cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of Lagrangian model estimates to light detection and ranging (LIDAR) measurements of dust plumes from field tilling.

Abstract A Lagrangian particle model has been adapted to examine human exposures to particulate matter ≤ 10 µm (PM10) in agricultural settings. This paper reports the performance of the model in comparison to extensive measurements by elastic LIDAR (light detection and ranging). For the first time, the LIDAR measurements allowed spatially distributed and time dynamic measurements to be used to test the predictions of a field-scale model. The model outputs, which are three-dimensional concentration distribution maps from an agricultural disking operation, were compared with the LIDAR-scanned images. The peak cross-correlation coefficient and the offset distance of the measured and simulated plumes were used to quantify both the intensity and location accuracy. The appropriate time averaging and changes in accuracy with height of the plume were examined. Inputs of friction velocity, Monin–Obukhov length, and wind direction (1 sec) were measured with a three-axis sonic anemometer at a single point in the fie...
Contaminant levels, source strengths, and ventilation rates in California retail stores.

UNLABELLED This field study measured ventilation rates and indoor air quality in 21 visits to retail stores in California. Three types of stores, such as grocery, furniture/hardware stores, and apparel, were sampled. Ventilation rates measured using a tracer gas decay method exceeded the minimum requirement of California's Title 24 Standard in all but one store. Concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone, and carbon dioxide measured indoors and outdoors were analyzed. Even though there was adequate ventilation according to standard, concentrations of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde exceeded the most stringent chronic health guidelines in many of the sampled stores. The whole-building emission rates of VOCs were estimated from the measured ventilation rates and the concentrations measured indoor and outdoor. Estimated formaldehyde emission rates suggest that retail stores would need to ventilate at levels far exceeding the current Title 24 requirement to lower indoor concentrations below California's stringent formaldehyde reference level. Given the high costs of providing ventilation, effective source control is an attractive alternative. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Field measurements suggest that California retail stores were well ventilated relative to the minimum ventilation rate requirement specified in the Building Energy Efficiency Standards Title 24. Concentrations of formaldehyde found in retail stores were low relative to levels found in homes but exceeded the most stringent chronic health guideline. Looking ahead, California is mandating zero energy commercial buildings by 2030. To reduce the energy use from building ventilation while maintaining or even lowering formaldehyde in retail stores, effective formaldehyde source control measures are vitally important.
Control variables and algorithms for in series cardiac assistance

Hemodynamic control variables such as left atrial pressure, heart rate, and tension time index have been examined for in-series cardiac assistance using the intraaortic balloon pump. Automatic control algorithms have been constructed based on analog models of the assisted circulation. These are reviewed and a scheme for implantable automatic controlled cardiac assist devices are proposed. >
Terminal settling velocity of commonly occurring sand grains

Published measurements of terminal settling velocity for commonly occurring sands are used to develop three equations which join into a single segmented curve of dimensionless form. Results are noticeably different from those for spheres of similar diameter, and permit calculation of the settling velocity for usual sand grains without specification of exact grain shape. For quartz in water, the three equations of different settling regimes correspond approximately to: very fine sand; fine to coarse sand; and very coarse sand.
MECHANISM OF RELEASE FROM PELLETS COATED WITH AN ETHYLCELLULOSE-BASED FILM

Studies were conducted to determine the mechanism of drug release from pellets coated with an ethylcellulose-based pseudolatex widely accepted for use as a sustained release coating for pharmaceuticals. Possible mechanisms for release include solution/diffusion through the continuous polymer phase and/or plasticizer channels, diffusion through aqueous pores and osmotically driven release through aqueous pores. To distinguish between these mechanisms, the release rate was studied as a function of coating thickness, plasticizer content, and osmotic pressure in the dissolution medium. As the coating thickness was increased from 9 to 50 pm, the rate of release fell from 9.93. 10m3 to 1.71. 10m3 g phenylpropanolamine (PPA). HCl/lOO ml h in an inversely proportional manner. Release as a function of plasticizer content was studied over the range 12 to 24% dibutyl sebacate (DBS). At 18 or 24% DBS, the rates of release of PPA*HCl were virtually identical, about 50% of PPA*HCl in six hours. At 12% DBS through, over 80% was released in the first hour. Surface area measurements and scanning electron microscopy @EM) showed that the larger surface area of the 12% DBS batch was attributable to the presence of cracks in the coating. These results indicated that while the plasticizer is important in terms of forming a continuous film, diffusion through plasticizer channels is unlikely to make a significant contribution to the overall release rate. Release was also studied as a function of the osmotic pressure in the medium. A plot of release rate vs. osmotic pressure revealed an inverse linear relationship with a nonzero intercept, The steep dependency of release rate on osmotic pressure of the medium suggested that osmotically driven release is a major mechanism for release, while the nonzero intercept indicated some contribution from diffusion mechanisms. For all batches, SEM indicated that the film exhibited pores approximately 2 ,um in diameter, consistent with these mechanisms. In summary, then, the release from PPA* HCl pellets coated with an ethylcellulose-based film appears to be a combination of osmotically driven release and diffusion through the polymer and/ or aqueous pores. A mathematical expression for this type of release is presented.
Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Promote Allograft Tolerance Induction

