cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Memory evoked optomotor responses in crustaceans.

Optomotor memory in crustaceans was studied by recording the activity of optomotor neurons. Animals were placed in a stationary striped drum, which was subsequently turned in the dark to a new position. Upon reillumination the eye movements of the animals follow the apparent movement of the stripes. It can be inferred that the position of the stripes after movement is compared with the remembered position of the stripes before movement. The size and sign of the memory response of the optomotor neurons are functions of the apparent movement. Changes as small as 0.1° can be detected. Memory starts forming almost immediately upon exposure of a position and develops as a function of viewing time. While a new memory is forming, the old one, though declining, is still present for 30 sec. In the dark a memory declines gradually, lasting for more than 8 min. In certain circumstances the set point of memory is adjusted for the effects of eye movements. The possibilities that memory involves a peripheral afterimage or stabilization of a particular part of the eye upon a particular feature of the surroundings are considered.
Inherent dynamical preferences in carbocation rearrangements leading to terpene natural products

An introduction to the application of quantum chemical dynamics calculations to mechanistic problems in the field of terpene biosynthesis is provided. A bare bones intro- duction to the fundamentals of chemical dynamics is followed by a brief account of previous applications to terpene-forming carbocation reactions, a discussion of questions in this field that dynamics calculations may help answer, and a description of current problems to which dynamics calculations are being applied.
The Roberts Court and Criminal Justice: An Empirical Assessment

An empirical examination of decisions by the Roberts Court can illuminate the contemporary Supreme Court’s impact on criminal justice. The Court’s decisions and the voting patterns of its justices confirm the Roberts Court’s generally conservative reputation with respect to criminal justice. However, contrary to commentators’ assertions about a five-member conservative majority actively reshaping criminal justice law in a rights-restricting fashion, the deeply-divided Court actually produces a notable number of rights-protective liberal decisions. Indeed, when the Roberts Court is most deeply divided on criminal justice issues, it has produced more liberal decisions than conservative decisions, due largely to the voting patterns of Justice Anthony Kennedy whose moderate voting record places him at the Court’s center. Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas have also made important contributions to liberal decisions in divided cases. Generalizations about the Roberts Court’s conservatism and judicial activism in criminal justice are overstated without recognition of the voting patterns that have contributed to the production of rights-maintaining and rights-expanding liberal decisions.
Synthesis and Rheology of Tailored Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Zinc and Sodium Ionomers

We describe a synthesis scheme for the preparation of “model” poly(dimethylsiloxane) ionomers with tailored number of monomers between ions and number of ions per chain. Melts of low ion concentration (0.3−1.3 mol %) model zinc and cobalt ionomers, and their unneutralized COOH precursors are found to precipitate as polymers that flow and exhibit a zero-shear viscosity but equilibrate to physical gels. The gel time follows an Arrhenius relationship and is used to predict and verify physical gel formation at room temperature over a time scale from several months to years. The gel time depends chiefly on the ion concentration (calculated here as the average number of ions per monomer units (×100)) and functionality (defined as the average number of ions per chain); for ionomers with comparable overall molar mass, the ion concentration and functionality act counter to each other. Unlike traditional hydrocarbon ionomers, gel formation in these polysiloxane ionomers is favored by high temperature, and the gel m...
Analysis, approximation, and computation of a coupled solid/fluid temperature control problem

An optimization problem is formulated motivated by the desire to remove temperature peaks, i.e., 'hot spots', along the bounding surfaces of containers of fluid flows. The heat equation of the solid container is coupled to the energy equations for the fluid. Heat sources can be located in the solid body, the fluid, or both. Control is effected by adjustments to the temperature of the fluid at the inflow boundary. Both mathematical analyses and computational experiments are given.
Selective deletion of large segments of Balbiani ring DNA during molecular cloning.

Abstract Transcription units in Balbiani ring 1 (BR1) and Balbiani ring 2 (BR2) of Chironomus tentans salivary glands are comprised of about 40 kb of repetitive DNA sequences organized in a satellite-like array. Because of this sequence organization, it was possible to prepare 30 to 40-kb target DNA fragments for cloning by performing limit restriction endonuclease digestion of high- M r genomic DNA. These fragments were ligated to cohesive termini of the linearized cosmid, pHC79, packaged in vitro, and used to transduce Escherichia coli . Alternatively, target fragments were randomly sheared to a mean length of 8–10 kb, annealed to plasmid pBR322 using homopolymeric tails, and used for bacterial transformation. Recombinant cosmids and plasmids generally contained inserts which were proportional to the length of target fragments used in ligation reactions. However, the subset of recombinants that hybridized to 32 P-labeled 75S RNA (highly enriched in BRI + BR2 sequences) had disproportionately smaller inserts. With the exception of one metastable clone with a 2.1-kb insert, all others had inserts of 0.8 or 0.4 kb. Similar results were obtained in host cells that were recA − or recBC − . The most likely conclusion is that repetitive BR sequences are highly unstable during replication in E. coli and are selectively deleted.
Humoral and cellular aspects of the immune response to the somatic antigen of Salmonella enteritidis.

