cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical Flow Switching

In this work, we evaluate an attractive candidate for optical network data transport: optical flow switching (OFS). We describe the operation and implementation of the architecture, characterize its capacity region and capacity-cost tradeoff, and compare it to other prominent optical network architectures.
Development of a regression model to forecast ground-level ozone concentration in Louisville, KY

Abstract To support ozone forecasting and episodic air pollution control initiatives in the Louisville metropolitan area, a multiple-linear regression model to predict daily domain-peak ground-level ozone concentration [O 3 ] has been developed and validated. Using only surface meteorological data from 1993–1996 and making extensive use of parametric transformations to improve accuracy, the ten parameter model has a standard error of prediction of 12.1 ppb and an explained variance of 0.70. Retrospective ozone forecasts were made for each day of the four ozone seasons (May–September) using archival meteorological data as input to the model. For the period 1993–1996 examined, 50% of days were forecast to within ±7.6 ppb, and on 80% of days the accuracy was within ±14.8 ppb. The model correctly predicted 74, 80, and 40% of occurrences of the daily “good” ([O 3 ]⩽60 ppb), “moderate” (60 3 ]⩽95), and “approaching unhealthful” (95 3 ]⩽120) air quality categories, respectively. The model did not predict any of the nine exceedances of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard ([O 3 ] >120) which occurred over the four year period. Simple supplementary meteorological criteria were developed that correctly forecast 89% of NAAQS exceedances. Used in combination with forecaster experience, synoptic weather information, and supplementary meteorological criteria, the regression model can be a useful tool for improving the accuracy of local O 3 forecasts.
Young women's physical activity from one year to the next: What changes? What stays the same?

The Majority of women do not meet recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines. Assessment on changes in PA patterns among young, healthy US women was therefore performed. PA changes were assessed from self-reported PA at baseline (year 1) and follow-up (year 2). Participants [N = 127] aged 18–30 years had completed a randomized controlled aerobics trial. A two-sample test of proportions tested the sample changes in PA; a paired t test assessed the within-person changes. A multivariate logistic regression model assessed the demographic predictors of meeting PA levels in year 2 (6 months post-intervention). Women who met the recommended PA used a combination of leisure and lifestyle PA at both timepoints. In year 2, attaining the recommended PA levels through leisure-time PA increased, while work-related and active transit PA decreased. Leisure-time physical activity at moderate and vigorous levels of intensity is recommended to ensure that young women meet the recommended PA levels and obtain health benefits.
Radical cations from diarylamino-substituted fluorenones

Abstract Chemical oxidation of diarylamino-substituted fluorenones gives highly persistent radical cations, some of which can be stored in the solid state for months. Solution UV–vis-NIR spectra show strong monoradical cation absorption bands in the 750–1700 nm range, with minimum energy about 0.73 eV. 2,7-Bis(dianisylamino)fluorenone exhibits strong absorptions at 1670 (monocation) and 873 nm (dication). Fast intervalence electron transfer behavior between amine sites in the monocation is indicated by EPR spectroscopic and absorption spectral Hush analyses.
Gases evolved from the common cold cathode

One of the contributing factors to rf pulse shortening in long-pulse high-power microwave sources is gas evolution from the cathode surface during the explosive emission process. Theory of ecton formation, models of expanding are plasmas, and high-speed diagnostics are leading to a better understanding of the contributing factors to the cold- cathode emission processes. While technological leaps often result from applications of new materials, it is worthwhile to characterize and understand the effects of existing cathode materials commonly used in pulsed power systems. This paper describes the use of a residual gas analyzer to measure the atomic mass spectrum and total pressure of the background gas evolved from the cathode surface in a repetitively-pulsed electron beam vacuum chamber. Cathode materials studied include carbon fiber, velvet, copper, and stainless steel. The increase in the background pressure and the constituents of the background pressure are catalogued for the four cathode material samples. The simultaneous narrowing of voltage-pulse width with increase in background pressure is also measured. The carbon fiber cathode contributes least to the background pressure, and maintains the most stable and repeatable diode impedance.
Screening of ions in concentrated solutions

Abstract A model for ionic screening originated by Bjerrum, which allows for associated ion pairs, is modified to make it applicable to situations where the concentration of dissociated pairs is large enough so that their screening energy e s ≤ kT. This is accomplished by sharply cutting off the Bjerrum pair distribution function at a radius which corresponds to the average volume per dissociated ion pair. The model is applied to explain the conductivity of an acceptor band formed by the dissociation of ion pairs in several liquid semiconductor alloys.
Correlation of Milk Fat with Dietary and Metabolic Factors in Cows Fed Restricted-Roughage Rations Supplemented with Magnesium Oxide or Sodium Bicarbonate

Abstract Twelve cows were fed restricted-roughage rations in a Latin square trial with NaHC0 3 (0.8 lb/day) and MgO (0.4 lb/day) as supplemental treatments. Both supplements prevented the depression in milk fat concentration caused by roughage restriction. Milk fat concentration was studied as a function of plasma fat fractions, plasma acetate, ruminal metabolites, and mammary gland uptake of these metabolites. Sodium bicarbonate affected milk fat through depression of ruminal molar per cent propionate, whereas MgO affected milk fat through increased mammary uptake of plasma acetate and triglycerides. Low-density lipoprotein concentrations were uniquely low in cow plasma compared to other species, but still accounted for a major portion of the arteriovenous difference for plasma lipids across the mammary gland.
A novel sensorimotor movement and walking intervention to improve balance and gait in women.

