cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Remotely queried magnetoacoustic sensors for monitoring starch concentrations, pH, and polymer curing

Although acoustic wave sensors that use piezoelectricity have many advantages, all of them need electrical connections to excite the piezoelectric crystals with an alternating voltage. This paper presents a new type of continuously operating, in-situ, and remotely monitored sensor that doesn't require electrical connections. The new sensor is comprised of a magnetoelastic metallic glass ribbon. Its sensing principle is similar to acoustic wave sensors. An externally applied alternating current (ac) magnetic field is used to excite magnetoelastic waves inside the magnetoelastic thin ribbon. Frequency responses are monitored with a pickup coil located outside the test area and the resonant frequencies are measured. The sensor responds to mass loading as a microbalance by decreasing its resonant frequency. When immersed in liquid, its resonant frequency is correlated with the square root of the product of liquid viscosity and density. We studied the relationship between the frequency shift and the square root of the product of viscosity and density of a starch solution. We found that the frequency shift was linearly proportional to the starch concentration. After bonding a poly-hydroxyethyl acrylate (poly-HEA) membrane to the magnetoelastic ribbon, the sensitivity of the sensor to water loading was greatly increased. The new sensor has also been used to monitor polymer curing. After bonding the ribbon with a pH sensing membrane, it was used to monitor pH. Because the sensor does not require electrical connections, it can remotely monitor concentrations in situ in a sealed container.
DETERMINATION OF PERMEABILITY OF FIBROUS MEDIUM CONSIDERING INERTIAL EFFECTS

A method is described for measuring the Reynolds number dependent permeability in order to consider the inertial effects of the flow through porous media. A nonlinear correction term is introduced and the corresponding coefficients are determined by inverse analysis. The method is based on an optimization process between computed and measured pressures at various locations in the mold and flow rates at the gate during steady state gas flow through the enclosed fiber preform. The computed pressure is obtained by the control volume finite element method (CVFEM). The proposed method was demonstrated by using a specially designed mold with multiple ports for gas injection and pressure measurement
PbCap380, a novel oocyst capsule protein, is essential for malaria parasite survival in the mosquito

An essential requisite for transmission of Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria, is the successful completion of a complex developmental cycle in its mosquito vector. Of hundreds of ookinetes that form in the mosquito midgut, only few transform into oocysts, a loss attributed to the action of the mosquito immune system. However, once oocysts form, they appear to be resistant to mosquito defences. During oocyst development, a thick capsule forms around the parasite and appears to function as a protective cover. Little information is available about the composition of this capsule. Here we report on the identification and partial characterization of the first Plasmodium oocyst capsule protein (PbCap380). Genetic analysis indicates that the gene is essential and that PbCap380(-) mutant parasites form oocysts in normal numbers but are gradually eliminated. As a result, mosquitoes infected with PbCap380(-) parasites do not transmit malaria. Targeting of the oocyst capsule may provide a new strategy for malaria control.
Applications of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for biosensing: an analysis of reproducible, commercially available substrates

The rapid and accurate determination of bacterial spores in sterile environments (i.e., food preparation areas and hospitals) is of great importance in the minimization of bacteria-driven illnesses. Surface- Enhanced-Raman-Scattering (SERS) is potentially a very sensitive spectroscopic technique for the detection of biological threat agents. SERS can be made a more robust and attractive spectroscopic technique for biological threat agent sensing by developing high sensitivity, high reproducibility SERS-active substrates. The maturation of Si-based semiconductor fabrication techniques has facilitated the development and marketing of highly reproducible and sensitive SERS-active substrates. KlariteTM SERS-active substrates (Mesophotonics LTD) have been analyzed for utility in the potential identification of biological threat agents. Concurrently, we have investigated prototype SERS- active substrates under development by Nanospectra Biosciences, Inc. Substrate spatial reproducibility and substrate-to-substrate reproducibility will be discussed.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Aspects of commuting behavior: Preferred arrival time, use of information and switching propensity

Abstract This paper analyzes the results of a commuter behavior survey conducted in Austin, TX. Commuters' preferred arrival times at the workplace, use of traffic information and switching propensity (for both route and departure time) are discussed. Mathematical models are developed for each of these aspects relating them to three types of factors: traffic system characteristics, workplace conditions and individual attributes. The preferred arrival time at the workplace is modeled as a Poisson regression model, use of information as a binary logit function and switching decision as multinomial logit choice models. Comparisons are drawn between this sample and similar studies conducted in Seattle, WA.
Isolation of a phospholipid inhibitor of platelet activating factor-induced activity from perfused rat liver: identification as phosphatidylglycerol.

