cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theory of the Concave Grating. II. Application of the Theory to the Off-Plane Eagle Mounting in a Vacuum Spectrograph*†

A recent treatment of concave grating theory is applied to an off-plane Eagle vacuum spectrograph, especially to that employing a grating of 21-foot radius and 30 000 lines/inch. Three tables and two graphs summarize the numerical calculations on the following factors: (1) change in wavelength from that calculated by the ordinary grating equation; (2) angle of slit rotation with respect to the grating rulings as a function of the angle of incidence; (3) optimum grating size as a function of the angle of incidence and spectral order; (4) resolving power in the 1250 to 2000-A region as affected by emulsion grain size, length of slit illumination, spectral order, and slit width. The calculations are found to be in reasonable agreement with experiment.
Conservation of cyclodiene insecticide resistance-associated mutations in insects

Cyclodiene insecticide resistance has accounted for over 60% of reported cases of insecticide resistance. In Drosophila melanogaster resistance is associated with a single base pair substitution in the GABA receptor/chloride ion channel gene Rdl. This substitution predicts the replacement of an alanine with a serine in the second membrane spanning domain, the region thought to line the chloride ion channel pore. Here we report, via the use of degenerate primers in the polymerase chain reaction, that precisely the same substitution is present in three pests from three different insect orders: the house fly (Diptera), red flour beetle (Coleoptera) and American cockroach (Dictyoptera). This finding suggests that there are a limited number of mutations that can confer resistance to cyclodienes, putative channel blockers, while still maintaining adequate chloride ion channel function. The conservation of the resistance-associated mutation between Drosophila and pest insects directly validates the approach of using this insect as a model system for isolating and studying resistance genes. The importance of single base pair substitutions in the evolution of pesticide resistance and in the design of molecular monitoring techniques is discussed.
DOD space research

The importance of space to the Department of Defense (DOD) mission is evidenced by the recent formation of the U.S. Space Command and the growing number of space DOD systems. Research and development in solar-terrestrial physics conducted and supported by DOD agencies is directed toward the short- and long-term requirements of each agency. However, the understanding, specification, modeling, and prediction of the space environment and of space system/environment interactions is of interest to all of the DOD organizations that are responsible for operating or communicating in space. Research in solar, interplanetary, magneto-sphere, ionosphere, thermosphere, and middle atmosphere physics is thus supported by several DOD agencies. Studies of geomagnetic fluctuations, atmospheric radio noise, and radio wave generation and propagation are also funded. The variability and disturbances of the space environment have the greatest impact on space systems operations; research and development thus tends to focus on the dynamical behavior of the solar-terrestrial regions. Laboratory, ground-based, and space-based experiments are conducted, along with associated analytical and theoretical efforts.
Enhancement of L-Selectin, but Not P-Selectin, Bond Formation Frequency by Convective Flow

L-selectin-mediated leukocyte rolling has been proposed to require a high rate of bond formation compared to that of P-selectin to compensate for its much higher off-rate. To test this hypothesis, a microbead system was utilized to measure relative L-selectin and P-selectin bond formation rates on their common ligand P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) under shear flow. Using video microscopy, we tracked selectin-coated microbeads to detect the formation frequency of adhesive tether bonds. From velocity distributions of noninteracting and interacting microbeads, we observed that tether bond formation rates for P-selectin on PSGL-1 decreased with increasing wall shear stress, from 0.14 ± 0.04 bonds/μm at 0.2 dyn/cm2 to 0.014 ± 0.003 bonds/μm at 1.0 dyn/cm2. In contrast, L-selectin tether bond formation increased from 0.017 ± 0.005 bonds/μm at 0.2 dyn/cm2 to 0.031 ± 0.005 bonds/μm at 1.0 dyn/cm2. L-selectin tether bond formation rates appeared to be enhanced by convective transport, whereas P-selectin rates were inhibited. The transition force for the L-selectin catch-slip transition of 44 pN/bond agreed well with theoretical models (Pereverzev et al. 2005. Biophys. J. 89:1446-1454). Despite catch bond behavior, hydrodymanic shear thresholding was not detected with L-selectin beads rolling on PSGL-1. We speculate that shear flow generated compressive forces may enhance L-selectin bond formation relative to that of P-selectin and that L-selectin bonds with PSGL-1 may be tuned for the compressive forces characteristic of leukocyte-leukocyte collisions during secondary capture on the blood vessel wall. This is the first report, to our knowledge, comparing L-selectin and P-selectin bond formation frequencies in shear flow.
Effect of Moisture Content and Screw Speed on the Physical Chemical Properties of an Extruded Crab-based Snack:

Crab processing generates by-products that could be used in new value-added products to decrease processing waste and increase profits. In this product development study, the effects of moisture content and screw speed on physical properties and composition of an extruded crab-based snack product were investigated. Corn meal was fortified with 10% ground crab leg and passed through a twin-screw extruder using moisture contents of 25% and 30% and screw speeds of 200, 250 and 300rpm for a total of six treatments, extruded in duplicate. Screw speed and moisture content had a significant (p 0.05) influence on moisture content, expansion ratio, crunchiness and L-value of the extrudate while protein, fat, ash and mineral were not significantly (p 0.05) affected. As screw speed increased, moisture content and bulk density of the extrudates decreased. The snack product extruded at 25% moisture content and 300rpm had significantly different (p 0.05) physical properties compared to all other treatments. Increases i...
Relations among school connectedness, hope, life satisfaction, and bully victimization

