cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Environmental DNA to Determine Fantail Darter (Etheostoma flabellare) Density in a Laboratory Setting: Effects of Biomass and Filtration Method

Estimating fish abundance/biomass holds great importance for freshwater ecology and fisheries management, but current techniques can be expensive, time-consuming, and potentially harmful to target organisms. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has proven an effective and efficient technique for presence/absence detection of freshwater vertebrates. Additionally, recent studies report correlations between target organism density/biomass and eDNA levels, although widespread application of this technique is limited by the number of studies examining this relationship in various species and settings. Additionally, filter clogging is a commonly encountered issue in eDNA studies in environments with significant sediment and/or phytoplankton algae. Frequently, a sample must be split into multiple aliquots and filtered separately in order to process the entire sample. The present study examines both the relationship between biomass and eDNA and the effects of single versus multiple filter sampling on eDNA concentrations of fantail darters (Etheostoma flabellare) in a laboratory setting. Tank tests were performed in quadruplicate at four environmentally relevant fantail biomass levels. eDNA samples were collected and processed in parallel (one as a whole through a single filter and one in parts through multiple filters). Species-specific primers and a probe were developed for E. flabellare from cytochrome b sequences obtained from locally collected specimens, and real-time quantitative PCR was used to analyze eDNA levels at each biomass. Significant correlations were observed with increasing biomass for both methods, although this relationship was stronger for samples processed by the multiple filter method. These data should be useful in eDNA studies in which turbidity necessitates the use of multiple filters per sample as well as in the use of eDNA to estimate darter populations.
Numerical Simulations of Multipactor

Numerical simulations play an important role in multipactor studies. However, in some cases, an analytical solution can be a powerful tool for understanding how to change the structure geometry to mitigate multipactor. We will demonstrate this in the following chapters.
Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Supervisees' Experiences of LGB-Affirmative and Non-Affirmative Supervision in COAMFTE-Accredited Training Programs

This expanded replication study used consensual qualitative research to examine 12 lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) supervisees’ experiences with LGB-affirmative and non-affirmative supervision in Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)-accredited programs, and the impact of these experiences on their personal/professional development, supervisory relationship, and work with clients. LGB-affirmative supervision was characterized by a context of safety, inclusion, affirmation, and knowledge about LGB identities, which positively affected their development, supervisory relationship, and client work. Non-affirmative supervision was characterized by a context of bias, lack of respect, and marginalization, which negatively affected these areas. Implications for theory, research, and supervision are discussed.
Exploring the Origins of Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on Isle Royale

Isle Royale National Park is generally considered a pristine ecosystem, but the island archipelago has a long history of human impacts that have altered the island's mammal communities through extirpations and introductions. The origin of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on the islands are of particular interest given their ubiquity and uncertain colonization history. Red foxes were first reported on Isle Royale in 1925, shortly after the foundation of a small fox farm that began on Isle Royale in 1922. We sequenced two mitochondrial haplotypes from red fox scats collected on Isle Royale and compared them to haplotypes from the mainland surrounding Lake Superior, the predominant source of the island's other native mammals. Some Isle Royale foxes matched widespread haplotypes commonly found across Canada, but over half of our samples matched haplotypes previously detected only in Newfoundland. While we cannot conclude a singular origin, we offer a working hypothesis red foxes on Isle Royale are derived from a combination of natural colonization and human introduction. Specifically, we propose native red foxes may be admixed with fur-farmed foxes from an introduction in the early 20th century.
Simultaneous Determination of Mycobacterium leprae Drug Resistance and Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotype by Use of Nested Multiplex PCR with Amplicon Sequencing.

Mycobacterium leprae is the predominant cause of leprosy worldwide, and its genotypes can be classified into four single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) types and 16 subtypes. Determining M. leprae drug resistance and genotype is typically done by PCR and Sanger DNA sequencing, which require substantial effort. Here we describe a rapid method involving multiplex PCR in combination with nested amplification and next generation sequence analysis that allows simultaneous determination of M. leprae drug resistance and SNP genotype directly from clinical specimens. We used this method to analyze clinical samples from two paucibacillary, nine multibacillary, and six type-undetermined leprosy patients. Regions in folP1, rpoB, gyrA, and gyrB that determine drug resistance and those for 84 SNP-InDels in the M. leprae genome were amplified from clinical samples and their sequences were determined. The results showed that seven samples were subtype 1A, three were 1D, and seven were 3K. Three samples of the subtype 3K had folp1 mutation. The method may allow more rapid genetic analyses of M. leprae in clinical samples.
Inhibition of Chlorella growth by degradation and related products of linoleic and linolenic acids and the possible significance of polyunsaturated fatty acids in phytoplankton ecology

