cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cosmic-Ray Acceleration during the Impact of Shocks on Dense Clouds

In order to elucidate the properties of diffusive shock acceleration in nonuniform environments, an extensive set of simulations of the dynamical interactions between plane nonradiative shocks and dense gas clouds was carried out initially in static equilibrium with their environments. These time-dependent calculations are based on the two-fluid model for diffusive cosmic ray transport, and include the dynamically active energetic proton component of the cosmic rays as well as passive electron and magnetic field components. Except when the incident shock is itself already dominated by cosmic ray pressure, it is found that the presence of the cloud adds little to the net acceleration efficiency of the original shock and can, in fact, reduce slightly the net amount of energy transferred to cosmic rays after a given time. It is found that, in 2D cloud simulations, the always-weak bow shock and the shock inside the cloud are less important to acceleration during the interaction than the tail shock.
Nuclear GPS for Interchromosomal Clustering

Nuclear architecture and the relative position of a gene can play roles in the regulation of its expression. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Brickner et al. (2012) analyze nuclear global positioning of genes and reveal that the Put3 transcription factor functions with cis-encoded DNA elements and nuclear pore complexes to regulate interchromosomal gene clustering.
Behavior of a passive suspension-feeder (Spiochaetopterus oculatus (Webster)) under oscillatory flow

Abstract The chaetopterid polychaete Spiochaetopterus oculatus (Webster) was observed under oscillatory flow in a water tunnel with a natural sediment bed. Observations were made at maximum oscillatory flow speeds of 5–40 cm·s−1, with amplitudes of 8–32 cm and periods of 4–25 s. Two feeding behaviors were detected: deposit-feeding with palps on the sediment surface, and suspension-feeding with palps held into the flow and coiled helically. Deposit-feeding predominated at maximum flow speeds of 0.9 dyne · cm−2. This is lower than the critical shear stress for bulk sediment (1.02 dyne·cm−2) and appears to be related to the worm's inability to hold the palp tip on the sediment surface. S. oculatus began suspension-feeding with coiled palps immediately upon initiation of oscillatory flow. With each flow reversal, palps were rotated to keep the food groove in the upstream direction. The amount of time that worms spent suspension-feeding was positively correlated with maximum speed, and suspension-feeding predominated at maximum flow speeds of > 15 cm·s−1. Maximum flow velocity and estimated bed shear stress proved to be better predictors of feeding mode than either oscillation period or orbital excursion amplitude alone. At flows typical of protected wave-dominated environments, S. oculatus spends more time suspension-feeding than deposit-feeding. The ability to switch rapidly from deposit- to suspension-feeding may be an adaptation to capture material suspended near the bed which is widely regarded as a superior food resource. We argue that the palp-coiling particle capture mechanism works well in both steady and oscillatory flow regimes, but that it is tied to a particular feeding appendage functional morphology.
Aerosol formation in urban plumes

Results of encounters with urban plumes during field studies in California, Missouri, and Tennessee are reviewed which indicate that no areas within a few hundred kilometers of large urban areas are not influenced by aerosols from the urban areas at least part of the time. Aircraft measurements of aerosol size distribution and growth in the St. Louis urban plume are analyzed. It is found that nuclei formation rates ranged up to several hundred per cu cm/hr and that nuclei and ozone formation rates correlated well with ground-level UV intensity. The analysis also indicates aerosol volume formation rates as high as 6.7 cu microns per cu cm/hr that appear to correlate well with the UV radiation. A simple aerosol growth model based on the experimental results shows that the total weight of secondary aerosol formed in the plume during one irradiation cycle was 1000 metric tons/day.
Test spaces for infinite sequential order

Abstract The collection of test spaces for the ordinal invariant σ on the category of regular sequential topological spaces is determined. The spaces Kα, α T and a topological extension for the spaces in T 1 the principal extension, are defined. In particular, if X is a regular sequential space and σ(X)= α T such that the principal extension of Tα is Kα. Furthermore, if X is a Hausdorff sequential space which contains a copy of Kα, then σ(X)⩾α. A variety of sequential closure formulas are derived and several examples are presented.
Analysis of deamidation artifacts induced by microwave-assisted tryptic digestion of a monoclonal antibody

The thorough characterization of biopharmaceuticals is essential for ensuring their quality and safety since many potential variations can cause changes to the properties of a drug that may be detrimental to the patient such as decreased efficacy, shorter half-life or increased immunogenicity. Prior to approval and release, protein-based drugs are subject to a battery of analyses to assess the nature of those parameters that are considered critical quality attributes. In some cases the analytical method used may itself cause modifications that are impossible to distinguish from those induced by the intended test conditions (e.g. storage time/temperature, light exposure) which are used to assess drug stability. It is therefore important to develop and utilize analytical methods which impose as few artifactual modifications as possible. Asparagine deamidation is a common protein modification and it is known to be induced during tryptic digestion. Therefore we examined common tryptic digestion protocols and compared their propensities towards asparagine modification. Since microwave assisted hydrolysis techniques are often used to shorten digestion times and the effect on deamidation is unknown we sought to compare this method against alternate digestion protocols.
Out-of-Plane Motion of a Planar Dielectric Elastomer Actuator with Distributed Stiffeners

