cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interpretation of Mueller matrix images based on polar decomposition and statistical discriminators to distinguish skin cancer

The Mueller matrix describes all the polarizing properties of a sample, and therefore the optical differences between cancerous and non-cancerous tissue should be present within the matrix elements. We present in this paper the Mueller matrices of three types of tissue; normal, benign mole, and malignant melanoma on a Sinclair swine model. Feature extraction is done on the Mueller matrix elements resulting in the retardance images, diattenuation images, and depolarization images. These images are analyzed in an attempt to determine the important factors for the identification of cancerous lesions from their benign counterparts. In addition, the extracted features are analyzed using statistical processing to develop an accurate classification scheme and to identify the importance of each parameter in the determination of cancerous versus non-cancerous tissue.
THE DECLINE AND FALL OF BARYON CONSERVATION

The author briefly reviews ideas leading to the acceptance of baryon nonconservation and the arguments for an asymmetric universe. He then discusses the application of grand unified theories in trying to explain macroscopic baryon asymmetry via microscopic baryon number-violating processes.
On determining the intracranial sources of visual evoked potentials from scalp topography: A reply to Kelly et al. (this issue)

The cruciform model posits that if a Visual Evoked Potential component originates in cortical area V1, then stimuli placed in the upper versus lower visual field will generate responses with opposite polarity at the scalp. In our original paper (Ales et al., 2010b) we showed that the cruciform model provides an insufficient criterion for identifying V1 sources. This conclusion was reached on the basis of simulations that used realistic 3D models of early visual areas to simulate scalp topographies expected for stimuli of different sizes and shapes placed in different field locations. The simulations indicated that stimuli placed in the upper and lower visual field produce polarity inverting scalp topographies for activation of areas V2 and V3, but not for area V1. As a consequence of the non-uniqueness of the polarity inversion criterion, we suggested that past studies using the cruciform model had not adequately excluded contributions from sources outside V1. In their comment on our paper, Kelly et al. (this issue) raise several concerns with this suggestion. They claim that our initial results did not use the proper stimulus locations to constitute a valid test of the cruciform model. Kelly et al., also contend that the cortical source of the initial visually evoked component (C1) can be identified based on latency and polarity criteria derived from intracranial recordings in non-human primates. In our reply we show that simulations using the suggested critical stimulus locations are consistent with our original findings and thus do not change our conclusions regarding the use of the polarity inversion criterion. We further show that the anatomical assumptions underlying the putatively optimal locations are not consistent with available V1 anatomical data. We then address the non-human primate data, describing how differences in stimuli across studies and species confound an effective utilization of the non-human primate data for interpreting human evoked potential responses. We also show that, considered more broadly, the non-human primate literature shows that multiple visual areas onset simultaneously with V1. We suggest several directions for future research that will further clarify how to make the best use of scalp data for inferring cortical sources.
CREEP OF LITHIUM FLUORIDE SINGLE CRYSTALS AT ELEVATED TEMPERATURES.

Abstract The creep deformation of lithium fluoride single crystals was studied in compression over the temperature range 650°-750°C (0.8–0.9 Tm). Extended primary creep was observed for crystals deformed with the compression axis in ⟨100⟩ orientation; strains of 0.20 or more were required for the establishment of steady-state conditions. Crystals with compression axes in the ⟨111⟩ direction reached steady state quickly, at strains of 0.05 or less. The steady-state strain rate was found to be proportional to the stress raised to the power n, where n ranged from 3.1 for ⟨111⟩ crystals to 4.1 for ⟨100⟩ crystals. The activation energy for creep was determined to be 53 ± 7 kcal/mol over the temperature range considered, regardless of crystal orientation or impurity content up to 300 p.p.m. total impurities; this compares favourably with the activation energy for lattice diffusion of the fluorine ion in LiF. Well developed substructures were observed in the deformed crystals, the subgrain diameter varying inver...
Simultaneous maneuver and vibration suppression of flexible spacecraft

Abstract A method is described for the simultaneous large-angle maneuver and vibration suppression of flexible spacecraft. The control action is carried out in two independent systems, one system performing the maneuvers and the other system controlling the elastic motion. The vibration is suppressed using a natural control. It is shown that control of the elastic motion does not distort the maneuver because the spacecraft linear and angular momenta are conserved regardless of spacecraft modeling errors. Thus, the maneuver can be designed and performed independently of the elastic motion control.
Evidence of solvent-dependent complexation in non-ionic polymer-salt systems

Small angle neutron scattering measurements have been performed on polyethylene oxide (PEO)–salt solutions. An attempt is made to characterize experimentally the scattering behavior of aqueous (D2O) polyethylene oxide and PEO–methanol solutions in the presence of potassium iodide (KI). In water solution, no interactions were observed with KI and PEO. However, in methanol a definite indication of complex formation was found. Addition of KI to a solution of PEO in methanol shows a large change in interchain interaction and chain conformation.
Metalloporphyrins in Oxidative Catalysis. Oxygen Transfer Reactions of Oxochromium Porphyrins

