abstract Electron spin-echo envelope modulations of DPPH in glassy and polycrystalline solids at 100 K have been measured at 4.6 and 9.1 GHz electron spin excitation frequencies. 14 N hyperfine and quadrupole coupling parameters have been evaluated through comparison of the experimental data waveforms and the corresponding spectra with simulated modulation patterns and associated frequency histograms. Because of the strong excitation frequency dependence of ESEEM, agreement between the observed and the simulated results at octave-separated excitation frequencies leads to a significant improvement in the accuracy of the derived couplings.
Selective thermal emission from a patterned metalized plastic

Abstract A high-throughput hot-embossing and metal-deposition fabrication process based on compact-disc manufacturing has been employed to produce Coupled Resonant Cavity (CRC) structures for directionally and spectrally selective thermal emission at infrared wavelengths. The CRC structures were fabricated by hot embossing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrates, over which a layer of aluminum (Al) was deposited to support surface plasmons. The thermal emission behavior of the structures was predicted by Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis (RCWA) of deposited metal profiles determined by the Blech model. It is shown that CRC structures which are initially under-imprinted may be brought to a resonant condition by increasing the metal deposition thickness, which is desirable for improving the thermal and mechanical properties of the structures. The primary source of deviation between the modeled and measured results was associated with surface curvature induced in the substrates during the fabrication process.
Insulated antenna with metamaterial coating operating in lossy medium

The problem of an insulated electric dipole antenna that has been coated with a layer of a double negative metamaterial operating in a lossy medium is considered. Theoretical predictions of its input impedance indicate that it may be possible to significantly improve the bandwidth of such an antenna with the proper selection of material parameters.
Synergistic action of amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine against yeast-like organisms.

SummaryThe efficacy of amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine used in combination against several different isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been investigated in vitro. In every case, the difference in killing between the drugs in combination and used alone was greater than tenfold. Against one of the six isolates the combination of drugs was fungicidal. The clinical implications of these findings regarding the synergistic activity of amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine are being evaluated.
Outcome Predictors of Limb Salvage in Traumatic Popliteal Artery Injury

Background Significantly reduced amputation rates for traumatic popliteal artery injuries have been achieved with improved revascularization and resuscitative techniques. Predictive scores have failed to accurately predict outcomes in patients who sustain popliteal artery damage. This study aimed to identify predictors of limb salvage in a civilian cohort after popliteal artery trauma. Methods A single-institution, retrospective review was performed of all patients with popliteal artery trauma presenting between January 2002 and June 2009. Data were compiled using the institutional trauma registry, with demographics, mechanism of injury, associated injury, fasciotomy, Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS), and Injury Severity Score (ISS) all documented. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and multiple exact logistic regression. Results Seventy traumatic popliteal artery injuries were identified in 68 patients with a mean age of 33 years (range: 5–88 years). The majority of patients were male (n = 57; 81%), and 73% sustained blunt injury. Associated venous injury was present in 16 (23%) cases. Associated orthopedic injuries included 19 (27%) dislocations and 49 (70%) fractures. The median MESS was 5 (range: 2–9) and the median ISS was 9 (range: 4–41). Revascularization was performed in 62 cases (89%). Twenty-three percent of patients had compartment syndrome and 56% underwent fasciotomy. Fifteen (21%) patients required amputation, 11% of which were primary and 10% secondary. Variables associated with amputation included ISS >10 compared to ISS 7 (OR: 2.4; P 7 (P Conclusion Patients with traumatic popliteal artery injury are at high risk for amputation. Blunt injury, fractures, ISS >9, and MESS >7 were associated with an increased odds of amputation. Although in our data, MESS was the strongest predictor of amputation, we recognize that MESS was previously invalidated as a scoring system. New methods to determine limb viability in the mangled extremity are needed.
NMR solution structure of complement-like repeat CR3 from the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein. Evidence for specific binding to the receptor binding domain of human alpha(2)-macroglobulin.

Abstract We have used NMR methods to determine the structure of the calcium complex of complement-like repeat 3 (CR3) from the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) and to examine its specific interaction with the receptor binding domain of human α2-macroglobulin. CR3 is one of eight related repeats that constitute a major ligand binding region of LRP. The structure is very similar in overall fold to homologous complement-like repeat CR8 from LRP and complement-like repeats LB1, LB2, and LB5 from the low density lipoprotein receptor and contains a short two-strand antiparallel β-sheet, a one turn α-helix, and a high affinity calcium site with coordination from four carboxyls and two backbone carbonyls. The surface electrostatics and topography are, however, quite distinct from each of these other repeats. Two-dimensional1H,15N-heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectra provide evidence for a specific, though relatively weak (K d ∼ 140 μm), interaction between CR3 and human α2-macroglobulin receptor binding domain that involves a contiguous patch of surface residues in the central region of CR3. This specific interaction is consistent with a mode of LRP binding to ligands that uses contributions from more than one domain to generate a wide array of different binding sites, each with overall high affinity.
On good and bad arguments

at our disposal, and truth-tables tell us that (3) is a valid argument form of classical sentential calculus (CSC); hence, (2) is valid. Essentially the same procedure can be repeated for many other valid arguments; indeed, for all the valid arguments that can be so paraphrased as to fall under the scope of an extant (correct) logical system. No such procedure, however, is available to establish the invalidity of invalid arguments. Consider for example the argument
Recovery of fibroblast-like cells from refrigerated goat skin up to 41 d of animal death

