cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Full-scale testing of civil structures using wireless sensing technologies

Performing full-scale structural testing is an important methodology for researchers and engineers in civil engineering industry. The full-scale testing helps the researchers understand civil structure’s loading scenarios, behaviors, and health conditions. It helps engineers verify, polish, and simplify the structural design and analysis theories. To conduct a fullscale structural testing, sensors are used for data acquisitions. Structural researchers and engineers use sensors to record various physical parameters of civil structure and to convert these parameters to analog or digital signals. The physical parameters most often used to depict the property, behavior, or health condition of civil structure include accelerations, velocities, displacements, positions, strains, and forces. In addition, temperatures, pressures, sound, flow rates, viscosities, optical radiations, and electromagnetic fields have been used as well. Based upon their application methodologies, sensors used for civil structure testing could be categorized into traditional contact sensors and remote (non-contact) sensors. Based upon their data communication strategies, sensors used for civil structure testing could be divided into traditional cabled sensors and wireless sensors. Wireless sensing technologies employ wireless communications. They can be wireless accelerometers, wireless strain sensors, wireless thermal sensors, and many other types of sensors with wireless communication functions. Compared to cabled sensors, wireless sensors can potentially significantly reduce implementation time and costs, thus facilitating deployment of a dense network of sensors for structural health monitoring (SHM). This paper reviews the wireless sensing technologies for full-scale structural testing applications, especially focusing on the Illinois WSSN (wireless smart sensor network) applications. It is expected to help structural researchers and engineers get familiar with the novel wireless sensing technologies and select the most effective testing tools.
Feasibility and Outcomes of a Community-Based, Pedometer-Monitored Walking Program in Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Study

AbstractBackground and Purpose: After stroke, many individuals have reduced physical activity. Pedometer use is reported to enhance physical activity in patients with other health conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a community-based, pedometer-monitored walking program and determine its effects on gait speed and distance, quality of life, and balance self-efficacy post stroke. Methods: A single-group, pretest-posttest follow-up design was used. Eleven individuals with chronic stroke (mean age, 60.4 years; mean time since stroke, 12.2 years) completed a pedometer-monitored, community-based intervention. Primary outcomes were the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and 10-meter walk test. Secondary outcomes were the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, Stroke Impact Scale-16 (SIS-16), and a pedometer satisfaction survey. Subjects used pedometers daily for 6 weeks and recorded step counts, adverse symptoms, and exertion levels in exercise diaries. Weekly phone coaching...
On the sudden approximation of cross: computational tests and factorization of cross sections and related scattering phenomena☆

Abstract A sudden approximation recently derived by Cross using a semiclassical treatment of the orbital motion is recast into a form which permits factorization of differential and integral degeneracy averaged cross sections, opacities as a function of final angular momentum quantum number, the scattering amplitude, and the phenomenological cross section which describes spectral line broadening. Calculations are done using an average of initial and final orbital angular momentum quantum numbers for the partial wave parameter for ArN 2 , ArTIF, H + H 2 and Li + H 2 . The results indicate that the method is a good approximation for integral cross sections and opacities when the energy sudden approximation is valid and when the coupling of the orbital motion is important.
Numerical Simulation of the Breakdown of a Polar-Night Vortex in the Stratosphere

Abstract With a 9-level general circulation model, all attempt was made to simulate numerically the breakdown of the circumpolar vortex in the winter stratosphere for the case of March 1965. The marching computations were started 2 and 5 days prior to the breakdown. The simulation of the vortex elongation and destruction was, to a certain extent, successful, but the split vortex in the prediction erroneously merged again after 8 days. The sudden warming was not simulated at all. The development of the Aleutian high associated with the vortex breakdown was not well computed. Studies are made on zonally averaged quantities pertaining to the tropospheric and stratospheric circulations and their coupling. The increase of eddy kinetic energy at the time of the amplification of zonal wavenumber 2 is discussed both for the numerical simulation and for the observed fields. It is reconfirmed that the eddy kinetic energy in the stratosphere is primarily supplied from below in the form of vertical flux of geopotenti...
Portevin-Le chatelier effect

Aluminum subjected to smooth mechanical loading does not often deform in a correspondingly smooth manner. Typically it deforms inhomogeneously through the propagation of deformation fronts that slowly traverse the sample. These are called Portevin--Le Chatelier fronts; what determines their velocity has been somewhat mysterious. We present a phenomenological theory for deformation fronts that centers on a nonlocal rate dependence of the flow stress. In a one-dimensional idealization the equations can be solved exactly, and compared directly with experiment. Many significant features of deformation fronts are captured, including a well-known transition from hopping to continuous front motion. The phenomenology's predictions are confirmed by our experiments.
The hematology of lead poisoning in man and animals.