Abstract Purpose This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 5-day mind-body exercise (MBE) program on measures of quality of life, balance, balance confidence, mobility and gait in community-dwelling women. Methods The MBE program was a 5-day retreat where multiple sessions of Feldenkrais ® -based sensorimotor movement training and walking were performed daily. Forty-six women aged 40–80 years old participated in either the MBE program or maintained normal daily activity. Two-footed eyes-closed balance, gait characteristics, mobility via the Timed Up and Go test, balance confidence and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention. Results Women in the MBE group experienced improvements in mobility (6%; p = 0.01), stride length (3%; p = 0.008), single limb support time (1.3%; 0.006), balance confidence (5.2%; p p Conclusion This short-term intensive program may be beneficial to women at risk of mobility limitations.
Controlled Hopwise Averaging and Its Convergence Rate

This technical note develops Ideal Controlled Hopwise Averaging (ICHA) and Controlled Hopwise Averaging (CHA), two asynchronous distributed averaging algorithms for wireless networks, which attempt to “make the most” out of each iteration by fully exploiting the broadcast nature of wireless medium and incorporating feedback control of when to initiate an iteration. The latter feature, enabled by a common quadratic Lyapunov function, is novel among existing schemes and represents a new way to apply Lyapunov stability theory. We also derive deterministic upper bounds on the exponential convergence rate of ICHA on general and specific graphs, express the bounds explicitly in terms of the graph invariants, and show that they outperform the stochastic convergence rate of Pairwise Averaging on some common graphs of opposing densities. Finally, we obtain upper bounds on the convergence rate of CHA and show that CHA is capable of closely mimicking the behavior of ICHA, while being practical.
Ice crystals in high clouds and contrails

In honor of Dr. Helmut K. Weickmann's lifetime achievements, some of his early discoveries on ice crystals in high clouds are resurrected and discussed. It is demonstrated that the shapes and sizes of cloud meteors convey information related to cloud type, cloud duration, cloud amount, cloud radiative forcing, and the environment in which the cloud forms. For example, persistence of a contrail behind an aircraft depends on ice crystal concentration and size distribution, which are governed by the ambient temperature, humidity, and the concentration of ice nuclei. It is suggested that increased air traffic, especially high-flying jets over the past three decades, may have modified global cirrus cloud amount, which in turn may affect surface temperature and global climate.
New solitary wave solutions to the modified Kawahara equation

Abstract In this work we use the sine–cosine method, the tanh method, the extended tanh method, and ansatze of hyperbolic functions for analytic treatment for the modified Kawahara equation. New solitons solutions and periodic solutions are formally derived. The change of the parameters, that will drastically change the characteristics of the equation, is examined. The employed approaches are reliable and manageable.
Laparoscopic specimen extraction: morcellation

OBJECTIVES To review our experience with intact extraction and morcellation of nephrectomy specimens, and the advantages and disadvantages of morcellation indicated by current reports. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a previous study, 56 consecutive patients undergoing radical and simple transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy were prospectively evaluated. Morcellation specimens (33) were extracted at the umbilical or lateral port sites and intact specimens (23) through an infra-umbilical incision. Data were obtained on pathology, narcotic requirements, hospital stay, complications, estimated blood loss, size of renal mass based on preoperative imaging, specimen weight and extraction incision length RESULTS The mean incision length was 1.2 cm in the morcellation group and 7.1 cm in the intact group (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in pain or recovery between the groups. In two cases of tumour nephrectomy, microscopic invasion of the perinephric adipose tissue in the intact specimen group were up-staged from clinical T1 to pT3a disease; there was no change in patient treatment based on this information. CONCLUSIONS With proper technique, morcellation is safe for extracting renal tumours. The specimen can be evaluated for histology but not for pathological staging, limiting its use with transitional cell carcinoma. Port-site seeding is rare, and does not appear to be more frequent than with open nephrectomy. Although morcellation is cosmetically more desirable, there was no significant advantage in operating time, pain or duration of hospital stay. The choice of extraction method depends on the surgeon's preference and patient choice.
Molecular modeling of cellulose in amorphous state. Part I: model building and plastic deformation study

Abstract Molecular modeling was utilized to provide insight into the yielding behavior and poor recovery from applied strain for cellulose. Amorphous cellulose models were successfully built and examined with the use of force field pcff_300_1.01. High-temperature molecular dynamics, followed by minimization, was used to generate relaxed structures for amorphous cellulose. Properties related to inter-molecular interactions were calculated for these models and found to be comparable with literature values. The observed yielding for these models, which occurred at approximately 7–8% strain, was found to be due to the disruption of hydrogen bonds between cellulose chain segments. New hydrogen bonds were formed in extension but only 1/3 of these were broken during recovery. These newly formed hydrogen bonds were found to hold the cellulose chain segments in the new positions thus resulting in poor deformation recovery.
Obstructive sleep apnea, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases.