Abstract An endogenous inhibitor of platelet activating factor action was isolated from perfused rat liver. It was purified by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography and subjected to chemical modifications in order to identify its structure. On the basis of its fast atom bombardment-mass spectrum it was characterized as phosphatidylglycerol composed mainly of 16:0/18:1 and 16:0/20:2 fatty acyl chains ([M + H] + at m / z 749 and 775, respectively) and very minor levels of 18:0/18:1 and 18:0/20:2. The purified compound exhibited inhibition on rabbit platelet aggregation induced by 5 × 10 −10 M platelet activating factor (PAF) at an EC 50 value near 2.5 × 10 −6 M and on the serotonin secretion at an EC 50 7 × 10 −6 M. Other phospholipids isolated from the liver preparations, such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, sphingomyelin, cardiolipin (diphosphatidylglycerol), and phosphatidic acid, exhibited no inhibitory activity in the concentration range from 1 × 10 −4 to 1 × 10 −7 M nor did they induce any aggregation, or lysis, of the platelets. Of importance, phosphatidylglycerol could inhibit thrombin- and ADP-induced aggregation of rabbit platelets. These results suggested a possible site of inhibition common to the signal transduction pathway of these agonists. Preliminary binding experiments showed a noncompetitive type of inhibition on PAF binding to intact rabbit platelets.
Absolute Ultrasound Attenuation Measurements in Superfluid 3 He in 98% Aerogel by Direct Transmission

Systematic investigations on the effect of static disorder on p-wave superfluid 3He have been made possible by utilizing the unique structure of high porosity silica aerogel. For the past 10 years, a burst of experimental efforts revealed that three distinct superfluid phases exists. We have performed longitudinal ultrasound (9.5 MHz) attenuation measurements in the B-phase of the superfluid 3He in 98% aerogel. The absolute attenuation was determined by direct propagation of sound pulses through the medium in a wide range of temperatures, down to 200 μK, for sample pressures of 10 and 29 bars. Our results provide direct information on the zero-energy density of states of the superfluid phase in aerogel originating from impurity scattering.
Rigid-Cluster Models of Conformational Transitions in Macromolecular Machines and Assemblies

We present a rigid-body-based technique (called rigid-cluster elastic network interpolation) to generate feasible transition pathways between two distinct conformations of a macromolecular assembly. Many biological molecules and assemblies consist of domains which act more or less as rigid bodies during large conformational changes. These collective motions are thought to be strongly related with the functions of a system. This fact encourages us to simply model a macromolecule or assembly as a set of rigid bodies which are interconnected with distance constraints. In previous articles, we developed coarse-grained elastic network interpolation (ENI) in which, for example, only Cα atoms are selected as representatives in each residue of a protein. We interpolate distance differences of two conformations in ENI by using a simple quadratic cost function, and the feasible conformations are generated without steric conflicts. Rigid-cluster interpolation is an extension of the ENI method with rigid-clusters replacing point masses. Now the intermediate conformations in an anharmonic pathway can be determined by the translational and rotational displacements of large clusters in such a way that distance constraints are observed. We present the derivation of the rigid-cluster model and apply it to a variety of macromolecular assemblies. Rigid-cluster ENI is then modified for a hybrid model represented by a mixture of rigid clusters and point masses. Simulation results show that both rigid-cluster and hybrid ENI methods generate sterically feasible pathways of large systems in a very short time. For example, the HK97 virus capsid is an icosahedral symmetric assembly composed of 60 identical asymmetric units. Its original Hessian matrix size for a Cα coarse-grained model is >(300,000)2. However, it reduces to (84)2 when we apply the rigid-cluster model with icosahedral symmetry constraints. The computational cost of the interpolation no longer scales heavily with the size of structures; instead, it depends strongly on the minimal number of rigid clusters into which the system can be decomposed.
Control Oriented Modeling and Nonlinear Model Predictive Control of Advanced SI Engine System

Control oriented model (COM) using crank-angle resolved flame propagation simulation and nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) methodology for the purpose of transient control of HDOF engines are proposed in this paper. The nonlinear nature of the combustion process has been a challenge in building a reliable COM and engine simulation. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are subsequently trained on the data generated with a quasi-D combustion model to create fast surrogate combustion models. System dynamics are augmented by manifold and actuator dynamics models. Then, NMPC for an internal combustion (IC) engine with a dual-independent variable valve timing (VVT) system is designed to achieve fast torque responses, to eliminate exhaust emissions penalty, and to track the optimal actuator response closely. The NMPC significantly improves engine dynamics and minimizes excursions of in-cylinder variables under highly transient operation. Dead-beat like control is achieved with selected prediction horizon and control horizon in the NMPC.© 2010 ASME
Biology of reproduction in the squirrel monkey ( Saimiri sciureus ): I. The estrus cycle

Results of a study to evaluate the length and specific characteristics of the estrus cycle in the squirrel monkey is presented. The estrus cycle was found to be 18–20 days long. Neither menstrual flow nor a cyclic swelling of the external genitalia was observed. A vulvar plug of desquamated vaginal cells was often, but not consistently observed a day prior to or on the day of estrus. Most pronounced cyclic changes in the exfoliated vaginal cells occurred during December through March of both the calendar years of the study.
International debt and linkage strategies: some foreign-policy implications for the United States