The activity of the degradation products of linoleic and linolenic acids in inhibiting the growth of the green alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa was determined using the paper disk-agar plate method. Although hydroperoxides derived from these acids and aldehyde biodegradation products and other related aldehydes and alcohols showed inhibitory activity, it is concluded from the weakness of the activities that the inhibitory effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFAs) on Chlorella growth is due mainly to the acids themselves and not their degradation products. The evidence for the possible ecological role of PUFAs as toxic agents against phytoplankton is presented.
Contiguous item sequential pattern mining using UpDown Tree

In this paper the problem of Contiguous Item Sequential Pattern (CISP) Mining is presented as a sequential pattern mining problem under two constraints. First, each element in a sequence consists of only one item. Second, items appearing in the sequences that contain a pattern must be adjacent with respect to the underlying order as they appear in the pattern. Even though the problem of CISP mining can be solved by using previous approaches on sequential pattern mining under a general constraint description framework, this may lead to poor performance due to the large searching space. To efficiently solve this problem, a new data structure, UpDown Tree, is proposed for CISP mining. UpDown Tree based approach can greatly improve the efficiency of CISP mining in terms of both time and memory comparing to previous approaches. An extensive experimental study has shown promising results with our approach.
Epidemiology of Foodborne Diseases

This chapter provides an introduction to epidemiology and epidemiologic methods as they are applied to problems of foodborne diseases. The concepts and methods of epidemiology can be used to examine the relationships between disease and all levels of food safety, from production and distribution to preparation and consumption. In discussing the epidemiology of foodborne diseases it is important to keep in mind the chain of infection. This includes the agent, the reservoir that contains the agent, a means of escape from the reservoir, a mode of transmission to a susceptible host, and a means of entry into the host. These elements define the agent-host environment that results in the occurrence of illness. Many of potential hazards, either in terms of specific agents, specific food ingredients, or various agent-food interactions, were originally determined as a result of foodborne illness surveillance. As food sources and foodborne disease agents are constantly changing, hazard analysis is an ongoing process that requires continuous support from public health surveillance of foodborne diseases. Public health surveillance of foodborne disease is critical to the performance of food safety systems that are based on hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) systems plans. Surveillance is required to identify new hazards. It also provides the ultimate feedback on the efficacy of HACCP plans. Although this chapter focuses on experiences in the United States, the same methods of observation and analysis should form the basis of foodborne disease surveillance in developed and developing countries throughout the world.
Evaluating the Efficiency of Thirty-Five Law Schools Using Data Envelopment Analysis

If legal institutions endorse LSAT scores and UGPAs as accurate assessments of ability, to what extent does “ability” influence wages in the legal job market? Do average salaries of graduates of top schools justify these schools’ lofty admittance standards? Earning a law degree does not automatically grant its holder the right to practice law; in fact, it is essentially a prerequisite for consideration by the professional organization that regulates the law profession in any given jurisdiction. Upon earning a law degree, aspirants must slay yet another mighty dragon, the bar exam. Given that certain law schools require excellent LSAT scores and GPAs, does graduation from these schools precede high bar passage rates? Using empirical evidence containing average LSAT scores, UGPAs, starting salaries, and bar passage rates, this study uses Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to evaluate relative efficiency levels across 35 law schools in the Pacific West and Mountain zones, including the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and Montana. This article is available in Undergraduate Economic Review: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/uer/vol4/iss1/7 Undergraduate Economic Review A Publication of Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloody tap amniocentesis: Discrimination between fetal and maternal blood by means of hemoglobin electrophoresis

Bloody amniotic fluid from amniocentesis or vaginal blood obtained in the late third trimester from 15 patients was analyzed for the presence of fetal blood by hemoglobin electrophoresis and Kleihauer-Betke tests. In addition, 15 experimentally formulated specimens were submitted for analysis. Where quantities were sufficient for parallel assay, the tests correlated 100%. Hemoglobin electrophoresis was an objective test for quantifying and accurately distinguishing the source of fetal-maternal bleeding.
A methodology for the prediction of static charge in a transformer structure

A number of recent failures involving large forced-oil-cooled power transformers have been attributed to static electrification. The authors present a preliminary model for predicting electrification in a realistic transformer geometry for which experimental data are available to provide a means of calibration. The static model has been shown to give agreement with measurements for a core-form transformer geometry. The preliminary model has demonstrated that the network methodology is viable for examining the effects of static electrification in a realistic transformer structure. >
Base-case power flow model of an interconnected power system

