cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Planar rotary motor using ultrasonic horns

One of the first piezoelectric motor designs with significant rotational speeds was outlined by Barth. This device used extensional piezoelectric elements to produce a time varying force at a distance r from the center of a centrally supported disk. These extensional actuators produced micro-steps at a high frequency with the end result being macroscopic rotation of the disk and high torque. The rotation direction is controlled by the choice of the actuators and the direction of the extension about the rotor center. A recent advancement in producing pre-stressed power ultrasonic horns using flexures allows for the development of high torque ultrasonic motors based on the Barth's idea that can be fabricated in a 2D plate or in more complicated 3D structures. In addition to the pre-stress flexures the design also allows for the use of flexures to produce the rotor/horn normal force. The torque can be controlled by the number of actuators in the plane and the amplitude of the normal force. This paper will present analytical and experimental results obtained from testing prototype planar motors.
Spatial structure of Sinai-Ruelle-Bowen measures

Abstract Sinai–Ruelle–Bowen measures are the only physically observable invariant measures for billiard dynamical systems under small perturbations. These measures are singular, but as it was noted in Bonetto et al. (2012), marginal distributions of spatial and angular coordinates are absolutely continuous. We generalize these facts and provide full mathematical proofs.
A study of trenched capacitor structures

Trenched structures have been fabricated using a highly anisotropic low ion energy bombardment etching technique and evaluated using their CV characteristics. It is shown that the structure can be modeled by two capacitors in parallel, one for the bottom and the other for the sidewall. Obtained results indicate that the crystal orientation of the side and bottom surfaces of the trench determine the value of N f , fixed charge, and oxide thickness, especially in the thin range. Orientation-dependent oxidation rates account for the different oxide thicknesses on the sides and bottoms of the trenches. Both the value of N f and the oxide thickness on each wall determine the flat-band voltage V fb of the corresponding capacitors so that the overall capacitance behavior is given by the relative importance of the side and bottom components. A lower value of N f than previously reported is found with the etching technique used. It is also shown that an improvement of N f can be obtained by aligning the trench sidewall along 〈100〉 plane.
The concept of cure and palliation by surgery in advanced cancer of the head and neck.

Summary The four cases presented illustrate the complexities of care associated with far advanced carcinoma of the head and neck. Despite unfavorable statistics, radical surgery, when aggressively performed, can achieve an occasional cure. Moreover, immediate reconstruction makes major surgical resection feasible. It can markedly reduce the objectionable effects of surgery and provide rapid and worthwhile palliation when cure is not realized. It also provides confidence in achieving clearly defined goals which is important in the selection of patients. This approach can expand the surgeon's scope of cancer ablation and bring this modality of treatment to a greater number of patients. Finally, our reliance on the deltopectoral flap is obvious. As a readily available and reliable source of abundant tissue outside the usual portals of radiation, it has permitted rapid and effective reconstruction in patients undergoing extensive resection.
Construction and performance of a large-area multiwire ionization hodoscope for use in a cosmic-ray detector.

Abstract The mechanical construction and electronics of a large-area multiwire ionization hodoscope are described. Each chamber is 0.83 m by 1.65 m with wire spacing of 2.5 cm. The chambers are assembled to compose a hodoscope for a 6.6 m 2 ·sr cosmic ray detector. Operating characteristics and in-flight performance from two 30 h high-altitude balloon flights are presented.
BISTRO: BitTorrent Based on Space-Time Trade-Off

Due to the content bundling and the dramatic increase of content size, the download performance in peer-to-peer networks has become a research focus again recently. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to improve the download performance based on the classical space-time trade-off. With the approach, a peer can speed up local downloads in peer-to-peer networks by contributing a portion of local hard disks for the content distribution in peer-to-peer networks. The contribution can bring performance improvement to each peer following the approach and in the meantime improve the overall content distribution performance in a peer-to-peer network. Based on the approach, we propose BISTRO, a BitTorrent based on space-time trade-off. The BISTRO is compatible with the vanilla BitTorrent. Our extensive experiments show that BISTRO can significantly reduce the download time.
Effectively dispersed europium oxide dopants in TiO2 aerogel supports for enhanced photocatalytic pollutant degradation

The influence of supercritical drying and the europium oxide content on the physicochemical properties and the resultant photocatalytic activity of Eu-TiO2 aerogels for the degradation of salicylic acid were explored for the first time. It was demonstrated that the efficiencies might be influenced by a combination of factors such as enhanced adsorption, presence of trap states, and/or suppression of rutile phase formation. The well dispersed europium oxide dopants may act as trap states. A subsequent enhancement of charge separation avails electrons for oxygen attack to form superoxide ions, from which OH radicals can be generated, and are postulated to be primary contributors toward the degradation efficiencies in this study.
A class of bivariate orthogonal polynomials and cubature formula

The existence of Gaussian cubature for a given measure depends on whether the corresponding multivariate orthogonal polynomials have enough common zeros. We examine a class of orthogonal polynomials of two variables generated from that of one variable.
E-Civic Engagement and the Youth: New Frontiers and Challenges for Urban Planning

