cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diffusion bonding and brazing of high purity copper for linear collider accelerator structures

Diffusion bonding and brazing of high purity copper were investigated to develop procedures for joining precision machined copper components for the Next Linear Collider (NLC). Diffusion bonds were made over a range of temperatures from 400 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C to 1000 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, under two different loading conditions [3.45 kPa (0.5 psi) and 3.45 MPa (500 psi)], and on two different diamond machined surface finishes. Brazes were made using pure silver, pure gold, and gold-nickel alloys, and different heating rates produced by both radiation and induction heating. Braze materials were applied by both physical vapor deposition (PVD) and conventional braze alloy shims. Results of the diffusion bonding experiments showed that bond strengths very near that of the copper base metal could be made at bonding temperatures of 700 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C or higher at 3.45 MPa bonding pressure. At lower temperatures, only partial strength diffusion bonds could be made. At low bonding pressures (3.45 kPa), full strength bonds were made at temperatures of 800 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and higher, while no bonding (zero strength) was observed at temperatures of 700 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and lower. Observations of the fracture surfaces of the diffusion bonded samples showed the effects of surface finish on the bonding mechanism. These observations clearly indicate that bonding began by point asperity contact, and flatter surfaces resulted in a higher percentage of bonded area under similar bonding conditions. Results of the brazing experiments indicated that pure silver worked very well for brazing under both conventional and high heating rate scenarios. Similarly, pure silver brazed well for both the PVD layers and the braze alloy shims. The gold and gold-containing brazes had problems, mainly due to the high diffusivity of gold in copper. These problems led to the necessity of overdriving the temperature to ensure melting, the presence of porosity in the joint, and very wide braze joints. Based on the overall findings of this study, a two-step joining method is proposed for fabricating the NLC structures. The structure would be assembled with pure silver braze inserts using a self-aligning step joint design, then the assembly would be vacuum diffusion bonded at 700 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and 3.45 MPa pressure to seal the critical inner portion of the assembly. Finally, during the same furnace cycle, the temperature would be increased to 800 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C in order to react the silver with the copper to form a liquid braze alloy that would join and seal the outer portion of the cells together.
Determinants of normal variation in infants' negative reactions to unfamiliar adults.

Abstract Three hypothesized determinants of individual variation in infants' reactions to strangers at 1 year of age are discussed. Although maturation may play a key role in the onset of stranger avoidance, its intensity and duration seem to be significantly influenced by the combined effect of three factors: anticipated separation, social exposure, and general irritability. When two or three of these factors are present, stranger avoidance is almost certain; and when none of them is present, avoidance is very unlikely. The paper concludes with a discussion of the possible clinical relevance of two atypical patterns of behavior: consistent extreme distress and approach of the stranger accompanied by avoidance of the mother.
AKAP79 selectively enhances protein kinase C regulation of GluR1 at a Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II/protein kinase C site.

Enhancement of AMPA receptor activity in response to synaptic plasticity inducing stimuli may arise, in part, through phosphorylation of the GluR1 AMPA receptor subunit at Ser-831. This site is a substrate for both Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and protein kinase C (PKC). However, neuronal protein levels of CaMKII may exceed those of PKC by an order of magnitude. Thus, it is unclear how PKC could effectively regulate this common target site. The multivalent neuronal scaffold A-kinase-anchoring protein 79 (AKAP79) is known to bind PKC and is linked to GluR1 by synapse-associated protein 97 (SAP97). Here, biochemical studies demonstrate that AKAP79 localizes PKC activity near the receptor, thus accelerating Ser-831 phosphorylation. Complementary electrophysiological studies indicate that AKAP79 selectively shifts the dose-dependence for PKC modulation of GluR1 receptor currents ∼20-fold, such that low concentrations of PKC are as effective as much higher CaMKII concentrations. By boosting PKC activity near a target substrate, AKAP79 provides a mechanism to overcome limitations in kinase abundance thereby ensuring faithful signal propagation and efficient modification of AMPA receptor-mediated responses.
Occult, Bilateral Anterior Sacral and Intrasacral Meningeal and Perineurial Cysts: Case Report and Review of the Literature

None of the more than 180 cases of anterior sacral meningocele reported in the past 150 years has been bilateral, and only two have been associated with occult intrasacral meningocele. We report a unique case of bilateral anterior sacral cysts, communicating with the subarachnoid space, associated with occult intrasacral meningeal and perineurial (Tarlov's) cysts, in an asymptomatic woman. The pertinent clinical and diagnostic imaging literature is reviewed.
Patterns of primary productivity and biomass in a coastal upwelling region