This paper presents a user-friendly software in modeling daily base case by including the peak power interchange, forecast loads, scheduled generator, and transmission line outages. In order to model an interconnected power system accurately, the items mentioned above must be included into the base case before running the contingency screening. This software will abstract all downloaded files from the NERC web site and process them according to the requested query hour. Finally, the software will create an user defined input batch file (idv file) that will after the base case's power interchange, loads, and scheduled generator and transmission line outages in PSS/E power load flow program. In fact, two versions of this software have been developed with a full power interchange model and a decoupled power interchange model. The decoupled power interchange model is only concentrating on the southern security coordinators' power interchange to the north. The full power interchange model is including all the transactions in that peak hour.
Mutation frequency in 15 common cancer genes in high-risk head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background With prior studies having looked at unselected cohorts, we sought to explore the mutational landscape in a high-risk group of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors. Methods A multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay evaluating 68 loci in 15 genes was performed on 64 patients with high-risk HNSCC. Because of the frequent PIK3CA and AKT1 mutations in patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma, we evaluated the relationship between mutation status and both clinical/pathologic variables and tumor control in this subgroup. Results Seventeen of 64 patients harbored mutations in the assayed loci: 16% in PIK3CA, 9% in TP53, 2% in AKT1, and 2% in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The frequency of PIK3CA/AKT1 mutations in oropharyngeal and sinonasal primaries was increased compared to other primary sites (35% vs 6%; p = .005). There was no relationship between mutation status and overall survival (OS), disease-specific death, or progression in the oropharyngeal cohort. Conclusion We identified frequent PIK3CA mutations in patients with high-risk HNSCC confined predominantly to the oropharyngeal and sinonasal subsites; for the first time, mutation in AKT1 has been identified in HNSCC. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1181–1188, 2014
Identifying predictive structures in relational data using multiple instance learning

This paper introduces an approach for identifying predictive structures in relational data using the multiple-instance framework. By a predictive structure, we mean a structure that can explain a given labeling of the data and can predict labels of unseen data. Multiple-instance learning has previously only been applied to flat, or propositional, data and we present a modification to the framework that allows multiple-instance techniques to be used on relational data. We present experimental results using a relational modification of the diverse density method (Maron, 1998; Maron & Lozano-Perez, 1998) and of a method based on the chi-squared statistic (McGovern & Jensen, 2003). We demonstrate that multiple-instance learning can be used to identify predictive structures on both a small illustrative data set and the Internet Movie Database. We compare the classification results to a k-nearest neighbor approach.
Does a sonar system make a blind maze navigation computer game more "fun"?

As part of the Blind Programming Project at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, we are investigating ways to make programming more fun for school aged blind children. We are beginning this search by creating and empirically analyzing a number of different auditory computer games. These games are being analyzed to see if we can make them customizable (programmable), using blind programming environments, and to see what kind of strategies work best when designing video games in general for blind users.In this work, we explored the creation of a zombie-killing maze navigation game for the blind. Specifically, we were curious whether a sonar based system would be more fun for users when trying to navigate the maze as compared to a navigation system that literally told the user which way to travel. We hypothesized that the sonar system would be more fun, as it provided a playful challenge. Unlike most auditory games for the blind, which typically use screen readers, we made high quality voice recordings of the entire user interface for our game. Overall, results did not show that the sonar based game was more fun, however our game was rated so highly by users, that the navigation system itself appears less important than careful user design and innovative and fun auditory feedback.
Flame spread over solids in buoyant and forced concurrent flows: Model computations and comparison with experiments

Abstract A detailed three-dimensional concurrent flame spread model is tested and compared with three sets of experiments. The parameters varied include: gravity, flow velocity, pressure, oxygen mole fraction, and sample width. In buoyant flows (normal and partial gravities), the computed steady spread rate and flame profiles agree favorably with experiment. The predicted extinction limits are lower but can be improved. Comparison in forced concurrent flow in microgravity shows correct trends. The predicted steady spread rates are lower than the experimental ones if the flames are short but higher than the experimental ones if the flames are long. It is believed that the experimental flames may not have fully reached steady state at the end of the 5-s microgravity drops. Longer duration microgravity experiments in future will be needed to substantiate this belief.
Malignant melanoma in situ in two patients treated with psoralens and ultraviolet A

Abstract Two patients are reported who were treated with 8-methoxypsoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) for psoriasis and developed cutaneous lesions of malignant melanoma in situ (atypical melanocytic hyperplasia). One patient received 324.5 joules/cm 2 of UVA. Seven months after discontinuing therapy, he developed a superficial spreading melanoma in situ in association with an intradermal nevus on the left posterior thoracic area. The second patient received 2,802 joules/cm of UVA. While on PUVA therapy she developed an in situ lentigo melanoma on her lower lip. To our knowledge only one other psoriatic patient and one patient with vitiligo have developed malignant melanomas after PUVA therapy, so that an increased incidence of malignant melanoma following PUVA is not documented.
How long do regions of different dynamics persist in supercooled o-terphenyl?