This article explores how community-based organizations working in low-income residential neighborhoods of U.S. cities employ e-tools and social networking platforms to engage the youth. The authors interviewed representatives of community organizations that work with young adults from lower-income groups in Chicago to comprehend their actual usages and perceptions of electronic tools. These organizations facilitate a wide-range of initiatives including political and after-school education, gang-free spaces, crime intervention and prevention, and arts and media. They found that the organizations have internalized the idea of employing e-Engagement techniques to enhance communication with their constituents but use new technologies and social media in multiple ways. Many respondents posit that the presently available e-tools enable certain forms of civic engagement but require sustained resources. Also stressed is the roles of face-to-face communication, offline-meetings, and other traditional means of interaction to ensure the commitment and quality of effective engagement in this age of e-participations.
The Effect of Reaction Media on the Coupling and Uncoupling of Respiration in Corn Mitochondria

The coupling and uncoupling properties of isolated corn mitochondria were analyzed using three substrates in Tris buffered sucrose and KC1 reaction medias containing inorganic phosphate (Pi), bovine serum albumin (BSA), or Pi and BSA. In these media, without other cofactors, respiratory control (RCR) and ADP/O ratios, and the respiratory burst affected by dinitrophenol (DNP), gramicidin D, calcium chloride and ADP were measured. Bovine serum albumin enhanced the respiratory burst caused by DNP and gramicidin D in the absence of Pi, and in most instances enhanced the stimulation of oxygen uptake by ADP and calcium chloride in the presence of Pi. Mitochondria oxidizing succinate, malate-pyruvate or NADH exhibited better RCR and ADP/O ratios in buffered 200 mM KCl than they did in buffered 300 mM sucrose. In all instances RCR and ADP/O ratios were enhanced in reaction medias containing BSA.
A fuzzy Petri-net-based mode identification algorithm for fault diagnosis of complex systems

Complex dynamical systems such as aircraft, manufacturing systems, chillers, motor vehicles, submarines, etc. exhibit continuous and event-driven dynamics. These systems undergo several discrete operating modes from startup to shutdown. For example, a certain shipboard system may be operating at half load or full load or may be at start-up or shutdown. Of particular interest are extreme or “shock” operating conditions, which tend to severely impact fault diagnosis or the progression of a fault leading to a failure. Fault conditions are strongly dependent on the operating mode. Therefore, it is essential that in any diagnostic/prognostic architecture, the operating mode be identified as accurately as possible so that such functions as feature extraction, diagnostics, prognostics, etc. can be correlated with the predominant operating conditions. This paper introduces a mode identification methodology that incorporates both time- and event-driven information about the process. A fuzzy Petri net is used to represent the possible successive mode transitions and to detect events from processed sensor signals signifying a mode change. The operating mode is initialized and verified by analysis of the time-driven dynamics through a fuzzy logic classifier. An evidence combiner module is used to combine the results from both the fuzzy Petri net and the fuzzy logic classifier to determine the mode. Unlike most event-driven mode identifiers, this architecture will provide automatic mode initialization through the fuzzy logic classifier and robustness through the combining of evidence of the two algorithms. The mode identification methodology is applied to an AC Plant typically found as a component of a shipboard system.
Role of the lower esophageal sphincter and hiatal hernia in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The relative importance of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and hiatal hernia in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease is controversial. To identify the role of hiatal hernia and LES in reflux disease, 375 consecutive patients with foregut symptoms and no previous foregut surgery were evaluated. All patients underwent upper endoscopy, stationary manometry, and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring. Hiatal hernia was diagnosed endoscopically, when the distance between the crural impression and the gastroesophageal junction was ≥2 cm. The LES was considered structurally defective when the resting pressure was ≤6 mm Hg, the overall length was less than 2 cm, and/or the abdominal length was less than 1 cm. Factors predicting abnormal esophageal acid exposure (composite score >14.7) were analyzed using multivariate analysis. The presence of a hiatal hernia and a defective LES were identified as independent predictors of abnormal esophageal acid exposure. LES pressure and abdominal length were reduced in patients with hiatal hernia by 4 mm Hg and 0.4 cm, irrespective of the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is concluded that both a structurally defective LES and hiatal hernia are important factors in the pathogenesis of reflux disease. It is hypothesized that in the presence of a structurally normal LES, the altered geometry of the cardia imposed by a hiatal hernia facilitates the ability of gastric wall tension to pull open the sphincter.
Evaluation of dungeness crab pots as platforms of opportunity for ocean-observing research

Oregon Fishermen in Ocean Observing Research is a cooperative research program between ocean scientists and fishermen. Dungeness crab fishermen attach sensor packages (temperature and dissolved oxygen) to crab pots, which serve as platforms of opportunity for ocean observing. The goals of this study are to determine if: 1) fishermen and scientists involved in ocean observing are favorably disposed to the continued use of platforms of opportunity in ocean observing; 2) The quality of data produced from instrumentation attached to platforms of opportunity is similar to that produced from more traditional ocean observing platforms; and 3) The use of crab pots to deploy temperature and dissolved oxygen sensors off the Oregon Coast compares favorably to more traditional ocean observing platforms when assessed against important criteria for operational performance such as spatial and temporal coverage and cost. Results to date indicate that the OrFIOOR program is successful in all three of these regards.
The Political Geography of the New Deal Realignment

