cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonsteady crack and craze behavior in PMMA under cyclical loading: III. Effect of load history on cohesive force distribution on the craze

Measurements of crack opening and craze profiles are made under a range of loading histories including cyclical deformations that lead to nonsteady crack propagation histories. Of particular interest is the comparison of the distribution of traction transmission of a newly formed craze relative to a cyclically stressed one as it approaches the slow-down phase. Real time, interferometric measurements provide precise and multiple craze profiles during individual cycles. Cyclic deformations reduce the stiffness of a craze in its center resulting in a stress drop as part of the craze strength evolution; also, its thickness changes nonuniformly during the acceleration/retardation phases of the advancing craze/crack. The implications are, that for quasi-statically formed crazes the craze material can be reasonably well characterized by a stress-strain relation, while that is no longer readily true for a cyclically deforming crack, since rate dependent characteristics of the craze and bulk material intervene. Cracks unloaded as part of cyclical deformation histories exhibit crack closure (compression) near the trailing end of the craze.
Prospects for measuring the evolution of the luminosity function and the angular correlation function

The angular correlation function has been measured at redshift 0.5 to 30 % precision and the characteristic luminosity to 20 % precision with a catalog of photometric redshifts of 1000 field galaxies. In the near future, the number of galaxies can be increased a hundredfold. Then 7 % precision in the characteristic luminosity for each of ten color classes and 5 % precision in the correlation function are attainable. If a nearby sample of 100 000 galaxy redshifts becomes available and if the same selection criteria are used for both samples, then one can measure the evolution of these statistical properties of galaxies over a period of a third the Hubble time to high accuracy.
Chapter 1. Introduction: Marine Communities Respond Differently to Pollution in the Tropics than at Higher Latitudes

Publisher Summary The introduction to the tropics of terrestrial resource management practices patterned after temperate-zone models has created serious environmental problems. An awareness of differences between tropical and temperate marine environments is essential to minimize similar occurrences in tropical waters. This chapter discusses some of the differences, their implications, and the areas in which research is needed. The tropical marine organisms live at environmental temperatures closer to their upper thermal limits than the biota of higher latitudes. The release of heated wastewater is thus the most stressful in the tropics. By virtue of the lower oxygen concentrations of warmer waters, combined with the higher respiratory rates of the organisms that inhabit them, it is suggested that aerobic tropical organisms must live at oxygen levels closer to their lethal limits than do the biota of cooler waters. Design criteria for water treatment systems in the tropics are unavailable; however, biodegradable or chemically unstable pollutants can be expected to degrade more rapidly in warmer waters. Tropical sewage treatment plants may thus be more efficient, on the average, than those in colder climates.
Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) for Characterizing Oxidation Damage in Cracked Reinforced Carbon–Carbon

In this study, coated reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) samples of similar structure and composition as that from the NASA space shuttle orbiter's thermal protection system were fabricated with slots in their coating simulating craze cracks. These specimens were used to study oxidation damage detection and characterization using nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods. These specimens were heat treated in air at 1143 C and 1200 C to create cavities in the carbon substrate underneath the coating as oxygen reacted with the carbon and resulted in its consumption. The cavities varied in diameter from approximately 1 to 3mm. Single-sided NDE methods were used because they might be practical for on-wing inspection, while X-ray micro-computed tomography (CT) was used to measure cavity sizes in order to validate oxidation models under development for carbon-carbon materials. An RCC sample having a naturally cracked coating and subsequent oxidation damage was also studied with X-ray micro-CT. This effort is a follow-on study to one that characterized NDE methods for assessing oxidation damage in an RCC sample with drilled holes in the coating.
Phase field microelasticity modeling of heterogeneous nucleation and growth in martensitic alloys

Abstract The phase field model is employed to study the structural mechanism of heterogeneous nucleation in the face-centered cubic to body-centered cubic martensitic transformation. The transformation is triggered in the undercooled parent phase by defects of varying potency, a dislocation loop or a group of loops. It is found that the metastable homogeneous state of the parent phase in this case is not necessarily stable even if the undercooling is small and the potency of defects is low – the parent phase transforms around the defects, forming a sessile metastable martensitic embryo. When the undercooling and the defect potency reach a critical value, the embryo loses its metastability with respect to the barrierless growth until the transformation is complete. This growth corresponds to an athermal martensitic transformation. It is shown that both sessile and growing martensitic embryos are not a single-domain particle as is usually assumed but rather an assemblage of twin-related domains. The modeling does not impose any a priori constraint on the possible microstructure of a martensitic nucleus.
Interventional evaluation of environmental contamination by vancomycin-resistant enterococci: failure of personnel, product, or procedure?

