cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY TO EXAMINE THE SUBSURFACE MORPHOLOGY OF CHINESE GLAZES

Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a new method for ceramics research, is a non-destructive, three-dimensional tomography system, which provides subsurface morphology visualization of samples based on the refractive index or dielectric constant differences in the target specimen. In this study, seven shards from different Chinese kilns of Song and Yuan dynasties (10‐14th centuries) were scanned to visualize the subsurface morphology of their glazes. The images revealed unique phase assemblage modes in different samples. The results suggest that OCT may be used to identify ceramics and provide information about their manufacturing technology.
Statistical Associating Fluid Theory Coupled with Restrictive Primitive Model Extended to Bivalent Ions. SAFT2: 2. Brine/Seawater Properties Predicted

Statistical associating fluid theory coupled with restricted primitive model (SAFT2) represents the properties of aqueous multiple-salt solutions, such as brine/seawater. The osmotic coefficients, densities, and vapor pressures are predicted without any additional parameters using the salt hydrated diameters obtained for single-salt solutions. For a given ion composition of brine, the predicted vapor pressure, osmotic coefficient, activity of water, and density are found to agree with the experimental data.
Pattern recognition in genetic sequences

This paper announces an algorithm for finding pattern similarities between two given finite sequences. Two portions, one from each sequence, are similar if they are close in the metric space of evolutionary distances. In its most general form the algorithm allows a complete list to be made of all pairs of intervals, one from each of the two given sequences, such that each pair displays a maximum local degree of similarity; if the lengths of the sequences are m and n, then the algorithm requires on the order of mn steps. This result lends itself to detecting similarities by computer between pairs of biological sequences, such as proteins and nucleic acids.
All-optical logic gates based on two-photon absorption in semiconductor optical amplifiers

Abstract When the two-photon absorption of a high intensity pump beam takes place in a semiconductor optical amplifier there is an associated fast phase change of a weak probe signal. A scheme to realize fast all-optical XOR logic function using two-photon absorption induced phase change has been analyzed. Rate equations for semiconductor optical amplifiers, for input data signals with high intensity, configured in the form of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer has been solved. The input intensities are high enough so that the two-photon induced phase change is larger than the regular gain induced phase change. The model shows that both XOR operation and pseudo-random binary sequence generation at 250 Gb/s with good signal to noise ratio is feasible.
Inhibition by L-methionine of the growth of Euglena gracilis in a glutamic acid medium.

Abstract A number of compounds whose metabolism might be affected by vitamin B 12 were tested for their ability to spare the vitamin requirement for growth in Euglena gracilis . Although none were successful in this regard it was observed that l -methionine, at 2 × 10 −3 m , completely inhibited growth of the organism in a glutamic acid medium. l -Homocysteine, l -cysteine, and, to a lesser extent, l -threonine at 5 × 10 −3 m also inhibited growth. This inhibition of growth by l -methionine was not seen when the organism was grown in a medium utilizing acetate as the primary carbon source. Data from radioactive amino acid uptake experiments indicate that l -methionine inhibits the uptake of glutamic acid by the organism.
Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO) for Treatment of Gastric Varices: Review and Meta-Analysis

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness and complications of BRTO for gastric varices. A systematic review was performed to identify relevant articles. Inclusion criteria were applied to select studies with at least ten patients with acute bleeding or at-risk gastric varices treated with BRTO. Meta-analysis with random effects model was performed to calculate data for immediate technical success, clinical success, and complications. A total of 1,016 Patients from 24 studies met inclusion criteria. Technical success rate for BRTO was 96.4 % (95 % CI 93.7, 98.3 %; Q = 3,269.26, p < 0.01, I 2 = 99.39 %). Clinical success (defined as no recurrence or rebleed of gastric varices, or complete obliteration of varices on subsequent imaging) rate was 97.3 % (95 % CI 95.2, 98.8 %; Q = 3,105.91, p < 0.01, I 2 = 99.29 %). Major complication rate was 2.6 % (95 % CI 1.1, 4.6 %; Q = 3,348.98, p < 0.01, I 2 = 99.34 %). Esophageal variceal recurrence rate was 33.3 % (95 % CI 24.6, 42.6 %; Q = 7,291.75, p < 0.01, I 2 = 99.74 %). BRTO is safe and efficacious for gastric varices, and current best evidence suggests that BRTO could be considered as therapy for patients with gastric varices.
Ramifications of HLA class I polymorphism and population genetics for vaccine development.