Political geography has long played a prominent role in conceptions of political realignments. In this article, I apply a spatial analysis to examine the political geography of voting during one of the principal political realignments in American electoral history, the 1928—1936 Democratic realignment. The spatial analysis challenges some of our common conceptions of this realignment. For example, increased support for the Democrats and Al Smith in 1928 was not limited to urban areas, as Smith enjoyed widespread increases in Democratic support in largely rural Western locations. In the 1932 election, unemployment actually impeded shifts toward Franklin Roosevelt and the Democrats in most locales. Changes in voter support during this period were highly localized and subnational. Geographically Weighted Regressions demonstrate that this localized political geography was shaped by extensive geographic variation in how political and demographic factors influenced voting behavior across the United States.
Estimating Advective Tendencies from Field Measurements

Abstract The ability to estimate horizontal advective tendencies of environmental variables from measurements at a finite set of observation points has been evaluated. The observation points include a central point plus from three to six boundary points at a man distance of R0. Two methods of estimation were considered: either by a numerical approximation to the flux line integral, or by integrating a quadratic fit to the field function (the latter if there are five of more boundary points). Errors arise from random instrument errors (or turbulent fluctuations) and because of truncation errors. The latter results from a mismatch between the spatial distribution of the field being considered and the assumptions underlying the approximation algorithm. Both types of errors were considered. Random errors were considered using standard theory for the propagation of errors. Terms of the Fourier series were used as test functions to study truncation errors. The standard against which estimates were evaluated was...
Modulation of lymphocyte functions by group A streptococcal membrane.

Abstract Protoplast membranes isolated from group A streptococci suppress functions of mouse B cells in vivo and in vitro . Intraperitoneal injection 24 or 72 hr (but not 12 hr) before collection of lymphoid cells results in a selective decrease in the mitogenic response of bone marrow cells to dextran sulfate (DS). The response of bone marrow cells to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and spleen cells to both DS and LPS, is unaltered. In vitro exposure of lymphocytes to membranes concomitantly with mitogen reduces the response to both DS and LPS, however, the DS response is more susceptible to low doses of membrane. Suppression of the response to DS in vitro is not mediated by cells bearing Thy 1.2 antigen. Neither the phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-responsive cells nor the adherent cells participate in suppression of the LPS response in vitro . In contrast to the suppression of B-cell functions neither the PHA nor concanavalin A (Con A) response of mouse bone marrow, spleen, or thymus cells is altered by streptococcal protoplast membranes injected 24 hr before collection of cells. In vitro exposure of spleen cells to a limited range of concentrations of membrane results in an enhanced proliferative response of spleen cells stimulated by suboptimal doses of PHA. This synergism is not mediated by the adherent cells. Addition of membranes to spleen cell cultures in vitro has no effect upon the response of spleen cells to suboptimal doses of Con A or to optimal doses of either Con A or PHA. Higher concentrations of membranes reduce the proliferative response of both control and mitogen-stimulated cells. This nonselective suppression by high doses of membranes is not due to toxicity. Delayed hypersensitivity to sheep erythrocytes is potentiated by injection of membranes. These studies suggest that streptococcal membranes preferentially suppress the immature B cells and enhance certain T-cell functions.
Comment on "Scaling laws of turbulence and heating of fast solar wind: the role of density fluctuations".

A Comment on the Letter by V. Carbone et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 061102 (2009). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
Design of Minimally Strained Nucleic Acid Nanotubes

A practical theoretical framework is presented for designing and classifying minimally strained nucleic acid nanotubes. The structures are based on the double crossover motif where each double-helical domain is connected to each of its neighbors via two or more Holliday-junctionlike reciprocal exchanges, such that each domain is parallel to the main tube axis. Modeling is based on a five-parameter characterization of the segmented double-helical structure. Once the constraint equations have been derived, the primary design problem for a minimally strained N-domain structure is reduced to solving three simultaneous equations in 2N+2 variables. Symmetry analysis and tube merging then allow for the design of a wide variety of tubes, which can be tailored to satisfy requirements such as specific inner and outer radii, or multiple lobed structures. The general form of the equations allows similar techniques to be applied to various nucleic acid helices: B-DNA, A-DNA, RNA, DNA-PNA, or others. Possible applications for such tubes include nanoscale scaffolding as well as custom-shaped enclosures for other nano-objects.
High-Irradiance Degradation Studies of Metamorphic 1eV GaInAs Solar Cells

