cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activity of upper airway muscles during augmented breaths.

The effect of augmented breaths on the electrical activity of upper airway (UAW) muscles was studied in fourteen spontaneously breathing anesthetized dogs. Moving average traces of the electrical activity recorded from the genioglossus (GG), the posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA), and the alar portion of the nasalis muscle (AN) were compared to tracings of diaphragm electrical activity. During augmented breaths the electrical activity of the diaphragm showed the characteristicsbiphasic pattern previously described: an initial phase following the contour of a normal breath (phase I) and an augmented phase arising near the crest of the initial phase (phase II). During all augmented breaths, the GG, PCA and AN showed the same biphasic pattern as the diaphragm. The normally rounded shape of UAW muscle EMG activity during control breaths changed to a more sharply peaked from during the second phase of the augmented breath. Onset of activity of all UAW muscles studied preceded that of the diaphragm; during control breaths, the average interval was 0.29 sec for the PCA, 0.25 sec for the GG and 0.14 sec for the AN (P<0.05). The amount of pre-activation was decreased to less than 0.10 sec during the second phase of the augmented breath. The slopes and amplitudes of phase I were similar to that of control breaths. The peak EMG activity of the augmented breath was 214% of the control breaths for the diaphragm, 247% for the GG, 168% for the AN and 161% for the PCA (P<0.005 for GG, P<0.001 for the others). During hyperoxic hypercapnia the slopes and amplitudes of phase II remained nearly constant for all four muscles, whereas the slopes and amplitudes of phase I changed with the chemical drive just as in control breaths. UAW resistance. recorded in five additional spontaneously breathing anesthetized dogs, was 32% less during inspiration than expiration during control breaths, and 31% less during phase I of augmented breaths; there was a further 18% decrease during phase II of augmented breaths (P<0.001). The results suggest that mechanisms responsible for augmented breaths act similarly on upper airway muscles and the diaphragm.
Lipid and Moisture Content Modeling of Amphidromous Dolly Varden Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

AbstractThe physiological well-being or condition of fish is most commonly estimated from aspects of individual morphology. However, these metrics may be only weakly correlated with nutritional reserves stored as lipid, the primary form of accumulated energy in fish. We constructed and evaluated bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) models as an alternative method of assessing condition in amphidromous Dolly Varden Salvelinus malma collected from nearshore estuarine and lotic habitats of the Alaskan Arctic. Data on electrical resistance and reactance were collected from the lateral and ventral surfaces of 192 fish, and whole-body percent lipid and moisture content were determined using standard laboratory methods. Significant inverse relationships between temperature and resistance and reactance prompted the standardization of these data to a constant temperature using corrective equations developed herein. No significant differences in resistance or reactance were detected among spawning and nonspawning...
High temperature polymer matrix composites

These are the proceedings of the High Temperature Polymer Matrix Composites Conference held at the NASA Lewis Research Center on March 16 to 18, 1983. The purpose of the conference is to provide scientists and engineers working in the field of high temperature polymer matrix composites an opportunity to review, exchange, and assess the latest developments in this rapidly expanding area of materials technology. Technical papers are presented in the following areas: (1) matrix development; (2) adhesive development; (3) Characterization; (4) environmental effects; and (5) applications.
APPLICATIONS FOR GEOSYNTHETICS ON FOREST SERVICE LOW-VOLUME ROADS

Today's geosynthetic products have many useful, creative, and cost-effective applications for rural, low-volume roads. In the management of almost a half-million km (quarter-million mi) of low-volume roads, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS), has developed and adopted many uses for geosynthetics. An overview is presented of many of those uses and their advantages. The USFS gained much of its experience and practice with geosynthetics while constructing a wide variety of Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining walls, including geotextile, timber, modular-block, and tire-faced structures, and reinforced soil slopes. More recently, the USFS has used geosynthetics for MSE bridge abutments and Deep Patch road-shoulder reinforcement. Other typical geosynthetic applications include filtration, drainage, subgrade reinforcement, and erosion control.
The hemolytic activity of (Fab-Fc) recombinant immunoglobulins with specificity for the sheep red blood cells

Abstract Antibody-like molecules were formed by artificial recombination of proteolytic IgG fragments (Fab′ with anti-SRBC activity, and Fc) and used for studies concerning the complement fixation. Such molecules, when composed of single Fab′ bound to Fc fragment appeared inactive, while species containing two Fab′ fragments revealed the hemolytic activity. The results were discussed and interpreted, assuming that the interaction of Fab domains with C H 2 domains in the Fc fragment is a main structural effect influencing the binding of the complement.
A facile, stereoselective preparation of (Z)-2,4-pentadienoates by favorskii rearrangement

Abstract Reaction of 1,3,4-tribromo-2-alkanones, efficiently prepared by direct bromination of the parent enone, with methanolic sodium methoxide gives methyl ( Z )-2,4-pentadienoates with high ( Z ) selectivity about the α,β-double bond.
Global solidarity: The Black Panther party in the international arena

