cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and Development of a Multi-Purpose Low-Cost Hyperspectral Imaging System

Hyperspectral image analysis is gaining momentum in a wealth of natural resources and agricultural applications facilitated by the increased availability of low-cost imaging systems. In this study, we demonstrate the development of the Vegetation Mobile Mapping System (VMMS), a low-cost hyperspectral sensing system that is supported by consumer-grade digital camera(s). The system was developed using off-the-shelf imaging and navigation components mainly for ground-based applications. The system integrates a variety of components including timing and positioning GPS receivers and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The system was designed to be modular and interoperable allowing the imaging components to be used with different navigation systems. The technique used for synchronizing captured images with GPS time was presented. A relative radiometric calibration technique utilizing images of homogeneous targets to normalize pixel gain and offset parameters was used. An empirical spectral calibration method was used to assign wavelengths to image bands. Data acquisition parameters to achieve appropriate spatial coverage were presented. The system was tested in ground-based data collection and analysis experiments that included water quality and vegetation studies.
Gulf Stream Dynamics along the Southeastern U.S. Seaboard

AbstractThe Gulf Stream strongly interacts with the topography along the southeastern U.S. seaboard, between the Straits of Florida and Cape Hatteras. The dynamics of the Gulf Stream in this region is investigated with a set of realistic, very high-resolution simulations using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). The mean path is strongly influenced by the topography and in particular the Charleston Bump. There are significant local pressure anomalies and topographic form stresses exerted by the bump that retard the mean flow and steer the mean current pathway seaward. The topography provides, through bottom pressure torque, the positive input of barotropic vorticity necessary to balance the meridional transport of fluid and close the gyre-scale vorticity balance. The effect of the topography on the development of meanders and eddies is studied by computing energy budgets of the eddies and the mean flow. The baroclinic instability is stabilized by the slope everywhere except past the bump. The flow ...
Infectious Pseudotumors: Red Herrings in Head and Neck Pathology

Infectious pseudotumors are tumor-like growths caused by specific microbial organisms. Proliferating histiocytes in these lesions may show atypical cytology with nuclear pleomorphism and increased mitotic activity, erroneously suggestive of malignancies including carcinoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma. Specific and nonspecific immunohistochemical staining profiles may lead to the consideration of a wide range of benign and malignant neoplastic processes. Two such cases are reported. The first is an obstructive endotracheal mass in an AIDS patient caused by Rhodococcus equi infection. The proliferating histiocyes were cytologically atypical with deeply eosinophlic granular cytoplasm leading to the consideration of oncocytic carcinoma, Hurthle cell carcinoma, and pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma. The second case is a nasal mass with a microscopic and immunohistochemical profile suggestive of chordoma and paraganglioma. Special microbial stains revealed intracellular bacilli consistent with Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis. In both cases, microbial virulence factors affecting phagocytosis prolonged their intracellular survival and resulted in active histiocytic proliferation. It is of importance that the surgical pathologist be conscious that some infectious processes can clinically and microscopically mimic malignant neoplasms. Accurately identifying these lesions and the specific causative agent is of particular significance since they can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
Metalation as a Termination Step in Polymerization Reactions Involving α-Olefins and Ethylene As Detected by Field Desorption Mass Spectrometry1

Field desorption mass spectroscopy (FD-MS) in conjunction with NMR spectroscopy has been used to study how olefins larger than ethylene are incorporated into polyethylene using (C5Me5)2Sm-based catalysts under hydrogen. Polymerization reactions of propene, 1-pentene, cis- and trans-2-pentene, 1-heptene, trans-2-heptene, trans-3-heptene, 1-octene, and 1-nonadecene with ethylene under H2 and with CD2CD2 under D2 were studied as well as reactions of ethylene with propene-d6 and 3,3,3-propene-d3 using (C5Me5)2Sm and (C5Me5)2Sm(η3-CH2CHCHR) precursors where R = H, Et, and Bu. For the olefins listed above, the combined analytical techniques with the appropriate deuterium labeling indicate that one olefin is selectively incorporated per polyethylene chain and that incorporation occurs by insertion into a Sm−H bond in the system rather than via an allyl group. Metalation of the olefin by growing polymer chains was found to be competitive with hydrogenolysis as a termination step and can be used to control molecul...
Effects of School Mobility on Adolescent Social Ties and Academic Adjustment

Why are transfer students at an increased risk for disengagement and dropout? Previous research suggests that the loss of school-based social relationships play a role. Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) are used to analyze what predicts student transfer and what effect this has on students’ social relationships. Results are based on propensity score matching techniques and are compared with those from a more traditional approach that utilizes regression methods. Findings indicate transfer students report fewer school friends and fail more courses. In addition, transfer students report increased closeness to their teachers after changing schools. Conclusions point to the importance of gatekeepers within institutions, such as teachers, to help individuals rebuild social solidarity after mobility between institutions.
Interpretation of high sensitivity cardiac troponin I results: reference to biological variability in patients who present to the emergency room with chest pain: case report series.