Abstract Average distributions of chlorophyll α during upwelling in areas of smooth bathymetry off Oregon have been computed from historical data. Chlorophyll concentrations in cross-shelf sections over the Oregon continental shelf (44°40′N) were similar to those in cross-shelf sections off northwest Africa during JOINT-1 studies but differed from those in similar sections over an adjacent narrow region of the Oregon shelf (44°55′N to 45°12′N). The fact that larger concentration differences can occur along short sections of one coastline than between upwelling regions half a world apart bears on the time and space scales of sampling and might have bearing on the support and distributions of other trophic levels. Relationships between the local winds and the broader-scale Bakun (1975) upwelling indices were used to classify various phytoplankton biomass and primary productivity distributions according to whether they were in strong upwelling steady state, weak upwelling steady state, or one of two transition states. The upwelling steady state conforms to the ‘upwelling event’ scale (about 3 to 10 days) of Walsh, Whitledge, Kelley, Huntsman and Pillsbury (1977) and the transition state of approximately one-day duration might specify the critical scale for driving the upwelling off Oregon. Under strong steady-state upwelling in early summer a single band of high primary productivity and biomass develops in the surface layer parallel to the bottom contours, but under similar upwelling conditions in later summer a two-celled zonal circulation occurs and two parallel bands develop. Our strong upwelling distributions are discussed in light of current models of the Oregon upwelling system. Maintenance of biological properties through time in the upwelling bands is also discussed. Under weak steady-state upwelling the primary productivity and biomass bands are farther inshore or immediately against the coast. Productivity in the weak upwelling bands can be twice that of the strong upwelling bands and often 20 times that in surrounding water. Under transient conditions in which the local winds are favorable for strong upwelling but the slower-responding Bakun index indicates weak upwelling, chlorophyll distributions change within a day to resemble distributions during strong steady-state upwelling. Under transient conditions in which the local winds weaken dramatically but the Bakun index still indicates strong upwelling, chlorophyll concentrations are high and widely distributed throughout the upwelling region.
Interferon and the central nervous system.

Abstract Interferons (IFNs) were discovered as natural antiviral substances produced during viral infection and were initially characterized for their ability to “interfere” with viral replication, slow cell proliferation, and profound alteration of immunity. The IFNs are synthesized and secreted by monocytes, macrophages, T-lymphocytes, neurons, and glia cells. The different IFNs are classified into three classes: alpha, beta, and gamma. α-IFN produced in the brain exerts direct effects on the brain and endocrine system by activating the neurosecretory hypothalamic neurons and regulates the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis. IFNs modulate neurophysiological activities of many brain region involving in pain, temperature, and food intake regulation. α-IFN administration activates the sympathetic nerves innervating components of the immune system. IFNs may serve as regulatory mediators between the central nervous system, the immune system, and endocrine system. IFN is used as immunologic therapy to treat various hematologic malignancies and infectious ailments and autoimmune diseases.
Nanotribology and surface chemistry of reactively sputtered Ti-B-N hard coatings

Abstract The nanotribological performance of Ti–B–N protective coatings, 500 nm thick, have been studied in the range of 0–38.5 at.% N. A correlation was established amongst the chemical state, structure, mechanical properties, and nanowear resistance as a function of atomic percent nitrogen. The mechanical properties, elastic modulus and hardness, of the films were tested using a Hysitron Triboscope nanomechanical test instrument. The nanotribological performance of the films was evaluated using a Nanoindenter II with scratch capability. Single and reciprocating nanowear scratches, 10 μm in length, were performed at normal loads ranging from 50 to 750 μN. An atomic force microscope (AFM) was utilized to characterize the nanowear tracks with respect to depth and amount of plowing of material. The AFM images revealed that the reciprocating nanowear test caused grooving of the films with little to no material removal. Chemical and structural information was obtained by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction. Increasing N content correlated with increasing number of B–N bonds, structural disorder, and decreasing hardness, modulus, and wear resistance.
Phase Ib Trial of Oncolytic Herpes Virus G207 Shows Safety of Multiple Injections and Documents Viral Replication

The prognosis for patients with glioblastoma remains poor despite numerous phase I–II clinical trials on systemic chemotherapies such as the vascular endothelial growth factor–neutralizing antibody bevacizumab.1 Indeed, only two chemotherapies—implantable carmustine-containing Gliadel wafers and temozolomide2—have been approved for glioblastoma by the Food and Drug Administration, because these two agents showed benefit in phase III clinical trials by prolonging median survival by approximately 8 weeks. Therefore, there is a continued need to explore new treatments or to further refine and optimize older treatments for this type of brain cancer.
Pharmacokinetic imaging of pediatric solid tumors