A study was made of the cellular and humoral aspects of the immune response of the rabbit to the somatic polysaccharide of Salmonella enteritidis. The response to a single intravenous injection was characterized by the appearance of elevated titers of bactericidal antibody between 2 and 3 days later. The maximum titer was dose-dependent and occurred between 5 and 7 days, thereafter declining rapidly during the first month. The significant stabilized levels which then persisted for at least 1 year were also dose-dependent. Most of the antibody produced (>99 per cent) was associated with the macroglobulin fraction of serum. Plaque-forming cells (PFC) elaborating antibody specific for this somatic antigen were detected and enumerated by the technique of localized hemolysis in gel employing polysaccharide-coated sheep erythrocytes. Significant numbers of PFC were encountered in the spleen as early as 14 to 18 hours after a single intravenous injection of antigen; after 36 hours the number of PFC rose rapidly and culminated in a maximum population at 5 days, followed by a rapid decline and plateau similar to that for circulating antibody. The spleen was the principal organ involved in the systemic response, but other lymphoid tissues including bone marrow, peripheral blood leucocytes, and thymus contributed significantly. After an interval of 3 months the effect on humoral antibody titers of a second injection of antigen was dependent on the amount of polysaccharide administered; markedly greater titers were now obtained with 0.02 to 0.002 µg, whereas 0.2 to 20 µg resulted in a duplication of the initial humoral response. The cellular response to a second dose of 5 µg was accelerated; larger numbers of PFC appeared more rapidly, attained a maximum population by day 3, and exceeded the primary response by a factor of two. This acceleration in the attainment of maximum numbers of PFC and the increased bactericidal antibody titers following a second injection of limiting amounts of antigen suggest that these somatic polysaccharides may in fact evoke a "secondary" type of response in the rabbit.
Technology-active mathematical modelling

Problems in mathematical modelling and data analysis are discussed from a constructivist perspective. This approach provides students with realistic opportunities to connect mathematics to significant social and environmental problems while incorporating recent advances made possible by today's mathematically powerful calculators. Also included are methods for enhancing students' abilities to shift among a wide range of representations using the modelling capabilities in graphing utilities. Consideration is further given to the changes that technology imposes on the classroom culture, including changes in students' attitudes about modelling techniques and difficulties in locating appropriate problems. The article concludes by discussing the integration of teaching and assessment with mathematical modelling.
Secretory IgA is a component of rabbit lung surfactant.

Abstract Secretory IgA is a major protein component of rabbit lung surfactant purified by NaBr density gradient centrifugation from endobronchial lavage and minced lung tissue. Secretory IgA was found in both surfactant and non-surfactant fractions obtained from endobronchial lung washings. By contrast in minced-lung washings, which are not contaminated with proteins from the upper respiratory tree, secretory IgA is prominent only in the surfactant faction These findings indicate that in rabbit lung secretory Iga is present in the alveoli and is intimately associated with the surfactant system.
Beer potomania: an unusual cause of symptomatic hyponatremia

A 43-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with acute agitation, confusion, and tonic seizures. She had a history of drug abuse, most notably beer, which constituted her major dietary intake. The patient's seizures were at first thought to be factitious in association with an acute psychosis; however, her serum sodium concentration was 110 mEq/L and urine sodium was 14 mEq/L. The patient responded to IV hypertonic saline and subsequently recovered completely. Beer potomania, the most likely etiology for this patient's hyponatremia, is a rare disorder in which dietary sodium and protein insufficiency lead to dilutional hyponatremia.
Pharmacokinetic Properties of the β-Adrenergic Receptor Blocking Drugs

The pharmacokinetic properties of the β-adrenergic receptor blocking drugs have been reviewed and discussed as a possible explanation for the wide range in therapeutic dose. As a general rule, the β-adrenergic receptor blocking action of these compounds is related, in a dose-dependent way, to their concentration in the circulation. The plasma concentrations of these drugs can vary widely after oral administration of the same dose in different individuals. This variation is especially great (up to 20-fold) for those drugs which have a high hepatic clearance (propranolol, alprenolol and oxprenolol), because a large and variable fraction of the drug is eliminated during the process of transfer of drug from the gut to the systemic circulation. Although half-life may be altered by route and duration of administration, it is always relatively short for propranolol, oxprenolol, alprenolol and pindolol (2 to 6 hours) necessitating a relatively short dosage interval. Practolol is unusual in that it is eliminated almost entirely by glomerular filtration and has a significantly longer half-life (9 to 12 hours). Although no data are available, it is likely to give less variable plasma concentrations.
Stomach absorption of intubated insecticides in fasted mice

