cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stress evolution in an encapsulated MEMS package due to viscoelasticity of packaging materials

Packaging materials influence greatly on reliability and performance of electronics components. While, materials such as molding compound protect the package from the environment; different mechanical properties of materials will inevitably introduce stress to the package. In this study, materials' viscoelastic effect on packaging stress in a MEMS sensor was studied using finite element analysis after measuring the properties of molding compound and die-attach materials in a series of stress relaxation experiments. The stress distribution, stress-time and stress-temperature relationship, were simulated under different final temperatures and cooling rates. It is found that viscoelasticity has significant effect on the packing stress, especially at higher temperature.
Neutrino telescopes’ sensitivity to dark matter

The nature of the dark matter of the Universe is yet unknown and most likely is connected with new physics. The search for its composition is underway through direct and indirect detection. Fundamental physical aspects such as energy threshold, geometry and location are taken into account to investigate proposed neutrino telescopes of ${\mathrm{km}}^{3}$ volume sensitivities to dark matter. These sensitivities are just sufficient to test a few weakly interacting massive particle scenarios. Telescopes of ${\mathrm{km}}^{3}$ volume, such as IceCube, can definitely discover or exclude superheavy $(\mathrm{M}g{10}^{10}\mathrm{GeV})$ strong interacting massive particles (simpzillas). Smaller neutrino telescopes such as ANTARES, AMANDA-II and NESTOR can probe a large region of simpzilla parameter space.
Lan Topologies for Test

LAN is a very flexible architecture used for computing and with the introduction of LXI will be used for test systems. This paper will show typical LAN topologies for test systems pointing out the pros and cons of different configurations. The topology selected may have an impact on the performance of the test system. The paper wiII also delve into the need for LAN security and give practical advice on setting up test networks that protect the system from intruders. It will pay particular attention to LXI class B (using IEEE 1588) networks with practical advice on the position of instruments in the network and the use of boundary clocks for accurate timing.
Corporate Governance and Business Ethics in North America: The State of the Art

All three corporate governance systems in North America are currently embroiled in fundamental transformations. Most of Mexico’s corporations are run by a small group of controlling shareholders an...
Biology of the European oak borer in Michigan, United States of America, with comparisons to the native twolined chestnut borer

In 2010-2011, we studied the European oak borer (EOB), Agrilus sulcicollis Lacordaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), in Michigan, United States of America, and made comparisons with the native twolined chestnut borer (TLCB), Agrilus bilineatus (Weber). EOB adult flight began and peaked before TLCB. More EOB females were captured on purple and white compared with yellow and green sticky traps. More TLCB females were captured on purple, followed by yellow, green, and white, respectively. Male EOB and TLCB did not show a significant colour preference. EOB completed development primarily from areas of artificially girdled trees where the phloem had died soon after trees were girdled, while TLCB usually developed in areas of girdled trees that had some live phloem present. Both EOB and TLCB successfully attacked and emerged from girdled Quercus alba Linnaeus, Quercus robur Linnaeus, and Quercus rubra Linnaeus (Fagaceae) trees. No live EOB or TLCB were found in two ungirdled and apparently healthy Q. robur trees that were dissected. EOB attacked and emerged from Q. alba, Q. robur, Q. rubra, and Quercus velutina Lamarck trap logs. Differences in the pronotal groove and terminal processes can be used to distinguish EOB from TLCB larvae. Five species of parasitoids were reared from EOB and four from TLCB.
Optical Activity in the Blue Phase of a Cholesteric Liquid Crystalt

Abstract Optical activity measurements in the blue phase of cholesteryl decanoate are presented for three different visible wavelengths. The optical activity of the blue phase is reduced from its value in the cholesteric phase, approaching zero nearly continuously at the blue phase to isotropic liquid transition. In agreement with previous work on the blue phase, the wavelength dependence of the optical activity indicates that the blue color of the phase is due to a region of anomalous optical activity and selective reflection at approximately 450 nm. The results also provide evidence for two distinct blue phases in this cholesteric liquid crystal.
Symmetry reduction in group 4mm photonic crystals

The size of absolute band gaps in two-dimensional photonic crystals is often limited by band degeneracies at the lattice symmetry points. By reducing the lattice symmetry, these degeneracies can be lifted to increase the size of existing photonic band gaps, or to create new gaps where none existed for the more symmetric structure. Specifically, symmetry reduction by the addition of different diameter rods into the unit cell of two-dimensional square lattices (Laue group 4mm) is explored. This approach is especially useful in opening absolute band gaps in structures of dielectric rods in air, which are more easily microfabricated than a crystal of air columns in a dielectric background. Symmetry reduction offers a rational approach for exploring and designing new photonic crystal structures.
Of mites and men: trypsin-like proteases in the lungs.