Previously developed empirical analyses of dynamic contrast- enhanced MR imaging (DEMRI) studies have provided a more quantitative and accurate measure of solid tumor response. However, empirically based methods do not generalize easily to other solid tumors, and changes in the parameters during therapy are hard to relate to physiological mechanisms. This study compares the kinetic parameters from a two-compartment pharmacokinetic (PK) model of MR contrast agent accumulation with disease free survival rates after surgery and investigates the serial changes in these parameters over the course of therapy in thirty-five patients with osteosarcoma. The PK model allowed us to directly determine the relationship between the first-order permeability rate constant (k21) of the model and histologic assessment of response. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare the average k21 immediately prior to surgery and was determined to be significantly related to disease free survival. A linear regression analysis between the average k21 at presentation and the resulting change in average k21 during therapy revealed a statistically significant relationship corresponding to greater delivery of contrast agent. Larger regional access at presentation corresponded to larger decreases in access during therapy, which is consistent with the hypothesis that greater regional access at presentation should correspond to greater response to the chemotherapeutic agents.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
THE LIFETIME OF THE EXCITED SINGLET STATE OF β‐CAROTENE: CONSEQUENCES TO PHOTOSYNTHETIC LIGHT HARVESTING

The mechanism of singlet-singlet energy transfer to chlorophyll from carotenoid auxiliary pigments in photosynthetic apparatus is considered. Transmittance studies and resonance-enhanced Raman spectroscopy on a picosecond time scale lead to the conclusion that the de–excitation lifetime of the β-carotene singlet state is not greater than one picosecond. This would require close contiguity on the part of the transferring partners.
On tournament matrices

Abstract Let T be a tournament of order n with adjacency matrix M. We find several conditions that are equivalent to M being singular. A correlation between the number of 3-cycles in T and the rank of M is established. It is shown that asymptotically at least 1 2 of the tournament matrices are nonsingular. We also derive bounds on the spectral radius of tournament matrices with a given row-sum vector.
Triphasic Randomized Clinical Trial: Comparative frequency of intermenstrual bleeding

Oral contraceptives have the highest theoretic efficacy of all reversible forms of contraception, yet in practice they have an actual failure rate equivalent to that of some barrier methods. The efficacy of oral contraceptives depends primarily on patient compliance. So-called "nuisance" side effects, such as intermenstrual bleeding (breakthrough bleeding or spotting), play a major role in their discontinuation. The Triphasic Randomized Clinical Trial compared the incidence of these side effects in three groups of subjects taking NET (A) (Ortho-Novum 7/7/7), LNG (Tri-Levlen), or NET (B) (Tri-Norinyl). Subjects taking NET (A) had the highest incidence of intermenstrual bleeding (63%) followed by NET (B) (44%) and LNG (33%). Only the difference between NET (A) and LNG attained statistical significance (p less than 0.030). Control subjects had no breakthrough bleeding and a 4% incidence of spotting. Further research is warranted to establish the cause of the disparity in the incidence of intermenstrual bleeding among patient groups assigned to the three oral triphasic contraceptives.
A study of compressibility effects in the high-speed turbulent shear layer using direct simulation

Direct simulations of the turbulent shear layer are performed for subsonic to supersonic Mach numbers. Fully developed turbulence is achieved with profiles of mean velocity and turbulence intensities that agree well with laboratory experiments. The thickness growth rate of the shear layer exhibits a large reduction with increasing values of the convective Mach number, Mc. In agreement with previous investigations, it is found that the normalized pressure–strain term decreases with increasing Mc, which leads to inhibited energy transfer from the streamwise to cross-stream fluctuations, to the reduced turbulence production observed in DNS, and, finally, to reduced turbulence levels as well as reduced growth rate of the shear layer. An analysis, based on the wave equation for pressure, with supporting DNS is performed with the result that the pressure–strain term decreases monotonically with increasing Mach number. The gradient Mach number, which is the ratio of the acoustic time scale to the flow distortion time scale, is shown explicitly by the analysis to be the key quantity that determines the reduction of the pressure–strain term in compressible shear flows. The physical explanation is that the finite speed of sound in compressible flow introduces a finite time delay in the transmission of pressure signals from one point to an adjacent point and the resultant increase in decorrelation leads to a reduction in the pressure–strain correlation.The dependence of turbulence intensities on the convective Mach number is investigated. It is found that all components decrease with increasing Mc and so does the shear stress.DNS is also used to study the effect of different free-stream densities parameterized by the density ratio, s = ρ2/ρ1, in the high-speed case. It is found that changes in the temporal growth rate of the vorticity thickness are smaller than the changes observed in momentum thickness growth rate. The momentum thickness growth rate decreases substantially with increasing departure from the reference case, s = 1. The peak value of the shear stress, uv, shows only small changes as a function of s. The dividing streamline of the shear layer is observed to move into the low-density stream. An analysis is performed to explain this shift and the consequent reduction in momentum thickness growth rate.
FPsed: a streaming content search-and-replace module for an Internet firewall