A new design for a multi-layer dielectric elastomer actuator, reinforced with periodic stiffeners is presented. The resulting actuator enables complex out-of- plane motion without the need of the elastomer membrane prestretch. An in situ optical imaging system is used to capture the complex deformation pattern and track the non-planar displacement and curvature under the applied voltage. The role of the stiffeners periodicity, φ, on the macroscopic actuator response is analyzed numerically utilizing ABAQUS finite element software. A user-material subroutine is developed to represent the elastomer deformation under the applied electric field. It is found that the actuator force-stroke characteristics can be greatly changed by varying φ, while maintaining the same overall actuator stiffness. The numerical results showed a band of localized deformation around the stiffeners. The refinement of the stiffener, φ, increases the total actuated volume within the span of the actuator, and thereby the macroscopic actuator stroke. The stored elastic strain energy within the actuator is also increased. φ might be further refined down to the actuator sheet thickness, wherein the localized deformation bands overlaps. This is the practical limit of the stiffeners spacing to achieve the largest macroscopic actuator stroke. The developed experimental and modeling framework would enable the exploitation and optimization of different actuator designs to achieve a preset load-stroke characteristic.
On the structure of the alpha particle

Using very high resolution electron scattering data, we demonstrate that the ground state structure of4He has C3v point group symmetry.
∈-AMINOCAPROIC ACID IN PREOPERATIVE CORRECTION OF HÆMOSTATIC DEFECT IN CYANOTIC CONGENITAL HEART-DISEASE

Abstract Preoperatively four patients (two children and two adults), with cyanotic congenital heart-disease (C.C.H.D.) were found to have increased fibrinolytic activity. Preoperative treatment with ∈-aminocaproic acid (E.A.C.A.) corrected the fibrinolytic abnormality. The patients received E.A.C.A. through the operative procedure and for 6 hours postoperatively. Although increased fibrinolytic activity was found during the surgical procedure, operative and postoperative blood-loss was insignificant. A preoperative therapeutic trial is warranted in patients with C.C.H.D. with haemostatic defects. If successful, treatment should be started before the operation to reduce potential bleeding.
Technology Features as Triggers for Sensemaking

Technology implementation is complex and often unpredictable. Although previous research describes mechanisms related to the social construction of technology and technology use in organizations, researchers have focused little on the inputs to these models. In this article I attempt to fill this void by examining triggers for initial user sensemaking. The prediction of sensemaking should enhance the application of theories, such as adaptive structuration, and inform the management of technology through greater anticipation of user understanding.
Structure of Human RNase L Reveals the Basis for Regulated RNA Decay in the IFN Response

One of the hallmark mechanisms activated by type I interferons (IFNs) in human tissues involves cleavage of intracellular RNA by the kinase homology endoribonuclease RNase L. We report 2.8 and 2.1 angstrom crystal structures of human RNase L in complexes with synthetic and natural ligands and a fragment of an RNA substrate. RNase L forms a crossed homodimer stabilized by ankyrin (ANK) and kinase homology (KH) domains, which positions two kinase extension nuclease (KEN) domains for asymmetric RNA recognition. One KEN protomer recognizes an identity nucleotide (U), whereas the other protomer cleaves RNA between nucleotides +1 and +2. The coordinated action of the ANK, KH, and KEN domains thereby provides regulated, sequence-specific cleavage of viral and host RNA targets by RNase L.
Oyster mortality in Delaware Bay: Impacts and recovery from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee

One predicted consequence of climate change is increasing variability of local weather extremes such as the frequency and intensity of storms. In August and September of 2011, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee generated extreme flooding in the Delaware River watershed that produced prolonged baywide low salinity and consequent historically-high mortalities for the oyster stock in the upper reaches of Delaware Bay. The dynamics, consequences, and projections for recovery from the anomalously high oyster mortality that occurred as a consequence are reported using a combination of physical modeling, field sampling, and metapopulation dynamics modeling. Monthly mortality of 10% and 55% on the upper bay beds (Arnolds and Hope Creek respectively) exceeded the longer-term average at those locations and was associated with a continuous low salinity (<7) exposure of greater than 20 days. Population recovery projections based on metapopulation modeling suggests that recovery will take approximately 10 years for the uppermost beds. Clear understanding of the circumstances leading to this high population-level impact on oysters is important because anticipated future conditions of increased storm frequency will intensify the challenge such events pose for the management of fishery and aquaculture resources, and the siting of restoration efforts.
Un/clothing African womanhood: colonial statements and postcolonial discourses of the African female body

Using the examples of the partially unclothed African woman in Senegal's controversial African Renaissance Monument (2009) and the 2008 proposed Anti-Nudity bill in Nigeria, this article probes postcolonial African engagements with the female body. The essay proposes that such postcolonial African preoccupations with how the female body is presented and seen should be contextualised in the fray of postcolonial African endeavours to resignify Africa, in response to colonial discourses. The essays bind these preoccupations to an ideologico-discursive continuum that has produced and sustained the African female body as a rhetorical element of colonialism then postcolonialism.
Physician supply, treatment, and amputation rates for peripheral arterial disease.