HLA polymorphism can complicate the design and development of vaccines, especially those that contain a selected number of epitopes and are directed at pathogens prevalent worldwide. Because of HLA class I restricted antigen recognition and ethnic variation in HLA distribution, such vaccines may not be uniformly effective across populations. We, therefore, considered whether it is possible to assemble a panel of HLA-A and/or HLA-B alleles that would allow the formulation of a single vaccine for a set of Caucasian, Black, or Asian populations. In applying an algorithm to predict levels of favorable response, we identified predominant alleles in 15 representative populations. Approximately 80% of the individuals in one African Black population and five Asian populations were positive for at least one of three HLA-A alleles. Eighty percent coverage was also theoretically possible in five Caucasian populations with only five HLA-A alleles. Four of five Black populations analyzed also required five alleles, but the allelic combinations differed. Our findings suggest that HLA-A alleles may be preferred targets because of the increased heterogeneity at HLA-B, although addition of a single HLA-B allele to a set of HLA-A alleles improved coverage. This approach provides for the identification of combinations of alleles that represent a desired percentage of a population and that could be targeted in designing vaccines. For vaccines with known HLA-restricted epitopes, it allows a prediction of theoretical levels of “responder” and “non-responder” status. Finally, these results might be used in the analysis of protein sequences to identify potential CD8+ T-cell epitopes in populations of interest. Biologic variables that may have further relevance are discussed. Genet. Epidemiol. 20:87–106, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Psychometric Properties of Student Ratings of Instruction in Online and On‐Campus Courses

This study compares mean ratings, inter-rater reliabilities, and the factor structure of items for online and paper student-rating forms from the University of Washington's Instructional Assessment System.
Multi-day Executions

Asset managers often have to spread their order executions over several days to minimize liquidity impact. In this paper, we present a framework for evaluating multi-day execution strategies and use a sample of multi-day agency executions to quantify the trade-offs. Our analysis shows that for volatile stocks and/or long execution horizons, execution risk can easily overwhelm all other considerations. For stocks with daily close-to-close volatility of 3%, for example, the five-day execution risk is 400 basis points. The evidence from our sample of multi-day executions suggests that for daily executions up to 15% average daily volume and up to five-day execution horizons, cross-day impact persistence and information leakage are relatively small: the impact cost of selling 15 million shares over five days, for example, is only slightly higher than the impact cost of selling 3 million shares over one day. Our multi-day executions, however, have high 50 basis points short-term alpha. This high alpha raises the cost of spreading execution across days.
Schedule-induced polydipsia contrast in the rat

Schedule-induced polydipsia was studied using a behavioral contrast paradigm. Food pellets were delivered to food-deprived rats on a response-independent FT 1-min schedule. Licking on a tube produced water on a MULT FR 10 FR 10, MULT FR 10 EXT, or MIXED FR 10 EXT for three rats (Experiment 1) and on a MULT VI VI, MULT VI EXT, or MIXED VI EXT schedule for three other rats (Experiment 2). On the FR schedules, rats could drink more water by increasing lick rates, but on the VI schedules the amount of drinking was fixed by the schedule parameters and was relatively unaffected by lick rates. Relative to MULT FR FR, positive polydipsia contrast was clearly demonstrated on MULT and MIXED FR EXT; but relative to MULT VI VI, contrast was not demonstrated on MULT and MIXED VI EXT. These data suggest that polydipsia contrast occurs only if increased licking permits increased drinking.
Preparation and characterization of silica-carbon hybrids

Abstract Silica-carbon (SC) hybrids of varying composition have been prepared by a cyclic two-step process which consisted of: (1) initially adsorbing silicon tetrachloride onto the surface of porous carbon particles, and (2) converting silicon tetrachloride into silica via reaction with water vapor. At the completion of each cycle all samples were studied by thermogravimetric analysis and 29 Si CP-MAS NMR spectrometry in order to determine the amount of deposited silica and to characterize their surface and structural properties. Further, the adsorption capacities of the SC hybrids were measured chromatographically.
Stereoselective synthesis of a novel 2-aza-7-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane as neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist

Abstract A novel neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, (±)-(1 R ∗ ,3 S ∗ ,4 S ∗ ,5 S ∗ )-4-[( N -(2-methoxy-5-trifluoromethoxybenzyl)amino]-3-phenyl-2-aza-7-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane ( 1 ), was synthesized stereoselectively using Padwa’s intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition methodology as the key step. Compound (±)- 1 showed high affinity for the NK-1 receptors in human IM-9 cells with an IC 50 value of 0.22 nM. This new structural scaffold demonstrated significant in vivo antagonistic activity in the guinea pig ureter capsaicin-induced plasma extravasation model with an ED 50 value of 1–10 mg/kg, po.
Sampling trees with probability nearly proportional to biomass.

It is a truism in the sampling literature that sampling is most efficient when it is conducted with probability proportional to the variable of interest. Variable probability sampling methods have long been applied to trees. The most familiar approach is horizontal point sampling (HPS) which samples trees with probability proportional to basal area. Here, I introduce a generalization of horizontal point sampling (GHPS). GHPS is a simple practical technique for sampling trees with probability proportional to an approximate equation for biomass. The technique requires construction of a gauge, but the gauge need not be complicated. In principle, GHPS should be more efficient than ordinary HPS. This hypothesis was tested with a field trial. Somewhat surprisingly, GHPS was only marginally superior to HPS in terms of sampling variance and efficiency. However, GHPS took no longer to perform, and was not associated with detectable non-sampling error. Results suggest that a well-designed subsampling approach, used in conjunction with GHPS, might lead to appreciable improvements.
Characterization and allelic variation of the transporters associated with antigen processing (TAP) genes in the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris).