A module has been implemented in field programmable gate array (FPGA) hardware that is able to perform regular expression search-and-replace operations on the content of Internet packets at Gigabit/second rates. All of the packet processing operations are performed using reconfigurable hardware within a single Xilinx Virtex XCV2000E FPGA. A set of layered protocol wrappers is used to parse the headers and payloads of packets for Internet protocol data. A content matching server automatically generates, compiles, synthesizes, and programs the module into the field-programmable port extender (FPX) platform.
Mini review: Proteases and invasion in human prostate epithelial cell lines: Implications in prostate cancer prevention and intervention

We propose that, in prostate cancer, serine proteases occupy the apex of the proteolytic cascade and initiate the process of matrix degradation. Subsequently, collagenases are recruited after activation of procollagenases by another serine protease plasmin, which is formed by the activation of plasminogen by urokinase (u-PA). We show that u-PA alone can degrade fibronectin but not laminin. Serum free-conditioned medium (SF-CM) from DU-145 human prostatic carcinoma cells can degrade both fibronectin and laminin. Urokinase and gelatinase secretion was compared and correlated with the invasive ability of several human prostatic epithelial cell lines. DU-145 and LNCaP carcinoma cell lines and the following cell lines developed in our laboratories were used: PWR-1E (Ad12-SV40 immortalized, nontumorigenic), RWPE-1 (HPV-18 immortalized, nontumorigenic), and RWPE-2 (HPV-18 immortalized, Ki-ras-transformed, tumorigenic). Secreted urokinase levels were markedly increased in the malignant DU-145 and RWPE-2 cells and correlated with their invasive ability in vitro. Secreted gelatinase activity was undetectable in SF-CM from DU-145, trace in LNCaP, but detectable in the other three cell lines. The tumorigenic RWPE-2 cells secrete higher levels of gelatinases than their parent RWPE-1 cells. all-trans Retinoic acid (RA) caused a decrease in the extracellular u-PA and gelatinase activity and invasive ability of DU-145 and RWPE-2 cells. Treatment of cultures with RA reduced the ability of SF-CM to degrade fibronectin and laminin. These results may explain one mechanism by which retinoids inhibit invasion and metastasis. These studies have important translational value in the chemoprevention of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and intervention in the progression of human prostate cancer. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Analysis, Optimization, and Control of Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell Systems

Abstract This chapter discusses solid-oxide fuel cells at the system level and the integration of the cell stack with balance-of-plant components. Balance-of-plant components includes fuel processors (e.g., desulfurization and fuel reforming), pumps and blowers, heat exchangers, and catalytic reactors. Understanding and predicting thermal and chemical communication among these components are essential elements of system design and control. System analysis considers overall efficiency of converting fuel to electricity as well as combined heat and power (CHP) applications that beneficially use waste heat. In addition to conversion efficiency alone, analysis of life-cycle cost (LCC) plays an important role in optimizing system performance. The chapter concludes with a discussion of model-predictive control (MPC), wherein physically based models can be incorporated into real-time process-control strategies.
Barriers to health care access among the elderly and who perceives them.

Objectives. We evaluated self-perceived access to health care in a cohort of Medicare beneficiaries.Methods. We identified patterns of use and barriers to health care from self-administered questionnaires collected during the 1993–1994 annual examination of the Cardiovascular Health Study.Results. The questionnaires were completed by 4889 (91.1%) participants, with a mean age of 76.0 years. The most common barriers to seeing a physician were the doctor’s lack of responsiveness to patient concerns, medical bills, transportation, and street safety. Low income, no supplemental insurance, older age, and female gender were independently related to perceptions of barriers. Race was not significant after adjustment for other factors.Conclusions. Psychological and physical barriers affect access to care among the elderly; these may be influenced by poverty more than by race.
Haptic actuator design parameters that influence affect and attention

Most haptic feedback devices to date are designed to be alerts or warnings that capture a user's attention. This can be disruptive or annoying when the user needs to focus on another task of higher importance. We believe that haptic feedback that elicits positive affect can manage attention capture across a wider spectrum than feedback with negative affect. In this study, we explore the affective response to several haptic actuator designs for better management of user attention. We evaluate six parameters that may impact affect: stimulus location on the body, actuation type, actuation intensity, actuation profile, actuator material and actuator geometry. A total of 30 subjects participated in this study (average age 24±3 years). Of the six parameters, we found that actuation profile had the most significant impact on affect. We also found that devices with negative affect were better able to capture the user's attention. Due to the variability in the verbalized preferences among subjects, we propose outfitting all haptic actuators with an intensity control. We anticipate that the results of this study will guide designers in modifying key parameters of haptic devices to appropriately manage user attention.
Recent translational research: microarray expression profiling of breast cancer – beyond classification and prognostic markers?

