cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single reactor conversion of corn stover biomass to C5–C20 furanic biocrude oil using sulfonic acid functionalized Brönsted acidic ionic liquid catalysts

Cellulose (DP∼450) and dry corn stover powder were converted to furanic biocrude oils in a single reactor operation by heating with excess acetone in the presence of Bronsted acidic ionic liquid catalysts. Two Bronsted acidic ionic liquid catalysts, 1-(1-propylsulfonic)-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BAIL-1) and 1-(4-sulfonic-benzyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BAIL-2), were compared for biocrude oil synthesis from cellulose and dry corn stover. Catalyst BAIL-1 showed slightly better activity in all experiments, where cellulose samples produced 52.9 mg biocrude oil/100 mg of cellulose, and corn stover produced 34.2 mg biocrude oil/100 mg of corn stover by heating at 120 °C for 3 h. Biocrude oil formed in the novel process is mainly a complex mixture of aldol condensation products of acetone with biomass-derived furans, furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.
Multiscale observation of biological interactions of nanocarriers: from nano to macro.

Microscopic observations have played a key role in recent advancements in nanotechnology-based biomedical sciences. In particular, multiscale observation is necessary to fully understand the nano-bio interfaces where a large amount of unprecedented phenomena have been reported. This review describes how to address the physicochemical and biological interactions of nanocarriers within the biological environments using microscopic tools. The imaging techniques are categorized based on the size scale of detection. For observation of the nanoscale biological interactions of nanocarriers, we discuss atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For the micro to macro-scale (in vitro and in vivo) observation, we focus on confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) as well as in vivo imaging systems such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), superconducting quantum interference devices, and IVIS®. Additionally, recently developed combined techniques such as AFM-CLSM, correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), and SEM spectroscopy are also discussed. In this review, we describe how each technique helps elucidate certain physicochemical and biological activities of nanocarriers such as dendrimers, polymers, liposomes, and polymeric/inorganic nanoparticles, thus providing a toolbox for bioengineers, pharmaceutical scientists, biologists, and research clinicians. Microsc. Res. Tech. 73:813–823, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and properties of 3-chloro- and 3,7-dichloro-3,4-dihydro-1-hydroxycarbostyrils and related heterocyclic compounds

3-Chloro- and 3,7-dichloro-3,4-dihydro-1-hydroxycarbostyrils were synthesized by the catalytic hydrogenation of the α-chloro- and α,4-dichloro-β-(o-nitrophenyl)propionic acids in strong acidic solution over platinum-on-carbon sulfided catalyst. However, the catalytic hydrogenation of α-bromo-β-(o-nitrophenyl)propionic acid yielded 3,4-dihydro-1-hydroxycarbostyril under the same experimental conditions. The 3-chloro-3,4-dihydro-1-hydroxycarbostyril and the α-chloro-β-(o-nitrophenyl)propionic acid underwent facile dehydrochlorination in mild alkaline solution to give 1-hydroxycarbostyril and o-nitrocinnamic acid, respectively. Selective reduction of 3-chloro-3,4-dihydro-1-hydroxycarbostyril and 1-hydroxycarbostyril to the corresponding lactams, 3-chloro-3,4-dihydrocarbostyril and carbostyril, was effected by catalytic hydrogenation in hydrochloric acid over platinum black catalyst. The structures of the substituted carbostyril derivatives were correlated with their proton nmr spectra.
Functional assessment of differential sediment slurry applications in a deteriorating brackish marsh

Abstract We applied sediment slurries of varying thicknesses to deteriorating vegetated brackish marsh areas with organic soils. Our objective was to determine if overall elevation change and its component processes of soil compression and sediment consolidation are differentially affected by different amounts of sediment and to assess sediment effects on key ecosystem functions and physico-chemical drivers. We found that sediment nourishment (2.3–20.3 cm) increased soil surface elevation initially, but by the end of the ∼2.5 year study period, sediment-nourished areas, averaged over all thicknesses, subsided to pre-sediment surface elevations, and were no different from reference area surface elevations. Rates of elevation change, soil compression, and sediment consolidation were all strongly related to applied sediment thickness; plots that received more sediment lost elevation at faster rates. Elevation change following sediment nourishment was driven by soil compression that occurred within the underlying native soil. In contrast, applied sediment consolidation over time had little negative influence on elevation change, though applied sediment bulk density increased linearly with increasing sediment thickness. Sediment nourishment 15 cm of sediment nourishment had both small elevation gains (
Colonization of wheat roots by Gaeumannomyces graminis inhibited by specific soils, microorganisms and ammonium-nitrogen

Abstract Lineal extension of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici hyphae along roots of intact wheat plants growing in soils was measured. Hyphal growth rates were lower in soils treated with NH 4 + -N than with NO 3 − -N. In a soil that is suppressive to the take-all disease, the controlling influence of NH 4 + -N was eliminated by soil fumigation (methyl bromide), and reintroduced to fumigated soil by additions of 1% nonsterile soil. Effects of fumigation on hyphal growth were absent in a nonsuppressive soil, and in NO 3 − -treatments of the suppressive soil. When inocula of selected groups of wheat rhizoplane microflora were reintroduced into a fumigated or a soil-reinoculated soil via a root-food base, the Pseudomonas spp. consistently appeared more suppressive in NH 4 + -N treatments than the general bacterial flora, Bacillus spp. spores, streptomycetes, and fungi.
Type-2 isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase: evidence for a stepwise mechanism.

Isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IDI) catalyzes the interconversion of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). These two molecules are the building blocks for construction of isoprenoid carbon skeletons in nature. Two structurally unrelated forms of IDI are known. A variety of studies support a proton addition/proton elimination mechanism for both enzymes. During studies with Thermus thermophilus IDI-2, we discovered that the olefinic hydrogens of a vinyl thiomethyl analogue of isopentenyl diphosphate exchanged with solvent when the enzyme was incubated with D2O without concomitant isomerization of the double bond. These results suggest that the enzyme-catalyzed isomerization reaction is not concerted.
Naikan therapy--an experiential view.

Naikan therapy is a form of directed meditation practised in Japan with reported positive effect on some neuroses, psychosomatic disorders and delinquency problems. It aims at reconstructing the client's view of his past in order to reshape his attitudes and behaviours in the present. Experiential research supplements the usual outsider participant observer perspective with personal experience in roles that exist within the setting—in this case the researcher became a patient and then a therapist as well as an outside observer.
Variations in annuloplasty ring and sizer dimensions may alter outcome in mitral valve repair.

BACKGROUND We currently routinely use profound hypothermic circulatory arrest (PHCA) with retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) during repair of proximal aortic dissection and aneurysms involving the transverse aortic arch. Experimental data regarding the efficacy of RCP are conflicting. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with proximal aortic surgery to compare the results of PHCA performed with and without RCP. PATIENTS AND METHODS From January 1987 through July 1996, 590 patients underwent ascending or transverse aortic arch operations. Of the 479 patients who required PHCA, RCP was utilized in 290 (60.5%). The patients who did not receive RCP had a higher prevalence of preexisting cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and aortic dissection than those who did. RESULTS Overall 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates were 7.9% (38/479) and 8.8% (42/479), respectively; six (1.3%) intraoperative deaths were excluded from the analysis regarding neurologic complications. There were 19 strokes (4.0%). Comparing the patients who had RCP with those who did not, 30-day mortality rates were 3.4% (10/290) vs. 14.8% (28/189, p < 0.001), in-hospital mortality rates were 3.4% (10/290) vs. 16.9% (32/189, p < 0.001), and stroke rates were 2.4% (7/289) vs. 6.5% (12/184, p < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Patients who had RCP during PHCA had lower mortality and stroke rates than those who did not. Although the higher prevalence of cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and dissection in the latter group may have contributed to these differences, the clinical results confirm the safety and potential benefits of RCP, further supporting its use during proximal aortic surgery requiring circulatory arrest.
Fifteenth Century Editions of the Legenda Aurea

THE following list, the first since the publication of Mlle Pellechet's, in 1895, is a contribution to the establishment of the history and authenticity of the fifteenth century printed texts of the Legenda aurea.1 It brings together, in convenient form, the results of the latest bibliographical research, revising various ascriptions of earlier date. Such a list, appended to a study of the codices, is indispensable to the preparation of the much-needed definitive edition of the Legenda aurea. It will be noted that my list departs somewhat from the order of entries in the works of Copinger, and Pellechet. For example, Copinger's 6380, the first in his Latin list, and Pell (V)'s 70 are RFS 89. Copinger's 148 entries (3526-3528, 4626-4627, and 6380-6522) are reduced to 122.2 Eleven sine nota (3526, 6381, 6382, 6391, 6395, 6402, 6404, 6405, 6406, 6477, 6496), one listed as a Latin edition [6436, citing Pell (V) 30, and Brunet V 1869, which is a French translation], one 'Doubtful ed.' (6488), one (6480) which is not a Legenda aurea,3 one Dutch translation Summer part (6515, which cites Campbell 1762), and one German translation Summer part (3528)4 are omitted. Ten entries are combined with others. A 'Latin' edition (6437) is an Italian translation (6500. RFS 165, after Burger, p. 207). Pellechet's list is reduced from 140 (2-185, plus 6 'additions') to 120 entries. One 'Ed. douteuse' (42), one which is not a Legenda aurea (90), one Dutch translation Summer part (124), and ten sine nota (71, 74, 81, 82, 85, 86, 106, 107, 112, 180) are omitted. Seven numbers are combined with others. One 'Latin' edition (32) is an Italian translation (184. RFS 165); and another (30) is a French translation (not entered in her French list. RFS 123).5
Accumulation and compensation turnpikes in a leontief model

The paper considers a model of an economy with after-effects: any production activity generates some subsequent expenses, like compensation of residual damages. Internalizing the after-effects in production costs at the time they are generated proves to substantially change the shape of long-term programs. It results from an interaction of two components corresponding to the conflicting goals: the fastest growth of production, and the most rapid decrease of residual damages. Each component has its own turnpike, so that the model has two dynamic equilibria. Respectively, shadow prices are a combination of two components: “accumulation prices” declining over time, and “compensation prices” that are growing. In some cases this may result in negative market interest rates.
Resident Well-being and Clinical Teaching Assessments.