Abstract Background The development of highly sensitive cardiac troponin (cTnI) assays has increased the number of true and false positive results for patients suspected of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Cases are reported whereby the use of serial testing, the 99th percentile cutoff, and the application of biological variation of cTnI were used to help determine ischemic vs. non-ischemic causes of myocardial injury. Methods cTnI was measured using the Siemens Ultra assay from 13 representative patients who presented to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of acute cardiac disease. Based on a previous study, reference change values of a 46% increase and 32% decrease were used to interpret results. These differences were compared against the patient's discharge diagnosis. Results Two patients who subsequently ruled in for AMI had a negative cTnI ( Conclusions Serial testing for troponin was useful in differentiating early AMI from non-ischemic causes of troponin increases. However, non-AMI patients with acute cardiac injury can produce troponin results that mimic AMI. Therefore serial troponin testing must be used in conjunction with clinical presentation and other laboratory findings.
Conservative fragments of $${{S}^{1}_{2}}$$ and $${{R}^{1}_{2}}$$

Conservative subtheories of $${{R}^{1}_{2}}$$ and $${{S}^{1}_{2}}$$ are presented. For $${{S}^{1}_{2}}$$ , a slight tightening of Jeřabek's result (Math Logic Q 52(6):613---624, 2006) that $${T^{0}_{2} \preceq_{\forall \Sigma^{b}_{1}}S^{1}_{2}}$$ is presented: It is shown that $${T^{0}_{2}}$$ can be axiomatised as BASIC together with induction on sharply bounded formulas of one alternation. Within this $${\forall\Sigma^{b}_{1}}$$ -theory, we define a $${\forall\Sigma^{b}_{0}}$$ -theory, $${T^{-1}_{2}}$$ , for the $${\forall\Sigma^{b}_{0}}$$ -consequences of $${S^{1}_{2}}$$ . We show $${T^{-1}_{2}}$$ is weak by showing it cannot $${\Sigma^{b}_{0}}$$ -define division by 3. We then consider what would be the analogous $${\forall\hat\Sigma^{b}_{1}}$$ -conservative subtheory of $${R^{1}_{2}}$$ based on Pollett (Ann Pure Appl Logic 100:189---245, 1999. It is shown that this theory, $${{T}^{0,\left\{2^{(||\dot{id}||)}\right\}}_{2}}$$ , also cannot $${\Sigma^{b}_{0}}$$ -define division by 3. On the other hand, we show that $${{S}^{0}_{2}+open_{\{||id||\}}}$$ -COMP is a $${\forall\hat\Sigma^{b}_{1}}$$ -conservative subtheory of $${R^{1}_{2}}$$ . Finally, we give a refinement of Johannsen and Pollett (Logic Colloquium' 98, 262---279, 2000) and show that $${\hat{C}^{0}_{2}}$$ is $${\forall\hat\Sigma^{b}_{1}}$$ -conservative over a theory based on open cl-comprehension.
Use of a Germicidal Quaternary Ammonium Salt in Nutritional Studies.

SummaryAdministration of Phemerol to rats in the drinking water at a 1-1500 or 1-1200 dilution results in poor growth on a synthetic ration. Addition of 5% whole liver powder gives good growth. A combination of folic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid, and inositol does not counteract the effects of the drug.
Concentration dependence of Cr for alleviating environmental embrittlement in Fe30Ni20Mn35Al15

Abstract Previously, it has been shown that Fe 30 Ni 20 Mn 35 Al 15, which consists of alternating submicron B2 and f.c.c. lamellae, exhibits a room temperature yield strength of 770 MPa and an elongation of ∼10% at a strain rate of 3 × 10 −3 s −1 in air, but at the slower strain rate of 3 × 10 −6 s −1 the alloy exhibits an elongation [1] . An addition of 6 at% Cr has been proven to not only solve this environmental problem, but also to increase the elongation to 15–18% irrespective of strain rate [2] . Since we do not know whether Cr additions less than 6 at% can suppress this environmental embrittlement, in this paper we examined the room temperature mechanical properties of several alloys based on Fe 30 Ni 20 Mn 35 Al 15 with Cr additions ≤6 at%. We show that additions as low as 0.5 at% Cr alleviate the environmental embrittlement and that additions of ≥2 at% completely suppress the embrittlement with little change in microstructure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy examination suggested that the suppression is mostly due to the formation of protective oxide scales on the surface that provide rapid passivation. The lower yield strength when Cr is present may also contribute to the improved ductility, possibly by easing dislocation cross-slip in the deforming f.c.c. phase where most of the Cr resides.
Assessing the reliability of a nanocomponent by using copulas