Abstract The Black Panther Party for Self‐Defense (BPP), founded October 15, 1966 by the late Dr. Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland, California, arguably represented the premier Black left organization of the African American freedom struggle. Throughout its 16‐year history (October 1966 through June 1982) the BPP situated Black protest within a global framework. An important, yet often ignored, aspect of the legacy of the Black Panther Party has been its international dimensions and global role in the New Left Activism of the late 1960s. This essay illuminates the international character of the BPP through the prism of the “world‐historical movement” construct developed by George Kalsiaficas in The Imagination of the New Left: A Global Analysis of 1968 (Boston: South End Press, 1987). This conceptual framework permits one to ascertain the convergence of Panther politics‐ideas, tactics, and goals‐with those of the global insurgency of the 1960s. We examine the global emulators of the Panther model...
Simulation of dislocations and strength in thin films: A review

Crystalline thin films have mechanical properties that cannot be predicted based on bulk scaling laws. Owing to their importance in technology, a great deal of effort has gone into modeling and simulation of the behaviors of dislocations in thin films. In this review, the successes and failures of modeling dislocations in thin films via analytical techniques, 2D dislocation dynamics simulations, and 3D discrete dislocation dynamics (DDD) simulations are discussed. Brief discussions of phase field models and level set methods are also included. The unique importance of 3D DDD simulations is highlighted, as these simulations allow study of realistic dislocation behavior that is otherwise difficult or impossible to observe. The utility of 3D DDD in discovering the mechanisms that control deformation in films is demonstrated, and first steps towards construction of a strain hardening model based on those mechanisms are described.
ACTIVE SEPARATION CONTROL OF FLOW OVER A WALL-MOUNTED HUMP USING ZERO-EFFLUX SYNTHETIC JET

Most practical flows in engineering applications are turbulent, and exhibit separation which is generally undesirable because of its adverse effects on performance and efficiency. Therefore, control of turbulent separated flows has been a topic of significant interest as it can reduce separation losses. Often, flow control work employs passive techniques to manipulate the flow. These approaches do not require any additional energy source to achieve the control, but are accompanied by additional viscous losses. However, it is more desirable to employ active techniques as these can be turned on and off, depending on the flow control requirement. Use of synthetic jets has gained popularity in recent times for active flow control because of their ability to transfer linear momentum to the flow system without net-mass injection across the boundary in the vicinity of separation. The present work is Case 3 of the 2004 CFD Validation on Synthetic Jets and Turbulent Separation Control Workshop, http://cfdval2004.larc.nasa.gov/case3.html, conducted by NASA for the flow over a wall-mounted hump. This flow is characterized by a simple geometry, but, nevertheless, is rich in many complex flow phenomena such as shear layer instability, separation, reattachment, and vortex interactions. The baseline case and control case with steady suction has been successfully simulated by Gan et al., (2007 and 2008). The present work is focused on implementing a synthetic jet to achieve flow control. The jet was simulated by implementing an analytical sinusoidal velocity boundary condition at the surface of the jet exit. The jet-exit velocity has a parabolic profile across the control slot, and a sinusoidal temporal variation. The flow is simulated at a Reynolds number of 371,600, based on the hump chord length, C, and a Mach number of 0.04. The synthetic control jet exits through a slot located at approximately 0.65 C. Solutions are obtained using the three-dimensional RANS SST turbulence model, and the DES and LES turbulence modeling approaches. Multiple turbulence modeling approaches help to ascertain what techniques are most appropriate for capturing the physics of this complex separated flow. The location of the reattachment behind the hump is compared with experimental results. The successful control of this turbulent separated flow leads to a reduction in the reattachment length, compared with the baseline case. Velocity contours at several streamwise locations are presented and compared to experimental results. Mean flow parameters such as pressure coefficients and skin-friction coefficient are presented. The paper includes detailed comparisons of turbulent parameters such as the Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE) and Reynolds stress profiles, with experimental results. Instantaneous vorticity contours are presented from the simulations. Discussion are presented of the effects of synthetic jet control on flow separation and reattachment and the resulting enhancement of performance and efficiency.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Cytokinins in the Soluble RNA of Plant Tissues

The cytokinin, N(6)-(Delta(2)-isopentenyl) adenosine occurs in the soluble RNA of yeast and mammalian tissue and has now been detected in plant soluble RNA. A hydroxylated derivative of this cytokinin 6-(cis-4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enylamino)-9-,beta-D-ribofuranosylpurine has also been identified as a constituent of plant soluble RNA.
Propagation-of-uncertainty from contact angle and streaming potential measurements to XDLVO model assessments of membrane-colloid interactions.