In supercooled o-terphenyl (OTP), subsets of probe molecules in more mobile environments can be selectively photobleached. The time required for the remaining slower-than-average probes to be redis...
Single-dose tolerance to antinociception, and physical dependence oin β-endorphin in mice

Abstract β-Endorphin (B-EN) injected intracerebroventricularly in mice produced a rapid onset, dose-dependent antinociceptive effect. The median analgesic dose (AD50) 30 min following administration was found to be 270 ng/mouse (3.7 nmoles/kg). B-En produced an acute, single-dose tolerance development was demonstrable with doses twice or more the AD50. Tolerance was maximal at about 12 h following the priming dose and disappeared within 48 h. Tolerance was maximal at about 12 h following the priming dose and disappeared within 48 h. Tolerance was accompanied by some degree of physical dependence as noted by signs of naxolone-precipitated withdrawal similar to those elicitable in the morphine-dependent state. Tolerance development to B-EN was blocked by the simultaneous adminstration of naloxone and also by pretreatment with 0.35 mg/kg actinomycin D or 30mg/kg cycloheximide 30 min before B-EN. It appears that single-dose tolerance to B-En was initiated by processes similar to those involved with tolerance resulting from chronic adminsitration of morphine.
Comment on “When Earth's freezer door is left ajar”

As a glaciologist, I wish I could believe Hezi Gildor's [2003] provocative Forum article, that warming favors ice growth up to rather high temperatures, and that the future may hold more beautiful glaciers for my colleagues and me to study. Unfortunately far too much evidence indicates that warming will reduce the extent of ice on Earth, and has done so under a wide range of past conditions, including the ice age cycling of the Pleistocene [e.g., Rahmstorf, 2002]. For most of the Earth's glaciers today, accumulation of snowfall in colder places is removed primarily by melting in warmer places. Anything that affects either accumulation or melting, including temperature, precipitation, cloud cover, relative humidity wind speed, debris cover, seasonality of these, and more, can affect glacier balance, as can a host of ice-flow processes [e.g., Paterson, 1994; Oerlemans, 2001].
Stress concentration factors for the torsion of curved beams of arbitrary cross-section

AbstractThere are numerous situations in machine component design in which curved beams with cross-sections of arbitrary geometry are loaded in the plane of curvature, i.e. in flexure. However, there is little guidance in the technical literature concerning how the shear stresses resulting from out-of-plane loading of these same components are effected by the component's curvature. The current literature on out-of-plane loading of curved members relates almost exclusively to the circular and rectangular cross-sections used in springs. This article extends the range of applicability of stress concentration factors for curved beams with circular and rectangular cross-sections and greatly expands the types of cross-sections for which stress concentration factors are available. Wahl's stress concentration factor for circular cross-sections, usually assumed only valid for spring indices above 3.0, is shown to be applicable for spring indices as low as 1.2. The theory applicable to the torsion of curved beams a...
High-pressure effects on fluorescence of anthracene crystals

Pressure-induced changes on the fluorescence spectra of anthracene crystals were examined up to 5 GPa. Changes in the spectra are demonstrated to be sensitive both to the sample morphology and to the compression conditions (e.g., hydrostaticity). Under hydrostatic pressure, there was no excimer fluorescence from anthracene single crystals. This result is in sharp contrast to previously published data. Because the normal fluorescence was not obscured by the excimer emission, pressure-induced energy shifts for vibronic bands could be determined. These shifts cannot be described adequately by available theoretical descriptions. Strong excimer fluorescence from anthracene crystals was observed only under nonhydrostatic conditions. This fluorescence is attributed to the emission from structural defects formed at the onset of plastic deformation in the crystals. The fluorescence spectra of polycrystalline samples exhibit a new weak band, identified as defect-related excimer emission. The intensity of this emiss...
Effect of the host cell on the maintenance and replication of Epstein-Barr virus.

Abstract We have studied the role the host cell plays in controlling the expression of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) by using Burkitt somatic cell hybrids of human and mouse cells. Mouse/Burkitt somatic-cell hybrids were shown to contain a repressed EBV genome that was inducible with iododeoxyuridine. Electron microscopic examination of human/Burkitt hybrid cells (D98/HR-1 and D98/Raji) and Burkitt lymphoblastoid cells in which EBV was replicating showed an enhancement of virus replication concomitant with an enhancement of EBV-specific cytopathologic effect in D98/HR-1 and D98/Raji cells when compared to Burkitt lymphoblastoid cells. When the stability of the EBV genome in human/Burkitt hybrid cells was studied, it was found that the EBV genome in hybrids of the nonproducer Burkitt cells (Raji) was less stable over time than hybrid cells of producer cells (HR-1). The data obtained in this study support the concept that the cell in which the EBV genome resides plays a major role in the maintenance, expression, and replication of EBV.
Efficacy of pattern feedback for the dissociation of heart rate and respiration rate