The oxidation of chloro-Svl 0,15 ,20-tetramesitylporphyrinotoiron(III) with peroxyacids affords a reactive oxoiron(lV)-porphyrin cation radical species 2. The characterization of 2 and its oxochromium analogs 3, 4 and 5 are reviewed. The nature of reactive oxochromium species derived from chromyl reagents is also reviewed. The oxidation of triphenylphosphine by CrOTPP (11), CrOTTP (13) and CrOTMP (14) is described. Variations in the rate constants indicate that steric factors affect the rate of oxygen atom transfer. Activation parameters for the oxidation of triphenylphosphine by 14 are t:Jf* = 6.96 kcal/mol and c.S* = -39 eu. The oxidation of r-butylphenylcarbinol (18) by CrOTPP gave predominantly benzaldehyde via carbon-carbon bond cleavage while the chromium(lII) porphyrin-catalyzed oxidation of 18 by iodosylbenzene afforded r-butylphenylketone,
A high-throughput method for Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) ionomics

Reliable and rapid analytical methods are the backbone for generating data and deciphering gene functions in the post-genomics era. We describe here a high-throughput method for the rapid profiling of fourteen elements in the 5153 strain gene deletion collection of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Samples were grown and processed in standard 96-well plate format followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. Optical densities of the yeast were measured prior to ICP-MS analysis and used for the normalization of the data. The elemental profiling data are stored in an online database for later bioinformatics analysis. This method has the capacity to run 288 yeast samples per day on a single ICP-MS, and has allowed the quantification of the ionome in four replicate cultures of approximately 240 yeast deletion strains per week, along with appropriate wild-type and positive control strains. We identified 400 strains that were outliers from the overall deletion collection in at least one element out of the fourteen that were monitored.
Estimation of the length and orientation of the line between two closely co-orbiting satellites

Baseline length and orientation of closely co-orbiting satellites estimated by combined onboard sensor and ground tracking data
Analysis of single mode bent fiber failure under high power conditions

Optical fiber networks are being developed that require higher optical power levels. Examples include long haul communication with Raman amplification and fiber to the premises. Previous studies indicate that tightly bent optical fiber can mechanically fail when exposed to high optical power levels. In an extreme case where fiber is sharply bent and subjected to a power level of 1 to 2 W in the near-infrared wavelength window, optical fiber can fail in minutes. It also has been shown that time to failure decreases with increasing bend stress and optical power. This study is a further investigation of the physical events leading to failure. Previously we demonstrated that the optical signal that escapes the core of bent fiber passes into the coating, where a small amount is absorbed and converted to heat. As a result the coating can be heated to significant temperatures resulting in degradation over time. This paper focuses on several key aspects of the failure kinetics associated with bent fiber under high power. As a result of bending, optical power leaked from the core is distributed in the glass cladding and polymer coating. We have modeled this power distribution and compared it with measured temperature profiles in the coating. The results show that this redistribution of the power is key to establishing the distribution of temperature in the coating and ensuing degradation. This understanding is used to design glass and coating solutions for inhibiting this potential failure mode.
On the Arc Spectra of Boron, Indium, Thallium, Lead, and Bismuth

Observations have been made in the range 1200–2000A of the arc spectra of B, In, Tl, Pb, and Bi. The analysis of B i and Bi i has been considerably extended with the aid of these observations, while new levels been found in In i, Tl i, and Pb i.
Coalition Management in the Face of Ideological and Institutional Constraint: The Case of France's Gauche Plurielle

The experience of the Lionel Jospin-led Gauche Plurielle government (1997–2002), arguably among the most productive of the French Fifth Republic, reveals that semi-presidential and parliamentary systems can produce durable coalition-based regimes capable of ambitious programmatic change. The Jospin government's unexpected longevity and surprising political accomplishments were achieved in the face of fractious Left–Green multiparty bargaining and the challenges of a national executive political cohabitation with an opposition Right president. This Left–Green government crafted and implemented major economic reforms (most notably the complex 35-hour work week initiative) and highly controversial social policies (e.g., civil union legislation and gender parity electoral reforms). Effective management of the Left–Green ideological-policy spectrum was essential, with policy concessions and a common desire for electoral success permitting rival parties to achieve unprecedented coordination of actions. The Jospin style (‘Jospinisme’) was conducive to consensus and governance, with a nuanced balancing of personnel and interests within the government tied to the balancing of parliamentary members’ votes as legislation was moved through the legislative process. In examining this regime and policy environment, we adopt a multi-faceted analytical perspective — bridging ideological-policy, institutional, and ‘critical events’ factors — illuminating the dynamics of a complex political-institutional setting that involved the maneuverings of both the Gauche Plurielle partners (PS, PCF, Left Radicals, Greens, and Chevenement groups) and rival President Jacques Chirac. The Jospin–Gauche Plurielle case illuminates the opportunities and dilemmas inherent in coalition formation, management, and maintenance in a semi-presidential system.
Oral budesonide for the therapy of post-liver transplant de novo inflammatory bowel disease: A case series and systematic review of the literature