Amputations and unsalvageable injuries with devastating tissue loss are common in the combat wounded. Reconstructive transplantation in the civilian setting using vascular composite allotransplants (VCAs) with multiple tissues (skin, muscle, nerve, bone) combined with long-term multidrug immunosuppression has been encouraging. However, skin rejection remains a critical complication. Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) are easily obtained from normal individuals in high numbers, precluding ex vivo expansion. The reparative function and paracrine immunomodulatory capacity of ASCs has gained considerable attention. The present study investigated whether ASCs facilitate long-term skin allograft survival. ASCs were isolated from fresh human subcutaneous adipose lipoaspirate. Full-thickness skin grafts from BALB/c mice were transplanted onto the dorsal flanks of C57BL/6 mice treated with five doses of anti-CD4/CD8 monoclonal antibodies (10 mg/kg) on days 0, +2, +5, +7, and +14 relative to skin grafting. A single nonmyeloablative low dose of busulfan (5 mg/kg) was given on day +5. Seven days after skin transplantation, ASCs (3 × 106) were infused i.v. with or without donor bone marrow cells (BMCs; 5 × 105). ASC+BMC coinfusion with minimal conditioning led to stable lymphoid and myeloid macrochimerism, deletion of alloreactive T cells, expansion of regulatory T cells, and long-term allograft survival (>200 days). ASCs constitutively produced high levels of anti-inflammatory/immunoregulatory factors such as prostaglandin E2, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, APO-1/Fas (CD95), and programmed cell death-1 ligand-2. These findings serve as a foundation for developing a translational advanced VCA protocol, embodying both ASCs and low-dose donor BMCs, in nonhuman primates, with the goal of enhancing functional outcomes and eliminating the complications associated with long-term immunosuppression.
Optoelectronic neural networks and learning machines

A brief neural-net primer based on phase-space and energy landscape considerations is presented. This provides the basis for subsequent discussion of optoelectronic architectures and implementations with self-organization and learning ability that are configured around an optical crossbar interconnect. Stochastic learning in the context of a Boltzmann machine is described to illustrate the flexibility of optoelectronics in performing tasks that may be difficult for electronics alone. Stochastic nets are studied to gain insight into the possible role of noise in biological neural nets. A description is given of two approaches to realizing large-scale optoelectronic neurocomputers: integrated optoelectronic neural chips with interchip optical interconnects that allow their clustering into large neural networks, and nets with a two-dimensional rather than one-dimensional arrangement of neurons and four-dimensional connectivity matrices for increased packing density and compatibility with two-dimensional data. >
Instantaneous stiffness effects on impact forces in human-friendly robots

Joint stiffness plays an important role in both safety and control performance, particularly in human-friendly robots using artificial pneumatic muscles. Due to the limited control bandwidth of pneumatic muscles, stiffness characteristics and their effects on safety in the frequency domain should be taken into account. This paper introduces the concept of instantaneous stiffness and validates its model with the Stanford Safety Robot (S2 ρ . The potential effects of instantaneous stiffness on safety is explored through experimental comparison of peak impact accelerations under various impact conditions. Instantaneous stiffness demonstrates different effects on the impact acceleration depending on impact velocity and controller gain. Finally, the paper discusses the stiffness characteristics as a guideline for design and control to improve the robot safety while maintaining the control performance.
Male tolerance of ACIDFORM gel

Abstract Background ACIDFORM gel is being studied as a vaginal contraceptive and microbicide. This study was conducted to make certain that males will not be subjected to an unacceptable risk of penile irritation as a result of exposure to the product in future studies. Methods This was a randomized, double-masked, single-center Phase I study in circumcised and uncircumcised men to assess penile irritation, safety and acceptability of seven consecutive doses of ACIDFORM gel compared with K-Y ® Jelly Personal Lubricant. Each participant was instructed to apply 2 mL of the study product to his penis at bedtime, to wash it off 6–10 h later and to record any symptoms on a diary card. At the follow-up visit, a genital examination was performed and participants were asked about adverse events (AEs) and completed an acceptability questionnaire. Results Of the 36 men enrolled, 2 out of 24 (8.3%) ACIDFORM gel users and 5 out of 12 (41.7%) K-Y Jelly users reported genital symptoms. Genital examination findings were observed in 2 out of 24 (8.3%) ACIDFORM gel users and in 1 out of 12 (8.3%) K-Y Jelly users. All product-related AEs were considered mild except for two in the K-Y Jelly group. Both products were acceptable. Conclusion ACIDFORM gel applied to the penis for seven consecutive days appears to be at least as safe and well-tolerated as the marketed lubricant K-Y Jelly among healthy low-risk men.
Smooth non-parametric receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for continuous diagnostic tests