Abstract The present study assessed the efficacy of pattern feedback for producing integrative and dissociative patterns of heart rate (HR) and respiration rate (RR). 60 uninformed subjects were assigned to six groups in which beat-by-beat feedback was contingent upon production of a specific pattern of increased (↑), decreased (↓), or unchanged (=) HR and RR during 11 feedback trials. Concomitant changes in respiratory volume and general activity (GA) were also recorded. Groups given feedback for HR and RR changes in the same directions (HR↑RR↑ and HR↓RR↓) and for changes in opposite directions (HR↑RR↓ and HR↓RR↑) were generally unable to produce the respective patterns, indicating that pattern feedback does not enable subjects to produce a wide range of HR-RR patterns. However, evidence of dissociation of HR and RR was obtained in the HR↑RR= and HR↓RR= groups in which HR changed significantly in the appropriate directions without significant changes in RR. These results are not consistent with the view that RR changes are necessary for HR control, although significant concomitant changes in respiratory volume and GA indicated that HR control was non-specific relative to these variables.
Importance of Arginines 63 and 423 in Modulating the Bile Salt-dependent and Bile Salt-independent Hydrolytic Activities of Rat Carboxyl Ester Lipase

Abstract Previous studies using chemical modification approach have shown the importance of arginine residues in bile salt activation of carboxyl ester lipase (CEL) activity. However, the x-ray crystal structure of CEL failed to show the involvement of arginine residues in CEL-bile salt interaction. The current study used a site-specific mutagenesis approach to determine the role of arginine residues 63 and 423 in bile salt-dependent and bile salt-independent hydrolytic activities of rat CEL. Mutations of Arg63 to Ala63 (R63A) and Arg423 to Gly423 (R423G) resulted in enzymes with increased bile salt-independent hydrolytic activity against lysophosphatidylcholine, having 6.5- and 2-fold higherk cat values, respectively, in comparison to wild type CEL. In contrast, the R63A and R423A mutant enzymes displayed 5- and 11-fold decreases in k cat, in comparison with wild type CEL, for bile salt-dependent cholesteryl ester hydrolysis. Although taurocholate induced similar changes in circular dichroism spectra for wild type, R63A, and R423G proteins, this bile salt was less efficient in protecting the mutant enzymes against thermal inactivation in comparison with control CEL. Lipid binding studies revealed less R63A and R423G mutant CEL were bound to 1,2-diolein monolayer at saturation compared with wild type CEL. These results, along with computer modeling of the CEL protein, indicated that Arg63 and Arg423 are not involved directly with monomeric bile salt binding. However, these residues participate in micellar bile salt modulation of CEL enzymatic activity through intramolecular hydrogen bonding with the C-terminal domain. These residues are also important, probably through similar intramolecular hydrogen bond formation, in stabilizing the enzyme in solution and at the lipid-water interface.
Electrostatic potential of point charges inside dielectric oblate spheroids.

The exact solution to an electrostatic problem of finding the electric potential of point charges inside a dielectric prolate spheroid is discussed in this note by using the classical electrostatic theory, where the prolate spheroid is embedded in a dissimilar dielectric medium. Such a problem may find its application in hybrid solvent biomolecular simulations, in which biomolecules and a part of solvent molecules within a dielectric cavity are explicitly modeled while a surrounding dielectric continuum is used to model bulk effects of the solvent beyond the cavity. Numerical experiments have demonstrated the convergence of the proposed series solutions.
Quirky composite dark matter

We propose a new dark matter candidate, 'quirky dark matter', that is a scalar baryonic bound state of a new non-Abelian force that becomes strong below the electroweak scale. The bound state is made of chiral quirks: new fermions that transform under both the new strong force as well as in a chiral representation of the electroweak group, acquiring mass from the Higgs mechanism. Electric charge neutrality of the lightest baryon requires approximately degenerate quirk masses which also causes the charge radius of the bound state to be negligible. The abundance is determined by an asymmetry that is linked to the baryon and lepton numbers of the universe through electroweak sphalerons. Dark matter elastic scattering with nuclei proceeds through Higgs exchange as well as an electromagnetic polarizability operator which is just now being tested in direct detection experiments. A novel method to search for quirky dark matter is to look for a gamma-ray 'dark line' spectroscopic feature in galaxy clusters that result from the quirky Lyman-alpha or quirky hyperfine transitions. Colliders are expected to dominantly produce quirky mesons, not quirky baryons, consequently large missing energy is not the primary collider signal of the physics associated with quirky dark matter.
Kinetics of the Acid Digestion of Serpentine with Concurrent Grinding. 3. Model Validation and Prediction