Abstract Eight 14 C-labeled insecticides representing diverse chemical classes were intubated into fasted mice whose stomachs were ligated at the pylorus. Absorption through the stomach was measured at 3 time intervals over a 60-min period and compared to similar absorption studies in the entire gastrointestinal tract. The precent of stomach absorption (as contrasted to total gastrointestinal absorption) varied from 29% (carbaryl) to 10% (nicotine). Distribution following stomach absorption was found to be similar to that in the gastrointestinal tract.
The effect of shock and regular probation upon recidivism: A comparative analysis

Previous studies of shock probation have reported mixed effects with regard to recidivism rates. This particular study compared the attributes of a sample of shock and regular probationers and discovered that type of probation was not significantly related to rearrest rates.
“We the people … ”: levels of analysis and the US Constitution

Purpose – Levels of analysis and multi‐level issues have a long history and are becoming increasingly important in many areas of management and the organizational sciences. Nevertheless, specifics and clarity regarding these issues can be elusive for scholars and educators. To help overcome this difficulty, the paper aims to use the Constitution of the United States of America and the US presidential election to illustrate levels of analysis and multi‐level issues.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the example of the Constitution of the United States of America and the US presidential election to illustrate levels of analysis and multi‐level issues in the areas of management and the organizational sciences.Findings – The paper reveals the levels of analysis and multi‐level issues using the US Constitution and US presidential elections.Originality/value – The value of the paper to scholars and educators is the explanation and illustration of levels of analysis and multi‐level issues using the US ...
Projections of atoms in terms of interatomic vectors

The azimuthal dependencies of the real-space projections of atoms in terms of the near-surface interatomic vectors from a Pt{111}-(1 × 1) surface are demonstrated through the use of 4 keV He+ scattering and a time-resolving, position-sensitive microchannel plate detector. These atomic projections are observed in the form of blocking cones which are magnified by 109 as a result of the divergence of scattered ion trajectories from atoms that act as virtual emitters. This results in nonplanar scattering trajectories which are not observed in conventional ion scattering experiments.
The fertilization potential is not necessary for the block to polyspermy or the activation of development in the medaka egg

Abstract The egg of the medaka, Oryzias latipes , was impaled with two microelectrodes so that its membrane potential could be clamped at a constant level during fertilization. Fertilization occurred at all membrane potentials between −80 and +48 mV. Therefore, there is apparently no electrical block to polyspermy in this egg. In 16 of these eggs the membrane potential was also clamped at a constant level during the 6- to 14-min period after fertilization and the eggs' subsequent development was studied. All of these eggs developed normally up to at least the beating heart stage. Therefore, the fertilization potential is not necessary for further development. When the egg is clamped at levels more negative than −25 mV, the injected clamping current is usually biphasic just after fertilization with an inward current phase preceding a longer outward phase. The inward current phase corresponds well in time with the membrane depolarization normally triggered by fertilization. The outward current phase was observed in all eggs studied and the more positive the holding potential, the longer was the outward current duration.
Corticotropin-producing pulmonary gangliocytic paraganglioma associated with Cushing's syndrome

Gangliocytic paraganglioma (GP) is an unusual tumor in the wide spectrum of neuroendocrine neoplasms. The biologic behavior and histogenesis of this tumor is uncertain because, despite its benign histologic features, there have been reports of metastases to regional lymph nodes and distant metastases. Although most of these tumors have been reported in the duodenum, examples of GP arising in extra-ampullary sites have been well documented. Herein, we report the case of a lung GP corticotropin producing and presenting as Cushing's syndrome. After removal of the tumor, there was a significant drop in cortisol and corticotropin levels. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a GP causing Cushing's syndrome.
Core Temperature Cooling in Healthy Volunteers After Rapid Intravenous Infusion of Cold and Room Temperature Saline Solution