The function of the transporters associated with antigen processing (TAP) complex is to shuttle antigenic peptides from the cytosol to the endoplasmic reticulum to load MHC class I molecules for CD8+ T-cell immunosurveillance. Here we report the promoter and coding regions of the canine TAP1 and TAP2 genes, which encode the homologous subunits forming the TAP heterodimer. By sampling genetically divergent breeds, polymorphisms in both genes were identified, although there were few amino acid differences between alleles. Splice variants were also found. When aligned to TAP genes of other species, functional regions appeared conserved, and upon phylogenetic analysis, canine sequences segregated appropriately with their orthologs. Transfer of the canine TAP2 gene into a murine TAP2-defective cell line rescued surface MHC class I expression, confirming exporter function. This data should prove useful in investigating the association of specific TAP defects or alleles with immunity to intracellular pathogens and cancer in dogs.
11th Karst Research Conference

(1990). 11th Karst Research Conference. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 42, No. 4, pp. 494-495.
Zooplankton responses to hypoxia: behavioral patterns and survival of three species of calanoid copepods

Seasonally recurrent and persistent hypoxic events in semi-enclosed coastal waters are characterized by bottom-water dissolved oxygen (d.o.) concentrations of < 2.0 ml l−1. Shifts in the distribution patterns of zooplankters in association with these events have been documented, but the mechanisms responsible for these shifts have not been investigated. This study assessed interspecific differences in responses to hypoxia by several species of calanoid copepods common off Turkey Point, Florida, USA: Labidocera aestiva (Wheeler) (a summer/fall species), Acartia tonsa (Dana) (a ubiquitous year-round species), and Centropages hamatus (Lilljeborg) (a winter/spring species). Under conditions of moderate to severe hypoxia 24-h survival experiments were conducted for adults and nauplii of these species from August 1994 to October 1995. Experiments on adults used a flow-through system to maintain constant d.o. concentrations. Adults of A. tonsa showed no decline in survival with d.o. as low as 1.0 ml l−1, sharp declines in survival at d.o. = 0.9 to 0.6 ml l−1, and 100% mortality with d.o. = 0.5 ml l−1. Adults of L. aestiva and C. hamatus were more sensitive to oxygen depletion: both species experienced significant decreases in survival for d.o. = 1.0 ml l−1. Nauplii of L. aestiva and A. tonsa showed no significant mortality with d.o. = 1.1 to 1.5 ml␣l−1 and d.o. = 0.24 to 0.5 ml l−1, respectively. In addition, experiments investigating behavioral avoidance of moderate to severe hypoxia were carried out for adults of all three species. None of the three species effectively avoided either severely hypoxic (d.o. < 0.5 ml l−1) or moderately hypoxic (d.o. ≈ 1.0 ml l−1) bottom layers in stratified columns. These results suggest that in␣nearshore areas where development of zones of d.o. < 1.0 ml l−1 may be sudden, widespread, or unpredictable, patterns of reduced copepod abundance in bottom waters may be due primarily to mortality rather than avoidance.
Distributed energy-efficient scheduling for radar signal detection in sensor networks

In this paper, we consider the problem of Neyman-Pearson detection of fluctuating narrowband radar signals using wireless sensor networks (WSNs), and we are interested in finding some approach which can optimize the signal detection performance jointly with the energy expenditure. Towards this goal, we propose a distributed and energy-efficient scheduling scheme to coordinate the communications between each sensor node and the fusion center. This scheduling scheme allows each sensor to make its own decision about when to send data to the fusion center, according to its own information and without consulting any other sensors. This distributed scheduling approach greatly reduces the dependence on the fusion center, and also attains an appealing balance between the detection performance and the energy efficiency.
Management of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma in the modern era.

Purpose To analyze treatment outcomes for nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) at a single institution. Patients and Methods Patients with newly diagnosed NLPHL between 1996 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients treated before 1996 were excluded because the majority received extended field radiation therapy (RT) alone. Results Fifty-five patients (22 ≤ 21 years old) were identified. The median follow-up time was 6.8 years. Among 37 patients with limited-stage (I-II) disease, treatments included involved field RT at a median dose of 36 Gy (n=9), rituximab monotherapy (n=9), observation (n=3), and response-adaptive therapy (n=16), in which the RT dose was reduced from 25.5 Gy to 15 Gy or was eliminated based on interim imaging after chemotherapy. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 76.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 63.1-92.4). Nine patients experienced progression, including 5 receiving rituximab, 2 undergoing observation, and 2 receiving response-adaptive therapy. Rituximab was associated with an inferior PFS compared with RT alone ( P =.02). The difference in PFS between response-adaptive therapy and RT alone was not statistically significant ( P =.39). Among 18 patients with advanced-stage (III-IV) disease, treatments included chemotherapy alone (n=3), combined modality therapy (CMT) (n=2), response-adaptive therapy (n=2), rituximab (n=7), and observation (n=4). The 5-year PFS was 29.9% (CI, 13.3-67.4). Twelve patients experienced progression, including 1 receiving chemotherapy, 1 receiving CMT, 6 receiving rituximab, and 4 undergoing observation. There was no significant PFS difference between rituximab and non-rituximab therapies ( P =.19) within the caveat of small sample sizes. In the entire cohort, 9 patients (3 with limited disease, 6 with advanced disease) experienced large cell transformation (LCT). Seven patients died; of those, 5 died with LCT. Conclusions For limited disease, response-adaptive therapy demonstrated comparable outcomes with RT alone. Rituximab monotherapy resulted in inferior outcomes for limited disease and a high relapse rate for advanced disease.
A model of adaptive organizational search