The rapid extraction of magnesium from serpentine is critical to novel low-pressure mineral carbonation methodology. Although almost any acid can dissolve the magnesium, the rate plays a critical role in the industrialization of the process. As detailed in parts 1 and 2 of this study [Van Essendelft and Schobert Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2009, 48 (5), 2556−2565; 2009, 48 (22), 9892−9901], a computational model has been developed that explains the kinetics of the extraction of magnesium from serpentine with concurrent grinding. The model has direct ties to first principles and accounts for surface speciation and reaction, the electrical double layer, ash-layer diffusion, particle size distribution, temperature effects, and solution thermodynamics. It is desirable to demonstrate the robustness of the model and to use the model to predict useful scenarios. Presented here are experimental data obtained under various conditions not tested before and the predictions of the model under those circumstances, as well as...
Comparison of partial least squares and lasso regression techniques as applied to laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of geological samples

Abstract A remote laser-induced breakdown spectrometer (LIBS) designed to simulate the ChemCam instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory Rover Curiosity was used to probe 100 geologic samples at a 9-m standoff distance. ChemCam consists of an integrated remote LIBS instrument that will probe samples up to 7 m from the mast of the rover and a remote micro-imager (RMI) that will record context images. The elemental compositions of 100 igneous and highly-metamorphosed rocks are determined with LIBS using three variations of multivariate analysis, with a goal of improving the analytical accuracy. Two forms of partial least squares (PLS) regression are employed with finely-tuned parameters: PLS-1 regresses a single response variable (elemental concentration) against the observation variables (spectra, or intensity at each of 6144 spectrometer channels), while PLS-2 simultaneously regresses multiple response variables (concentrations of the ten major elements in rocks) against the observation predictor variables, taking advantage of natural correlations between elements. Those results are contrasted with those from the multivariate regression technique of the l east a bsolute s hrinkage and s election o perator (lasso), which is a penalized shrunken regression method that selects the specific channels for each element that explain the most variance in the concentration of that element. To make this comparison, we use results of cross-validation and of held-out testing, and employ unscaled and uncentered spectral intensity data because all of the input variables are already in the same units. Results demonstrate that the lasso, PLS-1, and PLS-2 all yield comparable results in terms of accuracy for this dataset. However, the interpretability of these methods differs greatly in terms of fundamental understanding of LIBS emissions. PLS techniques generate principal components, linear combinations of intensities at any number of spectrometer channels, which explain as much variance in the response variables as possible while avoiding multicollinearity between principal components. When the selected number of principal components is projected back into the original feature space of the spectra, 6144 correlation coefficients are generated, a small fraction of which are mathematically significant to the regression. In contrast, the lasso models require only a small number (
Biotechnology in Food Production and Processing

The food processing industry is the oldest and largest industry using biotechnological processes. Further development of food products and processes based on biotechnology depends upon the improvement of existing processes, such as fermentation, immobilized biocatalyst technology, and production of additives and processing aids, as well as the development of new opportunities for food biotechnology. Improvements are needed in the characterization, safety, and quality control of food materials, in processing methods, in waste conversion and utilization processes, and in currently used food microorganism and tissue culture systems. Also needed are fundamental studies of the structure-function relationship of food materials and of the cell physiology and biochemistry of raw materials.
A simple orthotropic elasticity-based constitutive model for reinforced concrete

Using strain-induced orthotropic material concepts, a new numerical constitutive model is demonstrated by predicting the ultimate capacity of a unique simple test specimen and two cylindrical shell structures. Only the uniaxial compressive strength of the concrete and the yield stress of the reinforcing steel are needed as input to predict both constitutive behavior and structural strength. The approach is simple, reliable and computationally efficient.
Drug Use and Treatment Initiation Patterns: Differences by Birth-Cohorts:

Data from Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Studies (DATOS) were used to examine differences in correlates of early stages of drug use patterns by birth-cohorts and gender. Males showed a steady increase in family problems in each birth cohort, compared to females who showed a higher mean number of family problems in each birth cohort. The findings suggest different correlates of the early stages of drug-use pattern namely; experimentation with drugs before the onset of weekly drug use and early age of escalated or weekly drug use. Experimentation was associated with delayed onset of escalated drug use. “Experimenters” were associated with illegal activities and mental health problems, whereas “early escalators” were associated with childhood and school problems. The positive association of onset of illegal activities and psychological symptoms before the onset of weekly drug use with experimentation and delayed onset of escalated drug use was consistent across gender and birth-cohorts. Similarly, the associat...
ETHICS AND ORGANIZATIONAL REFLECTION: THE ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION AND POSTWAR “MORAL DEFICITS,” 1942-1954

Modern times compel both business executives and business scholars to develop expeditious solutions to deep-seated moral problems. In an earlier era, leaders of the Rockefeller Foundation approached the realm of ethics more reflectively, contemplating and debating its optimum role in their organization over the course of a dozen years. The newly uncovered private correspondence regarding their deliberations documents the allegiances and beliefs of key management and political figures of the time, including those of Chester I. Barnard.
Sequential development of selected Pyrenean thrust faults