This study investigates the role of school connectedness in mediating the relation between students' sense of hope and life satisfaction for three groups: Bullied Victims, Peer Victims, and Nonvictims. Students in grades 5 to 12 (N = 866) completed the California Bully/Victim Scale, School Connectedness Scale, Children's Hope Scale, and Students' Life Satisfaction Scale. Multigroup latent mean analysis revealed significant group mean differences in hope, school connectedness, and life satisfaction, supporting our bullying classification. Multigroup structural model analysis showed differential patterns between hope, school connectedness, and life satisfaction. Specifically, school connectedness partially mediated the relation between hope and life satisfaction for the Nonvictims only. The effect of hope on school connectedness was stronger for the Bullied Victims than the Nonvictims, and the effect of hope on life satisfaction was stronger for the Peer Victims and Bullied Victims than the Nonvictims group. Implications for research and practice are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CpG oligodeoxynucleotides stimulate cord blood mononuclear cells to produce immunoglobulins

Abstract CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) stimulate adult B cells leading to cellular proliferation and immunoglobulin production. It is unknown if CpG-ODNs similarly stimulate neonatal human B cells. Neonates have immature immune responses and are poorly responsive to thymus independent antigens such as polysaccharides. We determined umbilical cord cells' response to CpG-ODNs. Adult and umbilical cord B cells produced similar amounts of IgM (adult 1371 ± 352 vs. cord 1873 ± 1084 ng/ml) in response to CpG-ODN stimulation. Although CpG-ODN was able to stimulate adult IgG and IgA production, cord cells produced less IgG (153 ± 58 vs. 10 ± 2.5 ng/ml) and no detectable IgA upon CpG-ODN stimulation. CpG ODN stimulated IgM production from adult CD27-negative B cells which may account for their ability to stimulate the mostly naive cord B cells. The polyclonal IgM response included pneumococcal polysaccharide antigen-specific antibodies. CpG-ODNs may be useful as neonatal vaccine adjuvants for polysaccharide antigens that are otherwise non-immunogenic.
Theoretical Predictions of F-16 Fighter Limit Cycle Oscillations for Flight Flutter Testing

A computational investigation of the flutter onset and limit cycle oscillation behavior of various F-16 fighter weapons and stores configurations is presented. A nonlinear harmonic balance compressible Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokescomputational fluiddynamic flowsolverisusedtomodeltheunsteadyaerodynamicsoftheF-16wing. Slender body/wing theory is used as an approximate method for accounting for the unsteady aerodynamic effects of wing-tip launchers and missiles. Details of the computational model are presented along with an examination of the sensitivity of computed aeroelastic behavior to characteristics and parameters of the structural and fluid dynamic model. Comparisons with flight-test data are also shown. I. Introduction T HE SEEK EAGLE Office at Eglin Air Force Base performs an essential task in clearing new aircraft/stores configurations through flight tests for safe and effective operation. Many of these flighttestsarefortheF-16aircraftwhichcontinuestobeaworkhorse for the U.S. Air Forcewith continually new stores (missiles, bombs, and fuel tanks) being considered for aircraft operations. Similar aeroelastic flight tests are expected for future fighter aircraft as they go into service in the coming years. The number of needed flight tests is projected to be well beyond the financial and staff resources available. Hence there is a pressing need to identify the most critical aircraft/store configurations for the limited flight-test resources available and also insofar as possibly reduce the number of flight tests needed. Virtual flight testing may be the answer. Using new improved computational capability that provides much more rapid solutions, computational simulation can help identify the most critical aircraft/ store configuration and also hasthe potential of reducingthe number ofneeded flighttestsifconfidencecanbeestablishedinthecapability of simulations to correlate with flight-test data. A new methodology has been developed to produce these computer simulations based upon the notion that because the response is periodic in time, the solution need only be obtained over a single period of oscillation in time. By avoiding the traditional time marching solution which computes the long transient before a steady-state periodic oscillation is reached, computational times are reduced by a factor of 10–100. This enables a sufficiently rapid solutiontomakesuchsimulationsapracticalrealityforthe flight-test engineer and support team. Future developments of this methodology hold the promise of further substantial reductions in computational cost and are being vigorously pursued. Also further refinements in the physical fidelity of the simulation models are being considered.
Different neuronal responses in the cochlear nucleus of a cat during classical and instrumental conditioning

Multiple-unit neuronal responses were recorded from the cochlear nucleus of a cat during classical and instrumental conditioning. Results indicate that different configurations of neuronal responses occurred during classical and instrumental conditioning.
Toward a Reliable and Valid Measure of Institutional Mission and Values Perception: The DePaul Values Inventory.