Objective To test whether the availability of vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists in a region affects revascularization and amputation rates for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Methods We identified all patients with PAD in the Medicare claims database in 1994 and tracked their claims through 1999. We aggregated risk-adjusted data on the 143,202 patients who survived through 1999 by Hospital Referral Region and merged this data with information on local physician supply and other regional characteristics. Instrumental variables analysis was used to account for unobserved illness severity. Main outcome measures were risk-adjusted rates of lower extremity bypass surgery, angioplasty, and amputation by region. Results Increasing vascular surgeon supply in a region by approximately one standard deviation (.30/10,000 Medicare beneficiaries) is associated with a 0.9 percentage point increase in bypass surgery rates and a 1.6 percentage point reduction in amputation rates. We find weaker evidence that greater availability of interventional radiologists increases angioplasty rates and reduces amputation rates. Factors reflecting regional attractiveness, such as the rating of a region based on climate, recreation, crime, and other attributes, were strong independent predictors of the number of vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists in an area. Conclusions Availability of specialists affects outcomes for PAD patients. Regional variability in specialists who treat PAD is influenced by factors other than regional medical needs. Policies aimed at increasing the supply of vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists and their provision of bypass surgery in underserved areas may help to reduce regional disparities in amputation.
Enhancement of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3-Mediated Antitumor Activity With Dexamethasone

Background: The active metabolite of vitamin D, i.e., 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-D 3 ), inhibits the growth of murine SCCVII/SF squamous cell carcinoma cells, both in vitro and in vivo. However, in vivo use of 1,25-D 3 is hampered as a result of hypercalcemia (i.e., elevated levels of calcium in the blood). Glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone, affect calcium absorption and modulate vitamin D receptor binding and have been used to treat hypercalcemia. In this study, we examined the effect of dexamethasone on tumor growth inhibition by 1,25-D 3 . Methods: The effects of 1,25-D 3 and dexamethasone, alone and in combination, on the growth of SCCVII/SF cells in in vitro culture or in vivo in female C3H/HeJ mice were determined by clonogenic tumor cell assay and/or by actual changes in tumor volume. Vitamin D receptor-ligand-binding activities in whole-cell extracts from cells (in culture), tumors, and normal tissues were assayed by single-point saturation analysis and equilibrium binding. Results: Treatment of cultured SCCVII/SF cells with 500 nM dexamethasone for 24 hours before addition of 1,25-D 3 reduced their survival. The growth of SCCVII/SF tumors was inhibited in mice treated simultaneously with dexamethasone and 1,25-D 3 (as compared with no treatment or single-agent treatment); hypercalcemia was also reduced. Total vitamin D receptor content in SCCVII/SF cells was increased after treatment with dexamethasone. Treatment of tumor-bearing animals with dexamethasone (9 μg/day) for 7 days led to increased vitamin D receptor-ligand-binding activities in whole-cell extracts from tumor or kidneys and decreased activity in intestinal mucosa. Conclusions: Dexamethasone may enhance the antitumor effect of 1,25-D 3 by increasing vitamin D receptor-ligand-binding activity.
Comparison of pain and time of procedures with two first-trimester abortion techniques performed by residents and faculty.

Abstract Objectives: We compared pain perception and procedure time in abortions performed by residents and faculty using a manual vacuum aspirator and electric vacuum curettage devices. Study Design: We conducted a randomized trial of 114 women undergoing first-trimester abortions. Patients assessed the level of pain with visual analog scales. Results: The mean procedure times were 5.7 and 6.9 minutes, respectively, with electric vacuum curettage and manual vacuum aspirator. Faculty took less time than residents to perform both procedures. Patients reported a higher pain level with cervical dilatation before resident electric vacuum curettage procedures. Patients undergoing electric vacuum curettage thought that the procedure noise increased their pain. Conclusions: First-trimester abortion procedures can be performed more quickly by experienced surgeons. The procedure time for the manual vacuum aspirator is greater than that for the electric vacuum curettage. Patient pain perception with aspiration by these two techniques is not different. The level of pain after aspiration did not vary significantly in patients who had abortions performed by residents or faculty. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;184:1564-7.)
Modifications of the Empirical Likelihood Interval Estimation with Improved Coverage Probabilities