New mapping, structural analysis and magnetostratigraphy reveal a polyphase deformational history at the leading edge of the Spanish Pyrenean foreland fold-and-thrust belt. The present structural architecture is the consequence of three discrete periods of deformation. Map relationships between four syntectonic units and major structures provide tight geometric and age constraints for each deformational period (D1: 55 to 42 Ma; D2: 30.1 to 28.0 Ma; D3: 27.9 to < 25.8 Ma). Most of the shortening in the area accumulated during D2 thrusting at rates which varied from 0.7 mm y −1 to 2.8 mm y −1 along strike from northwest to southeast, respectively. Removal of D2 and D3 displacement on thrust faults restores folds formed during D1. A sequential kinematic history during which an individual structure accommodates shortening by folding, tightening of the fold and subsequent truncation by thrust faulting is inferred. Sequential restoration of three serial cross-sections demonstrates that nearly every structure active during D1 was also active during D2. Distributed deformation characterizes the temporal and spatial pattern on all time scales, from structures active during each individual deformational period to the long-term history encompassed by the total deformation.
Review and assessment of various techniques for estimating net aerial primary production in grasslands from harvest data

Methodology for calculating aboveground net production (ANP) has progressed from a single estimate of total standing crop at the end to an evaluation of multiple categories of biomass (viz. live, recent dead, old dead) by species and considering, with statistical constraints, each peak during the growing season. We have reviewed the published methods for calculating ANP with the purpose of critically comparing them with each other and with current understanding of primary productivity. As a further comparison of methods we have calculated net aboveground production by 13 methods on sets of harvest data collected by the US/IBP Grassland Biome. The data represent a grazed and ungrazed treatment on 10 sites of six grassland types. One to three years of data were available for each site. A hierarchical cluster analysis showed that all methods except one were significantly correlated (r < -0.61). Analysis of variance indicated that although all methods were significantly correlated, there were significant differences among the methods in terms of usefulness as discriminators of sites, years, or treatments. For various utilitarian and theoretical reasons the numbers of methods were reduced to two groups of “best estimators”. One group consisted of two methods involving summation of species peaks, the first utilizing live biomass, the second live + recent dead biomass. The second group comprised three methods using troughpeak analysis on live, live + recent dead, and live + recent dead + old dead biomass. Analysis for linear relations between the “best estimator” methods and 15 abiotic variables showed many significant relationships.
The weak capacity of averaged channels

Coding theorem and weak converse of the coding theorem are proved for averaged semicontinuous stationary channels and for almost periodic discrete channels, whose phases are statistically known. Explicit formulas for the capacities are given. The strong converses of the coding theorems do not hold.
Global surface air temperature in 1995: Return to pre-Pinatubo level

Global surface air temperature has increased about 0.5°C from the minimum of mid-1992, a year after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. Both a land-based surface air temperature record and a land-marine temperature index place the meteorological year 1995 at approximately the same level as 1990, previously the warmest year in the period of instrumental data. As El Nino warming was small in 1995, the solar cycle near a minimum, and ozone depletion near record levels, the observed high temperature supports the contention of an underlying global warming trend. The pattern of Northern Hemisphere temperature change in recent decades appears to reflect a change of atmospheric dynamics.
Untersuchung von Oberflächenschutzschichten von Gasturbinenlegierungen

Untersuchungen von Proben der Brennkammer Pilotanlage wie praktische Erfahrungen in Gasturbinen zeigen, das Aluminid- und Chromaluminidschichten unter den Betriebsbedingungen industrieller Gasturbinen nur eine schwache Schutzwirkung auf Schaufeln ausuben. Chromuberzuge haben eine bessere Wirkung und werden darin von Silicidschichten noch ubertroffen. Es Konnten Angaben uber die Ausbildung von Phasen in Nimonic 105 mit Siliciduberzugen gemacht werden. Unter den Bedingungen korrosiven Angriffs entsteht eine Deckschicht aus Nickelorthosilikat und die Silicidphasen andern sich in Richtung ternarer Phasen. Obzwar sich Chromsulfide in der Silicidschicht bilden, erwiesen sich die Proben unter den als stabil. Untersuchungen an einer Flugturbinenschaufel aus B 1900 mit Aluminium- und Siliciumbeschichtung zeigten die Anwesenheit einer ternaren Lavesphase mit Silicium. Investigations on protective coatings on gasturbine alloys. It has been found by investigations of specimens of a combustion chamber pilot plant and also by experiences with gasturbines that aluminide or chromium aluminide coatings are only slightly protective under working conditions of industrial gasturbines. Chromium coatings have a distinctive better protective efficacy and are surpassed in this quality by silicide coatings. It was possible to give information on the development of silicide phases on Nimonic 105. Under the conditions of corrosive attack a surface layer of Nickelolivine is formed and the silicide phases are changed in direction of ternary phases. Even when chromium sulfides are formed in the silicide layer the specimens are stable under the test conditions. By investigations on an airfoil made from B 1900 with a protective coating of Aluminium and Silicon the presence is shown of a ternary Laves phase with Silicon.
Production of Hybrids between Physiological Races of the True Slime Mould Didymium iridis