A nanocomponent is a collection of atoms arranged in a definite pattern in order to achieve a desired function with an acceptable performance and reliability. Types of atoms, the manner in which they are arranged within the nanocomponent, and their inter-relationships have a direct effect on the nanocomponent’s reliability and its failure. This article, proposed a general method using the notion of a copula to model the inter-relationships between the atoms of a nanocomponent and then assess the reliability or probability of failure of the nanocomponent under different structures. This approach is refered to as a “zoom-out” approach. The proposed method is very flexible and it is very easy to implement. This article considers a nanocomponent at a fixed moment of time, say the present moment, and assumes that the present status of a nanocomponent depends on the present status of its atoms.
WE-E-BRD-01: Investigating Effects of Pelvic Bone Marrow Radiation Dose On Acute Hematologic Toxicity Using High Dimensional Data Analysis

Purpose: To develop a new method to investigate the effect of local pelvic bone marrow (BM) radiationdose on acute hematologic toxicity (HT) in cervical cancer patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CRT), with the ultimate goal of optimizing BM‐sparing radiation techniques. Method and Materials: We analyzed 24 cervical cancer patients treated with concurrent cisplatin (40mg/m2/week) and pelvic IMRT. The white blood cell count (WBC) nadir, defined as the lowest value occurring between the start of CRT and two weeks following IMRT, was used as the indicator of acute HT. The pelvic bone region included the os coxae, lower lumbar vertebrae, sacrum, acetabulae, and proximal femora. BM doses were standardized in two steps: pelvic bone registration followed by dose remapping. Simulation CTimages were registered to a common (canonical) template using the optical flow based deformable image registration developed by Yang et al.[2]. The deformation field was used to remap the dose distribution back to the deformed pelvic bones. We generated a data structure called a “dose‐array” that reserves the spatial information of each dose value. The position of an element inside array can be used to trace its location in 3D. Results: Substantial variation of BM dose distribution among the 24 patients was observed. Patients were classified based on their WBC nadir value (⩾ vs. < 2000/μL) into two groups (n=15 vs. n=9, respectively), and the average pelvic BM 3‐D dose distribution was compared visually. Results suggested that patients receiving higher doses to the lower lumbar spine, upper sacrum, and medial ilium, were more likely to develop acute HT. Conclusion: We have developed a novel method to study the impact of BM radiationdose on acute HT. Our next step is to implement both unsupervised and supervised classification models to analyzeradiation effects, for use in IMRT plan optimization.
Challenges and successes of immunization registry reminders at inner-city practices.

Objectives To assess the effectiveness of two serial registry reminder protocols and the interactive effects of reminders with child characteristics on immunization rates. Methods At an inner city practice network in New York City we randomized 1662 children aged 6 weeks-15 months due or late for a diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP) to 3 groups: continuous reminders (as needed), limited reminders (up to 3) and controls, for 6 months. Reminders were triggered by the hospital registry and immunizations were tracked with both the hospital and city registries. Analyses were based on intention to treat. Results At randomization, the study groups were comparable (9.2 months of age, 77% Latino, 86% Medicaid, 49.3% up-to date). A quarter of the children were sent false reminders, 15% had incorrect contact information, and 15% had missed opportunities for vaccination. In the univariate analysis, reminders improved coverage rates, but only for the children sent continuous reminders (51.2% vs. 44.9% controls, p Conclusion At an inner city practice network, registry reminders were not effective at improving immunization outcomes due to major system barriers. Immunization registries are powerful vehicles for identifying children in need of immunizations and generating reminders but system challenges must be addressed if this promise is to be achieved in inner city practices.
Case report of systemic IgG-related disease affecting the pancreas and orbit.

Abstract Purpose The purpose was to describe the magnetic resonance imaging appearance of the brain and spine in a patient. Method A patient with pancreatitis and neurologic findings is described. Results Our patient had an inflammatory condition involving the pancreas and orbital muscles, a constellation of findings that should suggest systemic IgG-related disease (SIRD). Conclusions Patients with multiorgan inflammatory disease, especially those involving the pancreas and other organs, should be evaluated for possible SIRD.
Ancient Hindu Society and Eliot's Ideal Christian Society

In her article "Ancient Hindu Society and Eliot's Ideal Christian Society" Anita Bhela examines the influence of Hindu thought and Hindu philosophy on T.S. Eliot's critical writings. In The Idea of a Christian Society Eliot gives a hypothetical account of an ideal society that would contribute towards the well-being of all its members, while in Notes towards the Definition of Culture he enumerates the essential conditions needed for the growth and survival of culture. Bhela argues that religion and culture were inseparably interrelated in Eliot's mind. She then traces similarities in the concepts of family, culture, and religion as expressed in Eliot's account of his hypothetical Christian society and ancient Hindu society to show that Eliot's concept of an ideal Christian society comes astonishingly close to the ideal of Hindu society as it existed in ancient times. Anita Bhela, "Ancient Hindu Society and Eliot's Ideal Christian Society" page 2 of 8 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 14.2 (2012): Thematic Issue New Work in Comparative Indian Literatures and Cultures. Ed. M.G. Ramanan and T. Mukherjee
Factors affecting perceived orientation of the Poggendorff transversal