A model of organizational change through adaptive search for new technologies is developed and explored. The model is in the tradition of behavioral models of organizational choice and learning associated with work by Winter, Nelson, and Radner, It permits the exploration of simultaneous organizational adaptation in search strategies, competences, and aspirations under conditions of environmental instability and ambiguity. The model exhibits the extent to which variation in organizational behavior and performance reflect the distributional consequences of simple adaptation in ambiguous environments, as well as some adverse consequences of rapid learning.
Immunological aspects of toxicology: Premises not promises

The immune system is gaining increasing attention as a target of toxicant action. Many compounds, including metals, drugs, and pesticides, are able to alter immune functions. Additionally, the ability of toxicants to experimentally alter resistance to a variety of bacterial, viral, and tumor challenges is suggestive for the possible involvement of toxicants in morbidity and mortality. However, the implications of immunotoxicology as a subject of study may not be fully realized in some laboratories due to unfamiliarities into the workings of immunity by toxicologists. In an attempt to bridge this toxicology-immunology gap, this paper presents the major concepts of the immune system by reviewing specific examples of immune responses and their environmental interactions. Data from selected toxins are then used to illustrate how these responses may be altered.
Iron-doped carbon aerogels: novel porous substrates for direct growth of carbon nanotubes.

We present the synthesis and characterization of Fe-doped carbon aerogels (CAs) and demonstrate the ability to grow carbon nanotubes directly on monoliths of these materials to afford novel carbon aerogel−carbon nanotube composites. Preparation of the Fe-doped CAs begins with the sol−gel polymerization of the potassium salt of 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid with formaldehyde, affording K+-doped gels that can then be converted to Fe2+- or Fe3+-doped gels through an ion exchange process, dried with supercritical CO2, and subsequently carbonized under an inert atmosphere. Analysis of the Fe-doped CAs by TEM, XRD, and XPS revealed that the doped iron species are reduced during carbonization to form metallic iron and iron carbide nanoparticles. The sizes and chemical composition of the reduced Fe species were related to pyrolysis temperature as well as the type of iron salt used in the ion exchange process. Raman spectroscopy and XRD analysis further reveal that, despite the presence of the Fe species, the CA frame...
Effect of added salt on the depletion attraction caused by non-adsorbing clay particles

Abstract Total internal reflection microscopy (TIRM) has been used to study the effect of a model clay colloid (laponite) on the interparticle forces acting between a 6 μm polystyrene sphere and a glass slide when the two are separated by 50–350 nm of an aqueous solution containing up to 1 mM of NaCl. In the absence of clay, the Brownian sphere samples elevations in the vicinity of the secondary minimum formed by gravitational attraction, van der Waals attraction and double-layer repulsion. The addition of clay induces a discernible depletion attraction at concentrations greater than 100 ppm and for separation distances as large as 200 nm, which greatly exceeds the diameter of the laponite disks (25 nm). Increasing the clay concentration increases the magnitude of this attraction without changing the range (defined as the largest separation distance at which the attractive potential is 1 kT ). Increasing the concentration of an indifferent electrolyte (NaCl) reduces both the magnitude and range of the depletion attraction. These observations are in quantitative agreement with the primitive theory in which depletion attraction is computed as the product of the osmotic pressure of the polyelectrolyte (calculated from Donnan’s equation) and the area of overlap of the depletion layers. Besides the effect of the polyelectrolyte on the Debye length, the only adjustable parameter is the depletion layer thickness or ‘effective radius’ of the platelets which is found to be the radius of the laponite disks plus five Debye lengths.
A method for calculating stress intensities in bimaterial fracture

A numerical method is presented for obtaining the values of K* 1,K * II and K* III in the elasticity solution at the tip of an interface crack in general states of stress. The basis of the method is an evaluation of theJ-integral by the virtual crack extension method. Individual stress intensities can then be obtained from further calculations ofJ perturbed by small increments of the stress intensity factors. The calculations are carried out by the finite element method but minimal extra computations are required compared to those for the boundary value problem. Very accurate results are presented for a crack in the bimaterial interface and compared with other methods of evaluating the stress intensity factors. In particular, a comparison is made with stress intensity factors obtained by computingJ by the virtual crack extension method but separating the modes by using the ratio of displacements on the crack surface. Both techniques work well with fine finite element meshes but the results suggest that the method that relies entirely on J-integral evaluations can be used to give reliable results for coarse meshes.
Coauthors' contributions to major papers published in the AJR: frequency of undeserved coauthorship.

