cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
North Atlantic right whale acoustic signal processing: Part II. improved decision architecture for auto-detection using multi-classifier combination methodology

Autonomous signal detection of the North Atlantic right whale (NRW), Eubalaena glacialis, is becoming an important factor in monitoring and conservation for this highly endangered species. Both online and offline systems exist to help study and protect animals within this population. In both cases auto-detection of species-specific calls plays a vital role in localizing individual animal by searching time-frequency passive acoustic data. This research presents an experimental system, referred to as the NRW-CRITIC, for automatic detection of the NRW contact call. In general, the CRITIC uses a combinatorial classifier approach to integrate a series of existing machine learning algorithms; each designed specifically for NRW contact call identification. The proposed configuration consists of several recognition methods running in parallel; these include linear discriminant analysis, artificial neural network (NET) and classification regression tree (CART). This paper presents the details for the NRW-CRITIC and discusses the approach used to combine multiple independent decisions into a single result. A side-by-side performance comparison, between the CRITIC and a well-known method, the feature vector testing (FVT), is summarized. Performance metrics are evaluated based on a large database of acoustic recordings consisting of over 58,000 NRW contact calls from various locations, including two critical habitats, Great South Channel and Cape Cod Bay. Results indicate the FVT algorithm yields a 74.7% detection probability with an error rate of 4.35%. In comparison the CRITIC, operating at similar information level yields a 78.02% detection probability with a 3.25% error rate, exceeding the performance of the FVT. Performance was also measured using data from a multi-channel acoustic array located in Massachusetts Bay. A side-by-side comparison of array presence is discussed for two separate days. Results show that with the FVT and CRITIC operating at 0% error for array presence, the FVT method had 18,769 and 24,469 false positives for the Massachusetts Bay datasets respectively. With the same 0% error condition the CRITIC provided successful detection with significantly lower number of false positive rates: 1,072 and 2,324 calls, respectively. Future extensions of this experimental work are also discussed.
The Magnaporthe grisea snodprot1 homolog, MSP1, is required for virulence

Secreted proteins play central roles in plant–microbe interactions acting as signals, toxins, and effectors. One important group of small secreted proteins is the snodprot1 family, members of which have demonstrated phytotoxic properties. A split-marker transformation system was applied for gene deletion of the snodprot1 homolog, MSP1, in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea. msp1 mutants were phenotypically indistinguishable from wild type and elaborated apparently normal appressoria. However, the deletion mutants were greatly reduced in virulence primarily due to impaired growth in planta. Western blot analysis showed that the protein was secreted and not associated with the fungal cell wall. When purified MSP1 protein was applied to wounded leaf tissue, no apparent phytotoxic effects were noted. This is the first report to the authors' knowledge that directly implicates a snodprot1 protein as a virulence factor.
Tests of homogeneity of means and covariance matrices for multivariate incomplete data

Existing test statistics for assessing whether incomplete data represent a missing completely at random sample from a single population are based on a normal likelihood rationale and effectively test for homogeneity of means and covariances across missing data patterns. The likelihood approach cannot be implemented adequately if a pattern of missing data contains very few subjects. A generalized least squares rationale is used to develop parallel tests that are expected to be more stable in small samples. Three factors were varied for a simulation: number of variables, percent missing completely at random, and sample size. One thousand data sets were simulated for each condition. The generalized least squares test of homogeneity of means performed close to an ideal Type I error rate for most of the conditions. The generalized least squares test of homogeneity of covariance matrices and a combined test performed quite well also.
Zebra finch estrogen receptor cDNA : Cloning and mRNA expression

Abstract In zebra finches, estrogen is a potent hormone that masculinizes the neural circuitry controlling song during development and activates song in adulthood. However, previous studies have reported conflicting patterns of estrogen receptor (ER) expression in the song control regions. To obtain additional information about the distribution of ER in the zebra finch brain, a cDNA encoding an estrogen receptor was isolated from a zebra finch hypothalamic-preoptic area cDNA library. The 2792 bp insert contains a 1764 bp open reading frame with 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions of 132 bp and 896 bp, respectively. The deduced polypeptide is 589 amino acids in length and is highly homologous to the estrogen receptors of chicken (97%), rat (79%), mouse (79%), human (78%), Xenopus laevis (76%) and trout (49%). Northern blot analysis revealed three ER mRNAs expressed differentially in ovary, oviduct and telencephalon. The smallest transcript, 4.1 kb, was expressed in all three tissues, whereas larger mRNAs were expressed in ovary (7.6 kb) and oviduct (8.1 kb). In situ hybridization histochemistry revealed strong labelling in the infundibular region of the hypothalamus, preoptic area, and medial caudal neostriatum. Few or no labelled cells were found in the song control nuclei (HVC, RA, MAN or Area X). These results are consistent with previous studies that have shown ER protein and binding in hypothalamic and preoptic area and a lack of ER in most regions that control song production.
Botanical smuts and hermaphrodites: Lydia Becker, Darwin's botany, and education reform.