Summary It is not clear whether improvement in environmental decontamination is more efficiently achieved through changes in cleaning products, cleaning procedures, or performance of cleaning personnel. To assess the impact of cleaning performance on environmental contamination with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), we conducted a sequential trial in which a multifaceted environmental cleaning improvement intervention was introduced in a medical intensive care unit and respiratory step-down unit. The intervention included educational lectures for housekeepers and an observational programme of their activities without changes in cleaning products or written procedures. Following these interventions, the proportion of environmental sites cleaned improved from 49% to 85% ( P P P
Intraoperative relaxed muscle positioning technique for strabismus repair in thyroid eye disease.

Objective To describe the outcomes of a relaxed muscle technique for treatment of dysthyroid strabismus. Design Retrospective consecutive case series. Participants Twenty-four patients with thyroid-related orbitopathy (TRO) underwent strabismus surgery using a novel relaxed muscle technique. Methods Charts of all patients who underwent rectus muscle recession surgery using a relaxed muscle technique between 1997 and 2004 were reviewed. Twenty-four of 28 patients had more than 2 months of follow-up and were included. The extent of recession was determined by marking where the tendon naturally fell while the relaxed muscle rested freely on the globe with the eye in the primary position. The muscle was sutured to the globe at the mark. Linear regression was used to determine the correlation between the degree of strabismus and the amount of recession required to eliminate diplopia. Main Outcome Measures Surgical outcomes were analyzed 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year after strabismus repair. Excellent success was defined as no diplopia in primary and reading gazes without prisms. Good outcome was defined as no diplopia in primary and reading positions with the use of Results Twenty-four patients underwent 60 muscle recessions. Nine had diplopia without a history of orbital decompression, 8 had diplopia before decompression, and 7 developed diplopia only after orbital decompression. Twenty-one patients (87.5%) had an excellent final outcome. A clinically acceptable (excellent or good) final outcome was achieved in 24 of 24 patients (100%) after an average of 1.08 surgeries. All 7 patients who developed diplopia only after decompression had an excellent outcome. Linear regression did not show good correlation between the degree of strabismus and the amount of recession required to eliminate diplopia (maximum R 2 = 0.7292). There were no complications. Conclusions The relaxed muscle technique provides excellent ocular alignment and relief from diplopia in a majority of patients with TRO-associated strabismus. Patients who develop diplopia only after orbital decompression may have a higher success rate.
A Quasi-Bayes Estimate of the Failure Intensity of a Reliability-Growth Model

A non-homogeneous Poisson process has empirically been shown to be useful in tracking the reliability growth of a system as it undergoes development. It is of interest to estimate the failure intensity of this model at the time of failure n. The maximum likelihood estimate is known, but it is desirable to have a Bayesian estimate to allow for input of prior information. Since the ordinary Bayes approach appears to be mathematically intractable, a quasi-Bayes approach is taken. The proposed estimate has the qualitative properties one anticipates from the ordinary Bayes estimate, but it is easy to compute. A numerical example illustrates the Bayesian character of the proposed estimate. A simulation study shows that the proposed estimate, when considered in the classical framework, generally has smaller r.m.s. error than the maximum likelihood estimate.
Ultraviolet light induces epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity.

Hairless mice were irradiated with fluorescent sun lamp tubes (peak emission at 313 nm). A significant increase in epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity was found after 2 hr. A maximum 80-fold increase was found after 24 hr, decreasing again at 48 hr. Epidermal DNA synthesis was decreased at 6 hr and 24 hr increasing to a maximum 48 hr after irradiation. These results show that polyamine biosynthetic enzyme activity precedes the delayed increase in epidermal DNA synthesis following ultraviolet light exposure.
SU‐E‐T‐185: Time‐Dependent Calibration Correction for EBT Film Dosimetry

Purpose: The aim of this study is to simplify EBT film‐based dosimetry calibration. In addition, two different approaches are proposed for film and scanner non‐uniformity reduction. Methods: EBT films, EBT3 and EBT2 were exposed under a calibration plan using 6X flattening‐filter‐free (FFF) photon beams. In method 1, pre‐irradiation scans were carried out and subtracted from post‐irradiation scans to calculate net‐optical density (net OD), removing non‐uniformity from both scanner and film. In method 2, two unexposed films were independently scanned for each irradiated film scan and subtracted from post‐irradiation scans. Calibration curves were then generated using the calibration plan dose and the film net OD values. Finally, a set of time‐dependent correction factors were derived from the calibration curves. The per‐batch average correction factors were applied in order to test the feasibility of using a per‐batch generic calibration curve. All converted film doses were verified against the planned dose. The scanner light effect on the film dose was estimated by measuring the changes in mean pixel value. Results: Up to 7% pixel value change was noted four days after exposure. A correction was necessary if a generic calibration curve was utilized. The method to remove non‐uniformity using the pre‐exposure film (method 1) was more stable than using two unexposed films (method 2). The batch average correction factors reduced calibration curve differences to less than 0.6%. The dose effect from each scan was minimal (∼0.1 cGy). Conclusion: It is feasible to use one generic calibration curve per film batch with a time‐dependent correction factor table without compromising overall EBT film dosimetry accuracy. This method may alleviate the current practice of the typical labor intensive film‐based dosimetry for patient specific QA as well as physics commissioning tasks.
Cognitive tempo and behavioral adjustment in children