The Poggendorff figure was simplified by removing the right transversal segment. When Ss judged the distance between a dot located on the right parallel and the imagined point where the left transversal, if extended, would intersect the right parallel, the error was independent of dot location. This result is consistent with the idea that the Poggendorff figure is processed asymmetrically by (mis)projecting one of the transversals across to the opposite parallel. Systematically omitting line segments reduced (and sometimes reversed) illusory effects. The most critical Poggendorff feature was the obtuse angle formed between transversal and parallel. Ss vertically adjusted one of two dots to apparent collinearity with an implied transversal, the tip of an intervening vertical line and the other (stationary) dot. Which dot was stationary proved critical. This primitive Poggendorff display generated no illusion unless the implied transversal, defined by the stationary dot, was the one that formed an obtuse angle with the vertical line. This result also strongly supports asymmetric active processing ideas. Perceived orientation is a property of directed line segments.
Is "Region" Still Good to Think?

This essay responds to the mission statement of Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East and considers the place of region in the contemporary postnational and post–area studies moment of scholarship. In particular, it examines the possibilities of leveraging further the opening that the journal created between area studies scholarship and the traditional academic disciplines.
Anteroposterior Stability of the Knee during the Stance Phase of Gait after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency

Quadriceps avoidance and higher flexion strategies have been assumed as effects of ACL deficiency on knee joint function during gait. However, the effect of ACL deficiency on anteroposterior stability of the knee during gait is not well defined. In this study, 10 patients with unilateral acute ACL ruptures and the contralateral side intact performed gait on a treadmill. Flexion angles and anteroposterior translation of the ACL injured and the intact controlateral knees were measured at every 10% of the stance phase of the gait (from heel strike to toe-off) using a combined MRI and dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS). The data indicated that during the stance phase of the gait, the ACL-deficient knees showed higher flexion angles compared to the intact contralateral side, consistent with the assumption of a higher flexion gait strategy. However, the data also revealed that the ACL-deficient knees had higher anterior tibial translation compared to the intact contralateral side during the stance phase of the gait. The higher flexion gait strategy was not shown to correlate to a reduction of the anterior tibial translation in ACL deficient knees. These data may provide indications for conservative treatment or surgical reconstruction of the ACL injured knees in restoration of the knee kinematics during daily walking activities.
Surface properties probed by second-harmonic and sum-frequency generation

Optical second-harmonic generation and the related technique of infrared – visible light sum-frequency generation are extremely versatile tools for studies of many kinds of surfaces and interfaces. With the help of ultra-short laser pulses, they can be used to monitor surface dynamics and reactions with sub-picosecond time resolution.
Airport terminal capacity planning

The airport terminal capacity planning problem deals with determining the optimal design and expansion capacities for different areas of the terminal in the presence of uncertainty with regards to future demand levels and expansion costs. Analytical modeling of passenger flow in airport terminals under transient demand patterns is especially difficult due to the complex structure of a terminal. Because of this difficulty, the airport terminal capacity planning problem has not been studied in a holistic fashion, such that studies in this area either do not account for expandability or focus only on one particular area of the terminal. In this study, we consider the airport terminal capacity planning problem as a whole. In this regard, we first derive time functions to approximate maximum delays in passageways and processing stations of an airport terminal. We then use these delay functions to develop a multistage stochastic programming model based on a multicommodity flow network representation of the whole airport terminal. The solution of the model, for which we develop an efficient solution algorithm, provides optimal capacity requirements for each area in an airport terminal during the initial building phase, as well as the optimal expansion policy under stochastic future demand. The results of the study are applicable to all similar queuing networks, including other types of passenger terminals.
From Yellow Ribbons to Bridging the Community: The Transformation of Local Identity in a Pennsylvania Mexican Settlement Community

Since the passage of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), Mexican farmworkers who were formerly seasonal migrants have been settling in greater numbers out of the traditional "gateway" states of California, Texas and Illinois. These "new destination" communities typically do not have a long-term history of Mexican settlement. Like many of these new settlement communities, Kennett Square Pennsylvania, the "Mushroom Capital of the World," has hosted Mexican farmworkers for nearly thirty years. For most of that time, Mexicans living on the periphery of this prosperous town were scarcely noticeable. This has been changing gradually since the early 1990s, as a steady increase of Mexican families have decided to make Kennett Square their permanent home. This population, once nearly invisible, is now one of the defining characteristics of Kennett identity.
Order restricted inference for the scale-like inverse Gaussian parameters

Abstract The inverse Gaussian family (IG) (μ,λ) is a versatile family for modelling nonnegative right-skewed data. In this paper, we propose robust methods for testing homogeneity of the scale-like parameters λi from k independent IG populations subject to order restrictions. Robustness of the procedures is examined for a variety of IG-symmetric alternatives including lognormal and the recently introduced contaminated inverse Gaussian populations. Our study shows that these inference procedures for the inverse Gaussian scale-like parameters and their properties exhibit striking similarities to those of the scale parameters of the normal distribution.
Set based logic programming