ABSTRACTIn 1868, Lydia Becker (1827–1890), the renowned Manchester suffragist, announced in a talk before the British Association for the Advancement of Science that the mind had no sex. A year later, she presented original botanical research at the BAAS, contending that a parasitic fungus forced normally single-sex female flowers of Lychnis diurna to develop stamens and become hermaphroditic. This essay uncovers the complex relationship between Lydia Becker's botanical research and her stance on women's rights by investigating how her interest in evolutionary theory, as well as her correspondence with Charles Darwin, critically informed her reform agendas by providing her with a new vocabulary for advocating for equality. One of the facts that Becker took away from her work on Lychnis was that even supposedly fixed, dichotomous categories such as biological sex became unfocused under the evolutionary lens. The details of evolutionary theory, from specific arguments on structural adaptations to more encom...
DEPLETION OF VITAMIN C IN PATIENTS WITH THALASSEMIA MAJOR. EFFECT OF VITAMIN C REPLETION ON DESFERRIOXAMINE INDUCED URINARY IRON EXCRETION

Patients with iron overload have vit. C deficiency in tissue stores as measured by vit. C content in the white blood cells. It has also been shown that repletion of vit. C. tissue stores increases the efficacy of iron chelation in urine by Desferrioxamine (DF). Sixteen patients with thalassemia major all on a hypertransfusion program and some on chelation therapy as well were studied for vit. C content. Fourteen of the 16 had depletion of vit. C content (4.5-21.5 mcg × 108 WBC; normal range: 30.0-44.2 meg × 108 WBC). Urine was collected for 24 hours after giving 500 mgm of DF, I.M. Iron excretion in urine varied from 0.2-2.3 mgm% of urine (mean 0.95). Patients were given vit. C 500 mgm d. to 500 mgm t.i.d., orally. At 6 weeks, urinary iron excretion, after 500 mgm of DF, I.M., was restudied. There was definite increase in iron excretion in all but one patient (mean 1.5 mgm% of urine). The mean increase for 12 children was 0.56 mgm% of urine. This difference was significant (P<.001). The amount of iron excreted was greater in older patients (i.e. those more overloaded with iron). It would be important to know the simultaneous excretion of iron in the stools and urine after vit. C repletion, as there may be significant change in excretion of iron both in stools and urine. Patients with thalassemia should receive vit. C as the majority are deficient in this vitamin.
Maintaining Separate Spheres in Policing: Women on SWAT Teams

The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team may represent the last vestige of male dominance in law enforcement as an assignment that remains grounded in traditional masculine notions of policing. Although SWAT units have become a prominent feature of modern American policing, there are few female team members. In an attempt to develop some insight into why women rarely serve on SWAT teams, the present research examines the viewpoints of a sample of 30 male and 31 female police officers on the gendered aspects of SWAT assignment. This exploratory study represents the first qualitative attempt to uncover police officers’ perspectives and thoughts on the “fit” of women on SWAT teams. The results show that the majority of officers, whether implicitly or explicitly, and regardless of gender, agree that the presence of women on SWAT teams presents a variety of challenges.
Depression as existential feeling or de-situatedness? Distinguishing structure from mode in psychopathology

In this paper I offer an alternative phenomenological account of depression as consisting of a degradation of the degree to which one is situated in and attuned to the world. This account contrasts with recent accounts of depression offered by Matthew Ratcliffe and others. Ratcliffe develops an account in which depression is understood in terms of deep moods, or existential feelings, such as guilt or hopelessness. Such moods are capable of limiting the kinds of significance and meaning that one can come across in the world. I argue that Ratcliffe’s account is unnecessarily constrained, making sense of the experience of depression by appealing only to changes in the mode of human existence. Drawing on Merleau-Ponty’s critique of traditional transcendental phenomenology, I show that many cases of severe psychiatric disorders are best understood as changes in the very structure of human existence, rather than changes in the mode of human existence. Working in this vein, I argue that we can make better sense of many first-person reports of the experience of depression by appealing to a loss or degradation of the degree to which one is situated in and attuned to the world, rather than attempting to make sense of depression as a particular mode of being situated and attuned. Finally, I argue that drawing distinctions between disorders of structure and mode will allow us to improve upon the currently heterogeneous categories of disorder offered in the DSM-5.
Development of a Fluvial Egg Drift Simulator to evaluate the transport and dispersion of Asian carp eggs in rivers

Abstract Asian carp are migrating towards the Great Lakes and are threatening to invade this ecosystem, hence there is an immediate need to control their population. The transport of Asian carp eggs in potential spawning rivers is an important factor in its life history and recruitment success. An understanding of the transport, development, and fate of Asian carp eggs has the potential to create prevention, management, and control strategies before the eggs hatch and develop the ability to swim. However, there is not a clear understanding of the hydrodynamic conditions at which the eggs are transported and kept in suspension. This knowledge is imperative because of the current assumption that suspension is required for the eggs to survive. Herein, FluEgg (Fluvial Egg Drift Simulator), a three-dimensional Lagrangian model capable of evaluating the influence of flow velocity, shear dispersion and turbulent diffusion on the transport and dispersal patterns of Asian carp eggs is presented. The model's variables include not only biological behavior (growth rate, density changes) but also the physical characteristics of the flow field, such as mean velocities and eddy diffusivities. The performance of the FluEgg model was evaluated using observed data from published flume experiments conducted in China with water-hardened Asian carp eggs as subjects. FluEgg simulations show a good agreement with the experimental data. The model was also run with observed data from the Sandusky River in Ohio to provide a real-world demonstration case. This research will support the identification of critical hydrodynamic conditions (e.g., flow velocity, depth, and shear velocity) to maintain eggs in suspension, assist in the evaluation of suitable spawning rivers for Asian carp populations and facilitate the development of prevention, control and management strategies for Asian carp species in rivers and water bodies.
Commentary: Adapting communication standards to enhance safety.