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves have seen increasing use to assess the accuracy of diagnostic tests that yield continuous test results. We can calculate a fully non-parametric ROC curve from the empirical false positive rate (FPR) and true positive rate (TPR) at each possible decision threshold, but it may be quite jagged. We can obtain a smooth ROC curve by directly fitting a parameteric model, for example, binormal or bilogistic, to the actual test results, but substantial lack-of-fit may result if the distributional assumptions are not valid. A recently proposed alternative algorithm 'LABROC4' is insensitive to such departures, but is not fully flexible in that the form of the resulting ROC curve is restricted to be binormal. We propose a smooth non-parametric ROC curve derived from kernel density estimates of the two test result distributions. We obtain pointwise standard errors for the estimated TPR at each FPR and use them to construct pointwise confidence intervals for the ROC curve, using a logit transformation. We also obtain standard errors for the estimated TPR and FPR at given thresholds and use them to construct confidence rectangles in (FPR, TPR)-space that correspond to a specific threshold. We adapt existing methods for the unsmoothed non-parametric ROC curve to obtain the area under the ROC curve and its standard error; we also give partial areas and corresponding standard errors. We have created a FORTRAN algorithm 'ROC-&-ROL', available upon request. We compare ROC curves and areas obtained by applying our methods and its competitors to two data sets, one of which is fit well by parametric methods and LABROC4, the other of which is not.
Persistence of Phenylamide Insensitivity in Pseudoperonospora humuli

Gent, D. H., Nelson, M. E., and Grove, G. G. 2008. Persistence of phenylamide insensitivity in Pseudoperonospora humuli. Plant Dis. 92:463-468. Downy mildew, caused by Pseudoperonospora humuli, is an important disease of hop in most production regions in the northern hemisphere. Insensitivity to phenylamide fungicides was detected in isolates of P. humuli in production regions in Oregon and Idaho in 1992, and these fungicides since have been used on a limited basis. In this study, the prevalence of phenylamide insensitivity among isolates of P. humuli collected from 2005 to 2007 in the northwestern United States was quantified using a leaf disk assay with a discriminating dose (25 µg/ml) of either metalaxyl or mefenoxam with inoculum derived from 201 systemically infected diseased shoots (basal spikes) collected from 6, 10, and 11 hop yards in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, respectively. A subset of 47 basal spike isolates and 42 monosporic isolates collected from two yards in Idaho and nine yards in Oregon during 2006 and 2007 were assayed using a dilution series of metalaxyl to determine the effective dose that inhibited 50% of the incidence of sporulation (ED50). Insensitivity to mefenoxam was detected in 31 of 74 (41.9%) basal spikes collected from 13 hop yards. Insensitivity to the related compound metalaxyl was detected in 52 of 80 (65%) spikes collected from nine hop yards, including four hop yards in Washington. Log ED50 values ranged from –2.25 to 2.67 for basal spike isolates and –2.27 to 2.98 for monosporic isolates and had a similar distribution. Log ED50 values for monosporic isolates and entire basal spike isolates were significantly associated. However, the slope of the regression line was less than 1, indicating that the log ED50 values obtained from entire basal spike isolates were greater than the corresponding log ED50 values obtained from a monosporic isolate obtained from that spike. This research suggests that insensitivity to phenylamide fungicides is a stable phenotype in P. humuli. Management of downy mildew should rely on measures other than these fungicides in yards or regions where phenylamide insensitivity is prevalent, which is now known to include certain hop yards in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Attenuation coefficient and propagation speed estimates of intercostal tissue as a function of pig age

Attention coefficient and propagation speed of intercostal tissues were estimated from chest walls removed postmortem (pm) from 15 5.3 /spl plusmn/ 2.3-day-old, 19 31 /spl plusmn/ 6-day-old, and 15 61 /spl plusmn/ 3-day-old crossbred pigs. These ultrasonic propagation properties were determined from measurements through the intercostal tissues, from the surface of the skin to the parietal pleura. The chest walls were placed in a 0.9% sodium chloride solution, sealed in freezer bags, and stored at -15/spl deg/C prior to measurements. When evaluated, chest-wall storage time ranged between 1 and 477 days pm. All chest walls were allowed to equilibrate to 22/spl deg/C in a water bath prior to evaluation. There was an age dependency of the intercostal tissue propagation speed, with the speed increasing with increasing age. The attenuation coefficient of intercostal tissue was shown to be independent of the age of the pig at the discrete frequencies of 3.1 and 6.2 MHz. For pig intercostal tissues, the estimated attenuation coefficient over the 3.1-9.2 MHz frequency range was A = 1.94f/sup 0.90/ where A is in decibels per centimeter (dB/cm) and f is the ultrasonic frequency in megahertz. In order to determine if there was an effect of storage time pm on estimates of attenuation coefficient, a second experiment was conducted. Five of the youngest pig chest walls measured on day 1 pm in the first experiment were stored at 4/spl deg/C prior to the first evaluation then stored at -15/spl deg/C before being measured again at 108 days pm. There was no difference in the estimated intercostal tissue attenuation coefficient as a function of storage time pm.
Nanotechnology applications in urology: a review