Initial tests are performed regarding the degradation of lattice-mismatched GaInAs solar cells. 1eV metamorphic GaInAs solar cells with 1-2×106 cm−2 threading dislocation density in the active region are irradiated with an 808 nm laser for 2 weeks time under a variety of temperature and illumination conditions. All devices show a small degradation in Voc that is logarithmic with time. The absolute loss in performance after 2 weeks illuminated at 1300 suns equivalent and 125°C is 7 mV Voc and 0.2% efficiency, showing these devices to be relatively stable. The dark current increases with time and is analyzed with a two-diode model. A GaAs control cell degrades at the same rate, suggesting that the observed degradation mechanism is not related to the additional dislocations in the GaInAs devices.
Improved High Frequency Response and Quality Factor of On-Chip Ferromagnetic Thin Film Inductors by Laminating and Patterning Co-Zr-Ta-B Films

In this work, we report the improvement of high frequency response and quality factor of on-chip inductors by integrating ferromagnetic thin films (Co-Zr-Ta-B) including two different combinations of laminations and 500 nm thick non-laminated film. Up to 4.2X increase in inductance and 5X increase in quality factor (Q) was obtained from 4-turn spiral inductors incorporated with 50 nm by 10 laminated films with a peak Q at 500 MHz. Effects of patterning magnetic film have also been investigated by changing magnetic thin film aspect ratio. It was demonstrated that the peak Q can be pushed towards using higher frequencies as high as 1 GHz by a combination of patterning magnetic films into fine bars and laminations.
Diagenetic behavior of barite in a coastal upwelling setting

[1] Multiproxy data from ODP Hole 1017E (Point Conception, California) provide an excellent opportunity to examine the behavior of barium, within a well-characterized sedimentary system. Bariumexcess is generally considered to be a productivity proxy; however, in nearshore environments, Baexcess records can be compromised by both sediment provenance and barite remobilization. For the last 60 kyr, ODP Hole 1017E exhibits significant changes both in primary productivity driven by coastal upwelling and in the sediment redox chemistry of underlying sediments. Significant barite enrichment occurs at an active diagenetic front that marks the boundary between sulfate-rich and sulfate-poor pore waters. This boundary also intersects a sediment facies change from deposition of relatively coarse-grained sediment before 35 ka to an interval of fine-grained, organic-rich sediment after (i.e., Interstadial Event 8). Changes in diffusion rates associated with the sediment facies change cause a strong but misleading correlation between a mobile zone of barite enrichment and rapid climate change. Thus, within the Baexcess record at ODP Hole 1017E is a history of redox chemistry that has corrupted the paleoproductivity record of Babiogenic.
Human papillomavirus type 31 oncoproteins E6 and E7 are required for the maintenance of episomes during the viral life cycle in normal human keratinocytes

The E6 and E7 oncoproteins of the high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types are able to immortalize human keratinocytes in vitro and likely contribute to the development of anogenital malignancies in vivo. The role of these oncoproteins in the productive viral life cycle, however, is not known. To begin to examine these possible roles, mutations in E6 were introduced in the context of the complete HPV 31 genome. Although transfected wild-type HPV 31 genomes, as well as genomes containing an E6 translation termination linker, an E6 frameshift mutation, and a point mutation in the p53 interacting domain were able to replicate in transient assays, only the wild-type genome was stably maintained as an episome. Interestingly, mutant genomes in either the E6 splice-donor site or splice-acceptor site were reduced in replication ability in transient assays; however, cotransfection of E1 and E2 expression vectors restored this function. In a similar fashion, genomes containing mutant HPV 31 E7 genes, including a translation termination mutant, two Rb-binding site mutants, a casein kinase II phosphorylation site mutant, and a transformation deficient mutant, were constructed. Although transient replication was similar to wild type in all of the E7 mutants, only the casein kinase II mutant had the ability to maintain high copies of episomal genomes. These findings suggest a role for E6 and E7 in the viral life cycle beyond their ability to extend the life span of infected cells.
From student to steward: the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience at Georgetown University as a case study in professional development during doctoral training.

A key facet of professional development is the formation of professional identity. At its most basic level, professional identity for a scientist centers on mastery of a discipline and the development of research skills during doctoral training. To develop a broader understanding of professional identity in the context of doctoral training, the Carnegie Initiative on the Doctorate (CID) ran a multi-institutional study from 2001 to 2005. A key outcome of the CID was the development of the concept of ‘stewards of the discipline’. The Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience (IPN) at Georgetown University participated in CID from 2003 to 2005. Here, we describe the IPN and highlight the programmatic developments resulting from participation in the CID. In particular, we emphasize programmatic activities that are designed to promote professional skills in parallel with scientific development. We describe activities in the domains of leadership, communication, teaching, public outreach, ethics, collaboration, and mentorship. Finally, we provide data that demonstrate that traditional metrics of academic success are not adversely affected by the inclusion of professional development activities in the curricula. By incorporating these seven ‘professional development’ activities into the required coursework and dissertation research experience, the IPN motivates students to become stewards of the discipline. Keywords : neuroscience; professional development; training; communication; teaching; public outreach; leadership; PhD; graduate school Responsible Editor: Pat O’Sullivan, University of California, USA. To access the supplementary material for this article, please see Supplementary files under Article Tools online. Published: 7 July 2014 Citation : Med Educ Online 2014, 19 : 22623 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/meo.v19.22623
Overview of Acousto-optic Bistability, Chaos, and Logical Applications