Medical specialties, like societies, are bound together by our common language. In medicine, poor communication and ambiguous jargon lead to inefficiencies and increased risks for errors.1,2 In this issue of Practical Radiation Oncology, members of the IHE-RO (Integrating the Healthcare EnterpriseRadiation Oncology) initiative nicely summarize their activities to establish standards for machine-to-machine communication.3 This group, including users and vendors, should be applauded for their persistent, diligent efforts (some for N10 years) to make our field safer and more efficient.4-6 Modern radiation therapy is complex and clinics rely on many devices (eg, computed tomographic scanners, treatment planning, record and verify, delivery machines). No one can argue with the noble goal of IHE-RO; to make our various computer systems “plug-in and play,” in a reliable, timely, efficient, and user-friendly manner. These activities should remove the current device-specific, patientspecific, and institutional-specific “work-arounds” that can be time consuming and error prone. Currently, we typically
The Effect of Corticomedial Amygdaloid Lesions on Prolactin Secretion in Male and Female Rats

The influence of corticomedial amygdaloid lesions on circulating PRL levels was examined in male and female rats. In ovariectomized female and intact male rats, the plasma PRL levels did not vary over a 24-h period, and lesions of the corticomedial amygdala did not alter this pattern. Castrated male rats had similar morning and afternoon PRL values and here again lesions did not alter this pattern. The injection of 0.5 nig polyestradiol phosphate (PEP) into ovariectomized animals 1 week before sampling induced a PRL surge at 1700 h which was markedly decreased by corticomedial amygdaloid lesions. The basal PRL levels observed at 1100 and 0400 h in these animals were not altered by the lesion. In castrated male rats, basal plasma PRL levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05) by the injection of PEP compared to levels in noninjected controls. Corticomedial amygdaloid lesions did not alter the estrogen-induced increase in basal serum PRL in these animals when the sample was taken at 1700 h, but signific...
Purification and properties of cytochrome c555 from a protozoan, Crithidia fasciculata

Abstract Cytochrome c 555 was isolated and purified from a protozoan, Crithidia fasciculata . This cytochrome exhibits a unique spectrum. In the reduced form, the maxima appear to have shifted 5 nm towards the red region in comparison to the mammalian mitochondrial cytochrome c 555 . In spite of this spectral difference, cytochrome c 555 is similar to the cytochromes c 550 in many respects. Both are cationic proteins and can be isolated and purified by essentially the same methods even though the former has an isoionic point at pH 8.8, while the latter at pH 10.0. Both have molecular weights around 13000 and have similar amino acid compositions except that cytochrome c 555 contains 1 to 2 residues of e - N -trimethyllysine per molecule of protein. Although the protozoan's protein reacts with mammalian cytochrome oxidase, it reacts at a reduced rate compared with that exhibited by the cytochromes c 550 .
Role of Benzyl Alcohol in the Unfolding and Aggregation of Interferon α-2a

Benzyl alcohol (BA) is the most widely used antimicrobial preservative in multidose protein formulations, and has been shown to cause protein aggregation. Our previous work on a model protein cytochrome c demonstrated that this phenomenon occurs via partial unfolding. Here, we examine the validity of these results by investigating the effect of BA on a pharmaceutically relevant protein, interferon �-2a (IFNA2). IFNA2 therapeutic formulations available on the pharmaceutical market contain BA as a preservative. Isothermal aggregation kinetics and temperature scanning demonstrated that BA induced IFNA2 aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner. With increasing concentration of BA, the apparent aggregation temperature of IFNA2 linearly decreased. Denaturant melts measured using protein intrinsic fluorescence and that of the 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid dye indicated that IFNA2 stability decreased with increasing BA concentration, populating a partially unfolded intermediate. Changes in nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts and hydrogen exchange rates identified the structural nature of this intermediate, which correlated with an aggregation "hot-spot" predicted by computational methods. These results indicate that BA induces IFNA2 aggregation by partial unfolding rather than global unfolding of the entire protein, and is consistent with our earlier conclusions from model protein studies. C
Proton insertion into oxide cathodes during chemical delithiation