The relationship between cognitive tempo and 12 behavior problems in children was investigated. The Matching Familiar Figures test (MFF) was administered to 150 children aged 6 to 11, and the Child Behavior Checklist was completed by their parents. Fast, inaccurate, impulsive responses on the MFF were associated with hyperactivity, but MFF scores were not associated with 11 other behavior problems. Contrary to a previous report by Schwartz, Friedman, Lindsay, and Narrol (1982), cognitive tempo was not related to childhood depression. The findings are discussed in terms of a distinction between cognitive deficiency and cognitive distortion.
Cash Flow Modelling and Forecasting in Capital Budgeting Under Uncertainty

The subject of this paper is modelling and forecasting of cash flows generated by a capital investment. The paper proposes the application of autoregressive, moving average, and mixed autoregressive moving-average processes to capital budgeting. In addition, models for deterministic, stochastic and seasonal trends are considered. For each class of cash flows, analytical expressions are developed for the mean and variance of a project's net present value (NPV). Also considered are several equilibrium pricing models. For two of them, the forecasting methodology developed here is integrated into the pricing equation. Although the overall emphasis of the paper is on modelling and forecasting of cash flows, the implications for NPV pricing and risk analysis are also investigated. Several examples are used to illustrate the impact of particular cash flow models on the price and risk of a project.
Microelectronic reliability/temperature independence

It is shown that microelectronic failures which occur within equipment operating temperature extremes are not dependent on absolute temperature! Therefore, tremendous equipment reductions can be made in size, weight and cost, and there will be an improvement in reliability by elimination of failures due to unreliable complex cooling systems.
Heterogeneity of tumor vasculature and antiangiogenic intervention: insights from MR angiography and DCE-MRI.

Purpose Solid tumor vasculature is highly heterogeneous, which presents challenges to antiangiogenic intervention as well as the evaluation of its therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the spatial tumor vascular changes due to bevacizumab/paclitaxel therapy using a combination approach of MR angiography and DCE-MRI method. Experimental Design Tumor vasculature of MCF-7 breast tumor mouse xenografts was studied by a combination of MR angiography and DCE-MRI with albumin-Gd-DTPA. Tumor macroscopic vasculature was extracted from the early enhanced images. Tumor microvascular parameters were obtained from the pharmacokinetic modeling of the DCE-MRI data. A spatial analysis of the microvascular parameters based on the macroscopic vasculature was used to evaluate the changes of the heterogeneous vasculature induced by a 12 day bevacizumab/paclitaxel treatment in mice bearing MCF-7 breast tumor. Results Macroscopic vessels that feed the tumors were not affected by the bevacizumab/paclitaxel combination therapy. A higher portion of the tumors was within close proximity of these macroscopic vessels after the treatment, concomitant with tumor growth retardation. There was a significant decrease in microvascular permeability and vascular volume in the tumor regions near these vessels. Conclusion Bevacizumab/paclitaxel combination therapy did not block the blood supply to the MCF-7 breast tumor. Such finding is consistent with the modest survival benefits of adding bevacizumab to current treatment regimens for some types of cancers.
Outer Hair Cell Somatic Electromotility In Vivo and Power Transfer to the Organ of Corti

The active amplification of sound-induced vibrations in the cochlea, known to be crucial for auditory sensitivity and frequency selectivity, is not well understood. The outer hair cell (OHC) somatic electromotility is a potential mechanism for such amplification. Its effectiveness in vivo is putatively limited by the electrical low-pass filtering of the cell's transmembrane potential. However, the transmembrane potential is an incomplete metric. We propose and estimate two metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of OHC electromotility in vivo. One metric is the OHC electromechanical ratio defined as the amplitude of the ratio of OHC displacement to the change in its transmembrane potential. The in vivo electromechanical ratio is derived from the recently measured in vivo displacements of the reticular lamina and the basilar membrane at the 19 kHz characteristic place in guinea pigs and using a model. The ratio, after accounting for the differences in OHC vibration in situ due to the impedances from the adjacent structures, is in agreement with the literature values of the in vitro electromechanical ratio measured by others. The second and more insightful metric is the OHC somatic power. Our analysis demonstrates that the organ of Corti is nearly optimized to receive maximum somatic power in vivo and that the estimated somatic power could account for the active amplification.
The Placenta Harbors a Unique Microbiome