Abstract Membrane fouling assessed from a fundamental standpoint within the context of the Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) model. The DLVO model requires that the properties of the membrane and foulant(s) be quantified. Membrane surface charge (zeta potential) and free energy values are characterized using streaming potential and contact angle measurements, respectively. Comparing theoretical assessments for membrane–colloid interactions between research groups requires that the variability of the measured inputs be established. The impact that such variability in input values on the outcome from interfacial models must be quantified to determine an acceptable variance in inputs. An interlaboratory study was conducted to quantify the variability in streaming potential and contact angle measurements when using standard protocols. The propagation of uncertainty from these errors was evaluated in terms of their impact on the quantitative and qualitative conclusions on extended DLVO (XDLVO) calculated interaction terms. The error introduced into XDLVO calculated values was of the same magnitude as the calculated free energy values at contact and at any given separation distance. For two independent laboratories to draw similar quantitative conclusions regarding membrane–foulant interfacial interactions the standard error in contact angle values must be ⩽ 2.5°, while that for the zeta potential values must be ⩽ 7 mV.
ESP AND THE CREDIBILITY OF CRITICS

Moss and Butler's denigration of parapsychology (1978) in this Journal contains eight statements describing the writings of R. A. McConnell which are compared with the referenced papers for accuracy.
Venovenous cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using a bicaval dual-lumen catheter in neonates

Abstract Purpose Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) has been used as a management strategy for neonates with refractory pulmonary failure. However, VV-ECMO has been limited in neonates secondary to cannula design and patient size. Herein, we describe the use of a bicaval dual-lumen catheter for VV-ECMO in neonates. Methods The medical records of all neonates cannulated for ECMO support with a bicaval dual-lumen 13F catheter from 2008 to 2010 were reviewed. Results Nine neonates cannulated with this dual-lumen catheter were identified. The median gestational age was 38 weeks (range, 31-40 weeks), the median weight was 3.4 kg (range, 2.2-5.5 kg), the median age at cannulation was 2 days (range, 1-64 days), and the median duration of ECMO support was 7 days (range, 5-23 days). There were no VV-to-VA conversions. The median pump flow both at 4 and 24 hours postcannulation was 300 mL/min (range, 240-370 mL/min). One patient developed cannula thrombosis, and one required cannula repositioning because of flow recirculation. Overall survival was 56%. Conclusion The dual-lumen bicaval catheter can be safely used in neonates with minimal complications and is our preferred method for VV-ECMO support in the neonatal population.
Values and Limitations of Duplex Ultrasonography as the Sole Imaging Method of Preoperative Evaluation for Popliteal and Infrapopliteal Bypasses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether duplex ultrasound arterial mapping (DAM) can reliably replace standard arteriography (SA) in the preoperative assessment of candidates for popliteal and infrapopliteal bypasses. This is the report of a two-phase study undertaken at our institution from July 1997 to May 1998. Carefully performed DAM averted the need for preoperative SA (51 of 58 procedures). The results of this study can be used as an impetus to initiate larger, multicenter protocols to further evaluate this newer noninvasive approach for patients presenting with severe lower-limb ischemia.
Laboratory studies on polybrominated biphehyl-induced immune alterations following low-level chronic or pre/postnatal exposure

Abstract The affect of pre/postnatal or chronic exposure to polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) on the immune system of rodents was investigated. In chronic studies, mice and rats received 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0 or 10.0 mg PBB/kg body weight by gavage 5 days a week for 6 months. Pre/postnatal exposure in mice was accomplished through maternal dosing that commenced on gestational day 0 and continued on alternate days until litters were weaned. The dosage levels tested were 0.3, 1.0, 3.0 and 10.0 mg/kg maternal body weight. Immune parameters evaluated included lymphoproliferative capabilities, delayed hypersensitivity responses, antibody responses and serum immunoglobulin levels. In addition, mice were evaluated for bone marrow abnormalities, macrophage functions, resistance to L. monocytogenes infection and sensitivity to bacterial endotoxin. In rats, depression of both humoral and cell mediated immune parameters were evident in the highest dosage group while only cell mediated immune correlates were affected at lower dosage groups. The immunological system of mice were less affected following chronic PBB exposure than rats since decreases in lymphoproliferative responses, serum immunoglobulin levels and resistance to L. monocytogenes infection occurred only in the highest dosage group. Immune parameters including several macrophage function tests were not affected following pre/postnatal exposure to PBB in mice. While PBB can induce immune alterations in rodents, its immunological affects were apparent only at exposure levels near doses that caused other significant toxicity such as liver lesions and decreased weight gains. In addition, the potential for immunologic dysfunction apparently is species variable since rats appear more sensitive than mice even when dosage is based on body surface unit.
Involvement of Calcineurin in Transforming Growth Factor-β-mediated Regulation of Extracellular Matrix Accumulation

Calcineurin is a calcium-dependent, serine/threonine phosphatase that functions as a signaling intermediate. In this study, we investigated the role of calcineurin in transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-mediated cellular effects and examined the signaling pathway involved in activation of calcineurin. Calcineurin is activated by TGF-β in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Consistent with increased phosphatase activity, the calcineurin substrate, NFATc1, is dephosphorylated and transported to the nucleus. Inhibition of calcineurin prior to the addition of TGF-β revealed that calcineurin is required for TGF-β-mediated accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins but not cell hypertrophy. Conversely, overexpression of constitutively active calcineurin was sufficient to induce ECM protein expression. The mechanism of calcineurin activation by TGF-β was found to be induction of a low, sustained increase of intracellular calcium. Chelation of extracellular calcium blocked both TGF-β-mediated calcium influx and calcineurin activity. Finally, calcium entry was found to be dependent upon generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide. Accordingly, inhibition of ROS generation also blocked TGF-β-mediated calcineurin phosphatase activity and decreased ECM accumulation. In conclusion, this study describes a new pathway for TGF-β-mediated regulation of ECM via generation of ROS, calcium influx, and activation of calcineurin.
Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by cyclosporine A or related compounds correlates with the ability to disrupt the Gag-cyclophilin A interaction.

