cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inelastic Scattering Energy Loss in CaF2 Observed with Soft X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Abstract The advent of third-generation synchrotron radiation sources has stimulated interest in the study of X-ray emission using photon excitation. Soft X-ray fluorescence (SXF) provides a means of measuring the element and angular momentum selective valence band density of states in complex materials. Tenability of the excitation source allows a detailed investigation of the dynamical behavior of the relaxation channels and the coupling between the excitation and emission process that occurs near a resonance or an absorption edge. As an example of resonant inelastic scattering studies in solid systems by SXF spectroscopy at the insertion device beam line BL 8.0 at ALS, results from CaF 2 will be presented. When the energy of exciting photons is tuned to the Ca 2p–3d threshold absorption peak in CaF 2 , the SXF produced by recombination of the excited electrons with core holes exhibits remarkable resonances for both the 2p 3/2 and 2p 1/2 levels. When the resonant 2p–3d SXF peaks are excited, additional broad peaks appear in the spectra below the normal valence band spectrum, which are displaced from the resonant peaks by about 17 eV and track the changes in excitation energy. We identify this as evidence of a coherent, inelastic scattering process, analogous to resonant Raman scattering, in which incident photons excite a localized electronic transition and are re-radiated at an energy reduced by the energy of the excitation. Evidence is also presented which indicates that the 2p–3d absorption transitions lie about 1 eV above a weak Ca 4s absorption threshold.
Two-dimensional transport of solids in viscous protoplanetary disks

Abstract Large-scale radial transport of solids appears to be a fundamental consequence of protoplanetary disk evolution based on the presence of high temperature minerals in comets and the outer regions of protoplanetary disks around other stars. Further, inward transport of solids from the outer regions of the solar nebula has been postulated to be the manner in which short-lived radionuclides were introduced to the terrestrial planet region and the cause of the variations in oxygen isotope ratios in the primitive materials. Here, both outward and inward transport of solids are investigated in the context of a two-dimensional, viscously evolving protoplanetary disk. The dynamics of solids are investigated to determine how they depend on particle size and the particular stage of protoplanetary disk evolution, corresponding to different rates of mass transport. It is found that the outward flows that arise around the disk midplane of a protoplanetary disk aid in the outward transport of solids up to the size of CAIs s and can increase the crystallinity fraction of silicate dust at 10 AU around a solar mass star to as much as ∼40% in the case of rapidly evolving disks, decreasing as the accretion rate onto the star slows. High velocity, inward flows along the disk surface aid in the rapid transport of solids from the outer disk to the inner disk, particularly for small dust. Despite the diffusion that occurs throughout the disk, the large-scale, meridonal flows associated with mass transport prevent complete homogenization of the disk, allowing compositional gradients to develop that vary in intensity for a timescale of one million of years. The variations in the rates and the preferred direction of radial transport with height above the disk midplane thus have important implications for the dynamics and chemical evolution of primitive materials.
A three carbon intercalation of an enediol silyl ether; a short entry to the bicyclo[5.3.1]undecyl system of taxanes

Preparation de la methylene-11 bicyclo [5.3.1] undecanedione-2,6 par une synthese en 3 etapes a partir du trimethylsilylmethyl-2 cyclohexene-2ol et du bis-trimethylsiloxy-1,2 cyclopentene
Ligand-Induced Gold Nanocrystal Superlattice Formation in Colloidal Solution

Colloidal gold nanocrystal superlattices (NCSs) were formed by ligand modification of the nanocrystal surface. The effect of different ligands was compared and it was found that dodecanethiol was m...
New supports for solid-phase organic synthesis: development of polystyrene resins containing tetrahydrofuran derived cross-linkers

Abstract Polystyrene resins containing flexible tetrahydrofuran derived cross-linkers are presented. These cross-linkers were designed to render the resins more ‘organic solvent-like’ and thus impart increased swelling/solvation characteristics in the resins with regard to common solvents used in solid-phase organic synthesis.
Decline of Red-Eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and Texas Spiny Softshells (Apalone spinifera emoryi) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas

Abstract In 2009, we repeated a freshwater turtle survey first conducted in 1976 in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas to determine whether the abundance of freshwater turtles in the LRGV has changed over the past three decades. We captured significantly fewer red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and Texas spiny softshells (Apalone spinifera emoryi) in 2 recently urbanized counties (Cameron and Hidalgo), and more red-eared sliders and Texas spiny softshells in a nonurbanized county (Willacy). Land-use changes, increased urbanization, and commercial turtle harvest are likely responsible for the decline of freshwater turtles in the LRGV.
Current-mediated periphytic structure modifies grazer interactions and algal removal