Authors' Reply, Dr. Jackson raises important concerns regarding “retaliatory evaluations,” which he reports have occurred frequently at his own institution. We agree that this issue has seldom been addressed in the literature. Nonetheless, Ende observed that potential causes for not delivering feedback to learners are that constructive comments may elicit negative emotional reactions, damage teacher-learner relationships, or harm teachers’ reputations.1 He concluded that despite the risk of unintended effects, providing feedback to learners is necessary, valuable, and effective when done properly. Moreover, Stone et al. studied the impacts of anonymity and retaliation on student evaluations of faculty performance, and found that professors were rated more positively by students who signed their evaluations compared with those who submitted anonymous evaluations.2 Although we appreciate Dr. Jackson’s concern, our experience with retaliatory evaluations has been somewhat different. At the Mayo Clinic, faculty evaluations are identifiable and immediately available to residents, but resident evaluations are anonymous and embargoed for 6 months before being sent to faculty. Within our internal medicine residency program, there is a standard process for identifying and reviewing retaliatory evaluations. Over the past 5 years, approximately 30,000 resident-of-faculty assessments have been entered into our electronic evaluation system, yet this process has identified only 147 (<0.5%) possible cases of retaliatory evaluations by residents, involving just 7 of 650 (1%) faculty members. We would also underscore that while residents’ psychological characteristics could potentially influence their assessments of faculty, our study found no significant associations between residents assessments of faculty and resident quality of life, burnout, or depression, and only a modest association with resident empathy.3 We believe that the threat of retaliatory evaluations by learners can be minimized by providing effective feedback. A strategy to reduce the likelihood for resentment among residents might include checking in with them to assure that personal issues are not masquerading as clinical deficiencies; providing early, frequent, and formative feedback during clinical experiences to allow opportunities for residents to improve;4 and offering face-to-face encounters after rotations so that learners have the occasion to give feedback to teachers, which may expose unrecognized connections between teachers’ deficiencies and learners’ suboptimal performances. Finally, we emphasize the power differential that exists between faculty teachers and learners, which makes learners a vulnerable population. Consequently, to protect learners, it is important to ensure that teacher-of-learner evaluations be transparent and that learner-of-teacher evaluations be anonymous and protected.
Using Customer Survey Data to Develop Marketing Strategies in College/University Foodservices

The traditional use of customer surveys as a method of obtaining customer feedback takes on a new dimension when the importance-performance analysis technique (IPA) is used. Customer survey data is plotted on a two dimensional grid to show the relationship of the importance of an attribute of the college foodservice operation to the customer as well as the performance of the foodservice on the attribute. This approach to customer survey analysis is particularly useful to administrators/managers in the development of marketing strategies for each campus foodservice operation to meet the needs of the college customer.
Implementing an Instructional Framework and Content Literacy Strategies into Middle and High School Science Classes.

The purpose of this research study was to examine the usage and perceived benefits of the ERR (Evocation, Realization of Meaning, and Reflection; Meredith & Steele, 2011) instructional framework and content literacy strategies with middle and high school science teachers. Former students who had participated in an undergraduate or graduate content literacy course were asked to complete an online survey containing quantitative and qualitative information. Findings indicated the following: (a) science teachers who participated in the study are utilizing the ERR instructional framework and they do find it beneficial, (b) science teachers use vocabulary and evocation (before reading) strategies more frequently than other strategies, and (c) instructional strategies science teachers practice most often and find to be most beneficial are modeled in both content literacy and science methods courses.
Understory response to springtime prescribed fire in two New York transition oak forests

Abstract Portions of two south-central New York transition oak stands received 0, 1 or 2 springtime prescribed fires between 1980/1981 and 1984. Observations 8–12 years later showed that forb richness, forb and shrub cover, and the importance values of forbs relative to shrubs increased in areas receiving one or two fires. Fagus grandifolia, Dennstaedtia punctilobula, Gaultheria procumbens and Trientalis borealis exhibited small, but detectable increases in importance values in burned areas. The importance values of Quercus rubra, Kalmia latifolia and Viburnum acerifolium decreased in burned areas. Areas receiving greater intensity fires contained taller tree regeneration and greater shrub cover, but no important changes in community composition could be attributed to fire intensity. An apparent relationship between rhizome depth and post-fire competitiveness of dominant perennial forbs and shrubs suggests the importance of below-ground morphological traits on survival and recovery following fire. Overall, the 12-year, post-burn cover and density of understory vegetation increased in burned areas and in areas receiving greater intensity fires, however, community composition remained largely unaffected by these springtime prescribed fires.
Function for NF-kB in neuronal survival: Regulation by atypical protein kinase C

Activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) has been intensely studied in the past several years due to its role as an inducible regulator of inflammation, apoptosis, transformation, and oncogenesis. Recently, increasing evidence supports a role for NF-kB in regulation of anti-apoptotic gene expression and promotion of cell survival (May and Ghosh [1999] Science 284:272-273). Studies in the past 5 years have provided evidence that NF-kB regulates neuronal survival as well. Moreover, atypical protein kinase (aPKC) has been shown to play a novel role in modulating the NF-kB pathway. In this review, I focus on neurons and the factors that contribute to regulation of NF-kB via aPKC.
Sturdy control of discrete communication networks. Part II: Call reshaping

The problem of optimizing the efficiency of large capacity communication networks is considered. An important objective is to reduce the effects of traffic uncertainties on network efficiency, especially in cases where statistical models of the traffic uncertainties are not available. The main result is the development of algorithms for adjusting the data flow of each network customer so as to optimize network efficiency. It is shown that, in some common situations, the use of feedback control makes it possible to eliminate completely the effects of traffic uncertainties on network efficiency, despite the lack of statistical models.
Reduced renal function and benefits of treatment in cystinuria vs other forms of nephrolithiasis

A significant study from the USA compares cystine stone formers and routine stone formers; the former group had a higher requirement for therapeutic procedures, but this was less if they took chelating agents, although remaining higher than in the latter group. Other interesting findings are also presented. OBJECTIVE First, to compare two types of stone formers (SF), those with cystinuria and those without, for effects of treatments for stones, as cystinuria leads to recurrent stones that are difficult to fragment with shock-wave lithotripsy, and there is disagreement about the efficacy of current treatments. Second, to compare these two groups with respect to blood pressure (BP) and renal function, as cystine stones may be associated with more morbidity than are routine stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-two cystinuric patients (cystine SF) entering our programme since 1970 were compared with 3215 SF without cystinuria (routine SF), of whom 114 had a single functioning kidney (routine SF + nephrectomy). All patients had three 24-h urine and blood samples taken to determine the risk of stones before their first clinic visit; these studies were repeated after therapy was initiated, and at regular intervals to monitor therapy. Cystine was measured in the urine samples of the cystine SF. All stone-related procedures were recorded, and BP measured at clinic visits. Creatinine clearances (CCr) were calculated from each set of serum and urine values. Cystine supersaturation (SS) was directly measured in 16 urine samples collected before treatment and 13 afterward. RESULTS Patients were treated with increased fluid intake, potassium alkali and chelating agents such as α-mercapto-propionyl-glycine, as needed. The mean (sd) CCr, corrected for age and gender, was significantly lower at entry in cystine SF than in routine SF, at 91 (6) vs 160 (1) L/day, respectively (P < 0.001), and remained so at the last CCr. Neither systolic nor diastolic BP, similarly corrected, differed between the groups, but cystine SF had significantly more procedures, corrected for time at risk, before treatment than did routine SF, at 4.0 (0.4) vs 1.86 (0.06), respectively (P < 0.001); time-adjusted procedures decreased significantly in both groups during treatment, but remained higher in cystine SF, at 0.88 (0.14) vs 0.23 (0.02), respectively, (P < 0.001). Urine volume and pH were significantly higher in cystine SF than in routine SF, both before and during treatment. Cystine SS decreased during treatment, consistent with the increase in urine volume and decline in procedure rates during treatment. CONCLUSION Cystine SF have significantly higher procedure rates than routine SF, but procedure rates decline during therapy, although they remain higher than in routine SF. The lower CCr in cystinurics suggests that treatment to prevent stone recurrence and the need for procedures is particularly important, and emphasizes the need for a close follow-up. Use of cystine SS measurements may allow closer monitoring of the effect of treatment on the risk of stone recurrence.
The relativity of perceptual knowledge

Since the most promising path to a solution to the problem of skepticism regarding perceptual knowledge seems to rest on a sharp distinction between perceiving and inferring, I begin by clarifying and defending that distinction. Next, I discuss the chief obstacle to success by this path, the difficulty in making the required distinction between merely logical possibilities that one is mistaken and the ‘real’ (Austin) or ‘relevant’ (Dretske) possibilities which would exclude knowledge. I argue that this distinction cannot be drawn in the ways Austin and Dretske suggest without begging the questions at issue. Finally, I sketch and defend a more radical way of identifying ‘relevant’ possibilities that is inspired by Austin's controversial suggestion of a parallel between saying ‘I know’ and saying ‘I promise’: a claim of knowledge of some particular matter is relative to a context in which questions about the matter have been raised.
Post partum patterns of circulating FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone in nonsuckling cynomolgus monkeys