In a previous paper (Blair et al. 2001), the authors showed that the mechanism underlying Logic Programming can be extended to handle the situation where the atoms are interpreted as subsets of a given space X. The view of a logic program as a one-step consequence operator along with the concepts of supported and stable model can be transferred to such situations. In this paper, we show that we can further extend this paradigm by creating a new one-step consequence operator by composing the old one-step consequence operator with a monotonic idempotent operator (miop) in the space of all subsets of X, 2 X . We call this extension set based logic programming. We show that such a set based formalism for logic programming naturally supports a variety of options. For example, if the underlying space has a topology, one can insist that the new one-step consequence operator always produces a closed set or always produces an open set. The flexibility inherent in the semantics of set based logic programs is due to both the range of natural choices available for specifying the semantics of negation, as well as the role of monotonic idempotent operators (miops) as parameters in the semantics. This leads to a natural type of polymorphism for logic programming, i.e. the same logic program can produce a variety of outcomes depending on the miop associated with the semantics. We develop a general framework for set based programming involving miops. Among the applications, we obtain integer-based representations of real continuous functions as stable models of a set based logic program.
Functional block extraction for hardware security detection using time-integrated and time-resolved emission measurements

This paper presents a novel and powerful methodology for extracting functional blocks in hardware security and Trojan detection applications. The method is based on our proposed tester-based optical methodology that combines different test patterns, time-integrated and time-resolved emission measurements to identify and localize logic state changes and functional block activity inside a chip in a non invasive fashion. Detailed examples using a mixed-signal chip are presented and discussed to explain our proposed method.
Thermal Performance of Spray-Canal Cooling Systems

Spray canals are alternatives to cooling ponds and towers for steam-electric power plants. The literature of thermal modeling is reviewed. A rational analysis supported by field experiments at two large central power stations has led to correlation of local spray cooling performance in terms of two dimensionless groups, one of which is dependent mainly on the type of spray module, and the other is a heating-humidification interference-allowance parameter which depends on wind speed and direction and the type and placement of modules. The analysis is incorporated into a systems performance model for arbitrary canal layout. Examples presented are the circular, race-track and straight double-back canals. Implications for design are discussed.
Immunologic Overlap of Helper T-Cell Subtypes 17 and 22 in Erythrodermic Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis.

Importance Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD) are inflammatory diseases thought to be mediated by helper T-cell subtypes 1 and 2 (T H 1 and T H 2), respectively. Although psoriasis and AD show histopathologic differences during chronic disease, they are difficult to distinguish histologically during erythrodermic exacerbations. Objective To determine whether the immune phenotype of helper T cells can differentiate erythrodermic psoriasis and erythrodermic AD by studying skin biopsy specimens of patients with psoriasis and AD during erythrodermic and chronic disease phases. Design, Setting, and Participants We conducted a retrospective study using biopsy samples of psoriasis, AD, and erythroderma belonging to the surgical pathology files of the James Homer Wright Pathology Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, and collected from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2011. Samples were obtained from patients with chronic psoriasis (n = 20), chronic AD (n = 20), erythroderma subsequently diagnosed as psoriasis (n = 7), and erythroderma subsequently diagnosed as AD (n = 5). We evaluated immunohistochemical stains for CD3 and dual stains for CD4 and T-bet, GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), or basonuclin 2 (BNC2), which are transcription factors reported to be specific and mutually exclusive for T H 1, T H 2, T H 17, and T H 22 cells, respectively. Two investigators independently counted CD3 + cells and dual-labeled CD4 + /T-bet + , CD4 + /GATA3 + , CD4 + /STAT3 + , and CD4 + /BNC2 + cells in 5 consecutive high-power fields. Main Outcomes and Measures We evaluated the percentage of T H 1, T H 2, T H 17, and T H 22 cells in CD3 + T cells and the T H 1:T H 2 ratio in chronic psoriasis, chronic AD, erythrodermic psoriasis, and erythrodermic AD. Results We found a significant difference in the T H 1:T H 2 ratio between chronic psoriasis and chronic AD (0.26 and 0.09, respectively; P = .005). However, we detected no significant difference in the percentage of T H 1 (6.5% and 4.8%), T H 2 (55.2% and 64.6%), T H 17 (14.7% and 30.4%), and T H 22 (3.8% and 3.3%) cells of CD3 + T cells or in the T H 1:T H 2 ratio (0.16 and 0.07) within biopsy specimens from patients with erythrodermic psoriasis and AD, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance This study confirms the T H 1- and T H 2-skewed phenotype of chronic psoriasis and chronic AD, respectively. However, the immune phenotype, as determined by immunohistochemical analysis, cannot discriminate between these inflammatory diseases in the erythrodermic phase. These findings advance our understanding of the pathophysiological characteristics of erythroderma, psoriasis, and AD and may influence therapeutic decisions.
Free recall in children as a function of list composition and sorting technique

Kindergarten children and sixth-graders sorted pictures in one of two ways: either into the pockets of a shirt worn during the experimental session (pocket condition), or onto small boards placed before them (board condition). Each subject was given both a clusterable and a nonclusterable list of items to sort and free recall. Subjects in the sorting conditions recalled more items and clustered their recall to a significantly greater extent than a control group not allowed to sort the items prior to recall. In addition, sixth-graders demonstrated equivalent clustering of recall in the two sorting conditions, whereas kindergarten children clustered recall significantly more in the more personalized pocket condition than the more traditional board condition. Results are discussed in terms of Flavell’s production deficiency hypothesis, and in terms of two facilitating functions attributed to the sorting manipulation.
Experimental studies of seed predation in old-fields.