The objectives of this review are to discuss the current literature and summarise some of the promising areas with which nanotechnology may improve urological care. A Medline literature search was performed to elucidate all relevant studies of nanotechnology with specific attention to its application in urology. Urological applications of nanotechnology include its use in medical imaging, gene therapy, drug delivery, and photothermal ablation of tumours. In vitro and animal studies have shown initial encouraging results. Further study of nanotechnology for urological applications is warranted to bridge the gap between preclinical studies and translation into clinical practice, but nanomedicine has shown significant potential to improve urological patient care.
On the evolution of the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) in primates

Some allelic variants of the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) result in lower levels of expression of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4). These low-expressing (LE) alleles are associated with mental-health disorders in a minority of humans that carry them. Humans are not the only primates that exhibit this polymorphism; other species, including some monkeys, also have LE and high-expressing (HE) variants of 5-HTTLPR. We propose a behavioral genetic framework to explain the adaptive evolution of this polymorphism in primates, including humans. We hypothesize that both LE and HE alleles are maintained by balancing selection in species characterized by short-term fluctuations in social competition levels. More specifically, we propose that LE carriers benefit from their hypervigilant tendencies during periods of elevated competition, whereas HE homozygotes cope best when competition levels do not deviate from the norm. Thus, both alleles have long-term benefits when competition levels tend to vary substantially over relatively short timescales within a social group. We describe this hypothesis in detail and outline a series of predictions to test it. Some of these predictions are supported by findings in the current literature, while others remain areas of future research.
Older Adults Are Less Likely to Identify Depression Without Sadness

Many older adults do not identify depression or the need for professional treatment. Late-life depression frequently occurs without dysphoria (i.e., depressed mood or sadness); in such cases, older adults may have particular difficulty identifying depression, leading to poor health outcomes. The aims were to examine the hypotheses that older adults would be more likely to identify depression and need for professional help in a vignette of a depressed older adult with sadness versus without sadness. In a randomized experiment, 244 community-dwelling older adults (60+) read one of two vignettes and answered questions about their perceptions of the problem, solutions, and their own background. Less than half (40.98%) identified the person as depressed (sad vignette: 48.33%; vignette without sadness: 33.87%). Participants were more likely to identify depression if they had personal mental health experience, more positive expectations regarding aging, and read the sad vignette. They were more likely to recomme...
Health Insurance and Self-Employment: Evidence from Massachusetts

Previous studies have found that health insurance is an important component of workers’ labor market decisions. In this article, the author studies the effect of health insurance availability and p...
Manufacturing and the Trade Balance

When the world shifted to the regime of flexible exchange rates after 1970, economists expected that large trade imbalances would soon disappear. Instead, such imbalances not only persisted but soared in the 1980s and 1990s, in spite of significant changes in important currencies such as the yen, the mark and the dollar. This paper reports that manufacturing importers tend to suffer trade deficits whereas exporters of manufacturing products tend to enjoy trade surpluses. The reason lies in the higher rates of productivity growth experienced by exporters of manufactures.
Perinatal outcome after fetoscopic release of amniotic bands: a single-center experience and review of the literature.

Objectives To present two successful cases of fetoscopic release of amniotic bands with umbilical cord involvement and provide a review of the literature on fetal intervention for amniotic band syndrome (ABS). Methods Two cases of ABS were considered in conjunction with a review of the literature. A total of 14 fetuses with ABS underwent fetoscopic intervention between 1965 and 2012. Two of the authors independently completed literature searches in PubMed, Ovid and MEDLINE for articles related to ABS. Results Among 14 cases of ABS (12 published and our own two), 57% and 7% were complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes and spontaneous preterm birth, respectively. Overall, fetoscopic intervention preserved limb function in 50% (7/14) of cases. Three cases involved intraoperative complications including intra-amniotic bleeding and uterine wall bleeding, and incomplete procedure due to ineffective equipment. Conclusion Fetoscopic release of amniotic bands with minimally invasive surgery may allow preservation of life and/or limb function in cases of ABS. The acceptable functional outcome in 50% of cases is reassuring, although more experience and further studies are needed to determine the selection criteria that will justify the risk of this invasive in-utero therapy for ABS. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
POLLINATOR‐MEDIATED REPRODUCTIVE ISOLATION AMONG DIOECIOUS FIG SPECIES (FICUS, MORACEAE)