Summary The hematologic abnormalities are used to aid in diagnosis and understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of lead poisoning. Erythrocyte shape abnormalities, basophilic stippling, porphyrin abnormalities and normoblastosis have been associated with lead ingestion in many species. This paper reviews literature on these aspects of hematology of lead poisoning in both man and domestic animals.
Surface structure and morphology of Mg-segregated epitaxial Fe 3 O 4 ( 001 ) thin films on MgO(001)

We have investigated the structural and compositional changes that are induced by the segregation of substrate Mg to the surface of $1\ensuremath{\mu}$m-thick ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}$O${}_{4}(001)$ films on MgO(001). The thin films have been grown with plasma-assisted MBE. Characterization with reflection high-energy electron diffraction, x-ray diffraction, and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry, show slightly strained, single-crystalline ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}$O${}_{4}$ films. For the surface studies, we have combined low-energy electron diffraction, and scanning tunneling microscopy to study surface structure and morphology. The initial surface content was determined by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surfaces of the molecular-beam epitaxy--grown samples are flat and show a $(\sqrt{2}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\sqrt{2})R45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ reconstruction with respect to the ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}$O${}_{4}$ surface unit cell. Onset of Mg segregation to the surface occurs around $670\mathrm{K}$, with long, narrow extensions of terraces growing along the [110] and [11\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}0] directions. Heating in an oxygen atmosphere induces a $1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4$ surface reconstruction, and extremely long $(\ensuremath{\approx}1000\mathrm{\AA{}}$), wide terraces. We attribute this annealing stage to the formation of a ${\mathrm{MgFe}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ surface phase, exhibiting highly anisotropic surface diffusion and step formation energy.
Soft digital signal processing using self-timed circuits

In this paper, we propose a self-timed architecture for low power digital signal processing with ultra-low supply voltage. Compared to synchronous circuits, self-timed circuits are more robust at very low voltage. In many signal-noise-ratio (SNR)-required digital signal processing applications, this robustness allows the circuit to operate with very low supply voltage, even if some data samples are missed due to this low voltage. The missing leads to an SNR degradation. The degradation depends on input data frequency, supply voltage, specific circuit architecture, and process technology. Simulation shows that more than 40% to 70% power can be saved by introducing -15 dB to -10 dB error in a case study: speech signal processing.
Role of Ribosome Release in Regulation of tna Operon Expression in Escherichia coli

Expression of the degradative tryptophanase (tna) operon of Escherichia coli is regulated by catabolite repression and tryptophan-induced transcription antitermination. In cultures growing in the absence of added tryptophan, transcription of the structural genes of the tna operon is limited by Rho-dependent transcription termination in the leader region of the operon. Tryptophan induction prevents this Rho-dependent termination, and requires in-frame translation of a 24-residue leader peptide coding region, tnaC, that contains a single, crucial, Trp codon. Studies with a lacZ reporter construct lacking the spacer region between tnaC and the first major structural gene, tnaA, suggested that tryptophan induction might involve cis action by the TnaC leader peptide on the ribosome translating the tnaC coding region. The leader peptide was hypothesized to inhibit ribosome release at the tnaC stop codon, thereby blocking Rho’s access to the transcript. Regulatory studies with deletion constructs of the tna operon of Proteus vulgaris supported this interpretation. In the present study the putative role of the tnaC stop codon in tna operon regulation in E. coli was examined further by replacing the natural tnaC stop codon, UGA, with UAG or UAA in a tnaC-stop codon-tnaA′-′lacZ reporter construct. Basal level expression was reduced to 20 and 50% when the UGA stop codon was replaced by UAG or UAA, respectively, consistent with the finding that in E. coli translation terminates more efficiently at UAG and UAA than at UGA. Tryptophan induction was observed in strains with any of the stop codons. However, when UAG or UAA replaced UGA, the induced level of expression was also reduced to 15 and 50% of that obtained with UGA as the tnaC stop codon, respectively. Introduction of a mutant allele encoding a temperature-sensitive release factor 1, prfA1, increased basal level expression 60-fold when the tnaC stop codon was UAG and 3-fold when this stop codon was UAA; basal level expression was reduced by 50% in the construct with the natural stop codon, UGA. In strains with any of the three stop codons and the prfA1 mutation, the induced levels of tna operon expression were virtually identical. The effects of tnaC stop codon identity on expression were also examined in the absence of Rho action, using tnaC-stop codon-′lacZ constructs that lack the tnaC-tnaA spacer region. Expression was low in the absence of tnaC stop codon suppression. In most cases, tryptophan addition resulted in about 50% inhibition of expression when UGA was replaced by UAG or UAA and the appropriate suppressor was present. Introduction of the prfA1 mutant allele increased expression of the suppressed construct with the UAG stop codon; tryptophan addition also resulted in ca. 50% inhibition. These findings provide additional evidence implicating the behavior of the ribosome translating tnaC in the regulation of tna operon expression.
Network analysis of temporal effects of intermittent and sustained hypoxia on rat lungs.