In a pair of experiments conducted in old-field habitats in southwestern Michigan (USA), we examined rates of seed loss to post-dispersal predators (ants and rodents). Seeds from 4-6 species of "biennial" plants were tested over a range of seed densities and habitat types. We found that seed removal was significantly higher in vegetated habitats than in areas of disturbed soil (both simulated small-animal diggings and a plowed field). In the undisturbed vegetation, seed losses ranged from 1-20% of seeds removed/day.An exclosure experiment demonstrated that ants and rodents foraged selectively for seeds of the six plant species tested. Rodents (Peromyscus maniculatus) fed preferentially on species producing large seeds (predominantly Tragopogon dubius). Ants (Myrmica lobicornus) foraged on smaller seeds, although their foraging preferences were not based strictly on seed size.Seed density had only a minor effect on predation rate over the range of densities tested. Predators, instead appeared to treat each experimental group of seeds as a single prey patch. Consequently, predation intensity was quite variable over distances of <20 m within a relatively homogeneous section of habitat.These field experiments provide initial estimates of seed losses to post-dispersal predators in old-field habitats. Rates of seed loss were generally less than those reported from desert or semi-arid habitats. However, for some old-field species, seed losses averaged an appreciable 10-20% day. The selective nature of the seed predators, plusthe relative patchiness of predation intensity in space, suggest that postdispersal seed predation can play a role in determining the distribution and/or abundance of old-field herbs.
Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum L.) and Broadleaf Weed Control in Winter Wheat with Acetolactate Synthase-Inhibiting Herbicides

A study was conducted for three seasons in northwest Kansas, USA to evaluate acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides for downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.) and winter annual broadleaf weed control in winter wheat. Herbicides included pyroxsulam at 18.4 g ai ha−1, propoxycarbazone-Na at 44 g ai ha−1, premixed propoxycarbazone-Na & mesosulfuron-methyl at 27 g ai ha−1, and sulfosulfuron at 35 g ai ha−1. The herbicides were applied postemergence in fall and spring seasons. Averaged over time of application, no herbicide controlled downy brome more than 78% in any year. When downy brome densities were high, control was less than 60%. Pyroxsulam controlled downy brome greater than or similar to other herbicides tested. Flixweed (Descurainia sophia L.), blue mustard [Chorispora tenella (Pallas) DC.], and henbit (Lamium amplexicaule L.) control did not differ among herbicide treatments. All herbicides tested controlled flixweed and blue mustard at least 87% and 94%, respectively. However, none of the herbicides controlled henbit more than 73%. Fall herbicide applications improved weed control compared to early spring applications; improvement ranged from 3% to 31% depending on the weed species. Henbit control was greatly decreased by delaying herbicide applications until spring compared to fall applications (49% vs. 80% control). Herbicide injury was observed in only two instances. The injury was ≤13% with no difference between herbicides and the injury did not impact final plant height or grain yield.
Epizootics of cancer in fish associated with genotoxins in sediment and water.

Neoplasm epizootics in fish from a wide variety of freshwater, marine, and estuarine locations have been associated with genotoxins in sediment or water. The majority of cases have involved benthic or bottom feeding fish living in habitats with sediment contaminated by PAHs. The most common lesions involved in such epizootics include liver neoplasms, both biliary and hepatic, and skin neoplasms. Laboratory research has demonstrated the ability of fish to metabolize carcinogenic PAHs such as B(a)P into the ultimate carcinogen with the resulting formation of DNA adducts. Fish dosed with B(a)P or sediment extracts containing carcinogenic PAHs have developed skin and liver neoplasms. In the Black River, OH, neoplasm prevalence in wild brown bullhead has reflected PAH exposure as the latter has changed due to coke plant closures and remedial dredging activity. The weight of evidence supports a cause-and-effect relationship between exposure to genotoxins in sediment and water and neoplasm epizootics in wild fish populations.
Characterization of irradiated starches by using FT-Raman and FTIR spectroscopy.