Across three studies, the development of a reliable and valid measure of perceptions by students of an urban, private, faith‐based teaching university's mission and values was assessed. Study 1 presented scale construction and reliability of the DePaul Values Inventory (DeVI) with undergraduates (n = 111), yielding a final 22‐item rating scale with four subscales. Study 2 supported the psychometric structure of the DeVI through a confirmatory factor analysis (n = 292). Study 3 assessed the DeVI's discriminant validity by correlating scores with social desirability and personal values surveys (n = 106). Overall, the DeVI was determined to be a reliable and valid measure of students' perceptions of an institution's mission and values, regardless of student gender, and independent of one's personal values even controlling for social approval tendencies. Future studies should examine the DeVI and its applicability for other similar institutions of higher learning.
Investigating a Mystery Disease: Tales from a Viral Detective

Viral outbreak investigation is challenging logistically as well as scientifically. In the context of addressing a fictional emerging viral disease, I describe the process of discovery, from the initial report of a problem through discussions of intellectual property and sample management, study design, management, experimental execution, and reporting of results.
The effect of diblock and homopolymer impurities on the morphology of triblock polymers

Commercial triblock polymers (Kratons) consisting of polystyrene and a polydiene were characterized via gel permeation chromatography and small-angle x-ray scattering in order to determine the amount of free polystyrene and diblock material and to clarify the effect of these polymeric impurities on the morphology of solvent-cast samples. Gel permeation chromatography measurements revealed the Kratons to consist of 80–85% triblock, 15–20% diblock, and trace amounts of free polystyrene. Pure triblocks, impurity-doped pure triblocks, the Kratons, and a postpolymerically degraded Kraton were examined with regard to the effect of polymeric impurities on morphology. Small amounts (<5%) of free polystyrene induce a regularization of the glassy domains, while increased amounts of this homopolymer apparently lead to diffuse phase boundaries. The presence of diblock polymer results in a loss of macrolattice details, indicating the presence of less ordered and more diffuse glassy domains.
Modeling, synthesis, and characterization of thin film Copper Oxide for solar cells

The modeling, growth, and characterization of Copper Oxide thin films for solar cell applications are reported. Cu 2 O has several attractive properties which include its direct band gap (Eg=2.17 eV) for use in photo-electrolysis of water and use in tandem multi-junction cells. Detailed balance calculations predict efficiencies on the order of 20% while Cu 2 O cells have yet to even pass 2% efficiency. The device physics model reveals that defects, particularly at the heterojunction interface, are the main reason for lowered efficiencies. Epitaxial Cu 2 O (100) thin films on MgO are fabricated using RF Oxygen plasma MBE. The films are quite smooth and showed mobilites in the range of 10–100 cm2/V*sec and carrier concentrations in the range of 1014–1017. Finally, the epitaxial growth of Cu 2 O on a MgO template is demonstrated.
Anti-cyclo-oxygenase agents and asthma.

Aspirin inhibits cyclo-oxygenase by an irreversible time-dependent process of inactivation; this mechanism appears to be responsible for precipitation of asthmatic attacks in about 5%-10% of adult asthmatic patients. Besides aspirin, all other cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors induce bronchoconstriction in sensitive patients, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without anti-cyclo-oxygenase activity can be taken by the same patients with impunity. While aspirin-sensitive patients should avoid the potential for adverse reactions, there are rare reports of bron-chodilation following ingestion of aspirin and aspirinlike drugs.
Response of nitrogen metabolism, plasma amino acids and insulin levels to various levels of methionine infusion in sheep.

Adult sheep were prepared to receive total nutriment by dual infusions. Volatile fatty acids were infused intraruminally and glucose, vitamins, and amino acids via jugular cannula. Methionine and glycine were varied to provide isonitrogenous amino acid infusion with levels of 0, 0.75, 1.50, 2.25, 3.00, 3.75, 4.50, 5.25, and 6.00 g of methionine/day. Urinary nitrogen (UN), plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), urinary urea nitrogen (UUN), and nitrogen balance (NB) responded curvilinearly to increased methionine infusions. The point at which a tangent to the curve had a slope of zero was taken as the level at which methionine was no longer limiting. This occurred at infusion levels of 4.81 to 5.00 g/day. Plasma methionine increased sharply at infusion levels of 3.63 g/day. Most plasma amino acids were influenced by levels of methionine infusion with nonessential amino acids being higher when methionine was limiting or in excess. Plasma insulin and plasma glucose were also influenced by level of methionine infusion with plasma insulin responding in a manner similar to PUN, UN, UUN, and NB. J. Nutr. 104: 1646-1656, 1974.
Cluster Analysis for Optimal Sampling of Traffic Count Data: Air Quality Example

Data collection is one of the most expensive tasks in many transportation-air quality studies. Finding effective ways to minimize data collection time and cost without losing vital information is crucial. This paper presents a new cost-efficient data sampling approach to solve an important transportation-air quality problem directly affecting estimates of mobile emissions. We used hierarchical, complete linkage cluster analysis on the correlation (similarity) matrices to statistically identify groups or clusters of count locations with similar hourly profiles. Once counts have been clustered, A single count within each cluster may be chosen to represent the hourly diurnal profile of count proportions. Our results indicate a savings of approximately $500,00 for data collection of 21 count-days over 319 count locations in the Central California Ozone Study. Without the sampling optimization, there would have been little way to determine the key counts needed to both minimize data costs as well as provide sufficient and robust information for subsequent modeling.
Imaging through thick random media with a speckle intensity correlation over excitation position

We demonstrate that imaging through thick random media can be facilitated by intensity correlations with respect to input beam location. Example results suggest that the approach could lead to new imaging opportunities.
Genetics of the partial epilepsies: a review.

Summary: The research literature is consistent in reporting somewhat less familial aggregation in partial than in generalized epilepsy. However, relatives of patients with partial seizures do appear to have higher seizure risks than relatives of controls, suggesting that genetic factors are important in at least some partial epilepsies. Complex partial epilepsy appears to be only slightly less familial than other types of epilepsy. Relatives of patients with focal EEG abnormalities generally have been found to have lower risk of both EEG abnormalities and epilepsy than relatives of patients with generalized abnormalities. For focal temporocentral abnormalities, however, there is evidence of an important influence of genetic factors. RESUME La litterature rapporte de facon concordante un caractere familial moins prononce dans les epilepsies partielles que dans les epilepsies generalisees. Cependant. les parents de patients presentant des crises partielles presentent bien des risques superieurs pour epilepsie que les parents de sujets controles: ceci suggere que les facteurs geneiques jouent un role important dans au moins une partie des epilepsies partielles. Les epilepsies partielles complexes semblent avoir un caractere familial a peine moins prononce que autres types epilepsies. Chez les parents de sujets presentant des anomalies EEG focales, on a constate en general que le risque de presenter a la fois des anomalies EEG focales et une epilepsie etait moindre que chez les parents de sujets presentant une epilepsie generalisee. En ce qui concerne les anomalies focales centro-temporales, il y a cependant des preuves une influence importante de facteurs genetiques. RESUMEN En la literatura se insiste de modo persistente que existe una agregacion familiar menos importante en las epilepsias parciales que en la epilepsia generalizada. Sin embargo, se ha observado que familiares de enfermos con ataques parciales tienen un riesgo mas elevado de ataques que los familiares de los controles, lo que sugiere la importancia de factores geneticos en, al menos, algunas formas de epilepsias parciales. La epilepsia parcial compleja parece ser algo menos familiar que otros tipos de epilepsia. Los familiares de enfermos con anormalidades focales del EEG. generalmente tienen un riesgo menor de tener anomalias en el EEG o de sufrir epilepsia que los familiares de aquellos casos con anomalias generalizadas. Sin embargo, en aquellos casos de anomalias centro-temporales, existe importante eviden-cia de posibles influencias de factores geneticos.
How to Make the σ0π2 Singlet the Ground State of Carbenes

Successful strategies have previously been developed to stabilize the σ2π0 singlet states of carbenes, relative to σ1π1 triplet states. However, little or no attention has been paid to the stabilization of the σ0π2 singlet states. We present two simple strategies to stabilize the σ0π2 singlet states of carbenes, relative to both the σ2π0 singlet and σ1π1 triplet states. These strategies consist of destabilization of the carbene σ orbital by two, adjacent, sp2 nitrogen lone pairs of electrons and stabilization of the carbene 2p−π orbital by incorporating it into a five-membered ring, containing two double bonds, or into a six-membered ring, containing two double bonds and a sixth atom that has a low-lying empty π orbital. B3LYP, CASPT2, and CCSD(T) calculations have been performed in order to assess the success of these strategies in creating derivatives of cyclopenta-2,4-dienylidene and cyclohexa-2,5-dienylidene with σ0π6 singlet ground states. Differences between the calculated geometries and binding ene...
Land Use and Land Cover Impact on Probable Maximum Flood and Sedimentation for Artificial Reservoirs: Case Study in the Western United States

AbstractUnanticipated peak inflows that can exceed the inflow design flood (IDF) for spillways and result in possible storage loss in reservoirs from increased sedimentation rates lead to a greater risk for downstream floods. Probable maximum precipitation (PMP) and probable maximum flood (PMF) are mostly used to determine IDF. Any possible change of PMP and PMF resulting from future land use and land cover (LULC) change therefore requires a methodical investigation. However, the consequential sediment yield resulting from altered precipitation and flow patterns into the reservoir has not been addressed in literature. Thus, this study aims to determine the combined impact of a modified PMP on PMF and sediment yield for an artificial reservoir. The Owyhee Dam of the Owyhee River watershed (ORW) in Oregon is selected as a case study area for understanding the impact of LULC change on PMF and sedimentation rates. Variable infiltration capacity (VIC) is used for simulating streamflow (PMF) and the revised uni...
The VAB-1 Eph Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Functions in Neural and Epithelial Morphogenesis in C. elegans

Mutations in the C. elegans vab-1 gene disrupt the coordinated movements of cells during two periods of embryogenesis. vab-1 mutants are defective in the movement of neuroblasts during closure of the ventral gastrulation cleft and in the movements of epidermal cells during ventral enclosure of the embryo by the epidermis. We show that vab-1 encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase of the Eph family. Disruption of the kinase domain of VAB-1 causes weak mutant phenotypes, indicating that VAB-1 may have both kinase-dependent and kinase-independent activities. VAB-1 is expressed in neurons during epidermal enclosure and is required in these cells for normal epidermal morphogenesis, demonstrating that cell-cell interactions are required between neurons and epidermal cells for epidermal morphogenesis.
Molecular control of nitrate reductase and other enzymes involved in nitrate assimilation.

Nitrate acts as both a nutrient and a signal in plants. Nitrate induces gene expression of enzymes for its metabolism into amino acids but also has other effects on plant metabolism and development. Familiar nitrate-induced enzymes are nitrate and nitrite reductases, nitrate transporters, glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase, ferredoxin and ferredoxin NADP+ reductase. Microarray analysis of nitrate-stimulated gene expression has identified 40 transcripts including hemoglobin, transaldolase, regulatory and stress proteins, several protein kinases and several methyltransferases. Coordinated expression of these nitrate-stimulated genes is probably due to a single ‘nitrate-transacting factor’ and a ‘nitrate’ box has been elucidated for nitrate and nitrite reductase genes with constitutively expressed nuclear proteins which bind to the box. A MADS transcription factor is nitrate-induced in roots and involved in development of lateral roots. However, accumulation of nitrate overcomes this signal and halts lateral root development. Post-translational inhibition of nitrate reductase activity illustrates a complex control mechanism involving protein phosphorylation and binding of the ubiquitous binding protein called 14-3-3. Protein kinases catalyzing phosphorylation have been identified and 14-3-3 binding elucidated, which includes activation of 14-3-3 by polycations such as polyamines. Using molecular modeling, it was shown that one 14-3-3 binding site can bind to the nitrate reductase dimer. Nitrate reductase-14-3-3 complexes could bind via the second binding site on 14-3-3 to another enzyme/protein with a 14-3-3 binding site or nitrate reductase aggregation could result in rapid degradation. Two types of protein kinases are involved in nitrate reductase phosphorylation: calcium-dependent protein kinases and SnRKs (enzymes related to yeast sucrose non-fermenting (SNF1) protein kinases). Calcium-dependent protein kinases are activated by environmental and development signals via changes in intracellular calcium level, which impacts many plant metabolic pathways. SnRKs are less well understood and may be responding to more general metabolic signals.
Developing Evolutionary Cost Models for Query Optimization in a Dynamic Multidatabase Environment

Deriving local cost models for query optimization in a multidatabase system (MDBS) is a challenging issue due to local autonomy. It becomes even more difficult when dynamic environmental factors are taken into consideration. In this paper, we study how to evolve a cost model to capture a slowly-changing dynamic MDBS environment so that the cost model is kept up-to-date all the time. We propose a novel evolutionary technique, called the shifting method, to tackle this issue. The key idea is to adjust a cost model by adding the up-to-date performance information of a new sample query into and, in the meantime, removing the out-of-date information of the oldest sample query from consideration at each step. It is shown that this method is more efficient than the direct re-building approach. The relevant issues including derivation of recurrence update formulas, development of efficient algorithm, analysis of complexities as well as some aspects of implementation are studied. Our theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed shifting method is quite promising in deriving accurate evolutionary cost models for a slowly-changing dynamic MDBS environment.
Oxidation of Methoxyphenethylamines by Cytochrome P450 2D6 ANALYSIS OF RATE-LIMITING STEPS

Cytochrome P450 (P450) 2D6 is involved in the oxidation of a large fraction ( approximately 30%) of drugs used by humans and also catalyzes the O-demethylation of the model substrates 3- and 4-methoxyphenethylamine followed by subsequent ring hydroxylation to dopamine. Burst kinetics were not observed; rate-limiting step(s) must occur prior to product formation. Rates of reduction of ferric P450 2D6 were stimulated by 3- or 4-methoxyphenethylamine or the inhibitor quinidine; reduction is not the most rate-limiting step. The non-competitive intramolecular deuterium isotope effect, an estimate of the intrinsic isotope effect, for 4-methoxyphenethylamine O-demethylation was 9.6. Intermolecular non-competitive deuterium isotope effects of 3.1-3.8 were measured for k(cat) and k(cat)/K(m) for both O-demethylation reactions, implicating at least partially rate-limiting C-H bond breaking. Simulation of steady-state kinetic data yielded a catalytic mechanism dominated by the rates of (i) Fe(2+)O(2)(-) protonation (plus O-O bond scission) and (ii) C-H bond breaking, consistent with the appearance of the spectral intermediates in the steady state, attributed to iron-oxygen complexes. However, all the rates of individual steps (or rates of combined steps) are considerably higher than k(cat), and the contributions of several steps must be considered in understanding rates of the P450 2D6 reactions.
A Segment-Based Mesh Design for Building Parallel-Perspective Stereo Mosaics

In this paper, we propose a segment-based triangulation method for building parallel-perspective stereo mosaics using ray interpolation. The currently available fast parallel ray interpolation for stereo mosaicing uses a uniform or regular triangulation technique that does not take advantage of the spatial information. This works well when the interframe displacement in the video is small. However, for large interframe displacements, hence large motion parallax, we observe visual artifacts in the mosaics when the source triangles in the video frames are warped into destination triangles in the mosaics using affine transformations. Our method uses the edge information present in the scene to ensure that triangles do not cross over from one planar facet to the other. The video frames are segmented, and the edges are obtained from the inner boundaries of different segments. A mesh is designed in each segment or region, over which motion between consecutive video frames is constant. Hence, this method avoids unwanted warping of objects with large motion parallax in the scene and reduces the visual artifacts. The performance of our proposed technique is demonstrated on a series of simple-to-complex video imagery collected by utilizing cameras and airborne sensors.
Breslow depth of cutaneous melanoma: Impact of factors related to surveillance of the skin, including prior skin biopsies and family history of melanoma

Background Because the early detection of cutaneous melanoma can dramatically improve survival, identification and surveillance of persons at risk have received much attention. Objective Our purpose was to examine the influences of personal or family history, patterns of detection, and prior skin biopsies (considered to be a measurement of surveillance by medical personnel) on the Breslow depth of cutaneous melanomas. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis of 218 patients with a history of at least one invasive cutaneous melanoma who visited the Yale Pigmented Lesion Clinic between January 1995 and January 1996 was performed. Data on patterns of detection, melanocytic nevi, and skin biopsies before and after the initial diagnosis of melanoma were collected, and patients with a family history of melanoma were compared with sporadic patients. Results Initial melanomas discovered by dermatologists were more likely to be 0.75 mm or less in depth than those found by other physicians ( P =.03). Although patients detected 45% of the initial primary melanomas (98/218), dermatologists discovered 80% of the second primary tumors (33/41; P =.001). A personal history of melanoma was predictive of a thinner Breslow depth ( P =.01), but a family history of melanoma was not. Having a biopsy of any type or combination of types of skin lesion(s) performed in the 5 years, 2 years, or 1 year before the first diagnosis of melanoma did not predict a melanoma of thinner Breslow depth among either familial or sporadic patients. The mean number of skin biopsies performed per patient was 8 times higher in the 5-year period after (5.6) versus the 5-year period before (0.7) the initial diagnosis of melanoma, with a peak in the first year after the diagnosis (2.3 vs 0.25 in the prior year). In 27 patients, one or more skin biopsies were performed in the year before the initial diagnosis of melanoma; 41% of these biopsies (23/56) were of lesions in normally exposed sites (eg, the face, neck, and forearms) compared with 22% of the melanomas (6/27). Limitations Since an invasive melanoma (with the possible exception of a nodular melanoma) would likely have been present for at least a year, plausible explanations for why evidence of previous dermatologic care did not appear to result in earlier detection include performance of a limited rather than a total body skin examination as well as subtle clinical features of early melanomas. However, this study cannot give weight to these explanations because at the time new Pigmented Lesion Clinic patients were not routinely asked about previous total body skin examinations. Conclusions The disappointing trends seen in this study, with neither the well-established risk factor of a family history of melanoma nor previously having a skin biopsy predicting thinner melanomas, highlight the need to establish criteria defining the subset of patients for whom appropriate management requires periodic total body skin examination.
Complement Deposits on Ocular Tissues Adjacent to Sites of Inflammation

Purpose: The complement system plays important roles in a variety of chronic ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. Here we examined the deposition of complement components in mouse eyes damaged by various mechanisms. Methods: Mouse eyes were damaged by light or by three models of inflammation, i.e., local transgenic expression of cytokines, interleukin-1 or -7, or by induction of experimental autoimmune uveitis. Eye tissues obtained from each model were immunostained with antibodies against complement components C1q, C3, and C4. Results: No complement deposition was seen in light damaged eyes, while in inflamed eyes we found complement deposition at sites of tissue damage and cellular infiltration. In addition to affected tissues, intense immunoreactivity against complement was unexpectedly observed in corneal tissues and lens capsule, despite lack of inflammation in these tissues. Conclusion: Our observations suggest that ocular tissues adjacent to inflammatory sites undergo changes t...
On the profile design of SiGe HBTs for RF lunar applications down to 43 K

New germanium and boron base profiles are designed and tested for emerging lunar RF applications down to 43 K using SiGe HBTs. Device optimization in 1st generation SiGe HBTs to minimize the carrier freezeout and to suppress the heterojunction barrier effects without changing basic fabrication processes was attempted. Optimizing the device enhances fT by 20% and fmax by 70% as compared to a standard HBT, at 43 K. A comprehensive dc and ac investigation from 43 K to 300 K was conducted to demonstrate the capabilities of these newly optimized SiGe HBTs for emerging lunar RF electronics.
Physical and biological contributions to the western tropical North Atlantic Ocean carbon sink formed by the Amazon River plume

[1] Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TA) were measured in the upper 1000 m of the western tropical North Atlantic Ocean (WTNA; study area 3–15°N, 40–59°W) in January–February and July–August 2001. Concentrations of DIC and TA in surface samples (0–10 m) influenced by the Amazon River plume were up to 400 μmol C kg−1 (∼20%) lower than oceanic surface samples. In this region, physical dilution by river water dominates DIC and TA inventories, driving CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) well below atmospheric levels. Nevertheless, DIC concentrations at most plume-influenced stations were 10–90 μmol C kg−1 below levels expected from conservative mixing of seawater with low-salinity, low-CO2 Amazon River water. In this otherwise oligotrophic region, the diazotrophs Trichodesmium spp. and Richelia intracellularis were often abundant, supporting a link between increased carbon drawdown and nitrogen fixation in the outer plume. Net community production in the plume must surpass the fluxes of inorganic carbon from below and air-sea CO2 replacement to leave biologically mediated DIC deficits, which is possible under observed conditions. Biological activity lowers plume pCO2 30–120 μatm below the conservative mixing line, and contributes to a CO2 deficit in the northern WTNA that outlasts the plume's physical structure.
Do Effects of Social-Emotional Learning Programs Vary by Level of Parent Participation? Evidence From the Randomized Trial of INSIGHTS

ABSTRACTSocial-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs aim to improve students' social-emotional competencies in order to enhance their achievement. Although SEL programs typically implement classroom curricula, some programs also include a component for parents. Yet, little is known about the types of parents likely to participate in services, and whether parent participation moderates program effects on student outcomes in low-income urban schools. This article aims to fill these gaps in the literature using data from the randomized trial of the SEL program INSIGHTS into Children's Temperament (N = 435 parent/child dyads), which was conducted in 22 low-income urban elementary schools during children's kindergarten and first-grade year. Descriptive findings revealed that children at lower risk for poor achievement had parents who were more likely to participate in program services. In addition, findings from inverse probability of treatment-weighting models demonstrated larger effects of INSIGHTS on academic, ...
Effects of Several Central Dopamine Receptor Stimulants on Mesenteric Arterial Blood Flow in Anesthetized Dogs

Five compounds which have been reported to stimulate central dopamine receptors, bromocriptine, ergocornine, lergotrile, piribedil and 2(p-nitrobenzylthio)-imidazoline (3H) HCl (NBTI), were studied for their local effects on mesenteric arterial blood flow in anesthetized, alpha-adrenergically blocked dogs. Three of these compounds, lergotrile, piribedil and NBTI produced dose-related mesenteric vasodilation without altering systemic arterial blood pressure, although responses to the former two were biphasic, i.e., vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation. These increases in flow were significantly and selectively inhibited by haloperidol and ergonovine, and were unaltered by beta-adrenergic, cholinergic or histaminergic blockade, thus suggesting that the observed mesenteric vasodilation was induced by stimulation of peripheral vascular dopamine receptors. Since all of the compounds did not evoke mesenteric vasodilation, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that central and peripheral dopamine receptors are pharmacologically dissimilar. Ergocornine was found to potentiate mesenteric vasodilation evoked by dopamine; none of the other four compounds exhibited this characteristic.
Selective Oxidation of Dopamine and Serotonin with an Alkanethiol-Modified Electrode

A surface of gold electrode was modified with a self-assembled monolayer in order to protect the oxidation of ascorbic acid, which exists in biological fluid. The electrode was prepared by the modification with aqueous solution of 5-carboxypentanethiol (5C), 7-carboxyheptanethiol (7C) and 10-carboxydecanethiol (10C). At pH 7.0, alkanethiol modified electrodes did not show any anodic response to ascorbic acid but anodic peak to dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine and serotonin were most selectively oxidized with the 7C-modified electrode prepared in 0.15 mg/ml 7C. The anodic current to dopamine was 500 times higher than that of ascorbic acid. The selective oxidation of dopamine and serotonin was performed by the ionization of alkanethiol.
Atrial fibrillation practice patterns among cardiac electrophysiologists and cardiologists.

Background: Treatment paradigms for atrial fibrillation (AF) are highly variable. This study explores the management practices for AF between general cardiologists and electrophysiologists in an academic institution. Methods: One hundred and eighty eight patients with AF who had primary outpatient evaluation by either a cardiologist (n = 94) or electrophysiologist (n = 94) in 2008 were selected from the Northwestern electronic medical record and included in the study. Chart review was used to determine the type of therapy, methods of monitoring AF, antiarrhythmic drug use patterns and outcome. Results: Patients seen by cardiologists vs. electrophysiologists were older (70.3 ± 11.8 vs. 65.3 ± 10.3, p = 0.002) and had more diabetes (21.3% vs. 10.6%, p = 0.046), renal disease (29.0% vs. 9.2%, p = 0.001) and coronary artery disease (40.4% vs. 23.4%, p = 0.01). A rate control strategy was used more often (80.9% vs. 54.3%, p < 0.001), and antiarrhythmics were prescribed less (10.6% vs. 31.9%, p < 0.001) by cardiologists than electrophysiologists. Antiarrhythmic choices were amiodarone (33.3%), sotalol (20.0%), flecainide (13.3%), propafenone (13.3%), and dofetilide (23.3%) for electrophysiologists, and were limited to amiodarone (80%) and sotalol (20%) for cardiologists. After a mean follow-up of 14.0 ± 11.6 and 12.8 ± 11.1 months (p = 0.44) for patients managed by cardiologists and electrophysiologists, mortality was 13.8% and 6.4% (p = 0.09), respectively. Long-term ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring was used more frequently by electrophysiologists (74.4%) than by cardiologists (55.6%, p = 0.15). Conclusions: Practice patterns for treatment of AF significantly differ between electrophysiologists and cardiologists. Understanding specialist treatment patterns will help optimize individualized therapy for treatment of AF.
Migraine: a brain state.