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is gaining recognition as a cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk factor. Sleep apnea is now implicated in the etiopathogenesis of stroke, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and congestive heart failure.Review SummaryOSA exerts its negative cardiovascula
Turbulent conjugate heat and mass transfer from the surface of a binary mixture of ethanol/iso-octane in a countercurrent stratified two-phase flow system

Abstract A numerical study has been performed to determine evaporation rate from the surface of ethanol/iso-octane in an inclined 2D channel. The liquid and gas phases are flowing in counter-current direction. VOF multiphase model has been used to model stratified two-phase flow. Vapour/liquid equilibrium pressure has been calculated using UNIFAC model. Mass transfer contributions from each component evaporating into the carrier gas are calculated and source terms are accordingly implemented in continuity, momentum, energy and species equations. A parametric study with different inlet and exit conditions has been performed.
Depth-Fused 3D Imagery on an Immaterial Display

We present an immaterial display that uses a generalized form of depth-fused 3D (DFD) rendering to create unencumbered 3D visuals. To accomplish this result, we demonstrate a DFD display simulator that extends the established depth-fused 3D principle by using screens in arbitrary configurations and from arbitrary viewpoints. The feasibility of the generalized DFD effect is established with a user study using the simulator. Based on these results, we developed a prototype display using one or two immaterial screens to create an unencumbered 3D visual that users can penetrate, examining the potential for direct walk-through and reach-through manipulation of the 3D scene. We evaluate the prototype system in formative and summative user studies and report the tolerance thresholds discovered for both tracking and projector errors.
Economics at the FCC, 2013–2014

We present a sample of recent FCC matters of economic interest. These include nonstructural remedies in a number of wireless telecommunications transactions, econometric attempts to identify which schools are likely to have access to fiber broadband, and the implementation of “rural broadband experiments” to improve the effectiveness of subsidy programs to promote universal service. We close with some observations regarding the prominence of vertical concerns in FCC policy assessments.
Polymer-Drug Conjugates for Anticancer Drug Delivery

Polymer-drug conjugates (PDCs) are drug delivery systems where one or more drug(s) are covalently attached to the functional groups of the polymer directly or through a spacer. Several anticancer drugs that have been used to synthesize PDCs are currently under clinical trials. PDCs have shown enhanced tumor accumulation, increased therapeutic index, and prolonged circulation, accompanied by a sustained release of the bound drug. Distinct cell uptake mechanisms make PDCs less sensitive to efflux pumps associated with the development of multi-drug resistance. However, the effectiveness of PDCs as a delivery system primarily depends on the drug, polymer, type of linkage, and presence of targeting groups. Due to the availability of different functional groups and spacers, it is possible to control drug release as well as multi-functionalize PDCs, thereby increasing their versatility as drug carriers. Furthermore, active tumor uptake may be achieved by using the concept of drug targeting. However, functionalization alters the in vivo behavior of the polymer, signifying the evaluation of safety and effectiveness of PDCs. Several PDCs are currently being tested in different phases of clinical trials. This review focuses on critical aspects in the design of PDCs when used in cancer drug delivery.
Superfluorescence from dense electron-hole plasmas in high magnetic fields

Cooperative spontaneous recombination (superfluorescence) of electron-hole plasmas in semiconductors has been a challenge to observe due to ultrafast decoherence. We argue that superfluorescence can be achieved in quantum-confined semiconductor systems and present experimental evidence for superfluorescence from high-density photoexcited electronhole plasmas in magnetized quantum wells. At a critical magnetic field strength and excitation fluence, we observe a clear transition in the band-edge photoluminescence from omnidirectional output to a randomly directed but highly collimated beam. Changes in the linewidth, carrier density, and magnetic field scaling of the emission spectra correlate precisely with the onset of random directionality and are consistent with cooperative recombination.
New technology for an old favorite: lentiviral transgenesis and RNAi in rats.