Abstract The HIV-1 Gag polyprotein specifically incorporates the cellular peptidylprolyl isomerase cyclophilin A into virions. HIV-1 replication is inhibited by cyclosporine A, an immunosuppressive drug which binds with high affinity to cyclophilin A and precludes interaction with the Gag polyprotein. Using a panel of four drugs, including cyclosporine A, two nonimmunosuppressive analogues of cyclosporine A which bind to cyclophilin A but which cannot form a tertiary complex with the calcium-dependent phosphatase calcineurin, and the structurally unrelated immunosuppressant FK506, we demonstrated that the antiviral effect of cyclosporine A is not due to blockade of calcineurin-mediated signal transduction pathways. Rather, the effectiveness of cyclosporine A and related compounds at inhibiting HIV-1 replication correlates with cyclophilin A-binding affinity and with the ability to disrupt the interaction between cyclophilin A and the HIV-1 Gag polyprotein. These results support the contention that the Gag–cyclophilin A interaction is required for HIV-1 replication.
Quality and the development of reference materials, including the role of traceability and comparability

The global recognition that quality is an economic issue is requiring analytical chemists to look at the chemical measurement process in a way that has not been done before. Much work has been done in certifying reference materials, writing measurement protocols, creating measurement networks, developing analytical measurement techniques and other efforts to make good measurements. This article explores the meaning of quality in chemical measurements and discusses quality in terms of credibility, reliability, traceability and comparability. The importance of understanding the contribution of comparability and traceability to quality in chemical measurements and chemical metrology is emphasized.
Phase transitions of the starch–water system

When purified potato starch granules are heated in the presence of limited amounts of water (less than 1.5 H2O: starch, w/w), two endothermic transitions are observed by differential scanning calorimetry. The lower temperature endotherm is always observed at a fixed temperature, 66°C; it is the only endotherm observed when excess water is present. The higher temperature endotherm is observed at increasing temperatures as the water content is decreased. The size of this endotherm decreases with water content. The appearance of the higher temperature endotherm allows the determination of the stoichiometry for full hydration of starch, 14 H2O/hexose unit. The shift of the higher temperature endotherm is interpreted as the lowering of the melting point of starch crystallites by solvent water.
Membrane dynamics of the amphiphilic siderophore, acinetoferrin.

Acinetobacter haemolyticus is an antibiotic resistant, pathogenic bacterium responsible for an increasing number of hospital infections. Acinetoferrin (Af), the amphiphilic siderophore isolated from this organism, contains two unusual trans-2-octenoyl hydrocarbon chains reminiscent of a phospholipid structural motif. Here, we have investigated the membrane affinity of Af and its iron complex, Fe−Af, using small and large unilamellar phospholipid vesicles (SUV and LUV) as model membranes. Af shows a high membrane affinity with a partition coefficient, Kx = 6.8 × 105. Membrane partitioning and trans-membrane flip-flop of Fe−Af have also been studied via fluorescence quenching of specifically labeled vesicle leaflets and 1H NMR line-broadening techniques. Fe−Af is found to rapidly redistribute between lipid and aqueous phases with dissociation/partitioning rates of koff = 29 s-1 and kon = 2.4 × 104 M-1 s-1, respectively. Upon binding iron, the membrane affinity of Af is reduced 30-fold to Kx‘ = 2.2 × 104 for...
Role of Flower and Pollen Aromas in Host-Plant Recognition by Solitary Bees

The means by which newly emerged pollen-specific (oligolectic) solitary bees locate their appropriate pollen host plant is not clearly understood. To evaluate the role of flower and pollen odors in this recognition process, preference tests were performed on foraging-inexperienced and, for comparison, field-experienced individuals of the solitary bee Colletes fulgidus longiplumosus. The bees were presented with a choice of four plant species, offered in the form of aromas from flowers, whole pollen, pollenkitt, and internal pollen lipids. Observed feeding-attempt response patterns suggest: 1) that bees can distinguish between plant species on the basis of odors from flowers, whole pollen, and pollenkitt, 2) inexperienced bees show a preference for the pollen on which they were reared as larvae, and 3) chemicals eliciting feeding responses to pollen appear to be contained in the pollenkitt. Feeding responses by experienced bees differ from those of inexperienced bees in ways which indicate that the insects' odor-based search image of the host plant becomes modified by foraging experience.
The mechanism of apoptosis in human platelets during storage.