The empirical likelihood (EL) technique has been well addressed in both the theoretical and applied literature in the context of powerful nonparametric statistical methods for testing and interval estimations. A nonparametric version of Wilks theorem (Wilks, 1938) can usually provide an asymptotic evaluation of the Type I error of EL ratio-type tests. In this article, we examine the performance of this asymptotic result when the EL is based on finite samples that are from various distributions. In the context of the Type I error control, we show that the classical EL procedure and the Student's t-test have asymptotically a similar structure. Thus, we conclude that modifications of t-type tests can be adopted to improve the EL ratio test. We propose the application of the Chen (1995) t-test modification to the EL ratio test. We display that the Chen approach leads to a location change of observed data whereas the classical Bartlett method is known to be a scale correction of the data distribution. Finally,...
Savage bodies, civilized pleasures: M. V. Portman and the Andamanese

In this article, I examine the deployment of ethnographic and photographic techniques in British colonialism in the Andaman Islands. Focusing on the work of Maurice Portman, who was “officer in charge of the Andamanese” between 1879 and 1900, I examine the mechanisms by which savagery was constructed in a marginal and newly pacified colony where the indigenous population was assumed by Britons to be dying but not quite dead. I argue that in this ideological and political setting, the colonizer's assertions of control and delinquent fantasies of losing control came together in the aesthetics and measurements of the eroticized aboriginal body. [Andaman Islands, South Asia, M. V. Portman, photography, anthropometry, colonialism, savagery]
On inheritance in knowledge representation

This paper examines the problem of inheritance in Knowledge representation. Research in the formellteton of Knowledge has resulted in a small number of Knowledge classes and associated inheritance relations, e.g., INSTANCE IS-A, DEROTHERC, PERSPECTIVE, Virtual-Copy, etc. (Brachman, 1977; Fahlman, 1977; Hayes, 1977; Levesque & Mylopoloue, 1978). The process of inheritance is defined by the procedures that access these inheritance relationa. This paper proposes that: 1) in some cases inheritance between concepts is idiosyncratic and does not fit predefined inheritance relations, 2) learning and discovery systems require information on how and why one concept wes derived from another, which again Is not represented in standard inheritance relations, and 3) current methods of specifying inheritance modification and similarity mappings are complex to specify and understand. Consequently, e declarative approach to inheritance and similarity specification is presented as a solution to the above problems.
First Report of Late Blight Caused by Phytophthora infestans Clonal Lineage US-23 on Potato in Idaho.

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, is a destructive disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum) and tomato (S. lycopersicum) in the United States. Prior to 2007, the US-8 clonal lineage was the predominant genotype in the United States (4). Since 2007, a significant genetic change in the population of P. infestans occurred in the eastern United States with the appearance of new isolates with unique genotypes and epidemiological characteristics (3). These new genotypes US-22, US-23, and US-24 are sensitive to metalaxyl and represent mating types A2, A1, and A1, respectively (1,2). Prior to 2012, only US-8 had been documented in Idaho (5). In 2013, late blight was discovered in late August on potato crops (cv. Russet Norkotah) in Bingham and Madison counties, ID. Infected foliage (four samples from Bingham County and five from Madison) was sent to Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin for confirmation of P. infestans and characterization of the isolates. Five sectio...
Free tropospheric peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) and ozone at Mount Bachelor: potential causes of variability and timescale for trend detection

Abstract. We report on the first multi-year springtime measurements of PAN in the free troposphere over the US Pacific Northwest. The measurements were made at the summit of Mount Bachelor (43.979° N, 121.687° W; 2.7 km a.s.l.) by gas chromatography with electron capture detector during spring 2008, 2009 and 2010. This dataset provides an observational estimate of the month-to-month and springtime interannual variability of PAN mixing ratios in this region. Springtime seasonal mean (1 April–20 May) PAN mixing ratios at Mount Bachelor varied from 100 pptv to 152 pptv. The standard deviation of the three seasonal means was 28 pptv, 21 % of the springtime mean. We summarize the interannual variability in three factors expected to drive PAN variability: biomass burning, transport efficiency over the central and eastern Pacific, and transport temperature. Zhang et al. (2008) used the GEOS-Chem global chemical transport model to show that rising Asian NO x emissions from 2000 to 2006 resulted in a relatively larger positive trend in PAN than O 3 over western North America. However the model results only considered monotonic changes in Asian emissions, whereas other factors, such as biomass burning, isoprene emissions or climate change can induce greater variability in the atmospheric concentrations and thus extend the time needed for trend detection. We combined the observed variability in PAN and O 3 at Mount Bachelor with a range of possible future trends in these species to determine the observational requirements to detect such trends. Though the relative increase in PAN is expected to be larger than that of O 3 , PAN is more variable. If PAN mixing ratios are currently increasing at a rate of 4 % per year due to rising Asian emissions, we would detect a trend with 13 years of measurements at a site like Mount Bachelor. If the corresponding trend in O 3 is 1 % per year, the trends in O 3 and PAN would be detected on approximately the same timescale.
Toward a Philosophical Structure for Psychiatry

