cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the energetics of dilatational band growth under biaxial loading conditions

Post-yield, heterogeneous deformation in the form of dilatational bands (DB's) develops in blown, linear low density polyethylene films under certain biaxial loading conditions. The material within the dilatational bands is drawn transverse to the initial orientation direction. The films typically exhibit a two-stage drawing process associated with migration of the DB boundary into the undrawn material and subsequent deformation of the drawn material within the DB. Kinematic measurements reveal that DB's evolve primarily by isotropic expansion with distortion occurring to a smaller extent. Correspondingly, the M integral is used to determine the energy release rate associated with isotropic expansion of the DB under various biaxial stress states. A thermodynamic model incorporating the M integral is used to determine a material property that describes the energy associated with the drawing process. The M integral and the thermodynamic model appear to describe DB evolution well.
Power-aware performance increase via core/uncore reinforcement control for chip-multiprocessors

Network-on-Chips (NoCs) have emerged as the backbone for the inter-core communication of a chip-multiprocessor (CMP). This paper evaluates and analyzes the advantages of managing the processing cores and the on-chip communication fabric in synergy for the purpose of performance increase under power constraints. A semi-supervised reinforcement learning (RL) based approach is proposed for performing dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) so as to enable the efficient usage of the available on-chip power budget while maximizing performance. The experimental results show that, on average, overall performance is increased by 11% under iso-power conditions, while a core-only or an uncore-only performance boosting approach can only achieve 7% and 3% improvement in performance, respectively.
Convergence of multiple autophagy and cytoplasm to vacuole targeting components to a perivacuolar membrane compartment prior to de novo vesicle formation.

Under starvation conditions, the majority of intracellular degradation occurs at the lysosome or vacuole by the autophagy pathway. The cytoplasmic substrates destined for degradation are packaged inside unique double-membrane transport vesicles called autophagosomes and are targeted to the lysosome/vacuole for subsequent breakdown and recycling. Genetic analyses of yeast autophagy mutants,apg and aut, have begun to identify the molecular machinery as well as indicate a substantial overlap with the biosynthetic cytoplasm to vacuole targeting (Cvt) pathway. Transport vesicle formation is a key regulatory step of both pathways. In this study, we characterize the putative compartment from which both autophagosomes and the analogous Cvt vesicles may originate. Microscopy analyses identified a perivacuolar membrane as the resident compartment for both the Apg1-Cvt9 signaling complex, which mediates the switching between autophagic and Cvt transport, and the autophagy/Cvt-specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex. Furthermore, the perivacuolar compartment designates the initial site of membrane binding by the Apg/Cvt vesicle component Aut7, the Cvt cargo receptor Cvt19, and the Apg conjugation machinery, which functions in the de novoformation of vesicles. Biochemical isolation of the vesicle component Aut7 and density gradient analyses recapitulate the microscopy findings although also supporting the paradigm that components required for vesicle formation and packaging concentrate at subdomains within the donor membrane compartment.
Estimating Surface Soil Organic Carbon Content at a Regional Scale Using the National Resource Inventory

The National Resource Inventory (NRI) may be used to estimate soil organic C (SOC) levels at a regional scale if accurate and precise estimates can be made across a wide range of soils, land uses, and topographic positions. The objectives of this study were (i) to identify important sources of variation in SOC content at a regional scale and (ii) to determine the precision with which SOC content can be estimated. Surface soil samples (0-10 cm) were collected in four Major Land Resource Areas (MLRAs) and analyzed for SOC, sand, silt, and clay content. Land use, hillslope position, and slope aspect effects on SOC levels were evaluated by analysis of covariance with sand or day content as a covariate to adjust for textural differences at each sample point. Land use was a significant source of variation in all four regions. Hillslope position and slope aspect were significant sources of variation in only one of the four regions and there were no significant interactions between land use and hillslope position or aspect. The SOC content ranged from 26 to 55 Mg ha 10 cm -1 in the Northern Mississippi Valley Loess Hills, 22 to 50 Mg ha 10 cm -1 in the Palouse and Nez Perce Prairies, 9 to 26 Mg ha 10 cm -1 in the Central High Plains, and 5 to 8 Mg ha 10 cm -1 in the Southern High Plains. Standard errors ranged from 0.5 to 5.0 Mg ha -1 and were lowest in regions where SOC levels were also lowest. Results indicate the NRI can be an effective tool for estimating SOC levels under different land use and conservation practices on a regional scale.
Optimization criteria for SRAM design: lithography contribution