Genomic expression profiling has greatly improved our ability to subclassify human breast cancers according to shared molecular characteristics and clinical behavior. The logical next question is whether this technology will be similarly useful for identifying the dominant signaling pathways that drive tumor initiation and progression within each breast cancer subtype. A major challenge will be to integrate data generated from the experimental manipulation of model systems with expression profiles obtained from primary tumors. We highlight some recent progress and discuss several obstacles in the use of expression profiling to identify pathway signatures in human breast cancer.
A rate-dependent microcrack-bridging model that can explain the strain rate dependency of cortical bone apparent yield strength

Although there are empirical correlations between strain rate, cortical and cancellous bone apparent stiffness, apparent yield strength, apparent ultimate strength and cortical bone fracture toughness, a mechanistic description for these phenomena is lacking. Microcracking is a major mechanism in cortical and cancellous bone failure, however, microdamage content alone cannot explain the strain rate dependence of bone strength without considering time-dependent behavior of the crack. Using a rate-dependent model of a fiber-bridged microcrack and data from the literature, we demonstrate that the experimental apparent yield strength of bone can be predicted directly from measurements of apparent moduli of elasticity of bone constituents and failure strain of the collagenous matrix. Yield strength predictions for estrogen depleted bone were made using the model and data from ovariectomized sheep. It was predicted that the yield strength of estrogen-deficient bone is comparable to that of normal bone within strain rates associated with physiological activities. For high strain rates, however, the strength of estrogen-depleted bone was predicted to be much weaker than normals suggesting a higher fracture risk due to impact from falls, for individuals with estrogen-depleted bones such as in post-menopausal osteoporosis.
Deployment analysis in underwater acoustic wireless sensor networks

In this paper, different deployment strategies for two-dimensional and three-dimensional communication architectures for UnderWater Acoustic Sensor Networks (UW-ASNs) are proposed, and statistical deployment analysis for both architectures is provided. The objectives of this paper are to determine the minimum number of sensors needed to be deployed to achieve the optimal sensing and communication coverage, which are dictated by the application; provide guidelines on how to choose the optimal deployment surface area, given a target region; study the robustness of the sensor network to node failures, and provide an estimate of the number of redundant sensors to be deployed to compensate for possible failures.
Motor temperature estimation incorporating dynamic rotor impedance

The estimation of induction motor temperature at different system, motor, and load conditions is investigated. Motor temperature is estimated using comprehensive interactive electrical, thermal, and mechanical models. The electrical model accounts for the skin effect in the rotor bars and predicts the dynamic motor impedance as motor speed changes. The thermal model accounts for the heating and cooling process in the motor. The interactive model is used to study motor behavior during balanced system condition, unbalanced system condition, high inertia load, locked rotor, and overload situations. Motor temperature during these states is predicted. It is shown that under certain conditions motor starting time may exceed the locked rotor time. Rotor thermal limit curves during an unbalanced voltage condition are presented. >
Information and service needs for young adult cancer patients

Background Young adulthood is a time of increased vulnerability to stress and presents young adult cancer patients and off-treatment survivors with major developmental challenges above and beyond those faced by their peers. The intent of this study was to examine supportive care needs and preferences among young adult cancer patients. Methods Two hundred and seventeen young adults aged 18–40 years and diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15–35 completed an online survey. Adapted from prior research on young adult survivors of childhood cancer, questions assessed the extent to which subjects had utilized various information and supportive care services and/or expressed a desire to use those services either now or in the past. Results While young adult patients demonstrate a high demand for information and assistance regarding diet and nutrition, exercise, fertility options, complementary and alternative services and assistance with health insurance, 40–50% of patients report that these needs are unmet. More than 50% of respondents who indicated a need or desire for camp programs and retreats, counseling or guidance related to sexuality, counseling for family members, infertility treatment and adoption services, transportation assistance, child care and alcohol or drug abuse counseling also indicated that these needs were unmet. Younger respondents (18–29 years olds) were significantly more likely to indicate unmet needs for the supportive care services assessed here. Conclusion Findings serve as recommendations as to when and to whom to target delivery of supportive care services.
Help Seeking: Perceived Risks for African American Women

