cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fertilizing capacity of equine spermatozoa stored for 24 hours at 5 or 20°C

A breeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of in vitro storage time and temperature on fertilizing capacity of equine spermatozoa. Semen obtained from one stallion and diluted with skim milk-glucose extender was used to artificially inseminate 45 estrussynchronized mares. The mares were assigned to one of three treatment groups (15 mares per group): 1) insemination with fresh semen (collected within 0.5 h of use), 2) insemination with semen stored for 24 h at 20°C or 3) insemination with semen stored for 24 h at 5°C. The mares were inseminated daily during estrus, from the detection of a 35-mm follicle until ovulation, with 250 × 106 progressively motile spermatozoa (based on initial sperm motility of fresh semen). Semen samples (n = 35) were evaluated prior to insemination for percentages of total sperm motility (TSM), progressive sperm motility (PSM) and sperm velocity (SV). Single-cycle 15-d pregnancy rates. resulting from insemination with fresh semen, from fresh semen stored for 24 h at 20°C or from semen stored for 24 h at 5°C were the same (1115; 73%). Mean diameters (mm) of 15-d embryonic vesicles were not different (P>0.05) among these three treatment groups (21.5 ± 2.9, 19.6 ± 2.6 and 20.5 ± 3.6, respectively). Ten pregnant mares were aborted on Day 15 of gestation for use in another project. The pregnancy status of the 23 remaining pregnant mares was again determined at 35 to 40 d and 55 to 60 d of gestation. No pregnancy losses occurred during this time period. Mean TSM percentages were different (P<0.05) among the three groups: the fresh semen percentage was 89 ± 2, semen stored for 24 h at 20°C was 57 ± 11 and semen stored for 24 h at 5°C was 80 ± 6. Similar differences were found for mean PSM and SV. Semen storage at either 20 or 5°C for 24 h had no apparent effect on the fertilizing capacity of the extended semen samples; however, the reduction in all motility parameters tested was more dramatic in semen stored at 20°C than that stored at 5°C.
Simplified Methodology for Consideration of Two-Dimensional Dynamic Response of Levees in Liquefaction-Triggering Evaluation

AbstractLevees are very challenging engineering structures to study, in part because they are not typically well-engineered structures. Unfortunately, there is little to no guidance as to how to evaluate the seismic vulnerability of levees. This study focuses on systematically studying the dynamic response of levees using a wide range of input ground motions and developing a simplified procedure for the liquefaction triggering evaluation of earthen levees, accounting for the dynamic response of the levee. The study was based on three levee sites representative of three select California Central Valley regions; however, because floodplains tend to generally have similar depositional environments, the study can be extended to other regions as long as some of the principal characteristics are still applicable. A wide range of input ground motions was used to capture and assess the variability in response and performance because of multiple possible earthquake scenarios. Two aspects of the dynamic response an...
Development and evaluation of optical sensors for the detection of bacteria

Abstract The detection of actively metabolizing microorganisms is performed by many institutions, including medical and public health laboratories as well as quality-assurance departments in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Our objective is to develop a system with: (1) culture bottles containing growth media and sterilizable optical sensors and (2) an instrument that would automatically monitor bottles and evaluate each for evidence of bacterial growth. Carbon dioxide optical sensors have been chosen for the system, since CO2 is recognized as a universal by-product of bacterial metabolism. Fluorimetric sensors, similar in principle to those described previously for measuring pCO2 levels in blood, have been developed and optimized. An instrument (AVL BDS-240) has also been developed. The BDS-240 is a noninvasive automated system for the rapid detection of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as some fungi. The instrument and bottle system are optimized to detect the presence of bacteria and fungi in fresh human blood (blood cultures). The instrument is capable of storing a total of 240 culture bottles. The bottles are arranged in six racks, each of which holds up to 40 bottles. Racks are continuously heated at 35 °C and are agitated for the maximum recovery of organisms. Samples are drawn from patients and injected directly into the culture bottles. The culture bottle is placed into a rack station. Each station has its own LED/photodiode optical unit. Every ten minutes LEDs (two racks at a time) illumiante the optical sensors in the bottles and photodetector measurements from each station are stored and evaluated for significant changes. Those bottles that indicate significant rate increases in CO2 are flagged as positive. In recent clinical evaluation, five hospitals collected approximately 10 000 blood specimens in duplicate and inoculated each specimen into four bottles. Fifty percent of these bottles have been tested by the hospital's existing blood-culture method and the other 50% tested with the AVL BDS-240 system. The clinical trials lasted approximately eight months and the BDS-240 has been found to be equivalent to the hospital's current method with regard to the isolation of relevant microorganisms. However, because of the continuous monitoring capability, microorganisms are detected much faster by the BDS-240. In addition, the AVL system is much less labor intensive than the current methods of the hospitals.
Long-term infertility and dominant lethal mutations in male mice treated with adriamycin