The extent of isolation among closely related sympatric plant species engaged in obligate pollination mutualisms depends on the fitness consequences of interspecies floral visitation. In figs (Ficus), interspecific gene flow may occur when pollinating wasps (Agaonidae) visit species other than their natal fig species. We studied reproductive isolation in a clade of six sympatric dioecious fig species in New Guinea. Microsatellite genotyping and Bayesian clustering analysis of the fig community indicated strong reproductive barriers among sympatric species. A total of 1-2% of fig populations consisted of hybrid individuals. A new experimental method of manipulating fig wasps investigated the reproductive consequences of conspecific and heterospecific pollinator visitation for both mutualists. Fig wasps introduced to Ficus hispidioides pollinated and oviposited in receptive figs. Seed development and seedling growth were largely comparable between conspecific and heterospecific crosses. Heterospecific pollinator fitness, however, was significantly less than that of conspecific pollinators. Heterospecific pollinators induced gall formation but offspring did not develop to maturity in the new host. Selection on pollinators maintaining host specificity appears to be an important mechanism of contemporary reproductive isolation among these taxa that could potentially influence their diversification.
Some guidance on submitting manuscripts for technical publication

The author provides some guidance on submitting manuscripts to technical conferences and archival journals for publication. Emphasis is placed on the important items, strategy, and procedures for submitting manuscripts to IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and IEE (Institution of Electrical Engineers) publications. >
Very Fast EM-Based Mixture Model Clustering Using Multiresolution Kd-Trees

Clustering is important in many fields including manufacturing, biology, finance, and astronomy. Mixture models are a popular approach due to their statistical foundations, and EM is a very popular method for finding mixture models. EM, however, requires many accesses of the data, and thus has been dismissed as impractical (e.g. [9]) for data mining of enormous datasets. We present a new algorithm, based on the multiresolution kd-trees of [5], which dramatically reduces the cost of EM-based clustering, with savings rising linearly with the number of datapoints. Although presented here for maximum likelihood estimation of Gaussian mixture models, it is also applicable to non-Gaussian models (provided class densities are monotonic in Mahalanobis distance), mixed categorical/ numeric clusters. and Bayesian methods such as Antoclass [1].
Analysis Of The Sep Using The Hilbert Transform

We have developed a method of parameterizing and evaluating somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP’s) based on the SEP’s Hilbert transform, a signal in the time domain. We extracted the latencies at which the Hilbert transform amplitude passed through zero because these tend to occur at major peaks in waveforms and are identified without a complex set of rules. In order to test the Hilbert transform as a classification tool for SEP’s, we developed the ’M5’ method. This method is based upon the existence and latencies of five consecutive Hilbert transform zero crossings, which correspond to five SEP peaks of alternating polarity and thus define an ’M’ waveshape in the SEP. Classification by this method agreed with independent clinical evaluation of SEP’s for 7 of 10 control subjects and for 8 of IO patients with Cervical Spondylosis Myelopathy.
Automatic generation of simulation models for semiconductor manufacturing

This article gives an overview of a framework for automatically generating large-scale simulation models from a domain specific problem definition data schema, here semiconductor manufacturing. This simulation model uses an object-oriented Petri net data structure. The Petri net based simulation uses the same enabling rules as classical Petri nets, but has extensions of time and priorities. This approach minimizes the effort of model verification. Each object identified in the problem data specification is mapped to corresponding Petri net fragments. The Petri net simulation model is synthesized from verifiable subnets. This allows ensuring the liveness of the final Petri net simulation model. The applicability of this approach is demonstrated by generating a simulation model based on the Sematech data set.
On the local convergence of a derivative-free algorithm for least-squares minimization

In Zhang et al. (accepted by SIAM J. Optim., 2010), we developed a class of derivative-free algorithms, called DFLS, for least-squares minimization. Global convergence of the algorithm as well as its excellent numerical performance within a limited computational budget was established and discussed in the same paper. Here we would like to establish the local quadratic convergence of the algorithm for zero residual problems. Asymptotic convergence performance of the algorithm for both zero and nonzero problems is tested. Our numerical experiments indicate that the algorithm is also very promising for achieving high accuracy solutions compared with software packages that do not exploit the special structure of the least-squares problem or that use finite differences to approximate the gradients.
Increasing Help Exchange in an Urban Neighborhood: The Effects of a Neighborhood Directory1

A longitudinal study was conducted in two neighborhoods in Raleigh, North Carolina, which were matched on demographic characteristics. During this period, a neighborhood directory appeared in one of the neighborhoods that provided personal information about each of the households listed as well as a listing of skills and equipment that residents were interested in exchanging with neighbors. The results showed a small, nonsignificant, increase in the level of general help exchange in the Directory neighborhood and a utilization rate of 14%, that is, 14% of the residents used the directory to seek assistance from a neighbor or offer assistance to a neighbor. There were no changes in the level of acquaintance with neighbors and satisfaction with other neighbors and the neighborhood, but there was an unexpected decline in the level of involvement in neighborhood activities. No changes in these areas were observed in the matching control neighborhood. Across both neighborhoods, residents who showed higher levels of help exchange with neighbors were better acquainted with their neighbors, more involved in the neighborhood, younger, better educated, and more likely to be married. The results are discussed in terms of recent research and theory on neighborliness and mutual aid between neighbors.
Direct observation and manipulation of single DNA molecules using fluorescence microscopy.