This article presents the findings of a qualitative study that explored the help-seeking pathways of seven African American women following a nonsexual criminal victimization. The help-seeking narrative was reconstructed by conducting in-depth interviews with the women and their identified informal and formal providers of support. The findings revealed that the chosen help-seeking pathway was influenced by each woman’s appraisal of the perceived benefits and costs of seeking assistance. Implications for practice are discussed.
Rapid determination of coal char oxidative reactivity

Abstract A rapid quantitative estimation of carbon dioxide by infrared spectrophotometry provided a rapid and reliable technique for a semi-quantitative comparison of the reactivity of carbon samples to oxidative gases, since the previously demonstrated inverse relation between ease of wet oxidation of carbon samples and their reactivity to oxidizing gases was confirmed. Wet-oxidation characteristics of Montana lignite char, FMC bituminouscoal char, and electrode carbon were tested. The effect of particle size, carbon content and potassium oxide as a catalyst were investigated. Potassium oxide appeared to inhibit the wet oxidation of Montana lignite char, which observation extends the inverse relation for uncatalysed samples. The method adopted in this technique can provide the basis for choice between alternative char samples either for complete gasification or combustion.
A non-native invasive grass increases soil carbon flux in a Hawaiian tropical dry forest

Non-native plants are invading terrestrial ecosystems across the globe, yet little is known about how invasions impact carbon (C) cycling or how these impacts will be influenced by climate change. We quantified the effect of a non-native C4 grass invasion on soil C pools and fluxes in a Hawaiian tropical dry forest over 2 years in which annual precipitation was average (Year 1) and � 60% higher than average (Year 2). Work was conducted in a series of forested plots where the grass understory was completely removed (removal plots) or left intact (grass plots) for 3 years before experiment initiation. We hypothesized that grass invasion would: (i) not change total soil C pools, (ii) increase the flux of C into and out of soils, and (iii) increase the sensitivity of soil C flux to variability in precipitation. In grass plots, grasses accounted for 25‐34% of litter layer C and � 70% of fine root C. However, no differences were observed between treatments in the size of any soil C pools. Moreover, grass-derived C constituted a negligible fraction of the large mineral soil C pool (o3%) despite being present in the system for � 50 years. Tree litterfall was � 45% lower in grass plots, but grass-derived litterfall more than compensated for this reduction in both years. Annual cumulative soil-surface CO2 efflux (Rsoil) was � 40% higher in grass plots in both years, and increased in both treatments by � 36% in the wetter Year 2. Despite minimal grassderived mineral soil C, 475% of Rsoil in grass plots was of C4 (i.e. grass) origin. These results demonstrate that grass invasion in forest ecosystems can increase the flux of C into and out of soils without changing total C pools, at least over the short term and as long as the native tree canopy remains intact, and that invasion-mediated changes in belowground C cycling are sensitive to precipitation.
Doing without (arguing about) desert

This paper is a critical discussion of Manuel Vargas’ Building Better Beings, focusing on the treatment of desert therein. By means of an analogy between morality and sport, I examine some seemingly peculiar implications of Vargas’ teleological and revisionary account of desert. I also consider some general questions of philosophical methodology provoked by revisionary approaches.
Impulsive stabilization for control and synchronization of chaotic systems: theory and application to secure communication

Impulsive control of a chaotic system is ideal for designing digital control schemes where the control laws are generated by digital devices which are discrete in time. In this paper, several theorems on the stability of impulsive control systems are presented. These theorems are then used to find the conditions under which the chaotic systems can be asymptotically controlled to the origin by using impulsive control. Given the parameters of the chaotic system and the impulsive control law, an estimation of the upper bound of the impulse interval is given. We also present a theory of impulsive synchronization of two chaotic systems. A promising application of impulsive synchronization of chaotic systems to a secure communication scheme is presented. In this secure communication scheme, the transmitted signals are divided into small time frames. In each time frame, the synchronization impulses and the scrambled message signal are embedded. Conventional cryptographic methods are used to scramble the message signal. Simulation results based on a typical chaotic system; namely, Chua's oscillator, are provided.
Restructuring engineering education: an alternate professional model

Engineering education is beset by many of the same challenges that have affected American industry. Much has been recommended and implemented to improve engineering education. However, the traditional structure of engineering education remains, even though current exigencies require a fundamental restructuring. A professional model is proposed herein as an alternative to the traditional structure; it serves to mitigate the growing cost of education, overcome the decreasing quality of high school graduates, meet the growing need for professional engineers, and enhance the link between research and engineering education. Further, the professional model is responsive to the needs of the 21st century and should enhance the engineering profession and raise the self-esteem of American engineers.
A Haplotype Based Method for Genetic Disease Susceptibility Prediction