Humans and their microbiomes have coevolved as a physiologic community composed of distinct body site niches with metabolic and antigenic diversity. The placental microbiome has not been robustly interrogated, despite recent demonstrations of intracellular bacteria with diverse metabolic and immune regulatory functions. A population-based cohort of placental specimens collected under sterile conditions from 320 subjects with extensive clinical data was established for comparative 16S ribosomal DNA-based and whole-genome shotgun (WGS) metagenomic studies. Identified taxa and their gene carriage patterns were compared to other human body site niches, including the oral, skin, airway (nasal), vaginal, and gut microbiomes from nonpregnant controls. We characterized a unique placental microbiome niche, composed of nonpathogenic commensal microbiota from the Firmicutes, Tenericutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Fusobacteria phyla. In aggregate, the placental microbiome profiles were most akin (Bray-Curtis dissimilarity <0.3) to the human oral microbiome. 16S-based operational taxonomic unit analyses revealed associations of the placental microbiome with a remote history of antenatal infection (permutational multivariate analysis of variance, P = 0.006), such as urinary tract infection in the first trimester, as well as with preterm birth <37 weeks (P = 0.001).
Probabilistic estimation of travel times in arterial streets using sparse transit bus data

This paper presents methods for estimating statistics of travel time in arterial roads by utilizing sparse vehicular probe data. The authors use a public data feed from transit buses in the City of San Francisco as an example data source. Sparsity of time and location updates along with frequent stops, at bus stops and traffic lights, complicates estimation of travel time for each link based on a single bus pass. Unlike most previous papers that focus on estimation of link travel times, the authors divide each link into shorter segments, and propose two iterative methods for allocating travel time statistics to each segment. Inspired by K-means and Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithms, they iteratively update the mean and variance of travel time for each segment based on historical probe data. The preliminary results show convergence to reasonable travel time patterns; for instance they clearly reveal the location of bus stops and traffic signals and statistics of delay across them. Applications of this work are in better traveler information systems and in estimation of maximum likelihood trajectory of vehicles in arterial roads.
Characterization of a Direct-Current Glow Discharge Plasma Actuator in Low-Pressure Supersonic Flow

DOI: 10.2514/1.27197 An experimental study of a direct-current, nonequilibrium glow plasma discharge in the presence of a Mach 2.85 supersonic flow is presented. The discharge is generated with pinlike electrodes flush-mounted on a plane surface with sustaining currents between 25 to 300 mA. In the presence of a supersonic flow, two distinct discharge modes (diffuse and constricted) are observed depending on the flow and discharge operating conditions. The effect of the dischargeonthe flow(“plasmaactuation”)ischaracterizedbytheappearanceofaweakshockwaveinthevicinityof the discharge. The shock is observed at low powers (10 W) for the diffuse discharge mode but is absent for the higher power (100 W) constricted mode. High-speed laser schlieren imaging suggests that plasma actuation is rapid as it occurs on a time scale that is less than 220 s. Rotational (gas) and vibrational temperature within the dischargeareestimatedbyemissionspectralline fitsofN2 andN 2 rovibronicbandsnear365–395nm.Theelectronic temperatures are estimated by using the Boltzmann plot method for Fe(I) atomic lines. Rotational temperatures are found to be high (1500 K) in the absence of a flow but drop sharply (500 K) in the presence of a supersonic flow for both the diffuse and constricted discharge modes. The vibrational and electronic temperatures are measured to be about 3000 K and 1.25 eV, respectively, and these temperatures are the same with and without flow. The gas temperature spatial profiles above the cathode surface are similar for the diffuse and constricted modes indicating that dilatational effects due to gas heating are similar. However, complete absence of flow actuation as indicated visually by the shock indicates that electrostatic forces may also play an important role in high-speed plasma-flow actuation phenomena. Analytical estimates using cathode sheath theory indicate thation pressure within sheath can besignificant,resulting ingascompressionwithin sheathandacorrespondingexpansionaboveit. Theexpansion,in turn, may fully negate the dilatational effect in the constricted case resulting in an apparent absence of forcing in the constricted case.
New rules for the game: Interdisciplinary education for health professionals

To enhance interdisciplinary collaboration among medicine and nursing, and to better respond to societal health care needs, we must take a serious look at the educational systems that socialize young health professionals into their respective roles.
A novel procedure for obtaining denuded sea urchin eggs and observations on the role of the vitelline layer in sperm reception and egg activation.