Here we discuss the use of well calibrated resist and etch bias models, in conjunction with a fast microlithography aerial image simulator, to predict and 'optimize' the printed shapes through all critical levels in a dense SRAM design. Our key emphasis here is on 'optimization criteria', namely, having achieved good predictability for printability with lithography models, how to use this capability in conjunction of best electrical performance, yield, and density. The key lithography/design optimization issues discussed here are: (1) tightening of gate width variation by reducing spatial curvature in the source and drain regions, (2) achieving sufficient contact areas, (3) maximizing process window for overlay, (4) reducing leakage mechanisms by reducing contributions of stress and strain due to the printed shape of oxide isolation regions, (5) examining topological differences in design during the optimization process, (6) accounting for mask corner rounding, and (7) designing for scalability to smaller dimensions to achieve optical design reusability issues without hardware.
The pharmacotherapy of aphasia: Historical perspective and directions for future research

Abstract Clinical reports dating to the 1940s suggest that some aphasic symptoms may improve after pharmacological therapy. Recent studies from the Aphasia Research Center of the Boston VA Medical Center suggest that the dopamine agonist, bromocriptine, may be a potentially useful agent in the treatment of aphasia. At least two different hypotheses can be put forward to justify the use of dopamine agents in aphasia therapy. However, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of pharmacological agents are needed to confirm or refute the efficacy of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of aphasia.
Homeostatic proliferation is a barrier to transplantation tolerance

Despite the ease of inhibiting immune responses by blockade of T-cell costimulation in naive rodent models, it is difficult to suppress those responses in animals with memory cells. Studies demonstrating the importance of alloreactive T-cell deletion during tolerance induction have promoted use of peritransplant T-cell-depleting therapies in clinical trials. But potentially complicating wide-scale, nonspecific T-cell depletion is the finding that extensive T-cell proliferation can occur under conditions of lymphopenia. This process, termed homeostatic proliferation, may induce acquisition of functional memory T cells. Here, using clinically relevant mouse models of peripheral T-cell depletion, we show that residual nondepleted T cells undergo substantial homeostatic expansion. In this setting, costimulatory blockade neither significantly suppresses homeostatic proliferation nor prevents allograft rejection. In addition, T cells that have completed homeostatic proliferation show dominant resistance to tolerance when adoptively transferred into wild-type recipients, consistent with known properties of memory cells in vivo. These findings establish the importance of homeostatic proliferation in clinically relevant settings, demonstrate the barrier that homeostatic proliferation can present to the induction of transplantation tolerance, and have important implications for transplantation protocols that use partial or complete peripheral T-cell depletion.
The Permian-Triassic boundary event: a geochemical study of three Chinese sections

Abstract Trace elements were determined in two well-documented Chinese Permian-Triassic (P/Tr) boundary sections (Meishan and Shangsi) and in a new section (Liangfenya). Iridium concentrations range from 3 to 87 pg/g, at or below levels in common sedimentary rocks. The results contrast with previous reports of high Ir concentration in the Meishan and Shangsi sections and offer no support to suggestions of a major meteoroid impact at the end of the Permian. A notable feature in each of these widely separated P/Tr sections (500–1500 km) is the existence of 2–5 light-colored clay layers at and near the boundary. These clay layers are strongly enriched in Cs, Zr, Hf, Ta, and Th and depleted in Cr, Co, and Ir, indicating that they are altered ash, apparently from the same massive silicic volcanic eruptions. We estimate the magnitude of these eruptions to be a few thousand km3 of magma, a volume comparable to the great Toba eruption.
Recent Poetry and the Essential Word

Postmodern poetry resists classification in tight compartments. After the last artificially-named group of the novisimos in the 60s, the evolution of poetry in Spain has followed different and at times divergent paths. The novisimos had reacted against "social" poetry, denouncing its lack of attention to artistry, almost prosaic quality, subservience to theme, and produced elaborate creations with an emphasis on form and the exquisite and more hermetic word and subject. Obeying the law of corsi e ricorsi, there was a certain return in the 80s to simpler expression which, however, does not pretend to be that of the "man on the street" reflecting the historical circumstance, but rather a search for essences, for eternal values. Each poet—M.V. Atencia, Jesus Munarriz, and Luis Sunen can serve as examples of the "essential" inclination—traces his own way and creates a personal poetics. Faith in the word is their common denominator. This turn to simplicity can also be observed in the last works of such poets as Carvajal, Gimferrer and Siles, who admit, however, greater ambiguity of word and intention. This article is available in Studies in 20th Century Literature: http://newprairiepress.org/sttcl/vol16/iss1/9 Recent Spanish Poetry and the Essential Word Birute Ciplijauskaite University of Wisconsin-Madison Translated by Peter Browne Lo apretado vale en verso y en prosa mas que lo suelto, el rayo mas que la nube. The compressed is worth more in verse and in prose than the unbound, the ray more than the cloud. J. R. J. Jean Francois Lyotard attempts to establish a division between two terms that have been alluded to by critics frequently and with remarkable differences during the last few years, the "modern" and the "postmodern." As examples he chooses two nearly contemporary authors. Proust would embody the "modern," since "[he] calls forth the unpresentable by means of language unaltered in its syntax and vocabulary," while Joyce "allows the unpresentable to become perceptible in his writing itself, in the signifier" (341). In the postmodern, the emphasis is on the process, on constant change and the absence of determinate form. The text is understood as an event, while stress is placed on its fluctuating quality. In accordance with the negation of the existence of a single reality or of a single text as maintained by the deconstructionists or those poets belonging to the L-AN-G-U-A-G-E group in North America, John Cage affirms that "the world, the real is not an object. It is a process" (Perloff 196). Such a view leads to skepticism and encourages linguistic structures that highlight the ludic aspect of the creative task. Some of these procedures would coincide on the surface level with what Julia Barella observes in the work of the novisimos who, according to her, substituted "reflection for experimentation and free play, and order
Treatment of Infarct Related Heart Failure: Vasodilators Other than ACE Inhibitors