Background: The therapy for posttransplant IBD is clinically challenging. Patients receiving liver transplants are immunosuppressed to prevent rejection, but via an unknown mechanism develop de novo IBD in spite of receiving some of the same medications used for therapy in traditional IBD. In the published literature most of the patients who developed de novo IBD were treated with traditional corticosteroids. Exposure to systemic corticosteroids increases risks of infection, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis among other complications. Budesonide, a luminally active steroid with low systemic absorption, is an established therapeutic agent for IBD that should receive special considerations as first-line therapy in this patient population. Methods: We describe 3 cases of de novo IBD after liver transplantation. None of these patients had a history of IBD prior to their transplant. All 3 were treated with oral budesonide in lieu of systemic corticosteroids. Additionally, a Medline MeSH search was performed using the terms “inflammatory bowel disease” and “liver transplant” as part of a systematic review of the literature. Results: All 3 cases of de novo post transplant IBD went into clinical remission with oral budesonide. The Medline search ultimately revealed 19 case reports, case series or retrospective reviews on de novo post liver transplant IBD. Most reports focused on the diagnosis and risk factors and did not have an emphasis on therapy. Conclusions: Given the track record for budesonide in traditional IBD, and its documented efficacy and systemic steroid-sparing benefit, in our opinion this drug should be considered first-line therapy for de novo posttransplant IBD. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008;14:1695–1700)
Element Specific Magnetization of Buried Interfaces Probed by Diffuse X-Ray Resonant Magnetic Scattering.

The magnetization of buried interfaces and its relationship to interfacial roughness is probed for Co films and Co/Cu multilayers using diffuse x-ray resonant magnetic scattering, a method in which the average diffusely scattered x-ray intensity is compared with the component that reflects magnetic scattering. The comparison demonstrates that the boundary between magnetic and nonmagnetic layers is smoother than the interfacial roughness, with short-wavelength roughness less effective in magnetic scattering than longer-wavelength roughness.
Strategies in use to reduce incivilities, provide security and reduce crime in urban parks

Crime and fear of crime continues to increase in recreational settings. However, research on the implementation of crime prevention programs in urban parks is scarce. This study inventories crime prevention strategies as reported by directors of municipal recreation and park agencies. A total of 129 (52 per cent) agencies responded from the 250 largest cities in the United States. The focus was on identifying methods employed to reduce incivilities and crime, generally based on Crime prevention through environmental design strategies listed as options for directors to report their implementation levels. The most widely used strategies were trash removal, graffiti removal, signage and the use of lighting. Less utilized approaches were the stationing of uniformed park personnel, Closed circuit television use, call boxes or the presence of park watch citizen groups. Further research on improving park safety for visitors is needed.
GABA-mediated inhibition in rostral ventromedial medulla: role in nociceptive modulation in the lightly anesthetized rat

Local microinjection of GABAA receptor agonists and antagonists was used to characterize the role of GABA-mediated inhibitory processes in the nociceptive modulatory functions of the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) in the lightly anesthetized rat. Microinjection of selective GABAA receptor antagonists bicuculline methiodide and SR95531 produced a significant increase in tail-flick (TF) latency. This antinociception was dose related, showed recovery and was attenuated by prior injection of the GABAA receptor agonist THIP at the same site. Microinjection of saline or the glycine receptor antagonist strychnine did not significantly affect TF latency. In contrast, administration of GABAA receptor agonists THIP and muscimol resulted in a significant decrease in TF latency. Microinjections at sites surrounding the RVM did not significantly affect TF latency. These results demonstrate that a GABA-mediated process within the RVM is crucial in permitting execution of the TF and, presumably, other spinal nociceptive reflexes.
Transverse resistivities in untwisted HTSC tapes at 4.2, 30, and 60 K

Abstract Using vibrating sample magnetometry eddy-current loss was measured on unbridged Bi:2223/Ag tapes. After taking the tape's aspect ratio, a / b , into account the transverse resistivity, ρ ⊥ , obtained was still very much greater than that obtained using the effective-medium prescription, in this case (1+ λ )/(1− λ ) ρ Ag,bulk at 4.2 K. Moreover, ρ ⊥ was found to be proportional to a / b . Temperature dependence measurements verified that the apparently enhanced resistivity was seated within the interfilamentary matrix, and not asssociated with any T - and H -independent filament/matrix barrier. It was concluded that the eddy-current loss was occurring within a relatively small volume fraction of the filamentary region and that appropriate volume normalization would in fact return a ρ ⊥ closer to expectation. This has important implications in terms of low AC-loss strand design. The above results were based on 4.2 and 30 K measurements. At 60 K where intrafilament flux flow might be expected especially at higher fields, the apparently large ρ ⊥ becomes further enhanced by an additional resistivity component. This is a dynamic resistance that the d H /d t -driven eddy-currents encounter as they circulate along the filamentary segment of their path under flux flow.
Infrared Properties of Ortho and Mixed Crystals of Solid Deuterium at Megabar Pressures and the Question of Metallization in the Hydrogens.