It is no surprise to anyone who has tried to memorize clotting and complement cascades that there are a great many trypsin-like proteases-too many, it may seem. This fecund enzyme family encompasses such a range of biological roles that other important members and functions are sure to await discovery. Of known trypsin-like proteases, few, if any, are lung-specific. Nonetheless, many contribute in ways critical to lung function, such as fighting microbial invaders, regulating the formation and removal of polymerized fibrin, and rejecting tumors or transplanted tissues. Some of these enzymes, such as plasminogen activators and mast cell tryptases, are native to the lung and live where they work; identical enzymes live and work in other tissues. Other enzymes, such as most complement and hemostatic proteases, are migrants, typically born elsewhere (e.g., the liver). They pass through the lung, looking for something to do; if nothing is found, they pass on, circulating, perhaps to return later. Still others are unwanted, uninvited intruders, such as dust mite proteases. This minireview provides a selective glimpse of the lives of some of the trypsin-like enzymes at work in the lung and airways.
One Sociologist's Reply to Wieland's Review Essay

George Wieland's survey of organization sociology texts represents a fundamental misunderstanding of the essential nature of sociology that distinguishes it from other academic disciplines and psychology in particular. Wieland's confusion probably represents the management field's thinking about organization sociology.
An extension of the hardy-littlewood-pólya inequality

Abstract The Hardy-Littlewood-Polya (HLP) inequality [1] states that if a ∈ lp, b ∈ lq and p > 1 , q > 1 , 1 p + 1 q > 1 , λ = 2 − ( 1 p + 1 q ) , then ∑ r ≠ s a r b s | r − s | λ ≤ C ∥ a ∥ p ∥ b ∥ q . In this article, we prove the HLP inequality in the case where λ = 1, p = q = 2 with a logarithm correction, as conjectured by Ding [2]: ∑ r ≠ s , 1 ≤ r , s ≤ N a r b s | r − s | λ ≤ ( 2 In N + 1 ) ∥ a ∥ 2 ∥ b ∥ 2 . In addition, we derive an accurate estimate for the best constant for this inequality.
Magnetic resonance imaging-guided attenuation and scatter corrections in three-dimensional brain positron emission tomography.

Reliable attenuation correction represents an essential component of the long chain of modules required for the reconstruction of artifact-free, quantitative brainpositron emission tomography(PET)images. In this work we demonstrate the proof of principle of segmented magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided attenuation and scatter corrections in three-dimensional (3D) brainPET. We have developed a method for attenuation correction based on registered T1-weighted MRI, eliminating the need of an additional transmission (TX) scan. The MRimages were realigned to preliminary reconstructions of PET data using an automatic algorithm and then segmented by means of a fuzzy clustering technique which identifies tissues of significantly different density and composition. The voxels belonging to different regions were classified into air, skull, brain tissue and nasal sinuses. These voxels were then assigned theoretical tissue-dependent attenuation coefficients as reported in the ICRU 44 report followed by Gaussian smoothing and addition of a good statistics bed image. The MRI-derived attenuation map was then forward projected to generate attenuation correction factors (ACFs) to be used for correcting the emission (EM) data. The method was evaluated and validated on 10 patient data where TX and MRIbrainimages were available. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of differences between TX-guided and segmented MRI-guided 3D reconstructions were performed by visual assessment and by estimating parameters of clinical interest. The results indicated a small but noticeable improvement in image quality as a consequence of the reduction of noise propagation from TX into EM data. Considering the difficulties associated with preinjection TX-based attenuation correction and the limitations of current calculated attenuation correction, MRI-based attenuation correction in 3D brainPET would likely be the method of choice for the foreseeable future as a second best approach in a busy nuclear medicine center and could be applied to other functional brainimaging modalities such as SPECT.
An Extension of the Case-Hamburg OB Star Surveys

We have extended the Case-Hamburg OB star surveys to b = ± 30 degrees for l = ± 60 degres using the Curtis Schmidt telescope and 4 degree objective prism at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory. A catalog of 234 OB stars and other objects with peculiar spectra is presented along with finding charts for those objects too faint to be included on the BD or CD charts.
MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Neuronal Cell Cultures

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) provides the ability to detect and identify a broad range of analytes and their spatial distributions from a variety of sample types, including tissue sections. Here we describe an approach for probing neuropeptides from sparse cell cultures using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MSI—at single cell spatial resolution—in both MS and tandem MS modes. Cultures of Aplysia californica neurons are grown on an array of glass beads embedded in a stretchable layer of Parafilm M. As the membrane is stretched, the beads/neurons are separated physically and the separated beads/neurons analyzed via MALDI TOF MS. Compared with direct MS imaging of samples, the stretching procedure enhances analyte extraction and incorporation into the MALDI matrix, with negligible analyte spread between separated beads. MALDI tandem MSI using the stretched imaging approach yields localization maps of both parent and fragment ions from Aplysia pedal peptide, thereby confirming peptide identification. This methodology represents a flexible platform for MSI investigation of a variety of cell cultures, including functioning neuronal networks.
Value of the consumer bundle: a data‐series set