BACKGROUND: Although it is usually involved only in nucleated cells (NCs), artificially enucleated cells also lose viability by a programmed process of cell death called apoptosis. Because platelets undergo loss of viability during storage, an attempt was made to determine whether platelets contained the apoptotic mechanisms and whether it was activated during platelet storage. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Platelet viability was measured by reduction of a tetrazolium dye (MTS) and annexin V binding. Members of the death receptor, caspase, and Bcl-2 families were detected by RNase protection assay and Western blotting. Caspase 3 activation was measured by enzyme and Western blot assays and by cleavage of gelsolin. RESULTS: After 5 days of storage under standard blood banking conditions, platelets display biochemical signs of apoptosis by losing MTS activity and increasing the amount of phosphatidylserine on their surface. The mRNA and the proenzyme for several members of the caspase, death receptor, and Bcl-2 families are expressed at high levels in platelets. An increase in caspase 3 activity and the amount of the biologically active p17 subunit of active caspase 3 were observed to coincide with the appearance of apoptotic markers during storage. These effects were not due to platelet activation. The caspase 3 substrate, gelsolin, began to undergo proteolysis after 3 to 4 days of storage, and the addition of the caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmt substantially inhibited this process. CONCLUSION: Platelets contain many of the components of the apoptotic mechanism and show activation of caspase 3 and consequent cleavage of gelsolin during storage, independent of platelet activation. Evaluation of the mechanism of apoptosis in platelets may provide a basis for developing novel strategies to enhance platelet viability during storage.
Craniometric Variation within the Pleistocene of Java: The Ngawi 1 Cranium

The recently described cranium from Ngawi, East Java, is an important addition to the human fossil record. Several workers have placed Ngawi 1 into a grouping with the Ngandong and Sambungmacan specimens due to an overall metric and nonmetric similarity to those fossils. Multivariate comparisons of cranial shape have not been performed utilizing Ngawi, however, so it is unknown whether this specimen will fall within the current range of variation in those samples or if it will extend that range. Likewise, the inclusion of the Ngawi skull will allow a new test of the hypothesis that the African and Indonesian specimens currently allocated to Homo erectus exhibit a craniometric pattern that is significantly different from that seen in the Zhoukoudian crania. Mahalanobis distances will be used to examine the levels of variation present in a large sample representing the most complete African, Indonesian, and Chinese specimens of H. erectus. Statistical significance of the distances generated will be calculated using random expectation statistics. The results indicate that Ngawi shares strong shape similarities with the African and Indonesian specimens studied, and exhibits significant differences with the Zhoukoudian fossils. This supports earlier work by a number of scholars that found evidence of a unique craniometric pattern at that Chinese site. In addition, these tests indicate that cranial shape remained relatively invariant on Java for much of the Pleistocene. These findings, in conjunction with evidence for the appearance of unique nonmetric traits in the late-surviving Ngandong crania, suggest that the hominid populations of Java were relatively isolated for extended periods of time.
Additional Fallisia spp. (Apicomplexa: Plasmodiidae) of Neotropical lizards

Fallisia biporcati n. sp. parasitises thrombocytes and lymphocytes of Anolis biporcatus and A. lionotus in Panama. Round or oval schizonts average 13.3 × 11.5 (10.5–16 × 9–13) μm, with LW 153.8 (94–208) μm2, and produce 38.3 (28–60) merozoites. Gametocytes are variably shaped, from round or oval to nearly triangular or rectangular, and average 12.6 × 9.0 (10–15 × 6–12) μm, with LW 113.1 (82–150) μm2 and L/W ratio 1.43 (1.0–2.2). Thrombocytes and lymphocytes of A. poecilopus in Panama are parasitised by F. poecilopi n. sp. Schizonts, oval to elongate in shape, 7.7 × 4.7 (5.5–9 × 3–6) μm, with LW 36.5 (22–54) μm2, are filled with 31.0 (20–51) tiny nuclei or merozoites. Gametocytes are 10.1 × 8.0 (7.5–14 × 6–11) μm, with LW 82.0 (45–132) μm2, round to elongate with L/W ratio 1.27 (1.0–1.6). F. thecadactyli n. sp. parasitises thrombocytes and lymphocytes of Thecadactylus rapicaudus in Panama and Venezuela. Oval, oblong, or triangular schizonts average 10.3 × 8.0 (7–13 × 5–12) μm, with LW 86.6 (37–156) μm2, and produce 40.2 (26–61) merozoites. Gametocytes are round, oval, triangular or elongate, 10.4 × 7.0 (7–15 × 5–11) μm, with LW 74.8 (40–154) μm2 and L/W ratio 1.51 (1.1–2.2). F. dominicensis n. sp. parasitises thrombocytes of A. cybotes on Hispaniola. Schizonts, 6.0 × 4.8 (4–8 × 3–7) μm, with LW 29.1 (12–56) μm2, round, oval, elongate, oblong or lentiform in shape, produce 12.4 (8–22) merozoites. Gametocytes are 6.6 × 5.0 (5–9 × 4–7) μm , with LW 33.8 (20–56) μm2, round, oval or elongate, and L/W ratio of 1.34 (1.1–2.0).
Radioisotope Powered Electrostatic Microactuators and Electronics