The ability to produce targeted deletions in the mouse genome via homologous recombination has been a hallmark of mouse genetics, and has lead to the production of thousands of gene knockouts. New technologies are making it possible to disrupt gene function in many other species. This article reviews some of these methods, highlighting the powerful combination of lentiviral vectors with RNA interference (RNAi), which allows one to produce transgenic animals expressing short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to “knock down” specific gene expression. Lentiviral transduction of embryos has been shown to be a highly efficient means of transgenesis, and is particularly promising for animals that are considered difficult to genetically modify by DNA pronuclear injection. This technique has been popular for introducing transgenes for shRNA expression into rodents and its utility for creating new genetic models has already been demonstrated. One of the purported advantages of in vivo RNAi is that shRNA expressing transgenes would be expected to act in a dominant nature, resulting in a phenotype in founder animals. However, one possible concern with lentiviral-mediated transgenesis is the potential for mosaicism in founders, and the data for this phenomenon and the potential causes and solutions are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the application of in vivo RNAi, and other reverse genetic methods, for creating new genetic models in the rat.
The History of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

This paper depicts the development of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing from a historical perspective. A summary of major research milestones are noted that contributed to modern-day OFDM. These contributions include the use of discrete Fourier transforms replacing the analog implementation and addition of cyclic extensions to ensure orthogonality among the sub-channels. Also, channel equalization algorithms to suppress inter-symbol interference and inter-carrier interference, channel estimation through the insertion of pilot tones among data blocks, peak-to-average power ratio reduction, and synchronization techniques are discussed.
Time to split, virtually: expanding virtual publics into vibrant virtual metropolises

The paper assesses some of the strong claims made about the significance of virtual communities to electronic commerce. It focuses on the notion of community building as a means to construct virtual metropolises, where tens of thousands of individuals are engaged in public computer-mediated discourse. It is argued that the community approach discourages systemic analysis of collaborative media systems. In so doing, it distracts researchers' attention away from how the interplay of technology and content can both enable and constrain the growth of a collaborative system's user population and participation. The paper proposes an alternative approach based on systems theory. The model produced using this approach focuses on how to effectively expand contributions to, and use of a certain class of computer mediated space, referred to as virtual publics. It suggests that an effective segmentation strategy is an essential element for those wishing to build a vibrant virtual metropolis. Segmentation strategy refers here to any systematic method used to split discourse spaces with the aim of creating a system of related virtual publics.
Relationship of p220 cleavage during picornavirus infection to 2A proteinase sequencing.

Abstract Infection of HeLa cells by poliovirus results in an abrupt inhibition of host cell protein synthesis. It is thought that the mechanism of this inhibition involves proteolytic cleavage of the p220 component of the cap-binding protein complex, thereby causing functional inactivation of the cap-binding protein complex and preventing capped (cellular) mRNAs from binding ribosomes. Current data suggest that the viral proteinase 2A indirectly induces p220 cleavage via alteration or activation of a second proteinase of cellular origin. We present evidence that translation of poliovirus proteinase 2A sequences in vitro activates p220 cleavage. We have also aligned published picornavirus 2A amino acid sequences for maximum homology, and we show that the picornaviruses can be divided into two classes based on the presence or absence of a highly conserved 18-amino acid sequence in the carboxy-terminal portion of 2A. This conserved 2A sequence is homologous with the active site of the cysteine proteinase 3C common to all picornaviruses. We show that picornaviruses which contain the putative 2A active site sequence (e.g., enteroviruses and rhinoviruses) will induce cleavage of p220 in vivo. Conversely, we show that two cardioviruses (encephalomyocarditis virus and Theiler's encephalomyelitis virus) do not encode this putative proteinase sequence in the 2A region and do not induce cleavage of p220 in vivo. The foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) 2A sequence represents an apparent deletion and consists of only 16 amino acids, most homologous with the carboxy terminus of the cardiovirus 2A sequence. It does not contain the putative cysteine proteinase active site. However, FMDV infection induces complete cleavage of BK cell p220, and translation of FMDV RNA in vitro induces an activity that cleaves HeLa cell p220. The data predict that an alternate FMDV viral protease is responsible for the induction of p220 cleavage.
Effect of Gossypol Source and Level on Chick Growth

Abstract Evidence that toxic effects of cottonseed pigment glands on young growing chickens is caused by free gossypol has been presented by Lillie and Bird (1950). Eagle and Davies (1957) have shown that at a dietary level equivalent to 0.1% free gossypol pigment glands give greater growth depression in rats than pure gossypol. However, this report contained no information on how frequently the diets were prepared in order to prevent destruction of gossypol. In this paper data are presented on the relative toxicities to young chickens of cottonseed meats (decorticated seed), cottonseed pigment glands, and pure gossypol when the materials were fed at levels to supply equal amounts of free gossypol. The diets were prepared frequently to minimize inactivation of gossypol. PROCEDURE Groups of 20 day-old New Hampshire or cross bred meat-type males were placed in separate decks of battery brooders at the start of each experiment. The first five experiments …
17β-Estradiol potentiates field excitatory postsynaptic potentials within each subfield of the hippocampus with greatest potentiation of the associational/commissural afferents of CA3