Summary A procedure is described for the complete removal of the vitelline layer of the eggs of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. The method involves treatment of unfertilized eggs with an S. purpuratus cortical granule protease preparation followed by incubation in an alkaline dithiothreitol seawater solution. Eggs denuded of their vitelline layers react metabolically to parthenogenetic agents and sperm like unfertilized eggs, whereas the fertilizability of denuded eggs and receptivity to sperm is much less than controls. The present method is superior to previous methods using mercaptans in that all of the vitelline layer is removed and to procedures using other proteolytic enzymes in that no 125I-labelled plasma membrane proteins are extensively modified. Thus the cortical granule protease dithiothreitol procedure is ideal for studies of the plasma membrane of the unfertilized egg and for studies on the role of the vitelline layer in normal fertilization and development.
Wear Rate in a Series of Retrieved RP Knee Bearings

Rotating platform mobile bearing knees are an appealing approach to the problems of tibial loosening and rotational mal-alignment that are of concern with fixed bearing knees. A potential disadvantage of rotating platform (RP) bearings is ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear debris from the large additional backside articular surface that accommodates tibio-femoral rotation. The investigation of a series of 76 rotating platform knees (Sigma® RP, DePuy/J&J, Warsaw, IN) indicates that UHMWPE bearing wear, as measured by change in through-thickness dimension, increases monotonically with time in vivo. Total wear penetration rate is 0.023 mm/year and shows a decreasing trend, though this trend is not statistically significant. The current study results are consistent with the decreasing wear rate previously reported in a series of LCS® RP (DePuy/J&J, Warsaw, IN) knee. This decreasing wear rate stands in contrast to an increasing backside-only wear rate reported in fixed bearing knees. An important contribution of the current study is that it provides a conservative measurement of total wear penetration and penetration rate in one mobile bearing design over time out to >8 years.
The m1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor transactivates the EGF receptor to modulate ion channel activity

Intracellular tyrosine kinases link the G protein-coupled m1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) to multiple cellular responses. However, the mechanisms by which m1 mAChRs stimulate tyrosine kinase activity and the identity of the kinases within particular signaling pathways remain largely unknown. We show that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a single transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase, becomes catalytically active and dimerized through an m1 mAChR-regulated pathway that requires protein kinase C, but is independent of EGF. Finally, we demonstrate that transactivation of the EGFR plays a major role in a pathway linking m1 mAChRs to modulation of the Kv1.2 potassium channel. These results demonstrate a ligand-independent mechanism of EGFR transactivation by m1 mAChRs and reveal a novel role for these growth factor receptors in the regulation of ion channels by G protein-coupled receptors.
Universal Algorithm for Inverting the Cartesian to Geodetic Transformation

A singularity-free solution is presented for inverting the Cartesian to Geodetic transformation. Two rapidly converging generalized continued fraction algorithms are presented for handling applications spanning the LEO to GEO range of applications. Comparisons with state-of-the-art algorithms are provided for solution accuracy and run-time performance.
Order parameters of a nematic liquid crystal measured by Raman scattering

Abstract The orientational order parameters 〈 P 2 〉 and 〈 P 4 〉 are obtained from depolarization ratio measurements of a Raman band. The results 〈 P 4 〉
Ion channeling investigations in high Tc materials

Abstract A clear evidence of an abrupt change (∼ 0.015 A) in the atomic displacement amplitude ( u ) of Cu atoms in Y/ErBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ across the superconducting transition ( T c = 92 K) is obtained. This variation is associated with T c . Channeling scans across [301] and [331] directions have given diagnostics of inherent twinning in these crystals. Preliminary studies of the energy loss of 4 MeV protons and 6 MeV α-particles transmitted along the [001] direction of 7–10 μm YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ crystals show 3−4% less loss of energy as the sample temperature is taken from 100 to 30 K. In the same temperature range the REC X-rays produced by 80 MeV fully stripped F ions channeled along the [001] direction are seen to reduce by ∼ 20% in intensity.
Expression of a Dominant Negative FGF Receptor in Developing GNRH1 Neurons Disrupts Axon Outgrowth and Targeting to the Median Eminence

During development, neurons that synthesize and release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRH1) extend their axons to the median eminence (ME) to establish neurosecretory contacts necessary for hormone secretion. Signals that coordinate this process are not known, but could involve the activation of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) expressed on developing GNRH1 neurons. Using both whole-animal and cell culture approaches, this study examines the direct role of FGFR signaling in the extension and guidance of GNRH1 axons to the ME. In vivo retrograde labeling with fluorogold (FG) first showed a significant reduction in the projections of GNRH1 axons to the circumventricular organs (including the ME) in transgenic mice expressing a dominant negative FGF receptor (dnFGFR) in GNRH1 neurons. Using a primary GNRH1 neuronal culture system, we examined if compromised axon extension and directional growth led to the reduced axon targeting efficiency seen in vivo. Primary cultures of GNRH1 neurons were established from Embryonic Day 15.5 embryos, an age when GNRH1 neurons are actively targeting the ME. Cultured GNRH1 neurons expressing dnFGFR (dnFGFR neurons) exhibited attenuated activation of signaling pathways and reduced neurite outgrowth in response to FGF2. Further, dnFGFR neurons failed to preferentially target neurites toward cocultured ME explant and FGF2-coated beads, suggesting a defect in axon pathfinding. Together, these findings describe a direct role of FGFR signaling in the elongation and guidance of GNRH1 axons to the ME.
The American genera of Malvaceae—II