An overview is presented of the key results in the field of acousto-optic bistability in the past two decades. It is shown that the basic acousto-optic bistable device may be described as a nonlinear dynamical system which satisfies a quadratic map. Thereafter, details are presented of several analytical methods, computer modeling approaches, including the SPICE circuit modeling technique, and experiments that have been used to understand the phenomenon. Extensions to logical and digital applications are also discussed.
The Structure of Foreign Policy Attitudes among American Leaders

The recent renaissance of interest in public opinion and foreign policy has generated a vigorous debate about the dimensions that characterize foreign policy attitudes. This paper assesses a scheme that emerged from Wittkopf's analyses of the Chicago Council on Foreign Policy surveys. Two dimensions (militant internationalism and cooperative internationalism) are crossed to create four types: hard-liners (support MI, oppose CI), internationalists (support both-MI and CI), isolationists (oppose both MI and CI), and accommodationists (oppose MI, support CI). After developing scales for MI and CI, the scheme is tested with data from nationwide surveys of opinion leaders undertaken in 1976 (N = 2,282), 1980 (N = 2,502), and 1984 (N = 2,515). The MI/CI scheme is tested-and strongly supported-by examining the pattern of responses by hard-liners, internationalists, isolationists, and accommodationists to a broad range of questions from the three surveys of opinion leaders. The background attributes and other political attitudes associated with the four types are then examined. Correlations are strong for ideology and party; moderate for occupation; and weak for gender, age, education, travel, and military service. The conclusion raises some questions about the isolationist category and speculates about the broader implications of the findings.
New onset of herpes simplex virus epithelial keratitis after penetrating keratoplasty

Abstract Purpose To report a series of patients with no previous history of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection who had new onset of herpetic keratitis after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Design Noncontrolled, retrospective case series. Methods We included in the study the patients who had new onset of herpetic keratitis after penetrating keratoplasty for corneal diseases unrelated to HSV infection who were seen at the Cornea Service at Wills Eye Hospital (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) from January 1996 to December 2002. The diagnosis of HSV epithelial keratitis was based on clinical characteristics of either a classic herpetic dendrite, a geographic ulcer, or a nonhealing epithelial defect that responded only to antiviral therapy. Results Fourteen patients were included in the study. Eight of these (57%) had presented with a geographic ulcer whereas six patients (43%) had a classic dendrite. The most common primary corneal disease that led to PK was pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (36%), followed by keratoconus (29%), Fuchs dystrophy (21%), and corneal scar unrelated to HSV (14%). Conclusions The ophthalmologist should be aware of the possibility of herpetic keratitis in eyes after PK, even in patients with no previous history of HSV infection.
Flexor digitorum profundus entrapment after closed treatment of a displaced Colles' fracture

Osseous entrapment of the flexor digitorum profundus tendons to the long and ring fingers occurred at the fracture site after closed reduction of a comminuted, displaced Colles' fracture. The prominent tenodesis effect was relieved by tenolysis 6 months after the injury.
Photoassisted Electrochemical Incineration of Selected Organic Compounds

The decrease in chemical oxygen demand (COD) of mildly acidic (pH 3.5) aqueous solutions of phenol aniline, n-propanol, and acetic acid was observed to be significantly larger at PbO 2 (s)-coated Pt electrodes (PbO 2 /Pt) in comparison to bare Pt electrodes in a flow-through reactor. Furthermore, the rate of CO 2 (g) production during electrolysis of phenol solutions at PbO 2 /Pt electrodes (4.6 cm 2 ) also was determined to be significantly larger when these electrode surfaces were illuminated by a 14 W UV lamp (254 nm). The total amount of CO 2 (g) produced over a 4 h electrolysis period at an illuminated PbO 2 /Pt electrode in a flow-through cell was equal to 90% of the theoretical amount, corresponding to stoichiometric conversion of the phenol to CO 2 (g). Elemental analysis of the PbO 2 (s) films demonstrated that they were doped slightly with iron presumably in the Fe(III) state, i.e., Fe(III)/Pb(IV)=0.010. The source of Fe(III) was concluded to be the stainless steel used in construction of the flow-through electrolysis vessel. It is speculated that the Fe(III) sites in the surfaces of the PbO 2 (s) films can function as Lewis acid sites for adsorption of reactant molecules via nonbonded electrons as an initial step in the anodic degradation mechanisms. The advantage of preadsorption of reactant molecules is thought to be the result of longer residence times for these molecules within the applied electric field at the electrode-solution interfacial region. The observed effect of UV illumination is speculated to be associated with absorption of the photons within the surface of the PbO 2 (s) films.
In Vitro Bovine Retina Imaging by Digital Holographic Adaptive Optics

A digital holographic adaptive optics system for retinal imaging is described. The experimental results on the in vitro retina are reported that demonstrate the feasibility of this imaging mode.
3D high spectral and spatial resolution imaging of ex vivo mouse brain.