The molecular networks underlying the lung response to hypoxia are not fully understood. We employed systems biology approaches to study temporal effects of intermittent or sustained hypoxia on gen...
Life Table and Population Dynamics of the Cotton Aphid, Aphis gossypii, on Upland Cotton

Abstract. Controlled field studies using clip cages were used to quantify development, reproduction, and survival, and generate life history characteristics and population growth parameters of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, on irrigated upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. Newly born (<6-hour-old) aphid nymphs were individually placed on the underside of fifth mainstem cotton leaves (n = 30 plants). Aphids were monitored every 24 hours and the developmental stage, fecundity, and mortality recorded until the last aphid from the cohort died. Individual aphids were transferred to a new fifth leaf on the same plant when plants gained a newer leaf. Average daily temperature under the leaf surface was 28.1°C. Nymphal durations were 38, 48, 37, and 34 degree-days above a development threshold of 6.3°C for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th instars, respectively. Aphids began dying at 448 degree-days, and the last individual in the cohort died at 907 degree-days, with an average longevity of 674 degree-days. The gr...
The endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm: an update analysis of structural failure modes of endovascular stent grafts.

Abstract Over the last decade, more than 25,000 endovascular stent grafts have been used to treat aortic aneurysms. Although results have been promising thus far, problems with endoleaks, material failure, device migration, and aneurysm rupture continue to be reported. Improvements in device material and design have contributed to the rapid growth and utility of these devices; however, material failure still remains a concerning mode for potential procedure failure. A review of the authors’experience with material failure and a review of the literature was conducted to help understand and comprehend the magnitude of this problem and try to determine its clinical significance.
Verifying command sequences for satellite systems

A formal basis for the design of a checker used in validating safe schedules and in selecting error recovery schedules for satellite control systems is presented. This design includes a high-level specification of checker behavior and properties (called flight rules) of safe schedules. Specifications are written in timed linear logic (TLL). Validation of schedules is performed in terms of real-time telemetry and deduction system proof rules. Telemetry (state information for satellite subsystems) serves as input to the checker. Detection of violation of a flight rule by the checker results in the selection of a contingency plan (error recovery schedule). The checker is illustrated by an example involving the TOPEX/Poseidon Oceanographic Satellite System. >
Engineering an effective Mn-binding MRI reporter protein by subcellular targeting.

Purpose Manganese (Mn) is an effective contrast agent and biologically active metal, which has been widely used for Mn-enhanced MRI (MEMRI). The purpose of this study was to develop and test a Mn binding protein for use as a genetic reporter for MEMRI. Methods The bacterial Mn-binding protein, MntR was identified as a candidate reporter protein. MntR was engineered for expression in mammalian cells, and targeted to different subcellular organelles, including the Golgi Apparatus where cellular Mn is enriched. Transfected HEK293 cells and B16 melanoma cells were tested in vitro and in vivo, using immunocytochemistry, MR imaging and relaxometry. Results Subcellular targeting of MntR to the cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus was verified with immunocytochemistry. After targeting to the Golgi, MntR expression produced robust R1 changes and T1 contrast in cells, in vitro and in vivo. Co-expression with the divalent metal transporter DMT1, a previously described Mn-based reporter, further enhanced contrast in B16 cells in culture, but in the in vivo B16 tumor model tested was not significantly better than MntR alone. Conclusion This second-generation reporter system both expands the capabilities of genetically encoded reporters for imaging with MEMRI and provides important insights into the mechanisms of Mn biology which create endogenous MEMRI contrast. Magn Reson Med, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genesis of Pelagic Sediments.: ABSTRACT

The pelagic sediments form polydisperse systems where the liquid phase is the interstitial water, and the solid phase is built up by several genetically different components. In E. D. Goldberg's genetical system these are grouped according to the geological sphere in which the solid phase was separated. The solids are thus classified as lithogenous, hydrogenous, biogenous, atmogenous, cosmogenous, and authigenous. Modern analytical methods make it possible to determine quantitatively the concentrations, and in ideal cases the rates of accumulation of these components. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2781------------
Anesthesiologists are living longer: mortality experience 1992 to 2001.

Abstract Study Objective To determine whether there has been any recent change in the mortality experience of American anesthesiologists. Design Retrospective analysis of obituary reports to the Physician Master File (PMF) of the American Medical Association. Measurements Data were collected from the PMF of anesthesiologists and obstetricians. All data were identified from the PMF. A total of 1525 obituaries of anesthesiologists and 2773 obituaries of obstetricians during the study period, 1992 to 2001, were reviewed. Mean age of living or mean age at death of anesthesiologists and obstetricians, as well as age-adjusted death rates was calculated. Main Results A gradual increase in age at death was noted from 1992 (65.30 ± 15.61 years) to 2001 (78.13 ± 12.89 years) for anesthesiologists ( P Conclusions We observed a significant increase in the average age at death and a decreased risk of death among anesthesiologists who died in the years 1992 to 2001. Parallel changes were observed in the control population of obstetricians.
MicroRNA profiling reveals age-dependent differential expression of nuclear factor κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase in adipose and bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a central role in mediating endogenous repair of cell and tissue damage. Biologic aging is a universal process that results in changes at the cellular and molecular levels. In the present study, the role of microRNA (miRNA) in age-induced molecular changes in MSCs derived from adipose tissue (ASCs) and bone marrow (BMSCs) from young and old human donors were investigated by using an unbiased genome-wide approach. Human ASCs and BMSCs from young and old donors were cultured, and total RNA was isolated. The miRNA fraction was enriched and used to determine the expression profile of miRNA in young and old donor MSCs. Based on miRNA expression, differences in donor MSCs were further investigated by using differentiation assays, Western blot, immunocytochemistry, and bioinformatics. Biologic aging demonstrated reduced osteogenic and adipogenic potential in ASCs isolated from older donors, whereas cell size, complexity, and cell-surface markers remained intact with aging. Analysis of miRNA profiles revealed that small subsets of active miRNAs changed secondary to aging. Evaluation of miRNA showed significantly decreased levels of gene expression of inhibitory kappa B kinase (IκB), interleukin-1α, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), mitogen-activated protein kinase/p38, ERK1/2, c-fos, and c-jun in MSCs from older donors by both bioinformatics and Western blot analysis. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), myc, and interleukin-4 receptor mRNA levels were significantly elevated in aged cells from both the adipose and bone marrow depots. Immunocytochemistry showed nuclear localization in young donors, but a cytosolic predominance of phosphorylated NF-κB in ASCs from older donors. Western blot demonstrated significantly elevated levels of NF-κB subunits, p65 and p50, and AKT. These findings suggest that differential expression of miRNA is an integral component of biologic aging in MSCs.
UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment: Development of a New Measure of Everyday Functioning for Severely Mentally Ill Adults

Instruments to assess everyday functioning have utilized self-report, proxy report, clinician ratings, or direct observation of performance. Each of these methods has strengths and weaknesses. In this article we argue for the inclusion of performance-based measures of functional capacity in studies of severely mentally ill persons and describe a new measure, the UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment (UPSA). We administered the UPSA to 50 middle-aged and older outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and 20 normal comparison subjects. Participants' performance in five domains of functioning (Household Chores; Communication; Finance; Transportation; and Planning Recreational Activities) was assessed in standardized role-play situations. Administration of the UPSA required an average of 30 minutes to complete. Interrater reliability of ratings was excellent. Patients' performance was significantly more impaired than that of normal subjects. Among patients, the UPSA performance correlated significantly with severity of negative symptoms and of cognitive impairment but not with that of positive or depressive symptoms. The UPSA scores correlated highly with those on another performance-based measure. We believe that UPSA would be useful for assessing everyday functioning in severely mentally ill adults.
A comparison of observed and simulated site response in the Rhône valley

SUMMARY Site effects in the city of Sion in the Rhone valley are analysed from weak motion signals recorded on a dense temporary array. We simulate the recorded events with a 3-D finite differ- ence method for frequencies up to 4 Hz using a recently developed velocity model of the Sion basin. Site-to-reference Fourier spectral ratios are computed from 16 local and regional events. All sites exhibit amplification factors of up to 12 between 0.5 and 0.6 Hz, which can be reproduced by the numerical simulations. By rotating the weak motion to directions parallel and perpendicular to the valley axis, we show that this low-frequency amplification is caused by the SH00 and SV0 fundamental modes of 2-D resonance. Additional peaks of amplification can be observed at higher frequencies, with amplification factors of up to 20 at some sites. Application of the high-resolution frequency-wavenumber and the multiple signal char- acterization method to the vertical component of recorded and simulated signals show that edge-generated surface waves arriving from almost all directions dominate the wavefield at 1.25 and 2.50 Hz. Peak ground velocities computed from the simulated ground motion show interference patterns that depend strongly on the incidence direction, and the computed amplification of peak ground velocities are generally in agreement with the observations. We conclude that the complex 3-D geometry of the basin needs to be considered to evaluate site effects up to at least 2.5 Hz.
Making a Difference in the Real World

Les AA. considerent que la communication en tant que discipline n'a pas progresse pour deux raisons : premierement parce qu'on communique plus entre chercheurs qu'avec le public exterieur au champ de la communication ; deuxiemement parce que la position des chercheurs entre eux et par rapport a l'exterieur n'est pas clairement definie. Les AA. s'interrogent sur les conditions et les modalites d'une recherche en communication qui s'appuierait davantage sur le public
Fast Thermal Generation Rescheduling

A new dynamic programming algorithm for fast rescheduling thermal generation is presented. The savings in computational times are brought about by the introduction of two new techniques: the variable truncation dynamic programming and the limitation of the solution space to be searched. Several examples on a 20 machine system are used to illustrate the application of the algorithm and to show that optimal solutions are obtained at significantly reduced computational times.
Pathophysiology of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is associated with a reduction in bone mass and a significant alteration in bone architecture. These changes lead to enhanced skeletal fragility. Impairment in peak bone acquisition and rapid bone loss result in low bone mineral density and a greater risk of fractures. Genetic, environmental, hormonal, and nutritional factors are major determinants of bone mass and are important in understanding the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.
Structural Changes in Media and Attitude Polarization: Examining the Contributions of TV News Before and After the Telecommunications Act of 1996

Recent studies have shown evidence of increasing levels of attitude polarization in the United States. This study adds to this line of inquiry by examining whether important structural changes to the media system in 1996, which included the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the introduction of Fox News, affected TV news’ contribution to affective polarization. Using the American National Election Studies (ANES) cumulative data file, we test the media’s contribution to affective polarization before and after 1996 using spline regression. Our results show an increase in affective polarization over time, with greater increases after 1996. In addition, we show that after 1996, TV news use contributes to increasing levels of affective polarization in the United States. Scholars and pundits have voiced concern that the U.S. government has become increasingly inept at solving important problems. They point to Congress’ inability to tackle the unemployment crisis and climate change as evidence of Washington’s dysfunction. Gridlock appears to be the status quo, with tactics such as the filibuster becoming common in recent years (Smith & Park, 2013). Many researchers point to political polarization as the culprit, with evidence of increasing attitude polarization among party elites (Koger, 2010; McCarty, Poole, & Rosenthal, 2001), interest groups (Stonecash, Brewer, & Mariani, 2003), and activists (Hetherington, 2010; Layman, All correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Jay D. Hmielowski, PhD, Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University, PO Box 642530 Pullman, WA 99164, USA. E-mail: jay.hmielowski@gmail.com International Journal of Public Opinion Research Advance Access published July 2, 2015
Modulation of Key Signaling Pathways in Cancer Cells by Dietary Factors

The World Health Organization has predicted new cancer rates to increase by 70 % within the next two decades. With rates expected to continue increasing in cancer incidence and mortality, chemoprevention and early diagnosis are the keys to decreasing cancer mortality. Chemoprevention is the use of natural or synthetic agents to inhibit, reverse, or prevent carcinogenesis. Studies have suggested there is a significant difference in cancer incidence among population groups with different lifestyle factors, especially diet. Phytochemicals or “nutraceuticals,” the substances present in fruits, vegetables, and plants, have beneficial effects targeting multiple key signaling molecules and perturbing the carcinogenesis process. Studies have demonstrated curcumin, resveratrol, 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), and many others to hold inhibitory effects on cancer cells. There is overwhelming evidence that these nutraceuticals modulate key signaling pathways including cell cycle signaling and p53, transcription and inflammatory mediators such as NF-κB and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and angiogenic pathways in cancer cells. Through regulation of cell signaling pathways, these dietary factors can induce cell arrest and apoptosis, and suppress proliferation and inflammation, resulting in inhibition of carcinogenesis. In this chapter, we review the effects of these nutraceuticals on some of the key signaling cellular and molecular pathways and highlight their roles as chemopreventive agents.
Delamination and Failure at Ply Drops in Carbon Filter Laminates Under Static and Fatigue Loading

Delamination at ply drops in composites with thickness tapering has been a major concern in aerospace applications of carbon fibers, where the plies are typically very thin. This study explored the resistance to delamination in fatigue of hybrid carbon fiber and glass fiber prepreg laminates containing various ply drop geometries, and using thicker plies typical of wind turbine blades. Strain levels to produce significant delamination at both carbon and glass fiber ply drops were determined and compared in terms of a simple delamination model. The carbon fiber laminates with ply drops, while performing reasonably well under static loads, delaminated in fatigue at low maximum strain levels except for the thinnest ply drops. The lower elastic modulus and higher interlaminar toughness of the glass fiber prepreg resulted in much higher strains to produce delamination at equivalent ply drops, compared with carbon fiber prepreg using the same resin system. The results indicate that the thickness of ply drops with carbon fibers should be much less than those commonly used for glass fibers.
Attraction of Culicoides furens and C. hollensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) to animal hosts in a salt marsh habitat.

Host attraction studies of adult Culicoides furens and C. hollensis were conducted in a Spartina salt marsh in Carteret County. North Carolina, USA. The attractancy of domestic animals (Japanese Quail, white rat, White Leghorn chicken and New Zealand white rabbit) was determined using animal-baited traps in a Latin square experimental design. Paired comparisons of domestic animals with wild live-trapped animals from the marsh (Hispid Colton Rat. Mallard Duck, Virginia Opossum, Raccoon and Marsh Rice Rat) were made using the same type of traps. In general, the degree of attractiveness of the animals to C. furens and C. hollensis was related more to the size of the animal than to the kind of animal. There were little differences in the attractancy of domestic and wild animals, It was concluded that C. furens and C. hollensis have a wide host range and should not be classified as either ornithophilic or mammalophilic, Catches of Culicoides by animal-baited traps were poorly correlated with catches in nearby emergence and sticky cylinder traps.
Experimental technique of extracting circulating microRNA from the plasma and serum

Objective To extract and test circulating microRNA(miRNA)in the plasma and serum.Methods We utilized TRI REAGENT?BD to extract the total RNA in the plasma and serum,and the RNA was determined by electrophoresis in 10 g/L non-denatured agarose gel.The miRNA cDNA Synthesis Kit was used to reverse the cDNA molecular of miRNA,which was then tested by the real-time PCR method.Results We successfully extracted and tested the total RNA in the plasma and serum.The miRNA in plasma and serum was tested by the reverse transcription and real-time PCR method.Conclusion These results suggest that we have successfully extracted and tested the miRNA in the plasma and serum,which can be used for real-time PCR experiments.This has laid some experimental foundation for further clinical application and theoretical research of miRNA.
On zooarchaeological Measures of socioeconomic position and cost-efficient meat purchases

Recent zooarchaeological studies fail to explicitly define the concept of “socioeconomic position,” yet assume the varied costs of different beef cuts reflect such positions. While common-sensical, the concept of socioeconomic position seems so broadly conceived as to be of at best limited and at worst ambiguous explanatory value. Measures of edible meat yield as they relate to cost per pound tend to more clearly reflect cost-efficiency of meat purchases, and serve to clarify aspects of the income level of a group regardless of that group’s status.
Locating stored iron in the liver through attenuation measurement in NSECT

Neutron stimulated emission computed tomography (NSECT) is a quantitative spectroscopic technique to detect element concentrations in the body. In previous work, we have demonstrated the ability to detect non-uniform distributions of iron overload in liver (in hemochromatosis) with a sensitivity of approximately 5mg/g. The diagnosis of hemochromatosis is performed by detecting characteristic gamma photons emitted by iron nuclei after they undergo inelastic scatter with incident neutrons. The efficiency of detection of the gamma photons is a combination of the attenuation of neutrons passing through the body and the attenuation of gamma photons before reaching the detectors. With non-uniform iron distributions, therefore, the resulting total attenuation depends on the position of the iron store within the body with respect to the neutron beam and the gamma detectors. We are developing an attenuation correction technique which takes into consideration the position of the iron-store in the liver to compute a correction factor based on a combination of neutron and gamma attenuation. In this work we present results from a Monte-Carlo simulation study exploring the effect of the location of the iron-store within the liver. The NSECT scanning geometry used for data collection was simulated in GEANT4 [1]. A lesion of iron was placed at different locations within the liver and scanned to obtain an estimate of the detected signal. An estimate of the unattenuated signal was obtained and used to determine the total attenuation in the liver tissue. The attenuation profile was obtained for each position of the lesion and compared against a theoretical value. The results were found to be in agreement with each other, indicating that a theoretically calculated attenuation profile can be accurately used to create attenuation maps and hence locate iron-stores in the liver using NSECT.
Nanoscale science and technology - a device and engineering perspective

Present-day silicon CMOS has already entered the nanoscale era, with general lithography feature size at 90 nm and minimum gate lengths below 50 nm. Continued device performance improvement is possible only through a combination of device scaling with new device structure and/or new materials. This paper reviews the recent progress in continuing CMOS scaling by introducing new device structures and new materials. Starting from an analysis of the sources of device performance improvements, we present technology options to achieving these performance enhancements.
ERN, theta power, and risk for anxiety problems in preschoolers

The Error Related Negativity (ERN) is a neural marker of performance monitoring that has been inconsistently linked to anxiety risk in children. One avenue for understanding inconsistencies is to investigate other neural dynamics linked to ERN. In this study, we investigated interactions between ERN and power in the theta frequency band, which is associated with attentional control and theorized to contribute ERN, in association with childhood anxiety risk. Fifty-nine 3-year-old children provided usable EEG data during a modified go/no-go task. Associations between ERN and anxious behaviors in preschoolers were moderated by theta power during incorrect trials. Specifically, when theta power was low, greater ERN predicted more social withdrawal; when theta power was high, ERN and social withdrawal were unrelated. Our findings suggest that ERN and theta may jointly contribute to anxiety risk in early childhood.
Chasing the White “WHALE”: A Case Study in Using iPads to Promote Active Learning

In order to encourage more active learning in the library classroom, the college librarians at the Tidewater Community College/City of Virginia Beach Joint-Use Library turned one of their library i...
Sexual dimorphism in obesity-related genes in the epicardial fat during aging

Aging increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Alterations in epicardial fat play an important pathophysiological role in coronary artery disease and hypertension. We investigated the impact of normal aging on obesity-related genes in epicardial fat. Sex-specific changes in obesity-related genes with aging in epicardial fat (EF) were determined in young (6 months) and old (30/36 months) female and male, Fischer 344 × Brown Norway hybrid (FBN) rats, using a rat obesity RT2 PCR Array. Circulating sex hormone levels, body and heart weights were determined. Statistical significance was determined using two-tailed Student’s t test and Pearson’s correlation. Our results revealed sex-specific differences in obesity-related genes with aging. Dramatic changes in the expression profile of obesity-related genes in EF with aging in female, but not in male, FBN rats were observed. The older (30 months) female rats had more significant variations in the abundance of obesity-related genes in the EF compared to that seen in younger female rats or both age groups in male rats. A correlation of changes in obesity-related genes in EF to heart weights was observed in female rats, but not in male rats with aging. No correlation was observed to circulating sex hormone levels. Our findings indicate a dysfunctional EF in female rats with aging compared to male rats. These findings, with further functional validation, might help explain the sex differences in cardiovascular risk and mortality associated with aging observed in humans.
A comparison of diver vs. acoustic methodologies for surveying fishes in a shallow water coral reef ecosystem

Abstract Studies show worldwide declines in coral reef community health and fish density, however, evidence of decline on limited spatial scales may mask reef-wide patterns. New methods are necessary to investigate reef communities at greater spatial and temporal scales. We examined fish densities derived by concurrent diver and acoustic surveys on a series of linear relict reef lines in southeastern Florida, USA. Fish density estimates displayed differences in magnitude, but similar patterns across independent sampling units. Estimates of fish lengths derived by both methods suggest that a seasonal increase in size occurred across the surveyed reefs. The efficacy of diver-based surveys declined with increasing visibility, while acoustic survey results remained insensitive to changes in water column visibility. Results between survey methods correlate statistically, suggesting that studies may utilize combined methods to investigate fish density distributions on large spatial scales not typically examined.
The limits of research institutions in setting research priorities

In When Clinical Trials Compete: Prioritizing Study Recruitment , Gelinas et al tackle an important issue—study non-completion—and draw conclusions with which we largely agree. Most importantly, we accept that setting priorities among competing research studies is necessary and should be informed by ethical analysis. We disagree with the conclusion of Gelinas et al that this priority setting should take place at the level of the individual research institution. At a minimum, they should consider other actors who might be better suited for this role instead of—or alongside—the institutions that host research. Our view is motivated by three main considerations. First, research institutions have significant latitude to promote their own interests, and there is reason to suspect that their interests do not closely align with the interests of the public. Thus, asking research institutions to set research priorities may result in the selection of studies with suboptimal social value. Second, a large proportion of clinical trials recruits participants at multiple institutions.1 If each institution sets its own priorities, we can expect discrepancies between the priorities set by partner institutions. These discrepancies may delay and discourage collaborative research projects. Finally, we suspect that a great deal of recruitment competition occurs between, rather than within, research institutions. Setting priorities only at …
Estimating kinetic mechanisms with prior knowledge II: Behavioral constraints and numerical tests

Kinetic mechanisms predict how ion channels and other proteins function at the molecular and cellular levels. Ideally, a kinetic model should explain new data but also be consistent with existing knowledge. In this two-part study, we present a mathematical and computational formalism that can be used to enforce prior knowledge into kinetic models using constraints. Here, we focus on constraints that quantify the behavior of the model under certain conditions, and on constraints that enforce arbitrary parameter relationships. The penalty-based optimization mechanism described here can be used to enforce virtually any model property or behavior, including those that cannot be easily expressed through mathematical relationships. Examples include maximum open probability, use-dependent availability, and nonlinear parameter relationships. We use a simple kinetic mechanism to test multiple sets of constraints that implement linear parameter relationships and arbitrary model properties and behaviors, and we provide numerical examples. This work complements and extends the companion article, where we show how to enforce explicit linear parameter relationships. By incorporating more knowledge into the parameter estimation procedure, it is possible to obtain more realistic and robust models with greater predictive power.
UHF RFID tag IC power mode switching for wireless sensing of resistive and electrochemical transduction modalities

We propose the concept of using the change in the state of an RFID tag IC from passive to battery-assisted passive (BAP) as an indicator for sensing. We demonstrate how this approach is particularly well suited for transduction mechanisms that produce charge, such as electrochemical reactions through a case example in glucose sensing. We demonstrate that our sensor is capable of detecting glucose at different concentrations from 5–30% by measuring the amount of time the tag IC stays in BAP mode. We also demonstrate through a simulated experiment how our approach is capable of sensing resistivity changes associated with low concentration changes in gas sensing applications. The advantages and limitations of our approach relative to the state of the art tag-based sensors and future directions of research are also discussed.
Light-Induced Thermal Gradients in Ruthenium Catalysts Significantly Enhance Ammonia Production

Industrial scale catalytic chemical synthesis demands both high reaction rates and high product yields. In exothermic chemical reactions, these conflicting objectives require a complex balance of optimized catalysts, high temperatures, high pressures, and multiple recycling steps, as in the energy-intensive Haber–Bosch process for ammonia synthesis. Here we report that illumination of a conventional ruthenium-based catalyst produces ammonia with high reaction rates and high conversion yields. Indeed, using continuous wave light-emitting diodes that simulate concentrated solar illumination, ammonia is copiously produced without any external heating or elevated pressures. The possibility of nonthermal plasmonic effects are excluded by carefully comparing the catalytic activity under direct and indirect illumination. Instead, thermal gradients, created and controlled by photothermal heating of the illuminated catalyst surface, are shown to be responsible for the high reaction rates and conversion yields. Thi...
Revisiting the Asian second-generation advantage: response to comment by L.J Zigerell

In his critical comment, Zigerell focuses on three related, yet distinct, claims in our work. First, second-generation Asians are over-credentialed in education to achieve professional parity with ...
Design of Chemical Sensor Coatings Based On Blends of a Single Polymer-Plasticizer Pair for Detection of Single or Multi-Analyte Aqueous Solutions

The design of new, adaptable chemical sensor coatings using a single polymer-plasticizer pair for detection of single or multiple chemical compounds (e.g. BTEX) in aqueous solutions is presented. By modifying blend mixing ratios, the sensing characteristics of the coatings can be varied. Together with extraction of multiple sensing parameters (i.e. shear modulus, sensitivity, response time constant, etc.), this allows for more accurate analyte identification and quantification. Using a selected single polymer-plasticizer pair, several coatings were designed and used to build a sensor array. Sensing data indicates sufficient selectivity for unique identification of single analyte solutions. For solutions of multiple analytes and interferents, a different approach involving a single coated sensor characterized for all possible target chemicals and estimation theory-based multivariate signal processing was implemented. Results show accurate analyte identification and estimation of concentrations for multi-analyte solutions.
Impact of adjuvant fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy dose on local control of brain metastases

The aim of this study was to determine whether a higher biological effective dose (BED) would result in improved local control in patients treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) for their resected brain metastases. Patients with newly diagnosed brain metastases without previous brain radiotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. Patients underwent surgical resection of at least one brain metastasis and were treated with adjuvant FSRT, delivering 25–36 Gy in 5–6 fractions. Outcomes were computed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and univariate analysis. Fifty-four patients with 63 post-operative cavities were included. Median follow-up was 16 months (3–60). Median metastasis size at diagnosis was 2.9 cm (0.6–8.1) and median planning target volume was 19.7 cm3 (6.3–68.1). Two-year local control (LC) was 83%. When stratified by dose, 2 years LC rate was 95.1% in those treated with 30–36 Gy in 5–6 fractions (BED10 of 48–57.6 Gy10) versus 59.1% lesions treated with 25 Gy in 5 fractions (BED10 of 37.5 Gy10) (p 37.5 Gy10) were associated with a significantly higher rate of LC compared to lower BED regimens. Overall, 25 Gy in 5 fractions is not an adequate dose to control microscopic disease. If selecting a 5-fraction regimen, 30 Gy in five fractions appears to provide excellent tumor bed control.
Acoustic transients from the impact force excitation of beams and wind chimes

A time dependent modal based approach is presented to address the structural acoustic transients resulting from the impact excitation of a beam or wind chime. The normal velocity of the structural element is first expressed as a space-time modal expansion using the in-vacuo normal modes as basis functions. A convolution integral equation approach is presented to determine the time dependent modal velocities where fluid loading is included via the use of self and mutual modal radiation impulse responses which provide modal coupling. The modal radiation impedances and impulse responses are obtained from the associated radiation resistances via the use of Hilbert and Fourier transform relationships. Time-dependent dipole modal distributions along the beam or wind chime are then used to determine the pressure field using a convolution integral approach with the modal velocities and modal space-time impulse responses which are simply related to the in-vacuo modes . Numerical results are presented to illustrate interesting coincidence effects in the transient acoustic far field from beams and wind chimes.