We have studied the infrared absorption spectra of mixed ortho-para and pure ortho deuterium crystals down to liquid helium temperatures and pressures to 194 GPa in search of an insulator-metal transition. Band theory suggests metallization in this range, where densities are increased more than 10 fold. Our energies extend down to 0.37 eV, the lowest yet reported. No clear evidence of metallization is found, according to a Drude analysis. Significant changes in the spectra are observed when mixed ortho-para samples are converted to pure ortho ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$.
Subconscious Gatekeeping: The Effect of Death Thoughts on Bias Toward Outgroups in News Writing

This study contributes to gatekeeping theory by examining the importance of individual-level subconscious psychological factors in news story fact selection, specifically whether the thought of death increases biased writing toward outgroups. An experiment (N = 79), based on terror management theory from social psychology, indicated that college journalists primed to think about death injected into their news stories 66% more negative facts toward a rival university than those in a control condition. Implications for mass media research, particularly individual-level psychological factors overriding routine gatekeeping forces, are discussed.
Reflexivity is equivalent to the perturbed fixed point property for cascading nonexpansive maps in Banach lattices

Abstract Using a theorem of Dominguez Benavides and the Strong James’ Distortion Theorems, we prove that if a Banach space is a Banach lattice, or has an unconditional basis, or is a symmetrically normed ideal of operators on an infinite-dimensional Hilbert space, then it is reflexive if and only if it has an equivalent norm that has the fixed point property for cascading nonexpansive mappings. This new class of mappings strictly includes nonexpansive mappings. Also, using a theorem of Mil’man and Mil’man, we show that for the above classes of Banach spaces, reflexivity is equivalent to the fixed point property for affine cascading nonexpansive mappings. Further, we show that a cascading nonexpansive mapping on a closed, bounded, convex set in a Banach space always has an approximate fixed point sequence.
Prevention of carryover contamination in the detection of βs and βc genes by polymerase chain reaction

As the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process becomes a common tool in genetic diagnostic laboratories, prevention of carryover contamination from previous PCR amplifications has become an urgent topic. A PCR carryover prevention technique, utilizing deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) and uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG), has been described recently. We report on its adaptation to a diagnostic system for detecting hemoglobin SS and SC diseases. Excellent amplification was achieved by increasing the dUTP and MgCl2 concentrations. dU-containing DNA could be analyzed by restriction endonucleases to distinguish the beta S from beta A gene using Ddel, but two other restriction enzymes, Bsu361 (replacement for MstII by the manufacturer) and CvnI, can no longer be used. The dU-containing PCR products retained their hybridization specificity with allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probes for the beta A, beta S, and beta C genes. The PCR carryover prevention technique is easy to use and takes only 20 additional minutes. It should be extremely useful to genetic diagnostic laboratories where PCR is repeated daily and carryover contamination may thus lead to misdiagnoses.
Spatial organization of the peripheral input to area 1 cell columns. II. The forelimb representation achieved by a mosaic of segregates.

Abstract The view (advanced in the previous paper) that the topographic organization in the forelimb region of area 1 of Macaca fascicularis monkeys should be regarded as a mosaic of discrete units— segregates — is evaluated. It is found that in all cortical layers the RFs sampled within a single segregate possess a wide variety of sizes and configurationsand occupy a wide variety of positions on the skin relative to the segregate RF center (the latter is a small skin area common to RFs of all neurons in the segregate). This within-segregate RF variability is structured so that the position of RFs of neurons sampled from different sectors of a segregate exhibits little, if any, systematic shift. The skin area that provides sensory input to any given area 1 segregate (estimated by the aggregate of the RFs sampled from that segregate) is extensive. This ‘segregate RF’, however, is not homogenous: i.e. central regions of the segregate RF are included in the RFs of a higher fraction of the neurons in the segregate than are peripheral regions. Segregate RFs appear particularly extensive when their size is compared with a relatively small shift in skin position that takes place when one shifts from one segregate to the next. Consequently, the skin areas that provide the sensory inputs to neighboring segregates overlap to a very large degree; and even fairly remote segregates in area 1 can receive a substantial common input. The arrangement of segregate RFs in area 1 is, in general, somatotopic. Nevertheless, the local relationships that are obtained among different segregates can deviate significantly from a strictly somatotopic pattern. The area 1 topographic organization detected in this study appears to differ substantially from that described by other investigators. A more detailed analsis suggests that most of the major differences between this and the previous descriptions of area 1 organization may largely be attributable to the different experimental conditions employedand that the results of this study and those described by workers using different mapping methods are, in fact, generally compatible. Finally, it is suggested that the mosaic pattern of the topographic organization detected in area 1 may reflect the bundled nature of its afferent input.
Simulation of transverse gaseous injection through diamond ports into supersonic freestream