Abstract Circulating levels of FSH, LH, prolactin (Prl), estradiol (E), and progesterone (P) were determined by RIA in four intact and four monkeys luteectomized (CLX) at parturition in order to a) characterize the patterns of these hormones during the puerperium, and b) examine a possible inhibitory role of the “rejuvenated” corpus luteum (CL) on the resumption of follicle growth post partum. In both groups during the first four weeks, FSH and LH were at tonic levels typical of ovulatory cycles. Recurrent puerperal “surges” of FSH, but not LH, unaccompanied by increments in serum E, were observed in both intact and CLX monkeys. No consistent pattern of serum Prl was apparent. CLX was followed by a prompt fall in serum P levels, which were elevated above typical follicular phase levels into the second week post partum in intact monkeys. Menstrual cycles resumed 2–4 months after delivery. Hormonal patterns during the first menstrual cycle post partum were indistinguishable from those observed in pregravidic ovulatory cycles. The findings indicate that in nonsuckling cynomolgus monkeys a) although it secretes progesterone, the puerperal CL does not inhibit the resumption of the ovarian cycle post partum, b) the puerperal ovary is not absolutely refractory to gonadotropins, since initial trials with Pergonal + hCG stimulated ovarian function, and c) ovarian activity during the puerperium may be limited by factors other than the tonic supply of gonadotropins.
European demand for frozen concentrated orange juice

Imports of frozen concentrated orange juice into the European market has continued to increase with both Brazil and the United States being highly competitive suppliers. Efforts to increase market shares within the EEC has led to a number of structural adjustments in these exporting countries. Brazil subsidizes its exports of concentrate through tax incentives. In contrast, the U.S. and primarily Florida has developed a complex pricing system within the market place that facilitates price discrimination between the U.S. domestic and export markets. This system theoretically provides a method for the U.S. to remain competitive in the world market while still maintaining a price premium in the domestic market (Ward, 1976a: 133). U.S. concentrate is exported through an oligopolistic market structure where price adjustments are apparent to all processors. Theoretically, one processor could cut his export price and increase his share in foreign markets. If the foreign demand were elastic and the domestic inelastic, then total returns could be increased to that processor who exports. The remaining processors could simultaneously share in any gains realized in the domestic market due to reduction in domestic supplies without selling any of their product at the reduced export price. This potential for unbalanced gains to all processors has prevented voluntary price discounting within the oligopolistic structure. Yet, the U.S. domestic price is consistently at a premium
A mechanistic pharmacodynamic model of IRAK-4 drug inhibition in the Toll-like receptor pathway.

The TLR pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. IRAK-4 is integral to this pathway, making it a viable target for therapeutic intervention. This paper describes the application of a mechanistic pharmacodynamic model to assess the impact of IRAK-4 inhibition on the TLR-4 pathway. The model uses a minimal number of rate equations, molecular species, and parameters to characterize TLR signal transduction biology, including ligand–receptor interaction, protein complex formation, protein phosphorylation, negative regulation, and cytokine production. The model successfully reproduces the dynamic responses of TNFα to LPS stimulation, the tolerance to sequential LPS bolus dosing, the burst following a LPS bolus or infusion, and the modulation of pathway biomarkers following administration of an IRAK-4 inhibitor. Drug dosing schemes are evaluated for simulated disease states. The results emphasize the significance of LPS kinetics on response dynamics and the utility of a mechanistic model to help translate drug efficacy.
The structure of Na overlayers on Cu(111) at room temperature

Abstract Thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), and work function change measurements have been carried out to study the adsorption of sodium on Cu(111) at room temperature. The first layer develops from a disordered phase at low coverage to an evenly spaced incommensurate structure then to a commensurate hexagonal overlayer structure at the completion of the first layer. The work function change passes through a minimum at intermediate coverage, levels off by the completion of the first monolayer, then decreases slightly with increasing Na coverage in the second layer. The measurements will be discussed in relation to other investigations of this and related systems.
Reflex modification during habituation of a startle response

Reflex modification describes the phenomenon in which an elicited reflex is inhibited when a weak stimulus is presented approximately 100 msec prior to the reflex-eliciting event. During habituation procedures, rats were repeatedly exposed to a startle-eliciting noise either with or (in a separate session) without a preceding reflex-inhibiting stimulus and were then tested with the same or the contrasting condition. When tested with a reflex-eliciting stimulus presented alone, rats exposed to reflex modification during habituation procedures exhibited responses of the same amplitude as when they had been exposed to the startle-eliciting stimulus alone from the beginning. Moreover, when contrasting conditions were employed, contrasting results were obtained. The finding that reflex modification and habituation have largely independent effects implies that these effects are probably mediated by separate neural systems.
Temperature-dependent light damage to the retina.