Abstract Sperm production and fertility were studied in male mice treated with adriamycin (ADR) at 6 or 8 mg/kg. Testicular sperm production and epididymal sperm counts were markedly reduced after ADR treatment. Gradual recovery of counts occurred, but sperm counts had not reached control levels even more than 1 year after treatment. Epididymal sperm showed treatment-induced morphological abnormalities throughout the experiment; the frequencies of sperm with detached tails and the frequencies of sperm with morphologically abnormal heads remained elevated about 2–3-fold above control. According to the frequency by vaginal plugs, treated male mice mated at control rates with untreated females during the post-treatment sterile period. However, after some fertility was regained the fertilization rate (calculated as the fraction of eggs, flushed from the oviduct 2 days after mating, that had been fertilized and had cleaved) was markedly reduced and remained depressed for the remainder of the experiment. The fertilization rate reached only 0.29 at 23–32 weeks after 8 mg/kg ADR and 0.76 at 16–23 weeks after 6 mg/kg ADR; both values were significantly below the control value of 0.94. Dominant lethal mutations in the zygotes flushed from the oviduct were measured in culture by the loss of the zygote's ability to develop to a stage characterized by trophectoderm outgrowths and formation of an inner cell mass. The frequencies of dominant lethal mutations detected in vitro were 1.7 or 7.4% after 6 mg/kg, and 32 or 40% after 8 mg/kg ADR; each value was calculated in two different ways, with 3 of these 4 values significantly different from zero. We conclude that even after mice regain fertility following ADR exposure, the level of fertility remains permanently subnormal as evidence by a lack of fertilization of eggs that is probably due to the decreased quantity and quality of spermatozoa produced. Furthermore, ADR can induce genetic damage in stem spermatogonia, which can be transmitted through fertile spermatozoa. Thus, there may be a genetic risk to the offspring of cancer patients treated with ADR chemotherapy, but at present we are unable to quantitate that risk.
Surface Roughness Measurement by Holographic Interferometry

This paper presents a method of measuring the roughness of a reflecting surface by studying the contrast ratio of a holographic interference pattern of this surface. A practical experimental configuration is illus-trated along with the measurement results obtained for a set of lapped steel specimens. In addition, an approximate scalar theory is presented that correlates well with experiment.
Metabolism of tryptophan in soil

Abstract Production of auxins in soil is stimulated by the addition of l -tryptophan ( l -Trp) as a precursor. Metabolism of l -Trp results in the formation of many products including niacin (kynurenine pathway) and serotonin (hydroxylation) in addition to auxins and is regulated by two distinct enzymes, L-TRP-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) and indole-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). The roles of IDO and TDO in l -Trp metabolism and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) formation in soil were studied by the use of bactericides and specific enzyme inhibitors. The addition of a broad spectrum bactericide, chloramphenicol, to soil resulted in a significant decrease of l -Trp catabolism and stimulated hydroxylation of l -Trp. There was no evidence in this work to support the view that l -Trp is transformed through extracellular reactions in soil. Inhibition of TDO by the addition of benzaldehyde and norharman (a potent inhibitor of TDO and IDO) also reduced l -Trp catabolism in soil. Although IAA was detected in all soils treated with bactericides or enzyme inhibitors, production of this secondary metabolite (IAA) was not reduced by blocking the kynurenine pathway or hydroxylation. Auxins were not detected in soils tested with the addition of intermediates of the TDO and IDO pathways (kynurenine and 5-hydroxytryptophan, respectively). Incubation of d -TRP as a possible auxin precursor in California soils resulted in a significant decrease in metabolism compared with l -Trp additions as measured by CO 2 evolution and HPLC analysis. Rhizosphere bacteria isolated from lettuce ( Lactuca sativa ) were found to produce more IAA derived from l -Trp after they had been cultured on a medium containing l -alanine, l -asparagine and l -lysine compared with cultures that had been exposed to l -Trp or nutrient agar and then gron on a l -TRP supplemented minimal salts liquid medium. A soil which had extremely low yields of l -TRP-derived IAA increased production of auxin derivatives, including TRP-derived IAA, when incubated for 1 week with the amino acids, l -lysine, l -asparagine and l -alanine. The results suggest that synthesis of IAA in soil may not be the result of direct catabolism of l -Trp but may be linked to the cometabolism of l -Trp by the broad specificity of l -aminotransferases present in soil.
Multiple solutions in the tracking control of quantum systems.