Numerical simulations were performed to study the secondary flow structures induced by transverse underexpanded sonic injection through diamond-shaped orifices in a supersonic (M = 2.0 and 5.0) crossflow. Two new vortex features were observed in the vicinity of the injector port when compared to circular injector ports. The first pair, which has the potential to serve as a mixing enhancement mechanism, was located near the leading edge of the injector. The second pair was located just downstream of the barrel shock. This gasdynamically induced flow structure, termed the lateral counter-rotating vortex pair, has the potential to act as a flame-holding device. It was observed that the lateral counter-rotating vortex pair did not form in simulations of angled transverse injection. However, the leading-edge vortex pair was found to be stronger in angled injection simulations. To combine the advantages of the leading-edge mixing and the lateral counter-rotating vortex pair structure, additional numerical simulations were performed with 27.5-90 deg and 45-90 deg hybrid injectors. The lateral counter-rotating vortex pair structure was observed in both of these simulations along with enhanced leading-edge mixing as compared to the normal injection case.
Energetic composition, biomass, and chemical defense in the common antarctic nemertean Parborlasia corrugatus McIntosh

Abstract Parborlasia corrugatus McIntosh is a large, abundant, epibenthic antarctic nemertean which represents a considerable source of nutrition for predators. The energetic composition of adult body tissues (kJ·g −1 dry wt) is comprised primarily of energy derived from protein (11.4 kJ NaOH-insoluble, 6 kJ NaOH-soluble). Energy units associated with lipid (4.3 kJ) and carbohydrate (0.2 kJ) are much lower. Based on calculations of the energetic composition of whole body tissues, and a density of 0.3 ind·m −2 , mean population energetic density is estimated to be 65 kJ·m −2 . These values are often significantly higher as P. corrugatus aggregates when feeding. Despite their high abundance, nemerteans are not preyed upon and appear to be chemically defended. Sperm of the antarctic sea urchin Sterechinus neumeyeri (Meissner) were killed when exposed to a 3% aqueous extract of whole nemertean body tissues. In laboratory feeding experiments, two common species of antarctic fish showed significant rejection of nemerteans. Its toxic and feeding-deterrent characteristics are probably the result of the epithelial production of copious acidic mucus (pH = 3.5), although other toxic or noxious metabolites may be present. These results indicate that P. corrugatus , an important scavenger in antarctic benthic systems, is abundant, high in nutrients and energy content, and could be judged on this basis as a high-quality prey item. Nonetheless, due to its chemical defense, potential predators may avoid ingestion of this species.
Link prediction methods for generating speaker content graphs

In a speaker content graph, vertices represent speech signals and edges represent speaker similarity. Link prediction methods calculate which potential edges are most likely to connect vertices from the same speaker; those edges are included in the generated speaker content graph. Since a variety of speaker recognition tasks can be performed on a content graph, we provide a set of metrics for evaluating the graph's quality independently of any recognition task. We then describe novel global and incremental algorithms for constructing accurate speaker content graphs that outperform the existing k nearest neighbors link prediction method. We evaluate these algorithms on a NIST speaker recognition corpus.
Effects of Dining on Tongue Endurance and Swallowing-Related Outcomes

Purpose The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that eating a meal reduces tongue strength and endurance in healthy old and young adults. It was predicted that older adults would show ...
The development of melanopsin-containing retinal ganglion cells in mice with early retinal degeneration

In mammals, the neuronal pathways by which rod and cone photoreceptors mediate vision have been well documented. The roles that classical photoreceptors play in photoentrainment, however, have been less clear. In mammals, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) that express the photopigment melanopsin project directly to the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, the site of the circadian clock, and thereby contribute to non-image-forming responses to light. Classical photoreceptors are not necessary for photoentrainment as loss of rods and cones does not eliminate light entrainment. Conflicting evidence arose, however, when attenuated phase-shifting responses were observed in the retinal-degenerate CBA/J mouse. In this study, we examined the time course of retinal degeneration in CBA/J mice and used these animals to determine if maturation of the outer retina regulates the morphology, number and distribution of ipRGCs. We also examined whether degeneration during the early development of the outer retina can alter the function of the adult circadian system. We report that dendritic stratification and distribution of ipRGCs was unaltered in mice with early retinal degeneration, suggesting that normal development of the outer retina was not necessary for these processes. We found, however, that adult CBA/J mice have greater numbers of ipRGCs than controls, implicating a role for the outer retinal photoreceptors in regulating developmental cell death of ipRGCs.
Isotope-specific detection of low-density materials with laser-based monoenergetic gamma-rays

What we believe to be the first demonstration of isotope-specific detection of a low-Z and low density object shielded by a high-Z and high-density material using monoenergetic gamma rays is reported. The isotope-specific detection of LiH shielded by Pb and Al is accomplished using the nuclear resonance fluorescence line of L7i at 478 keV. Resonant photons are produced via laser-based Compton scattering. The detection techniques are general, and the confidence level obtained is shown to be superior to that yielded by conventional x-ray and γ-ray techniques in these situations.
Positive periodic acid-Schiff staining of acid mucopolysaccharides.

Evidence is presented to demonstrate that acid mucopolysaccharides will stain with the periodic acid-Schiff technique following prolonged oxidation with periodic acid. Smears of purified acid mucopolysaccharides begin to stain slightly with the Schiff reagent after 4 hr of periodate oxidation and reach an optimal staining intensity some time between 7 and 16 hr. The acid mucopolysaccharides in umbilical cord and cock's comb sections begin to stain at about 7 hr, reaching an optimum between 16 and 24 hr. It is suggested that the mechanism of staining of acid mucopolysaccharides in the PAS technique appears to derive from cleavage oftrans groups of the hexuronic acid fraction which require prolonged oxidation since the theoretical more yield is reached with difficulty. Moreover, it would appear that the mechanism of staining with glycogen under the usual conditions of PAS staining perhaps derives from end-group oxidation and subsequent Schiff staining of the engendered aldehydes since glycogen is almost entirely in thetrans configuration. Acid mucopolysaccharides, on the other hand, will not stain uncer the usual conditions as they appear to have a negligible proportion of end groups.
Physiological assessment of bacteria using fluorochromes.

This minireview focuses on the application of fluorogenic compounds in the detection of bacteria with particular emphasis on the assessment of physiological activity using epifluorescence microscopy. Microbiological applications of several related methods will also be reviewed.
Controlling aggregate thin film surface morphology for improved light trapping using a patterned deposition rate profile

Abstract This work focuses on modeling and control of aggregate thin film surface morphology for improved light trapping using a patterned deposition rate profile. The dynamics of the evolution of the thin film surface height profile are modeled by an Edwards–Wilkinson-type equation (a second-order stochastic partial differential equation) in two spatial dimensions. The thin film surface morphology is characterized in terms of aggregate surface roughness and surface slope. These variables are computed with respect to appropriate visible light-relevant characteristic length scales and defined as the root-mean-squares of height deviation and slope of aggregate surface height profiles, respectively. Analytical solutions of the expected aggregate surface roughness and surface slope are obtained by solving the Edwards–Wilkinson equation and are used in the controller design. The model parameters of the Edwards–Wilkinson equation are estimated from kinetic Monte-Carlo simulations using a novel parameter estimation procedure. This parameter dependence on the deposition rate is used in the formulation of the predictive controller to predict the influence of the control action on the surface roughness and slope at the end of the growth process. The cost function of the controller involves penalties on both aggregate surface roughness and mean slope from set-point values as well as constraints on the magnitude and rate of change of the control action. The controller is applied to the two-dimensional Edwards–Wilkinson equation. Simulation results show that the proposed controller successfully regulates aggregate surface roughness and slope to set-point values at the end of the deposition that yield desired levels of thin film reflectance and transmittance.
An improved microinjection apparatus for biochemical embryology

Abstract The design characteristics of a new syringe control and micropipette holder are described. The large volume of the syringe control permits rapid control and the leak-free design of the pipette holder facilitates injection of large numbers of amphibian embryos. A test of the pipetting precision of the instrument is presented.
Analysis of pinnate joints in the Mount Desert Island granite: Implications for postintrusion kinematics in the coastal volcanic belt, Maine

The mount desert Island granite is cut by fractures displaying one of four types of surface morphology: (1) smooth to undulatory; (2) stepped in the form of en echelon cracks; (3) striated with linear fibers; and (4) irregular with cataclastic grains. These surfaces belong to joints, host fractures with pinnate joints, reactivated joints or fractures, and deformation bands (shear fractures), respectively. Pinnate joints, like striations on slickensides, are structures indicative of the orientation of a the slip vector and sense of shear on host fractures. Although fractures in the Mount Desert Island granite cluster into two major sets (N20{degree}W and N45{degree}E), host fractures with pinnate joints and shear fractures favor the N45{degree}E orientation. A kinematic analysis of the pinnate joints indicates a predominantly dextral strike-slip sense of movement on northeast-trending fractures. This result agrees with previous work suggesting that a prominent postintrusion tectonic event in southeast Maine consisted of dextral strike-slip motion on northeast-trending faults.
Coupled system of reaction-diffusion equations and applications in carrier facilitated diffusion