A quantitative determination of proton contents in various chemically delithiated oxide cathodes has been carried out with prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA), and the results are complemented by mass spectrometric and thermogravimetric analysis data. While the delithiated layered Li 1-x CoO 2 , Li 1-x Ni 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 , and Li 1-x Ni 1/2 Mn 1/2 O 2 show a significant amount of proton in the lattice at deep lithium extraction, orthorhombic Li 1-x MnO 2 , spinel Li 1-x Mn 2 O 4 , and olivine Li 1-x FePO 4 do not encounter such proton insertion. Interestingly, spinel Li 1-x Co 2 O 4 shows both proton insertion and oxygen loss at deep lithium extraction. The differences are attributed to the differences in the chemical instability of the various cathodes.
Optimum 2-D Nonuniform Spatial Sampling for Microwave SAR-Based NDE Imaging Systems

Microwave and millimeter-wave synthetic aperture radar (SAR)-based imaging techniques, which are used for nondestructive evaluation (NDE), have shown tremendous usefulness for the inspection of a wide variety of complex composite materials and structures. An important practical issue associated with these imaging techniques is the required criteria associated with the physical gathering of the imaging data. In previous work on uniform sampling optimization, it was shown that the (uniform) spatial sampling density should be higher than the Nyquist density if preservation of spatial resolution, as defined by the half-power width of an ideal point target, is of interest. Conversely, nonuniform sampling has shown to provide effective signal reconstruction even for average spatial sampling densities below the Nyquist density-a distinct advantage over uniform sampling. This paper presents a comprehensive study into the optimization of nonuniform sampling for microwave SAR-based NDE imaging using three typical reconstruction techniques for nonuniformly sampled data, including natural interpolation, area-weighted Fourier integration, and conjugate gradient residual error minimization methods. To study the efficacy of these reconstruction methods, simulations of a point target were performed for a range of target distances and a range of average spatial sample separations. Resulting SAR images from the reconstruction techniques are then analyzed and compared according to two metrics: error between an image and an ideal image and resolution as determined by the half-power width of a point target. This is followed by experimental results corroborating the simulation results. Finally, nonuniform sampling requirements, given a minimum metric performance, are generalized for a given imager aperture size.
Dynamics of lake-level fluctuations and economic activity

This paper examines the relationship between lake level and economic activity in the context of population growth, regional economic conditions, and the seasonal nature of economic activity. Quarterly economic activity in four economic entities (i.e. three municipalities and the county) is examined in a multivariate time series analysis that accounts for the change in population, context of regional unemployment and seasonal variation. The results of the multivariate time series analysis demonstrate that lake level has a negative curvilinear relationship with economic activity. This relationship is limited to the retail trade sector in the nearest municipality, which also has the least diversified economy. Tests show that prior lake levels can forecast retail trade in this limited case, which indicates lake level is causally prior to retail trade.
Subunits of the extracellular hemoglobin of Cirriformia

Abstract 1. 1. The dissociation of the extracellular hemoglobin of Cirriformia sp. was investigated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and at alkaline pH. 2. 2. SDS PAGE of the unreduced hemoglobin showed that it dissociated into four groups of subunits; the two major groups consisted of one band with a molecular mass of 13,000 (1) and three in the range of 47,000–57,000 (7–9). The two groups of minor bands consisted of three bands in the range of 17,000–23,000 (2–4) and two at about 35,000 (5,6). 3. 3. SDS PAGE of the reduced hemoglobin resulted in the presence of five subunits with molecular masses of 13,000 (I), 14,000 (II) and 16,000 (III), 18,000 (IV) and 27,000 (V). 4. 4. Two-dimensional SDS PAGE of the hemoglobin showed that subunit 1 corresponded to subunit I and subunits 7,8 and 9 produced subunits II, III and V. 5. 5. PAGE at pH 9 showed that the hemoglobin dissociated into four subunits with molecular masses of 21,000, 23,000, 48,000 and 122,000. 6. 6. The dissociation of Cirriformia hemoglobin was compared to that of Lumbricus and other extracellular annelid hemoglobins.
Alternative evidence on financial analysts' use of financial statement information

Purpose – Financial analysts are frequently viewed as information intermediaries who process and interpret firms' financial reports for other market participants. Much recent research, however, has cast doubts on analysts' ability to fully utilize the information in firms' financial reports. Using an alternative approach, this study aims to provide evidence on how sophisticated analysts are at using information in firms' financial reports.Design/methodology/approach – The paper estimates different measures of firms' operational efficiency, all of which are derived from financial statement data, and compares the strength of the association between these measures and analysts' absolute forecast errors. It then compares a sophisticated frontier‐based measure of firms' operational efficiency that evaluates firms' performance relative to their competitors with three more traditional efficiency measures; specifically the return on asset (ROA) ratio, industry‐adjusted ROA, and the return on equity ratio.Findings...
Synthesis and characterization of germanium sulfide aerogels

Abstract The synthesis of germanium sulfide gels by thiolysis reactions of a non-aqueous solution of Ge(OEt) 4 , followed by supercritical fluid extraction to create aerogels, is described. Analysis of the as-prepared GeS x aerogels by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and surface area analysis reveals an amorphous structure exhibiting very high surface areas, 755 m 2 /g, that rival those of the best SiO 2 aerogels when compared on a per mole basis. Transmission electron microscopy shows that the aerogel material is composed of a continuous network of GeS x colloidal particles assembled in a three-dimensional architecture. A detailed comparison of GeS x aerogels and their xerogel (bench-top dried) counterparts in terms of the influence of the synthetic methodology on morphology and surface area is reported. In the presence of adventitious moisture, the amorphous GeS x is oxidized to a crystalline phase identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and PXRD cell refinement to be hexagonal GeO 2 .
Potential for organic sulfur accumulation in a variety of forest soils at saturating sulfate concentrations