By shaping the architecture and taxonomic composition of periphyton, stream current may create periphytic mats on which some grazers can feed and forage more effectively than others. Current-mediated periphytic structure also has the potential to foster positive interactions among grazers if one grazer’s foraging facilitates another’s access to algal food. To examine the extent to which these indirect effects of current influenced periphytic removal and grazer interactions, we conducted a mesocosm experiment with two common grazers, the caddisfly (Trichoptera) Glossosoma verdona and the mayfly (Ephemeroptera) Drunella grandis. Periphyton was allowed to colonize ungrazed tiles for 30 d and assume its natural growth form under three ranges of near-bed current, “slow” (1–5 cm s−1), “medium” (15–20 cm s−1), and “fast” (30–40 cm s−1). Tiles were then exposed to the two grazer species at five densities. A streambed survey quantified Glossosoma and Drunella distributions in relation to near-bed current and periphytic structure (i.e., diatom films vs. filamentous mats) in the Colorado River. After 22 days of grazing, periphytic removal by Glossosoma was influenced by near-bed current and attendant periphytic structure. In slow current, where senescent Ulothrix filaments were abundant, increased Glossosoma density was correlated with an increase in periphyton biomass. Larvae became entangled and immobilized by the diffuse and senescent Ulothrix mat that characterized slow velocity, and Glossosoma mortality and weight loss was greatest in this treatment. By contrast, Drunella reduced periphyton across all density and current treatments. Drunella density correlated with increased Glossosoma survivorship and weight gain in slow current. The driving mechanism for this facilitation appeared to be removal of entangling overstory filaments by Drunella. The streambed survey showed that Glossosoma were negatively associated with filamentous mats, lending support to the hypothesis that clearing action by Drunella in the slow current/senescent Ulothrix treatment facilitated Glossosoma growth and survival. Our study helps underscore the importance of evaluating species interactions over ranges of abiotic conditions and consumer pressure to understand the patterns and processes shaping benthic communities.
An unusual cause of recurrent pediatric neck abscess: pyriform sinus fistula

We present a case of recurrent anterior neck abscess due to a congenital fourth branchial anomaly. Pyriform fossa sinus is uncommon and poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This case reiterates that any child with a recurrent anterior neck mass should undergo thorough clinical and radiological assessments to rule out the possibility of a congenital sinus/fistula.
Rho/ROCK Signaling in Regulation of Corneal Epithelial Cell Cycle Progression

Purpose The authors' previous study showed that the expression of a Rho-associated serine/threonine kinase (ROCK) is regulated during cell cycle progression in corneal epithelial cells. The present study was conducted to determine whether and how Rho/ROCK signaling regulates cell cycle progression. Methods Rabbit corneal epithelial cells (RCECs) in culture were arrested in the G(0) phase of the cell cycle by serum deprivation and then allowed to re-enter the cell cycle in the presence or absence of the ROCK inhibitor (Y27632) in serum-supplemented medium. The number of cells in the S phase, the relative levels of specific cyclins and CDKs and their intracellular distribution, and the relative levels of mRNAs were determined by BrdU labeling, Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses, and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Results ROCK inhibition delayed the progression of G(1) to S phase and led to a decrease in the number of RCECs entering the S phase between 12 and 24 hours from 31.5% +/- 4.5% to 8.1% +/- 2.6%. During the cell cycle progression, protein and mRNA levels of cyclin-D1 and -D3 and cyclin-dependent kinases CDK4 and CDK6 were significantly lower, whereas the protein levels of the CDK inhibitor p27(Kip1) were higher in ROCK-inhibited cells. Intracellular mRNA or protein levels of cyclin-E and protein levels of CDK2 were not significantly affected, but their nuclear translocation was delayed by ROCK inhibition. Conclusions ROCK signaling is involved in cell cycle progression in RCECs, possibly by upregulation of cyclin-D1 and -D3 and CDK4, -6, and -2; nuclear translocation of CDK2 and cyclin-E; and downregulation of p27(Kip1).
Evaluation of the WRF PBL Parameterizations for Marine Boundary Layer Clouds: Cumulus and Stratocumulus

AbstractThe performance of five boundary layer parameterizations in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model is examined for marine boundary layer cloud regions running in single-column mode. Most parameterizations show a poor agreement of the vertical boundary layer structure when compared with large-eddy simulation models. These comparisons against large-eddy simulation show that a parameterization based on the eddy-diffusivity/mass-flux approach provides a better performance. The results also illustrate the key role of boundary layer parameterizations in model performance.
INTESTINAL COMPLICATIONS OF NASOJEJUNAL FEEDING