IN RECENT years, the reaction-diffusion systems have been studied and applied extensively to various models arisen from biology and chemistry. In [3] Witta Ebel introduced the concept of a mobile carrier combining reversibly with a substrate as a possible mechanism for facilitated transport across biological membranes (cf. [7]). The equations for this model in a onedimensional domain are given by the system
Rotor Dynamic Modeling of Gears and Geared Systems

The ability to accurately predict rotating machine resonant frequencies and to assess their stability and response to external forces is crucial from a reliability and preventive maintenance perspective. Resonant frequencies and forced response become more difficult to predict when additional complicated components such as gearboxes are present in the rotor system. Gearbox dynamics contain many complex interactions and many of the simplifying assumptions provided in the literature do not apply to most geared systems. A finite element formulation of the gearbox, which couples the axial, lateral, and torsional degrees-of-freedom of the low and high-speed shafts, is developed. It has the capability to apply to a wide variety of both spur and helical geared systems and is sufficiently robust to account for arbitrary orientation angles between the parallel shafts. This study presents a rotor dynamic analysis of an industrial drive-train consisting of a steam turbine, herringbone gearbox, and a generator using 1-D Timoshenko beam elements. The rotor dynamic analysis consists of the calculation of the damped natural frequencies, mode shapes, and provides insight into the stability of the industrial drive-train.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A possible biologic role of dreaming.

This study investigated the possibility that dreams are reactive to biologic function by evaluating them for a relationship to clinical outcome in patients with severe medical disease. Dream material was rated for references to death and separation. The clinical outcome for the 6 months following hospital discharge was scored on a 6-point scale as cured, improved, unchanged, worse without rehospitalization, worse with rehospitalization, and death. These cases were retrospectively evaluated and significant associations of death references (males) and separation references (females) with a poor clinical outcome were found. These data in men were consistent with Kardiner’s formulation that severe and uncompensated stress to the ego, biological as well as psychological, is associated with dreams of death and dying. The data from both men and women support the hypothesis that dreams are reactive to biologic function.
Acequias and the Effects of Climate Change

Traditional forms of acequia irrigation can be combined with ground based and remote sensing snow measurements and snowmelt runoff modeling to better estimate runoff volumes now and in the future under conditions of climate change. The experience gained over 400 years of irrigating small fields strongly binds communities and strengthens the resolve of acequia associations to contest challenges presented by climate change. Increased density of snow measurements in high elevations of the Rio Grande along with input of real-time data to snowmelt models has led to an improved potential for acequia decision making under the increased temperatures projected for the future by climate models. Acequia communities and similar Native American settlements have shown the willingness to share water during times of severe water shortages in the southwestern U.S. Acequia associations have shown the desire to adopt new forms of hydrologic data and modeling techniques and incorporate them into acequia association approaches.
Increasing electrical and computer engineering enrollment: A multi-faceted approach

In the late 1990's there was a significant decrease in the number of electrical engineering graduates with bachelor degrees in the United States. There was also a drop in the number of Electrical Engineering graduates at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) at that time. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering wanted to increase the enrollment of its students by using four strategies: (i) creation of a computer engineering program, (ii) raising the retention rate of freshmen students, (iii) attracting community college students, and (iv) offering summer camps to high school students. A Computer Engineering program was created in 2003 to attract students into a growing discipline. The Infinity Project program was used to increase the freshmen retention rate. By using the multi-faceted strategies, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has been able to increase its enrollment. Some recommendations have been made for institutions that want to use some of the strategies to increase their enrollment.
Encoding and decoding for the minimization of message symbol error rates in linear block codes

Given any fixed linear block code, the error rates for the message symbols depend both on the encoding function and on the decoding map. This research shows how to optimize the choice of a generator matrix and decoding map simultaneously to minimize the error rates for all message symbols. The model used assumes that the distribution of messages is flat and that the distribution of error vectors defining the channel is independent of the message transmitted. In addition, it is shown that, with proper choice of coset leaders, standard array decoding is optimal in this circumstance. The results generalize previously known results on unequal error protection and are sufficiently general to apply when a code is used for error detection only.
Computer simulation in the training of ancillary medical interviewers

Abstract Computer simulations may be particularly useful in training ancillary medical interviewers for decision-making. Role-playing in anticipation of difficult situations is an accepted training technique. The computer program permits role-playing under conditions of uncertainty by storing a “difficult” patient and presenting him to the novice along with options for interviewer responses. The interview model is on-line, branching, stochastic and adaptive. It is a further example of the dynamic, multistage decision process described in earlier papers by Bellman, Kell and Hopgood.
On the control of quantum statistical systems

The problem of preparing a system in some initial configuration is discussed for quantum statistical systems whose dynamics are generated by Markovian semigroups. The system is regulated by a set of controls and the central problem is to determine how the controls should be varied in order to bring the system as close as possible to the desired configuration in a fixed finite time. General equations are derived which allow one to determine how the controls should be regulated. The application of the result to a simple system is outlined.
Dose-dependent movement of cationic molecules across the glomerular wall.