We sought to determine the impact of 17beta-estradiol throughout the hippocampal trisynaptic pathway and to investigate the afferent fiber systems within CA1 and CA3 in detail. To achieve this objective, we utilized multielectrode arrays to simultaneously record the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials from the CA1, dentate gyrus, and CA3 of rat hippocampal slices in the presence or absence of 100 pM 17beta-estradiol. We confirmed our earlier findings in CA1, where 17beta-estradiol significantly increased field excitatory postsynaptic potentials amplitude (20%+/-3%) and slope (22%+/-7%). 17beta-Estradiol significantly potentiated the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials in dentate gyrus, amplitude (15%+/-4%) and slope (17%+/-5), and in CA3, amplitude (15%+/-4%) and slope (19%+/-5%). Using a high-density multielectrode array, we sought to determine the source of potentiation in CA1 and CA3 by determining the impact of 17beta-estradiol on the apical afferents and the basal afferents within CA1 and on the mossy fibers and the associational/commissural fibers within CA3. In CA1, 17beta-estradiol induced a modest increase in the amplitude (7%+/-2%) and slope (9%+/-3%) following apical stimulation with similar magnitude of increase following basal stimulation amplitude (10%+/-2%) and slope (12%+/-3%). In CA3, 17beta-estradiol augmented the mossy fiber amplitude (15%+/-3%) and slope (18%+/-6%) and the associational/commissural fiber amplitude (31%+/-13%) and slope (40%+/-15%). These results indicate that 17beta-estradiol potentiated synaptic transmission in each subfield of the hippocampal slice, with the greatest magnitude of potentiation at the associational/commissural fibers in CA3. 17beta-Estradiol regulation of CA3 responses provides a novel site of 17beta-estradiol action that corresponds to the density of estrogen receptors within the hippocampus. The implications of 17beta-estradiol potentiation of the field potential in each of the hippocampal subfields and in particular CA3 associational/commissural fibers for memory function and clinical assessment are discussed.
Edge detection using fine-grained parallelism in VLSI

The authors demonstrate an optimal time algorithm and architecture for edge detection in real time using fine grained parallelism. Given an image in the form of a two-dimensional array of pixels, this algorithm computes the Sobel and Laplacian operators for skimming lines in the image and then generates the Hough array using thresholding Hough transforms for M different angles of projection are obtained in a fully systolic manner without using any multiplication or division. An implementation of the algorithm on the MGAP-a fine-grained processor array architecture developed at the Pennsylvanian State University-is shown. It computes at the rate of approximately 75000 Hough transforms per second on a 256*256 image using a 25-MHz clock. It is also shown that the algorithm can be easily extended to the general case of Radon transforms. >
Placenta as an immunological barrier.

Since the earliest days of tissue typing and a critical definition of the antigenic determinants of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in man and other mammals, it has become very clear that maternal sensitization to paternal histocompatibility antigens is a common event during successful pregnancies and that the immune effectors produced have no apparent detrimental effect on pregnancy outcome (Beer and Billingham, 1979; Beer et a!., 1975a; Beer et al., 1981). Observations over the past few years have documented that females are immunologically aware of the presence and activities of allogeneic cells and tissues within their reproductive tracts. During mating, implantation, placentation, and throughout gestation, fetal and MHC antigens are presented to the mother in a unique manner, and she does respond to these antigens (Beer, 1975). This evidence allows us to ask if active immune responses on the part of the female following early recognitive events during pregnancy play an important, if not an essential, role in establishing the immunological privileged status of the fetoplacental unit from the time of implantation to parturition. With hindsight as a guide, it is not difficult to guess the possible restrictions nature faced in the evolutionary fashioning of the various placental designs. Certainly one restriction was imposed by the complex histocompatibility and other genetic determinants of the detailed individual architecture of the cell surfaces coded for by the major histocompatibility complex. In a teleological sense, certain requirements had to be met in designing the
Liming effects on availability of Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn in a soil amended with sewage sludge 16 years previously

A field study was conducted to determine the plant uptake of metals in soils amended with 500 Mg ha−1 of municopal sewage sludge applied 16 yr previously. Results showed that metals were available for plan uptake after 16 yr, but that liming greatly reduced the plant availability of most metals. The application of sludge also resulted in high rates nitrification and subsequent lowering of the soil pH before the uptake study was started. The sludge-amended soil (a mesic Dystric Xerochrept) was adjusted with lime one month prior to planting from an unlimed pH of 4.6 to pH 5.8, 6.5 and 6.9. Food crops grown were: (i) bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Seafarer), (ii) cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. v. capitata L. cv. Copenhagen market), (iii) maize (Zea mays L. cv. FR37), (iv) lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Parris Island, (v) (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. (vi) tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L. cv. Burpee VF). With the exception of maize, yields were significantly reduced in the unlimed sludge-amended soil. However, liming increased yields above the growth level of the unlimed untreated soil for cabbage, maize, lettuce, potato tuber and tomato fruit. Soluble and exchangeable of Cd. Ni and Zn were also reduced after liming the sludge-amended soil. In both limed and unlimed soils, the majority of the soil Cu was found in insoluble and unavailable soil fractions. To evaluate trace metal uptake, the edible portion of each crop was analyzed for Cd, Cu, ni and Zn. Liming redoced uptake of Cd, Ni and Zn in most crops, but generally did not change Cu, This study shows the benefit of pH adjustment in reducing relative solubility and plant uptake of metals as well as increasing crop yield in acid soils.
Effect of syngeneic tumor cells bound to concanavalin A on tumor growth.

Transplanted MOPC 315 solid myelomas in BALB/cCR mice were treated with single injections of 1.6 × 106 syngeneic MOPC 315 cells combined either with human gamma globulin or with Concanavalin A (Con A). The group of mice which received injections of MOPC 315 cells coupled with human gamma globulin failed to show any significant response. The second group which received injections of MOPC 315 cells coated with Con A responded in variable fashion. Response was measured in terms of delay of tumor growth, differences in growth pattern, and prolongation of survival time. Slight response was observed in 8 of the 20 mice; moderate response was seen in 6 mice; 6 mice did not respond. The data obtained point to a possibly effective tumor vaccine which deserves further study.
Polymer Brushes Patterned with Micrometer-Scale Chemical Gradients Using Laminar Co-Flow

We present a facile microfluidic method for forming narrow chemical gradients in polymer brushes. Co-flow of an alkylating agent solution and a neat solvent in a microfluidic channel forms a diffusion-driven concentration gradient, and thus a gradient in reaction rate at the interface of the two flows, leading to a quaternization gradient in the underlying poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) polymer brush. The spatial distribution of the quaternized polymer brush is characterized by confocal Raman microscopy. The quaternization gradient length in the polymer brush can be varied with the injection flow rate and the distance from the co-flow junction. A chemical gradient in the polymer brush as narrow as 5 μm was created by controlling these parameters. The chemical gradient by laminar co-flow is compared with numerical calculations that include only one adjustable parameter: the reaction rate constant of the polymer brush quaternization. The calculated chemical gradient agrees with the experimental d...
Role of central dopaminergic and 5-hydroxytryptaminergic projections in the behavioral responses elicited by thyrotropin-releasing hormone in rats.

The systemic administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) to rats elicits locomotor activation, wet dog shakes, jaw movements, paw licking and tail rattle. Central dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) systems and peripheral vagal afferents have been implicated in these responses. To define this circuitry further, the effects of lesions of these pathways on the behavioral responses elicited by intraperitoneal (IP) injections of TRH were assessed in rats. Lesions of the DAergic innervation of the nucleus accumbens did not affect the locomotor activation, wet dog shakes, paw licking, jaw movements or tail rattle elicited by TRH. This is consistent with our in vivo microdialysis finding that TRH did not affect the release of DA in the nucleus accumbens at a dose that strongly increased locomotor activity. Depletion of spinal 5-HT significantly decreased the wet dog shakes induced by TRH, while depletion of forebrain 5-HT had no effect on any behavior. Bilateral vagotomy did not affect the locomotor response to TRH or any of the other behaviors measured. Taken together, these results suggest that the DAergic mesolimbic, the 5-HTergic projections to the forebrain and vagal afferent systems are not mediators of the behavioral responses to systemic TRH. In contrast, the raphe-spinal 5-HTergic projection system may serve to modulate the wet dog shakes elicited by this peptide.
THE BEHAVIOR OF DYE‐MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDE COMPLEXES—I. SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF THE SYSTEM CHONDROITIN SULFATE A‐ACRIDINE ORANGE

—Absorption, fluorescence, and circular dichroism (CD) spectra have been obtained for a mucopolysaccharide—cationic dye complex. The dye acridine orange exhibits a blue shift in its absorption maximum and a red shift in its fluorescence maximum when mixed with chondroitin sulfate A in aqueous solution. The spectral shifts of the dye appear to be reversed by addition of salt, divalent cations being more effective than monovalent cations. The complex exhibits induced optical activity in the visible absorption spectrum of acridine orange. The biphasic nature of the CD curve is compatible with interpretations involving chromophore coupling.
Traditional Water Resource Management and Water Quality in Rural Tanzania

Traditional resource management (TRM) is largely based on local ecological knowledge (LEK). In regions where formal institutional control of natural resources is limited due to a lack of coordination or stakeholder involvement, communities rely on TRM to manage common-pool resources. This paper examines TRM among the Sonjo in rural Northern Tanzania, with particular reference to catchment forest protection and water quality. We first document the ecological knowledge of traditional resource managers, and then describe the differences between traditionally managed water sources and formal, government managed resources. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods to examine water use, perceptions of water quality, and bacterial water quality, significant differences were detected among river basins within seasons and between seasons. Our findings indicate that the Sonjo, well known for their traditional forest conservation practices and irrigation management, may also benefit from TRM through improved water quality. The examination of traditional methods of water conservation provides insight into how communities in resource-stressed regions thrive despite seasonal droughts and flooding.
Recurrent selection for lodging resistance in oats