PHYSICAL FOUNDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417 Instrumentation and Methods ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417 Factors Affecting the Image Quality ... . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ . 419 Factors Affecting the Appearance of the Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422 The Eff ect of Molecular Confinement in Restricted Geometries. . . . 423 Quantitative Analysis of Systems Containing Few Molecules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425
Draba laegaardii (Brassicaceae), a New Species from Cotopaxi (Ecuador), with Notes on the Distribution of Draba Species in South America

Draba laegaardii Al-Shehbaz (Brassicaceae), a new species from Cotopaxi (Ecuador), is described and illustrated. It is readily disinguished from the related D. hemsleyana Gilg by having erect and self-supporting stems, densely overlapping ciliate leaves, 24- to 28-ovuled ovaries, and linear-lanceolate to lanceolate fruits 1.2–1.8 cm with a distinct midvein. The diversity of Draba L. and its distribution in South American countries are briefly discussed.
A Comparison of the Breeding Biology of the Welcome Swallow in Australia and Recently Colonised New Zealand

A comparison is made of breeding by Welcome Swallows Hirundo neoxena in eastern and western Australia and nestlings in recently colonised New Zealand. In all areas only the female incubated and brooded but the male helped feed the chicks and took away more faecal sacs than the female. Growth rates and pterylosis are described. Clutch sizes averaged 4.5 in New Zealand, 3.7 in eastern Australia and 3.2 in Western Australia and most hatched over a two day period. Average New Zealand incubation took 16.7 days and in eastern Australia took 16.0 days. Average nestling period in New Zealand of 21.5 days was significantly longer than the average Australian time of 18.9 days. The most productive clutch size produced: 5.0 fledglings (C/6) in New Zealand, 4.2 fledglings ((216) in eastern Australia and 3.3 fledglings (C/4) in Western Australia. Although the species is new to New Zealand and has a larger clutch size there, total breeding success was not greater than that of Australian birds.
Interstitial silicon ions in rutile Ti O 2 crystals

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is used to identify a new and unique photoactive silicon-related point defect in single crystals of rutile $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$. The importance of this defect lies in its assignment to interstitial silicon ions and the unexpected establishment of silicon impurities as a major hole trap in $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$. Principal $g$ values of this new $S=1/2$ center are 1.9159, 1.9377, and 1.9668 with principal axes along the $[\overline{1}10],[001]$, and $[110]$ directions, respectively. Hyperfine structure in the EPR spectrum shows the unpaired spin interacting equally with two Ti nuclei and unequally with two Si nuclei. These silicon ions are present in the $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ crystals as unintentional impurities. Principal values for the larger of the two Si hyperfine interactions are 91.4, 95.4, and 316.4 MHz with principal axes also along the $[\overline{1}10],[001]$, and $[110]$ directions. The model for the defect consists of two adjacent Si ions, one at a tetrahedral interstitial site and the other occupying a Ti site. Together, they form a neutral nonparamagnetic ${[\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{i}}_{\mathrm{int}}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{i}}_{\mathrm{Ti}}]}^{0}$ complex. When a crystal is illuminated below 40 K with 442-nm laser light, holes are trapped by these silicon complexes and form paramagnetic ${[\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{i}}_{\mathrm{int}}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{i}}_{\mathrm{Ti}}]}^{+}$ defects, while electrons are trapped at oxygen vacancies. Thermal anneal results show that the ${[\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{i}}_{\mathrm{int}}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{i}}_{\mathrm{Ti}}]}^{+}$ EPR signal disappears in two steps, coinciding with the release of electrons from neutral oxygen vacancies and singly ionized oxygen vacancies. These released electrons recombine with the holes trapped at the silicon complexes.
The actualities and development tide of pipeline inspection technology

This article introduces the actualities of pipeline inspection, including the development actualities of principles,modes and methods of pipeline leak detection and location. It analyzes their advantages and di-sadvantages. The development tide of pipeline inspection is pointed out in the end.
Closing the Door on the Fecal Coliform Assay