We examined the ability of hypothermic infusion fluid to reduce the risk of light damage to the retina from the intraocular fiberoptic probe during vitreous surgery. Following vitrectomy, we exposed the retina of rabbits to light from an intraocular fiberoptic probe during infusion of fluid at body temperature (39 C) and compared this with exposures during infusion of room temperature fluid (22 C). Retinal irradiance was 0.33 W/cm 2 . Damage was determined ophthalmoscopically and histologically. Cooling the infusion fluid from body to room temperature extended the damage threshold from approximately 25 to 60 minutes. A 35-minute exposure to body temperature fluid was compared with the same exposure during infusion of room temperature fluid. While retinal and retinal pigment epithelium damage was present after the body temperature exposure, no damage was detected after the room temperature exposure. Vitreoretinal surgeons should avoid warming intraocular infusion fluids to levels above room temperature.
How to recognize success and failure: practical assessment of an evolving, first-semester laboratory program using simple, outcome-based tools

This paper presents the use of simple, outcome-based assessment tools to design and evaluate the first semester of a new introductory laboratory program created to teach green analytical chemistry ...
Harnessing the power of FPGAs using altera's OpenCL compiler

In recent years, Field-Programmable Gate Arrays have become extremely powerful computational platforms that can efficiently solve many complex problems. The most modern FPGAs comprise effectively millions of programmable elements, signal processing elements and high-speed interfaces, all of which are necessary to deliver a complete solution. The power of FPGAs is unlocked via low-level programming languages such as VHDL and Verilog, which allow designers to explicitly specify the behavior of each programmable element. While these languages provide a means to create highly efficient logic circuits, they are akin to "assembly language" programming for modern processors. This is a serious limiting factor for both productivity and the adoption of FPGAs on a wider scale. In this talk, we use the OpenCL language to explore techniques that allow us to program FPGAs at a level of abstraction closer to traditional software-centric approaches. OpenCL is an industry standard parallel language based on 'C' that offers numerous advantages that enable designers to take full advantage of the capabilities offered by FPGAs, while providing a high-level design entry language that is familiar to a wide range of programmers.To demonstrate the advantages a high-level programming language can offer, we demonstrate how to use Altera's OpenCL Compiler on a set of case studies. The first application is single-precision general-element matrix multiplication (SGEMM). It is an example of a highly-parallel algorithm for which an efficient circuit structures are well known. We show how this application can be implemented in OpenCL and how the high-level description can be optimized to generate the most efficient circuit in hardware. The second application is a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), which is a classical FPGA benchmark that is known to have a good implementation on FPGAs. We show how we can implement the FFT algorithm, while exploring the many different possible architectural choices that lead to an optimized implementation for a given FPGA. Finally, we discuss a Monte-Carlo Black-Scholes simulation, which demonstrates the computational power of FPGAs. We describe how a random number generator in conjunction with computationally intensive operations can be harnessed on an FPGA to generate a high-speed benchmark, which also consumes far less power than the same benchmark running on a comparable GPU. We conclude the tutorial with a set of live demonstrations.Through this tutorial we show the benefits high-level languages offer for system-level design and productivity. In particular, Altera's OpenCL compiler is shown to enable high-performance application design that fully utilizes capabilities of modern FPGAs.
Twitching and switching

Etude electrophysiologique de la regulation nerveuse chez le crabe et le homard. Analyse des decharges unitaires au niveau des neurones
An experimental investigation of the mixing of coannular swirling flows

An extensive investigation of the mixing behavior of coannular streams, with swirl present, has been carried out. A large blowdown facility was adapted to provide two streams of air at variable stagnation pressures but equal stagnation temperatures. Conditions within the mixing region were essentially incompressible. The facility was constructed to provide swirl in the inner stream, and a fixed inner and outer annulus could be provided if desired. In all cases considered, swirl was present in the inner but not the outer stream, thereby leading to flow conditions unstable to the Rayleigh instability. Mean flow measurements only were obtained. A five-hole probe was used to obtain the static pressure, stagnation pressure, and three velocity components. Additional measurements included sidewall pressure measurements on the inner and outer annuli, as well as stream mass flow rates obtained from orifice plate meters. A variety of flow regimes were considered, including some without separated regions present. Where possible, the results were compared to the somewhat limited data available in the literature.
Measurement of Fluorescent Spectra of Liquids with a Modified Beckman DU Spectrophotometer

A description is given of an attachment for the Beckman DU spectrophotometer for measuring the fluorescent spectra emitted by liquids and solutions. The external optical system normally used for absorption spectra measurements was modified to provide optimum fluorescent intensity with minimum interference from scattered and reflected primary radiation and from fluorescence of the cuvettes. Modifications were also made in the input circuit to permit use of a photomultiplier detector for increased sensitivity. Otherwise, the amplifying and dispersing systems of the instrument were used in the usual manner. Typical spectral distribution and analytical curves and sensitivity data obtained with this attachment are included.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act: implications for large-scale IT outsourcing

Until they are certain that outsourcing IT management is the best possible option, firms would do well to maintain and invest in their own in-house IT assets.
Self-Ratings of Health: Do they also Predict change in Functional Ability?