Successful cloning of animals using somatic cell nuclear transfer requires undamaged nuclear DNA from desired donor cell types. In vitro culture of cells is one way of ensuring nuclear integrity. The goal of this study was to evaluate the limits of postmortem cell survival/culture in refrigerated goat ear skin tissues which could be used for long-term storage and cloning of animals in future. To achieve this, 60 explants from 6 different goats were cultured after 0, 3, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30, 33, 37, and 41 d postmortem and observed under inverted microscope for outgrowth of fibroblast-like cells, after 10–12 d of culture. Explants from all time points including 19% from 41-dpm tissues exhibited outgrowth. However, the percentage of outgrowth positive explants, as well as culture confluence, reduced with increasing postmortem time interval. Cell cultures established from primary outgrowth of 41-dpm tissues when compared for their growth profile with similarly obtained 0-dpm cultures revealed similar growth curve and cell morphology. Cytogenetic analysis of 41-dpm tissue-derived cell populations revealed a normal female karyotype with 60 XX homologous chromosomes indicating genetic stability of the cell population. In conclusion, these results show that refrigerated skin tissue remains alive for more than a month and that the cells derived from such tissues are normal and can be cryopreserved for long-term storage and future cloning of animals with desired genetics.
Distribution of membrane glycoproteins among the organelles of a single identified neuronm of aplysia. II. isolation and characterization of a glycoprotein associated with vesicles

Abstract Glycoprotein-I (mol.wt. 180,000) is associated with a vesicle fraction from the cytoplasm of R2, the giant cholinergic neuron in the abdominal ganglion. Electron microscopy has shown that R2 contains both lucent and compound vesicles. We have used anisomycin, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, to provide evidence that Component-I is a constituent of somatic compound vesicles. In the presence of the drug, [ 3 H]N-acetylgalactosamine injected into R2 is incorporated almost exclusively into Component-I. Quantitative electron microscopic radioautography of treated cells shows a marked increase in the proportion of silver grains over compound vesicles and a decrease in labeling of other organelles compared with untreated cells. Analysis of Component-I, isolated using the chaotropic agent lithium diiodosalicylate, shows it to contain fucose, N-acetylgalactosamine, and N-acetylglucosamine. Proteolytic digestion with pronase yields a complex pattern glycopeptides. The proportion of [ 3 H]N-acetylgalactosamine in these glycopeptides is altered in the presence of anisomycin. These results together with radioautographic analyses suggest that large carbohydrate chains are elaborated within the endoplasmic reticulum and that smaller chains are added in the Golgi region or on the membrane of the compound vesicles.
Manipulation-based active search for occluded objects

Object search is an integral part of daily life, and in the quest for competent mobile manipulation robots it is an unavoidable problem. Previous approaches focus on cases where objects are in unknown rooms but lying out in the open, which transforms object search into active visual search. However, in real life, objects may be in the back of cupboards occluded by other objects, instead of conveniently on a table by themselves. Extending search to occluded objects requires a more precise model and tighter integration with manipulation. We present a novel generative model for representing container contents by using object co-occurrence information and spatial constraints. Given a target object, a planner uses the model to guide an agent to explore containers where the target is likely, potentially needing to move occluding objects to enable further perception. We demonstrate the model on simulated domains and a detailed simulation involving a PR2 robot.
A Balance of Substrate Mechanics and Matrix Chemistry Regulates Endothelial Cell Network Assembly

Driven by specific extracellular matrix cues, endothelial cells can spontaneously assemble into networks. Cell network assembly is, in part, dictated by both substrate stiffness and extracellular matrix chemistry; however, the balance between substrate mechanics and matrix chemistry in promoting cell network assembly is not well understood. Because both mechanics and chemistry can alter cell–substrate and cell–cell adhesion, we hypothesized that cell network assembly can be promoted on substrates that minimize cell–substrate adhesivity while promoting cell–cell connections. To investigate these hypotheses, bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) were seeded on variably compliant polyacrylamide (PA) substrates derivatized with type I collagen and observed over time. Our results indicate that cell network assembly can be induced on substrates that are sufficiently compliant (Young's modulus, E = 200 Pa) and present significant amounts of substrate-bound ligand, and on substrates that are stiffer (E = 10,000 Pa) but which present less adhesive ligand. In both of these cases, cell–substrate adhesivity is decreased, which may enhance cell–cell adhesivity. Moreover, our data indicate that fibronectin polymerization stabilizes cell–cell contacts and is necessary for network formation to occur regardless of substrate compliance or the density of substrate-bound ligand. These data demonstrate the balance between substrate mechanics and chemistry in directing cell network assembly.
Sex-specific association of serum vitamin D levels with physical function in older adults.