Since its inception in 1904, the fecal coliform assay has been used to assess the presence of fecal contamination in water and foods. Assays to detect Escherichia coli, a more specific indicator of fecal contamination, were previously not as popular due to the longer time period for detection required (five days) and their complexity. Recent advances in the detection of E. coli, however, have eliminated these impediments and detection occurs within 24 hours or less. Many limitations and complications have been associated with the fecal coliform assay, thereby raising questions about its continued appropriateness and usefulness in food and water testing. The microbiology literature is replete with reports of studies that correlate results of fecal coliform levels with the presence of E. coli including several recent examples that advocate the fecal coliform test as an acceptable indicator in manure composts and foods. However, the value of the fecal coliform assay as an indicator of fecal contamination is negated when bacteria of nonfecal origin are the principal microbes detected by the assay.
Core competency in laparoendoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND Concern about patient safety and physician competence was highlighted by the Institute of Medicine report, revealing the prevalence of fatal medical errors. There is also awareness that technical difficulties specific to laparoendoscopic surgery can cause medical errors. Reported herein is a review of the evidence pertaining to objective assessment of core competency components in laparoendoscopic surgery: cognitive skills, technical skills, surgical performance, and judgment. METHODS PubMed and MedLine searches were performed to identify articles with combinations of the following key words: core competency, competency, laparoscopy, training, assessment, and curriculum. Further articles were obtained by searching reference lists of identified papers and through personal communication. CONCLUSIONS The available evidence suggests that it is currently possible to objectively assess core competency components in laparoendoscopic surgery: knowledge and clinical judgment with well-established tests and innate technical abilities with computer-based simulators with embedded metrics. Simulation training is conducted to a proficiency criterion regardless of the number of repetitions or practice hours. Reports indicate that skills learned on a simulator transfer to the operating room. However, to date, objective assessment of surgical performance can be obtained only through review of unedited video tapes of surgical procedures by disinterested experts as recently demonstrated by our Japanese colleagues in urology.
In vitro Digestability of Fall Forages by Coexisting Deer Species in Texas

Percent in vitro digestible dry matter (%DDM) of seven common fall forages was estimated using rumen inocula from three fallow deer (Dama dama), two sika deer (Cervus nippon), and two white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Inocula were collected from animals sacrificed on 4 November 1987 on a ranch in Bandera County, in the Edwards Plateau Region of south-central Texas. Forage samples were collected during October 1987 in Bandera County and adjacent Kerr County. Estimates of %DDM were compared to determine if exotic falllow and sika deer are better able to digest common fall forages than native white-tailed deer. Sika deer inocula digested three of the seven forages better (P 0.05) in %DDM among deer species. These results support the hypothesis that sika deer are at a competitive advantage over white-tailed deer due to their ability to more completely digest common range forages.
In Vivo Microscopy

In vivo microscopy (IVM) is the general term for those non-microscopic technologies that allow clinicians, pathologists and researchers to visualize or gather molecular-level information from tissues at or near the resolution of a microscope. Though the term implies that imaging may be exclusive to tissues within (or on the surface of) a living organism, numerous ex vivo applications exist. This chapter will address both in and ex vivo applications of this technology, as well as the basic principles underpinning those devices in clinical and investigational use today, with a focus on matters most pertinent to practicing anatomic pathologists. The chapter will also comment on the emerging nature of the field and the importance of involving pathology in driving such a change, and provide resources for additional exploration and learning.
Inclusivity and Social Justice

Column description. The Public Services Quarterly Internet Resources Column is designed to be a clearinghouse for free, online websites; each column will focus on themes relevant to current issues in academic libraries and feature resources selected to make the lives of public services librarians easier. Any comments about the column, including suggestions for themes or recommendations of web resources, can be directed to Melissa Mallon.
Theory of Best Linear Prediction

In general, all selection processes first rank the candidates using some function of the observed data and then choose the selected portion as those with the largest (or smallest) values of that function. More explicitly, a function of y, an n x 1 vector of observed data records, is used to predict g, a q × 1 vector of genetic values of q genetic entities. The vector of predicted genetic values is calculated from ĝ = f(y) and the genotypes with the best ĝ values are selected.
Gun violence and substance abuse

Abstract Gun violence and substance abuse are prevalent, widespread public health issues that have recently received a great deal of media and political attention. In order to better understand how these phenomena are linked, this paper aims to explore the relationship between the two. First, it will describe the phenomena of gun violence and substance abuse individually. Next, this paper will detail the intersection of gun violence and substance abuse, including shared antecedents, the effect of intoxication on gun violence, and the effect of criminalization of drug use on gun violence. Finally, it will address treatment and policy recommendations.
Panoptes: servicing multiple applications simultaneously using steerable cameras

Steerable surveillance cameras offer a unique opportunity to support multiple vision applications simultaneously. However, state-of-art camera systems do not support this as they are often limited to one application per camera. We believe that we should break the one-to-one binding between the steerable camera and the application. By doing this we can quickly move the camera to a new view needed to support a different vision application. When done well, the scheduling algorithm can support a larger number of applications over an existing network of surveillance cameras. With this in mind we developed Panoptes, a technique that virtualizes a camera view and presents a different fixed view to different applications. A scheduler uses camera controls to move the camera appropriately providing the expected view for each application in a timely manner, minimizing the impact on application performance. Experiments with a live camera setup demonstrate that Panoptes can support multiple applications, capturing up to 80% more events of interest in a wide scene, compared to a fixed view camera.
Immunosenescence and exercise-mediated modulation of the innate immune response to Influenza infection in mice