Different concentrations of the polycation polyethyleneimine (PEI) were administered by single intravenous injections or by constant vascular perfusion to the kidneys of Sprague-Dawley rats. At a fixed time interval after administration of PEI, the kidneys were fixed and the distribution of PEI in the glomerular wall was evaluated by electron microscopy. At the lower concentrations (e.g., 0.005%), PEI bound only to the glomerular endothelial glycocalyx and preferentially to microvillous projections on this endothelium. At higher concentrations (e.g., 0.05%), PEI also bound to discrete anionic sites in the lamina rara interna (LRI) but was rarely seen in the lamina rara externa (LRE). As the concentration of PEI was further increased (e.g., 0.5%), PEI moved deeper into the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and bound extensively to discrete anionic sites in the lamina rara externa. Although anionic sites in the LRI and LRE appeared nearly saturated following infusion of 0.5% PEI, this cationic molecule was rarely seen to cross filtration slits and pass into the urinary space. At still higher concentrations (e.g., 2%), however, PEI moved freely across the filtration slits, bound extensively to the glomerular epithelial glycocalyx, and induced a narrowing of the filtration slits. When PEI was mechanically perfused through the kidney vasculature for 3 minutes, PEI binding to the epithelial glycocalyx caused very extensive adherence of adjacent podocyte processes and the narrowing and loss of filtration slits. Also in these latter samples, discrete anionic sites in the LRE were no longer apparent and a dense band of PEI was seen under the foot processes. Addition of PEI to culture media containing intact glomeruli revealed that even in the absence of hemodynamic driving forces, the PEI used in the above studies will gradually move across the glomerular basement membrane and bind to anionic sites throughout the glomerular wall. The above observations suggest that anionic sites in the glomerular wall may trap cationic molecules and thereby prevent low concentrations of these molecules from passing deeper into the glomerular wall and gaining entrance to the urinary space.
Tissue-type transglutaminase and the effects of cystamine on intracerebral hemorrhage-induced brain edema and neurological deficits

Neurodegeneration occurs after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and tissue-type transglutaminase (tTG) has a role in neurodegenerative disorders. The present study investigated tTG expression after ICH and the effects of a tTG inhibitor, cystamine, on ICH-induced brain edema and neurological deficits. This study has two parts. In the first, male Sprague-Dawley rats received an intracaudate injection of 100 microL autologous whole blood or a needle insertion (sham). Rats were killed 3 days later and the brains used for immunohistochemistry, Western blots and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In the second set, ICH rats were treated intraperitoneally with either a tTG inhibitor, cystamine, or vehicle. Rats underwent behavioral testing and were killed at day-3 for measurement of brain swelling. tTG positive cells were found in the ipsilateral basal ganglia after ICH and most of those cells were neuron-like. Western blot analysis showed a 3-fold increase in tTG in the ipsilateral basal ganglia (p<0.01 vs. sham) after ICH. tTG mRNA levels were also significantly higher (8.5-fold increase vs. sham). Cystamine treatment attenuated ICH-induced brain swelling (day 3: 14.4+/-3.2 vs. 21.4+/-4.0% in vehicle-treated rats, p<0.01), neuronal death and improved functional outcome (forelimb placing score: 47+/-23 vs. 17+/-16% in vehicle-treated rats, p<0.05). ICH induces perihematomal tTG upregulation and cystamine, a tTG inhibitor, reduces ICH-induced brain swelling and neurological deficits.
Human ALOX12, but Not ALOX15, Is Associated With BMD in White Men and Women

The Alox15 gene was recently identified as a negative regulator of peak BMD in mice. Polymorphisms in human ALOX12, but not ALOX15, were significantly associated with spine BMD in white men and women, suggesting that ALOX12 may contribute to normal variation in BMD. Introduction: Osteoporosis is a complex disease with both genetic and environmental risk factors. A major determinant of osteoporosis is peak BMD, which is a highly heritable trait. Recently, the arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (Alox15) gene was identified as a negative regulator of peak BMD in mice. Materials and Methods: To assess the contribution of lipoxygenase genes to normal BMD variation in healthy white men and women, we performed population- and family-based association studies of two arachidonate lipoxygenase genes: ALOX15, which is the human homolog of mouse Alox15, and ALOX12, which is functionally similar to Alox15. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed across the two genes were genotyped. BMD was measured at the femoral neck and lumbar spine in 411 men 18–61 years of age and 1291 premenopausal women 20–50 years of age. Results: Moderate evidence of association was found between spine BMD and six SNPs in the ALOX12 gene in both men and women (p = 0.0052–0.050). Furthermore, the most common SNP haplotype in ALOX12 showed evidence of significant association with high spine BMD in men (p = 0.0083), whereas the second most common haplotype was associated with high spine BMD in women (p = 0.0081). Conclusions: Polymorphisms in the ALOX12 gene may contribute to normal variation in spine BMD.