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide long‐run annual series of the value of the consumer bundle and related variables.Design/methodology/approach – Benchmark data are assembled for each of the variables. Interpolative techniques are used to obtain values for missing years.Findings – Continuous annual series for 1900‐2004 are developed for value of the consumer bundle, number of consumer units, and average size of the consumer unit. Behavior of the series over time is consistent with what economic and demographic experience would suggest.Originality/value – Generation of long‐run series as extensions of aggregate‐type data in the Consumer Expenditure Survey of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A Substantive Process Analysis of Responses to Items from the Multistate Bar Examination

We investigated examinees' cognitive processes while they solved selected items from the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), a high-stakes professional certification examination. We focused on ascertaining those mental processes most frequently used by examinees, and the most common types of errors in their thinking. We compared the relationships between different problem-solving processes, errors, and performance, and assessed the degree to which performance was related to correspondence between examinees' and model problem-solving approaches. Participants most commonly solved problems with reference to legal principles and cues presented in problem stems, but also resorted to other mental processes. We found that performance on the MBE is strongly related to domain-specific skill in using legal principles, as well as to domain-general metacognitive skill in organizing thinking. Evidence that would suggest that testwiseness strategies or common-sense reasoning was a source of construct-irrelevant variance on the ...
Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin Potency: Effect of Single and Multiple Injections

IT has been demonstrated that a single subcutaneous injection of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) is as effective as multiple injections of the same amount of PMSG on the weight increase of the immature rat ovary1,2. However, it was later shown that multiple injections of PMSG were more effective in producing an increase in testis weight of three-day-old cockerels than a single injection of the gonadotrophin3. Because of these opposing views, it was of interest to re-investigate the chick testis response with a more sensitive assay method.
Layering transitions and the structure of dense hydrogen

Recent theories of the structure of solid hydrogen at high pressure have tended to focus on the hexagonal close-packed (hcp) class of structures typical of low pressure, the contribution of the zero-point motion often being neglected. Here we examine the energy of solid hydrogen at high pressure in different structures, using density-functional theory augmented by the self-consistent harmonic approximation. Above a relative compression ρ/ρ0 ~ 9 we report an orthorhombic structure, Cmca, that has lower energy (both static and zero-point) than the lowest-energy hcp structures, indicative of a possible layering or martensitic transition occurring in the vicinity of the recently observed high infrared activity.
Extravesical ureteral ectopia

A case of an extravesically ectopic single ureter draining into the seminal vesicle is presented. Age of diagnosis, embryology of ureteral ectopia, and locations of the ureteral orifice are discussed. Suggestions are made for the diagnosis and treatment of ureteral ectopia.
Antioxidant metabolism during blood storage and its relationship to posttransfusion red cell survival

The status of the erythrocyte antioxidant defense system and its relationship to posttransfusion red cell survival were determined in erythrocytes stored for 35 or 42 days in CPD-A1 anticoagulant with a saline-adenine-glucose additive. As storage progressed, there was a significant increase in incubated Heinz body formation (P less than .001) and a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) stability (P less than .001). Stimulated pentose phosphate shunt activity also declined during storage (P less than .06), while unstimulated shunt activity remained unchanged. The increase in Heinz body formation was associated with decreased GSH stability (r = -.77, P less than .001), which in turn was associated with the decline in stimulated pentose shunt activity (r = .67, P less than .001). The changes in Heinz body formation (r = -.85), GSH stability (r = .83), and stimulated pentose shunt activity (r = .54) were all significantly (P less than .001) related to the decline in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content of the erythrocyte. Red cell survival 24 hours after transfusion was significantly related to the GSH stability (r = .80, P less than .001) and to the ATP concentration (r = .76, P less than .005) on the day of transfusion. Thus, dysfunction of the erythrocyte antioxidant defense system occurs during blood storage and appears to be related, in part, to ATP depletion. The ability to maintain a normal reduced glutathione concentration during oxidant stress appears to be an important determinant of red cell survival in the peritransfusion period.
Infant heart transplantation ten years later--where are they now?

Background Many uncertainties regarding the fate of children undergoing heart transplantation as infants were present when we and others embarked on this program. Although no truly long-term results are available, a significant cohort of children has now reached preteen and early teenage status. We reviewed our group of infants transplanted more than 10 years ago to assess survival and quality of life as they approach their teenage years. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all infant (younger than 6 months of age) heart transplant recipients, transplanted between 1988 and 1995, to ascertain survival statistics, incidence of complications, and current health status. Results A total of 42 patients were identified. The majority of these underwent transplantation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Eleven patients have died, 4 early and 7 late. The actual survival at 10 years is 76%. Twenty-seven of the 31 long-term survivors attend regular school; 4 are in special education classes owing to developmental delay. Five patients take medication for attention-deficit disorder. Malignancies have been discovered in 5, and 1 died secondary to this. Six patients have significant renal insufficiency, 1 of whom has undergone renal transplantation. One patient has undergone retransplantation for coronary artery disease. One patient required reoperation for supravalvar aortic stenosis. Other general medical problems that are being treated include sleep apnea (n = 1), hypertension (n = 5), and recurrent pneumonias (n = 1). Conclusions Although these children require ongoing medical attention, including daily medications and regular follow-up visits, most have a satisfactory quality of life and behave much like normal children.
Surface tension driven water strider robot using circular footpads