The genera of Malvaceae that occur in North, Central, and South America (including the Caribbean) are enumerated, described, and distinguished, using an artificial key. The usual taxonomic information (bibliographic citations, synonyms, type species, etc.) is presented and the generic names are indexed. The literature is reviewed and summarized for each genus, presenting such information (where appropriate) as the etymology of the name, number of species, infrageneric classification, distribution, chromosome numbers, economic importance, distinguishing features, and reference to representative illustrations. Where useful, the taxonomic history of the genus is summarized. A listing of unresolved taxonomic problems in the family is presented to highlight needs for future study. A detailed bibliography is included. One new combination is made:Palaua sandemanii (Sandwith) Fryxell, based on the PeruvianMalvastrum sandemanii Sandwith.
Energy and Water Programs within the United States Department of Agriculture

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is one of the nation’s oldest Federal departments. It employs more than 100,000 people whose work touches the lives of every American in various ways every day. It is one of the most complex departments in the Federal Government, with more than 300 programs that spend more than $75 billion each year to help lead and manage a variety of food, agriculture, natural resources, and related programs. The USDA goals and objectives, and the implementation of its programs, are sound public policy based on the best available science. USDA works with individuals, agricultural and natural resources organizations, and units of government throughout the U.S., and in many other countries throughout the world, to enhance economic opportunities for agricultural producers and rural communities, to protect the nation’s food supply, to improve nutrition and health, and to protect the nation’s natural resources and environment. Energy and water programs are critical components of the USDA. Agriculture in the U.S. is both a major consumer and producer of energy, with crops, forests and livestock requiring energy use for all aspects of production in the field, transport and processing, and conversely, the use of biofuels as a growing source of energy throughout the country. Irrigation is the largest user of freshwater in the U.S. and accounts for about 65 percent of total water withdrawals, excluding water used for thermoelectric power (Schaible 2004). Irrigation is critical in the U.S. as nearly half the value of all crops sold comes from the 16 percent of harvested cropland that is irrigated (Schaible 2004). Because energy and water are so critical for agriculture, the USDA strives to meet emerging issues by supporting the development and use of new technology for increased energy production and energy conservation, and by providing water supply information along with technical and financial assistance to improve the management decisions affecting both water quantity and quality. This paper provides a brief overview of the many energy and water programs managed in the USDA.
Thermoregulatory responses to lipopolysaccharide in the mouse: dependence on the dose and ambient temperature

Most published studies of thermoregulatory responses of mice to LPS involved a stressful injection of LPS, were run at a poorly controlled and often subneutral ambient temperature (Ta), and paid li...
The accessory gene regulator (agr) in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Role in virulence and reduced susceptibility to glycopeptide antibiotics

The treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylcoccus aureus (MRSA) infections is one of the most difficult tasks faced by clinicians of present time. Glycopeptides such as vancomycin have served as the cornerstones of therapy against serious MRSA infections. However, resistance to glycopeptides in S. aureus has emerged within the past decade and the mechanism of resistance in glycopeptide intermediate S. aureus (GISA) remains poorly understood. This article focuses on properties of GISA in the context of changes in global regulator function and the consequences of these changes not only on resistance to glycopeptides but also on resistance to other molecules and on the pathogenesis of the organism.
A Software Safety Certification Tool for Automatically Generated Guidance, Navigation and Control Code

Model-based' design and automated code generation are being used increasingly at NASA. Many NASA projects now use MathWorks Simulink and Real- Time Workshop for at least some of their modeling and code development. The trend is to move beyond simulation and prototyping to actual flight code, particularly in the Guidance, Navigation, and Control domain. However, there are substantial obstacles to more widespread adoption of code generators in such safety-critical domains. Since code generators are typically not qualified, there is no guarantee that their output is correct, and consequently the generated code still needs to be fully tested and certified. Moreover, the regeneration of code can require complete recertification, which offsets many of the advantages of using a generator. Indeed, manual review of autocode can be more challenging than for hand-written code. Since the direct V&V of code generators is too laborious and complicated due to their complex (and often proprietary) nature, we have developed a generator plug-in to support the subsequent certification of the code that is generated. Specifically, the AutoCert tool supports certification by formally verifying that the generated code is free of different safety violations, by constructing an independently verifiable certificate, and by explaining its analysis in a textual form suitable for code reviews. This enables missions to obtain assurance about the safety and reliability of the code without excessive manual V&V effort and, as a consequence, increases the acceptance of code generators in safety-critical contexts. The generation of explicit certificates and textual reports is particularly well-suited to supporting independent V&V. The key technical idea of our approach is to exploit the idiomatic nature of auto-generated code in order to automatically infer logical annotations. These allow the automatic formal verification of the safety properties without requiring access to the internals of the code generator. The approach is independent of the particular generator used but is currently being adapted to code generated using MathWorks Real-Time Workshop, an automatic code generator that translates from Simulink/Stateflow models into embedded C code.
Annexin B12 is a sensor of membrane curvature and undergoes major curvature-dependent structural changes.