Recently Cheek and Staub reported no serious complications in 46 infants given continuous nasojejunal tube feeding. We observed serious disturbances in 4 of 13 low-birth-weight infants fed in the same manner. In the 13 infants, mean gestational age was 29.61±1.68 wks and mean birth weight was 1, 176.15±208.23 gm. All except one had respiratory distress syndrome and/or other problems. None was able to be fed orally or by nasogastric tube. Nasojejunal tube feeding was initiated from 2 to 9 days of age. Average duration was 16.0±11.78 days. At the termination of nasojejunal feeding, 8 infants were heavier and 5 lighter than their respective birth weight. Six died. In 2 the cause of death was unrelated to nasojejunal feeding. In 4 the causes of death were as follows: (1) necrotizing gastroentero-colitis with possible rupture of intestine, (2) jejunal perforation with diffuse peritonitis, (3) aspiration pneumonia due to distention of jejunum and ilium and vomiting, (4) jejunojejunal intussusception. The safety of this procedure requires careful evaluation by controlled studies before it can be recommended for routine purposes in small low-birth-weight infants.
Bench‐scale testing of high‐temperature desulfurization sorbents

Extrudates of regenerable mixed-metal oxide sorbents including zinc ferrite, copper-modified zinc ferrite, and zinc titanate were prepared and tested for their potential to remove hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from coal gasifier gas in a high-temperature high-pressure (HTHP) fixed-bed reactor. Reductions in H2S concentration from > 10,000 parts per million by volume (ppmv) to < 1 to 50 ppmv were achieved depending on sorbent, reactor temperature, and steam concentration. Zinc ferrite showed no apparent loss in capacity over 15 sulfidation-regeneration cycles, but underwent significant strength reduction at 5% steam due to soot formation. Zinc titanate exhibited excellent strength and capacity retention at 5% steam and temperatures up to 735°C.
Modelling gas release event behaviour in hazardous waste tanks

Certain radioactive waste storage tanks at the United States Department of Energy Hanford facilities continuously generate gases as a result of radiolysis and chemical reactions. The congealed sludge in these tanks traps the gases beneath it and causes the level of the waste within the tanks to rise. The waste level continues to rise until the sludge loses its buoyancy and rolls over, changing places with fluid on top. During a rollover, the trapped gases are released, resulting in a sudden drop in the waste level. This is known as a gas release event (GRE). After a GRE, the waste re-congeals and gas again accumulates, leading to another GRE. We are interested in the time between consecutive GREs. Understanding the probabilistic behaviour of the time between consecutive GREs is important because the hydrogen and nitrous oxide gases released during a GRE are flammable and the ammonia that is released is a health risk. From a safety perspective, activity around such waste tanks should be halted when a GRE is imminent. With a credible probability model for the time between consecutive GREs, we can establish time windows in which waste tank research and maintenance activities can be safely performed. We discuss the application of non-linear time series models to this problem.
Mathematics and Poetry1

Since Descartes, mathematics has been dominated by a reductionist tendency, whose success would seem to promise greater certainty: the fewer basic objects mathematics can be understood as dealing with, and the fewer principles one is forced to assume about these objects, the easier it will be to establish a secure foundation for it. But this tendency has had the effect of sharply limiting the expressive power of mathematics, in a way that is made especially apparent by its disappointing applications to the social sciences. We should move in the opposite direction: toward a mathematics that deals in general with constructed objects, and whose scope includes fictional, poetic characters as much as numbers and sets.
Embedded sensors for the health monitoring of 3D printed unmanned aerial systems

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are growing in applications every day, extending into the fields of agriculture and data acquisition. Increasingly, these systems are being designed to be low cost and affordable; although, are often required to carry expensive payloads that adds higher mission risk if the UAS faults mid-flight. Real time health prognostics of UAS capable of alerting a pilot or ground system of potential problems before they arise will decrease the associated risk of high cost payloads on lower cost UAS. In this paper, a novel strategy of embedding health monitoring systems within a 3D printed structure or airframe is presented.
Increased endothelial monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-8 in preeclampsia

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that preeclampsia is associated with increased endothelial cell chemokine production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-8 necessary for monocyte recruitment to the vascular endothelium. METHODS: Plasma was collected from women with severe preeclampsia and normal pregnant women at term and measured for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin-8, and lipid peroxide levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and malondialdehyde assays. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured with 5% plasma from normal or preeclamptic patients and the media assayed for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-8 production. RESULTS: In women with severe preeclampsia, plasma levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin-8, and lipid peroxides were elevated (1.5-fold, 2.5-fold, and 4.5-fold higher, respectively) compared with normal pregnant women. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured with plasma from preeclamptic women significantly increased the production of both monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (2.3-fold) and interleukin-8 (1.5-fold) compared with plasma from normal pregnant women. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-8 production was decreased by the antioxidant vitamin E in human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with preeclamptic plasma, suggesting that the production of these cytokines may be regulated by signaling mechanisms sensitive to oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: These findings support the hypothesis that circulating factors in the plasma of women with preeclampsia activate endothelial cell monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-8 production, and although not directly examined in this study, may increase monocyte adherence to the vascular endothelium.
Physical and Chemical Erosion of Li Treated ATJ Graphite for NSTX