Water strider insects have attracted many researchers' attention with their power efficient and agile water surface locomotion. This study proposes a new water strider insect inspired robot, called STRIDE II, which uses new circular footpads for high lift, stability, payload capability, and a new elliptical leg rotation mechanism for more efficient water surface propulsion. The lift, drag and propulsion forces and the energy efficiency of this robot are modeled and experiments are conducted to verify these models. A maximum lift capacity of 53 grams is achieved with a total of 12 footpads, each 4.2 cm in diameter for a robot weighing 21.75 grams. For this robot, a propulsion efficiency of 22.3% is measured. Maximum forward and turning speeds of the robot are measured as 71.5 mm/sec and 0.21 rad/sec, respectively. These water strider robots could be used in water surface monitoring, cleaning, and analysis in lakes, dams, rivers and sea.
Effect of cationic amphiphilic drugs on the hydrolysis of acidic and neutral phospholipids by liver lysosomal phospholipase A

Abstract Rat liver lysosomal phospholipase A hydrolyzes both acidic and neutral phospholipids. Numerous cationic amphiphilic drugs including imipramine, propranolol, 4,4′-bis(diethylaminoethoxy)-α,β-diethyldiphenylethane and chloropromazine inhibit phospholipase A. Cationic amphiphilic drugs bind readily to acidic phospholipids but much less readily to neutral phospholipids. Formation of drug-lipid complexes is thought to be an important mechanism involved in the inhibition of lysosomal phospholipases. Therefore, we studied the effects of four cationic amphiphilic inhibitors on lysosomal phospholipase A using one acidic and two neutral phospholipid substrates. The concentration of the drugs required to produce 50% inhibition was much higher when phosphatidylinositol was used as substrate. The degradation of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine was more readily inhibited by these agents than that of phosphatidylinositol. In drug-induced lipidosis, the predominance of acidic phospholipids may be due to redirection of phospholipid metabolism towards the formation of acidic phospholipids with a resultant increased delivery of these lipids to lysosomes. Based on our results, it does not appear to be due to decreased enzymatic hydrolysis of drug-acidic phospholipid complexes, at least when pure phospholipid substrates are used. Lysosomal storage of both acidic and neutral phospholipids appears to be caused by inhibition of lysosomal phospholipase action in view of the probable high intralysosomal levels of these agents.
Erratum to: Anthropomorphism as a conservation tool

‘‘While I thought of the idea independently, I now see there have been at least two previous discussions of using anthropomorphism to accomplish conservation goals. The first is Adcroft (2011), who discusses using anthropomorphism in film to inspire conservation action. Another is a paper discussed during a recent AAG Annual Meeting that found zoo visitors are less concerned about conserving species with fewer similarities and suggests anthropomorphism can be useful for conservation (Smith et al. 2012).’’
Incorporating physical co-presence at events into digital social networking

As mobile devices become location-aware, it will become possible to know when people are physically co-located and to incorporate this information into social software. Is this valuable? A prototype social networking system based on physical co-presence was created and tested wizard-of-oz-style at four different physical social events by providing event attendees a digital link back to others at the event. Usage of the system was higher than expected, suggesting a meaningful role for incorporating shared physical events into social networking software. Usage and questionnaire analyses suggest some guidelines for design of such systems.
Gut chemosensing: Interactions between gut endocrine cells and visceral afferents

Chemosensing in the gastrointestinal tract is less well understood than many aspects of gut mechanosensitivity; however, it is important in the overall function of the GI tract and indeed the organism as a whole. Chemosensing in the gut represents a complex interplay between the function of enteroendocrine (EEC) cells and visceral (primarily vagal) afferent neurons. In this brief review, I will concentrate on a new data on endocrine cells in chemosensing in the GI tract, in particular on new findings on glucose-sensing by gut EEC cells and the importance of incretin peptides and vagal afferents in glucose homeostasis, on the role of G protein coupled receptors in gut chemosensing, and on the possibility that gut endocrine cells may be involved in the detection of a luminal constituent other than nutrients, the microbiota. The role of vagal afferent pathways as a downstream target of EEC cell products will be considered and, in particular, exciting new data on the plasticity of the vagal afferent pathway with respect to expression of receptors for GI hormones and how this may play a role in energy homeostasis will also be discussed.
A Novel Local Circuit in the Olfactory Bulb Involving an Old Short-Axon Cell

Many local circuit interactions in the olfactory bulb involve atypical dendrodendritic synapses. In this issue of Neuron, Pressler and Strowbridge report a functional analysis of a class of short-axon interneurons in the bulb called Blanes cells. Blanes cells make GABAergic axonal contacts onto granule cells and may mediate a form of local feedforward disinhibition.
Counseling Adolescents About the Intrauterine Contraceptive Device: A Comparison of Primary Care Pediatricians With Family Physicians and Obstetrician-Gynecologists in the Bronx, New York.