The regulation of membrane curvature plays an important role in many membrane trafficking and fusion events. Recent studies have begun to identify some of the proteins involved in controlling and sensing the curvature of cellular membranes. A mechanistic understanding of these processes is limited, however, as structural information for the membrane-bound forms of these proteins is scarce. Here, we employed a combination of biochemical and biophysical approaches to study the interaction of annexin B12 with membranes of different curvatures. We observed selective and Ca2+-independent binding of annexin B12 to negatively charged vesicles that were either highly curved or that contained lipids with negative intrinsic curvature. This novel curvature-dependent membrane interaction induced major structural rearrangements in the protein and resulted in a backbone fold that was different from that of the well characterized Ca2+-dependent membrane-bound form of annexin B12. Following curvature-dependent membrane interaction, the protein retained a predominantly α-helical structure but EPR spectroscopy studies of nitroxide side chains placed at selected sites on annexin B12 showed that the protein underwent inside-out refolding that brought previously buried hydrophobic residues into contact with the membrane. These structural changes were reminiscent of those previously observed following Ca2+-independent interaction of annexins with membranes at mildly acidic pH, yet they occurred at neutral pH in the presence of curved membranes. The present data demonstrate that annexin B12 is a sensor of membrane curvature and that membrane curvature can trigger large scale conformational changes. We speculate that membrane curvature could be a physiological signal that induces the previously reported Ca2+-independent membrane interaction of annexins in vivo.
Etree: a database-oriented method for generating large octree meshes

This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of the etree, a database-oriented method for large out-of-core octree mesh generation. The main idea is to map an octree to a database structure and perform all octree operations by querying and updating the database. We apply two standard database techniques, the linear octree and the B-tree, to index and store the octants on disk. Then we introduce two new techniques, auto-navigation and local balancing, to address the special needs of mesh generation. Preliminary evaluation suggests that the etree method is an effective way of generating very large octree meshes on desktop machines.
Myocardial metabolic activity as a determinant of reactive hyperaemia responses in the dog heart

The role of myocardial metabolic activity in the regulation of reactive hyperaemia responses was investigated in the open chest dog. Interventions that increase or decrease myocardial oxygen consumption were shown to play a major role in determining the volume of reactive hyperaemia.
Large introductory computer science classes: strategies for effective course management

Traditionally, a large introductory course meant a lecture hall with a single lecturer talking and students taking notes---but no longer. Today a wide variety of techniques, not only in the classroom but in labs and faculty offices and cyberspace, can make a large introductory course an extremely effective educational experience. We explore these practices, with pointers for further information, as a guide for instructors or departments faced with the large-course model of instruction.
Dynamic simulation of upper limb movement in two software platforms

There are several opensource or commercially available software platforms widely used for the development of dynamic simulations of movement. While computational approaches to calculating the dynamics of a musculoskeletal model are conceptually similar across platforms, differences in implementation may influence simulation output. To understand predictions made using simulation, it is important to understand differences that may result from the choice of model or platform. Our aims were to 1) develop a musculoskeletal model of the upper limb suitable for dynamic simulation and 2) evaluate the influence of the choice between SIMM-SD/Fast and OpenSim simulation platforms on gravity- and EMG-driven simulations of movement.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Maturation and lineage-specific expression of the coxsackie and adenovirus receptor in hematopoietic cells.