Study objective Studies have suggested that inducing mild hypothermia improves neurologic outcomes after traumatic brain injury, major stroke, traumatic hemorrhage, and cardiac arrest. Although infusion of cold normal saline solution is a simple and inexpensive method for initiating hypothermia, human cold-defense mechanisms potentially make this route stressful or ineffective. We hypothesize that rapid infusion of 30 mL/kg of cold (4°C, 39.2°F) 0.9% saline solution during 30 minutes to healthy subjects (aged 27 [standard deviation (SD) 4] years) will reduce core body temperature to the therapeutic range of 33°C to 35°C (91.4°F to 95°F). Methods Sixteen subjects were randomly assigned to receive either cold (4°C, 39.2°F) or room temperature (23°C, 73.4°F) normal saline solution. Subjects were not informed of their assignment, but blinding was not possible after initiation of the infusion. Core temperature, skin temperature, and vital signs were recorded every 2 minutes. Subjects indicated global discomfort during the infusion on a 100-mm visual analog scale at 5-minute intervals. Results Core temperature decreased in both the cold saline solution (1.0°C [SD 0.4°C]/1.8°F [0.7°F]) and room temperature saline solution (0.5°C [SD 0.1°C]/0.9°F [0.2°F]) groups, whereas skin temperature was unchanged. Slopes calculated from the core temperature cooling curves indicate that the majority of cooling occurred during the first half of the infusion. Examination of the core temperature cooling curves revealed a 2-phase temporal pattern in 30-minute cooling curves. The early phase, spanning 0 to 14 minutes, demonstrated rapid cooling in both groups, with a larger effect observed in subjects receiving cold saline solution. Conclusion In this pilot study of healthy volunteers, rapid administration of cold saline solution to awake normothermic volunteers resulted in 1°C (1.8°F) cooling but did not induce a therapeutic plane of hypothermia. This change in core temperature was not accompanied by significant changes in skin temperature. These data suggest that a reduction in core temperature of about 1°C (1.8°F) can be achieved in healthy humans before a thermoregulatory response is triggered and that rapid infusion of cold intravenous fluids is insufficient by itself to overcome this response. The clinically relevant control arm of room temperature saline solution also resulted in mild core cooling.
Gated magnetic resonance imaging of acute myocardial ischemia in dogs: Application of multiecho techniques and contrast enhancement with Gd DTPA

Abstract ECG gated magnetic resonance images were obtained in six canines prior to and immediately following occlusion of either the LAD or circumflex coronary artery using a surgically placed snare. Multiecho and single-echo acquisition techniques were utilized. 0.25 mmol/kg Gd DTPA was injected as an IV bolus 1 hr following coronary artery ligation. In two animals, the region of ischemic myocardium was clearly visualized on multiecho technique without the use of intravenous contrast. The ischemic zone could be best identified on images with a long TE of 120 msec. Contrast enhancement with Gd DTPA enabled visualization of the ischemic myocardium in all six canines. Administration of Gd DTPA, a perfusion agent, improved both detectability and definition of the myocardial lesions.
An Iterative Approach to Goal Programming

An iterative approach is developed for solving general goal programming problems. This approach is then used to solve several nonlinear examples, including an integer solution problem. A dual for linear goal programming problems is developed and sensitivity analysis is discussed. Several new advances in modeling with goal programming which are made possible with this iterative approach are presented, namely least squares attainability of goals and priority dependent constraints.
Synthesis and properties of defined DNA oligomers containing base mispairs involving 2-aminopurine

Abstract DNA heptamers containing the mutagenic base analogue 2-aminopurine (AP) have been chemically synthesized and physically characterized. We report on the relative stabilities of base pairs between AP and each of the common DNA bases, as determined from heptamer duplex melts at 275 and 330 nm. Base pairs are ranked in order of decreasing stability: AP.T greater than AP.A greater than AP.C greater than AP.G. It is of interest that AP.A is more stable than AP.C even though DNA polymerase strongly favors the formation of AP.C over AP.A base pairs. Comparisons of melting profiles at 330 nm and 275 nm indicate that AP.T, AP.A, and AP.C base pairs are annealed in heptamer duplexes and melt 2-3 degrees prior to surrounding base pairs, whereas AP.G appears not to be annealed.
Malignant struma ovarii

Malignant struma ovarii is a very rare tumor, with considerable disagreement concerning the necessary histologic features for malignancy. The prognosis with patients with a malignant struma ovarii is difficult to make because of inadequate follow-up of the reported cases and long clinical courses. In most cases the patients responded well to surgical treatment but sometimes patients have died from malignant struma ovarii, in particular, if there is metastasis. There is evidence that radioactive iodine is effective in treating metastatic struma. The present case reports the use of intraperitoneal chromic phosphate for metastatic intraperitoneal disease, with thyroid suppression. Long-term follow-up will be necessary to properly evaluate this therapy. Prophylactic administration of thyroid hormone should be considered in cases of malignant struma ovarii.
Understanding and measuring iridescence (spectral banding) of anodized luminaire surfaces

Iridescence is a problem of increasing concern since the introduction of narrowband lamps and anodized luminaire surfaces. It appears as induced coloration of luminaire surfaces, much like rainbow patterns associated with thin oil or soap films on water. The causes of the effect are discussed, and an interim color measurement method based on standard CIE (1986) and ASTM (1987) practices for the measurement of color in terms of the human visual system is proposed. An analysis of the nature of the effect is provided so that the problem at hand can be better managed and understood. >
A Brief Response to Wendy Larson's ‘Zhang Yimou's Hero: dismantling the myth of cultural power’