Increasing the sulfate concentration and concomitant increases in the organic S concentration failed to exert any effect on organic S mobilization in samples collected from all depths within the mineral soil profile, from 15 sites differing in soil type, vegetation, and geographic location. Mobilization capacities at saturating concentrations of sulfate for organic S formation generally tended to increase with increasing depth. The potentials for the accumulation of organic S with various sulfate inputs exhibited saturation kinetics similar to those observed for organic S formation; values for the former parameter ranged from 3×10-3 to 12.6 μmol S g−1 dry weight 24 h-1 for the uppermost (A, E) soil horizons, 3 nmol to 10 μmol S g-1 dry weight 24 h−1 for intermediate (primarily AB) soil horizons, and from 3 nmol to 13.4 μmol S g-1 dry weight 24 h−1 for the lowermost (B, C) soil horizons. Irrespective of depth, the Fullerton, Tarklin, and Loblolly sites in Tennessee and the Florida site showed the least net accumulation of organic S at saturation ( 1.0 μmol S g-1 dry weight 24 h-1 for most horizons examined).
Altered expression and localization of hippocampal A-type potassium channel subunits in the pilocarpine-induced model of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Abstract Altered ion channel expression and/or function may contribute to the development of certain human epilepsies. In rats, systemic administration of pilocarpine induces a model of human temporal lobe epilepsy, wherein a brief period of status epilepticus (SE) triggers development of spontaneous recurrent seizures that appear after a latency of 2–3 weeks. Here we investigate changes in expression of A-type voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels, which control neuronal excitability and regulate action potential propagation and neurotransmitter release, in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy. Using immunohistochemistry, we examined the expression of component subunits of somatodendritic (Kv4.2, Kv4.3, KChIPl and KChIP2) and axonal (Kv1.4) A-type Kv channels in hippocampi of pilocarpine-treated rats that entered SE. We found that Kv4.2, Kv4.3 and KChIP2 staining in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus changes from being uniformly distributed across the molecular layer to concentrated in just the outer two-thirds. We also observed a loss of KChIP1 immunoreactive interneurons, and a reduction of Kv4.2 and KChIP2 staining in stratum radiatum of CA1. These changes begin to appear 1 week after pilocarpine treatment and persist or are enhanced at 4 and 12 weeks. As such, these changes in Kv channel distribution parallel the acquisition of recurrent spontaneous seizures as observed in this model. We also found temporal changes in Kv1.4 immunoreactivity matching those in Timm's stain, being expanded in stratum lucidum of CA3 and in the inner third of the dentate molecular layer. Among pilocarpine-treated rats, changes were only observed in those that entered SE. These changes in A-type Kv channel expression may contribute to hyperexcitability of dendrites in the associated hippocampal circuits as observed in previous studies of the effects of pilocarpine-induced SE.
Simulation and Long-Range Planning for Resource Allocation

Abstract : The problem of allocating productive resources to attain some predetermined objective is studied in Air Force logistics organizations. In this paper is described a major Laboratory simulation that was conducted several years ago. Although the primary othe primary objective of the simulation was to obtain results useful to Air Force planners, it is believed that the research method may be of interest to economists more generally.
Multifrequency Forcing of a Hopf Oscillator Model of the Inner Ear

In response to a sound stimulus, the inner ear emits sounds called otoacoustic emissions. While the exact mechanism for the production of otoacoustic emissions is not known, active motion of individual hair cells is thought to play a role. Two possible sources for otoacoustic emissions, both localized within individual hair cells, include somatic motility and hair bundle motility. Because physiological models of each of these systems are thought to be poised near a Hopf bifurcation, the dynamics of each can be described by the normal form for a system near a Hopf bifurcation. Here we demonstrate that experimental results from three-frequency suppression experiments can be predicted based on the response of an array of noninteracting Hopf oscillators tuned at different frequencies. This supports the idea that active motion of individual hair cells contributes to active processing of sounds in the ear. Interestingly, the model suggests an explanation for differing results recorded in mammals and nonmammals.
Extending Fluorescence Thermometry to Measuring Wall Surface Temperatures Using Evanescent-Wave Illumination