Adenovirus vectors have been used to transfer genes into both hematopoietic progenitor cells and tumor cells, including carcinoma cells that have metastasized to bone marrow (BM). However, the relative susceptibility of different subsets of hematopoietic cells is unknown. In permissive cells adenoviral-mediated gene transfer is mediated by the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) protein and αv integrins expressed on the cell surface of the target cells. This prompted us to investigate the expression of CAR on subpopulations of hematopoietic cells, determine whether this protein played a role in adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of hematopoietic cells and whether we could modulate CAR to enhance gene transfer efficiency. In this report we show that CAR is expressed on approximately 40% of all human BM cells, including erythroid and myeloid cells, but not lymphoid cells. Of the CD34+ cells, 10%-15% expressed CAR, but this did not include most colony-forming progenitor cells, nor the most primitive CD38− subpopulation. The presence of CAR correlated well with gene transfer efficiency, but we were unable to induce CAR expression on immature, noncommitted progenitor cells. In conclusion, our results show that primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells lack CAR expression, but that expression is acquired during erythroid and myeloid differentiation.
Isolated breast metastases from gastrointestinal carcinomas (report of two cases)

Two patients with metastatic gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma in the breast are reported. Metastases in the breast are usually painless upper outer quadrant masses. On mammography they are typically well-circumscribed lesions without microcalcifications. A breast mass in a patient with a history of cancer, even if clinically or mammographically benign, should raise suspicion of a metastasis. Pathological features include a histologic pattern similar to the primary neoplasm and an absence of in situ carcinoma which characterizes primary breast cancer. Surgical excision for local control and systematic therapy is the most appropriate treatment.
Chromosomal in situ hybridization using yeast artificial chromosomes

Large DNA fragment cloning methods using yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) have vastly improved the strategies for constructing physical maps of regions of complex genomes, as well as for isolating and cloning genes important for human disease. We present here a simple and rapid method for carrying out in situ hybridization to metaphase chromosomes using isolated YAC clones by labeling DNA directly in agarose gel slices. Nonisotopic labeling and chromosomal in situ hybridization can be used to determine the chromosomal localization of individual YAC clones on human metaphase chromosomes. This method can also be used to characterize YAC clones consisting of single fragments from those that contain concatamerized, and thus artifactual, inserts. This technique also offers a valuable tool to study consistent translocations in neoplastic diseases by identifying YACs that span a specific chromosomal breakpoint.
Controllable Raman-like nonlinearities from nonstationary, cascaded quadratic processes

We show that useful noninstantaneous, nonlinear phase shifts can be obtained from cascaded quadratic processes in the presence of group-velocity mismatch. The two-field nature of the process permits responses that can be effectively advanced or retarded in time with respect to one of the fields. There is an analogy to a generalized Raman-scattering effect, permitting both red and blueshifts of short pulses. We expect this capability to have many applications in short-pulse generation and propagation, such as the compensation of Raman-induced effects and high-quality pulse compression, which we discuss.
Smokers Are Less Likely to be Aware of Oral Health Effects of Smoking Than Nonsmokers

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Dental Patient Awareness of Smoking Effects on Oral Health: Comparison of Smokers and Non-Smokers Al-Shammari KF, Moussa MA, Al-Ansari JM, Al-Duwairy YS, Honkala EJ. J Dent 2006;34(3):173-8 Level of Evidence 3b Purpose/Question The primary objective was to compare adult Kuwaiti smokers’ and nonsmokers’ knowledge regarding oral health effects of smoking and smokers’ willingness to quit based on the established link with oral health. Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design Population Based-Case-Control Study
THE ZEROTH LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS OF THE PHOTON–HYDROGEN SYSTEM AND 21 cm COSMOLOGY

A basic physical problem of 21 cm cosmology is the so-called Wouthuysen–Field coupling, which assumes that the resonant scattering of Lyα photons with neutral hydrogen atoms will lock the color temperature of the photon spectrum around the Lyα frequency to be equal to the kinetic temperature of hydrogen gas. This assumption is actually the zeroth thermodynamic law on the formation of the local statistically thermal equilibrium state of the photon–atom system. However, the time-dependent process of approaching a local statistically thermal equilibrium with the kinetic temperature has never been studied, as it needs to solve an integral–differential equation — the radiative transfer equation of the resonant scattering. Recently, with a state-of-the-art numerical method, the formation and evolution of the Wouthuysen–Field coupling has been systematically studied. This paper reviews the physical results, including the time scales of the onset of Wouthuysen–Field coupling, the profile of frequency distribution of photons in the state of local thermal equilibrium, the effects of the expansion of the universe, the Wouthuysen–Field coupling in an optical thick halo, etc.
Novel design of an agricultural dryer

In this article a procedure for designing a multitray agricultural dryer, capable of producing uniform drying of product, is given. An analytical solution based on heat and mass transfer for air and product inside the dryer is used. In the solution, there is an attempt to keep the drying rates of the products on different trays constant during the whole drying period. This could be realized by changing the dryer shape and dimensions for every specific product in accordance with the conditions of the inlet air. It was found that a dryer of pyramidal shape is most suitable for fulfilling the requirement of good quality dried product. The method has been verified experimentally and shows good agreement with the analytical solution. Based on the obtained results, the design of a dryer for many kinds of fruits is obtained with the analytical solution.