Background: The intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective contraceptive, yet not all primary care providers (PCPs) counsel adolescents about IUDs. We sought to describe PCPs’ frequency of counseling adolescents about IUDs and identify whether different factors are associated with frequent counseling by pediatricians compared with family physicians and gynecologists. Methods: Surveyed PCPs affiliated with a Bronx, New York academic institution. Main Outcome: Frequent counseling of female adolescents about IUDs. Results: Frequent counseling was lower in pediatricians compared with family physicians and gynecologists (35.8% and 81.6%, respectively, P < .001). Among all PCP types, frequent counseling was associated with feeling more competent counseling and managing expected IUD side effects (P < .001). Other significant variables included inserting IUDs themselves (P < .001, family physicians and gynecologists) or having access to an inserter in their office (P = .04, pediatricians). Conclusions: Corre...
Effects of diets formulated to contain different amounts of rumen non-degradable protein on microbial fermentation and nutrient flow from a continuous culture system

Abstract Eight dual flow continuous culture fermenters were used in three experimental periods to evaluate effects of diets formulated to contain different amounts of rumen undegradable protein on microbial fermentation and nutrient flow. Two dietary treatments contained 51% forage (28.5% alfalfa haylage and 22.6% maize silage) and 49% concentrate on a DM basis. The concentrate mix consisted of 28.9% ground maize, 15.9% soyabean meal (SBM) and 2.0% animal fat for the control diet (CTRL), or 30.4% ground maize, 2.3% SBM, 9.0% expeller processed SBM (ES), 3.1% fish meal (FM) and 2.0% animal fat for the low degradable protein diet (ESFM). Dietary energy (1.74 Mcal kg−1), crude protein (CP, 19.2%) neutral detergent fiber (NDF, 28.8%) and acid detergent fiber (ADF, 18.6%) content did not differ between diets. Control and ESFM diets were formulated to contain 68% or 55% rumen degradable protein, respectively. True OM and DM digestion were not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatment. Digestion of NDF (43.1 versus 38.8%, P = 0.07) and ADF (59.3 versus 54.7%, P 0.05) by dietary treatment, molar proportion (mol per 100 mol) of propionate (29.2 versus 24.2, P 0.05) by dietary treatment. Efficiency of bacterial protein synthesis and dietary crude protein degradation were not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatment. Partial replacement of SBM by ES and FM decreased fiber digestion and altered VFA molar proportion in the effluent, but did not reduce ruminal degradation of dietary protein.
Long-term follow-up of patients having infrainguinal bypass performed below stenotic but hemodynamically normal aortoiliac vessels

Abstract Because infrainguinal bypasses performed on the basis of normal papaverine testing in patients with multilevel arterial occlusive disease are done below arteriographically diseased although hemodynamically normal vessels, there is concern about progression of suprainguinal disease compromising long-term success. This study has been done to assess the long-term results of such bypasses. Between 1979 and 1985, infrainguinal bypasses selected by papaverine testing were done on 92 limbs having hemodynamically normal inflow in the presence of arteriographically demonstrable aortoiliac stenoses of 15% to 70%. Long-term hemodynamic and clinical success rates were determined with criteria based on papaverine and noninvasive vascular testing. There was no significant difference in hemodynamic success at 48 months (by life-table analysis) (p = 0.98) when comparing limbs with less than 50% aortoiliac stenoses to limbs having 50% or greater stenoses. The difference between the mean degree of preoperative inflow stenoses for long-term hemodynamic successes (32.5% ± 1.5%) and failures (34.6% ± 3.0%) was not significant (p = 0.57). There was no significant difference (p = 0.98) in the number of subsequent inflow procedures required in limbs with preoperative aortoiliac stenoses of less than 50% (13.5%) vs. aortoiliac stenoses of 50% or greater (13.3%). Long-term results of infrainguinal bypass done below stenotic but hemodynamically normal aortoiliac vessels are not related to the amount of angiographically demonstrable inflow stenosis. Selection of patients for infrainguinal bypass on the basis of papaverine testing, irrespective of angiographic findings, eliminates unnecessary inflow procedures without detriment to long-term success. (J VASC SURG 1987;5:319-28.)
Indented quasi-Yagi antenna array for high-isolation full-duplex radios

An indented quasi-Yagi antenna array is proposed for the purpose of achieving better impedance match by creating and combining out-of-phase return losses from each individual antenna element. The array architecture, jointly with non-reciprocal components such as circulators, can provide higher isolation between the transmitting and receiving paths in a full-duplex radio, without limiting the choices of antenna polarizations and radiation patterns. An antenna array of four meandered quasi-Yagi dipole elements with feeding network is designed and fabricated on Rogers 4350 substrate. The fabricated indented array has demonstrated 16dB average isolation improvement and 13dB return loss improvement over the frequency from 3.3GHz to 3.4GHz.
Grapevines engineered to express cisgenic Vitis vinifera thaumatin-like protein exhibit fungal disease resistance

Cisgenic engineering involves isolation and modification of genetic elements from the host genome, which are reinserted to develop plant varieties with improved characteristics. As a first step toward production of fungal-disease resistant cisgenic grapevines, the Vitis vinifera thaumatin-like protein (vvtl-1) gene was isolated from “Chardonnay” and reengineered for constitutive expression. Embryogenic cultures of “Thompson Seedless” were initiated from leaves and transformed with Agrobacterium to regenerate cisgenic VVTL-1 plants. Cisgene presence and copy number were confirmed by PCR and quantitative real-time PCR. Protein expression was measured using ELISA. Among the plant lines tested, two exhibited a 7–10 day delay in powdery mildew disease development during greenhouse screening and decreased severity of black rot disease in field tests. Berries exhibited a 42.5% reduction in sour-bunch rot disease incidence compared to non-transformed controls after 3 wk of storage at room temperature. Although plants recovered in this study contain viral promoters and reporter/marker genes, this is the first report of a cisgenic approach to obtain broad-spectrum fungal-disease resistance in genetically engineered grapevine.
Neural network control of a four-wheel ABS model

This paper presents simulation studies of neural network controller training carried out on a four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) model. The indirect controller training method utilized here requires prior training of an identification network, which is then used in a sensitivity circuit that embeds the identification network and carries out a form of real-time recurrent learning. The training of both identification and controller networks makes use of a decoupled extended Kalman filter (DEKF) update scheme. To the extent that the model represents a real system, the resulting controller may be applicable to an actual vehicle. More likely, in our estimation, is that such studies will be useful in determining appropriate identification and controller architectures for on-vehicle training and in determining how to carry out such training.
High-k dielectric Al2O3 nanowire and nanoplate field effect sensors for improved pH sensing

Over the last decade, field-effect transistors (FETs) with nanoscale dimensions have emerged as possible label-free biological and chemical sensors capable of highly sensitive detection of various entities and processes. While significant progress has been made towards improving their sensitivity, much is yet to be explored in the study of various critical parameters, such as the choice of a sensing dielectric, the choice of applied front and back gate biases, the design of the device dimensions, and many others. In this work, we present a process to fabricate nanowire and nanoplate FETs with Al2O3 gate dielectrics and we compare these devices with FETs with SiO2 gate dielectrics. The use of a high-k dielectric such as Al2O3 allows for the physical thickness of the gate dielectric to be thicker without losing sensitivity to charge, which then reduces leakage currents and results in devices that are highly robust in fluid. This optimized process results in devices stable for up to 8 h in fluidic environments. Using pH sensing as a benchmark, we show the importance of optimizing the device bias, particularly the back gate bias which modulates the effective channel thickness. We also demonstrate that devices with Al2O3 gate dielectrics exhibit superior sensitivity to pH when compared to devices with SiO2 gate dielectrics. Finally, we show that when the effective electrical silicon channel thickness is on the order of the Debye length, device response to pH is virtually independent of device width. These silicon FET sensors could become integral components of future silicon based Lab on Chip systems.
Coseismic and postseismic vertical movements associated with the 1940 M7.1 Imperial Valley, California, earthquake

Leveling surveys conducted along two routes that cross the Imperial fault in southern California indicate spatially coherent elevation changes attributable to coseismic and postseismic effects of the 1940, M7.1 Imperial Valley earthquake. The 1931-1941 elevation changes are consistent with theoretical models of vertical deformation of an elastic half space for a finite length strike-slip fault, using fault parameters that are consistent with the observed surface offsets following the 1940 earthquake. The elevation changes suggest an earthquake scenario consisting of a large coeismic slip in the southern half of the fault which transferred stress to the northern part as well as to the Brawley fault to the northeast.
Trends in Abortion Attitudes by Race and Gender: A Reassessment Over a Four Decade Period

The purpose of this paper is to reassess the interactive impact of race and gender on abortion attitudes over time. Data from the GSS are used to compare shifts in abortion attitudes of White and Black males and females over a four-decade period. Overall results suggest gender to be the stronger predictor of abortion attitudes. While maintaining similar attitudes toward abortion, White and Black males maintain more conservative attitudes than their female counterparts. Looking at trends, however, suggest that considering race and gender alone limits the understanding of abortion attitudes among these social groups. Results by decade reveal great shifts for White females in relation to Black females. White females and White males to a lesser extent initially appear more liberal in their views toward abortion; however, a shift over the decades produces a convergence and then a reversal, where Black females eventually become more liberal in the 1990s. Black males consistently reveal more conservative attitudes over the four-decade period than Black females and that trend appears to be holding. However, most interestingly and an area for further research, results suggest that abortion attitudes may actually be re-converging.
Precision of interferometric diffusion coefficients in a four-component system relevant to protein crystal growth: Lysozyme-tetra(ethylene glycol)-NaCl-H2O