This article, which seeks to sketch a coherent conceptual and philosophical framework for psychiatry, confronts two major questions: how do mind and brain interrelate, and how can we integrate the multiple explanatory perspectives of psychiatric illness? Eight propositions are proposed and defended: 1) psychiatry is irrevocably grounded in mental, first-person experiences; 2) Cartesian substance dualism is false; 3) epiphenomenalism is false; 4) both brain→mind and mind→brain causality are real; 5) psychiatric disorders are etiologically complex, and no more “spirochete-like” discoveries will be made that explain their origins in simple terms; 6) explanatory pluralism is preferable to monistic explanatory approaches, especially biological reductionism; 7) psychiatry must move beyond a prescientific “battle of paradigms” to embrace complexity and support empirically rigorous and pluralistic explanatory models; 8) psychiatry should strive for “patchy reductionism” with the goal of “piecemeal integration” in...
Extended local Born Fourier migration method

A migration approach based on a local application of the Born approximation within each extrapolation interval contains a singularity that can make direct application unstable. Previous authors have suggested adding an imaginary part to the vertical wavenumber to eliminate the singularity. However, their method requires that the reference slowness must be the maximum slowness of a given layer; consequently, the slowness perturbations are larger than those when the average slowness is selected as a reference slowness. Therefore, its applicability is limited. We develop an extended local Born Fourier migration method that circumvents the singularity problem of the local Born solution and makes it possible to choose the average slowness as a reference slowness. It is computationally efficient because of the use of a fast Fourier transform algorithm. It can handle wider angles (or steeper interfaces) and scattering effects of heterogeneities more accurately than the split‐step Fourier (SSF) method, which acco...
Analysis and design of ideal non symmetrical coupled microstrip directional couplers

Ideal directional couplers consisting of coupled asymmetric lines in an inhomogeneous medium have been realized by equalizing the inductive and capacitive coefficients of coupling. Analytical results have been verified numerically by computer simulation of the idealized distributed parameter systems and experimentally by comparing the scattering parameters of directional couplers designed with and without the techniques for improving coupler performance presented. Examples of high-directivity asymmetric couplers consisting of various planar and layered structures and presented together with experimental results for 6-dB couplers on alumina. >
Risk factor scoring for predicting venous thromboembolism in obstetric patients

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a risk factor scoring system for the prediction of venous thromboembolism in obstetric patients. Study Design: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of all pregnant or postpartum women admitted to the Jack D. Weiler Hospital from 1987 through 1998 with a discharge diagnosis indicating thromboembolism. For each study subject the three women who were delivered immediately before that index patient were selected for the control group. Data collected included the following: history of thrombosis, age, body mass index, previous abdominal surgical procedures, presence of systemic diseases, and blood type. Each patient was assigned a score that was based on the risk factors identified. Results: We identified 21 patients who had sustained thromboembolic events during pregnancy or 6 weeks post partum. Nineteen of the thromboembolic events (90%) were diagnosed during pregnancy, and these cases were distributed throughout gestation—8 (42%) in the first trimester, 2 (10%) in the second trimester, and 9 (48%) in the third trimester. Six (28%) of these patients had pulmonary embolisms. Two cases of postpartum thromboembolic events were documented. Both were cases of pulmonary embolism. There was 1 maternal death. Patients with a score >2 were at significantly increased risk for having a thromboembolism, with an odds ratio of 4.8 ( P Conclusion: Obstetric patients with high risk factor scores were at increased risk for thromboembolism. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:1073-5.)
Why do we know so much about wound healing- and yet so little about Keloids?

Why do we know so much about wound healing– and yet so little about Keloids? Wound healing after an injury or a bruise is something our skin deals with everyday by wound closure and subsequent scar formation. After some time a scar may even disappear or flatten out. What appears to be a simple reaction of the body to a dermal assault is a complex series of orchestrated events that involves changes in the extracellular matrix environment of the skin, skin cell migration and immune response. The quality of wound healing depends on many factors such as health status, age, environmental factors (e.g., medications, nutrition and life style) and differences in gene regulation to control the succession of wound healing events. There are a number of inherited connective tissue disorders that affect wound healing such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, epidermolysis bullosa or acute or chronic diseases such as diabetes. Patients with reduced immune response or chronic inflammatory disorders can also have delayed wound healing.
Multiscale Random Projections for Compressive Classification

We propose a framework for exploiting dimension-reducing random projections in detection and classification problems. Our approach is based on the generalized likelihood ratio test; in the case of image classification, it exploits the fact that a set of images of a fixed scene under varying articulation parameters forms a low-dimensional, nonlinear manifold. Exploiting recent results showing that random projections stably embed a smooth manifold in a lower-dimensional space, we develop the multiscale smashed filter as a compressive analog of the familiar matched filter classifier. In a practical target classification problem using a single-pixel camera that directly acquires compressive image projections, we achieve high classification rates using many fewer measurements than the dimensionality of the images.
Accurately measuring current-voltage characteristics of tunnel diodes