Over half of the major papers published in the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR) have five or more coauthors. This project was designed to evaluate the specific contributions of coauthors and the prevalence of undeserved authorship in major papers from institutions in the United States.Questionnaires were mailed to the first author of 275 major papers from institutions in the United States that were published in the AJR in 1992 and 1993. Questions focused on coauthors' contributions to research design, data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation, and on undeserving authorship.One hundred ninety-six (72%) of the surveys were returned. Ninety-nine percent of first authors, 75% of second authors, fewer than half of third authors, and one third of fourth authors and beyond were said to have contributed to at least three of the following: research design, data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation (p < .02). A strong correlation was indicated between authorship position and...
Involucrin in the epidermal cells of subprimates

The protein involucrin is a precursor of the cross-linked envelope that forms during terminal differentiation of the keratinocyte. Most of the human involucrin molecule consists of a segment of homologous repeats of a sequence of 10 amino acids. A similar segment is present in the involucrin of other higher primates, but not in lower animals. We show here that the older part of the involucrin molecule (the ancestral segment) is present in the epidermal cells of subprimates. This has been demonstrated with antisera prepared against different peptides of the ancestral segment of the human protein. No single antiserum detects involucrin of all subprimate species, but probably all involucrins can be detected using antiserum against some sequence in the ancestral segment. Although the involucrin gene has been extensively remodeled in higher primates, its origins extend lower in the animal kingdom.
Predicting atmospheric debris transport in real-time using a trajectory forecast model

Abstract An experiment is described in which a trajectory forecast model was used in real-time to estimate the transport of debris associated with a large chemical explosion in the south-western U.S. The forecast trajectories were used to vector sampling aircraft into a position favorable for intersecting the debris cloud. The forecasts are evaluated and compared with three independent measures of debris transport: diagnostic trajectories calculated after the experiment using observed wind fields; transport of a tracer balloon; and aircraft measurements of the debris cloud. Trajectory forecasts originating as early as 39 h before the explosion successfully predicted the downwind atmospheric drift pathway of the cloud. The forecast trajectories agreed well with diagnostic trajectories, confirming the high quality of the meteorological forecast data upon which the trajectories are based. The forecast trajectories also proved skilful in predicting real-rime atmospheric motion at short notice. The results support our conclusion that forecast trajectory models are valuable tools for vectoring sampling aircraft in long-range atmospheric dispersion experiments and operations. These models should prove useful in the future when real-time estimates of atmospheric transport are needed.
Cost impact of blocking: predictability of ICU patient throughput and cost variance using process modeling

Efficient management of ICU patient turnover can significantly impact patient survival, medical expenses, overall satisfaction, and hospital operating expenses. Movement within a constrained healthcare delivery system is a dynamic and stochastic process that eludes traditional analysis and prediction tools. We hypothesized that simulation-based approaches allow for a better capture of the interaction between reality and policy, and therefore guide efficient ICU management. We developed a simulation process, modeling constrained hospital patient flow in a tertiary care cente and generated a cost-variance analysis derived from differences in that patient flow.
Theiler's Virus-Induced Demyelination: Prevention by Immunosuppression

The effect of immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide and rabbit antiserum to mouse thymocytes on demyelination induced by Theiler's virus in SJL/J mice was ascertained from Epon-embedded sections (1 micrometer) of the central nervous system. Immunosuppression not only eliminated mononuclear cell infiltrates in the spinal cord white matter, but it also prevented the occurrence of demyelination. These results suggest that demyelination in this infection is immune-mediated.
Status, conservation and management of the scarlet Ibis Eudocimus ruber in the Caroni Swamp, Trinidad, West Indies

Abstract Although scarlet ibises Eudocimus ruber formerly bred in the Caroni Swamp in northwestern Trinidad, they have not done so since 1970. Even so, they continue to feed and roost in the swamp outside of the breeding season. During the breeding season, however, most adults leave the island, presumably to nest at colony sites in South America. Although numerous causes, including changes in habitat, have been suggested for the lack of nesting, none has been linked directly to the consistent failure of ibises to breed at the site. Freshwater wetland losses in the region have been extensive. Almost all seasonally flooded wetlands east of the swamp have been drained or are in rice production, and most former freshwater wetlands within the swamp are now brackish. Here, this paper (1) reports on the status of ibises in the Caroni Swamp; (2) documents the extent of saltwater intrusion in the area; (3) describes a link between the loss of freshwater feeding sites and the lack of ibis breeding; (4) suggests a strategy for re-establishing a breeding population of ibises in the Caroni Swamp; and (5) makes recommendations concerning other coastal populations of ibises.
Tuning expert systems for cost-sensitive decisions