In women, but not men, lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were associated with impaired performance on two lower extremity function tests in both cross-sectional and prospective analyses. Preserved physical function may explain how 25(OH)D supplementation reduces falls and fractures. A total of 1,065 community-dwelling men and women (mean age 74.6 years) with 25(OH)D levels and performance on timed up and go (TUG) and timed chair stand (TCS) were seen in 1997–1999; 769 (72%) participants returned for follow-up. Associations were examined using generalized linear models. 25(OH)D levels were higher in men than women, but the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency defined as 25(OH)D <75 nmol/L was 14%. There were no baseline sex differences in TUG or TCS. However, after 2.5 years, decline in TCS and TUG was greater in women than men (11% vs. 3%; p < 0.001). Women in the lowest 25(OH)D quartile (<80 nmol/L) compared to the highest quartile had an accelerated rate of functional decline on the TUG and TCS independent of covariates. No significant associations were seen in men. In women, but not men, lower 25(OH)D levels were associated with impaired performance on two lower extremity function tests in both cross-sectional and prospective analyses. These results provide additional evidence that 25(OH)D is associated with physical function, which may explain how vitamin D supplementation reduces falls and fractures.
Immunocytochemical localization of BP, a conceptus secretory protein, in trophectoderm during pig trophoblast elongation.

Abstract Tissue sections of periimplantation pig conceptuses (days 9–15 of pregnancy) were incubated with antiserum to the basic protein (BP), a major secretory protein of filamentous pig blastocysts. Bound antibody was detected by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. BP was restricted to trophectoderm in conceptuses which had made the transition from a spherical to an ovoid shape having a diameter of greater than 5 mm (day 11). Tubular (day 11, 10–20 mm) and filamentous (day 11–15) conceptus trophectoderm contained BP. These results suggest that BP synthesis commences at the time of rapid trophoblast growth.
Female regulation of mating location and acceptance of new mating partners following mating to sexual satiety: the Coolidge effect demonstrated in the female golden hamster.

All female hamsters mated to sexual satiety with a single male, accepted a different male, and showed receptivity again. While the total lordosis duration and the length of the longest bout of lordosis were both significantly shorter with male 2 than male 1, receptivity was of sufficient duration for both males 1 and 2 to mate to satiety. Most females accepted a third male and a few females accepted a fourth male. With males 3 and 4, receptivity was terminated before the males could mate to satiety. Reintroduction of a male with which the female had previously mated did not result in a renewal of receptivity. Female hamsters adapted to a home area show a significant preference for mating in this area with 88% of lordosis time occurring in the female's area. Female hamsters clearly show the “Coolidge effect” described for males, in which a novel stimulus leads to a renewal of sexual activity in the sexually satiated animal. In the female hamster the effect is very robust with the renewed mating resulting in a doubling of the total lordosis time over that found when mating occurs with a single male. Acceptance of multiple male partners is biologically advantageous as an insurance against the possible sterility of a single partner.
Mars remote-sensing analog studies in the Badwater Basin, Death Valley, California

[1] The search for evaporites on Mars has important implications for the role that liquid water has played in shaping the planet's geologic, climatic, and potential biologic history. Orbital investigations of surface mineralogy are crucial to this exploration effort. With the exception of coarse-grained gray hematite at a restricted number of sites and trace amounts of carbonate in globally distributed dust deposits, the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) and Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) instruments have yet to find widespread mineralogical evidence of aqueously formed minerals. This may reflect the coarse spatial resolution of TES (3 × 5 km/pixel) and low spectral resolution of THEMIS (10 bands between 6.5 and 14.5 μm). Spectral mapping in the Badwater Basin, Death Valley, California, was conducted to better understand the capabilities of TES and THEMIS in detecting evaporite minerals. High-resolution MODIS/ASTER Airborne Simulator (MASTER) data, degraded to TES and THEMIS spatial resolutions, were used to evaluate the detection limits of sulfates and carbonates. To assess the validity of this spectral remote sensing, a quantitative ground truth analysis of surface mineralogy in the Badwater Basin was performed. The analysis was based on thin section petrography, X-ray diffraction, electron microprobe, and laboratory and field thermal emission spectrometer analyses. Taken together, the results of all five methods provided enough constraints for a robust interpretation that was in general agreement with the spectral remote-sensing mapping study for ∼90% of the surface samples examined.
Recovering transient data: automated on-demand data reconstruction and offloading for supercomputers

It has become a national priority to build and use PetaFlop supercomputers. The dependability of such large systems has been recognized as a key issue that can impact their usability. Even with smaller, existing machines, failures are the norm rather than an exception. Research has shown that storage systems are the primary source of faults leading to supercomputer unavailability. In this paper, we envision two mechanisms, namely on-demand data reconstruction and eager data offloading, to address the availability of job input/output data. These two techniques aim to allow parallel jobs and post-job processing tools to continue execution despite storage system failures in supercomputers. Fundamental to both approaches is the definition and acquisition of recovery-related parallel file system metadata, which is then coupled with transparent remote data accesses. Our approach attempts to maximize the utilization of precious supercomputer resources by improving the accessibility of transient job data. Further, the proposed methods are best-effort in nature and complement existing file system recovery schemes, which are designed for persistent data. Several of our previous studies help in demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed approaches.