AbstractWendy Larson's nuanced essay on Zhang Yimou's film Hero, recently published in the pages of this journal, has prompted me to reconsider my interpretation of the film. Though persuaded by some of her contentions, I remain convinced that the film, whether intended or not, is an example of commercial cinema in ideological support of the state and, more broadly, of ‘totalitarianism in general’. In order to sustain our productive conflict of interpretations, I here offer a summary of the key points in Larson's argument, followed by a selective critical response of my own.
A Surface Wear Prediction Methodology for Parallel-Axis Gear Pairs

In this study, a surface wear prediction methodology for spur and helical gears is proposed. The methodology employs a finite elements-based gear contact mechanics model in conjunction with the Archard’s wear formulation to predict wear of contacting tooth surfaces. An iterative numerical procedure is developed to account for the changes in the gear contact as the gears wear. A methodology is developed to import gear coordinate measurement machine data into the gear contact model in order to analyze gears with actual manufactured surfaces with profile and lead modifications. Results of an experimental study are presented for validation of the methodology. A set of simulations is also included to highlight the differences between gear pairs having modified and unmodified tooth surfaces, with and without manufacturing errors in terms of their wear characteristics. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1691433#
Plant responses to extracellular nucleotides: Cellular processes and biological effects

Higher plants exhibit cellular responsiveness to the exogenous application of purine nucleotides in a manner consistent with a cell–cell signaling function for these molecules. Like animals, plants respond to extracellular ATP, ADP, and stable analogues (e.g., ATPγS and ADPβS) by increasing the cytoplasmic concentration of calcium. Agonist substrate specificity and concentration dependency suggest receptor mediation of these events, and, although the identity of the plant receptor is currently unknown, pharmacological analysis points to the involvement of a plasma membrane-localized calcium channel. Extracellular ATP can also induce the production of reactive oxygen species and stimulate an increase in the mRNA levels of a number of stress- and calcium-regulated genes, suggesting a role for nucleotide-based signaling in plant wound and defense responses. Furthermore, the growth and development of plants can also be altered by the application of external ATP. Recent studies are only beginning to uncover the complexities of plant signaling networks activated in response to extracellular ATP and how these might interact to affect plant physiological processes.
Market Structure, Electoral Institutions, and Trade Policy

The view that intra-industry trade is politically easier to liberalize than inter-industry trade is widely held and potentially explains key features of the global trading system. This view, however, rests on weak theoretical and empirical foundations. I argue that intra-industry trade can in fact lead to higher protection, but only where electoral institutions privilege narrow protectionist interests. I support this hypothesis with an analysis of trade barriers in 4,400 sectors in 65 countries and an analysis of lobbying in the US. My results imply that scholars should stop invoking intra-industry trade as an explanation for low trade barriers in wealthy countries and advanced manufacturing sectors. They also have important implications for the more general relationship between political institutions, collective action, and policy outcomes.
Demographics of captive De Brazza's guenons

Survival and fertility rates of captive De Brazza's guenons (Cercopithecus neglectus), based on the 575 known captive animals in 70 zoos and institutions worldwide, were calculated. The results suggest that the high level of infant mortality (males: dx(day 1-yr 1) = 0.73 males; females; dx(day 1-yr 1) = 0.51), low fertility rate (Σ m′x = 1.69), and differential mortality due to the incidence of stillbirths (males: dx(day 1) = 0.676, females: dx(day 1) = 0.442) may threaten the viability of this population. Possible causes of differential mortality rates are discussed and questions requiring additional research are identified.
Regarding "Coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients undergoing operation for ruptured and nonruptured infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms".

The rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is associated with death in the vast majority of patients in whom it occurs. One of the most eye-opening demonstrations of the lethality of the problem is the population-based report from Malmo in which 88% of the patients with ruptured aortic aneurysms died, most of whom did not survive to reach the hospital.1 Lowering the rate of mortality would require the development of a screening program to identify individuals with aortic aneurysms so that elective repair could be performed before rupture. The reality of such an approach is uncertain, and the cost effectiveness is questionable. As such, the institution of global methods to identify and repair the great number of asymptomatic aneurysms is a matter of public policy and poorly controllable by the vascular practitioner. By contrast, vascular surgeons have the potential to alter patient survival rates for those patients who arrive at the hospital alive. Anecdotally, it appears that intraoperative mortality rate has, indeed, decreased over time, but the chance of surviving to discharge remains only one in two for these patients.2 Vascular surgeons and anesthesiologists have become remarkably effective at getting patients with ruptured aneurysms through the operation itself, but the perioperative mortality rate remains depressingly high. Thrombotic complications predominate during the early postoperative period, including myocardial infarction, lower extremity and intestinal ischemia, stroke, and venous thromboembolism. The frequency of these events must be limited if a decrease in the in-hospital mortality rate is to be achieved. The work of Adam and colleagues sheds light on
A joint partnership for improving undergraduate microelectronics instruction