This paper demonstrates the existence of multiple solutions at each time point in tracking control of quantum systems. These solutions are shown to arise from the nonlinear dependence of the short-time propagators U(t+δt,t) on the control field. The multiplicity of solutions depends on the parameters of the controlled system and the nature of the imposed track. Multiple solutions necessitate that a choice be made at each time point, resulting in an exponentially expanding space of distinct control fields that maintain the prescribed track. This behavior is illustrated by application to a small model system. The presence of multiple tracking control fields is consistent with behavior observed from quantum control landscape theory.
Timing the diversification of the Amazonian biota: butterfly divergences are consistent with Pleistocene refugia

Rejection of the Pleistocene refugium hypothesis (PRH) as an explanation for the high biodiversity of Neotropical forest is based in part on the assertion that biotic elements of these forests evolved during the Neogene. That argument is justified, in turn, by the ages of crown groups (the age of the most recent common ancestor of extant species of a clade). We consider the use of crown ages as a metric to reject the PRH to be an unfair test, because the circumscription of crown groups of interest is arbitrary, and their ages represent overestimates of the time of species formation. We present divergence times between pairs of sister species (131 pairs), and among pairs of sister species and their closest relative (56 triplets), from 35 genera of Neotropical butterflies. Our aim is to refocus the discussion about the timing of diversification of the Neotropical biota on the time of the formation of extant species, a metric that is consistent and comparable across taxa. Our results show that 72% of speciation events leading to the formation of butterfly sister species occurred within the last 2.6 Myr, a result consistent with the temporal predictions of the PRH, suggesting that the PRH cannot be completely discarded as a driver of Neotropical diversification.
Purification and characterization of a novel abundant protein in rat bile that binds azo dye metabolites and copper

Abstract Following intravenous administration to rats of the azo dye hepatocarcinogen 3′- methyl -N,N- dimethyl -4- aminoazo -[ 14 C ] benzene , 60–70% of the injected dose was recovered in bile in 2 h. Approximately 10% of bile radioactivity was trichloroacetic acid-precipitable, not extracted by n -butanol and non-dialyzable. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of bile followed by fluorography revealed two major and several minor porteins to which radiolabelled azo dye metabolites were bound; one of these major proteins (50 kDa) were purified from bile and shown to be homogeneous by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing (p I 7) under denaturing conditions and N-terminal analysis. The protein (MBP) comprises 15% of the total bile protein. Amino acid analysis revealed a preponderance of acidic and hydrophobic amino acids. The absorption spectrum of the native protein had a major peak at 280 nm and minor peaks at 345, 400, 600 and 650 nm. The fluorescence spectrum showed a major excitation maxima at 285 and 350 nm and corresponding emission maxima at 345 and 440 nm. Atomic absorption spectroscopy revealed 5 atoms of Cu per mol protein. Approximately 90% of the Cu was EPR silent. MBP did not react with antisera directed against rat serum IgA, albumin or ceroloplasmin; nor did these proteins react against antisera to MBP. Seven distinct peptide bands ranging from 5 to 18 kDa were obtained when MBP was subjected to CNBr cleavage and the digests were analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The [ 14 C]-Me-DAB derived radioactivity was present in only two of the peptides, indicating specific binding sites for azodye metabolites.
The use of verbal mediation in the retarded as a function of developmental level and response availability.

Abstract Earlier research has demonstrated that moderately and mildly retarded individuals can markedly facilitate their PA performance when they are instructed to use verbal mediators supplied by E. When instructed to generate their own mediators, retarded Ss show little, if any, improvement over standard PA instructions. This phenomenon, however, has not been systematically investigated from a developmental standpoint. It is also possible that the reported “mediational deficit” of retardates might be partially, if not largely, due to the differential response-learning abilities of retardates of different MAs. A 3 × 3 × 2 design was employed using three instructional conditions (Standard PA, E-Supplied mediators, S-Supplied mediators), three MA levels (6, 9, and 12 years), and two levels of response availability (recognition and recall procedures). All three variables produced significant effects, leading to conclusions that: (a) retardates can greatly improve their PA performance by using either E- or S-Supplied mediators; (b) improvement in performance is a direct function of MA level, with the highest group being the most efficient in their use of verbal mediators in early learning trials; (c) response availability is a contributing factor to the impaired learning performances of medium and low MA retardates.
Characterizing the Auto-bispectrum as a Detector of Nonlinearity in Structural Systems

Higher-order spectra (HOS) appear often in the analysis and identification of nonlinear systems. The auto-bispectrum is one example of a HOS and is frequently used in the analysis of stationary structural response data to detect the presence of certain types structural nonlinearities. In this work we use a closed-form expression for the auto-bispectrum, derived previously by the authors, to find the bispectral frequency most sensitive to the nonlinearity. We then explore the properties of nonlinearity detectors based on estimates of the magnitude of the auto-bispectrum at this frequency. We specifically consider the case where the bispectrum is estimated using the direct method based on the Fourier Transform. The performance of the detector is quantified using a Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve illustrating the trade-off between Type-I error and power of detection (1-Type-II error). Theoretically derived ROC curves are compared to those obtained via numerical simulation. Results are presented for different levels of nonlinearity. Possible consequences are discussed with regard to the detection of damage-induced nonlinearities in structures.
Application of snow‐survey data by the Bureau of Reclamation

The United States Bureau of Reclamation is essentially a construction and operation rather than a research organization. This distinction holds in the snow-survey work as well as in other phases of the Bureau's activities, while in snow-surveying, as in other fields, original contributions may from time to time be made by the Bureau, its primary interest in the work is in obtaining and applying the data. The Bureau has used or expects in the immediate future to use snow-survey data for forecasting runoff on several watersheds, among which are the Okanogan in Washington, the Malheur in Oregon, the Boise in Idaho, Jackson Lake in Wyoming, and the Colorado River Basin in connection with the operation of Boulder Dam. The last two of these are of the most importance and general interest.
Laser optical pumping of high-density Rb in polarized 3He targets.

We have investigated high-density Rb optical pumping in polarized $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ targets and present measurements of collisional relaxation rates and studies of diffusion-driven wall relaxation of the Rb polarization. We show that a boundary layer resides in the vicinity of the cell walls within which a polarization gradient is established by diffusion. Absorption of the incident laser radiation within this layer leads to a striking decrease in optical-pumping efficiency for resonant light but has little effect for off-resonant light. Our theory introduces polarization-dependent slowing of optical pumping rates due to the Rb nuclear spin. We have observed a strong frequency dependence of the optical-pumping efficiency, consistent with our theoretical predictions. We report the following rate constants for collisional relaxation of Rb polarization: due to Rb (${\mathit{k}}_{\mathrm{Rb}\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Rb}}$=8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}13}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/s), due to ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ (${\mathit{k}}_{\mathrm{N}2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$Rb=8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/s), and due to $^{3}\mathrm{He}$, an upper limit of (${\mathit{k}}^{3}$He-Rb\ensuremath{\le}2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/s). The data and model presented are used to predict laser power and intensity requirements for high-density polarized $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ targets.
Electrically pumped sub-wavelength metallo-dielectric pedestal pillar lasers

Electrically driven subwavelength scale metallo-dielectric pedestal pillar lasers are designed and experimentally demonstrated. The metallo-dielectric cavity significantly enhances the quality factor (Q > 1500) of the wavelength and subwavelength scale lasers and the pedestal structure significantly reduces the threshold gain (< 400 cm(-1)) which can potentially enable laser operation at room temperature. We observed continuous wave lasing in 750 nm gain core radius laser at temperatures between 77 K and 140 K with a threshold current of 50 μA (at 77 K). We also observed lasing from a 355 nm gain core radius laser at temperatures between 77 K and 100 K.
Individual differences in sensitivity to disgust: A scale sampling seven domains of disgust elicitors

We describe the development of a reliable measure of individual differences in disgust sensitivity. The 32-item Disgust Scale includes 2 true-false and 2 disgust-rating items for each of 7 domains of disgust elicitors (food, animals, body products, sex, body envelope violations, death, and hygiene) and for a domain of magical thinking (via similarity and contagion) that cuts across the 7 domains of elicitors. Correlations with other scales provide initial evidence of convergent and discriminant validity: the Disgust Scale correlates moderately with Sensation Seeking (r= - 0.46) and with Fear of Death (r= 0.39), correlates weakly with Neuroticism (r = 0.23) and Psychoticism (r= - 0.25), and correlates negligibly with Self-Monitoring and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Extraversion and Lie scales. Females score higher than males on the Disgust Scale. We suggest that the 7 domains of disgust elicitors all have in common that they remind us of our animality and, especially, of our mortality. Thus we see disgust as a defensive emotion that maintains and emphasizes the line between human and animal.
Vibrational dephasing and frequency shifts for highly excited vibrations of methyl iodide in solution

Resonance Raman spectra have been obtained for CH3I in hexane, hexadecane, and acetonitrile solvents, excited on resonance with the directly dissociative 3Q0 electronic state near 260 nm. Vibrational bandwidths and vapor to solution frequency shifts have been measured for transitions involving up to fifteen quanta of excitation in the C-I stretching mode. Most of the Raman bands shift to lower frequencies upon solvation in all three solvents, indicating the dominance of attractive solvent-solute interactions. Both the vapor to solution frequency shifts and the solution phase bandwidths scale approximately linearly with vibrational quantum number. The experimental results, particularly regarding the dependence of bandwidth on vibrational quantum number, are compared with predictions of a modified version of the theory of Schweizer and Chandler. Both the vapor to solution frequency shifts and the vibrational bandwidths in hexane are predicted fairly accurately, but only if the correlation time for the forces due to nearest-neighbor atomic repulsions is assumed to be several hundred femtoseconds or longer. The validity of this general approach for describing large amplitude motions in solution is discussed.
Kinetics of metal-affinity driven self-assembly between proteins or peptides and CdSe-ZnS quantum dots

We present a molecular characterization of metal-affinity driven self-assembly between CdSe−ZnS core−shell quantum dots (QDs) and a series of proteins and peptides appended with various length polyhistidine tags. In particular, we investigated the kinetics of self-assembly between surface-immobilized QDs and proteins/peptides under flow conditions, as well as between freely diffusing QDs and proteins/peptides (solution phase). In the first configuration, QDs were immobilized onto functionalized substrates and then exposed to dye-labeled peptides/proteins. Using evanescent wave excitation, we assessed self-assembly by monitoring the time-dependent changes in the dye fluorescence. In solution, the kinetics of self-assembly was monitored via energy transfer between QDs and dye-labeled proteins/peptides. These measurements allowed determination of the kinetic parameters, including the association and dissociation rates (kon and koff) and the apparent binding constant (Kd). We find that self-assembly is rapid ...
Riding Waves or Making Waves? The Services and the U.S. Defense Budget, 1981–1993

Bureaucratic politics is the favored explanation of those addressing the perversities of defense budgeting. But it is arguably devoid of politics, given its dependence on either aggregate top-down or horizontal models. I seek to redirect analysis. I disaggregate defense spending (by service and weapon type) and study budget sensitivity to program pressures in the buildups and builddowns of the Reagan-Bush eras. Applying a two-equation model to time-series cross-sectional data, the analysis shows weapon budgets increasing with program diversification and a commitment to defense spending. In turn, it shows programs diversifying to accomodate service objectives: when turning to missions, the services increased program varieties while concentrating program resources.
Revisiting Strategic Models of Evolution: The Concept of Neighborhood Invader Strategies

Abstract In game-theoretic or strategic models of species evolution, the phenotype of individual organisms in a population are regarded as alternate strategies for playing a competitive game. The evolutionary outcome is predicted to conform to the “solution” of that game. The most usual solution concept adopted for the evolutionary game is that of Maynard Smith, the so-called “evolutionary stable strategies” (ESS). In this paper we explore an alternative solution concept. We call it neighborhood invader strategy (NIS). A NIS is a phenotype which is capable of invading all established populations of its neighbors. This phenotype need not be, at the same time, an ESS; and the reverse is true as well. We shall analyze this concept for a single species whose evolutionary-possibility set is a one-dimensional continuum.
Kinematics of terrestrial locomotion in harbor seals and gray seals: Importance of spinal flexion by amphibious phocids

Pinnipeds are amphibious mammals with flippers, which function for both aquatic and terrestrial locomotion. Evolution of the flippers has placed constraints on the terrestrial locomotion of phocid seals. The detailed kinematics of terrestrial locomotion of gray (Halichoerus grypus) and harbor (Phoca vitulina) seals was studied in captivity and in the wild using video analysis. The seals exhibited dorsoventral undulations with the chest and pelvis serving as the main contact points. An anteriorly directed wave produced by spinal flexion aided in lifting the chest off the ground as the fore flippers were retracted to pull the body forward. The highest length-specific speeds recorded were 1.02 BL/s for a gray seal in captivity and 1.38 BL/s for a harbor seal in the wild. The frequency and amplitude of spinal movement increased directly with speed, but the duty factor remained constant. Substrate did not influence the kinematics except for differences due to moving up or down slopes. The highly aquatic nature of phocids seals has restricted them to locomote on land primarily using spinal flexion, which can limit performance in speed and duration.
Review of Improving Irrigation Governance and Management in Nepal by G. P. Shivakoti and E. Ostrom, Eds

Improving Irrigation Governance and Management in Nepal presents a critical assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of external ~farmer/stakeholder-based! management of irrigation in the country of Nepal. The book begins with chapters that sketch an overview of the history of irrigation and farming in Nepal, a small (141,000 km) country positioned between China and India. The country’s irrigated lands reflect an incredible variety of topography, ranging from the foothills of the Himalayas to the more fertile plains of the Terai, located just above sea level. The chapters that follow contrast the efficiency of farmer-based irrigation management with externally managed systems. This information is placed in the context of developing mechanisms for maintaining the strengths of the farmer-based systems in light of recent efforts of intervention to improve efficiency of Nepal’s irrigation and thus production of food. Although in the past, farmer-based systems were often managed in stable and equitable ways, these low-technology systems were often vulnerable to continual destruction of headwater structures and silting of channels during the rainy season and leakage of irrigation waters that resulted in low transport to farmers at the tail-end of the system. Attempts at improving the efficiency of irrigation systems through intervention and external management often resulted in less equitable distribution as farmers at the head of the system were no longer dependent on contributions of labor from farmers at the tail-end of the system.
Detection of antigens in biologically complex fluids with photografted whole antibodies.

A highly sensitive (pM), efficient (t < 20 min) detection assay was developed by designing surfaces with grafted antibodies. Through this approach, a short half-life antigen, glucagon, was rapidly detected in a biologically complex plasma/blood environment. Tailoring of graft composition eliminates the need for time-consuming blocking steps, significantly reducing antigen−antibody incubation times, while maintaining antibody specificity and activity toward target antigen. Grafted antibodies were bound through solvated, mobile polymer chains, thereby circumventing problems associated with antibody accessibility, analyte diffusion, and steric limitations. The efficiency of this assay is provided through grafting synthesized, acrylated antibodies in the presence of PEG monoacrylate. This procedure eliminates the need for blocking steps, due to a decrease in nonspecific protein interactions. These polymerizable antibodies were tethered with a range of densities while retaining biological activity. Moreover, b...
The dark side of CIELAB

Standardized in 1976 as a uniform color space, CIELAB is extensively utilized in color science and engineering applications. CIELAB provides both a color difference formula and correlates for common perceptual descriptors of color. Deficiencies in both areas are well-known, and based on these known limitations, numerous fixes have been developed yielding alternative color difference formulae that are derived as modifications of the color difference in CIELAB. In addition, several new color appearance spaces have also been proposed as modifications of the basic CIELAB framework. In this paper, we point out other, lesser-known and poorly-appreciated, limitations of CIELAB that occur particularly in the dark regions of color space. We demonstrate via examples, how these limitations not only cause performance compromises but lead to fundamental breakdowns in system optimization and design problems, making CIELAB unusable in these problems. We consider the reasons why these fundamental limitations were overlooked in the original development of CIELAB and analyze the mathematical representations contributing to the undesired behavior. We argue that fundamental new research is required to overcome this dark side of CIELAB; the development of uniform color spaces and new color appearance spaces must be revisited afresh using new experimental data and keeping in mind newer devices and applications.
The Incidence and Experience of Rape Among Chemically Dependent Women

Abstract This descriptive study investigated the incidence and experience of rape among chemically dependent women. Sixty women in a residential treatment facility were interviewed about sexual trauma they had experienced in their lives. In this sample 73% had been raped, and 45% had been raped more than once. The stories of rape were classified in five categories: raped while in the context of using, when too high to resist, while prostituting, by a significant other, and by a family member. Some 35% of the rapists described were friends of the women with whom they were using drugs. Only 20% of the rapes were reported to the police. Clinical implications for treatment of addicted women who are also survivors of violence is discussed.
p70S6 kinase is a critical node that integrates HER-family and PI3 kinase signaling networks.

Therapies targeting oncogenic drivers rapidly induce compensatory adaptive responses that blunt drug effectiveness, contributing to therapeutic resistance. Adaptive responses are characteristic of robust cell signaling networks, and thus there is increasing interest in drug combinations that co-target the driver and the adaptive response. An alternative approach to co-inhibiting oncogenic and adaptive targets is to identify a critical node where the activities of these targets converge. Nodes of convergence between signaling modules represent potential therapeutic vulnerabilities because their inhibition could result in the collapse of the network, leading to enhanced cytotoxicity. In this report we demonstrate that p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) can function as a critical node linking HER-family and phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway signaling. We used high-throughput combinatorial drug screening to identify adaptive survival responses to targeted therapies, and found that HER-family and PI3K represented compensatory signaling pathways. Co-targeting these pathways with drug combinations caused synergistic cytotoxicity in cases where inhibition of neither target was effective as a monotherapy. We utilized Reverse Phase Protein Arrays and determined that phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 was synergistically down-regulated upon HER-family and PI3K/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) co-inhibition. Expression of constitutively active p70S6K protected against apoptosis induced by combined HER-family and PI3K/mTOR inhibition. Direct inhibition of p70S6K with small molecule inhibitors phenocopied HER-family and PI3K/mTOR co-inhibition. These data implicate p70S6K as a critical node in the HER-family/PI3K signaling network. The ability of direct inhibitors of p70S6K to phenocopy co-inhibition of two upstream signaling targets indicates that identification and targeting of critical nodes can overcome adaptive resistance to targeted therapies.
The Development and Validation of a Transformational Leadership Survey for Substance Use Treatment Programs

Directors in substance use treatment programs are increasingly required to respond to external economic and socio-political pressures. Leadership practices that promote innovation can help offset these challenges. Using focus groups, factor analysis, and validation instruments, the current study developed and established psychometrics for the Survey of Transformational Leadership. In 2008, clinical directors were evaluated on leadership practices by 214 counselors within 57 programs in four U.S. regions. Nine themes emerged: integrity, sensible risk, demonstrates innovation, encourages innovation, inspirational motivation, supports others, develops others, delegates tasks, and expects excellence. Study implications, limitations, and suggested future directions are discussed.
Approximating Risk Aversion in Decision Analysis Applications

This paper investigates the impact of risk aversion in decision analyses under uncertainty with a single evaluation measure and presents a simple procedure for approximately addressing risk aversion in a way that is defensible for many decisions. Specifically, a simulation study is presented that leads to guidelines for determining when an expected utility analysis should be conducted for a decision, rather than simply an expected value analysis, and what form of utility function should be used for this expected utility analysis. The simulation study shows that a sensitivity analysis using an exponential utility function should be conducted for most decision analyses, but that this sensitivity analysis can often establish,without requiring utility information from the decision maker, that no further utility analysis is required. In addition, when further utility analysis is required, the simulation study shows that this can be done in a simple way using an exponential utility function that will be accurate for many decision analyses. However, in situations where there is equal or greater downside risk than upside potential, a more detailed study of the decision maker's utility function may be necessary.
Mass transport through swelling membranes

This paper deals with non-Fickian mass transport through polymeric membranes. The process is described via continuum mechanics. We introduced an appropriate function relating the stress to concentration and time, such that the model predicts a realistic stress distribution at equilibrium also. The effect of different dimensionless groups is illustrated and quantitative agreement with experimental data is shown for transport of organic solvents through PVC.
Design considerations for parasitic use of synchrotron radiation in the infrared

Abstract Computer calculations are used to generate a feasibility study for the parasitic utilization of infrared radiation from a synchrotron radiation source. The calculations demonstrate that intercepting all but 4 to 6 mrad of the central cone will result in the hard radiation passing through an aperture with negligible loss in the intensity of the hard radiation and at the same time the long wavelength radiation will be effectively intercepted.
Business-process-driven gray-box SOA testing

Challenges are emerging in testing service-oriented architecture (SOA) systems. Current testing is not sufficient to deal with the new requirements arising from several SOA features such as composition, loose coupling, and code without a graphical user interface. The most critical architecture information of an SOA solution is actually how services are composed and interact with each other. This paper proposes a gray-box testing approach, that is, an approach that involves having access to internal workings, data structures, and algorithms when designing the test cases but tests at the user level as a black box, that is, by applying inputs and observing outputs. This approach leverages business processes and the underlying SOA layered architecture to better test SOA solutions. A commonly used language to model business processes is BPEL (Business Process Execution Language), which is the focus of the approach described in this paper. Among the layered artifacts, the business process view represents the global behavior of the SOA system and thus is a good candidate as supplemental architectural information to the functional requirement or specification in test-case design and generation. This approach has three key enablers: test-path exploration, trace analysis, and regression test selection. BPELTester is an innovative tool that implements this method. It has been piloted in several projects and the initial pilot results are presented in this paper.
Use of aircraft intent data for Performance-based ATM operations

With the advancement of flight deck technologies that improve communication, navigation, and surveillance performance, as well as advancements in ground automation, future National Airspace System (NAS) operations can be based on more accurate aircraft trajectories than are available in today's NAS. The precision that results from trajectory-based operations will improve the efficiency of traffic flow management (TFM) and air traffic control (ATC) operations, as well as the productivity of TFM and ATC service providers. Performance-based air traffic management (P-ATM) is a set of capabilities, validation activities, and an operational concept for the NAS that promotes and takes advantage of flight deck and ground automation advancements. It is a step toward Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) that has been demonstrated in a simulation environment and shows great promise as a scalable solution that is necessary, desirable, and achievable. A key enhancement in the progression towards NextGen is the transmission of aircraft intent information and its use in both air and ground-based systems to support trajectory-based operations. This paper addresses three areas of research and development to support this enhancement in the context of the P-ATM capabilities. These areas are: (1) Development of avionics interface definitions for the provision of target state intent data. (2) Importance of including planned transitions in the aircraft's airspeed as part of its intent information. (3) Mechanisms for efficiently encoding intent information to support its delivery in the P-ATM timeframe.
Prospects of photoacoustic tomography

Commercially available high-resolution three-dimensional optical imaging modalities—including confocal microscopy, two-photon microscopy, and optical coherence tomography—have fundamentally impacted biomedicine. Unfortunately, such tools cannot penetrate biological tissue deeper than the optical transport mean free path (∼1mm in the skin). Photoacoustictomography, which combines strong optical contrast and high ultrasonic resolution in a single modality, has broken through this fundamental depth limitation and achieved superdepth high-resolution optical imaging. In parallel, radio frequency-or microwave-induced thermoacoustic tomography is being actively developed to combine radio frequency or microwave contrast with ultrasonic resolution. In this Vision 20/20 article, the prospects of photoacoustictomography are envisaged in the following aspects: (1) photoacoustic microscopy of optical absorption emerging as a mainstream technology, (2) melanoma detection using photoacoustic microscopy, (3) photoacoustic endoscopy, (4) simultaneous functional and molecular photoacoustictomography, (5) photoacoustictomography of gene expression, (6) Doppler photoacoustictomography for flow measurement, (7) photoacoustictomography of metabolic rate of oxygen, (8) photoacoustic mapping of sentinel lymph nodes, (9) multiscale photoacoustic imagingin vivo with common signal origins, (10) simultaneous photoacoustic and thermoacoustic tomography of the breast, (11) photoacoustic and thermoacoustic tomography of the brain, and (12) low-background thermoacoustic molecular imaging.
Tuberculous bronchitis of the bronchial stump.