Purpose: Widely used MRI methods show brain morphology both in vivo and ex vivo at very high resolution. Many of these methods (e.g., T{sub 2}{sup *}-weighted imaging, phase-sensitive imaging, or susceptibility-weighted imaging) are sensitive to local magnetic susceptibility gradients produced by subtle variations in tissue composition. However, the spectral resolution of commonly used methods is limited to maintain reasonable run-time combined with very high spatial resolution. Here, the authors report on data acquisition at increased spectral resolution, with 3-dimensional high spectral and spatial resolution MRI, in order to analyze subtle variations in water proton resonance frequency and lineshape that reflect local anatomy. The resulting information compliments previous studies based on T{sub 2}{sup *} and resonance frequency. Methods: The proton free induction decay was sampled at high resolution and Fourier transformed to produce a high-resolution water spectrum for each image voxel in a 3D volume. Data were acquired using a multigradient echo pulse sequence (i.e., echo-planar spectroscopic imaging) with a spatial resolution of 50 × 50 × 70 μm{sup 3} and spectral resolution of 3.5 Hz. Data were analyzed in the spectral domain, and images were produced from the various Fourier components of the water resonance. This allowed precise measurement ofmore » local variations in water resonance frequency and lineshape, at the expense of significantly increased run time (16–24 h). Results: High contrast T{sub 2}{sup *}-weighted images were produced from the peak of the water resonance (peak height image), revealing a high degree of anatomical detail, specifically in the hippocampus and cerebellum. In images produced from Fourier components of the water resonance at −7.0 Hz from the peak, the contrast between deep white matter tracts and the surrounding tissue is the reverse of the contrast in water peak height images. This indicates the presence of a shoulder in the water resonance that is not present at +7.0 Hz and may be specific to white matter anatomy. Moreover, a frequency shift of 6.76 ± 0.55 Hz was measured between the molecular and granular layers of the cerebellum. This shift is demonstrated in corresponding spectra; water peaks from voxels in the molecular and granular layers are consistently 2 bins apart (7.0 Hz, as dictated by the spectral resolution) from one another. Conclusions: High spectral and spatial resolution MR imaging has the potential to accurately measure the changes in the water resonance in small voxels. This information can guide optimization and interpretation of more commonly used, more rapid imaging methods that depend on image contrast produced by local susceptibility gradients. In addition, with improved sampling methods, high spectral and spatial resolution data could be acquired in reasonable run times, and used for in vivo scans to increase sensitivity to variations in local susceptibility.« less
A Theory for the Propagation of Stress Corrosion Cracks in Metals

A quantitative theory for the rate of propagation of stress corrosion cracks in metals is presented and discussed. The theory is based on the film rupture mechanism and is valid when phenomena at the crack tip control the propagation rate. The important parameters in the theory are the strain required to rupture the passive film, the amount of corrosion before repassivation, and the creep rate of material at the crack tip. Plausibility of the theory is demonstrated for stainless steel and for a magnesium alloy.
Method for Obtaining Improved Diffuse Reflectance Spectra in the Near Infrared

In the course of an investigation of adsorbed water and hydroxyl groups, we wished to obtain near-infrared spectra from silica powders. Although it was clear that diffuse reflectance techniques would satisfy our requirements, no combination of spectrometer and reflectance accessory suitable for use in the range of principal interest (1–3 μ) was available to us. Because we had access to a Cary Model 14 RI spectrophotometer, it seemed most reasonable to consider modification of the reflectance accessories available for this instrument. The purpose of this note is to describe the approach adopted, the results achieved, and the possibilities of improving the system further.
Transformation of global satellite chlorophyll retrievals with a regionally tuned algorithm

Abstract “Global” algorithms for satellite remote sensing do not always provide accurate retrievals in all areas of the ocean, particularly in coastal areas and high latitudes. Our current arctic algorithm shows that low chlorophyll concentrations (∼0.6 mg m −3 ) are overestimated by the OC4V4 algorithm for Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS), while higher concentrations common in blooms are underestimated almost twofold. Alternative algorithms or regionally tuned relationships can be used to produce more reliable chlorophyll retrievals; however, reprocessing of huge satellite data sets can be untenable. Several approaches were investigated to convert global products into regional values to improve accuracy while minimizing errors across the range of values. A simple, rapid transformation scheme employing linear interpolation circumvents reprocessing of entire data sets, but yields much more accurate regional values for the Arctic.
In Support of Phonological Processes

Fey (1985; reprinted 1992, this issue) argues for using rule (or invented rule, as in Kiparsky & Menn, 1977) rather than process as a general term for children’s consistent patterns of errors. He r...
Effect of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on murine skin.