Plasma-facing component (PFC) candidate materials must have characteristics allowing for high temperature resilience while limiting deuterium recycling and core contamination from erosion. Graphite is a good choice of material for its high temperature tolerance, but can negatively influence the plasma through chemical sputtering and has a high recycling rate once saturated with deuterium. To reduce recycling, lithium has been used extensively as a coating on plasma facing surfaces, though many issues still remain. In particular at NSTX, lithium pellet injection (at mg levels) was utilized to create a lithium coating on the plasma wetted surfaces (walls of ATJ graphite), which was noted to significantly pump neutral-beam-heated plasmas. Results were initially good in reducing the deuterium recycling, though pre-lithium conditions returned in a short time. After a time, the lithium intercalates into the graphite lattice, requiring a repeated application of lithium. Additionally, the lithium film and any exposed graphite are subject to erosion by incident deuterium ions, both through physical sputtering chemical erosion. The present work involves the Ion-surface InterAction experiment (IIAX) at the University of Illinois (UIUC), which uses a low-energy ion beam (primarily deuterium) to bombard samples and monitors particular effects of the bombardment. This research is being done in conjunction with the IMPACT experiment at Argonne National Laboratory, which is involved in researching the effects of light ion bombardment of carbon and carbon/lithium surfaces to help explain the NSTX experimental results. Central to the current research aim are the problems of intercalation of lithium into the bulk carbon and the release of methane from the surface, as well as overall erosion rates of various treated graphite surfaces. It is proposed to first test surfaces of plain graphite and lithiated graphite, followed by surface treatments such as Boronization, He glow cleaning, or others to find overall erosion rates and specific treatments' effects on carbon sputtering (physical vs. chemical) and deuterium retention.
The decline of tracheotomy among otolaryngologists: a 14-year review.

ObjectiveTo determine the trend of number of tracheotomies performed by otolaryngologists.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary referral center in central Pennsylvania.SubjectsAll patients undergoing tracheotomy between 2000 and 2013.MethodsData were gathered from billing records and operative reports to determine the service performing the tracheotomy. In addition, the surgical technique and indication for surgery were recorded. Negative binomial regressions were conducted to examine the number of tracheotomies performed by each specialty as a function of year.ResultsIn 2000, 44% of tracheotomies were being performed by the otolaryngology service, compared with only 25% in 2013. This is a decline of 22% over time. Since 2000, general surgery steadily increased the number of tracheotomies performed in comparison to the steady decrease performed by otolaryngology. Since 2008, general surgeons have significantly increased the number of percutaneous tracheotomies they perform (76% per yea...
Abstract 125: Exogenous MiR-125b inhibits head and neck squamous cell carcinoma growth by suppressing Bcl-2 expression

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL PURPOSE: Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is one of top ten cancers in the United States. The overall 5-year survival rate of HNSCC has not improved in the past two decades. B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), an oncogene, is a key regulator of the apoptosis to promote cell proliferation and apoptosis arrest. Therefore, targeting Bcl-2 is an attractive strategy for restoring a normal apoptotic process and inhibiting cancer cell growth in HNSCC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of ∼22-nucleotide-long, endogenously expressed, highly conserved of noncoding RNAs with important regulatory functions in proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. In this study, we screened eight cancer-associated miRNAs levels (mir-21, -124, -125b, -147, -200a, -200b, -200c and -429) in twenty five human tissue specimens and four cell lines, including twenty HNSCC specimens and five normal controls, and three HNSCC cell lines (JHU-13, -22 and -29) and one transformed oral keratinocytes cell line (OKF-6). Based on the screening data, we further investigated the mechanism of miRNA-125b (miR-125b) regulated Bcl-2 expression and the therapeutic potential of exogenous miR-125b in a miR-125b stable transfected HNSCC cell line. Design Methods: The miRNA expression level was determined by quantitative RT-PCR. A stable expressed exogenous miR-125b HNSCC cell line (JHU-22miR125b) was generated by using lentivirus transfection. Colony formation and MTT assayed cell growth and cell viability and Western blot was used to analyze protein expression. Results: The expression levels of mir-124 and mir-125b were significant lower in both tumor tissue and tumor cell lines than control, and mir-21 was significant higher in tumors. Thus, mir-125b was selected as a candidate for further study. The level of miR-125b in the transfected cell lines (JHU-22miR125b) was increased more than five times compared with the control cells (Transfected with vector only, JHU-22vector). The levels of Bcl-2 protein and cell viability were significantly lower in JHU-22miR125b than JHU-22 vector. CONCLUSION: Bcl-2 is a direct target in miR-125b regulated Bcl-2 expression. Exogenous miR-125b suppresses the proliferation and growth of cultured HNSCC cells. The effect of exogenous miR-125b on inhibition of HNSCC growth via suppressing Bcl-2 expression will be further validated in tumor xanografts. This work was supported in part by grants P20 CA118770 from National Cancer Institute. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 125. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-125
MobiCom poster: on distributed, adaptive, and fair QoS enabling mechanism in wireless LANs

The existing DCF mode of lEEE 802.11 MAC protocol does not suitable for multimedia and QoS-sensitive applications. In this paper, we proposed a novel mechanism based on Deficit Round Robin to calculate various lengths of IFS to support QoS in Wireless LAN. The preliminary results show that throughput variation, delay and delay variation are reduced without compromising fairness.
Made-to-order power

The author describes how, when circuit and device designers jointly tailor power electronics systems to a specific application, performance and reliability can benefit at little or no cost.
On the definiteness of the solutions of certain matrix equations

Abstract It is shown that for each dimension n ⩾ 2, there is a real number t n such that for all t ϵ (−2, t n ], the unique n × n solution X of the matrix equation A 2 X + XA 2 + tAXA = B must be positive semidefinite, for any positive definite A and positive semidefinite B . This generalizes the classical Lyapunov result. It is established that t n = ∞, 8, 4 for n = 2, 3, 4 respectively and that t n > 2 for all n . Upper bounds are given for n up to 6. Related equations are also discussed.
Effects of Casimir force on pull-in instability in micromembranes

We analyze pull-in instability of electrostatically actuated microelectromechanical systems, and study changes in pull-in parameters due to the Casimir effect. When the size of the device is reduced, the magnitude of the Casimir force is comparable with that of the Coulomb force and it significantly alters pull-in parameters. We model the deformable conductor as an elastic membrane and consider different geometries. Beyond a certain critical size the pull-in instability occurs with zero applied voltage, and the device may collapse during the fabrication process.
Analyst Incentives and the Financial Characteristics of Wall Street Darlings and Dogs

Wall Street darlings, stocks with consensus strong buy recommendations, tend to be stocks with recent positive EPS momentum and surprise, recent positive relative price momentum, and recent positive EPS forecast revisions. Darlings also have stronger balance sheets, in the sense of lower debt, and tend to have lower dividend yields. Finally, darlings also tend to have higher long-term EPS growth forecasts and lower book-to-market ratios. Wall Street dogs, stocks with consensus hold and sell recommendations, tend to have the opposite characteristics.
A view on higher education

When I left Europe several years ago and came to the United States to pursue a graduate degree, many of my friends and colleagues wondered why. European universities really were not inferior to American institutions, so why not stay there? Some thought that I had caught “gold fever,” that I was driven West with treasures on my mind, and that I would return disappointed. Others thought my imagination had taken over, that I had watched too many cheap TV series, and that I would soon long for a real engineer’s job in the old country. Some looked at me with dismay: Why would anyone with a genuine interest in mathematics want to leave the lowlands, where more than a few mathematicians had gained fame throughout history? The more practical minded ones figured I was just being deceived by high engineering salaries in the United States, and was looking to grab some of the “greenback” opportunities. But I did not feel that the United States deserved its reputation (although some Americans even disagree with that). Personally, I was simply looking for a change, for a good excuse to broaden my horizons in more ways than academic, and most of all for an environment with a large “derivative,” one in which change forever keeps you on your toes. So here I was, armed with a Fullbright scholarship, a little bit of pocket money, and ambitions not to return without a Ph.D. in a field that was less than conventional. In addition to a good education, I found plenty of what I came looking for-dynamics and change. As a scientist I always liked to think of change as a challenge: inventions, new products, new ideas.. . . However, we scientists have typically kept an unchanged image: the absentminded professor, the weird individual with glasses and gray hair, with a lab coat once white but now torn apart because of various chemicals. It makes me wonder about the changes
The effects of "dry" heat on the circulation of man. General hemodynamics in patients with chronic pulmonary emphysema.

Abstract After right-sided cardiac catheterization, 10 resting male patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema were exposed to an ambient temperature of 98°F. and a comfortable humidity of 40 per cent for 2 hours. Restlessness and increased motor activity did not occur. Whereas the brachial arterial pressure decreased significantly, the pulmonary arterial pressure did not change. The minute ventilation, oxygen consumption, cardiac output, and calculated work of the right ventricle all increased significantly. The data suggest that patients with pulmonary emphysema tolerate poorly a hot environment, even though the humidity is low, and emphasize the need for airconditioned surroudings in the management of these subjects during excessively warm weather.
Incidence of Neascus rhinichthysi (Trematoda: Diplostomatidae) on Longnose Dace, Rhinichthys cataractae (Pisces: Cyprinidae), Related to Fish Size and Capture Location

Abstract Longnose dace, Rhinichthys cataractae, collected from the Tongue River and Goose Creek near Sheridan, Wyoming, were analyzed for the incidence of the trematode parasite, Neascus rhinichthysi, based upon fish size and sample location. Both incidence and mean number of metacercarial cysts were significantly greater in the fish collected from Goose Creek. Greater nutrient loads in Goose Creek compared to the Tongue River, resulting in greater biotic community productivity with accompanying macrophytic growth, was concluded responsible. Incidence and mean number of cysts were greater on the dace from the Tongue River site downstream of the Goose Creek-Tongue River confluence compared to the Tongue River site upstream of the confluence. Nutrient inputs from Goose Creek increasing Tongue River productivity below the confluence were deemed responsible. Though there was a statistically significant difference in parasite burdens between sites, within site comparisons of log weight-log length relationships...
Green element method and singularity programming for numerical well test analysis

Abstract One technique available to petroleum reservoir engineers to determine the properties (such as permeability and reservoir size) of oil and gas reservoirs is well test analysis. In a well test a well undergoes a step-change in its flowrate and the resulting variation in the well pressure is carefully measured. Traditionally these pressure responses are interpreted by comparing them to analytical solutions. However these solutions are limited to homogeneous reservoirs of regular shapes. An alternative is to compare the measured data to numerical simulations of the well test. This allows for more complex reservoir geometry and heterogeneity in the reservoir permeability to be included. Traditionally reservoir engineers use finite difference methods for these fluid flow calculations. These are prone to some numerical artifacts that make well test responses difficult to compute accurately. This work explores the advantages of a hybrid boundary element method (BEM) known as the Green element method (GEM) for modeling well tests. BEMs are a natural choice for the problem because they are based on Green's functions, which are an established part of well test analysis [Soc Petrol Engr J (1973) 285]. The classical BEM is limited to single phase flow in homogeneous media. This work presents formulations, which give computationally efficient means to handle heterogeneity. The accuracy of the scheme is further enhanced by incorporating singularity programming. Comparisons of the proposed GEM approach to conventional finite difference simulation, using the same gridding and timestepping, show that finite difference simulations of well test responses do not accurately reproduce the corresponding analytical solutions. GEM can accurately reproduce analytical solutions for the pressure and its derivative even using coarse gridding. It can also efficiently handle heterogeneity.
Somatostatin and CCK-8 modulate release of striatal amino acids: role of dopamine receptors.

Abstract The effects of somatostatin (SOM) and cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) on basal and potassium-evoked release of neurotransmitter amino acids were investigated in slices of rat caudate nucleus (CN) and, for comparison, cerebral cortex (CX). Endogenous aspartate (Asp), glutamate (Glu), glycine (Gly), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. In both CN and CX, potassium (5–55 mM) produced a concentration-dependent increase in the release of Asp, Glu, Gly, and GABA in the presence of extracellular Ca 2+ . CCK-8 (1 μM) stimulated in CN the basal and K + -evoked release of Gly to 231% and 160% of control, respectively; this effect was blocked by sulpiride (SULP), a dopamine receptor antagonist. In contrast, SOM (1 μM) inhibited the K + -evoked release of Glu in CN by 26%, an effect that was not blocked by SULP. SOM and CCK-8 did not significantly affect the basal or K + (35 mM)-evoked release of other amino acids in the CN or of any amino acids in CX. The results indicate that: (a) CCK-8 facilitation of Gly release is dependent on dopamine receptor activation, whereas the inhibition by SOM of Glu release is not; and (b) the effects of SOM and CCK-8 are specific with respect to the brain region affected.
Attachment Site Selection and Identity in Bxb1 Serine Integrase-Mediated Site-Specific Recombination

Phage-encoded serine integrases mediate directionally regulated site-specific recombination between short attP and attB DNA sites without host factor requirements. These features make them attractive for genome engineering and synthetic genetics, although the basis for DNA site selection is poorly understood. Here we show that attP selection is determined through multiple proofreading steps that reject non-attP substrates, and that discrimination of attP and attB involves two critical site features: the outermost 5–6 base pairs of attP that are required for Int binding and recombination but antagonize attB function, and the “discriminators” at positions −15/+15 that determine attB identity but also antagonize attP function. Thus, although the attachment sites differ in length and sequence, only two base changes are needed to convert attP to attL, and just two more from attL to attB. The opposing effect of site identifiers ensures that site schizophrenia with dual identities does not occur.
Animated demonstrations vs. written instructions for learning procedural tasks: a preliminary investigation

Abstract Animated demonstrations have been created due to the development of direct manipulation interfaces and the need for faster learning, so that users can learn interface procedures by watching. To compare animated demonstrations with written instructions we observed users learning and performing HyperCard™authoring tasks on the Macintosh™ during three performance sessions. In the training session, users were asked either to watch a demonstration or read the procedures needed for the task and then to perform the task. In the later two sessions users were asked to perform tasks identical or similar to the tasks used in the training session. Results showed that demonstrations provided faster and more accurate learning during the training session. However, during the later sessions those who saw demonstrated procedures took longer to perform the tasks than did users of written instructions. Users appeared to be mimicking the training demonstrations without processing the information which would be needed later. In fact, when users had to infer procedures for tasks which were similar to those seen in the training session, the text group was much better at deducing the necessary procedures than the demonstration group. These findings indicate that animated demonstrations, as they were implemented for this study, were not robust enogh to aid in later transfer.
A pass/fail option for first-semester engineering students: A critical evaluation

The first semester of a collegiate engineering program can be quite stressful for a student, resulting in anxiety and decreased academic performance. While there are various factors leading to these outcomes, the pressure of grades early in an engineering program can be a significant contributor. GPA is typically used to determine a student's academic success, but the reality is that the student often needs time to learn how to earn and keep good grades in college before they accurately reflect the student's performance and potential. Considering this, Colorado State University recently offered an option for incoming engineering students to take all of their first-semester classes as pass/fail. For the fall semester of 2010, 138 of 448 first-year students enrolled in the pass/fail option. In this first semester of the program, success was determined from a few measures by comparing performance of students in the pass/fail option to those in traditional A-F grading. In the first analysis described herein, GPA was reviewed for both groups of students, which revealed that students who selected the option received lower grades than those who did not. Authors review the program critically, often holding opposing viewpoints on whether outcomes have been and will be positive.
Segment-to-syllable alignment and vocalization in Chilean Spanish

This paper analyzes the vocalization of stop consonants that occurs in Chilean Spanish as a strategy to avoid the emergence of consonantal segments that may not be aligned with the left edge of a syllable. Vocalization is the best alternative to grammars that are pressed to parse every consonantal segment in syllable initial position but do not want to do so at the expense of losing or gaining segments. By providing an unfaithful correspondent that is non-consonantal, output forms are able to avoid the emergence of misaligned consonants and still hold the position of the offending segment. Consonant-to-syllable alignment constraints also force the simplification of complex onsets when the first member of the cluster is a voiced stop whose output correspondent may not surface as such due to an independent process of spirantization. But even in this case, vocalization also serves to avoid the parsing of a consonant in a position that is not leftmost within the syllable since the second member of the cluster becomes syllable initial. Despite ridding the output form of misaligned consonants, vocalization cannot completely erase but simply shift markedness from the coda to the nucleus because it requires the formation of a diphthong.
Autonomic microprocessor execution via self-repairing arrays

To achieve high reliability despite hard faults that occur during operation and to achieve high yield despite defects introduced at fabrication, a microprocessor must be able to tolerate hard faults. In this paper, we present a framework for autonomic self-repair of the array structures in microprocessors (e.g., reorder buffer, instruction window, etc.). The framework consists of three aspects: 1) detecting/diagnosing the fault, 2) recovering from the resultant error, and 3) mapping out the faulty portion of the array. For each aspect, we present design options. Based on this framework, we develop two particular schemes for self-repairing array structures (SRAS). Simulation results show that one of our SRAS schemes adds some performance overhead in the fault-free case, but that both of them mask hard faults 1) with less hardware overhead cost than higher-level redundancy (e.g., IBM mainframes) and 2) without the per-error performance penalty of existing low-cost techniques that combine error detection with pipeline flushes for backward error recovery (BER). When hard faults are present in arrays, due to operational faults or fabrication defects, SRAS schemes outperform BER due to not having to frequently flush the pipeline.
Unilateral Horner’s syndrome and brachial plexus anesthesia during lumbar epidural blockade

Abstract Horner's syndrome is a rare side effect of epidural analgesia. In association with ipsilateral brachial plexus block, it has only been reported once before, in French. Unilateral blockade has also been reported, although its etiology is unclear and may be multifactorial. The patient described here experienced an asymmetrical epidural blockade with a unilateral Horner's syndrome and ipsilateral brachial plexus block.
Combined Collis—Nissen operation

The sensitivity of oesophageal mucosa to certain digestive secretions has been implicated in almost all the complications of gastro-oesophageal reflux. Gastro-oesophageal incompetence permits free reflux of the gastroduodenal contents to the oesophagus. The recognized oesophageal consequences of this reflux are directly related to the effects of the secretions on the oesophagus and to the tissue’s response to chemical injury. These consequences are: desquamation; erosion; ulceration; inflammation; pain; bleeding; motility disturbances; oesophageal shortening; stricture formation and Barrett’s disease (columnar epithelial lining of the lower oesophagus). Complications vary from patient to patient, and the pathological processes are often reversed by eliminating the contact between the corrosive secretions and the oesophagus.
Correlation dimension of heartbeat intervals is reduced in conscious pigs by myocardial ischemia.

A reduced standard deviation of RR intervals (SDRR) predicts increased mortality in groups of survivors of myocardial infarction. Like SDRR, the correlation dimension (D2) describes variation within a sampled time series, but uniquely it reveals 1) the epoch's geometric structure and 2) the degrees of freedom of the generator. These unique features may be more sensitive predictors of mortality than SDRR. We developed a new algorithm for estimating D2 (i.e., the "point-D2"), tested it with known data, and found that it had greater accuracy for finite data than other published algorithms. Analysis of RR intervals from eight conscious pigs undergoing acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery revealed a drop in the point-D2 from a control mean and standard deviation of 2.50 +/- 0.81 to 1.58 +/- 0.64 during the first minute of ischemia (p less than 0.01) and to 1.07 +/- 0.18 during the last minute preceding ventricular fibrillation (p less than 0.01). Partial occlusions (50-90% reduction of coronary blood flow) evoked point-D2 reductions only 25-30% of control (p less than 0.01). The point-D2 means were correlated between pigs with the magnitude of the respiratory sinus arrhythmia (p less than 0.01), but during ischemia this correlation was replaced by one between the standard deviation of the point-D2s and SDRRs. Because the simultaneous reduction in the mean point-D2 and its standard deviation to 1.07 +/- 0.18 occurred in every case, was unique to the few minutes preceding ventricular fibrillation, and never reached these low values during other conditions in which it was reduced, we conclude that the point-D2 may be an accurate prospective predictor of mortality within the individual subject.
Separation Control from the Flap of a High-Lift Airfoil using DBD Plasma Actuators

Control of separation from the deflected flap of a high-lift airfoil is explored using two asymmetric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators straddling the flap shoulder for Reynolds numbers of 240,000 and 410,000. Actuators are found to be most effective when operated in an unsteady fashion at the natural oscillation frequency of the trailing edge flow field. The use of two actuators shows a significant improvement over one actuator by further decreasing the size of the time-averaged separation bubble on the flap while increasing the pressure fluctuations and velocity fluctuations over the flap and in the wake. Results indicate that the primary mechanism for reducing separation in this configuration is an enhancement of the natural vortex shedding that encourages momentum transfer between the freestream and separated region.
Radar microDoppler for security applications: Modeling men versus women

We created a model of human motion that was built upon extracted gait data, and calculated the spectrogram that would result from the radar measurements. We verified the model with several measurements. We modeled the radar Doppler signature of the component parts of the human body that build up the spectrogram, and verified the components. We then modeled the spectrograms of men versus women and compared these with some early measurements. The results show that this approach could be promising since small though measurable differences are apparent, though a larger study is necessary in order to adequately explore the issue.
Optimal Rate–Delay Tradeoffs and Delay Mitigating Codes for Multipath Routed and Network Coded Networks

Via multiterminal information theory, a framework is presented for deriving fundamental rate-delay tradeoffs that delay mitigating codes must have when utilized over multipath routed and random linear network coded networks. The rate-delay tradeoff is formulated as a calculus problem on a capacity region of a related abstracted broadcast channel. Given this general framework for studying such rate-delay tradeoffs, the extreme case of uniform networks, in which each possible received packet arrival order is equally likely, is considered. For these networks, the rate-delay calculus problem is simplified to an integer programming problem, which for small numbers of packets may be solved explicitly, or for larger numbers of packets, may be accurately approximated through the calculus of variations by appropriate relaxation of an integer constraint. Explicit expressions for the rate-delay tradeoff in uniform networks are presented in the special cases of (i) constant packet inter-arrival times, and (ii) exponential independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) packet arrival times. Finally, the delay mitigating codes achieving these rate-delay tradeoffs are discussed.
Sameness without identity : An aristotelian solution to the problem of material constitution

In this paper, I present an Aristotelian solution to the problem of material constitution. The problem of material constitution arises whenever it appears that an object a and an object b share all of the same parts and yet are essentially related to their parts in different ways. (A familiar example: A lump of bronze constitutes a statue of Athena. The lump and the statue share all of the same parts, but it appears that the lump can, whereas the statue cannot, survive radical rearrangements of those parts.) I argue that if we are prepared to follow Aristotle in making a distinction between numerical sameness and identity, we can solve the problem of material constitution without recourse to co-location or contingent identity and without repudiating any of the familiar objects of common sense (such as lumps and statues) or denying that these objects have the essential properties we ordinarily think that they have.
Some Historical Implications of Kinship Organization for Family-based Politics in the Brazilian Northeast

The still modest literature devoted to the history of the family in Brazil offers two conflicting interpretations of elite family organization. On the one hand, scholars have often ascribed an exaggerated organizing propensity to the elite extended family or parentela. Gilberto Freyre's early identification of ‘patriarchal cohesion’ as the foundation of Brazilian national organization persisted as the conventional wisdom until very recently. For Freyre, the elite patriarchal family assumed a ‘civilizing’ mission by imposing solidarity and order in an otherwise disorganized social milieu. Other commentators have been less impressed with the elite family's achievements over time. For them, Brazil's great families were disorganized, destructively violent, and even ‘schools of vice.’ Oliveira Viana, who probably best summed up the limitations of elite family organization, argued that the extended family (cla parental) lacked a common life except in crisis situations when its solidarity was only ephemerally evident.