Summary 5 cases of tuberculous bronchitis of the bronchial stump are presented. The importance of this complication which still occurs in spite of the use of streptomycin is emphasized and it is suggested that a closer watch should be maintained for it in all patients who have had resections. I wish to thank Dr C. J. Stewart for his help, Dr G. R. McNab for performing most of the bronchoscopies, providing facilities for the remaining bronchoscopies and for permission to record Case II and Mr Kent Harrison for his help and cooperation.
Refractory shock secondary to copper sulfate ingestion

Presented is the case of 62-year-old man with refractory shock secondary to copper sulfate ingestion. The patient's history was complicated by the presence of peptic ulcer disease, myocardial disease, and a known abdominal aortic aneurysm. Despite the presence of such characteristics signs and symptoms as hemorrhagic gastroenteristic, hemolytic anemia, and refractory hypotension, the diagnosis of copper sulfate ingestion was delayed for several days after ingestion, when the family first volunteered that the patient had vomited blue-green material the day before his admission to the hospital. This delay contributed significantly to the patient's ultimate demise.
Chapter 5. A New Species of Reithrodontomys, Subgenus Aporodon (Cricetidae: Neotominae), from the Highlands of Costa Rica, with Comments on Costa Rican and Panamanian Reithrodontomys

Abstract A new species of the rodent genus Reithrodontomys (Cricetidae: Neotominae) is described from Cerro Asuncion in the western Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica. The long tail, elongate rostrum, bulbous braincase, and complex molars of the new species associate it with members of the subgenus Aporodon, tenuirostris species group. In its diminutive size and aspects of cranial shape, the new species (Reithrodontomys musseri, sp. nov.) most closely resembles R. microdon, a form known from highlands in Guatemala and Chiapas, Mexico. In the course of differentially diagnosing the new species, we necessarily reviewed the Costa Rican and Panamanian subspecies of R. mexicanus based on morphological comparisons, study of paratypes and vouchers used in recent molecular studies, and morphometric analyses. We recognize Reithrodontomys cherrii (Allen, 1891) and R. garichensis Enders and Pearson, 1940, as valid species, and allocate R. mexicanus potrerograndei Goodwin, 1945, as a subjective synonym of R. breviro...
Magnetic resonance separation imaging using a divided inversion recovery technique (DIRT)

The divided inversion recovery technique is an MRI separation method based on tissue T(1) relaxation differences. When tissue T(1) relaxation times are longer than the time between inversion pulses in a segmented inversion recovery pulse sequence, longitudinal magnetization does not pass through the null point. Prior to additional inversion pulses, longitudinal magnetization may have an opposite polarity. Spatial displacement of tissues in inversion recovery balanced steady-state free-precession imaging has been shown to be due to this magnetization phase change resulting from incomplete magnetization recovery. In this paper, it is shown how this phase change can be used to provide image separation. A pulse sequence parameter, the time between inversion pulses (T180), can be adjusted to provide water-fat or fluid separation. Example water-fat and fluid separation images of the head, heart, and abdomen are presented. The water-fat separation performance was investigated by comparing image intensities in short-axis divided inversion recovery technique images of the heart. Fat, blood, and fluid signal was suppressed to the background noise level. Additionally, the separation performance was not affected by main magnetic field inhomogeneities.
A study of a forced mode locked CW dye laser

A forced mode locked dye laser system capable of ultra-short pulse formation is examined experimentally, and the magnitudes and relative timing of the dye pulse, the pumping pulse, and the fluorescence are measured. Significant fast inversion loss of the gain medium is noted, and, for normal mode locked operation, only one pulse is observed to circulate in the cavity. A simplified model of the operation of the dye laser, based on a recent theory by Haus, is presented, and is seen to reproduce the main features of the experiment.
The effect of muscle architecture on the biomechanical failure properties of skeletal muscle under passive extension

This study investigates the biomechanical failure properties of five architecturally different skeletal muscles and examines the role muscle structure plays in the passive extension characteristics of musculotendinous units. The muscles used in this study fall into four morphologic categories: fusiform, unipennate, bipennate, and multipennate. Each muscle was pulled to failure at three different rates of strain (1, 10, and 100 cm/min). Specimens of fusiform, unipennate, and bipennate muscles were pulled from their proximal as well as distal attachments. The relationship of elongation to failure of the entire musculotendinous unit to resting muscle fiber length was examined to determine the effect of angle of pennation and fiber length on the failure properties. Our results demonstrate that all four muscle types tested show injury and rupture at the musculotendinous junction whether pulled from proximal or distal attachment, regardless of muscle structure and rate of strain. There was a statistically significant difference (P less than 0.005) in the degree of elongation to failure relative to resting muscle fiber length, with a tendency to greater elongation relative to fiber length for muscles with more pennate structure (tibialis anterior, 72.7% +/- 1.0%; extensor digitorum longus, 113.1% +/- 3.5%; rectus femoris, 225.5% +/- 3.7% elongation in percent resting fiber length).