There is currently a growing body of research examining the effects of the fusion of domain knowledge and data mining. This paper examines the impact of such fusion in a novel way by applying validation techniques and training data to enhance the performance of knowledge-based expert systems. We present an algorithm for tuning an expert system to minimize the expected misclassification cost. The algorithm employs data reserved for training data mining models to determine the decision cutoff of the expert system, in terms of the certainty factor of a prediction, for optimal performance. We evaluate the proposed algorithm and find that tuning the expert systemresults in significantly lower costs. Our approach could be extended to enhance the performance of any intelligent or knowledge system that makes cost-sensitive business decisions.
Structure and function of ryanodine receptors

Membrane depolarization, neurotransmitters, and hormones evoke a release of Ca2+ from intracellular Ca(2+)-storing organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum and, in muscle, the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). In turn, the released Ca2+ serves to trigger a variety of cellular responses. The presence of Ca2+ pumps to replenish intracellular stores was described more than 20 years ago. The presence of Ca2+ channels, like the ryanodine receptor, which suddenly release the organelle-stored Ca2+, is a more recent finding. This review describes the progress made in the last five years on the structure, function, and regulation of the ryanodine receptor. Numerous reports have described the response of ryanodine receptors to cellular ions and metabolites, kinases and other proteins, and pharmacological agents. In many cases, comparative measurements have been made using Ca2+ fluxes in SR vesicles, single-channel recordings in planar bilayers, and radioligand binding assays using [3H]ryanodine. These techniques have helped to relate the activity of single ryanodine receptors to global changes in the SR Ca2+ permeability. Molecular information on functional domains within the primary structure of the ryanodine receptor is also available. There are at least three ryanodine receptor isoforms in various tissues. Some cells, such as amphibian muscle cells, express more than a single isoform. The diversity of ligands known to modulate gating and the diversity of tissues known to express the protein suggest that the ryanodine receptor has the potential to participate in many types of cell stimulus-Ca(2+)-release coupling mechanisms.
Tracking Control of Unmanned Surface Vehicles With Abkowitz Steering Model

This paper is concerned with the tracking control of unmanned surface vehicles. Steering dynamics is modeled using nonlinear equations with three degrees of freedom following Abkowitz. Tracking control of this nonlinear system leads to the need to derive a control algorithm for linear error equations which have time-varying coefficients. Next, a control algorithm has been derived for this set of linear time-varying equations. Lyapunov transformations have been applied to transform the error equation into a canonical form. A desired closed-loop PD-spectrum and the desired right PD-modal matrix have been chosen and the resulting Sylvester equation has been solved to obtain a matrix of time-varying controller gains. This leads to the closed loop equations for controlling the ship steering of an unmanned ship. The controller algorithm is applied to the motion control of ships with parametric values from published reports. Several tracking trajectories have been generated with and without obstacles, and time-varying control has been investigated and presented. The control algorithm is shown to be quite effective for tracking of unmanned surface vehicles. Stability conditions are derived to ensure convergence. Present work in experimental verification is outlined.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Natrolite group zeolites: Correlations of optical properties and crystal chemistry

Abstract Framework aluminosilicates typically have low birefringence. Refractive indices and, thus, optical class, orientation, sign and 2V are very sensitive to slight changes in the crystal structure or composition. Many zeolites crystallize in more than one optical class, and optical properties are often reported but not interpreted structurally. In the natrolite group, both refractive indices and optical orientations can be correlated with the substitution of 2 Na ⇔ Ca + H2O and the orientation of the H2O molecules within the channels. From natrolite to mesolite to scolecite, the refractive indices (n) increase, with n's most nearly parallel to the a and b crystallographic axes, increasing at a rate greater than n most nearly parallel to c, explaining why the optical orientation for each mineral is different: natrolite length slow, mesolite length intermediate, and scolecite length fast. The refractive indices of natrolite decrease upon partial loss of channel H2O, but upon total dehydration, the structure collapses, increasing both density and refractive indices. The optical class of mesolite changes over the temperature range 20–70°C. Temperature-induced changes in optical orientation or optical class can be accounted for by differing values of dn dT for the principal refractive indices, which, in turn, are directly related to structural parameters. The reported optical properties of tetranatrolite and paranatrolite fit the overall trend for the natrolite group zeolites.
SIM1 Overexpression Partially Rescues Agouti Yellow and Diet-Induced Obesity by Normalizing Food Intake