Vasodilator drugs, particularly intravenously infused nitroprusside and an orally administered combination of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate, exert a profoundly favorable hemodynamic effect in the setting of heart failure complicating a prior myocardial infarction. Although these oral drugs also may relieve symptoms and improve exercise tolerance, the long-term benefits appear to be related to inhibition or reversal of the left ventricular dilation that results in a progressive fall in left ventricular ejection fraction. The long-term efficacy of both ACE inhibitors and hydralazine-nitrate in symptomatic heart failure makes the vasodilator combination a rational alternative to an ACE inhibitor and possibly an effective agent for cotherapy with an ACE inhibitor. Trials are needed to test the additive efficacy of this vasodilator combination and to develop other safe and effective drugs that target the progressive remodeling process in heart failure.
An institution's initial experience with port-access minimally invasive cardiac surgery

Objective: To assess the learning curve associated with Port-Access minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Design: Retrospective. Setting: Single university hospital. Participants: Initial 10 patients undergoing Port-Access minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Intervention: Minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Measurements and Main Results: All 10 patients experienced an uneventful intraoperative and immediate postoperative course. Only one patient experienced postoperative cardiovascular morbidity, which was an episode of new onset atrial fibrillation after mitral valve surgery that was successfully treated with pharmacologic therapy. Extubation times and postoperative discharge times were less than historic controls receiving the same anesthetic technique at the same institution. Conclusion: This institution's initial experience with 10 patients undergoing Port-Access minimally invasive cardiac surgery suggests an acceptable learning curve and decreased extubation and postoperative discharge times, which should translate into reduced health care costs.
Neural correlates of novelty detection in pulse-type weakly electric fish

1. Evoked potentials (EPs) and single unit recordings from various electrosensory-processing regions of several pulse-type gymnotiform species were made to investigate neural activity patterns that could be associated with novelty detection. 2. Whereas the electrosensory afferents and cells in the ELL exhibited only minor changes in response size as stimuli were presented less frequently (novel stimuli), most units studied in the torus semicircularis (TS) showed very strong, increased responsiveness to stimuli presented less frequently relative to stimuli presented persistently (at every EOD event: Figs. 1, 2). 3. The responses of the TS were graded with respect to stimulus frequency (Fig. 3). The discrimination between novel and persistent stimuli by the TS occurred with stimuli presented transversely or longitudinally with respect to the fish's long axis, and regardless of the timing of the stimulus with respect to the fish's pacemaker-related signal (PS). When electrosensory novelties were presented persistently the responses of the TS rapidly habituated (Fig. 4). This may indicate that activity in this region of the TS is novelty related. 4. This novelty-related activity in the TS can be correlated with certain aspects of the fish's behavior, i.e., EOD interval length during a behavioral novelty response (Fig. 5). However, TS activity may continue to indicate the occurrence of electrosensory novelties after the behavior has habituated. 5. It is suggested that the novelty-related activity of the TS of these fish is necessary, but not sufficient, for the production of electrosensory novelty-induced behavioral responses. Lesions of the region of the TS containing the rapidly-habituating neurons abolished the electrosensory novelty response, but not that resulting from visual and auditory stimulation.
Selecting T for a periodic review inventory model with staggered deliveries

Consider a single-item, periodic review, infinite-horizon, undiscounted, inventory model with stochastic demands, proportional holding and shortage costs, and full backlogging. Orders can arrive in every period, and the cost of receiving them is negligible (as in a JIT setting). Every T periods, one audits the current stock level and decides on deliveries for the next T periods, thus incurring a fixed audit cost and—when one schedules deliveries—a fixed order cost. The problem is to find a review period T and an ordering policy that satisfy the average cost criterion. The current article extends an earlier treatment of this problem, which assumed that the fixed order cost is automatically incurred once every T periods. We characterize an optimal ordering policy when T is fixed, prove that an optimal review period T** exists, and develop a global search algorithm for its computation. We also study the behavior of four approximations to T** based on the assumption that the fixed order cost is incurred during every cycle. Analytic results from a companion article (where μ/σ is large) and extensive computational experiments with normal and gamma demand test problems suggest these approximations and associated heuristic policies perform well when μ/σ ≥ 2. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 47: 329–352, 2000
Excitonic transitions in GaAsAlGaAs superlattices studied with lateral photoconductivity

Abstract We studied the temperature dependence of the excitonic transitions in GaAsAlGaAs superlattices using lateral photocurrent spectroscopy. Due to the high sensitivity of the method, we determined the binding energies of the ground heavy hole and light hole excitons to be 15 ± 1 meV and 18 ± 1 meV respectively for the superlattice consisting of 300 periods of undoped GaAs (25 A thick) and Al0.3Ga0.7As (40 A thick).
Tenascin-X: a novel extracellular matrix protein encoded by the human XB gene overlapping P450c21B

A human gene termed XB overlaps the P450c21B gene encoding steroid 21-hydroxylase and encodes a protein that closely resembles extracellular matrix proteins. Sequencing of phage and cosmid clones and of cDNA fragments shows that the XB gene spans 65 kb of DNA, consisting of 39 exons that encode a 12-kb mRNA. The predicted protein of over 400 kD consists of five distinct domains: a signal peptide, a hydrophobic domain containing three heptad repeats, a series of 18.5 EGF-like repeats, 29 fibronectin type III repeats, and a carboxy-terminal fibrinogen-like domain. Because the structure of the protein encoded by the XB gene closely resembles tenascin, we term this protein tenascin-X (TN-X), and propose a simplified nomenclature system for the family of tenascins. RNase protection experiments show that the TN-X transcript is expressed ubiquitously in human fetal tissues, with the greatest expression in the fetal testis and in fetal skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle. Two adrenal-specific transcripts, P450c21B (steroid 21-hydroxylase) and Y (an untranslated transcript) overlap the XB gene on the complementary strand of DNA, yielding a unique array of overlapping transcripts: a "polygene." In situ hybridization histochemistry experiments show that the TN-X transcript and the P450c21 and Y transcripts encoded on the complementary DNA strand are all expressed in the same cells of the human adrenal cortex. Genetic data suggest that TN-X may be essential for life.
Occupational stress: understanding, recognition and prevention

Occupational stress occurs in the working environment where the stressors may be physical, chemical, biologic or psychosocial in nature. This review especially emphasizes the most novel and probably most prevalant type of work-related factors and response to them: psychologic stress. A brief historical introduction concerning the development of the (biologic) stress concept underlines the duality of stressors (i.e., extremely unpleasant and pleasant events, too much work and work stagnation) equally cause stress. A section on ‘Recognition and manifestation’ emphasizes the need for understanding the origins and nature of occupational stress before considering its manifestations (e.g., nonspecific behavioral changes and specific hormone level measurements). Under ‘Prevention and treatment’ reduction or avoidance of psychosocial stressors coupled with minimizing predisposing and promoting protective intervening variables are discussed. Thus, although occupational stress might be a major complication at the workplace, understanding this stress could lead to its partial or complete prevention.
A Comparative Analysis of the Rationality of Consensus Forecasts of U. S. Economic Indicators

The purpose of this article is to investigate the rationality of two survey forecasts of selective U.S. macroeconomic performance measures that were widely followed in the financial markets during the 1990–2000 period. The research compares the rationality of survey forecast data from Money Market Services, Inc., and Thomson Financial. This article extends prior research that has evaluated the rationality of Money Market Services data for earlier time periods while also evaluating similar consensus forecast data from Thomson Financial that were widely reported in both Barron’s and the Wall Street Journal during the 1990s.
A study of band saw vibrations

Abstract Band saw flexural natural frequencies decrease continuously with increasing band velocity at a rate dependent upon the pulley mounting system—minimum if the band is allowed to extend under the dynamic loading with the initial static load held constant, and maximum if the band length is fixed. The Galerkin and the flexible band solutions provide bounding fundamental frequency approximations that are simple and accurate. Small periodic band tension variations may induce a large amplitude equilibrium as in the case of the classical string. However, the most probable occurrence of instability is not the classical string subharmonic (fundamental frequency equals 1 2 tension excitation frequency), but occurs at two other excitation frequencies that depend upon the band velocity and pulley mounting system.
Effect of internal circulation on the transport to a moving drop

Abstract The existence of internal circulation in fluid droplets has been demonstrated by a number of investigators. The internal circulation, where present, provides an important mechanism for the heat and/or mass transfer associated with a moving liquid drop. In this paper we discuss the different roles played by this mechanism in the context of a moving drop experiencing condensation (inward radial field) or evaporation (outward radial field). It is noted that the strength of the internal vortex is not only a highly useful parameter in the modelling of transport to moving drops but is also necessary in the actual evaluation of the extent of transport. We provide analytical expressions for estimating the vortex strength in circumstances where the drop translation is in the low Reynolds Number regime while the radial field has inertia. We have also numerically investigated the internal circulation in a drop translating at intermediate Reynolds number ( Re=O(100) ).
Limits on supernova rates and interstellar densities from X-ray observations of M101

Measurements of the X-ray surface brightness of a face-on disk galaxy M101 have previously been used to place upper limits on the power radiated by a hot corona. Such analysis constrains the effective density of the disk; either it must be so low that the remnants drive a fast hot wind (low radiated power), or so high that the remnant temperature at overlap is low (low X-ray power). These X-ray measurements are here used to constrain the properties of the population of supernova remnants evolving in the disk. This adds a further constraint since young remnants evolving in higher density radiate more of their energy in X-rays, whether or not they eventually overlap to generate a hot corona. The strength of this second limit depends strongly on the density history of the remnants (e.g., evaporative vs. nonevaporative evolution) and on the assumed supernova rate. For evaporative evolution the analysis rules out the McKee (1977) and Ostriker (1977) interstellar medium model in particular and evaporative evolution in general unless the supernova rate is at least several times lower than current expectations. For standard Sedov evolutions, the density limit marginally admits 0.2/cu cm, a popular alternative to the McKee and Ostriker model.
Trends in microRNA detection

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, ~22 nucleotide length RNAs that perform gene regulation. Recently, miRNA has been shown to be linked with the onset of cancer and other diseases based on miRNA expression levels. It is important, therefore, to understand miRNA function as it pertains to disease onset; however, in order to fully understand miRNA’s role in a disease, it is necessary to detect the expression levels of these small molecules. The most widely used miRNA detection method is Northern blotting, which is considered as the standard of miRNA detection methods. This method, however, is time-consuming and has low sensitivity. This has led to an increase in the amount of detection methods available. These detection methods are either solid phase, occurring on a solid support, or solution phase, occurring in solution. While the solid-phase methods are adaptable to high-throughput screening and possess higher sensitivity than Northern blotting, they lack the ability for in vivo use and are often time-consuming. The solution-phase methods are advantageous in that they can be performed in vivo, are very sensitive, and are rapid; however, they cannot be applied in high-throughput settings. Although there are multiple detection methods available, including microarray technology, luminescence-based assays, electrochemical assays, etc., there is still much work to be done regarding miRNA detection. The current gaps of miRNA detection include the ability to perform multiplex, sensitive detection of miRNA with single-nucleotide specificity along with the standardization of these new methods. Current miRNA detection methods, gaps in these methods, miRNA therapeutic options, and the future outlook of miRNA detection are presented here.
Possible basis for the cariostatic effect of inorganic phosphates.

INORGANIC phosphates are effective in reducing dental caries when added as supplements to cariogenic diets fed to rodents1, and when added to chewing gum2 and to breakfast cereal eaten by children3. Because the caries process may be influenced by pellicle proteins4, and salivary proteins adsorbed to human enamel are differentially eluted by water and orthophosphate solutions5, we reasoned that the cariostatic effect of phosphate might involve one or both of the following processes: (a) differential elution of proteins adsorbed on enamel; (b) modification of the enamel surface resulting in an alteration of the acquired protein layer. To test this hypothesis in a model system we have studied the effects of phosphates on enzymes adsorbed to human enamel.
Features of sweet sorghum juice and their performance in ethanol fermentation

Abstract As demand for and production of fuel ethanol increase to unprecedented levels, feedstocks for ethanol production will become more diverse. Sweet sorghum is an ideal feedstock for fuel ethanol production in the Southeast and Midwest. Sweet sorghum juices usually contain approximately 16–18% fermentable sugar, which can be directly fermented into ethanol by yeast. Technical challenges of using sweet sorghum for biofuels are a short harvest period for highest sugar content and fast sugar degradation during storage. This study showed that as much as 20% of the fermentable sugars can be lost in 3 days at room temperature because of activities of contaminating bacteria, which lead to significant increases in bacterial count and decreases in pH values. No significant changes in pH value, sugar contents, and sugar profiles were observed in juices stored in a refrigerator. Fermentation efficiencies of fresh juice, autoclaved juice, and concentrated juice with 20% sugar were higher than 93% in the laboratory shake flask batch process. Fermentation of concentrated juices with 25% and 30% sugars were not complete. Significant amount of fermentable sugars remained in the finished beers of these concentrated juices. Glycerol contents in finished beers from concentrated juices were higher than in beers from normal juices. These results help to identify the most important factors affecting the quality of sweet sorghum juice under different processing and storage conditions, enabling development of effective strategies to process the juice, preserve fermentable sugars, and retain the processing properties of the juice during processing, transportation, and storage.
Application of Weibull Statistics to the Tensile Strength of Rock Aggregates

Rock aggregates forming part of engineering structures such as embankments, rock fills, pile foundations, and pavements are subjected to static and dynamic loads. As a result of these loads crushing occurs in two different forms: abrasion and particle fragmentation. Particle fragmentation takes place when a particle is subjected to a tensile stress greater than its tensile strength. This tensile strength is a highly variable parameter. The work presented in this study shows that Weibull statistics can be used to characterize the variability in tensile strength of rock aggregates by only using one constant called the Weibull modulus. This parameter can be used not only to describe variability in tensile strength but also to describe the effect of size specimen in tensile strength. The higher the modulus, the lower is the influence of the variability of tensile strength and sample size. More than 390 different specimens coming from a red Biotite Gneiss and a grey Quartzite were tested to validate the use of Weibull statistics. The Weibull modulus was found to be equal to 2.75 and 4.23 for the red Biotite Gneiss and the grey Quartzsite respectively.
Algicidal Activity of Stilbene Analogues

Continuing our search for natural product and natural product-based compounds for the control of off-flavor in catfish, 29 stilbene analogues were synthesized and evaluated for algicidal activity against the 2-methylisoborneol (MIB)-producing cyanobacterium Oscillatoria perornata. The cis and trans isomers of 4-(3,5-dimethoxystyryl)aniline showed moderate and selective algicidal activity toward O. perornata with the lowest observed inhibitory concentration and lowest complete inhibition concentrations of 10 μM. This is the first report on selective stilbene algicidal activity toward a MIB-producing cyanobacteria species.
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a disease that produces neurologic signs of brain or spinal cord dysfunction. The causative organism is believed to be a Sarcocystis species of protozoa. A definitive diagnosis can only be made on histopathology of affected spinal cord or brain. No preventive measures or documented treatment is available at this time for suspected cases of EPM.
Environmental fatigue of an Al-Li-Cu alloy: part I. Intrinsic crack propagation kinetics in hydrogenous environments

Deleterious environmental effects on steady-state, intrinsic fatigue crack propagation (FCP) rates(da/dN) in peak-aged Al-Li-Cu alloy 2090 are established by electrical potential monitoring of short cracks with programmed constant ΔK andKmaxI loading. Such rates are equally unaffected by vacuum, purified helium, and oxygen but are accelerated in order of decreasing effectiveness by aqueous 1 pct NaCl with anodic polarization, pure water’ vapor, moist air, and NaCl with cathodic polarization. Whileda/dN depend on ΔK4.0 for the inert gases, water vapor and chloride induce multiple power laws and a transition growth rate “plateau.” Environmental effects are strongest at low ΔK. Crack tip damage is ascribed to hydrogen embrittlement because of acceleratedda/dN due to parts-per-million (ppm) levels of H2O without condensation, impeded molecular flow model predictions of the measured water vapor pressure dependence ofda/dN as affected by mean crack opening, the lack of an effect of film-forming O2, the likelihood for crack tip hydrogen production in NaCl, and the environmental and ΔK-process zone volume dependencies of the microscopic cracking modes. For NaCl, growth rates decrease with decreasing loading frequency, with the addition of passivating Li2CO3 and upon cathodic polarization. These variables increase crack surface film stability to reduce hydrogen entry efficiency. Small crack effects are not observed for 2090; such cracks do not grow at abnormally high rates in single grains or in NaCl and are not arrested at grain boundaries. The hydrogen environmental FCP resistance of 2090 is similar to other 2000 series alloys and is better than 7075.
Hypothalamic catecholamine effects on plasma levels of prolactin and growth hormone in sheep.

The relationship between hypothalamic catecholamines and anterior pituitary hormone secretion was studied in mature cyclic ewes by the infusion of phenoxybenzamine, and of L—DOPA to alter hypothalamic catecholomines. The treatment effects were assessed by measuring plasma levels of prolactin (Prl) and growth hormone (GH). In addition, an arginine stimulation of Prl and GH was used in combination with phenoxybenzamine and L—DOPA to provide a more sensitive test to possible inhibitory effects of the catecholamines. In positive control experiments with arginine, it was found that the Prl and GH responses to arginine were similar whether arginine was infused on different days, or when two arginine stimuli were administered on the same day in the same group of sheep. The intracarotid infusion of phenoxybenzamine (0.5 mg/kg) resulted in an increase in plasma levels of Prl within 15 min and of GH at 45 min. The treatment with arginine (0.5 g/kg) and phenoxybenzamine (0.5 mg/kg) combined appeared to produce addit...
Pediatric workforce projections and unintended consequences.

A M S P D C Arecent publication 1 on the future pediatric workforce suggests that by the year 2020 there will be an oversupply of general pediatricians. Using a theoretical model based on supply metrics, Shipman et al speculate that by the year 2020, there will be 58% more general pediatricians than there were in the year 2000, but there will only be 9% more children. In the year 2000, there was one general pediatrician for every 2040 children and, after adjusting for a variety of factors, the authors project that there will be one general pediatrician for every 1438 children in 2020. The authors take many issues into consideration as they build their case: age, sex, international medical graduates, some subspecialty training issues, retirement trends, and death. The article is thoughtful and thought-provoking. But what do the projections mean in terms of children’s health care? The study is based on two fundamental suppositions: (1) the number of general pediatricians in the year 2000 is appropriate, based on an American Academy of Pediatrics workforce report in 1998; and (2) pediatric practice in 2020 will be similar to pediatric practice in 2000. In fact, the authors suggest that to maintain a standard of living comparable to current figures, pediatricians will have to find other ways to attract children to their practices. Clearly, the article is written from a ‘‘supply’’ point of view. What if we looked at this topic from a ‘‘needs’’ point of view? Are the health care needs of children being met now with the current number of general pediatricians? There are
Intrasubject variability of the pressure-transmission ratio in patients with genuine stress incontinence.