iv CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION Introduction to the Dissertation 01 Literature Review: Influenza viral infection 01 Immune response to influenza infection 08 Immunosenescence 25 Exercise and the Immune System 37 CHAPTER 2. AGE IMPAIRS INNATE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO INFLUENZA INFECTION IN MICE. Abstract 40 Introduction 41 Materials and Methods 44 Results 47 Discussion 53 Figures 57 References 86 CHAPTER 3. MODERATE EXERCISE REDUCES VIRAL LOAD AND ALTERS INNATE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO INFLUENZA INFECTION IN AGED MICE. Abstract 90 Introduction 91 Materials and Methods 94 Results 99 Discussion 100 Figures 104 References 119
The role of ultraviolet coloration in intrasexual interactions in a colonial fish

Ultraviolet (UV) coloration varies drastically across species and likely plays fundamentally different roles in facilitating social communication depending on the ecological or social context. While it is well known that UV coloration serves important social functions in species that school and flock, far less is known about the role of UV coloration in group-territorial and colonial species, where individuals have long-lasting and potentially cooperative relationships with many neighbours. We measured spectral reflectance in Neolamprologus pulcher, a group-living, colonial Tanganyikan cichlid fish, and found prominent UV coloration on both sexes. We manipulated the visibility of this UV coloration using a clear UV-blocking filter or a UV-transparent filter during behavioural contests across a barrier. We found that trials between similarly sized same-sex opponents involved significantly lower frequencies of aggression when opponents' UV coloration was obscured compared to when opponents' UV coloration was visible. As aggression is typically high between similarly sized same-sex individuals in N. pulcher, this reduction in aggression suggests that UV coloration aids in motivating individuals to engage in conspecific intrasexual interactions. We found no difference in aggression in trials between familiar and unfamiliar opponents in female–female and male–female trials, regardless of the presence of UV coloration. In male–male trials, we found significantly higher frequencies of aggression in contests between familiar male opponents than in contests between unfamiliar male opponents, but only when UV coloration was visible. Collectively, these results suggest that UV coloration is important for intrasexual interactions and prompts further investigation as to the benefits of having visual signals of communication extend into the ultraviolet spectrum.
Writing Progeny: Elisa Albert and Philip Roth

In this article, we argue for Elisa Albert’s place in the Jewish-American literary canon, not only as a result of her self-proclaimed connection to Philip Roth, but also as a result of her feminist sensibility updating the classic writing-as-procreating trope. We call for a re-valuation of Albert as a self-referential master in the tradition of Roth that has so far included all of her male peers while leaving her out—perhaps because of, or despite, her uncanny representation of female sexuality and motherhood.
A Fundamental Question About Electrical Potential Profile in Interfacial Region of Biological Membrane Systems

It is generally presumed, that if a plane plate is positively charged, its potential is positive and that if a plate contains an excess of negative charges, its potential is negative. One may assume that the distribution of positive and negative ions, near a surface with an excess of fixed negative charges, is similar to the schematic representation presented in Figure 1a. In Figure 1 b, are presented the corresponding plots of charge density, and a function \( Y(x) = - 4\pi e\sum\limits_{\sigma } {{z_{\sigma }}{c_{\sigma }}(x)} \), where Zσ is the signed valence charge number of ions of kind σ, and cσ(x) is its number density (concentration in a small volume element) at location x. e is the protonic charge and \( Y(x) = \in (x)\phi ''(x) + \in '(x) \), where E (x) is the value of the dielectric coefficient at x, and E ′(x) = [d E /dx] is its first differential with respect to position variable x. ∅(x) is the value of electric potential felt by a unit charge placed at x. ∅′(x) and ∅″(x) are respectively the first and second differentials of ∅, with respect to x. If the above stated statements are valid, then one may presume that the electric potential profile in interfacial regions, will be similar to the schematic plot ∅(x), presented in Figure 1 c.
Atheromas Feel the Pressure : Biomechanical Stress and Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, a chronic vascular disease, is the underlying cause of over half the deaths in the United States each year. Variations in local vascular hemodynamics predispose select sites in the vasculature to atherosclerosis, and the atherosclerotic lesions, in turn alter the biomechanical functioning of the local microenvironment, the consequences of which are not well understood on a molecular level. Further progress in the field of atherosclerosis will require an understanding of the relationship between biomechanics, the tissue microenvironment, and the cellular and molecular response to these factors. This review summarizes this field, particularly within the context of the vascular smooth muscle cell.
Correlation between RVOT sizing and RV function and volumes in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot undergoing routine CMR follow-up: is there a better candidate for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation?

Background CMR is the established non-invasive tool for routine RV functional and morphological assessment in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) patients. 3D anatomical data of the RVOT are routinely performed to better address indications for Pulmonary Valve Replacement (PVR), either surgical or percutaneous. The aim of this crosssectional analysis is to improve the ability of CMR to identify patients suitable for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI).