cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Loblolly pine grown under elevated CO2 affects early instar pine sawfly performance.

Seedlings of loblolly pine Pinus taeda (L.), were grown in open-topped field chambers under three CO2 regimes: ambient, 150 μl l-1 CO2 above ambient, and 300 μl l-1 CO2 above ambient. A fourth, non-chambered ambient treatment was included to assess chamber effects. Needles were used in 96 h feeding trials to determine the performance of young, second instar larvae of loblolly pine's principal leaf herbivore, red-headed pine sawfly, Neodiprion lecontei (Fitch). The relative consumption rate of larvae significantly increased on plants grown under elevated CO2, and needles grown in the highest CO2 regime were consumed 21% more rapidly than needles grown in ambient CO2. Both the significant decline in leaf nitrogen content and the substantial increase in leaf starch content contributed to a significant increase in the starch:nitrogen ratio in plants grown in elevated CO2. Insect consumption rate was negatively related to leaf nitrogen content and positively related to the starch:nitrogen ratio. Of the four volatile leaf monoterpenes measured, only β-pinene exhibited a significant CO2 effect and declined in plants grown in elevated CO2. Although consumption changed, the relative growth rates of larvae were not different among CO2 treatments. Despite lower nitrogen consumption rates by larvae feeding on the plants grown in elevated CO2, nitrogen accumulation rates were the same for all treatments due to a significant increase in nitrogen utilization efficiency. The ability of this insect to respond at an early, potentially susceptible larval stage to poorer food quality and declining levels of a leaf monoterpene suggest that changes in needle quality within pines in future elevated-CO2 atmospheres may not especially affect young insects and that tree-feeding sawflies may respond in a manner similar to herb-feeding lepidopterans.
Neutronic analysis of hydride fueled PWR cores

The neutronic properties of U–ZrH1.6 fuelled PWR cores are investigated and compared against those of the currently used UO2 fuelled cores. In the first part of this work a parametric study is performed to quantify the neutronically achievable burnup for both hydride and oxide fuels at a number of enrichment levels and for a large number of geometries covering a wide design space of fuel rod outer diameter, D, and lattice pitch, P. The fuel temperature and coolant temperature reactivity coefficients as well as the small and large void reactivity coefficients are calculated for hydride fuel with 5% and 12.5% enriched uranium. For this purpose a simplified procedure was developed that can, using single unit cell or assembly calculations, (1) account for non-linear burnup dependent k∞ and thus to adequately predict the discharge burnup; (2) estimate the burnup dependent soluble boron concentration and; (3) estimate the reactivity coefficients; all of the above for a multi-batch core. In the second part of this work a detailed neutronic analysis is carried out for the six most economical geometries of both oxide and hydride fuels, with the purpose of designing the U–ZrH1.6 fueled PWR cores to have negative reactivity coefficients. The preferred design found is replacement of 25 v/o of the ZrH1.6 by thorium hydride, along with addition of some IFBA burnable poison. It is also found that the conversion from oxide to hydride fueled PWR cores could be done without modifications in the control system.
Theoretical studies of the kinetics of mechanical unfolding of cross-linked polymer chains and their implications for single-molecule pulling experiments.

We have used kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to study the kinetics of unfolding of cross-linked polymer chains under mechanical loading. As the ends of a chain are pulled apart, the force transmitted by each cross-link increases until it ruptures. The stochastic cross-link rupture process is assumed to be governed by first order kinetics with a rate that depends exponentially on the transmitted force. We have performed random searches to identify optimal cross-link configurations whose unfolding requires a large applied force (measure of strength) and∕or large dissipated energy (measure of toughness). We found that such optimal chains always involve cross-links arranged to form parallel strands. The location of those optimal strands generally depends on the loading rate. Optimal chains with a small number of cross-links were found to be almost as strong and tough as optimal chains with a large number of cross-links. Furthermore, optimality of chains with a small number of cross-links can be easily destroyed by adding cross-links at random. The present findings are relevant for the interpretation of single molecule force probe spectroscopy studies of the mechanical unfolding of ``load-bearing'' proteins, whose native topology often involves parallel strand arrangements similar to the optimal configurations identified in the study.
A comparison of three strategies for computing letter oriented, minimal perfect hashing functions

This paper will discuss improvements to Cichelli's method for computing the set of weights used for minimal perfect hashing functions[1]. The major modifications investigated here pertain to adding a "MOD number_of_keys" operation to the hashing function, and to the removal of unnecessary backtracking due to "guaranteed collisions".
Manipulator compliance based on joint torque control