The objectives of this study were (a) to determine the efficiency of two cycles of recurrent selection for the lodging resistance factor (cL,) in an oat population and (b) to determine the effect of selection for cL, on other plant traits. The base population (CO) consisted of 295 SO.l oat lines from the fifth cycle of a line of descent that had been selected previously to improve groat-protein yield of oat. The recurrent selection procedure consisted of intermating of SO.l lines selected for high cL,, growing SO seeds to produce SO.l lines, and field evaluation of SO.l lines for cL,. Each cycle takes one year to complete and ca. 300 lines were evaluated in each cycle. Response to selection was evaluated by testing random samples, each with 100 lines from cycles 0, 1, and 2, parents from all cycles, and a set of checks. There was an increase in the cL, mean of 8.1% of the CO mean per cycle estimated from the progeny populations and 6.6% of the CO mean per cycle estimated from the parental populations. Broad-sense heritability and genotypic variances tended to decrease from CO to C2. Most phenotypic and genotypic correlations between cL, and other traits were nonsignificant except for cL, and plant height which were negatively associated.
Surreptitious lead exposure from an Asian Indian medication

A case of lead exposure resulting from the ingestion of a lead-containing medication is reported. The ingestion was detected during routine biological monitoring for lead exposure conducted on all workers of a lead-acid battery plant where the subject was employed. A case history, including the results of periodic blood lead, hemoglobin, and protoporphyrin analysis, and analysis of the medication, is provided. The discussion reviews the problem of leaded medications and emphasizes the need to carefully pursue suspected instances of outside exposure in lead workers as well as in the general public.
Identifying psychosocial problems among youth: factors associated with youth agreement on a positive parent-completed PSC-17

Background The choice of informant is a critical piece in the identification of psychosocial problems in youth. While many behavioural measures have been adapted to include information from multiple sources, in the case of parents and youth, poor agreement has been found. Our study purpose was to identify youth and parent factors associated with whether the youth agrees with a positive parent-completed screen of youth psychosocial problems. Methods Parents of youth aged 10–15 years who were seen for a medical visit at eight clinics completed the 17-item Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17). Youth scoring positive on the screen and their parents/guardians were interviewed by telephone after the visit (n = 145). We conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses to identify parent characteristics and child factors associated with whether the youth agrees with the positive parent-completed screen. Results Fifty per cent of youth participants agreed with their parent on a positive parent-completed PSC-17 based on their completion of the Y-PSC-17 as a self-report measure. Youth who reported a positive Y-PSC-17 in agreement with their parent were twice as likely to meet diagnostic cut-offs on sub-scales of anxiety/depression and aggression on the Child Behaviour Checklist (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively), reported lower parent–child connectedness (P < 0.01) and their parents reported more anger/frustration (P < 0.05) than youth who disagreed with the positive parent-completed screen. Most of these associations remained significant when controlling for the other factors and demographic characteristics in multivariate analysis. Conclusions Findings indicate that when the youth agrees with a positive parent-completed PSC-17, there is higher parent frustration, lower parent–child connectedness, and the youth is more likely to have a diagnosis of an emotional or behavioural disorder. Thus, when possible, the use of both parent and youth as informants provides necessary information in formulating a comprehensive treatment strategy to address the psychosocial needs of youth.
Data compression considerations for detectors with local intelligence

This note summarizes the outcome of discussions about how data compression considerations apply to tracking detectors with local intelligence. The method for analyzing data compression efficiency is taken from a previous publication and applied to module characteristics from the WIT2014 workshop. We explore local intelligence and coupled layer structures in the language of data compression. In this context the original intelligent tracker concept of correlating hits to find matches of interest and discard others is just a form of lossy data compression. We now explore how these features (intelligence and coupled layers) can be exploited for lossless compression, which could enable full readout at higher trigger rates than previously envisioned, or even triggerless.
The Information Content of Pore Fluid δ18O and [Cl−]

AbstractPaleoceanographic proxies indicate that the ocean state during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) differed from the modern ocean state. Depth profiles of ocean sediment pore fluid δ18O and [Cl−] have been used to reconstruct the δ18O and salinity at the LGM. Here, it is investigated whether pore fluid profiles can constrain ocean δ18O and salinity at other times and, simultaneously, their ability to constrain the LGM δ18O and salinity. An inverse framework is developed that relies on Bayesian parameter estimation, thus allowing formal separation of prior assumptions from the information in observations. Synthetic problems are used to explore the information about past ocean tracers that can be recovered from pore fluid profiles. It is concluded that prior knowledge of deep ocean mixing time scales is essential to an accurate inverse estimate of LGM ocean salinity and δ18O from modern pore fluid profiles. The most recent 10 000 years of ocean salinity and δ18O and the error in their estimates are bette...
Applied Social Psychology