High-throughput single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping technologies make massive genotype data, with a large number of individuals, publicly available. Accessibility of genetic data makes genome-wide association studies for complex diseases possible. The susceptibility to complex diseases can be predicted through the analysis of the genetic data and prospective patients can be helped to make informed decisions. With the development of DNA microarray technique, it is possible to access the human genetic information related to specific diseases, but most disease association studies are based on genotypes. This paper uses a combinatorial method to analyze the haplotype data for Crohn's disease and search disease-associated factors for given case/control samples. A Linear programming based method has been applied to publicly available genotype data on Crohn's disease for association study and achieved a promising result.
Opposite Side of the Same Agenda Setting Coin? DIGs in the U.S. Supreme Court

I present one of the first multivariate analysis of a rarely used (and rarely studied) aspect of the U.S. Supreme Court’s agenda setting process — the Court’s power to dismiss certiorari as improvidently granted (i.e. a “DIG”). DIGs traditionally have been viewed through a legal model of judicial behavior, but I argue that a complete explanation of DIG behavior requires a focus on both legal and strategic, policy-oriented factors. Using data on DIGs occurring during the Burger Court (1969 to 1985 terms), I develop hypotheses to test this assertion empirically. The findings provide support for the argument that DIGs reflect both legal and strategic, policy-oriented behavior by the Court.
Design of Testable Adder Circuits for Spintronics Based Nanomagnetic Computing

In this work, we have proposed an implementation of a testable reversible adder using conservative reversible logic for Spintronics based nanomagnetic logic (NML). The testable adder has the advantage that all unidirectional stuck at faults can be detected concurrently while the circuit is performing the normal operation. Further, the unidirectional faults can also be tested offline using only two test vectors, all 0's and all 1's. Two methodologies for the design of testable reversible ripple carry adder are investigated. The first method makes use of two different logic blocks that can be cascaded to form reversible ripple carry adders. The second method is a classical approach in which full adders are cascaded in ripple carry fashion. The promising finding of this work is that even though method 1 is an attractive choice to design testable reversible adders in quantum computing, for NML computing method 2 is attractive because of its improvement in propagation delay and NML cost.
RAPID PULMONARY REMOVAL OF 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE IN THE INTACT DOG.

SummarySimultaneous injection of indocyanine green dye and C14 5-HT was done in dogs to determine the extent of pulmonary removal of 5-HT. Cardiac output determined from C14 data was consistently higher than by the dye method, indicating immediate removal of 5-HT in the pulmonary bed. The mean removal was 33%, and was not changed by prior administration of β-phenylisopropylhydrazine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
User-Centered Collection Development: A Citation Analysis of Graduate Biology Theses

ABSTRACTThe authors sought to identify biology collection usage among graduate students at Jacksonville State University. Forty master's-degree student theses from 2008 to 2014 were examined. A total of 2,351 citations were analyzed, of which journals accounted for 75%, books for 10%, and the remaining 15% included government documents, websites, dissertations, and theses. Findings are consistent with previous similar studies: students referenced journals more often than books and other sources. Journal and book citations present discrepancies between number of citations and number of authors citing. Wide ranges of journal subjects were cited due to the interdisciplinary nature of graduate programs. Recommendations are provided for future collection development and library instruction practice.
Benign Neoplasms of the Trachea : Case Reports

Benign tumors of the trachea are rare, accounting for approximately 10% of all primary tracheal neoplasms. They are frequently misdiagnosed and managed as bronchial asthma or chronic bronchitis. We report a lipoma and a leiomyoma of the trachea with emphasis on the clinical, radiographic and CT findings, and review the literature.
Treatment and Prognosis of Pulmonary Hypertension in the Left Ventricular Assist Device Patient

This review will discuss the medical management of pulmonary hypertension in patients with left ventricular assist devices. Although much has been written on the management of primary pulmonary hypertension, also called pulmonary arterial hypertension, this review will instead focus on the treatment of pulmonary hypertension secondary to left heart disease. The relevant pharmacotherapy can be divided into medications for treating heart failure, such as diuretics and β-blockers, and medications for treating pulmonary hypertension. We also discuss important preoperative considerations in patients with pulmonary hypertension; the relationships between left ventricular assist devices, pulmonary hemodynamics, and right heart failure; as well as optimal perioperative and long-term postoperative medical management of pulmonary hypertension.
Dietary factors associated with bladder cancer