This paper provides an approach to monitor oscillation status in tunnel diode measurement circuits-by measuring the second derivative of the current-voltage (I-V) characteristic curve while doing I-V curve measurement. The method of using the second derivative to detect oscillations works even when the oscillation frequency is ultrahigh or the oscillation amplitude is very small, e.g., below 10 mV. In this paper, the experimental principle of the tunneling spectroscopy was extended to measurement circuits with the presence of internal oscillations, in contrast to the conventional tunneling spectroscopy, which normally does not deal with internal oscillation. The numerical relationships between the measured average values of transient derivatives and the derivatives of the average current are derived: The average values of the transient first and second derivatives are shown to equal the derivatives of the average current. These relationships serve as the foundation for the authors' experiments. The typical oscillation characteristics in the curves of the first and the second derivatives are used to detect the presence of oscillations and the bias voltage range of oscillation in the I-V curve. The monitor of oscillation status during measurements provides the tester the confidence in the measurement data and whether it is necessary to improve the test circuit further. Finally, benefited from free-of-oscillation, the indirect tunneling current contributions arising by 121-mV (TO+O) two-phonon combination, 144-mV (TA+O+O) and 181-mV (TO+O+O) three-phonon combinations at the negative differential resistance region are observed from a silicon Esaki tunnel diode at 4.2 K
SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL VARIATION IN DETECTION PROBABILITY OF PLETHODON SALAMANDERS USING THE ROBUST CAPTURE‐RECAPTURE DESIGN

Abstract Recent worldwide amphibian declines have highlighted a need for long-term, large-scale monitoring programs. Scientific or management objectives, appropriate spatial sampling, and detectability all must be considered when designing monitoring programs (Yoccoz et al. 2001). The ability to establish meaningful monitoring programs currently is compromised by a lack of information about amphibian detection probabilities. We used Pollock's robust design and capture–recapture models that included temporary emigration to test a priori hypotheses about spatial and temporal variation in salamander detection probability parameters for populations found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina), USA. We explored the effects of 3 large-scale habitat characteristics (disturbance history, elevation, vegetation type) and found that vegetation type and elevation were correlated with detection probabilities. Vegetation type was an important covariant in estimates of temporary emigration, co...
The effect of product diversification strategies on the performance of health insurance conglomerates

ABSTRACTThe conglomerate organizational structure of health insurers suggests two distinct methods of product diversification – the first is firm-level diversification, or diversification within individual affiliates, and the second is conglomerate-level diversification, or diversification across affiliates of the conglomerate. We hypothesize that using both firm- and conglomerate-level diversification may magnify the costs or benefits of diversification on the financial performance of the conglomerate. Our results confirm this hypothesis and suggest a positive relation between health insurer financial performance and the use of both product line diversification methods. Our results not only contribute to the body of literature related to corporate diversification but are also important to policymakers and all health insurance market participants as portions of the Affordable Care Act continue to be implemented.
A Review of the Genus Chortophaga (Orthoptera: Acrididae) Among Nebraska Populations: Questioning the Validity of Chortophaga australior Rehn and Hebard

Chortophaga australior Rehn and Hebard (Orthoptera: Acrididae) is considered a species distinct from Chortophaga viridifasciata (DeGeer). Collections across Nebraska have shown that the characters used to separate these two species are inconsistent and that the average state of these characters appears to be related to the time of the season during which the adults are collected. Until further study clarifies the status of C. australior, we suggest that its specific status be considered questionable.
Lysosomal enzyme secretory mutants of Dictyostelium discoideum.

Dictyostelium discoideum secretes a number of lysosomal enzymes during axenic growth and upon suspension in a low ionic strength, non-nutrient buffer (standard secretion conditions). These secretory characteristics have allowed us to identify 74 lysosomal enzyme secretory mutants generated by N-methyl-N9-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine mutagenesis. The majority of these mutants fell into one of four classes, on the basis of their secretory characteristics in non-nutrient buffer. The four mutant classes indicate that a minimum of three distinct sets of genes are necessary for proper secretion of lysosomal enzymes from D. discoideum cells under standard secretion conditions: one set of genes that is involved in general lysosomal enzyme secretion, one that is involved in glycosidase type secretion, and a third that is involved in acid phosphatase type secretion. These three classes likely reflect heterogeneity in the intracellular destination of lysosomal enzymes, the secretory mechanism, or both. A fourth set of genes may be necessary for proper secretion during growth, but plays no role under standard secretion conditions. These are likely altered in the regulation of secretion or in lysosomal enzyme targeting. Of the 74 secretory mutants, 36 were also modification mutants resulting in decreased pI, thermolability, or in vivo instability of lysosomal enzyme activities. The high frequency of modification mutants indicates an integral relationship between lysosomal enzyme modification, and lysosomal enzyme targeting and secretion in D. discoideum.
Tissue Stores of β-Carotene Are Not Conserved for Later Use as a Source of Vitamin A during Compromised Vitamin A Status in Mongolian Gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