The aim of the study was to determine the intrasubject variability of the pressure-transmission ratio (PTR) with various cough intensities in subjects with genuine stress incontinence. Thirty-six patients with genuine stress incontinence underwent multichannel urodynamics and had a series of pressure-transmission ratios (PTRs) determined with the urethral transducer placed at the point of the maximal closure pressure. Patients were asked to cough with increasing intensities and three to four different cough-induced PTRs were recorded for each subject. The data were analysed using regression analysis, repeated measures analysis of variance and comparison of variance. The PTRs showed a high degree of variability within subjects. The mean within subject standard deviation was 18.5%. The effect of parity, maximal urethral closure pressure and age were insignificant on the variability. Cough intensities of greater than 90 cmH2O have a lesser degree of variability. The mean PTR across all cough intensities was fairly constant in the 82%–87% range. It was concluded that the PTR in an individual has a high degree of variability independent of cough intensity, and cannot be relied upon as a diagnostic measure in subjects with genuine stress incontinence. However, the PTR for the population as a whole was consistent across all cough intensities.
A New Method for Real-Time Tool Condition Monitoring in Transfer Machining Stations

This paper introduces a new method for tool condition monitoring in transfer machining stations. The new method is developed based on a combination of wavelet transform, signal reconstruction, and the probability of threshold crossing. It consists of two parts: training and decision making. Training is aimed at determining the alarm threshold and it is done in six steps: (I) Calculate the wavelet packet transform of the sensor signals (spindle motor current) obtained from normal tool conditions. (2) Select feature wavelet packets that represent the principal components of the signals. (3) Reconstruct the signals from the feature wavelet packets (this removes the unwanted noises). (4) Calculate the statistics of the reconstructed signals. (5) Calculate the alarm thresholds based on the statistics of the reconstructed signals, and (6) Calculate the probability of the threshold crossing (the number of threshold crossing conforms a Poisson distribution). The decision making is done in two steps: (1) Check the threshold crossing, and (2) Calculate the number of threshold crossing to determine whether an alarm shall be given. As demonstrated using a practical example from a drilling transfer station, the new method is effective with a success rate over 90 percent. Also, it is fast (the monitoring decision can be done in milliseconds) and cost-effective (the implementation cost shall be less than $500).
A Method for Direct Determination of Helical Parameters in Nucleic Acids Using Residual Dipolar Couplings

Helical parameters describing the base-stacking and base-pairing interactions in nucleic acids are not accessible directly from X-ray or NMR experimental data. Their values can be obtained only by the analysis of refined structures. This Communication presents a novel approach for direct determination of rotational helical parameters without a structure refinement. The METHADON (MEthod for deTermination of HelicAl parameters using Dipolar cOupliNgs) procedure is based on the Saupe order matrix analysis of at least five NMR residual dipolar couplings per base and takes advantage of the restricted mobility and rigid (and well-defined) geometry of purine and pyrimidine bases. The method is demonstrated on the DNA dodecamer d(CGCGAATTCGCG)
The Once and Future Messiah in Early Christianity and Chabad

The recent history of the modern Chabad (Lubavitcher) movement of Hasidic Judaism provides insight into the development of early Christianity. In both movements successful eschatological prophecies have increased belief in the leader's authority, and there is a mixture of ‘already’ and ‘not yet’ elements. Similar genres of literature are used to spread the good news (e.g. miracle catenae and collections of originally independent sayings). Both leaders tacitly accepted the messianic faith of their followers but were reticent about acclaiming their messiahship directly. The cataclysm of the Messiah's death has led to belief in his continued existence and even resurrection.
On the “gap-like feature” and the characteristic T* in high-Tc cuprates

Our model with a non-degenerate electron component can provide explanations for the origin of the so-called “gap feature”,T*, and scaling with an energy less thanEF, all in the normal state of the cuprates.
Essential Role of Extracellular SOD in Reparative Neovascularization Induced by Hindlimb Ischemia