Cooling microelectronics with heat flux values of hundreds of kW/cm2 over hot spots with typical dimensions well below 1 mm will require new single- and two-phase thermal management technologies with micron-scale addressability. However, experimental studies of thermal transport through micro- and mini-channels report a wide range of Nusselt numbers even in laminar single-phase flows, presumably due in part to variations in channel geometry and surface roughness. These variations make constructing accurate numerical models for what would be otherwise straightforward computational simulations challenging. There is, therefore, a need for experimental techniques that can measure both bulk fluid and wall surface temperatures at micron-scale spatial resolution without disturbing the flow in both heat transfer and microfluidics applications. We report here the evaluation of a nonintrusive technique, fluorescence thermometry (FT), to determine wall surface and bulk fluid temperatures with a spatial resolution of O(10 μm) for water flowing through a heated channel. Fluorescence thermometry is typically used to estimate water temperature fields based on variations in the emission intensity of a fluorophore dissolved in the water. The accuracy of FT can be improved by taking the ratio of the emission signals from two different fluorophores (dual-tracer FT or DFT) to eliminate variations in the signal due to (spatial and temporal) variations in the excitation intensity. In this work, two temperature-sensitive fluorophores, fluorescein and sulforhodamine B, with emission intensities that increase and decrease, respectively, with increasing temperature, are used to further improve the accuracy of the temperature measurements. Water temperature profiles were measured in steady Poiseuille flow at Reynolds numbers of 3.3 and 8.3 through a 1 mm2 heated minichannel. Water temperatures in the bulk flow (i.e., away from the walls) were measured using DFT with an average uncertainty of 0.2 °C at a spatial resolution of 30 μm. Temperatures within the first 0.3 μm next to the wall were measured using evanescent-wave illumination of a single temperature-sensitive fluorophore with an average uncertainty of less than 0.2 °C at a spatial resolution of 10 μm. The results are compared with numerical predictions, which suggest that the water temperatures at an average distance of ∼70 nm from the wall are identical within experimental uncertainty to the wall surface temperature.
Activation-energy spectrum and structural relaxation dynamics of amorphous silicon.

The structural relaxation dynamics in pure (unhydrogenated) amorphous silicon (a-Si) following ion-irradiation-induced defect injection is investigated by measuring the changes in electrical conductivity. It is found that the conductivity of a-Si decreases over three orders of magnitude upon relaxation by defect annihilation. Subsequent ion irradiation reverses the conductivity changes, confirming that the observed conductivity change is solely due to structural relaxation. Through a combined analysis of both in situ and ex situ measurements of dynamics of change in conductivity upon structural relaxation, the density of relaxation states with activation energy Q associated with localized electron states near the Fermi level is measured. It is found to be a continuous, monotonically decreasing function extending from Q0.9 eV to Qg2.5 eV, and in situ measurement of conductivity suggests a lower limit of Q0.23 eV. Knowledge of this quantity in turn enables a quantitative estimate of the activation energy spectrum for structural relaxation of a-Si. Results are compared with previous investigations of structural relaxation and solid-phase epitaxy of a-Si, and the relevance of defect injection and structural relaxation in a-Si to irradiation-enhanced nucleation of crystal silicon is discussed.
Enucleation of mammalian cells with cytochalasin B

Abstract L cells and chinese hamster cells growing on coverslips can be enucleated by centrifugation at 3 000 g (glass coverslips) or 5 800 g (plastic coverslips) for 40 min at 35 ° to 37 °C in medium containing 10 μg/ml of cytochalasin B. The enucleated cells incorporate 3H-leucine, support replication of vaccinia virus DNA, and are viable for at least 3 days.
Specializations of the unit membrane

The three-layered unit membrane is a structure showing several modifications not only in its thickness but also in the nature and amount of materials associated with its outer and inner surfaces. Indeed, the presence of associated layers is so constant that one is led to wonder whether the unit membrane as commonly defined should not be regarded as merely the central component in a complex and highly variable structure which marks cell boundaries. The variation in thickness first pointed out by Ledbetter (1962) for the plant cell has since been described by Sjostrand (1963) among others, in the animal cell. In plant cells, for example the plasma membrane and that of the tonoplast measure about 100–120 A, whereas the limiting membranes of the mitochondria and chloroplasts fall in the 50–70 A range. This kind of variation is now so well known that it requires neither illustration nor further comment.
Narrative Review: Celiac Disease: Understanding a Complex Autoimmune Disorder

Celiac disease is a common autoimmune disorder that has genetic, environmental, and immunologic components. It is characterized by an immune response to ingested wheat gluten and related proteins of rye and barley that leads to inflammation, villous atrophy, and crypt hyperplasia in the intestine. The disease is closely associated with genes that code for human leukocyte antigens DQ2 and DQ8. Transglutaminase 2 appears to be an important component of the disease, both as a deamidating enzyme that can enhance the immunostimulatory effect of gluten and as a target autoantigen in the immune response. Sensitive and specific serologic tests, including those for anti-transglutaminase antibody, are facilitating fast and noninvasive screening for celiac disease. Thus, they are contributing to a more accurate estimate of the prevalence of the disease and its association with other disorders. Celiac disease is associated with increased rates of anemia, osteoporosis, cancer, neurologic deficits, and additional autoimmune disorders. A gluten-free diet is the mainstay of safe and effective treatment of celiac disease, although its effect on some of the extraintestinal manifestations of the disease remains to be determined.
Acute ethanol intoxication and endotoxemia after trauma.