In 1990, Northern Arizona University, Intel Corporation, and Motorola Inc. entered into a joint partnership with the goal of creating an exemplary laboratory for undergraduate instruction in semiconductor fabrication. By the time the laboratory was completed, over a dozen smaller companies has joined in the effort. The resulting laboratory not only satisfied the original goal, but it also became a catalyst causing fundamental changes in the engineering curriculum at NAU. This project both demonstrates the potential for such joint efforts and shows some pitfalls to be avoided. >
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

As illustrated in this book, many medical and surgical options improve male factor infertility and permit couples to conceive naturally, or with minimal medical intervention. But there are still many conditions where sperm function will remain compromised and thus prevent the fertilization of an egg. Even standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) is ineffective with significant male factor situations. Through the introduction of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), Palermo et al. (1) made it possible for many male complications to be overcome in the laboratory. Since that time, ICSI has arguably become one of the most important tools in the IVF laboratory. ICSI has provided the successful treatment of many levels of male infertility that were originally untreatable by any available technology.
Study of the Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/Cellulose Nanowhisker Composites Prepared by Solution Casting and Melt Processing

In this study cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW) were prepared by sulfuric acid hyrolysis from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The biopolymer composites of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/CNW, was fabricated by solution casting using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as the solvent. Homogeneous dispersion of the whiskers was achieved and the composites exhibited improved tensile strength and modulus and increased glass transition temperature. The melt processing (extrusion and injection molding) of PHBV/CNW composites was also attempted. Despite using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a compatibilizer, CNW agglomerates formed during freeze-drying could not be broken and well dispersed by the extrusion process due to the large surface area and the polar nature of CNW. As a result, the melt processed PHBV/CNW composites exhibited decreased strength and constant glass transition temperature, a typical trend of microparticle filled polymer systems. MCC was also treated by high-speed mechanical homogenize...
Painting the target around the matching profile: the Texas sharpshooter fallacy in forensic DNA interpretation

Forensic DNA analysts tend to underestimate the frequency of matching profiles (and overestimate likelihood ratios) by shifting the purported criteria for a ‘match’ or ‘inclusion’ after the profile of a suspect becomes known-a process analogous to the well-known Texas sharpshooter fallacy. Using examples from casework, informal and naturalistic experiments, and analysts’ own testimony, this article demonstrates how post hoc target shifting occurs and how it can distort the frequency and likelihood ratio statistics used to characterize DNA matches, making matches appear more probative than they actually are. It concludes by calling for broader adoption of more rigorous analytical procedures, such as sequential unmasking, that can reduce the sharpshooter fallacy by fixing the target before the shots are taken.
Delineating site-specific management zones for pH-induced iron chlorosis

Iron chlorosis can limit crop yield, especially on calcareous soil. Typical management for iron chlorosis includes the use of iron fertilizers or chlorosis tolerant cultivars. Calcareous and non-calcareous soil can be interspersed within fields. If chlorosis-prone areas within fields can be predicted accurately, site-specific use of iron fertilizers and chlorosis-tolerant cultivars might be more profitable than uniform management. In this study, the use of vegetation indices (VI) derived from aerial imagery, on-the-go measurement of soil pH and apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) were evaluated for their potential to delineate chlorosis management zones. The study was conducted at six sites in 2004 and 2005. There was a significant statistical relationship between grain yield and selected properties at two sites (sites 1 (2005) and 3), moderate relationships at sites 2 and 4, and weak relationships at site 5. For sites 1 (2005) and 3, and generally across all sites, yield was predicted best with the combination of NDVI and deep ECa. These two properties were used to delineate chlorosis management zones for all sites. Sites 1 and 3 showed a good relationship between delineated zones and the selected properties, and would be good candidates for site-specific chlorosis management. For site 5, differences in the properties between mapped zones were small, and the zones had weak relationships to yield. This site would be a poor candidate for site-specific chlorosis management. Based on this study, the delineation of chlorosis management zones from aerial imagery combined with soil ECa appears to be a useful tool for the site-specific management of iron chlorosis.
The Role of Vermetid Gastropods in the Development of the Florida Middle Ground, Northeast Gulf of Mexico

ABSTRACT Reich, C.D.; Poore, R.Z., and Hickey, T.D., 2013. The role of vermetid gastropods in the development of the Florida Middle Ground, northeast Gulf of Mexico. In: Brock, J.C.; Barras, J.A., and Williams, S.J. (eds.), Understanding and Predicting Change in the Coastal Ecosystems of the Northern Gulf of Mexico, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 63, pp. 46–57, Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. The Florida Middle Ground is a complex of north to northwest trending ridges that lie approximately 180 km northwest of Tampa Bay, Florida. The irregular ridges appear on the otherwise gently sloping West Florida shelf and exhibit between 10–15 m of relief. Modern studies interpret the ridges as remnants of a Holocene coral-reef buildup that today provide a hard substrate for growth of a variety of benthic organisms including hydrocorals, scleractinians, alcyonarians, and algae. Recent rotary coring reveals that the core of the eastern ridge of the Florida Middle Ground complex consists of un...
IMPROVED METHOD FOR PREPARATION OF FRUIT-SIMULATING ALGINATE GELS