Single-minded 1 (SIM1) mutations are associated with obesity in mice and humans. Haploinsufficiency of mouse Sim1 causes hyperphagic obesity with increased linear growth and enhanced sensitivity to a high-fat diet, a phenotype similar to that of agouti yellow and melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice. To investigate the effects of increased Sim1 dosage, we generated transgenic mice that overexpress human SIM1 and examined their phenotype. Compared with wild-type mice, SIM1 transgenic mice had no obvious phenotype on a low-fat chow diet but were resistant to diet-induced obesity on a high-fat diet due to reduced food intake with no change in energy expenditure. The SIM1 transgene also completely rescued the hyperphagia and partially rescued the obesity of agouti yellow mice, in which melanocortin signaling is abrogated. Our results indicate that the melanocortin 4 receptor signals through Sim1 or its transcriptional targets in controlling food intake but not energy expenditure.
MR-tutor: a program for teaching the interdependence of factors which influence signal intensity in magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a valuable diagnostic radiologic procedure. The appearance of tissues on the MR scan is dependent upon a complex relationship among a number of variables. We have written a computer program which teaches students of magnetic resonance imaging the interdependence of these variables and how they affect the appearance of tissues on MR images. The program is written in BASIC for the IBM and compatible computers. A listing of the program appears in the Appendix of this article.
Feature enhancement techniques for the detection of spinal cord injury

Abstract Evoked potentials ( EP s) produced by median nerve stimulation and recorded from the somatosensory receiving area of cat cortex were obtained from anaesthetized cats and averaged before and after one of two treatments. Seven data transformations were applied to the average EP s with the idea of emphasizing features of the EP pertinent for classification. The transformations applied involved both time and frequency domain representation of the original average EP s. Statistical multivariate classification techniques were then used to obtain canonical plots of the original and transformed EP s. In every case, frequency domain analysis resulted in better separation between treatment categories. It was also found that the power spectrum which was normalized by its average power proved the best for classification purposes.
Functional lipid characteristics, oxidative stability, and antioxidant activity of macadamia nut (Macadamia integrifolia) cultivars

Abstract Phytochemical compounds (tocopherols, tocotrienols, and squalene) were measured in seven macadamia cultivars harvested from four locations on Hawaii island to establish whether these compounds enhance the oxidative stability of roasted kernels. Cultivars that had the greatest oxidative stability also had high total lipid-soluble antioxidant capacity. Tocopherols [delta (δ), gamma (γ), alpha (α)] were not detected in most macadamia nut samples, but macadamia kernels contained significant amounts of tocotrienols (31–92 μg/g oil) and squalene (72–171 μg/g oil) for all cultivars tested. This is the first report of variation for three tocotrienol homologs (δ-, γ-, α-T3) and total antioxidant capacity in macadamia nut cultivars. No statistical correlations were found between oxidative stability and tocopherol, tocotrienol, and squalene concentrations. However, two cultivars (HAES 294 and HAES 835) were identified with superior oxidative stability, suggesting that the kernel quality of these cultivars is more stable during storage.
The Effect of Law and Training on All-Terrain Vehicle Riders' Safety-Related Behaviors

A field study of ATV operators was conducted in 1988 and 1989. Observations and interviews of riders in six states determined the effect of law and training on rider behaviors. In areas where helmet use was mandatory, use increased by a factor of 15.2 over areas where it was not mandatory. Training was found to increase helmet use by a factor of 4.3, independently of the law effect.
Financialization and Income Inequality: A Post Keynesian Institutionalist Analysis

One of the most troubling developments in recent years has been widening income inequality in the United States and elsewhere. We argue Post Keynesian Institutionalism (PKI) provides insight into the causes of increasing income inequality and our contribution is threefold. First, we compare PKI to the “financialization” literature, noting key similarities and differences. Second, we examine changes in financial structure and income inequality for a sample of developed nations, showing that financialization has increased in nearly all the countries sampled and that this increase has generally been accompanied by a rise in income inequality. Third, we demonstrate that the development of modern financial structures does not preclude an expansive welfare state and egalitarian public policies. Our finding is congruent with Hyman Minsky's conception of PKI, which stressed both that “economic systems are not natural systems” and that capitalism comes in as many varieties as Heinz has of pickles.
Lymphatic function is regulated by a coordinated expression of lymphangiogenic and anti-lymphangiogenic cytokines

Lymphangiogenic cytokines such as vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) are critically required for lymphatic regeneration; however, in some circumstances, lymphatic function is impaired despite normal or elevated levels of these cytokines. The recent identification of anti-lymphangiogenic molecules such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ), transforming growth factor-β1, and endostatin has led us to hypothesize that impaired lymphatic function may represent a dysregulated balance in the expression of pro/anti-lymphangiogenic stimuli. We observed that nude mice have significantly improved lymphatic function compared with wild-type mice in a tail model of lymphedema. We show that gradients of lymphatic fluid stasis regulate the expression of lymphangiogenic cytokines (VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and hepatocyte growth factor) and that paradoxically the expression of these molecules is increased in wild-type mice. More importantly, we show that as a consequence of T-cell-mediated inflammation, these same gradients also regulate expression patterns of anti-lymphangiogenic molecules corresponding temporally and spatially with impaired lymphatic function in wild-type mice. We show that neutralization of IFN-γ significantly increases inflammatory lymph node lymphangiogenesis independently of changes in VEGF-A or VEGF-C expression, suggesting that alterations in the balance of pro- and anti-lymphangiogenic cytokine expression can regulate lymphatic vessel formation. In conclusion, we show that gradients of lymphatic fluid stasis regulate not only the expression of pro-lymphangiogenic cytokines but also potent suppressors of lymphangiogenesis as a consequence of T-cell inflammation and that modulation of the balance between these stimuli can regulate lymphatic function.
Asymptotic Efficiencies of Spacings Tests for Goodness of Fit.