The manuscript considers the historical and definitional relationship between social psychology and applied social psychology. It is concluded that a sharp distinction was an artifact of a temporary orientation of basic social psychology and that, at present, a definitional separation is unnecessary and unwise. Applied social psychology is viewed as the application of social psychological science at its best toward the understanding and potential resolution of social and societal problems.
Comparison of the effectiveness of passive (dam) versus active (piglet) immunization against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and impact of passively derived PCV2 vaccine-induced immunity on vaccination

The objectives of this study were (1) to compare the efficacy of two different PCV2 vaccination protocols (colostrum-derived immunity versus piglet vaccination) in a conventional PCV2 growing pig challenge model and (2) to evaluate the efficacy of vaccinating piglets with the same vaccine used in the dams. Two different commercially available vaccines (VAC1; VAC2) were used in the same experiment. Seventy-eight piglets born to vaccinated or non-vaccinated sows were divided into 8 groups. A proportion of the pigs with and a proportion of the pigs without passively acquired immunity were vaccinated at 21 days of age. All pigs except negative controls were challenged with PCV2b at 35 days post-vaccination and necropsied at 21 days post-challenge (dpc). The data indicates that both dam vaccination and piglet vaccination had similar efficacies in reducing PCV2 viral loads and antigen levels in the growing pigs. Interestingly, dam vaccination alone did result in significantly (P < 0.05) lower anti-PCV2-antibodies levels at challenge in piglets from dams immunized with VAC2 compared to piglets from VAC1 immunized dams. When data obtained from the growing piglets that were vaccinated with VAC1 or VAC2 were compared, antibody levels and reduction of incidence of PCV2-antigen were not different; however, piglets vaccinated with VAC2 had reduced PCV2-DNA genomic copies in serum by 21 dpc. Vaccination of piglets with the same vaccine as was used on their dams did not appear to affect vaccine efficacy as piglets in these groups had anti-PCV2-antibody levels and PCV2 genomic copies similar to the groups where vaccine was administered to the piglets only.
Semi-automated measurement of pulmonary nodule growth without explicit segmentation

Many nodule measurement methods rely on accurate segmentation of the nodule and may fail with complex nodule morphologies; often slight variations in segmentation result in large volume differences. A method, growth analysis from density (GAD), is presented that measures nodule growth without explicit segmentation through the application of a Gaussian weighting function to a region around the nodule, avoiding the drawbacks of segmentation-based methods. The resulting mean density is used as a surrogate for volume when computing growth. A zero-change nodule dataset was used to establish the variability of the method, followed by testing on datasets of stable, malignant, and complex nodules. There was no significant difference in percent volume change between the methods (p=0.55), and while GAD showed similar measurement variability and discriminative performance as a segmentation-based method (GAS), it was able to successfully measure growth on complex nodules where GAS failed.
Force treadmill for measuring vertical and horizontal ground reaction forces

We constructed a force treadmill to measure the vertical, horizontal and lateral components of the ground-reaction forces (F z , F y , F x , respectively) and the ground-reaction force moments (M z...
C1 neurons of neonatal rats: intrinsic beating properties and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors

Tyrosine-hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-ir) neurons (C1 cells) of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVL) control sympathetic tone and may be inhibited by the hypotensive drug clonidine. The present study seeks to describe some of the intrinsic properties of bulbospinal C1 cells and to establish whether they have alpha 2-adrenergic inhibitory "autoreceptors." RVL bulbospinal cells (retrogradely labeled with microbeads) were recorded in thin slices from 3- to 7-day-old rats with patch electrodes containing Lucifer yellow. Forty-two of eighty-nine cells were recovered histologically, and 69% were TH-ir. The properties of TH-ir cells could not be distinguished from those of the other bulbospinal cells. Most cells were spontaneously active (0.5-5 spikes/s). Blockade of fast postsynaptic potentials with kynurenic acid plus bicuculline plus strychnine or with a low-Ca(2+)-high-Mg2+ medium failed to reduce their firing rate. The membrane trajectory consisted of one of two patterns interconvertible by injections of depolarizing or hyperpolarizing current: 1) depolarizing ramps leading to spikes or 2) slow oscillations (tetrodotoxin resistant but absent at hyperpolarized potentials) leading to spikes or repolarization. The cells had Ca(2+)-dependent afterhyperpolarizations, large transient outward currents, and a hyperpolarization-activated inward current activated at potentials less than -65 mV, blocked by CsCl, and presumably responsible for a large inward rectification. Of 27 TH-ir cells, 21 had inhibitory responses to alpha 2-adrenergic agonists. These were blocked by idazoxan (n = 9). alpha 2-Agonists activated an inwardly rectifying potassium conductance (KIR). We confirm that bulbospinal C1 cells have intrinsic pacemaker properties and demonstrate that they have alpha 2-adrenergic receptors (autoreceptors) coupled to KIR channels.