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman) methods were used for rapid characterization and classification of selected irradiated starch samples. Biochemical changes due to irradiation were detected using the two vibrational spectroscopic techniques, and canonical variate analysis (CVA) was applied to the spectral data for discriminating starch samples based on the extent of irradiation. The O−H (3000−3600 cm-1) stretch, C−H (2800−3000 cm-1) stretch, the skeletal mode vibration of the glycosidic linkage (900−950 cm-1) in both Raman and infrared spectra, and the infrared band of water adsorbed in the amorphous parts of starches (1550−1750 cm-1) were employed in classification analysis of irradiated starches. Spectral data related to water adsorbed in the noncrystalline regions of starches provided a better classification of irradiated starches with 5 partial least-squares (PLS) factors in the multivariate model. Keywords: Starch irradiation; FT-Raman spectroscopy; FTIR spectro...
The lattice Schwinger model with SLAC fermions

Abstract The lattice Schwinger model with SLAC fermions is analyzed with two methods: a Hartree-Fock calculation of the ground state wave function, and a weak coupling approximation involving a truncated SLAC derivative. It is shown that a Goldstone boson of chiral symmetry is actually present, but in the weak coupling limit it acquires infinite velocity.
Sexual orientation and the auditory system

The auditory system exhibits differences by sex and by sexual orientation, and the implication is that relevant auditory structures are altered during prenatal development, possibly by exposure to androgens. The otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) of newborn male infants are weaker than those of newborn females, and these sex differences persist through the lifespan. The OAEs of nonheterosexual females also are weaker than those of heterosexual females, suggesting an atypically strong exposure to androgens some time early in development. Auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) also exhibit sex differences beginning early in life. Some AEPs are different for heterosexual and nonheterosexual females, and other AEPs are different for heterosexual and nonheterosexual males. Research on non-humans treated with androgenic or anti-androgenic agents also suggests that OAEs are masculinized by prenatal exposure to androgens late in gestation. Collectively, the evidence suggests that prenatal androgens, acting globally or locally, affect both nonheterosexuality and the auditory system.
The mechanism of action and side effects of epidural steroids

This paper assesses the multiple mechanisms of action of epidural steroids in the treatment of back pain on the mechanical, cellular, and molecular levels and reviews the systemic side effects of epidural steroid usage. A review of contemporary literature was performed using a computer-aided search of recently published articles within the last 10 years to find the most recent information on the mechanism of action of epidural steroids. The studies discussed in this paper focus on the theories underlying the various anti-inflammatory actions of glucocorticoids, as well as their systemic involvement in side effects, including diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis.
Leaf size in three generations of a dioecious tropical tree, Ocotea tenera (Lauraceae): Sexual dimorphism and changes with age

 Premise of the study: In dioecious species, selection should favor different leaf sizes in males and females whenever the sexes experience distinct environments or constraints such as different costs of reproduction. We took advantage of a long-term experimental study of Ocotea tenera (Lauraceae), a dioecious understory tree in Monteverde, Costa Rica, to explore leaf size differences between genders and age classes across generations.  Methods: We measured leaf size in adult trees in a natural population, in their adult F 1 offspring in two experimental populations, and in their F 2 offspring at the seedling stage. Individual trees were measured at various times over 20 yr.  Results: Leaves of female trees averaged 8% longer and 12% greater in area than those of males. Leaves were sexually dimorphic at reproductive maturity. Leaf size declined during the lifetime of most trees. Heritability estimates for leaf length were positive although not statistically signifi cant ( h 2 = 0.63, SE = 0.48, P = 0.095).  Conclusions: We ruled out the ecological causation hypothesis for sexual dimorphism in leaf size because male and female trees co-occurred in the same habitats. Sexual dimorphism appeared not to result from genetic or phenotypic correlations with other traits such as height or flsize. Rather, females appear to compensate for higher costs of reproduction and diminished photosynthetic capacity by producing larger leaves. Additive genetic variance in leaf size, a prerequisite for an evolutionary response to selection for sexual dimorphism, was suggested by positive (although only marginally signifi cant) heritability estimates.
Identification of structural features in the G-protein regulatory motif required for regulation of heterotrimeric G-proteins.

The G-protein regulatory (GPR) motif, a conserved 25–30 amino acid domain found in multiple mammalian proteins, stabilizes the GDP-bound conformation of Gαi, inhibits guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPγS) binding to Gαi and competes for Gβγ binding to Gα. To define the core GPR motif and key amino acid residues within a GPR peptide (TMGEEDFFDLLAKSQSKRMDDQRVDLAG), we determined the effect of truncation, insertion, and alanine substitutions on peptide-mediated inhibition of GTPγS binding to purified Gαi1. The bioactive core GPR peptide consists of 17 amino acids (7F–R23). Within this core motif, two hydrophobic sectors (7FF8 and10LL11) and Q22 are required for bioactivity, whereas M19A and R23A increased IC50values by 70-fold. Disruption of spatial relationships between the required sectors in the amino and carboxyl regions of the peptide also resulted in a loss of biological activity. Mutation of three charged sectors (4EED6, R18,20DD21) within the 28-amino acid GPR decreased peptide affinity by ∼10-fold. Alanine substitutions of selected residues within the core GPR peptide differently influenced peptide inhibition of GTPγS binding to Gαi versusGαo. These data provide a platform for the development of novel, G-protein-selective therapeutics that inhibit Gαi-mediated signaling, selectively activate Gβγ-sensitive effectors, and/or disrupt specific regulatory input to G-proteins mediated by GPR-containing proteins.
Genetic control of aspartate transcarbamylase by the pyr-3 locus of Neurospora crassa.