Radioisotope thin films, with their 1-100 MJ/cc energy densities and 1-100 year half lifetimes, are suitable for powering long lifetime autonomous microsystems. In this paper, we review the application of nickel-63 radioisotope thin-film fuels in long lifetime power generators, direct charging DC voltage generators, novel low voltage drop bridge rectifiers, and self-powered wake-up sensors. A broad tool kit of capabilities enabled by the energetic thin films may enable near-perpetual microsystems.
Explorations in evolutionary design of online auction market mechanisms

Abstract This paper describes the use of a genetic algorithm (GA) to find optimal parameter-values for trading agents that operate in virtual online auction ‘e-marketplaces’, where the rules of those marketplaces are also under simultaneous control of the GA. The aim is to use the GA to automatically design new mechanisms for agent-based e-marketplaces that are more efficient than online markets designed by (or populated by) humans. The space of possible auction-types explored by the GA includes the continuous double auction (CDA) mechanism (as used in most of the world’s financial exchanges), and also two purely one-sided mechanisms. Surprisingly, the GA did not always settle on the CDA as an optimum. Instead, novel hybrid auction mechanisms were evolved, which are unlike any existing market mechanisms. In this paper we show that, when the market supply and demand schedules undergo sudden ‘shock’ changes partway through the evaluation process, two-sided hybrid market mechanisms can evolve which may be unlike any human-designed auction and yet may also be significantly more efficient than any human designed market mechanism.
Living history: F. Eugene Yates.

In 2005, the American Physiological Society (APS) initiated the Living History of Physiology Archival Program to recognize senior members who have made significant contributions during their career...
EVSAC: Accelerating Hypotheses Generation by Modeling Matching Scores with Extreme Value Theory

Algorithms based on RANSAC that estimate models using feature correspondences between images can slow down tremendously when the percentage of correct correspondences (inliers) is small. In this paper, we present a probabilistic parametric model that allows us to assign confidence values for each matching correspondence and therefore accelerates the generation of hypothesis models for RANSAC under these conditions. Our framework leverages Extreme Value Theory to accurately model the statistics of matching scores produced by a nearest-neighbor feature matcher. Using a new algorithm based on this model, we are able to estimate accurate hypotheses with RANSAC at low inlier ratios significantly faster than previous state-of-the-art approaches, while still performing comparably when the number of inliers is large. We present results of homography and fundamental matrix estimation experiments for both SIFT and SURF matches that demonstrate that our method leads to accurate and fast model estimations.
A Review of the Economic Rewards and Risks of Ethanol Production

Ethanol production doubled in a very short period of time in the U.S. due to a combination of natural disasters, political tensions, and much more demand globally from petroleum. Responses to this expansion will span many sectors of society and the economy. As the Midwest gears up to rapidly add new ethanol manufacturing plants, the existing regional economy must accommodate the changes. There are issues for decision makers regarding existing agricultural activities, transportation and storage, regional economic impacts, the likelihood of growth in particular areas and decline in others, and the longer term economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Many of these issues will have to be considered and dealt with in a simultaneous fashion in a relatively short period of time. This chapter investigates sets of structural, industrial, and regional consequences associated with ethanol plant development in the Midwest, primarily, and in the nation, secondarily. The first section untangles the rhetoric of local and regional economic impact claims about biofuels. The second section describes the economic gains and offsets that may accrue to farmers, livestock feeding, and other agri-businesses as production of ethanol and byproducts increase. The last section discusses the near and longer term growth prospects for rural areas in the Midwest and the nation as they relate to biofuels production.
Performance Target Levels and Effort: Reciprocity across Single- and Repeated-Interaction Settings

ABSTRACT: We examine how reciprocity affects the relation between performance target levels and effort across single- and repeated-interaction settings. Using a laboratory experiment where participants make choices from a payoff matrix representing target and effort levels, we model a setting where employee-participants have economic incentives to respond to higher target assignments by superior-participants with higher effort. However, reciprocity could lead employees to reward low target assignments with high effort and punish high target assignments with low effort. In a single-interaction setting where only innate preferences can drive reciprocal behavior, we find that superiors select higher targets and that employees generally respond with higher effort. In a repeated-interaction setting where reciprocal behavior can emerge for strategic reasons, we find that superiors set lower targets and that employees generally respond to low targets with high effort and to high targets with low effort. Collecti...
Mechanism for Framework Grain Dissolution (Secondary Porosity in Sandstones): ABSTRACT

We propose that organic and clay maturation in concert are responsible for much framework grain dissolution (secondary porosity). Petrographic observations indicate a pulse of porosity formation near the top of the oil-generation window and that there is often not enough authigenic clay to account for the aluminum removed from the dissolved grains. Geochemical considerations indicate that H+ ions are required for aluminosilicate dissolution and that the aluminum must be complexed to concentrations greater than 100 ppm in order to transport aluminum out of the sandstone using water volumes available in most basins. The smectite to illite conversion, which is coincident with early organic maturation, produces additional pore water and can desorb organic molecules from the s ectite interlayers. The early stages of organic-matter maturation generates H+ (as carbon dioxide), volume-change pressures to move fluids, and water-soluble organic matter. The soluble organic matter can contain ligand compounds (e.g., short-chain fatty acids) which complex aluminum. The organic ligands in the shale complex aluminum at relatively low concentrations because aqueous aluminum activity is depressed by the formation of illite from smectite. The H+ and organic ligand-bearing solution is expelled into sandstones where the aluminum activity is buffered at higher levels by feldspar, thus allowing higher levels of complexed aluminum. The solution dissolves the feldspars and other aluminosilicate components and complexes much of the resulting aluminum for transport out of the sand tone. End_of_Article - Last_Page 630------------
Sexual behavior of captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): Pregnant versus cycling females.