Self-ratings of health by individuals responding to surveys have shown themselves to be potent predictors of mortality in a growing number of studies; they appear to contribute significant additional independent information to health status indicators gathered through self-reported health histories or medical examinations. A key question raised by these studies is: What are the mediating processes involved in the association? Specifically, do poor self-ratings increase the risk of disability and morbidity, and are these outcomes intervening steps in the link to mortality? In this report we address the first question, of self-ratings predicting future levels of functional disability, our choice of an index of overall impact of morbidity. Data come from the New Haven Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE) site (N = 2,812). Results show that self-ratings of health in 1982, net of baseline functional ability, health and sociodemographic status, are associated with changes in functional ability over periods of one through six years. These findings extend our understanding of the meaning of excellent, good, fair, and poor ratings of health, and that they have implications not just for survival but for the loss or maintenance of functional ability in daily life.
User-generated visibility: Secondary gatekeeping in a shared media space

This article explores implications of the transition to an environment in which users have become secondary gatekeepers of the content published on media websites. This expanded user role, facilitated by technology and enabled by digital news editors, includes assessment of contributions by other users; communication of the perceived value or quality of user- and journalist-produced content; and selective re-dissemination of that content. The result is a two-step gatekeeping process, in which initial editorial decisions to make an item part of the news product are followed by user decisions to upgrade or downgrade the visibility of that item for a secondary audience. Preliminary empirical evidence indicates these user gatekeeping capabilities are now pervasive on US newspaper sites.
Facial Fracture in the Setting of Whole-Body CT for Trauma: Incidence and Clinical Predictors

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to identify the incidence and clinical predictors of facial fracture in the setting of whole-body MDCT for trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The clinical data from the electronic medical records, including the final radiology reports, of 486 consecutive patients who underwent MDCT for trauma (head, cervical spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvis examinations) with dedicated maxillofacial reconstructions from October 1, 2011, to July 31, 2013, were studied. The clinical variables were compared between cohorts of patients with and those without facial fracture. The two-sample t test was used to compare continuous variables, and the Fisher exact test was used to compare categoric variables. RESULTS. Two hundred sixteen (44.4%) patients had at least one fracture on the dedicated maxillofacial CT examinations, 215 of whom had facial physical examination findings (sensitivity = 99.5%). Of the 28 patients without documented physical examination findings, 27 did not have a facial...
Asteroidal collision probabilities

Several past calculations of collision probabilities between pairs of bodies on independent orbits have yielded inconsistent results. We review the methodologies and identify their various problems. Greenberg's (1982) collision probability formalism (now with a corrected symmetry assumption) is equivalent to Wetherill's (1967) approach, except that it includes a way to avoid singularities near apsides. That method shows that the procedure by Namiki and Binzel (1991) was accurate for those cases where singularities did not arise.
Is lGnRH-III the most potent GnRH analog containing only natural amino acids that specifically inhibits the growth of human breast cancer cells?

Analogs of the decapeptide, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), used in the treatment of hormone-dependent tumors, contain numerous unnatural amino acids, giving rise to many adverse effects. lGnRH-III, a natural isoform of GnRH isolated from the sea lamprey, is a weak agonist of GnRH in the pituitary, but inhibits the growth of human cancer cells in micromolar concentrations. As lGnRH-III is not a natural ligand in humans, it is possible that a more potent peptide, also containing only natural amino acids, can be synthesized. A positional scanning peptide library, focused on the variable region of the GnRH family of peptides, residues 5–8, was synthesized. The synthesized peptides were analyzed in competitive binding experiments and six new analogs were designed on the basis of the results. Their biological activities were evaluated in cell growth experiments. The only natural sequence selected was chicken GnRH-II. The synthetic library did not yield a more potent peptide than lGnRH-III. Copyright © 2006 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factor Analysis of Incidence Data via Novel Decomposition of Matrices

Matrix decomposition methods provide representations of an object-variable data matrix by a product of two different matrices, one describing relationship between objects and hidden variables or factors, and the other describing relationship between the factors and the original variables. We present a novel approach to decomposition and factor analysis of matrices with incidence data. The matrix entries are grades to which objects represented by rows satisfy attributes represented by columns, e.g. grades to which an image is red or a person performs well in a test. We assume that the grades belong to a scale bounded by 0 and 1 which is equipped with certain aggregation operators and forms a complete residuated lattice. We present an approximation algorithm for the problem of decomposition of such matrices with grades into products of two matrices with grades with the number of factors as small as possible. Decomposition of binary matrices into Boolean products of binary matrices is a special case of this problem in which 0 and 1 are the only grades. Our algorithm is based on a geometric insight provided by a theorem identifying particular rectangular-shaped submatrices as optimal factors for the decompositions. These factors correspond to formal concepts of the input data and allow for an easy interpretation of the decomposition. We present the problem formulation, basic geometric insight, algorithm, illustrative example, experimental evaluation.
Vowel recognition from continuous articulatory movements for speaker-dependent applications