Abstract The initial step of pyrimidine biosynthesis in Neurospora crassa , the carbamylation of aspartate to form carbamyl aspartate, is genetically controlled by the pyr-3 locus. Genetic analyses involving recombination, complementation, response to an unlinked suppressor gene, and the ability to suppress other mutant phenotypes divide the locus into at least two functional types of mutant sites. Such a division is supported by biochemical analysis; one functional type characteristically possesses in vitro aspartate transcarbamylase activity, and the second lacks this activity. Kinetic analyses indicate that the enzyme produced by a pyr-3 mutant of N. crassa with an absolute requirement for pyrimidine, yet possessing ATCase activity, is distinguishable from the wild-type enzyme. The results lead to the conclusion that the pyr-3 locus controls two functions: the transcarbamylation of aspartate and a biochemically related function involved in the synthesis of carbamyl phosphate. Mutational alterations of the related function concomitantly alter the kinetics of the transcarbamylase function indicating that both reside on the same protein molecule.
Abstract 374:KDRamplification in NSCLC is associated with sensitivity to VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Targeted therapies designed to inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway have been extensively evaluated in the treatment of malignancies including Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). VEGF pathway inhibitors such as bevacizumab, or the multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) vandetanib and sorafenib, have been shown to prolong progression-free survival (PFS) and/or overall survival (OS). These benefits, however, have been modest, seen only in subsets of patients. Thus, predictive markers for identifying which patients are likely to benefit are critically needed. Although expression of VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2, also known as KDR) was initially thought to primarily occur in endothelial cells, VEGFR-2 has been detected on malignant cells, including lung cancer cells, and in NSCLC, overexpression of VEGFR-2 on tumor cells is associated with a poor clinical outcome. Amplification of KDR has been detected in lung cancer specimens at a relatively high frequency (9% and 32%). The consequences of KDR copy number gains (CNGs) are not yet understood. Recently, we have shown that NSCLC cell lines with KDR copy number gains (CNGs) were associated with in vitro resistance to platinum chemotherapy, and KDR CNG predicted worse overall survival in patients who received platinum adjuvant therapy but not in untreated patients. We investigated the hypothesis that NSCLC tumor cells with KDR CNG display increased sensitivity to VEGFR TKIs compared to tumor cells without KDR CNG. In tumor cell lines with KDR CNG, treatment with exogenous VEGF ligand enhanced cell motility and this was inhibited by VEGFR blockade with TKIs. Multiple receptor tyrosine kinases have been shown to drive HIF-1α levels, and NSCLC cells with KDR CNG express elevated levels of HIF-1α in normoxic conditions compared to NSCLC cell lines without KDR CNG. Here, we show that in NSCLC cell lines with KDR CNG, VEGFR TKIs decreased protein levels of HIF-1α and HIF-1α- regulated proteins. Furthermore, we report a clinical case in which a NSCLC patient with KDR CNG as determined by SNP array had a partial response to VEGFR inhibition with sorafenib. Citation Format: Monique B. Nilsson, Tina Cascone, Jayanthi Gudikote, Emily Roarty, Lixia Diao, Andrew Koo, Sumankalai Ramachandran, Erick Riquelme, Hai Tran, Ignacio Wistuba, David P. Carbone, John Heymach. KDR amplification in NSCLC is associated with sensitivity to VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 374. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-374
A relationship between serotonin transporter genotype and in vivo protein expression and alcohol neurotoxicity.

Abstract Background: Genetic variation of the promoter for the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene has been associated with its functional capacity. In vitro, carriers of a short allele ( s -carriers) of the 5-HTT promoter display significant reduction in 5-HTT capacity. Dysfunction of 5-HTT has been observed in alcoholic individuals. We assessed whether the allelic constitution of the 5-HTT gene is associated with reduced serotonin transporter availability among alcoholic individuals. Methods: We genotyped the 5-HTT promoter region and measured the availability of serotonin transporter protein with [I-123]β-CIT SPECT in the raphe area in 14 abstinent male alcoholic subjects and 8 age-matched control subjects of European American descent. Results: Among control subjects, the ratio of in vivo 5-HTT availability for ll -homozygous individuals relative to s -carriers was comparable to serotonin uptake ratios measured in vitro. There was a significant interaction of diagnosis and 5-HTT promoter genotype on 5-HTT availability ( p ll -homozygous individuals displayed a significant increase as compared with s -carriers. The availability of raphe 5-HTT was significantly reduced in ll- homozygous alcoholic individuals and was negatively correlated with their amount of alcohol consumption. Among s -carriers, 5-HTT availability did not differ significantly between control and alcoholic subjects. Conclusions: Our preliminary findings suggest an association between 5-HTT allelic constitution and in vivo measurements of human serotonin transporter availability, and a potentially selective susceptibility of ll -homozygous individuals to the neurotoxic effects of chronic excessive alcohol consumption.