The application of robot manipulators to batch manufacturing product assembly requires the control and monitoring of both robot force and position. A good force sensing technique is imperative to increase the robot's capabilities in this area. A fast reliable force servo system based on the proper sensing technique is also needed to increase the speed of robot operations. This paper analyzes currently existing force sensing techniques concluding that a joint torque sensing technique will results the best performance in a force servo system. A new, simple, high again, wide bandwidth torque servo system using a joint torque sensor system has been developed and has been verified by using a single joint manipulator. An accurate method of selecting the force servo joints to provide compliance has also been developed. Finally, a complete and consistent algorithm for performing compliance is presented.
Fluxless silicon-to-alumina bonding using electroplated Au–Sn–Au structure at eutectic composition

Abstract Large 6 mm × 9 mm silicon chips have been successfully bonded to alumina substrates with electroplated Au/Sn/Au structure at the eutectic composition. The new bonding process is entirely fluxless, or flux-free. It is performed in vacuum (50 milliTorrs), where the oxygen content is reduced by a factor of 15,200 comparing to air, to inhibit solder oxidation. Eutectic Au80Sn20 alloy is a well established solder that exhibits excellent fatigue-resistance, creep-resistance, and long-term reliability. Despite the popularity of plastic packages and organic substrates, alumina remains an important packaging material for highly reliable products in demanding environment. A major challenge in silicon-to-alumina bonding is the large thermal expansion mismatch between silicon (2.7 ppm/°C) and alumina (7 ppm/°C). The new process developed shows that a large silicon chip can be bonded to an alumina substrate without chip cracking or solder fracture. In this research, we learned the specific bonding procedures necessary to turn the Au/Sn/Au structure into homogeneous eutectic alloy without the chip breaking away from the solder layer. Nearly void-free joints are produced as confirmed by a scanning acoustic microscope (SAM). The joints are studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to evaluate the microstructure and the composition.
Growth characteristics of Sanguinaria canadensis L. cell suspensions and immobilized cultures for production of benzophenanthridine alkaloids.

Sanguinaria canadensis L. plants were harvested from a local forest and calli were initiated from leaf explants. The production of benzophenanthridine alkaloids (i.e. sanguinarine, sanguilutine, sanguirubine, chelerythrine, chelilutine and chelirubine) by S. canadensis cell grown in modified B5 and IM2 media was compared to the alkaloid content of rhizomes. Sanguinarine accounted for approximately 80% of the total alkaloid content of cultured cells (1.3%,g g−1) while sanguinarine and sanguirubine accounted for 70% of rhizome alkaloids (9.0%, g g−1). Sanguinarine, chelirubine and chererythrine were the only known alkaloids detected in cultured S. canadensis cells. Maximum alkaloid production of cultures performed using B5 medium, containing half the original nitrate concentration, was observed following extracellular nitrate and sugar depletion. The scale-up of this culture was successfully performed in a 2-1 immobilization bioreactor. The consumption of sugar and nitrate as well as the oxygen (OTR) and carbon dioxide (CTR) transfer rates of the immobilized cell culture were monitored for 15 days. The maximum sugar and nitrate consumption rates were 1.8 g l−1 per day and 2.3 mm per day respectively. The maximum OTR and CTR of the immobilized cell culture were 0.8 mmol O2 l−1 h−1 and 0.95 mmol CO2 l−1 h−1 respectively. The sanguinarine yield of this culture reached 1.0% based on biomass dry weight (g g−1 dw) by day 15.
Further studies on experimental ocular trichomoniasis—The role of injury to the lens in the production of infection☆

Abstract Within 2 hours after injection of cultures of T. vaginalis into the anterior chamber of the eyes of rabbits the parasite cannot be demonstrated by culture. The mode of disappearance has not been explained. When cultures of T. vaginalis were injected into the anterior chamber of the eyes of rabbits by a method that avoided injuring the lens, no infection and no acute inflammatory reaction developed. When, however, the lens was injured either accidentally or deliberately, infection generally occurred. T. vaginalis grows well when injected into the vitreous body. The organisms do not spread from the vitreous body to other tissues.
Localization and quantification of high-affinity melatonin binding sites in Rana pipiens retina.

: Melatonin binding was localized to the inner plexiform layer (IPL) of the frog retina by in vitro autoradiography, using 2-125I-melatonin as the radioligand. Radioreceptor binding assays of frog retinal homogehate demonstrated saturable melatonin binding. Scatchard analysis revealed a single population of binding sites with an apparent dissociation constant (Kd) of 125 pM, with a Bmax of 0.138 fmoles/mg of protein. These results suggest that high-affinity melatonin binding sites are present in the IPL of the frog retina, which may reflect the presence of melatonin receptors in this synaptic layer.
The importance of type of question, psychological climate and subject set in interviewing children about pain

The child's view of pain is a sparse area in the field of pediatric pain, with interviews providing a major investigative tool. A flurry of interview studies has appeared but their contribution in terms of increasing the pool of information is limited by the indiscriminate use of the supplied-response item format. This paper describes the advantages of the generate-response format as well as the importance of psychological climate and subject set. Data obtained from a large-scale interview project (n = 994) on children's views of their ongoing and past pain experiences provide some support for the interview methodology advocated here.
Reality's A Drag: Accounting For Friction In Simple Protein Models