A novel approach was developed to recognize vowels from continuous tongue and lip movements. Vowels were classified based on movement patterns (rather than on derived articulatory features, e.g., lip opening) using a machine learning approach. Recognition accuracy on a single-speaker dataset was 94.02% with a very short latency. Recognition accuracy was better for high vowels than for low vowels. This finding parallels previous empirical findings on tongue movements during vowels. The recognition algorithm was then used to drive an articulation-to-acoustics synthesizer. The synthesizer recognizes vowels from continuous input stream of tongue and lip movements and plays the corresponding sound samples in near real-time.
A multirate DSP model for estimation of discrete probability density functions

The problem of estimating a probability density function (PDF) from measurements has been widely studied by many researchers. Even though much work has been done in the area of PDF estimation, most of it was focused on the continuous case. We propose a new model-based approach for modeling and estimating discrete probability density functions or probability mass functions. This approach is based on multirate signal processing theory, and it has several advantages over the conventional histogram method. We illustrate the PDF estimation procedure and analyze the statistical properties of the PDF estimates. Based on this model, a novel scheme is introduced that can be used for estimating the PDF in the presence of noise. Furthermore, the proposed ideas are extended to the more general case of estimating multivariate PDFs. Finally, we also consider practical issues such as optimizing the coefficients of a digital filter, which is an integral part of the model. This allows us to apply the proposed model to solve real-world problems. Simulation results are given where appropriate in order to demonstrate the ideas.
Enhancing the Schedulability of Real-Time Heterogeneous Networks of Workstations (NOWs)

This paper proposes a realtime duplication based algorithm (RT-DBA) for scheduling precedence-related periodic tasks with hard deadlines on networks of workstations (NOWs). We have utilized selective subtask duplication that enables some tasks to have earlier start times, which enables additional tasks (and, hence, task sets) to finish before their deadlines, thereby increasing the schedulability of a real-time application. We strongly believe that duplication can be used as a tool for obtaining a better quality of service (QoS) from the real-time heterogeneous system, and this is our major contribution. We have taken both the computation and the communication heterogeneities into account while modeling such a system. Both data and control dependencies between the tasks have also been considered. Our algorithm exhibits scalability, fully exploits the underlying parallelism, and is capable of scheduling an application, even if the available number of processors is less than the required number of processors. Based on extensive simulation studies, we observe that RT-DBA offers an enhanced success ratio as compared to other scheduling schemes when communication is a dominant factor.
Small-scale mantle flows and induced lithospheric stress near island arcs

Summary. This paper explores the middle ground between complex thermallycoupled viscous flow models and simple corner flow models of island arc environments. The calculation retains the density-driven nature of convection and relaxes the geometrical constraints of corner flow, yet still provides semianalytical solutions for velocity and stress. A novel aspect of the procedure is its allowance for a coupled elastic lithosphere on top of a Newtonian viscous mantle. Initially, simple box-like density drivers illustrate how vertical and horizontal forces are transmitted through the mantle and how the lithosphere responds by trench formation. The flexural strength of the lithosphere spatially broadens the surface topography and gravity anomalies relative to the functional form of the vertical flow stresses applied to the plate base. I find that drivers in the form of inclined subducting slabs cannot induce selfdriven parallel flow; however, the necessary flow can be provided by supplying a basal drag of 1-5MPa to the mantle from the oceanic lithosphere. These basal drag forces create regional lithospheric stress and they should be quantifiable through seismic observations of the neutral surface. The existence of a shallow elevated phase transition is suggested in two slab models of 300 km length where a maximum excess density of 0.2 g~m-~ was needed to generate an acceptable mantle flow. A North New Hebrides subduction model which satisfies flow requirements and reproduces general features of topography and gravity contains a high shear stress zone (75MPa) around the upper slab surface to a depth of 150 km and a deviatoric tensional stress in the back arc to a depth of 70 km. The lithospheric stress state of this model suggests that slab detachment is possible through whole plate fracture.
Sex differences in the persistence of the amygdala response to negative material

Previous studies have indicated that men and women have different amygdala responses to novel (vs familiar) and valenced (positive vs negative) material. It is not known, however, whether these affective sex differences are related. In this study, we tested whether women have more persistent amygdala responses to familiar, negative material than men do. During fMRI, male and female participants viewed evocative images that varied in novelty and valence. Women and men showed equivalent responses to novel negative material, but women showed a sustained amygdala response to