Sexual behavior was observed in fifteen female and seven male captive adult chimpanzees over a period of three months. Relative frequencies of successful and unsuccessful copulatory attempts were compared to levels of anogenital swelling and reproductive status. In addition, the data were analyzed in relation to three indicators of female primate sexuality: (1) proceptivity, indicated by female attempts at sexual interaction; (2) attractivity, indicated by male-initiated attempts; and (3) receptivity, evident when a female responds positively to male initiation. The data suggest that increased level of anogenital swelling enhanced female proceptivity and attractivity, but not receptivity. Comparison of cycling vs pregnant females revealed that attractivity and receptivity increased during pregnancy, while proceptivity was relatively unchanged. The total success rate (copulations/attempts) was 63.3% (42% for female-initiated attempts and 77% for male-initiated attempts). Pregnant females copulated at a high rate, almost double that of cycling females. Sexual activity during pregnancy and the occurrence of anogenital swelling during pregnancy are discussed in terms of female reproductive strategies.
The behavioral risks and life circumstances of adolescent mothers involved with older adult partners.

Objective To investigate behavioral risks and life circumstances of adolescent mothers with older (≥5 years) adult (≥20 years old) vs similar-aged (±2 years) male partners at 12 months' postpartum. Methods Nine hundred thirty-one adolescent females were interviewed after delivery and were mailed surveys to complete at 12 months' postpartum. Analysis by χ 2 and t test was used to identify differences in behavioral risks (planned repeated pregnancy, substance use, and intimate partner violence) and life circumstances (financial status, school enrollment, and social support) for adolescent mothers with older adult vs similar-aged partners. Additional stratified analyses were conducted to evaluate the extent to which living with an adult authority figure or being with the father of her infant born 12 months previously might alter observed relationships. Results At 12 months following delivery, 184 adolescent mothers (20%) reported having an older adult partner, whereas 312 (34%) had a similar-aged partner. The remaining adolescent mothers (n = 239) were excluded from further analyses. Adolescent mothers with older adult partners were significantly less likely to be employed or enrolled in school and were more likely to report planned repeated pregnancies. These adolescent mothers also received less social support. No differences were observed in intimate partner violence or the mother's substance use. Adolescent mothers with older adult partners who did not live with an adult authority figure seemed to be at greatest risk. Conclusions The negative educational and financial impact of coupling with an older vs similar-aged partner seems greater for those mothers who no longer reside with an adult authority figure. These adolescent mothers are also at greater risk of planned rapid repeated pregnancy. Given their limited educational attainment and family support, a subsequent pregnancy may place these young women at considerable financial and educational disadvantage.
Support for a Reduction in the Number of Trials Needed for the Star Excursion Balance Test

Abstract Robinson RH, Gribble PA. Support for a reduction in the number of trials needed for the Star Excursion Balance Test. Objective To determine the number of trials necessary to achieve stability in excursion distance and stance leg angular displacement for the 8 directions of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Design One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. Setting Athletic training laboratory. Participants Twenty participants (10 men, 10 women) without any known musculoskeletal injuries or neurologic deficits that could have negatively affected their dynamic balance volunteered for the study. Intervention Participants completed 6 practice and 3 test trials in each of the 8 reach directions of the SEBT. Main Outcome Measures Excursion distances of the reaching leg normalized to leg length and angular displacement at the hip and knee of the stance leg in all 3 planes of movement were determined. Results There were significant increases in excursion distance, hip flexion, and knee flexion for 7, 4, and 5 of the 8 reach directions, respectively. Conclusions For the majority of the reach directions, maximum excursion distances and stance leg angular displacement values achieved stability within the first 4 practice trials, thus justifying a reduction in the recommended number of practice trials from 6 to 4 and supporting the trend toward simplifying SEBT administration.
Using replication and partitioning to build secure distributed systems

A challenging unsolved security problem is how to specify and enforce system-wide security policies; this problem is even more acute in distributed systems with mutual distrust. This paper describes a way to enforce policies for data confidentiality and integrity in such an environment. Programs annotated with security specifications are statically checked and then transformed by the compiler to run securely on a distributed system with untrusted hosts. The code and data of the computation are partitioned across the available hosts in accordance with the security specification. The key contribution is automatic replication of code and data to increase assurance of integrity, without harming confidentiality, and without placing undue trust in any host. The compiler automatically generates secure run-time protocols for communication among the replicated code partitions. Results are given from a prototype implementation applied to various distributed programs.
Long-term measurement of arterial blood pressure in conscious mice

This study describes a technique for the direct daily measurement of arterial blood pressure, sampling of arterial blood, and continuous intravenous infusion in free-moving, conscious, Swiss-Webste...
Increased transcapillary escape rate of albumin in Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients with microalbuminuria

The transcapillary escape rate, intravascular mass and outflux of albumin were measured in 75 Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients. The groups were defined as: group 1: normal urinary albumin excretion, <30 mg/24 h (n=21); group 2: microalbuminuria, 30–300 mg/24 h (n=36); group 3: diabeticnephropathy, <300 mg/24 h (n=18). Fifteen sex- and age-matched non-diabetic persons served as control subjects. The diabetes duration was: group 1: 20±9 years, group 2: 17±5 years, group 3: 19±7 years. The transcapillary escape rate of albumin was similar in controls and group 1 (5.0±1.8 versus 5.2±1.5%) and was significantly higher in the microalbuminuric group 2 and group 3 (8.1±2.2 versus 8.1±2.3 %). The differences were not explained by differences in metabolic control or blood pressure at the time of investigation. The outflux of albumin was also higher in group 2 than in group 1 and controls (7.1 ± 2.0 versus 5.3±1.5 and 5.1±2.0 g/h × 1.73 m2). It was indistinguishable from controls in group 3 (5.8±1.5 g/h × 1.73 m2) because of a reduced intravascular mass of albumin (p<0.01) in group 3. In conclusion, a universal vascular leakage of albumin is an early event in the development of diabetic nephropathy, with the leakage of albumin being fully developed in the microalbuminuric patient. In contrast, long-term diabetic patients with normal urinary albumin excretion have a normal transcapillary escape rate of albumin.
Axial cone beam reconstruction with asymptotic trajectory extrapolation implemented by 3-D weighting scheme

Abstract Axial scan along circular trajectory has been the most desirable in clinical and preclinical applications. However, due to the violation of the data sufficiency condition, the reconstruction accuracy of axial scan deteriorates rapidly with increasing detector z -dimension. A number of algorithms have been proposed thus far to improve the reconstruction accuracy. It is well understood that, the larger the radius of circular trajectory, the more accurate the reconstruction. Ultimately, the reconstruction becomes accurate if the trajectory radius reaches infinite. Inspired by such observations, an asymptotic weighting scheme is proposed here for axial scan at large cone angles to improve reconstruction accuracy. In practice, there may be other ways to implement the asymptotic 3-D weighting scheme, and we present one approach in this paper with preliminary results. Further investigation may enable this asymptotic weighting scheme to improve reconstruction accuracy significantly, enabling numerous applications in which axial scan at large z -dimension is desired.
Synthesis of vanadium carbide by temperature programmed reaction

Abstract Vanadium carbide powders are prepared with moderate surface areas of 60 m2 g-1 (particle size 17 nm) by a temperature programmed reaction between solid vanadium pentoxide (19 m2 g-1) and a methane-hydrogen mixture. The synthesis involves two steps. In the first step a single suboxide intermediate, V2O3, is formed by reduction of V2O5 by hydrogen at 800 K. In the second step the V2O3 is reduced and carburized by methane with production of CO at 1180 K. In the early stages, the synthesis is found to be limited by the activation of hydrogen as found from experiments with Pt/V2O5. The transformation is accompanied by retention of external shape and size, and so is pseudomorphic, but does not conserve orientation of crystallographic planes, so is not topotactic. The results are compared and contrasted to those of nitridation with ammonia and reduction by pure hydrogen.
A native-oxide-free process for 4 nm capacitor dielectrics

An integrated process, composed of a vapor HF processor, a wafer carrier box with N/sub 2/ flow, and an SiN LPCVD system with N/sub 2/ flow load-lock, for realizing native-oxide free SiN formation is discussed. It has been found that an ON film having the equivalent oxide thickness of 4 nm can be obtained and further improvement may be possible. Therefore, it is expected to be a promising technology for the 64-Mb DRAM and beyond. >
HIT or Miss - Studying Failures to Enable Success.

Health information technology (HIT) is intended to improve the quality and efficiency of clinical care, but what happens when projects fail? What if an HIT product or project adversely affects patient safety? What can we learn from HIT failures to improve future HIT initiatives and our healthcare delivery system?
Blood Lactate: Biochemistry, Laboratory Methods, and Clinical Interpretation

With the renewed awareness of blood lactate as an indicator of circulatory impairment, there has been much interest in the use of lactate measurements to determine the overall state of oxygenation of patients in critical care. This review begins by covering the areas of lactate homeostasis and biochemistry, both of which are essential for fully understanding the interpretation of lactate measurements. Then, the clinical interpretation of lactate measurements includes sections on the causes and treatments of hemodynamic deficits leading to lactic acidosis, the classification of lactate abnormalities, and the use of lactate measurements in critical care monitoring, including surgery. Both the principles and the latest developments in lactate methodology are covered, including the new whole blood analyzers. This review concludes with reference intervals and guidelines to the interpretation of results.