FOR many years it was believed that plasmodia of the same species of Myxomycetes merge on contact, whereas those of different species do not. This test was proposed as a criterion of specificity by Torrend1 in 1909. In 1934 Skupienski2 announced the discovery of physiological races in Didymium iridis (D. xanthopus) and stated that the plasmodia of the two races he had in culture would not merge. Later he found3 physiological races in Didymium squamulosum, and Gray found them in Physarum polycephalum4.
The relationship between cognitive control and posttraumatic stress symptoms

Abstract Background and objectives Recently researchers have theorized that individual differences in cognitive control (i.e., the ability to complete goal-directed behavior by actively maintaining information while inhibiting irrelevant information) may elucidate processes involved in disorders characterized by intrusive thoughts and memories. By this account, the relationship between cognitive control and emotional disorders would be specific to symptoms associated with intrusive cognitions, such as re-experiencing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods In the present study, 77 undergraduate participants with a self-reported history of trauma exposure were administered assessments of cognitive control (working memory capacity; WMC), PTSD symptoms, trait anxiety, and depression. PTSD symptoms from each of the three symptom clusters (re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal) were predicted from trait anxiety, depression, and WMC performance scores using separate regression models. Results After controlling for trait anxiety and depression, there was a negative, statistically significant relationship between cognitive control and re-experiencing symptoms but not avoidance or hyperarousal symptoms. Limitations The study was completed cross-sectionally and did not include a diagnostic assessment of PTSD. Conclusions Findings add to extant literature suggesting a relationship between cognitive control and intrusive cognitions. Moreover, the present study expands the current literature by demonstrating the specificity of this relationship within individuals with varying degrees of PTSD symptom severity.
On the Application of Short-Time Matrix Pencil Method for Wideband Scattering From Resonant Structures

A time-frequency technique called short-time matrix pencil method (STMPM) is efficiently employed to analyze wideband scattering from resonant structures. After investigating various parameters of the technique such as time-window length and filtering parameter, some scenarios are studied. First, the proposed technique is applied to the backscattered response from two dipoles spaced 20 cm from each other. The dominantly excited resonances and scattering centers are successfully derived from the time-frequency diagram. Finally, the proposed technique is applied to the time-domain backscattered response from an open-ended circular cavity. Different scattering mechanisms such as resonant, scattering center, and dispersion are studied in the time-frequency diagram of the response. The results are compared with those of the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) and reassigned joint time-frequency (RJTF) techniques. Good resolution in time and frequency domains and its capability of finding low-energy excited poles of the scatterer are the major features of the proposed technique. By utilizing the proposed technique, the damping factor or equivalently the quality factor of the resonances are straightforwardly obtained, which can be useful in the study of resonant-based scatterers.
17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type IV, a Z-linked gene, is higher in females than in males in visual and auditory regions of developing zebra finches.

Abstract One of the most important decisions in a monogamous animal's life is the choice of a partner (partner preference), but the process by which this occurs remains poorly understood. The present study tests the hypothesis that hormones and genes play a role in sexual differentiation of partner preferences, as in the song system. We focused on a Z-linked gene, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type IV (HSD17B4), coding for a steroidogenic enzyme that converts estradiol (E2) into an inactive metabolite. HSD17B4 mRNA is expressed more in the song regions of males compared to females throughout development, suggesting that regulation of E2 is important for male-typical song development. Here, we focused on four regions associated with sexual partner preferences. Females had significantly higher levels of HSD17B4 mRNA in auditory (caudomedial nidopallium) and visual (hyperpallium apicale) regions than did males at day 25. HSD17B4 was expressed in the hippocampus and caudolateral nidopallium, but there were no sex differences. In a second experiment, animals of both sexes were treated with E2 and HSD17B4 and androgen receptor (AR) mRNA were measured, since masculinization of the song system is, in part, accomplished by AR. AR was low across the four regions and was not sexually differentiated. E2 treatments increased HSD17B4 mRNA in the auditory region of males, which is contrary to findings in the song system. Our research suggests that different behaviors may be guided by the same genes and hormones, but that the exact nature of the gene–hormone relationships may differ according to brain region and behavior.
Tensile properties of unirradiated PCA from room temperature to 700°C☆

Abstract The tensile properties of Prime Candidate Alloy (PCA) austenitic stainless steel after three different thermomechanical treatments were determined from room temperature to 700°C. The solution-annealed PCA had the lowest strength and highest ductility, while the reverse was true for the 25%-cold-worked material. The PCA containing titanium-rich MC particles fell between the other two heats. The cold-worked PCA had nearly the same tensile properties as cold-worked type 316 stainless steel. Both alloys showed ductility minima at 300°C.