Neovascularization is an important physiological repair mechanism in response to ischemic injury, and its process is dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS). Overproduction of superoxide anion (O2-) rather contributes to various cardiovascular diseases. The extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD) is one of the major antioxidant enzymes against O2- in blood vessels; however, its role in neovascularization induced by tissue ischemia is unknown. Here we show that hindlimb ischemia of mice stimulates a significant increase in ecSOD activity in ischemic tissues where ecSOD protein is highly expressed at arterioles. In mice lacking ecSOD, ischemia-induced increase in blood flow recovery, collateral vessel formation, and capillary density are significantly inhibited. Impaired neovascularization in ecSOD(-/-) mice is associated with enhanced O2- production, TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells and decreased levels of NO2-/NO3- and cGMP in ischemic tissues as compared with wild-type mice, and it is rescued by infusion of the SOD mimetic tempol. Recruitment of inflammatory cells into ischemic tissues as well as numbers of inflammatory cells and endothelial progenitor cells (c-kit+/CD31+ cells) in both peripheral blood and bone marrow (BM) are significantly reduced in these knockout mice. Of note, ecSOD expression is markedly increased in BM after ischemia. NO2-/NO3- and cGMP levels are decreased in ecSOD(-/-) BM. Transplantation of wild-type BM into ecSOD(-/-) mice rescues the defective neovascularization. Thus, ecSOD in BM and ischemic tissues induced by hindlimb ischemia may represent an important compensatory mechanism that blunts the overproduction of O2-, which may contribute to reparative neovascularization in response to ischemic injury.
Deposition of Tungsten induced by femtosecond lasers

We demonstrate Tungsten deposition on transparent substrates by 400-nm femtosecond-pulsed laser at room temperature. Deposition as functions of laser power, exposure time, and substrates was characterized. We found strong substrate dependence with circularly polarized light.
Accurate path delay fault coverage is feasible

We examine the problem of determining the exact number of path delay faults that a given set of p pairs of patterns detects in a combinational circuit consisting of I lines. Several fault coverage pessimistic heuristics and exact algorithms with worst case exponential behavior have been recently presented with trade-offs between the quality of fault coverage and the time performance. None of the existing approaches has provably good performance. This paper presents the first polynomial time algorithms that calculate the path delay fault coverage exactly. Experimental results on the ISCAS'85 benchmarks demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented approaches.
Evidence for Genetic Monogamy But Low Mate Retention in the North American Black Tern (Chlidonias niger surinamensis)

Abstract. Eleven family groups (n = 22 adults, 28 chicks) of North American Black Terns (Chlidonias niger surinamensis) were genotyped at four polymorphic loci in a pilot study to determine the genetic mating system of this socially monogamous species. Samples were collected between 2003 and 2008 at two colony sites in Wisconsin (USA) that differed in structural complexity of the breeding habitat and nest density, and from families in which the adult males (putative fathers) varied with respect to body condition. Thus, both ecological and individual variations were explored as possible factors influencing the extent of extra-pair paternity. No mismatched alleles were detected, however, between chicks and their putative parents, suggesting that extra-pair paternity is negligible in this subspecies. Despite the small sample size, the combined probability of detecting an allelic exclusion at one or more loci was 0.998, indicating sufficient power to detect a case of extra-pair paternity if it occurred. Data ...
Selective toxicity of phoxim (phenylglyoxylonitrile oxime O,O-diethyl phosphorothioate)☆

Abstract Phoxim (phenylglyoxylonitrile oxime O,O -diethyl phosphorothioate) and a series of analogs have been examined for toxicity to insects and the white mouse. These compounds were generally quite toxic to insects and, with the exception of the phosphonate derivative, were virtually nontoxic to mice. The PO esters were all potent inhibitors of both bovine erythrocyte and housefly-head cholinesterase but they were somewhat more effective in inhibiting the latter. Although differences in cholinesterase sensitivity to inhibition may contribute to the selective toxicity of phoxim, the evidence indicates that metabolism may play an even more important role. In mice, phoxim is rapidly degraded to nontoxic hydrolysis products. The most important pathway appears to involve desulfuration of phoxim to PO phoxim which in turn is hydrolyzed with extreme rapidity to diethyl phosphoric acid and critical levels of PO phoxim in the mouse are not reached. In addition, pathways involving cleavage of phoxim to O,O -diethyl phosphorothioic acid and hydrolysis of the cyano group to the carboxylic acid also were found to be important. The latter appeared to increase in importance as the administered dose was increased. Relatively large amounts of phoxim and PO phoxim were found internally in susceptible flies but phoxim was rapidly metabolized in organophosphate-resistant flies to nontoxic products. As in the mouse, hydrolysis of the PO phoxim to diethyl phsophoric acid evidently was the predominant pathway for degradation in resistant flies.
Piezoelectric Active Sensor Self-Diagnostics Using Electrical Admittance Measurements

This paper presents a piezoelectric sensor self-diagnostic procedure that performs in situ monitoring of the operational status of piezoelectric materials used for sensors and actuators in structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. The sensor/actuator self-diagnostic procedure, where the sensors/actuators are confirmed to be functioning properly during operation, is a critical component to successfully complete the SHM process with large numbers of active sensors typically installed in a structure. The premise of this procedure is to track the changes in the capacitive value of piezoelectric materials resulting from the degradation of the mechanical/electrical properties and its attachment to a host structure, which is manifested in the imaginary part of the measured electrical admittances. This paper concludes with an experimental example to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed procedure.