Calcium binding, crosslinking, and mechanical properties were studied in alginate gels prepared by a two-step procedure. A thermolabile gelatin gel containing sodium alginate is placed in a calcium lactate solution, and diffusion of calcium ions causes crosslinking of the alginate. Calcium binds completely to alginate within 48 h, but crosslinking continues for more than 72 h, as indicated by gel strength. Retention of ascorbic acid incorporated into these gels was only about 25% after 72 h in the crosslinking bath. To improve retention, an alternate one-step procedure was adopted, using glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate; this process eliminates residence in the crosslinking bath. Hydrolysis of GDL slowly reduces the mixture's pH, releasing calcium ions which then crosslink with the alginate. The GDL process produced a gel matrix with compression behavior similar to those of the “two-step” gels. Complete crosslinking took 7 h; ascorbic acid losses were insignificant.
The effect of growth inhibiting factors on the total lipid content of the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio (Hamilton‐Buchanan)

The effects of growth inhibiting factors on the total lipid content of zebrafish was studied. Crowded zebrafish were subjected to extraction of the aquarium water using activated charcoal. Control fish were crowded, but were not subjected to extraction. This resulted in a gain in mean wet weight of 10.9% for the crowded, extracted fish (experimentals) as compared to the controls. In order to determine the effects of crowding on the total lipid content of the crowded fish, lipid analyses were conducted at the conclusion of the growth studies. These studies indicate that the fish in the extracted system had a greater lipid content than those in the-non-extracted system (15.4% v. 10.4% mean lipid). It is proposed that growth inhibiting factors libeerated from the crowded fish may affect the thyroid gland, causing lipid mobilization from the tissues resulting in resulting in lowered total lipid in these animals. Extraction of the aquarium water with activated charcoal removes the growth inhibiting factor, possibly decreasing thyroid function with a resulting higher total lipid content.
Vav promoter-tTA conditional transgene expression system for hematopoietic cells drives high level expression in developing B and T cells

Objective We previously showed that Vav promoter-tetracycline transactivator ( Vav-tTA )–driven tetracycline-regulated element ( TRE )- NRAS(V12) expression resulted in mastocytosis development in mice. To investigate which hematopoietic cells express TRE -driven transgenes when combined with Vav-tTA , we assayed hematopoietic cells, including bone marrow–derived mast cells (BMMC) and CD34-positive hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) as well as myeloid and lymphoid lineages. To determine if suppression of NRAS(V12) expression early in life would delay mastocytosis we treated developing and juvenile mice with doxycycline (Dox). Materials and Methods Vav-tTA –driven luciferase expression was assayed by live mouse imaging and relative light unit measurement before or after treating Vav-tTA and TRE- luciferase ( TRE-Luc ) cotransgenic mice with Dox. Magnetic cell sorting and fluorescence-activating cell sorting methods were used to sort hematopoietic cells. To suppress TRE -mediated luciferase or NRAS(V12) expression in Vav-tTA cotransgenic mice, we added Dox to the drinking water. Results B cells in the bone marrow and T cells in the thymus expressed Vav-tTA –driven luciferase at much higher levels than in myeloid cells, BMMC, and CD34-positive HPC, which showed relatively low levels. Dox treatment completely eliminated the luciferase expression from all hematopoietic cells. Repression of TRE - NRAS(V12) expression early in life was sufficient to increase the latency of mastocytosis development. Conclusion The Vav-tTA transgenic line will be very useful for conditional transgene expression in developing B and T cells. Vav-tTA –driven NRAS(V12) expression is sufficient for mastocytosis development, but not for myeloid leukemia. Lymphoid cells are resistant to NRAS(V12) transformation despite high level of expression.
The relationship between active living and health-related quality of life: income as a moderator

This study used a moderator model to examine the relationship between active living and the physical components of health-related quality of life [i.e. overall physical component of quality of life (PQOL), physical functioning and ability to fulfill physical role] among a randomly selected sample of rural residents (n 5 407) from the Midwestern US. Results showed that active living was associated with greater increases in health-related quality of life for those reporting lower income. The effect size of the relationship between active living and the PQOL for the low-income group was over 2 times the effect size for the high-income group. For physical functioning, the effect size of active living for the low-income group was greater than 3 times the effect size for the highincome group. Although active living behaviors have been demonstrated to be less prevalent among those of low socioeconomic status, this group may have the most to gain from these activities. Findings highlight the need for increased and specifically targeted promotion of active living interventions.
Does Self-Blame Moderate Psychological Adjustment Following Intimate Partner Violence?