To determine actions of acute intoxication on pathophysiologic responses to trauma, anesthetized and ventilated mongrel pigs received a 20% solution of ethanol (EtOH) by an intravenous (IV group ; 2 g/kg, n = 8) or an oral (PO group ; 3 g/kg, n = 12 x 60 minutes) route of administration, or the lactated Ringer's vehicle (LR group ; n = 12). After 60 minutes, all were subjected to soft tissue injury and 30 to 35% hemorrhage, 60-minute shock, and then resuscitation, with shed blood plus supplemental LR. After 3 days, host defense was challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ; (1 μg/kg x 30-minutes IV). The supplemental resuscitation was identical (50-53 mL/kg/hours), but posttraumatic acidosis was observed in the IV group and the PO group (base deficit = 4.4 ± 1.3 and 5.5 ± 0.9 mEq/L) and not in the LR group. After 3 days, the acid-base equilibrium was restored, but a difference in host defense was unmasked by LPS. In the LR group, LPS-evoked pulmonary vasoconstriction was followed by decreased compliance and ventilation-perfusion mismatch, which was associated at 3 to 5 hours with a base deficit, reduced Svo 2 , and reduced Po 2 (-0.5 ± 0.2 mEq/L, 46 ± 1%, 127 ± 1 mm Hg). These changes were blunted in the PO group (2.0 ± 0.1 mEq/L, 56 ± 1%, 183 ± 4 mm Hg) and potentiated in the IV group (-4.3 ± 0.5 mEq/L, 40 ± 2%, 60 ± 2 mm Hg), even though more fluid was required to maintain systemic arterial and cardiac filling pressures following LPS administration in the IV (40 ± 6 mL/kg/hours) versus the LR or PO groups (31 ± 5 or 23 ± 3). The PO versus LR differences could not be attributed to enteral nutrition because an isocaloric solution of 50% dextrose had no effect versus LR solution. EtOH caused neutropenia following trauma, relative to LR solution, but the IV versus PO differences could not be discriminated on the basis of neutrophil or lymphocytes counts, nor CD18 receptor expression, nor renal or hepatic dysfunction. However, T4 lymphocytes and cortisol, a nonspecific index of inflammation, were higher for at least 24 hours after trauma with IV, relative to PO or LR. Blood EtOH was similar with IV or PO during resuscitation (100-120 mg/dL), but the kinetics were different prior to trauma. With PO, blood EtOH slowly accumulated to a steady state plateau, the level of which was higher with no anesthesia or no trauma. With IV, blood EtOH peaked at 275 mg/dL and then exponentially declined with a rate that was not influenced to a major extent by trauma or by anesthesia. Therefore : 1) EtOH absorption is impaired during trauma (in part because of reduced gut blood flow) ; 2) acute EtOH intoxication at the time of trauma altered neutrophils, plasma cortisol, and T4 lymphocytes during recovery and host defense to a superimposed LPS challenge. The apparently favorable effect of PO versus IV EtOH on the response to endotoxemia after trauma probably reflects differences in the kinetics of blood EtOH in the interval before reperfusion, but a first pass effect (metabolism in the gut or liver) might also explain the data.
Thrombospondin-1 and its CSVTCG-specific receptor in wound healing and cancer.

Growth factors play a crucial role in the regulation of cellular proliferation and matrix degradation in wound healing and cancer. We have shown that thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) and its cysteine-serine-valine-threonine-cysteine-glycine (CSVTCG)-specific receptor play a key role in cell invasion and matrix degradation in different carcinomas. The present study was done to determine whether TSP-1 and its receptor show a similar pattern of expression in wound healing and cancer. Expression and localization of TSP-1 and its receptor were determined in fetal wounds, adult burn wounds, and different human malignancies by immunohistochemical staining and computerized image analysis. In healing wounds, TSP-1 was expressed in the stroma early in the process, followed by a steep decline. The TSP-1 receptor localized to neovessels and highly proliferating cells (i.e., fibroblasts, basal cells), its levels remaining relatively constant. Cancer cells and tumor-associated microvessels expressed the TSP-1 receptor, whereas TSP-1 localized predominantly to the tumor-associated stroma. These data suggest a critical role for TSP-1 and its CSVTCG-specific receptor in wound healing and cancer.
Magnesium deficiency in pine seedlings growing in pumice soil nurseries

Abstract Magnesium deficiency, characterised by needle tip chlorosis, has occurred in seedlings of radiata pine, Corsican pine, and lodgepole pine in two New Zealand pumice soil nurseries. Exchangeable Mg in the soil was low, as were foliage contents. Magnesium sulphate gave a rapid response, but leached from the soil within a year. The response to dolomite was slower but longer lasting. Serpentine raised the level of Mg in the foliage to some extent, but did not increase exchangeable Mg in the soil to any appreciable extent. Foliar sprays of magnesium sulphate were very effective at some times of the year. The application of a low rate of ammonium sulphate increased the uptake of Mg as evidenced lly increased foliage content and growth. This is the first reported instance of Mg deficiency in: (1) forest trees in New Zealand; and (2) a virgin soil growing its first crop after cultivation.
Intracellular Ca2+ does not activate the SITS-sensitive anion transporter in barnacle muscle.