Vitamin A (VA) deficiency remains a serious problem in the world today. Current approaches to preventing or treating VA deficiency, including dietary intervention with provitamin A compounds, rely on the body converting ingested beta-carotene (betaC) to VA. However, it is not known whether betaC that is already in the tissues can be used as a source of VA to prevent deficiency. The objectives of these studies were to determine whether tissue betaC stores are converted to VA when the Mongolian gerbils have low VA status and whether previously fed betaC is retained in the tissues for later conversion to VA. In the first study, gerbils were prefed diets with betaC (20.3 +/- 6.2 nmol/g diet) (+betaC) or without betaC (-betaC), and with VA [2.4 +/- 1.5 nmol/g diet (+betaC diet) or 12.0 +/- 4.2 nmol/g diet (-betaC diet)] for 7 d, and then depleted of both betaC and VA for up to 84 d. On d 0 after the prefeeding period, hepatic betaC stores were 13.3 +/- 9.1 nmol. These stores were significantly lower after 28d of consuming the -VA/-betaC diet (2.16 +/- 1.7 nmol), even though the hepatic VA concentrations did not change. In the second study, the gerbils were prefed a -VA/+betaC diet (74.3 +/- 19. 7 nmol betaC/g diet) for 7 d, and then fed a betaC-free diet either with (7.1 +/- 1.4 nmol/g) or without VA for up to 34 d. Hepatic betaC stores after the 7-d prefeeding period were 38.1 +/- 20.6 nmol, and were significantly higher than after 7d of consuming either a +VA/-betaC (12.4 +/- 10.8 mmol) or -VA/-betaC diet (11.4 +/- 8.0 nmol). The results from both studies suggest that a substantial amount of hepatic betaC is rapidly lost when betaC is eliminated from the diet and therefore is not conserved to meet later VA needs. The presence of VA in the diet (Study 2) did not affect the rate of betaC loss from the serum and tissues. Moreover, no evidence was found that the stored betaC was utilized for VA. The data suggest that there may be two pools of hepatic betaC, one that is lost rapidly and another that is lost more slowly over time, but losses are not affected by VA status.
Constant Flux and Time-of-Flight Instrumentation

Use of small-angle and ultra-small angle scattering instruments in a tandem provides a unique opportunity of exploring sample structure on the length scales between Angstroms and microns in a single experiment. This chapter considers major types and components of small-angle neutron and x-ray scattering instruments. Constant flux instrumentation is discussed based on the General Purpose SANS diffractometer (HFIR, ORNL) and the double-crystal USANS instrument (NCNR, NIST). Operational principles and major components of time-of-flight SAS instrumentation are considered based on the Extended Q SANS and the Time-Of-Flight USANS instruments (SNS, ORNL). X-ray SAS instrumentation is discussed based on SAXS and USAXS diffractometers available at APS, ANL. Advantages and disadvantages of the constant flux and time-of-flight instruments for various types of experiments and different systems are discussed and illustrative examples of the scattering data obtained from various samples using SANS/USANS and SAXS/USAXS instruments are presented.
Impact of Late-Season Orangestriped Oakworm (Lepidoptera: Satumiidae) Defoliation on Oak Growth and Vigor

The orange striped oakworm, Anisota senatoria (J. E. Smith), has caused widespread defoliation of urban oak ( Quercus ) species in southeastern Virginia. The hypothesis that consecutive years of late-season defoliation by A. senatoria would cause a significant reduction in Quercus growth and vigor was tested from 1987 to 1990. Lateseason A. senatoria defoliation had a significant impact on Quercus growth and vigor. Pin oak, Q. palustris (Muenchhausen), and willow oak, Q. phellos L., planted in fabric containers, had significant reduction in growth with increased defoliation. Starch content and tree vigor in Q. palustris , planted in the urban landscape, was significantly reduced with increased defoliation, and some tree mortality occurred. Quercus phellos was a hardier species compared with Q. palustris and was not significantly affected by consecutive late-season defoliation. In addition, data suggested that Q. palustris was affected more by A. senatoria late-season defoliation when trees were planted in stressed urban sites. These data have important implications for A. senatoria management strategies. High populations that have the potential to cause 100% late-season defoliation during consecutive years should be controlled to prevent progressive decline in tree health.
Reliability and Validity of Conjoint Analysis and Self-Explicated Weights: A Comparison:

Though the use of conjoint analysis has increased substantially in recent years, relatively little empirical evidence has been published on how its reliability and validity compares with that of al...
Endoscopic, endonasal, transclival resection of a pontine cavernoma: case report.