The global debt problem influences the foreign-policy capabilities of the United States through its impact on the government's “linkage strategies” in foreign affairs. In some circumstances policy makers are forced to make connections between different policy instruments or issues that might not otherwise have been felt necessary; in others, opportunities for connections are created that might not otherwise have been felt possible. The Polish debt crisis of 1981–82, the Latin American debt crisis of 1982–83, and the IMF quota increase in 1983 are suggestive in this regard. Linkage strategies bred by the debt issue are more apt to be successful when the interest shared by the United States with other countries in avoiding default is reinforced by other shared economic or political interests. They will also be more successful to the extent that the government can supplement its own power resources by relating bank decisions to foreign-policy considerations. Power in such situations, however, is a wasting asset, even when employed indirectly through the intermediation of the IMF.
Expression of the LIM‐homeodomain protein Isl1 in the developing and mature mouse retina

The mammalian retina is comprised of six major neuronal cell types and is subdivided into more morphological and physiological subtypes. The transcriptional machinery underlying these subtype fate choices is largely unknown. The LIM-homeodomain protein, Isl1, plays an essential role in central nervous system (CNS) differentiation but its relationship to retinal neurogenesis remains unknown. We report here its dynamic spatiotemporal expression in the mouse retina. Among bipolar interneurons, Isl1 expression commences at postnatal day (P)5 and is later restricted to ON-bipolar cells. The intensity of Isl1 expression is found to segregate the pool of ON-bipolar cells into rod and ON-cone bipolar cells with higher expression in rod bipolar cells. As bipolar cell development proceeds from P5-10 the colocalization of Isl1 and the pan-bipolar cell marker Chx10 reveals the organization of ON-center bipolar cell nuclei to the upper portion of the inner nuclear layer. Further, whereas Isl1 is predominantly a ganglion cell marker prior to embryonic day (E)15.5, at E15.5 and later its expression in nonganglion cells expands. We demonstrate that these Isl1-positive, nonganglion cells acquire the expression of amacrine cell markers embryonically, likely representing nascent cholinergic amacrine cells. Taken together, Isl1 is expressed during the maturation of and is later maintained in retinal ganglion cells and subtypes of amacrine and bipolar cells where it may function in the maintenance of these cells into adulthood.
Nonconventional methods for accurately calibrating germanium detectors

We have developed two nonconventional but complementary methods whereby the detector efficiency of a coaxial germanium detector can be determined within an accuracy of a few percent for the energy region from 0.05 to 4.0 MeV without using conventional radioactive standards.
DEFENDING THE INDIGENT WHITE-COLLAR CRIMINAL: FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER DEFENSE STRATEGIES FOR POST-INDICTMENT REPRESENTATION

Research on white-collar criminal defense attorneys largely focuses on private attorneys. However, little is known about public defenders that represent individuals charged with white-collar crimes...
Should age be a criterion for rationing health care

The need to decrease healthcare costs is urgent. One method of decreasing costs that has been proposed is age-based rationing. With the burgeoning number of Americans over 65 comes increased spending for health care. It is thought by some that this increase represents disproportionate spending, and that the money should be spent on health care for the young. Another school of thought is that the elderly have a right to health care just as any other group. The author believes that age may have to be one consideration for allocation of resources but not the only one.
Seasonal Determination of Sex Ratios and Condition of Diapause of Boll Weevils in Traps and in the Field

Boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, captured in traps were not always representative of field populations with respect to sex ratio and status of diapause. From June to mid-winter, the ratios of captured females to males are higher than they are in field populations. In the fall, the percentage of boll weevils in the field that are in diapause is higher than the percentage among those captured in traps.
New Memorial Landscapes in the American South: An Introduction

(2000). New Memorial Landscapes in the American South: An Introduction. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 52, No. 4, pp. 658-660.
Modulation of Bradykinin Receptor Ligand Binding Affinity and Its Coupled G-proteins by Nitric Oxide

Abstract To determine whether nitric oxide (NO) can modulate bradykinin (BK) signaling pathways, we treated endothelial cells with an NO donor, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), to determine its effect(s) on G-proteins (Gi and Gq) that are coupled to the type II kinin (BK2) receptor. Radioligand binding assays and Western analyses showed that GSNO (10–500 μm, 0–72 h) did not alter the expression of BK2 receptor, Gi, or Gq. However, GSNO caused a 6-fold increase in basal cGMP production and decreased high affinity BK bindings sites and GTPase activity by 74 and 85%, respectively. The cGMP analogue, dibutyryl-cGMP, also inhibited BK-stimulated GTPase activity by 74% suggesting that some of the effects of NO may be mediated through activation of guanylyl cyclase. The NO synthase inhibitor,N ω-monomethyl-l-arginine, inhibited endogenous NO synthase activity and cGMP production by 91 and 76%, respectively, but increased BK-stimulated GTPase activity by 61%. To determine which G-proteins are affected by NO, we performed GTP binding assays with [35S]GTPγS followed by immunoprecipitation with specific G-protein antisera. Both GSNO and dibutyryl-cGMP increased basal G-protein GTP binding activities by 18–26%. However, GSNO decreased BK-stimulated Gαi2, Gαi3, and Gαq/11 GTP binding activity by 93, 61, and 90%, respectively, whereas epinephrine-stimulated Gαs GTP binding activity was unaffected. These results suggest that NO can modulate BK signaling pathways by selectively inhibiting G-proteins of the Gi and Gqfamily.
Targeting gastrin-releasing peptide as a new approach to treat aggressive refractory neuroblastomas.

Background The overall survival for neuroblastoma remains dismal, in part due to the emergence of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. We have demonstrated that gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), a gut peptide secreted by neuroblastoma, acts as an autocrine growth factor. We hypothesized that knockdown of GRP will induce apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells and potentiate the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Methods The human neuroblastoma cell lines (JF, SK-N-SH) were transfected with small interfering (si) RNA targeted at GRP. Apoptosis was assessed by DNA fragmentation assay. Immunoblotting was used to confirm molecular markers of apoptosis, and flow cytometry was performed to determine cell cycle arrest after GRP knockdown. Results siGRP resulted in an increase in apoptosis in the absence of chemotherapeutic interventions. A combination of GRP silencing and chemotherapeutic drugs resulted in enhanced apoptosis when compared to either of the treatments alone. GRP silencing led to increased expression of proapoptotic proteins, p53 and p21. Conclusion Silencing of GRP induces apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells; it acts synergistically with chemotherapeutic effects of etoposide and vincristine. GRP knockdown-mediated apoptosis appears to be associated with upregulation of p53 in neuroblastoma cells. Targeting GRP may be postulated as a potential novel agent for combinational treatment to treat aggressive neuroblastomas.
Applied climate-change analysis: the climate wizard tool.

BACKGROUND Although the message of "global climate change" is catalyzing international action, it is local and regional changes that directly affect people and ecosystems and are of immediate concern to scientists, managers, and policy makers. A major barrier preventing informed climate-change adaptation planning is the difficulty accessing, analyzing, and interpreting climate-change information. To address this problem, we developed a powerful, yet easy to use, web-based tool called Climate Wizard (http://ClimateWizard.org) that provides non-climate specialists with simple analyses and innovative graphical depictions for conveying how climate has and is projected to change within specific geographic areas throughout the world. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS To demonstrate the Climate Wizard, we explored historic trends and future departures (anomalies) in temperature and precipitation globally, and within specific latitudinal zones and countries. We found the greatest temperature increases during 1951-2002 occurred in northern hemisphere countries (especially during January-April), but the latitude of greatest temperature change varied throughout the year, sinusoidally ranging from approximately 50 degrees N during February-March to 10 degrees N during August-September. Precipitation decreases occurred most commonly in countries between 0-20 degrees N, and increases mostly occurred outside of this latitudinal region. Similarly, a quantile ensemble analysis based on projections from 16 General Circulation Models (GCMs) for 2070-2099 identified the median projected change within countries, which showed both latitudinal and regional patterns in projected temperature and precipitation change. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The results of these analyses are consistent with those reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, but at the same time, they provide examples of how Climate Wizard can be used to explore regionally- and temporally-specific analyses of climate change. Moreover, Climate Wizard is not a static product, but rather a data analysis framework designed to be used for climate change impact and adaption planning, which can be expanded to include other information, such as downscaled future projections of hydrology, soil moisture, wildfire, vegetation, marine conditions, disease, and agricultural productivity.
Mode Partition Noise Interferometry

When the light travels through an unbalanced interferometer, the mode partition noise is converted into intensity noise, as shown by Petermann and Weidel. In this paper we extend their work to demonstrate that this converted noise can be used either for reading the interferometer or as a white noise source.
Heterogeneous cores for MapReduce processing: Opportunity or challenge?

To offer diverse computing capabilities, the emergent modern system on a chip (SoC) might include heterogeneous multi-core processors. The current SoC design is often constrained by a given power budget that forces designers to consider different decision trade-offs, e.g., to choose between many slow cores, fewer faster cores, or to select a combination of them. In this work, we design a new Hadoop scheduler, called DyScale, that exploits capabilities offered by heterogeneous cores for achieving a variety of performance objectives. Our preliminary performance evaluation results confirm potential benefits of heterogeneous multi-core processors for “faster” processing of the small, interactive MapReduce jobs, while at the same time offering an improved throughput and performance for large, batch job processing.
The lifetime of the lowest 5− state in 38Ar measured by recoil-distance and doppler-shift techniques

Abstract The lifetime of the lowest 5 − state in 38 Ar has been measured, using both the recoil-distance technique and the Doppler-shift-attenuation method with xenon gas as the slowing-down medium. Agreement between the two experimental values is obtained. The recoil-distance measurement, which is considered to be the more reliable, gave a mean-life of 226 ± 21 ps.
Identification of deliberately doctored text documents using frequent keyword chain (FKC) model

Text documents have always been the most dominant source of data available. A number of classification techniques are used to organize these documents and a majority of these classification algorithms use keywords to categorize them. It is possible to mislead such algorithms by inserting keywords ('deliberate doctoring') belonging to a class different from that of the document. Such intentional deception is done in order to rank Web pages higher in searches. As text classification is used to classify e-mails, deliberate doctoring is also done as a spam filter-busting measure. In addition, it may be practiced to avoid detection by security agencies. The cost of such misclassification can be high and it is a serious problem in many scenarios. In this paper we have exhaustively examined the possible methods to doctor a document which may lead to its misclassification. In the study we have concluded that a majority of the ways would involve insertion of a number of misleading keywords in close proximity. We propose the frequent keyword chain model to identify such local concentration of keywords. A tool called the FKCLocater is designed around the model which identifies and highlights FKC's in a document and alerts the user to the possibility of misclassification. The tool is also used to specify various parameters to fine tune the frequency keyword chain model. Experiments on newsgroup data sets show that this model is effective.
Effect of SHP-2, SOCS3, and PP2 on IL-6 signal transduction in hepatocytes

Signaling by interleukin-6 (IL-6) involves two pathways: Janus-associated kinases (JAK) and signal transducers and transcription factors (STAT 3) are activated in the first pathway while the second pathway involves the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). While it is recognized that both pathways play a major role in IL-6 signal transduction, simultaneous signaling through both JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways has only been studied in few cases. Additionally, the interaction between these pathways is not yet clearly understood. In this work, a mathematical model has been developed that integrates signaling through both pathways. The presented model is used to analyze the effect of SHP-2 (domain containing tyrosine phosphatase 2), SOCS3 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 3), and PP2 (nuclear phosphatase) on signal transduction induced by IL-6. The results show that the presence of SOCS3 acts as a negative feedback on the activity of signaling in the JAK/STAT pathway. Additionally, the obtained results illustrate the interactions between SHP-2 and SOCS3 on the JAK/STAT and the MAPK pathway. It is shown that SHP-2 and SOCS3 do not just influence the pathway that they are mainly associated with, SHP-2 with MAPK and SOCS3 with JAK/STAT, but also have a profound effect on the other pathway due to interactions of the pathways. Several numerical experiments with various types of knockout cells have been performed to illustrate the effect of several of the key proteins.
Nanotechnology: nature's gift or scientists' brainchild?

In the field of environmental nanotechnology, opinions on the novelty of engineered nanomaterials vary; some scientists believe that many engineered nanomaterials are indeed unique, while others are convinced that we are simply fabricating structures already designed in nature. In this article, we present balanced, objective evidence on both sides of the debate. While the idea of novel nanomaterials opens the mind to imagine truly unique structures with architectures unparalleled in nature, the idea that these structures have related analogs in nature has environmental relevance as scientists and engineers aim to design and manufacture more sustainable and environmentally benign nanomaterials.
Management of Advanced Heart Failure The Role of Heart Transplantation

Case presentation: A 65-year-old man with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is referred to an advanced heart failure center for heart transplant evaluation. He presented with decompensated heart failure 2 years earlier. At that time, an echocardiogram demonstrated a left ventricular ejection fraction of 25% with a left ventricular end-diastolic diameter of 6.3 cm, mild mitral regurgitation, and mild tricuspid regurgitation. A coronary angiogram demonstrated normal coronary arteries. Further evaluation revealed no evidence of thyrotoxicosis, and the patient denied alcohol use. Because the suspicion for amyloidosis, hemochromatosis, and sarcoidosis was low on the basis of laboratory findings, endomyocardial biopsy was not performed. The cardiomyopathy was presumed to be idiopathic. Lisinopril, carvedilol, and furosemide were started, and an implantable cardiac defibrillator was placed for primary prevention. The patient's symptoms resolved over the next few weeks. His ejection fraction on echocardiogram 6 months after the initial presentation was unchanged at 25%, but he was able to return to work as a financial analyst and to perform a regular exercise program of walking 30 minutes daily. He had no limitations until 3 months before presentation, when he noted the gradual onset of progressive dyspnea on exertion. At the time of his presentation to the advanced heart failure center, he noted dyspnea with showering and dressing, and he was sleeping in a recliner owing to orthopnea. On examination, the heart rate was 90 bpm and regular, and his blood pressure was 88/64 mm Hg. The jugular venous pressure was 16 cm H2O, and there was an S3 gallop and 2+ pitting lower extremity edema. Laboratories demonstrated creatinine of 2.0 mg/dL. On echocardiogram, the ejection fraction was 15%, and the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension was 7.5 cm. The goal of a heart transplant evaluation is determine whether (1) the patient's cardiac status, with optimal …
PsyExper: Another experimental generation system for the IBM PC

A system for creating and running psychological experiments on IBM PC compatible computers is described. The system attempts to reconcile the demand for flexible and powerful experimental software with the need for systems that are easy to understand and modify. Experiments are created by building a series of displays with variable compositions, durations, and stimulus onset asynchronies. The number, type, location, color, and perceptibility of stimuli within these displays can be systematically varied. Reaction time and other response measures can be collected from the keyboard, a voice-activated switch, or other external switches. The system is assembled from a series of Turbo Pascal and Turbo C routines that may be modified by the user or incorporated into new routines. Custom modules can be added easily to any of the system’s menus. The system is best suited for discrete trial experiments with target detection, perceptual priming, lexical decision, or recognition memory tasks.
The International Research Institute for Climate & Society: why, what and how

A climate-informed and climate-ready world is possible. Large investments are being made toward adaptation and resilience to climate change, but many of those investments are separated from the more immediate climate-related vulnerabilities and opportunities that society faces. Information is increasingly available that could be used to guide action; however, information alone is not sufficient. Research at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) since 1996 has led to the identification of the several guiding principles to scope and address climate-related challenges to decision- and policy-makers at local-to-regional scale. These include climate-related information, such as assessment of the main vulnerabilities to climate variability and change in countries or regions, and the provision of climate information, products and tools to support decisions, including financial tools that are appropriate to the climate-related risk and that can mediate residual risk. The guiding principles also include identifying the technologies and practices that optimize results in coming years, demonstration of the usefulness of climate information to support climate-related decisions, training and capacity building, and partnerships for research and implementation. This essay introduces the evolution of the IRI and its work that is then elaborated through a series of articles that constitute a special issue of Earth Perspectives: Transdisciplinarity Enabled. The collection of articles provides insight into the science and process that lead to better climate-informed choices. Part of the collection of articles in the special issue covers specific stories of local-to-regional engagement with partners to address climate-related problems. Other articles represent how we do what we do, in particular highlighting the research, the climate forecast effort, and the IRI Data Library. Finally, there are two papers offered from partners that have long-time engagement with the IRI.
Debt and Dispossession: Farm Loss in America's Heartland

Debt and Dispossession: Farm Loss in America's Heartland. Kathryn Marie Dudley. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.195 pp.
Weak Signals Detection and Single Photon Counting with Ultraviolet SiC-based Avalanche Photodiodes

We report on the responsivity measurement of these devices in the linear regime with quantum efficiency of up to 45%. Responsivity attenuation is significant at wavelengths longer than 400nm and thin film dielectric stack filters may be used to tailor the wavelength response of the SiC APDs for various applications, including those requiring their use in the UV-A, UV-B and UV-C ranges with very good blocking in the visible or solar spectrum.
Population Structure of the Lyme Borreliosis Spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi in the Western Black-Legged Tick (Ixodes pacificus) in Northern California

Factors potentially contributing to the lower incidence of Lyme borreliosis (LB) in the far-western than in the northeastern United States include tick host-seeking behavior resulting in fewer human tick encounters, lower densities of Borrelia burgdorferi-infected vector ticks in peridomestic environments, and genetic variation among B. burgdorferi spirochetes to which humans are exposed. We determined the population structure of B. burgdorferi in over 200 infected nymphs of the primary bridging vector to humans, Ixodes pacificus, collected in Mendocino County, CA. This was accomplished by sequence typing the spirochete lipoprotein ospC and the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer (IGS). Thirteen ospC alleles belonging to 12 genotypes were found in California, and the two most abundant, ospC genotypes H3 and E3, have not been detected in ticks in the Northeast. The most prevalent ospC and IGS biallelic profile in the population, found in about 22% of ticks, was a new B. burgdorferi strain defined by ospC genotype H3. Eight of the most common ospC genotypes in the northeastern United States, including genotypes I and K that are associated with disseminated human infections, were absent in Mendocino County nymphs. ospC H3 was associated with hardwood-dominated habitats where western gray squirrels, the reservoir host, are commonly infected with LB spirochetes. The differences in B. burgdorferi population structure in California ticks compared to the Northeast emphasize the need for a greater understanding of the genetic diversity of spirochetes infecting California LB patients.
Analysis of solar irradiance intermittency mitigation using constant DC voltage PV and EV battery storage

The increasing presence of photovoltaic(PV) renewable power generation and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) in the national infrastructure leaves utilities, Solar PV owners, and both PV-inverter and Battery Charger manufacturers searching for means to mitigate the potentially destabilizing effects of intermittent renewables and battery charging loads on traditional utility grids, and particularly distribution feeders. Small amounts of battery storage can be interfaced to the PV-inverter system's dc-link to effectively filter the fast transient changes in PV output power, thus enabling a greater presence of grid-interactive PV generation and providing a means of alleviating the grid from growing demands of battery charging loads and the challenges of intermittent distributed resources.
Efficient branch-and-bound algorithms on a two-level memory system

Branch-and-bound algorithms in a system with a two-level memory hierarchy were evaluated. An efficient implementation depends on the disparities in the numbers of subproblems expanded between the depth-first and best-first searches as well as the relative speeds of the main and secondary memories. A best-first search should be used when it expands a much smaller number of subproblems than that of a depth-first search, and the secondary memory is relatively slow. In contrast, a depth-first search should be used when the number of expanded subproblems is close to that of a best-first search. The choice is not as clear for cases in between these cases are studied. Two strategies are proposed and analyzed: a specialized virtual-memory system that matches the architectural design with the characteristics of the existing algorithm, and a modified branch-and-bound algorithm that can be tuned to the characteristic of the problem and the architecture. The latter strategy illustrates that designing a better algorithm is sometimes more effective that tuning the architecture alone. >
Rapid scene analysis on compressed video

Several rapid scene analysis algorithms for detecting scene changes and flashlight scenes directly on compressed video are proposed. These algorithms operate on the DC sequence which can be readily extracted from video compressed using Motion JPEG or MPEG without full-frame decompression. The DC images occupy only a small fraction of the original data size while retaining most of the essential "global" information. Operating on these images offers a significant computation saving. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithms are fast and effective in detecting abrupt scene changes, gradual transitions including fade-ins and fade-outs, flashlight scenes and in deriving intrashot variations.
The function of guard cells does not require an intact array of cortical microtubules

cellulose microfibrils. These studies have found that cortical microtubules are needed to produce a pair of kidney The development of stomatal guard cells is known to shaped cells surrounding an aperture, as well as to direct require cortical microtubules; however, it is not known the asymmetric deposition of cellulose microfibrils in the if microtubules are also required by mature guard cells cell wall, which enables the stoma to open and close in for stomatal function. To study the role of microtubules response to changes in osmotic potential (Palevitz, 1981; in guard cell function, epidermal peels of Vicia faba Sack, 1987). Once they mature, guard cells change shape were subjected to conditions known to open or close to regulate the stomatal aperture. It is reasonable to ask stomata in the presence or absence of microtubule whether these changes in shape require, or aVect, the inhibitors. To verify the action of the inhibitors, micro- cortical microtubules. But even though the role of microtubules in appropriately treated epidermal peels were tubules in guard cell development was recognized as localized by cryofixation followed by freeze substitu- important long ago, there has been little assessment of tion and embedding in butyl-methyl methacrylate. the role of cortical microtubules in guard cell function. Mature guard cells had a radial array of microtubules, The possible reasons why the role of microtubules in focused toward the thick cell wall of the pore, and the guard cell function has been little studied are both pracappearance of this array was the same for stomata tical and conceptual. Practically, attempts to localize remaining closed in darkness or induced to open by microtubules in mature stomata may have been frustrated light. Treatment of epidermal peels with 1 mM colchic- by the thick cell wall, which hinders chemical fixation. ine for 1 h depolymerized nearly all cortical microtub- Conceptually, microtubules are considered to orient micules. Measurements of stomatal aperture showed that rofibrils and specify cell shape; once guard cells reach neither 1 mM colchicine nor 20 mM taxol affected any maturity, their structure is plausibly suYcient to allow of the responses tested: remaining closed in the dark, many rounds of opening and closing. However, microtubopening in response to light or fusicoccin, and closing ules have roles beyond shaping cells: the cytoskeleton, in response to calcium and darkness. We conclude including microtubules, participates in signal transducthat intact microtubule arrays are not invariably tion. For example, in animal cells, actin filaments terminrequired for guard cell function. ate in special regions of the plasma membrane enriched in tyrosine receptor-kinases (Mochly-Rosen, 1995). For
Workshop - Designing Laboratories, Exercises, and Visualization Demos in Signals and Systems Courses using Java-DSP

This workshop will expose participants to the utility of the ASU Java-DSP software technology in Signals and Systems courses. The session will be interactive and participants will use and assess an exercise that involves step-by-step online simulations on prepackaged online laboratory exercises that can be disseminated in their junior level signals and systems classes. Assessment forms and pre- and post-evaluation quizzes will be discussed
Upper airway asymmetry in velo-cardio-facial syndrome.