Abstract By means of the intracellular dialysis technique, we have measured 36Cl efflux from single barnacle muscle fibers and compared the effects of raising intracellular ionized calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) to the effects of lowering intracellular pH (pHi). Lowering pHi by 1 unit or less resulted in a 20-fold stimulation of 36Cl efflux which occurred relatively rapidly and which could be inhibited by 90–95% by 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (SITS). In contrast, raising [Ca2]i as much as 250-fold resulted in a relatively small increase of 36Cl efflux. The small increase occurred after a long latency, developed slowly and could not be blocked or prevented by treatment with SITS. We conclude that the increase of the SITS-sensitive 36Cl efflux caused by a fall of pHi is not mediated by a rise of [Ca2+]i.
Pharmacogenomics of membrane transporters: past, present and future

Membrane transporters are major determinants of the absorption, distribution and elimination of many of the most commonly used drugs. In the past decade, the field of membrane transporter pharmacogenomics has undergone enormous growth. In particular, functional genomic and clinical studies have provided new information regarding the contribution of coding variants in transporters to drug disposition and response. With continuing advances in sequencing technologies and large-scale human variation studies, over the next decade, knowledge in the field will be transformed. In particular, functional variants in noncoding regions of transporters will be discovered, and large clinical studies will result in the identification of variants in multiple genes, including transporter genes, which contribute to variation in clinical drug response.
Robophthalmotrope: Proposing a biologically inspired, mechatronic platform to study sensorimotor control

To further investigate theoretical concepts associated with sensorimotor control and brain-machine integration, the design and development of a robotic ophthalmotrope for the purpose of producing controlled, multidimensional eye and head movements is proposed.
Continuing Challenges in Selecting Industry Projects for Academic Credit: Points to Consider and Pitfalls to Avoid

Many academic programs use industrial projects within their teaching curriculum. These provide an exposure to real customers, challenging problems currently faced by industry and the opportunity to interact with working professionals in a situation driven by quality, schedules, and users. Selecting projects that fit todaypsilas academic environment, is a constant challenge. This paper presents how at Carnegie Mellon we have refined our project selection criteria to provide a better fit between our needs and those of our industrial partners. Criteria, issues to consider and pitfalls to avoid in the project selection process will be discussed.
Type of Milk Consumed Can Influence Plasma Concentrations of Fatty Acids and Minerals and Body Composition in Infant and Weanling Pigs

Two experiments using 42 crossbred neonatal pigs to compare the effects of caprine and bovine milk on growth, apparent nutrient digestibility and body composition were conducted. At age 72 h, pigs were removed from their dams and randomly divided into two groups, housed separately in stainless steel metabolism cages and were fed a predetermined amount (300 mL/kg body weight) of pasteurized, nonfortified whole, caprine or bovine milk. Body composition was determined using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In Experiment 1, 22 intact male pigs were used for a 31-d experimental period. There was no significant (P > 0.05) dietary effect on growth, apparent nutrient digestibility or body composition. Significant differences (P < 0.05), however, were observed in plasma of C 8:0, C 10:0 and C 12:0 concentrations. In Experiment 2, 20 pigs (10 intact males and 10 females) were used in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment for 52 d. Pigs fed caprine milk had higher (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of C10:0 and C12:0 as well as Na, Mg and Zn than those fed bovine milk. At Day 52, pigs fed caprine milk had less body fat (P < 0.001) and higher (P < 0.06) bone mineral density than those fed bovine milk. Drymatter, N and total mineral intake of male pigs was higher (P < 0.05) than female pigs. Also, male pigs had higher (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of C12:0 than females. This study demonstrates that the type of milk consumed can influence plasma concentrations of fatty acids, minerals and body composition in pigs.
Crystal Structure of Human Antibody 2909 Reveals Conserved Features of Quaternary Structure-Specific Antibodies That Potently Neutralize HIV-1

Monoclonal antibody 2909 belongs to a class of potently neutralizing antibodies that recognize quaternary epitopes on HIV-1. Some members of this class, such as 2909, are strain specific, while others, such as antibody PG16, are broadly neutralizing; all, however, recognize a region on the gp120 envelope glycoprotein that includes two loops (V2 and V3) and forms appropriately only in the oligomeric HIV-1 spike (gp1203/gp413). Here we present the crystal structure of 2909 and report structure-function analysis with antibody chimeras composed of 2909 and other members of this antibody class. The 2909 structure was dominated by a heavy-chain third-complementarity-determining region (CDR H3) of 21 residues, which comprised 36% of the combining surface and formed a β-hairpin club extending ∼20 A beyond the rest of the antibody. Sequence analysis and mass spectrometry identified sites of tyrosine sulfation at the middle and top of CDR H3; substitutions with phenylalanine either ablated (middle substitution) or substantially diminished (top substitution) neutralization. Chimeric antibodies composed of heavy and light chains, exchanged between 2909 and other members of the class, indicated a substantial lack of complementation. Comparison of 2909 to PG16 (which is tyrosine sulfated and the only other member of the class for which a structure has previously been reported) showed that both utilize protruding, anionic CDR H3s for recognition. Thus, despite some diversity, members of this class share structural and functional similarities, with conserved features of the CDR H3 subdomain likely reflecting prevalent solutions by the human immune system for recognition of a quaternary site of HIV-1 vulnerability.