Abstract The effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) on skin of congenic haired and hairless newborn and adult HRS/J mice was studied. In all adult animals topical application of TCDD caused an involution of sebaceous glands. Epidermal/epithelial hyperplasia and hyperkeratinization was induced in the hairless, but not the haired mice. Transglutaminase (TG) activity was stimulated in both haired and hairless animals. A single application of 1 μg of TCDD did not stimulate significant ornithine decarboxylase activity in the skin in either strain. Other than a reduction in the density of the inflammatory cell infiltrate in the dermis, topical treatment with antiinflammatory agents fluocinolone acetonide and indomethacin did not affect the cutaneous response to TCDD. Skin of newborn mice treated topically with TCDD over a 2-wk period reacted much the same as adult skin in that sebaceous glands were reduced in size and TG activity was stimulated in both haired and hairless neonates; but epidermal hyperplasia occurred only in the hairless, not the haired newborns.
Patterns of fusimotor innervation by γ-efferents in cat peroneus tertius

The pattern of γ-efferent innervation of the muscle spindle was investigated in the peroneus tertius muscle of the cat. A number of spindle group Ia afferents were isolated and monitored during tetanic stimulation of isolated γ-axons. The sample was dominated by efferents producing a static fusimotor effect on the afferent. An individual static axon normally projected to less than five but at times as many as seven muscle spindles. Each spindle normally received innervation from three to five static γ-efferents but occasionally up to eight. The number of spindles innervated by a static γ-axon was directly related to the efferent axonal conduction velocity. For each experiment, a probability distribution of the number of fusimotor effects was constructed from all available connections between the muscle spindles and static γ-efferents considered in matrices of four afferents and four efferents. This distribution was then compared to a random binomial distribution. In each of the ten experiments, statistically significant differences (p<0.01) were noted between the experimental and random distributions. In order to interpret such deviations from the random distributions, similar analyses were performed on various combinations of afferents and efferents in simulated sets displaying grouping of effects. It was concluded that the observed differences between experimental and random distributions may be produced by a grouping of fusimotor innervation limited to a small set of spindles.
The Ensoulment Debates Then and Now: Aristotelian, Thomist and Islamic Interfaith and Cross-Disciplinary Discourses

Abstract International bioethicists and theologians have been grappling since 1978–when Louise Brown became the first viable In Vitro Fertilized birth–with the meaning of the human. The birth in 1996 of Dolly the Sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell, further accelerated debate on a number of related issues including the ethics of human stem cell research and cloning, the moral status of embryos, the dignity of human life, and the point when life begins. Recent advances in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and Human Embryonic Stem Cell (hESC) research involving fertilized zygotes have further come under serious moral and religious scrutiny. Detailed discussions of embryogenesis, including how and when the soul enters the conceptus, date to at least the time of the Presocratics (Heraclitus), and later the Pythagoreans (metempsychosis) and Aristotle. Not surprisingly, this philosophical discourse became intertwined with Galenic-Hippocratic medical ideas; when these topics later resurf...
Computational Studies of Molecular Permeation through Connexin26 Channels

A signal property of connexin channels is the ability to mediate selective diffusive movement of molecules through plasma membrane(s), but the energetics and determinants of molecular movement through these channels have yet to be understood. Different connexin channels have distinct molecular selectivities that cannot be explained simply on the basis of size or charge of the permeants. To gain insight into the forces and interactions that underlie selective molecular permeation, we investigated the energetics of two uncharged derivatized sugars, one permeable and one impermeable, through a validated connexin26 (Cx26) channel structural model, using molecular dynamics and associated analytic tools. The system is a Cx26 channel equilibrated in explicit membrane/solvent, shown by Brownian dynamics to reproduce key conductance characteristics of the native channel. The results are consistent with the known difference in permeability to each molecule. The energetic barriers extend through most of the pore length, rather than being highly localized as in ion-specific channels. There is little evidence for binding within the pore. Force decomposition reveals how, for each tested molecule, interactions with water and the Cx26 protein vary over the length of the pore and reveals a significant contribution from hydrogen bonding and interaction with K(+). The flexibility of the pore width varies along its length, and the tested molecules have differential effects on pore width as they pass through. Potential sites of interaction within the pore are defined for each molecule. The results suggest that for the tested molecules, differences in hydrogen bonding and entropic factors arising from permeant flexibility substantially contribute to the energetics of permeation. This work highlights factors involved in selective molecular permeation that differ from those that define selectivity among atomic ions.
The global Goursat problem on R × S1

Abstract The Goursat problem for the nonlinear wave equation ( ∂ τ 2 − ∂ ϱ 2 ) φ + g ( φ ) = 0 on R × S 1 is treated for Goursat data φ¦ c in the Sobolev space H( C ) = L 2, 1 ( C ), where the lightcone C = {τ = ¦ϱ¦} is identified with S 1 by means of the coordinate ϱ ϵ [−π, π]. If g ϵ C 1 ( R ), there is a unique local solution given arbitrary Goursat data in H( C ). In this case we describe conditions including nonlocal, nonlinear constraints on the Goursat data that are necessary and sufficient for the local solution to be C 2 . If g is the derivative of a function G which is bounded from below, or if g satisfies ¦g(y 1 ) − g(y 2 )¦ ⩽ c 1 ¦ y 1 − y 2 ¦+ c 2 for some constants c 1 and c 2 , there is a global solution given arbitrary data in H( C ), and a global C 2 solution given data in H( C ) satisfying the aforementioned conditions. We show that the map from Goursat data in H( C ) to Cauchy data in L 2, 1 ( S 1 ) ⊕ L 2 ( S 1 ) is continuous, with continuous inverse.
Effects of growth hormone and pair-feeding on leptin mRNA expression in liver and adipose tissue