This study explored whether self-blame moderates the relationship between exposure to specific types of abuse and both poor general psychological adjustment (i.e., self-esteem) and specific symptomatology (i.e., posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)) among women who had experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). Eighty female IPV survivors were involved in this study. Results indicated that self-blame was negatively associated with self-esteem for physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. Self-blame moderated physical abuse, such that high levels of physical abuse interacted with high levels of self-blame in their association with PTSD. Nonsignificant models were noted for psychological and sexual abuse in association with self-blame and PTSD. These findings support the conceptualization that self- blame is associated with both general and specific psychological outcomes in the aftermath of IPV. Future research examining different forms of blame associated with IPV might further untangle inconsistencies in the self-blame literature.
Region analysis and a π-calculus with groups

We show that the typed region calculus of Tofte and Talpin can be encoded in a typed π-calculus equipped with name groups and a novel effect analysis. In the region calculus, each boxed value has a statically determined region in which it is stored. Regions are allocated and de-allocated according to a stack discipline, thus improving memory management. The idea of name groups arose in the typed ambient calculus of Cardelli, Ghelli, and Gordon. There, and in our π-calculus, each name has a statically determined group to which it belongs. Groups allow for type-checking of certain mobility properties, as well as effect analyses. Our encoding makes precise the intuitive correspondence between regions and groups. We propose a new formulation of the type preservation property of the region calculus, which avoids Tofte and Talpin's rather elaborate co-inductive formulation. We prove the encoding preserves the static and dynamic semantics of the region calculus. Our proof of the correctness of region de-allocation shows it to be a specific instance of a general garbage collection principle for the π-calculus with effects. We propose new equational laws for letregion, analogous to scope mobility laws in the π-calculus, and show them sound in our semantics.
Mining graph patterns efficiently via randomized summaries

Graphs are prevalent in many domains such as Bioinformatics, social networks, Web and cyber-security. Graph pattern mining has become an important tool in the management and analysis of complexly structured data, where example applications include indexing, clustering and classification. Existing graph mining algorithms have achieved great success by exploiting various properties in the pattern space. Unfortunately, due to the fundamental role subgraph isomorphism plays in these methods, they may all enter into a pitfall when the cost to enumerate a huge set of isomorphic embeddings blows up, especially in large graphs.The solution we propose for this problem resorts to reduction on the data space. For each graph, we build a summary of it and mine this shrunk graph instead. Compared to other data reduction techniques that either reduce the number of transactions or compress between transactions, this new framework, called Summarize-Mine, suggests a third path by compressing within transactions. Summarize-Mine is effective in cutting down the size of graphs, thus decreasing the embedding enumeration cost. However, compression might lose patterns at the same time. We address this issue by generating randomized summaries and repeating the process for multiple rounds, where the main idea is that true patterns are unlikely to miss from all rounds. We provide strict probabilistic guarantees on pattern loss likelihood. Experiments on real malware trace data show that Summarize-Mine is very efficient, which can find interesting malware fingerprints that were not revealed previously.
Off-fault ground ruptures in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California: Ridge-top spreading versus tectonic extension during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake

The Ms 7.1 Loma Prieta earthquake of 18 October 1989 produced abundant ground ruptures in an 8 by 4 km area along Summit Road and Skyland Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Predominantly extensional fissures formed a left-stepping, crudely en echelon pattern along ridges of the hanging-wall block southwest of the San Andreas fault, about 12 km northwest of the epicenter. The fissures are subparallel to the San Andreas fault and appear to be controlled by bedding planes, faults, joints, and other weak zones in the underlying Tertiary sedimentary strata of the hanging-wall block. The pattern of extensional fissures is generally consistent with tectonic extension across the crest of the uplifted hanging-wall block. Also, many displacements in Laurel Creek canyon and along the San Andreas and Sargent faults are consistent with right-lateral reverse faulting inferred for the mainshock. Additional small tensile failures along the axis of the Laurel anticline may reflect growth of the fold during deep-seated compression. However, the larger ridge-top fissures commonly have displacements that are parallel to the north-northeast regional slope directions and appear inconsistent with east-northeast extension expected from this earthquake. Measured cumulative displacements across the ridge crests are at least 35 times larger than that predicted by the geodetically determined surface deformation. These fissures also occur in association with ubiquitous landslide complexes that were reactivated by the earthquake to produce the largest concentration of co-seismic slope failures in the epicentral region. The anomalously large displacements and the apparent slope control of the geometry and displacement of many co-seismic surface ruptures lead us to conclude that gravity is an important driving force in the formation of the ridge-top fissures. Shaking-induced gravitational spreading of ridges and downslope movement may account for 90? or more of the observed displacements on the linear fissures. Similar fissures occurred in the same area and elsewhere near the San Andreas fault during the predominantly right-lateral 1906 San Francisco earthquake and suggest that the Loma Prieta ground ruptures may, in large part, be independent of fault kinematics.