Summary Objective Various forms of asymmetry have been recognized as a feature of velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS). This study was implemented to determine the frequency of anatomic and functional asymmetry of the velum, pharynx and larynx in children with VCFS. Methods Individuals with VCFS underwent prospective, blinded analysis by an expert panel who assessed the velum, pharynx and larynx with multi-view videofluoroscopy (MVF) and nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (NPL). The VCFS group was compared to an age-matched group of normal individuals. Eight different parameters were assessed in both groups for functional and anatomic symmetry including: velar elevation, adenoid size, posterior pharyngeal wall size, carotid pulsations, epiglottis size and shape, arytenoid size, true vocal cord size and true vocal cord motion. Results One hundred and twenty-one subjects with VCFS and 20 normal individuals underwent examination. Children with VCFS showed significantly more asymmetry compared to the normal group (69% versus 20%, P = 0.01) with greatest differences seen with palatal motion, posterior pharyngeal wall size and epiglottis shape. On average, subjects with VCFS had three asymmetric parameters versus one parameter in the normal group. Conclusion Asymmetric development of the pharynx and larynx in children with VCFS appears to be a distinct clinical feature of this syndrome. This finding may provide an important diagnostic clue for patients presenting with subtle features of the 22q11.2 microdeletion. These developmental abnormalities may increase the risk of speech impairment, aspiration and airway obstruction in affected individuals.
The misdiagnosis of ischaemic colitis

Abstract This case study followed the pathway taken by an elderly patient who presented as an emergency with rectal bleeding. Views obtained of the colon by flexible sigmoidoscopy suggested an initial diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma but this proved to be incorrect. It was a combination of the histology obtained from the initial and subsequent endoscopies, barium enema and the clinical history that finally gave rise to the correct diagnosis of ischaemic colitis. Opinion is currently divided as to whether sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is the most appropriate test for those patients presenting with rectal bleeding. Ischaemic colitis is a disease that can present with many differing symptoms depending on the degree of severity of the ischaemia.
Thyristor converter simulation and analysis

The author presents a simulation of thyristor converters in a high-level language MATLAB. The simulation features nonlinearity, nonuniform firing, and the commutations. Some applications, such as a current regulation analysis, an analysis of the converter frequency characteristics, and an analysis of the power line disturbance effect for a thyristor converter magnet driver, are also outlined. >
The glandulae parathyroideae of Ivar Sandström. Contributions from two continents.

The parathyroid glands, the last major organ to be recognized in man, were discovered in 1880 by Ivar Sandstrom, a Swedish medical student. Initially, the discovery attracted little attention; later, with the uncovering of the relationship of the glands to severe bone disease, interest quickened. In
Animated software training via the internet: lessons learned

The Mission Execution and Automation Section, Information Technologies and Software Systems Division at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, recently delivered an animated software training module to train operators at the Deep Space Network for the TMOD UPLINK Consolidation Task. The animated training software was presented as a Command Subsystem simulation for on-line instruction. Animation was developed as a prototype and became a design and training tool. From development through delivery, significant animation design changes were made to keep pace with the changing Command formats and techniques being developed for the Deep Space Network, thus enabling training software to remain concurrent with subsystem development.
Best Management Practices and Drought Combine to Silence the Illinois Chorus Frog in Arkansas

A primary threat to amphibians in North America is the loss of wetland areas used for reproduction, especially small, temporary, and isolated wetlands. The Illinois chorus frog (Pseudacris streckeri illinoensis) is particularly vulnerable and exists today in a highly fragmented distribution limited to a few isolated populations in Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri. Precision land-leveling combined with seasonal drought conditions has resulted in a significant population decline and range contraction for this species in Arkansas. Distributional surveys conducted from 1987 through 2004 indicate a 61% range contraction from a maximum of 59 km2 to a current range of approximately 23 km2. Additionally, there has been a lack of recruitment the past 2 years for a species that typically possesses a 2–3-year lifespan. Because the Clean Water Act will only protect isolated vernal pools if the continued existence of a threatened or endangered species is jeopardized, the future of this subspecies of chorus frog in Arkansas is both tenuous and problematic. In the absence of immediate protection and habitat modification through the reintroduction of depressions, we argue extirpation of this species in Arkansas may be imminent. The increasing use of precision land-leveling may have implications for other amphibian species worldwide.
The hyphal tip cell of Sclerotium rolfsii: cytological observations.

The hyphal apex is a highly specialized region of the fungal cell where polarized growth and differentiation occur. Numerous cellular activities are involved in maintaining apical growth and morphogenesis in fungi. Among these are the apical migration of cytoplasmic vesicles transporting materials used for plasma membrane and wall formation, the incorporation of these vesicles into the Spitzenkorper in higher fungi, the positioning and movement of the Spitzenkorper in the apex, and the final delivery of vesicles from the Spitzenkorper to the apical plasma membrane. How the cell regulates and coordinates these events during hyphal growth and development is not totally clear, although it is assumed that the cytoskeleton is primarily involved (Bartnicki- Garcia et al., 1989; Howard and Aist, 1980; McKerracher and Heath, 1987; Tucker et al., 1986; Wessels, 1986).