Previous research has reported that elevations in circulating growth hormone (GH) levels in meat-type chickens depresses feed intake (FI) more than 30%. It is known that the product of the obese gene, leptin, functions to regulate FI and energy expenditure. To investigate the effect of GH on leptin gene expression, broiler chickens were infused with recombinant chicken GH. To separate any secondary effects of a GH-induced reduction in FI on leptin expression, groups of birds were pair-fed to an average level of voluntary intake similar to GH-treated birds, but received no GH treatment. GH treatment induced a dose-dependent increase in liver leptin gene expression, as measured by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, whereas leptin expression in adipose tissue was unchanged. Conversely, in chickens pair-fed (feed-restricted) there was a decrease in leptin gene expression in both tissues. These results provide evidence of a direct effect of GH on leptin gene expression, which is independent of any effects on intake attributable to GH-treatment, and suggest differential regulation of leptin expression between adipose tissue and liver. The results of these experiments provide the first evidence of a relationship between GH and leptin in domestic birds.
Surfactant and salt affect glyphosate retention and absorption

Summary The influence of nonylphenoxy surfactants and glyphosate salt formulation on spray retention, phytotoxicity and [14C]glyphosate uptake was investigated in wheat (Triticum aestivum L). and Kochia scoparia L. The amount of spray retained, and uptake of [14C]glyphosate increased with increasing hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of surfactants. The volume of spray delivered to the plant treatment area and retained by wheat and K. scoparia plants increased with increasing surfactant HLB values, but this only partly accounted for the higher spray retention. Spray retention by leaves of plants was not affected by calcium chloride, either alone or with ammonium sulphate in the glyphosate spray solution. [14C]Glyphosate absorption by wheat and K. scoparia was reduced by calcium chloride alone, but not in mixtures with ammonium sulphate, regardless of surfactant. Phytotoxicity and uptake of glyphosate salt formulations for wheat was: isopropylamine > ammonium > sodium > calcium; these results indicate that the surfactant selected is important to maintain glyphosate efficacy and that sodium and calcium cations antagonize glyphosate by forming salts that are absorbed less than commercial isopropylamine formulations.
Potato yield losses due to early blight in Minnesota fields, 1981 and 1982

In both 1981 and 1982, 51 potato fields were surveyed every 7–10 days for early blight severity and fungicide use. Early blight severity data from each field were used as input to a regression model to estimate yield loss in that field. The model for early maturing potato cultivars was Percent Yield Loss=0.8183+0.6441* (% blight increment between days 56 and 66)+0.6102* (% blight increment between days 66 and 76)+1.3480* (% blight increment between days 76 and 86). The model for late maturing cultivars was Percent Yield Loss=2.1846-4.7734* (% blight on day 56)+0.7440* (% blight on day 76)+ 0.5676* (% blight on day 96). In both 1981 and 1982, early blight was found to be present in all fields of the survey. In 1981, early blight was estimated to have caused mean losses of 6.5% (Red River Valley), 3.7% (Central sands) and 2.3% (Southern muck). In 1982, losses from the same areas were 5.4%, 3.7% and 2.6% respectively. In 1981, individual county losses ranged from 2.3% for Freeborn to 12.9% for Marshall while in 1982 losses were from 2.0% for Freeborn to 6.7% for Clay. Although fungicide use data were incomplete, the county with lowest yield loss had the most fungicide applications.
Clusters of adolescent and young adult thyroid cancer in Florida counties.

Background. Thyroid cancer is a common cancer in adolescents and young adults ranking 4th in frequency. Thyroid cancer has captured the interest of epidemiologists because of its strong association to environmental factors. The goal of this study is to identify thyroid cancer clusters in Florida for the period 2000–2008. This will guide further discovery of potential risk factors within areas of the cluster compared to areas not in cluster. Methods. Thyroid cancer cases for ages 15–39 were obtained from the Florida Cancer Data System. Next, using the purely spatial Poisson analysis function in SaTScan, the geographic distribution of thyroid cancer cases by county was assessed for clusters. The reference population was obtained from the Census Bureau 2010, which enabled controlling for population age, sex, and race. Results. Two statistically significant clusters of thyroid cancer clusters were found in Florida: one in southern Florida (SF) (relative risk of 1.26; P value of <0.001) and the other in northwestern Florida (NWF) (relative risk of 1.71; P value of 0.012). These clusters persisted after controlling for demographics including sex, age, race. Conclusion. In summary, we found evidence of thyroid cancer clustering in South Florida and North West Florida for adolescents and young adult.