Background and importance Hemorrhagic, symptomatic cavernous malformations in the brainstem are difficult to access. Conventional approaches such as the transpetrosal approach often require significant brain retraction. We present the successful purely endoscopic, endonasal, transclival resection of a symptomatic cavernoma located in the ventromedial pons. Clinical presentation A 17-year-old male patient presented with acute onset of headache, facial numbness, and tingling. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an enhancing lesion in the pons consistent with a cavernous malformation. Over the course of the next 3 weeks, the patient had 2 additional episodes of acutely worsening neurological deficits that left him with left-sided hemiparesis, a right sixth nerve palsy, and dysphagia. A purely endoscopic, endonasal, transclival approach was used to resect the cavernoma. Postoperatively, he had a transient worsening of his left-side motor function and restricted horizontal gaze, but at the last follow-up, his hemiparesis had improved and his magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a radiographic cure. He developed a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak despite prophylactic lumbar CSF drainage for 2 days and the use of bilateral vascularized nasoseptal flaps. The CSF leak was repaired with CSF diversion and a second surgical procedure; at the last follow-up, he had no recurrence of the leak. Conclusion An endoscopic, endonasal, transclival approach is a novel and effective approach to cavernous malformations presenting to the ventral surface of the pons. Recently developed techniques for closure and repair of the skull base defect have minimized but have not eliminated the risk of CSF leak in these procedures.
Efficiency of Controlling Weeds, Insect Pests and Diseases by Raising Ducks in the Paddy Fields

In this paper, the efficiency of controlling rice pests, diseases and weeds by releasing ducks in paddy fields was investigated. The results showed that populations of planthopper and leafhopper were decreased by 63.8% and 77.3%, respectively in 12d and 42d after releasing ducks, and the weeds were decreased by 50.6% and 94.2%, respectively in 10d and 40d after releasing ducks when compared with the check plot with no ducks. The sheath blight index in active tillering stage and heading stage in the duck growing rice plots were 67.1% and 52.5% less than those in the check, respectively. The population of spiders in the duck released field was increased by 1.66-2.61 times than that in the conventional rice field.
Monitoring and Assessment of Peripheral Hemogram Among Benzene-exposed Workers in a Factory

Objective To investigate the current situation of peripheral hemogram among benzene-exposed workers,and to provide a scientific basis for effective prevention of occupational benzene exposure.Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected from 184 benzene-exposed workers(including 80 men and 104 women) who were served as observation group and 154 officer(including 73 men and 81 women) without benzene or toxic substances exposure who were served as control group.The Sysmex XT-2000i automated hematology analyzer was used to detect the blood samples and the detection results were statistically analyzed.Results The levels of white blood cell(WBC),red blood cell(RBC) and platelet count(PLT) of benzene-exposed group were significantly lower than those of control group(P0.05),but no statistically significant difference was found in hemoglobin(Hb) and absolute neutrophil countm(ANC) between the two groups(P0.05).The relationship between the change of hemogram with age and sex will need to be further gone into.Conclusions The effect of benzene on blood system is a chronic process.This survey provides reference data for amending the existing limit value for the occupational exposure to benzene so as to develop effective preventive measures and protect the health of benzene-exposed workers.
The clinical management of the double uterus

Seventy-six women with a double uterus were studied as an extension and enlargement of an over-all series which dates back to 1936. The present study compares the reproductive performance of patients with a double uterus who received routine care (group A) with that of patients having been treated for reproductive failure (group B). Thirty-one patients (group A) with a double uterus, receiving routine care, had 102 pregnancies of which 60 (59%) resulted in a term pregnancy; 7 patients (group B 1 ) with an extrauterine factor had 16 pregnancies of which 5 (31%) resulted in a living child; 21 patients (group B 2 ) without an extrauterine factor and with only anomalous uterine development had no term pregnancies. The post-therapy pregnancy success rates in each patient treatment group were 71% and 81%, respectively. In the 1964–1975 series, excision of the uterine septum, utilizing the wedge technique in properly selected patients, resulted in an 81% chance of conception and delivery of a living child. No correlation was found between the pregnancy success rate and the uterine contour revealed by post-metroplasty hysterography. Since 1936, 39 patients with demonstrated inability to carry a pregnancy to term have undergone surgical reconstruction by wedge metroplasty, and 77% have had a successful pregnancy. The uterine anomaly most often associated with those patients requiring therapy was of the septate variety.
Floating Silicon Method single crystal ribbon – observations and proposed limit cycle theory

Abstract In the Floating Silicon Method (FSM), a single-crystal Si ribbon is grown while floating on the surface of a Si melt. In this paper, we describe the phenomenology of FSM, including the observation of approximately regularly spaced “facet lines” on the ribbon surface whose orientation aligns with (111) crystal planes. Sb demarcation experiments sectioned through the thickness of the ribbon reveal that the solid/melt interface consists of dual (111) planes and that the leading edge facet growth is saccadic in nature, rather than steady-state. To explain this behavior, we propose a heuristic solidification limit cycle theory, using a continuum level of description with anisotropic kinetics as developed by others, and generalizing the interface kinetics to include a roughening transition as well as a re-faceting mechanism that involves curvature and the Gibbs–Thomson effect.