Elastic network models (ENMs) are widely used for studying the global equilibrium dynamics of proteins because they predict motions on timescales that are generally inaccessible to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Although the slowest motions predicted by in vacuo ENMs have repeatedly shown to correlate well with experiment, the timescales of these motions do not. Here we develop a simple algorithm for scaling the characteristic timescales of slow motions predicted by an ENM to reflect the true timescales of the molecular motions. Using MD trajectories on the order of tens of nanoseconds, we calculate ideal friction constants for Langevin models of three proteins. We then demonstrate that the difference between the slowest vibrational frequencies predicted by the Langevin model and those predicted by an in vacuo ENM can be explained through simple physical arguments. We provide an expression for scaling the normal mode frequencies of an in vacuo ENM to realistic values and discuss the utility of our results in combining ENMs with MD simulations to predict large-scale protein dynamics.
Transient conjugated heat transfer between a cooling coil and its surrounding enclosure

Abstract The transient heat transfer phenomena are investigated for the thermal entrance region of laminar pipe flows resulting from a step change in the entrance temperature, when coupled with the unsteady temperature variations in the surrounding enclosure, representing a refrigerator cabinet. The conventional Nusselt number is shown to be inadequate in the present study. The unsteady axial variations of a modified Nusselt number, bulk fluid temperature, and pipe wall temperature are presented over wide ranges of the parameters involved. The decay of the cabinet temperature is examined in great detail.
The nature of the weak neutral current

Abstract With the conjecture that the weak neutral current should have equal status in symmetry as the other weak and electromagnetic currents, we determine it to be a pure axial-vector. This means that the weak interaction of the neutral current is parity conserving. The fundamental interactions of leptons thereby complete the whole scheme of (1 + γ 5 )/2, (1 − γ 5 )/2,1 and γ 5 .
Kinetic studies by cyclic voltammetry at low temperatures using microelectrodes

Abstract Conditions and procedures needed for accurate kinetic measurements at low temperatures are developed and illustrated. Resistivities of tetra-n-butylammonium hexafluorophosphate and perchlorate electrolytes in acetonitrile, n-butyronitrile and N , N -dimethylformamide are reported for temperatures from 25 to as low as −80 ° C, as are diffusion coefficients of three representative solutes: cobaltocenium ion, 9,10-anthraquinone and 4-nitrotoluene. Establishment of a practical range of scan rates within which errors due to solution resistance will be small for a given electrode size is illustrated for cyclic voltammetry with microdisk electrodes under low temperature conditions. A procedure for correcting experimental voltammograms for solution IR drop and for the effect of the faradaic current on the charging current is utilized along with evaluation of the data by digital simulation employing the actual scan rate as input to the simulation program. This procedure was illustrated and evaluated using data for reduction of 9,10-anthraquinone at room temperature and nitromesitylene at −50° C. Finally, cyclic voltammetry with microelectrodes at low temperature was used to determine rate constants for structural changes associated with the electrochemical reduction of 1,1'-dimethylbianthrone and dixanthylene.
Stability of semiclassical bound states of nonlinear Schrödinger equations with potentials

In this paper, we study the Lyapunov stabilities of some “semiclassical” bound states of the (nonhomogeneous) nonlinear Schrodinger equation, We prove that among those bound states, those which are “concentrated” near local minima (respectively maxima) of the potentialV are stable (respectively unstable). We also prove that those bound states are positive if is sufficiently small.
Theory and research on social issues in organizations

Purpose – The primary purpose of this article is to raise awareness about the need for additional theory and research on social issues in organizations. It also provides an introduction to the Special Issue, and a description of the articles in it.Design/methodology/approach – The article highlights the social challenges facing individuals, organizations, and society in the twenty‐first century. It also suggests that many worldwide challenges have been accompanied by some of the most significant research contributions in applied psychology. As a result, the authors argue that researchers in the field often have unique knowledge and skills that can be applied to solve some of these challenges.Findings – The article notes that additional theory and research is needed to help alleviate some of the social challenges that organizations and their members face in the twenty‐first century.Research limitations/implications – The article offers suggestions for generating new research ideas that can be used to ameli...
Stochastic approximation algorithms for identifying ARMA processes

Following the convergence proofs for stochastic approximation identification of pure autoregressive (AR) processes with dependent observations, as derived by Saridis and Stein, it is shown that the convergence for mixed autoregressive-moving-average (ARMA) cases can also be proved when none of the AR or the MA parameters or of the covariances are assumed known. Consequently, a generalized stochastic approximations identification procedure for ARMA processes is derived, which is extendable to any linear Kalrman filter models.
Solar EUV Monitor (SEM) absolute irradiance measurements and how they are affected by choice of reference spectrum

The SOHO/CELIAS Solar EUV Monitor (SEM) has measured absolute extreme ultraviolet (EUV) solar irradiance nearly continuously over a 15 year period that includes two solar cycle minima, 22/23 (1996) and 23/24 (2008). Calibration of the SEM flight instrument and verification of the data have been maintained through measurements from a series of sounding rocket calibration underflights that have included a NIST calibrated SEM clone instrument as well as a Rare Gas Ionization Cell (RGIC) absolute detector. From the beginning of SEM data collection in 1996, the SOLERS 22 fixed reference solar spectrum has been used to calculate absolute EUV flux values from SEM raw data. Specifically, the reference spectrum provides a set of weighting factors for determining a weighted average for the wavelength dependent SEM response. The spectrum is used for calculation of the second order contamination in the first order channel signals, and for the comparison between SEM flux measurements with broader-band absolute RGIC measurements. SOHO/SEM EUV flux measurements for different levels of solar activity will be presented to show how the choice of reference spectra now available affects these SEM data. Both fixed (i.e. SOLERS 22) and non-fixed (Solar Irradiance Platform/Solar 2000 and SDO/EVE/MEGS) reference spectra have been included in this analysis.
Biosynthesis of chondroitin sulfate. Purification of UDP-d-xylose:core protein β-d-xylosyltransferase by affinity chromatography☆

Abstract The chondroitin sulfate chain-initiating enzyme, UDP- d -xylose:core protein β- d -xylosyltransferase, has been purified from a high-speed supernatant fraction of a homogenate of embryonic chick cartilage by a procedure involving ammonium sulfate fractionation, gel chromatography on Sephadex G-200 resin, and affinity chromatography on a matrix consisting of core protein bound to Sepharose resin. The purified enzyme was homogeneous by electrophoretic and immunological criteria, had a molecular weight of 95,000–100,000 daltons, and was composed of two pairs of dissimilar subunits with molecular weights of ~23,000 and 27,000 daltons, respectively.
Scaling for External Noise at the Onset of Chaos

The effect of external noise on the transition to chaos for maps of the interval which exhibit period-doubling bifurcations are considered. It is shown that the Liapunov characteristic exponent satisfies scaling in the vicinity of the transition. The critical exponent for noise is calculated with the use of Feigenbaum's renormalization group approach, and the scaling function for the Liapunov characteristic exponent is obtained numerically by iterating a map with additive noise.
Candidate NRL photonics experiments for the microelectronics and photonics testbed

The Microelectronics and Photonics Test Bed (MPTB) is a space experiment which evaluates the performance of components and subsystems of important new technologies in advance of their deployment on future spacecraft. Devices aboard MPTB monitor the environment, and the radiation affects data obtained on components will be compared to ground tests and predictions. We present a brief description of the candidate NRL (Naval Research Laboratory) photonics experiments for MPTB.
Evidence-Based Mini-Review: The Role of Alkylating Agents in the Initial Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients with the 11q Deletion

A 55-year-old man presented with fever, night sweats, and weight loss of about 20 lbs. in the prior 6 months. Physical examination revealed multiple cervical, axillary, and inguinal lymphadenopathy. The spleen was enlarged. A complete blood count revealed leukocytosis with absolute lymphocytosis: 30,000/μL. Peripheral blood-flow cytometric analysis showed a clonal lymphocyte population with immunophenotypes positive for CD5, CD20(dim), and monotypic kappa light chain. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis revealed del(11q22.3), but negative for t(11:14). What should be used to treat his chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) disease?
Combined EXAFS and first-principles theory study of Pb 1-x Ge x Te

The narrow band-gap semiconductor ${\mathrm{Pb}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{x}\mathrm{Te}$ has a low-temperature ferroelectric rhombohedral phase whose average structure is a distorted rocksalt structure. We have measured the extended x-ray-absorption-fine-structure (EXAFS) spectra of ${\mathrm{Pb}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{x}\mathrm{Te}$ with $x\ensuremath{\approx}0.3$ at the Ge and Te K edges and at the Pb ${L}_{\mathrm{III}}$ edge. Guided by first-principles calculations, we create a model for the local structure as a distortion from the ideal rocksalt structure. By corefining the spectra from these three edges, we demonstrate that the data are consistent with our fitting model and we directly measure several secondary structural distortions predicted by the theory. This work demonstrates a powerful approach to the determination of local structures in complex materials by using first-principles calculations in conjunction with EXAFS measurements.
Research highlights: translating chips.

Microfluidic and microfabricated systems are providing key functionalities in diagnostic and therapeutic scenarios, translating beyond the research laboratory to pre-clinical animal studies and clinical studies with patients. Here, we highlight a recent study making use of miniaturization and automation in the development of a smartphone-integrated point-of-care diagnostic to detect antibodies to infectious diseases in a global health setting. We also review an intraocular implanted diagnostic system for glaucoma that relies on imaging the location of a fluid meniscus in a microchannel to readout pressure within the eye. Developments in low-cost and highly functional consumer electronic systems (e.g. smartphones in both highlighted works) has led to a continuing trend to incorporate such technologies with microfluidic fluid handling capabilities to achieve complete diagnostic solutions. We conclude with another implanted microdevice that delivers drug locally to tumors through electroosmotic flow and electromigration of charged drug species, which allows high drug concentrations near a tumor or resected tumor site while preventing high systemic levels associated with significant side-effects. The maturity of microsystem components are now allowing integration into fully functional systems that are poised to reach the clinic in a variety of forms – diagnostic to therapeutic.
Power coordination in a fuel cell–battery hybrid power source using commercial power controller circuits

Hybrid power systems combine the superb energy density of a fuel cell power source with the outstanding power density of modem batteries. A hybrid power source with an integral power distribution and charge management system was designed and built using standard miniature power regulator integrated circuits with appropriate modifications to implement the necessary controls. The resulting converter not only allows the interconnection of fuel cell systems and batteries having dissimilar operating voltages, but it also imposes a power sharing strategy that elicits peak performance from each part of the device. The resulting hybrid power source can supply 70% greater peak power, with only a 6% increase in weight, and no increase in volume, compared to the as-packaged fuel cell power source on which the hybrid source was based.
Carotid endarterectomy in academic versus community hospitals: the national surgical quality improvement program data.

Background Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is among the most commonly performed vascular operations in both academic and community hospital settings. The excellent results of the large prospective studies (North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial, Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study) have been criticized because of a widely held impression that community hospitals could not duplicate the excellent surgical results achieved in high volume university hospitals or clinics. The purpose of this study was to use the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data to evaluate the outcomes of CEA in academic versus community hospitals. Methods All patients undergoing CEA were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database conducted between January 1, 2005 and October 30, 2009. The patients were stratified on the basis of the hospital of care: academic hospital or community hospital. All postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results A total of 17,388 CEAs met the inclusion criteria, among which 9,649 cases were performed at an academic institution and 7,739 cases were performed at a community hospital. There were more women in the community hospital cohort (42.5% vs. 40.2%, p = 0.0197). Preoperatively, the community hospital cohort had more patients with dyspnea (22.8% vs. 18.1%, p p = 0.0322), angina (2.6% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.0021), previous stroke with no deficit (9.0% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.0009), and past transient ischemic attacks (28.3% vs. 25.1%, p p = 0.0245), cardiac surgery (24.0% vs. 22.5%, p = 0.0206), and hemiplegia (4.8% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.0288). Postoperatively, there was no difference in the two groups in 30-day stroke rate (1.2% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.1035), 30-day myocardial infarction rate (0.5% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.2149), or 30-day mortality rate (0.5% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.6335). The overall combined 30-day stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality rates were not different between the two groups (2.2% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.0568). In the asymptomatic patient cohort, there were a total of 9,285 cases, with 5311 cases performed at an academic institution and the remainder at community hospitals. Preoperatively, the community hospitals had more patients with dyspnea (78.3% vs. 82.1%, p p = 0.0426). Postoperatively, there was no difference in the two groups in 30-day stroke rate (0.9% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.2899), 30-day myocardial infarction rate (0.4% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.4348), or 30-day mortality rate (0.5% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.6370). The overall combined 30-day stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality rates were not different between the two groups (1.8% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.4394). Conclusion CEA is widely performed in both academic and community hospital settings. This study demonstrates that the results are equivalent and have equally good 30-day outcomes in both asymptomatic and combined populations.
X-ray analysis of close-packed structures

Abstract It was recently shown that close-packed structures can not be uniquely determined by x-ray methods, introducing the possibility that currently utilized analysis procedures lead to incorrectly identified structures. An efficient identification method based on elements of such procedures is presented and discussed.
A Proposed Framework for Educational Innovation Dissemination

Although the need for new educational technologies is increasing, the process for disseminating these innovations remains a challenge. A literature review shows that few studies have thoroughly investigated this area. Furthermore, there is no comprehensive framework or coordinated research agenda that may be used to guide such investigation. This study draws on diffusion of innovation, technology acceptance, and related literatures as a basis to examine the process by which educational innovations are disseminated. In this article, we develop a framework for educational innovation dissemination and illustrate the process described by the framework using online education as an example. The stages of the dissemination process are discussed and it is shown how characteristics of the innovation, adopter, and environment may affect how well an innovation progresses through these stages. This leads to the development of a series of propositions that can be used as the basis for future investigation.
Cellular and Tissue Architecture of Conjunctival Membranes in Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis

Purpose: Conjunctival membranes are differentiated from pseudomembranes by bleeding on removal. The authors sought to study the cellular constituents and extracellular structure of formed conjunctival exudates in epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), and to determine whether these represent true conjunctival membranes.Methods: Formed conjunctival exudates harvested from 2 patients with EKC were studied by immunohistochemistry. Adenoviral infection was evaluated by PCR.Results: Each patient’s tears were PCR positive for adenovirus, but not HSV-I. Both conjunctival specimens contained a fibrinous stroma richly populated with cells positive for CD4, CD8, CD20, CD68, myeloperoxidase, and fascin. Both specimens also contained cells positive for CD31 and Tie-2, and demonstrated expression of transforming growth factor-β and vascular endothelial growth factor.Conclusions: Conjunctival exudates in EKC contain a range of leukocytes representing both innate and acquired immune responses, along with angiogenic factor...
Free-swimming Daphnia pulex can avoid following Stokes' law

The swimming behavior of Daphnia pulex was compared between two temperatures (5 and 25°C), with two acclimation protocols, using three-dimensional video techniques. Our hypotheses, based on Stokes' law and metabolic considerations, predicted large changes in swimming behavior. However, free-swimming individuals did not follow Stokes' law. They sank slower than predicted, having increased their sinking rate by ∼23% from 5 to 25°C. Anesthetized Daphnia followed Stokes' law, showing an increase in sinking rate of 70% over the temperature range. The Q 10 values of all swimming behaviors were between 0.91 and 1.11 (which are significantly less than Q 10 values for metabolic rates) and were nearly uniform over a 20°C range. Our results also indicate that acclimation to different temperatures for 1 h is sufficient to minimize acclimation effects.
Mangrove conversion and aquaculture development in Vietnam: A remote sensing-based approach for evaluating the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Remote sensing data have been proposed as a potential tool for monitoring environmental treaties. However, to date, satellite images have been used primarily for visualization, but not for systematic monitoring of treaty compliance. In this paper, we present a methodology to operationalize the use of satellite imagery to assess the impact of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The approach uses time series analysis of landscape pattern metrics to assess land cover conditions before and after designation of Ramsar status to monitor compliance with the Convention. We apply the methodology to two case studies in Vietnam and evaluate the success of Ramsar using four metrics: (1) total mangrove extent; (2) mangrove fragmentation; (3) mangrove density; and (4) aquaculture extent. Results indicate that the Ramsar Convention did not slow the development of aquaculture in the region, but total mangrove extent has remained relatively constant, primarily due to replanting efforts. Yet despite these restoration efforts, the mangroves have become fragmented and survival rates for replanting efforts are low. The methodology is cost effective and especially useful to evaluate Ramsar sites that rely mainly on self-reporting methods and where third parties are not actively involved in the monitoring process. Finally, the case study presented in this paper demonstrates that with the appropriate satellite record, in situ measurements and field observations, remote sensing is a promising technology that can help monitor compliance with international environmental agreements.
Sequential Designs for Spherical Weight Functions

Two papers by Box and Draper (1959, 1963) discussed the selection of first and second order rotatable designs when a spherical region of interest was defined and account had to be taken of possible biases due to the fact that the polynomial model under consideration was inadequate by one order. Here we consider a different but related problem. Suppose the intensity of interest in the factor space is represented, not by a spherical region of interest, but by a symmetric multivariate distribution weight function. (Previously it was assumed that total interest lay uniformly over a spherical region and there was no interest outside it.) We wish to specify the runs of a second order design which can be performed sequentially so that both the first order portion and the full second order design provide protection against biases of one order higher. In particular, we shall consider designs which are either the basic central composite type and consist of a “cube” plus “star” plus center points, or designs which c...
Electrochemical modeling of single particle intercalation battery materials with different thermodynamics

Abstract Current–voltage relations of a single intercalation battery electrode particle were modeled with the step current, step voltage, linear sweep voltage, and sinusoidal current signals. A solid solution with constant diffusivity, a solid solution with variable diffusivity, and a phase transformation material were considered for their thermodynamic and kinetic evaluations based on the regular solution model and the generalized Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations. The numerical simulation results were compared with known, small-signal solutions and experimental data throughout the article.
Bis­[3-(tri­methyl­silyl)­propyl] methyl­enebis­phospho­nate

The title compound, also known as P,P′-di[3-(trimethylsilyl)-1-propyl] methylenebisphosphonic acid, H2DTMSP[MBP], C13H34O6P2Si2, was crystallized from a neat oil. The compound exists in the solid state as a hydrogen-bonded infinite chain along the a axis.
Nonlinear transient analysis of reinforced concrete slabs subjected to blast loading and retrofitted with CFRP composites

Abstract Computational models using the finite element method for nonlinear transient analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) two-way slabs subjected to blast loading are presented. Both as-built and retrofitted slabs with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite strips are analyzed. The models are used to investigate different parameters including (a) loading duration, and (b) effect of CFRP retrofit on damage accumulation. In this study, damage is globally quantified by the amount of reduction of the first two vibrational frequencies of the slabs. Local representation of damage in terms of reinforcing steel strains is also discussed. The computational models for both the as-built and the retrofitted slabs are verified using experimental results. In these experiments, a slowly increasing uniform pressure is applied to the bottom surface of large-scale RC slab specimens using high-pressure water bag. Experimental results showed that an increase up to 200% in the load carrying capacity is achieved when using the CFRP composite retrofit system. Transient nonlinear analysis results proved the efficiency of the CFRP composite retrofit in improving the slab behavior under blast loading for different loading durations, i.e. for small, medium, and large charge weights at the same applied maximum pressure. In particular, less than 50% reduction of the fundamental frequency due to concrete damage is obtained for the retrofitted slab compared to more than 85% reduction for the as-built slab. Moreover, the maximum displacement is reduced by 40–70% with the CFRP retrofit compared to the as-built slab. As for reinforcing steel strains, the application of CFRP retrofit significantly limited the spread of yielding in time and space. The improved slab behavior with CFRP is best when retrofitting is applied to both sides of the slab.
Advances in quality of life measurements in oncology patients.

Abstract Accurate assessment of the quality of life (QOL) of patients can provide important clinical information to physicians, especially in the area of oncology. Changes in QOL are important indicators of the impact of a new cytotoxic therapy, can affect a patient's willingness to continue treatment, and may aid in defining response in the absence of quantifiable endpoints such as tumor regression. Because QOL is becoming an increasingly important aspect in the management of patients with malignant disease, it is vital that the instruments used to measure QOL are reliable and accurate. Assessment of QOL involves a multidimensional approach that includes physical, functional, social, and emotional well-being, and the most comprehensive instruments measure at least three of these domains. Instruments to measure QOL can be generic (eg, the Nottingham Health Profile), targeted toward specific illnesses (eg, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Lung), or be a combination of generic and targeted. Two of the most widely used examples of the combination, or hybrid, instruments are the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 Items and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy. A consequence of the increasing international collaboration in clinical trials has been the growing necessity for instruments that are valid across languages and cultures. To assure the continuing reliability and validity of QOL instruments in this regard, item response theory can be applied. Techniques such as item response theory may be used in the future to construct QOL item banks containing large sets of validated questions that represent various levels of QOL domains. As QOL becomes increasingly important in understanding and approaching the overall management of cancer patients, the tools available to clinicians and researchers to assess QOL will continue to evolve. While the instruments currently available provide reliable and valid measurement, further improvements in precision and application are anticipated. Semin Oncol 29 (suppl 8):60-68. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Black Family Imagery and Interactions on Television.

Most people would probably agree with the assertion that "the family is at once the most sensitive, important, and enduring element in the culture of any people" (Billingsley, 1968). For it is within the family-the principal socializer-that an individual's personality and identity are formed and norms and values of particular cultures and subcultures are transmitted. Perhaps because of this central role that the family plays in the socialization of individuals, the family has been of great interest to scholars and laymen alike. Television families have also been of great interest. As Glennon and Butsch (1982) pointed out, many of the more than 200 fictional families that have appeared in "family series" since 1946 are known and loved by millions of Americans. The Nelsons (The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet), the Cleavers (Leave it to Beaver), the Bunkers (All in the Family), the Waltons, the Jeffersons, and so forth, have all become a part of our collective history and culture. Black families have been represented in television programming scheduling since the 1950s. This article examines the portrayal of Black family life on commercial television during the 1985-1986 season. Its purpose is twofold: (a) to provide data that, when analyzed in the context of previous studies, will allow for the establishment of a trend of how the Black family has been portrayed on television; and (b) to examine Black family portrayals as a possible model for social learning by children.
Temperature Dependence of Dissociative Recombination

Calculations of the dissociative-recombination rate for diatomic molecular ions and electrons are reported for various arrangements of the potential-energy curves. The temperature variation is shown to be different for the two possible heating mechanisms: selective electron heating or total gas heating. An attempt is made to correlate the afterglow and shock-tube measurements of the recombination rate for nitric oxide and neon. This attempt fails, and this suggests the need for further studies.
On the Revision of Radiometric Albedos and Diameters of Asteroids

Abstract A simple, approximate method is presented for the recalculation of asteroid diameters and geometric albedos given new, improved absolute visual magnitudes. This method avoids recourse to detailed models of an object's reflected and thermally emitted flux components. Its basis is the assumption that for small changes in absolute magnitude the quantity (1 − A V ) D 2 can be considered invariant, where A V and D are the object's Bond albedo and diameter, respectively. The usefulness of the method for revising the diameters and albedos of asteroids, especially those covered by the IRAS Minor Planet Survey (E. F. Tedesco, Ed., 1992, Tech. Rep. PL-TR-92-2049, Phillips Laboratory, Hanscom AFB, MA), is demonstrated by applying it to a number of objects for which recently updated absolute magnitudes are available.
Reliable low-temperature NMR cell for pressure studies

A simple Kel-F coil former, preformed and heat shrunk onto metal posts, was used successfully for high-field NMR studies of solids and fluids at low temperatures (0.035 < T < 30 K) and for pressures of 0 < P < 4 MPa. The seals were vacuum tight to superfluid 4He over the full pressure range.
The presence of breaks in the deoxyribonucleic acid of Bacillus subtilis treated in vivo with the alkylating agent, methylmethanesulfonate

Abstract DNA was alkylated with methylmethanesulfonate in vitro, or in vivo by treating suspensions of Bacillus subtilis with methylmethanesulfonate. Both reversible and irreversible thermal denaturation curves were determined as well as specific transforming activity. Comparison of the results with similar determinations on transforming DNA from B. subtilis treated with pancreatic DNAase indicated that the loss of transforming activity in DNA extracted from alkylated organisms could be accounted for by the insertion of single strand breaks into the DNA. Evidence was presented that these breaks were inserted in vivo by a nuclease which acts on alkylated but not normal DNA. DNA alkylated in vitro with methylmethanesulfonate can be inactivated for transformation by heating at 50° and there is some evidence that this inactivation occurs by depurination rather than by the insertion of single strand breaks.
An interpretation of Moiré interferometry from wavefront interference theory

Abstract The process of moire interferometry is given mathematical description in terms of the classical theory of optical interference. The governing relationship between displacement and fringe order is derived, and the analysis is extended to cover carrier patterns, double exposure methods, and initial fringe pattern elimination. Various processes for obtaining patterns of displacement derivatives are also described mathematically.
Antineurofilament antibodies in postencephalitic and idiopathic Parkinson's disease

Autoantibodies to neurofilaments were found by the immunofluorescence technique in serum of patients with postencephalitic (von Economo's) and idiopathic Parkinson's disease in the same proportion as in age-matched neurological and non-neurological controls. In addition, similar neurofibrillary staining was detected in age groups of 29 years and younger, but rarely in the first year of life. Persons over 70, with or without disease, showed a prevalence of antibodies significantly higher than in persons under 70. Serum from 1 case of Alzheimer's disease out of 4 tested, was positive for neurofilament antibodies; serum from the only case of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease tested was negative. A total of 298 serum specimens, each from a different person, was tested. The use of cryostat-frozen longitudinal sections of normal rat spinal cord as a substrate has been confirmed to be an effective, reproducible and simple procedure for the detection of antineurofilament antibodies in human sera by indirect immunofluorescence.
Infection with Haemoproteus iwa affects vector movement in a hippoboscid fly--frigatebird system.

Haemosporidian parasites, which require both a vertebrate and invertebrate host, are most commonly studied in the life stages occurring in the vertebrate. However, aspects of the vector's behaviour and biology can have profound effects on parasite dynamics. We explored the effects of a haemosporidian parasite, Haemoproteus iwa, on a hippoboscid fly vector, Olfersia spinifera. Olfersia spinifera is an obligate ectoparasite of the great frigatebird, Fregata minor, living among bird feathers for all of its adult life. This study examined the movements of O. spinifera between great frigatebird hosts. Movement, or host switching, was inferred by identifying host (frigatebird) microsatellite genotypes from fly bloodmeals that did not match the host from which the fly was collected. Such host switches were analysed using a logistic regression model, and the best-fit model included the H. iwa infection status of the fly and the bird host sex. Uninfected flies were more likely to have a bird genotype in their bloodmeal that was different from their current host's genotype (i.e. to have switched hosts) than infected flies. Flies collected from female birds were more likely to have switched hosts than those collected on males. Reduced movement of infected flies suggests that there may be a cost of parasitism for the fly. The effect of host sex is probably driven by differences in the sex ratio of bird hosts available to moving flies.
The role of calcium in fly salivary gland secretion analyzed with the ionophore A-23187.

Abstract The ionophore A-23187 at a concentration of 10 −6 M stimulates fluid secretion, increases calcium influx and efflux, and alters the trensepithelial potential in the isolated fly salivary gland but causes a fall in cyclic AMP concentration. In this regard, it mimics all the effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine of this tissue, except that 5-hydroxytryptamine causes a rise in cyclic AMP concentration. These data in conjunction with past evidence indicate that calcium, as well as cyclic AMP, is a second messenger in the action of 5-hydroxytryptamine upon fly salivary gland secretion.
The role of the administrator in school productivity

In business, when costs are up and productivity is down, management expects to bear some responsibility for the decline. Should it be any different for education managers? Education by several standards the number of people involved, budget, and human value is big business. Regretably, for the last several decades, education appears to be an industry in decline. Costs of schooling have spiralled to over $200 billion, from $ii billion in the 1950s. During the same period, student learning, measured by college admission examinations, appears to have declined in the U.S.