We investigate the precision of Rayleigh interferometry in evaluating the nine mutual diffusion coefficients Dij defining a four-component system by investigating the system lysozyme−tetra(ethylene glycol)−NaCl−H2O. We believe our results to be the most successful experimental determination of diffusion coefficients in quaternary systems. This choice of system is motivated by its relevance to protein crystal growth. The comparison of the Dij coefficients of the quaternary system and the Dij coefficients from the corresponding ternary and binary systems enables us to extract some information about the hydrodynamics and thermodynamics in solutions where protein crystals grow.
Analyzing Biomolecular Interactions

A recent development in instruments to investigate biomolecular interactions is surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection with a biospecific sensor chip. In this method, a probe (P) or a target molecule (T) is bound to a gold-plated cell and a solution containing the other molecule is passed over it. Light is beamed through a prism and strikes the glass surface of the flow cell containing the sample at an angle, such that the beam is totally reflected. At a particular wavelength and incident angle between the beam and glass, a surface plasmon wave of excited electrons (plasmon resonance) is produced at the gold layer and is detected as a reduced intensity of the reflected light beam. By measuring the deflection of the beam, binding of P &T can be easily quantitated. This article describes the mechanism and applicatioins of the SPR technique.
The Dunbar-Hunter expedition (1804-1805): early analyses of spring waters in the Louisiana Purchase.

Introduction In the years folowing the Louisiana Purchase Treaty with France in 1803, U.S. President Thomas Jefferson commissioned four expeditions to explore the new territory. Best known of these, of course, was the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804–1806 across the northern margin of the purchase. However, there was also the Pike expedition of 1806–1807 into the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest, and the abbreviated Freeman-Custis expedition up the Red River in 1806, which was blocked by the Spanish just west of what is now the Texas-Arkansas border. Of some interest in the history of hydrogeology is the second expedition Jefferson commissioned, the Dunbar-Hunter expedition of 1804–1805 up the Ouachita (Washita) River in what is now Louisiana and Arkansas to the hot springs of central Arkansas. The daily journals and final reports of William Dunbar and George Hunter provided the first scientific description of the Ouachita River and surrounding area in English. In addition, Hunter made water quality determinations at some salt seeps and hot springs and speculated on the source of heat for the latter. Dunbar, in turn, attempted to determine the total rate of discharge of the hot springs and also wrote down his thoughts on their origin. The purpose of this note is to describe some of the field techniques used by Dunbar and Hunter at the time of their expedition and to analyze their scientific observations and thoughts from a modern perspective. The biographical information on the two explorers contained in this note is based on material in McDermott (1963) and Berry et al. (2006). The interpretations of Dunbar and Hunter’s findings are those of this author.
Effects of a combination of strontium and fluoride on dental caries in the rat

Abstract Concentrations of strontium (Sr) at 0.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0 and 30.0 ugSr/10g body weight plus 10 ugF/10g body weight were given by intubation during molar development. After weaning all rats were given 0, 5, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 mg/l together with fluoride (F) at 10 mg/l, in drinking water after tooth eruption with a caries promoting diet. The trace element concentrations were based upon those found to reduct caries prevalence in human studies. Results showed a reduction in smooth surface dental caries by the Sr+F over and above that of F alone. A curvilinear relationship of Sr to dental caries was found similar to that previously reported in man. Greatest reductions in decay were found with 50 mg Sr + 10 mg F/l. The combination of Sr+F was superior than F alone for caries reductions.
Staining tissue of the central nervous system with luxol fast blue and neutral red.

The tissue is fixed in 10% neutral saline formalin for 1 day to 3 wk depending on the size of the block, dehydrated and embedded in paraffin. The sections are stained at 57° C for 2 hr, then at 22°...
Significant variation in recommendation of care for women of reproductive age with ulcerative colitis postileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

Ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the preferred surgical option for treatment refractory ulcerative colitis. Infertility risk post IPAA and sphincter injury concerns with vaginal delivery has led to a lack of consensus regarding timing and recommended mode of delivery (MOD) post-IPAA. To better understand these issues, we surveyed gastroenterologists (GI), colorectal surgeons (CRS), and obstetricians (OB) to assess practice variation in recommendations for delivery post IPAA. Clinical vignettes were developed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs surrounding (1) the impact of IPAA on fertility, (2) IPAA timing around pregnancy, (3) recommended MOD after IPAA and (4) which specialist should advise on MOD. These were emailed to providers using specialty society address lists. Univariate analyses tested differences among groups. A total of 244 GI, 158 CRS and 39 OBs responded to the survey. The majority of GI (67 %) and CRS (60 %) quoted fertility reduction of >20 % post-IPAA versus 11 % OB (p < 0.001). More GI than CRS (67 vs. 45 %) recommended delaying IPAA until after pregnancy (p < 0.001), and this was more commonly suggested by CRS in practice <10 years (p = 0.01) and <45 years old (p = 0.003). Vaginal delivery was recommended post-IPAA in 43, 20 and 57 % for GI, CRS and OB, respectively (p < 0.001). Only 28 % CRS versus 59 % OB thought OB should primarily advise on MOD (p < 0.001). There is significant intra- and inter-group variation in management of women post-IPAA. There is need for consensus among subspecialists involved in managing women with this complex condition.
Relationship between rainfall and stable fly (Diptera: Muscidae) abundance on California dairies.

Abstract Populations of adult stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), were visually estimated by counting flies on the front legs of cattle on southern and central California confined dairy feedlots between late April and mid-June (encompassing the peak stable fly activity period). Fly counts on 45–90 animals (three to six dairies) per weekly sample date were conducted in 1985, 1986, 1993, 2002, and 2003. Average biting intensity (flies per front leg) for the peak fly season was not significantly related to early winter (December–January), late winter (February–March), or total period (December–March) rainfall, but it was strongly related (r2 = 0.726) to March rainfall. March rains probably moistened outside decaying manure habitats and similar substrates that are particularly suitable at that time for stable fly oviposition and larval development. Degree-day accumulations link the timing of significant (≥1.3 cm) late winter or early spring rains to peak adult stable fly activity two generations later in ...
Nowcasting Thunderstorm Anvil Clouds over Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Abstract Electrified thunderstorm anvil clouds extend the threat of natural and triggered lightning to space launch and landing operations far beyond the immediate vicinity of thunderstorm cells. The deep convective updrafts of thunderstorms transport large amounts of water vapor, supercooled water droplets, and ice crystals into the upper troposphere, forming anvil clouds, which are then carried downstream by the prevailing winds in the anvil-formation layer. Electrified anvil clouds have been observed over the space launch and landing facilities of the John F. Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), emanating from thunderstorm activity more than 200 km away. Space launch commit criteria and flight rules require launch and landing vehicles to avoid penetration of the nontransparent portion of anvil clouds. The life cycles of 163 anvil clouds over the Florida peninsula and its coastal waters were documented using Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-8 visible...
Thermal Death Kinetics of Red Flour Beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

While developing radio frequency heat treatments for dried fruits and nuts, we used a heating block system developed by Washington State University to identify the most heat-tolerant life stage of red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), and to determine its thermal death kinetics. Using a heating rate of 15°C/min to approximate the rapid heating of radio frequency treatments, the relative heat tolerance of red flour beetle stages was found to be older larvae > pupae and adults > eggs and younger larvae. Lethal exposure times for temperatures of 48, 50, and 52°C for the most heat-tolerant larval stage were estimated using a 0.5th order kinetic model. Exposures needed for 95% mortality at 48°C were too long to be practical (67 min), but increasing treatment temperatures to 50 and 52°C resulted in more useful exposure times of 8 and 1.3 min, respectively. Red flour beetle was more sensitive to changes in treatment temperature than previously studied moth species, resulting in red flour beetle being the most heat-tolerant species at 48°C, but navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker), being most heat tolerant at 50 and 52°C. Consequently, efficacious treatments for navel orangeworm at 50–52°C also would control red flour beetle.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the bladder associated with long term suprapubic tube: a case report

Chronic indwelling catheters may induce histologic changes within the bladder, and these changes are sometimes pre-malignant. There are many documented cases of squamous cell carcinoma associated with indwelling catheters, but only three cases of catheter-associated adenocarcinoma have been reported. In this case report, we present radiographic findings of a case of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the bladder and suprapubic (SP) tract in a quadriplegic patient. A 71-year-old male with a history of spinal cord injury presented with hematuria and SP discharge after SP catheterization for 51 years. CT urography was performed and revealed an irregular, infiltrative, and heterogeneous mass arising from the anterior bladder at the level of the suprapubic catheter and extending along the SP tube tract. Cystoscopy and biopsy revealed an adenocarcinoma of the anterior bladder and stoma with extensive associated mucin production and a background of acute and chronic inflammation. Surgical therapy included cystoprostatectomy, abdominal wall resection, ileal conduit creation, and abdominal wall reconstruction. The final diagnosis was a high-grade, T2a/N0/M0 (Stage II) mucinous adenocarcinoma of the bladder. There has been no evidence of tumor recurrence over the previous 5 years. Few cases of adenocarcinoma associated with long term indwelling catheter have been reported in the literature, and due to the rarity of this disease process, the prognosis with surgical therapy is not well known. The patient described herein has been free of recurrence for the previous five years, suggesting that surgery is a viable management option for these patients.