It is biologically plausible for dietary factors to influence bladder cancer risk considering that beneficial as well as harmful components of a diet are excreted through the urinary tract and in direct contact with the epithelium of the bladder. However, studies that investigated the association between dietary factors and bladder cancer (BC) risk have largely reported inconsistent results. The macronutrient intake and risk of BC could have yield inconsistent results across studies because of lack of details on the type, source and the quantities of different dietary fatty acids consumed. There is evidence to suggest that consumption of processed meat may increase BC risk. Dietary carbohydrate intake does not appear to be directly associated with BC risk. Even though a large number of studies have investigated the association between fruit/vegetable consumption/micronutrients in those and BC risk, they have yielded inconsistent results. Gender-specific subgroup analysis, details of how fruits and vegetables are consumed (raw vs. cooked), adequate control for smoking status/aggressiveness of the cancer and consideration of genetic make-up may clarify these inconsistent results. There is no strong evidence to suggest that supplementation with any common micronutrient is effective in reducing BC risk. These limitations in published research however do not totally eclipse the observation that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed meat along with especially smoking cessation may convey some protective effects against BC risk.
Detection of Ophidiomyces, the Causative Agent of Snake Fungal Disease, in the Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) in Michigan, USA, 2014

Abstract Snake fungal disease (SFD), caused by Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, threatens free-ranging snake populations across the US. We assayed 112 swabs from 102 individual eastern massasaugas (Sistrurus catenatus) at three locations in Michigan in 2014 for Ophidiomyces using quantitative PCR (qPCR). We observed a 12.7% qPCR prevalence of skin lesions. Individuals at each site had lesions, and occurrence of skin lesions was not significantly different between sites. We detected Ophidiomyces DNA at each of the three sites in five individuals (4.9%). We found no difference in detection probabilities between sites; however, snakes with dermatitis had higher Ophidiomyces DNA detection probabilities (P=0.15±0.08 SE) than snakes without dermatitis (P=0.02±0.01 SE, P=0.026). The emergence of SFD mortalities has potentially serious consequences for the viability of the eastern massasauga in Michigan. Future work should track temporal patterns in vital rates and health parameters, link health data to body condition ...
Adventitious Reinforcement of Maladaptive Stimulus Control Interferes with Learning

Persistent error patterns sometimes develop when teaching new discriminations. These patterns can be adventitiously reinforced, especially during long periods of chance-level responding (including baseline). Such behaviors can interfere with learning a new discrimination. They can also disrupt already learned discriminations, if they re-emerge during teaching procedures that generate errors. We present an example of this process. Our goal was to teach a boy with intellectual disabilities to touch one of two shapes on a computer screen (in technical terms, a simple simultaneous discrimination). We used a size-fading procedure. The correct stimulus was at full size, and the incorrect-stimulus size increased in increments of 10 %. Performance was nearly error free up to and including 60 % of full size. In a probe session with the incorrect stimulus at full size, however, accuracy plummeted. Also, a pattern of switching between choices, which apparently had been established in classroom instruction, re-emerged. The switching pattern interfered with already-learned discriminations. Despite having previously mastered a fading step with the incorrect stimulus up to 60 %, we were unable to maintain consistently high accuracy beyond 20 % of full size. We refined the teaching program such that fading was done in smaller steps (5 %), and decisions to “step back” to a smaller incorrect stimulus were made after every 5—instead of 20—trials. Errors were rare, switching behavior stopped, and he mastered the discrimination. This is a practical example of the importance of designing instruction that prevents adventitious reinforcement of maladaptive discriminated response patterns by reducing errors during acquisition.
A MODEL OF RAPID-START SWIMMING AT INTERMEDIATE REYNOLDS NUMBER: UNDULATORY LOCOMOTION IN THE CHAETOGNATH SAGITTA ELEGANS

The mechanics and kinematics of accelerational undulatory locomotion by the chaetognath Sagitta elegans (Verrill, 1873) are studied with a combination of highspeed cinematography (200framess−1) and mathematical modeling. The model is constructed such that it predicts body velocity for an organism starting from rest and accelerating rapidly by swimming with prescribed wave kinematics. The speed of the undulatory propulsive waves and the number of these waves on the body is highly conserved across 11 individuals, while the wave amplitude is positively related to distance traveled in the first 65 ms of swimming. There is excellent agreement between these data and predictions of body translations that are based on a mathematical model for this mode of locomotion. The model also shows that instantaneous forces generated by the undulating body are much larger than average forces and consist of non-trivial inertial terms, even for such small organisms. The model also shows that the distance traveled over a fixed time interval is limited by the maximum muscle stress that can be physiologically generated. Peak instantaneous force represents a mechanical upper boundary to thrust production and, hence, a limit to performance.