Tests based on higher-order orm-step spacings have been considered in the literature for the goodness of fit problem. This paper studies the asymptotic distribution theory for such tests based on non-overlappingm-step spacings whenm, the length of the step, also increases with the sample sizen, to inifinity. By utilizing the asymptotic distributions under a sequence of close alternatives and studying their relative efficiencies, we try to answer a central question about the choice ofm in relation ton. Efficiency comparisons are made with tests based on overlappingm-step spacings, as well as corresponding chi-square tests.
Creative Critical-thinking Strategies

Are you looking for strategies to teach critical thinking? The author presents a variety of quick, creative strategies to facilitate teaching critical-thinking skills. These strategies engage students in their learning and are adaptable to any nursing course.
Endogenous ATP release inhibits electrogenic Na⁺ absorption and stimulates Cl⁻ secretion in MDCK cells.

Our previous studies with a line of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells (FL-MDCK) transfected with FLAG-labeled α, β, and γ subunits of epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) showed that, although most of the short-circuit current (Isc) was amiloride sensitive (AS-Isc), there was also an amiloride-insensitive component (NS-Isc) due to Cl− secretion (Morris and Schafer, J Gen Physiol 120:71–85, 2002). In the present studies, we observed a progressive increase in NS-Isc and a corresponding decrease in AS-Isc during experiments. There was a significant negative correlation between AS-Isc and NS-Isc both in the presence and absence of treatment with cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). NS-Isc could be attributed to both cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and a 4, 4'-diisothiocyano-2, 2'-disulfonic acid stilbene (DIDS)-sensitive Ca2+-activated Cl− channel (CaCC). Continuous perfusion of both sides of the Ussing chamber with fresh rather than recirculated bathing solutions, or addition of hexokinase (6 U/ml), prevented the time-dependent changes and increased AS-Isc by 40–60%, with a proportional decrease in NS-Isc. Addition of 100 μM adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the presence of luminal amiloride produced a transient four-fold increase in NS-Isc that was followed by a sustained increase of 50–60% above the basal level. ATP release from the monolayers, measured by bioluminescence, was found to occur across the apical but not the basolateral membrane, and the apical release was tripled by cAMP treatment. These data show that constitutive apical ATP release, which occurs under both basal and cAMP-stimulated conditions, underlies the time-dependent rise in Cl− secretion and the proportional fall in ENaC-mediated Na+ absorption in FL-MDCK cells. Thus, endogenous ATP release can introduce a significant confounding variable in experiments with this and similar epithelial cells, and it may underlie at least some of the observed interaction between Cl− secretion and Na+ absorption.
Toward computer-aided forecasting systems: gathering, coding, and validating the knowledge

Direct assessment and protocol analysis were used to examine the processes that experts employ to make forecasts. The sessions with the experts yielded rules about when various extrapolation methods are likely to be most useful in obtaining accurate forecasts. The use of a computer-aided protocol analysis resulted in a reduction in the total lime required to code an expert's knowledge. The implications for overcoming the "knowledge acquisition bottleneck" are considered. There are two sides to the problem of delivering knowledge to those who require it. One is getting the expertise into the delivery vehicle, whether it be a book, a presentation, or a computer program. The other side is getting it out. In getting it in, we must deal with several tasks, including acquiring it, coding it, and validating it. This paper deals mainly with acquiring knowledge but, as all of the other aspects of the problem interact with knowledge acquisition, they are addressed as well. We start by positioning this effort in reference to the problem of making accurate business forecasts. Then we describe a pilot study in which two approaches to knowledge elicitation are compared. Coding and validation procedures are then discussed. Finally, we consider implications for further research.
Development of pressure transducers utilizing deep X-ray lithography

Mechanical analysis and design of an improved class of differential pressure transducers is presented. Double-sided overload protection for a planar transducer is achieved with three-dimensional stops, produced with a process involving X-ray lithography and precision electroplating. Such metallic stops limit motion, suppress diaphragm stress, and facilitate the option of a second signal to verify performance. Computations indicate that the proposed device can generally sustain pressures substantially greater than those producing initial contact between the diaphragm and the metallic stops. >
Trajectory tracking of UAV using robust inventory control techniques

This paper presents a robust inventory control strategy (RICS) for trajectory tracking of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). UAV's are generally operated in highly dynamic environments, which include pressure disturbances, wind factor, etc., in addition to high probability of system model uncertainties. RICS incorporates a sliding mode controller to overcome these model uncertainties and noise inherent in any UAV system. It is assumed that uncertain parameters and disturbances are bounded. This method proves to be more effective than conventional methods like PID controllers and model based predictive controllers (MPC). Another important feature of this strategy is that it is easier to tune the controller in face of changing environment, as is the case with UAV's.