Purpose of review Migraine has traditionally been categorized as a pain disorder, focusing on headache as its central feature. This narrow view does not account for the complex array of premonitory and postrdromal symptoms that occur in the hours before and after headache. This review outlines evidence that supports a broader view of migraine as a pathological brain state. Recent findings Studies of the clinical features of a migraine attack, in combination with imaging and electrophysiological studies, provide evidence that migraine involves widespread changes in brain function and connectivity. These changes parallel those seen in other brain states such as sleep. Neurochemical mediators, including adenosine, and nonsynaptic signalling mechanisms involving astrocytes may play a role in the migraine state. Summary Consideration of a migraine attack as a brain state provides an expanded framework for understanding all of its symptoms, and the underlying alterations in the activity of multiple brain networks. Mechanisms driving the transition to the migraine state may represent novel targets for acute and preventive therapies.
Ultrastructure and functional morphology of feeding and associated appendages in the tropical fresh-water shrimp Atya innocous (Herbst) with notes on its ecology

ABSTRACT Atya innocous (Atyidae) occurs in permanent and temporary fresh-water streams in Panama. Its microhabitat distribution depends in part on the presence of congeners. The propodus and dactylus of each cheliped of A. innocous bear about 300 setae modified for specific functions in food collection. These setae may be divided into three basic types: chemoreceptors, scrapers, and filtering setae. The latter two types also function as mechanoreceptors. The cheliped setae are probably extended by an increase in hemocoelic pressure, producing an efficient filtering fan. Mechanosensory and chemosensory bipolar neurons innervate the cheliped setae, presumably providing the shrimp with the ability to detect current velocity, particulate load, and quality of the food source. The external morphology and ulrastructure of these sensilla are described. No dually innervated receptors (mechanochemoreceptors) were found. In addition to food collection and sensory functions, the pereiopods are used to groom body parts and brooded embryos. Super-8 eine films show the important role mouthparts play in grooming. The third maxillipeds groom the antennae and antennules, while the ultimate segment of the second maxillipeds frees lodged debris from the chelipeds. The dactylar pectinate comb of the fifth pereopod grooms the dorsal surface of the abdomen and pleopods. Scanning electron microscopy showed pores in the cuticle leading to unicellular and multicellular glands within the epidermis. Three gland types were observed and their respective functions are described. Adaptations for a lotic habitat seem to be important to species of Atya, which have a wide array of morphological modifications for life in running water.
The Impact in the United States of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative on Early Infant Health and Breastfeeding Outcomes.

Abstract Studies were examined to evaluate the impact of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) on breastfeeding and early infant health outcomes in U.S. populations. Using the Social Ecological Model as a guiding theoretical framework, results were categorized into four interrelated multilevel factors: (1) maternal/infant dyad factors, (2) provider factors, (3) hospital organizational factors, and (4) policy/systems factors. Results from the review support the BFHI's success in facilitating successful breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity. Breastfeeding duration also appears to increase when mothers have increased exposure to Baby-Friendly practices, but deficiencies in breastfeeding tracking mechanisms have limited reliable breastfeeding duration data. Of the 10 steps of the BFHI, step 3, prenatal education and step 10, postnatal breastfeeding support are the most difficult steps to implement; however, those steps have the potential to significantly impact maternal breastfeeding decisions. The ...
Commercial Mortgage Prepayment: Prepayment Fee, Yield Maintenance, or Defeasance

Commercial real estate mortgages are commonly paid off prior to their termination date. This may come about because of a sale, a refinancing, or an involuntary situation, such as foreclosure or bankruptcy. Early prepayment typically has an associated fee to compensate the lender for the change in income pattern. These include a lock-out, prepayment penalty, yield maintenance or a defeasance. This article explains the different options, their legality, and then presents models to calculate the cost of each. Such knowledge enables the participants in the mortgage situation to act so as to best meet their needs and minimize their costs.
Y-family DNA polymerase-independent gap-filling translesion synthesis across aristolochic acid-derived adenine adducts in mouse cells

Translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) operates when replicative polymerases are blocked by DNA lesions. To investigate the mechanism of mammalian TLS, we employed a plasmid bearing a single 7-(deoxyadenosine-N6-yl)-aristolactam I (dA-AL-I) adduct, which is generated by the human carcinogen, aristolochic acid I, and genetically engineered mouse embryonic fibroblasts. This lesion induces A to T transversions at a high frequency. The simultaneous knockouts of the Polh, Poli and Polk genes did not influence the TLS efficiency or the coding property of dA-AL-I, indicating that an unknown DNA polymerase(s) can efficiently catalyze the insertion of a nucleotide opposite the adduct and subsequent extension. Similarly, knockout of the Rev1 gene did not significantly affect TLS. However, knockout of the Rev3l gene, coding for the catalytic subunit of polζ, drastically suppressed TLS and abolished dA-AL-I to T transversions. The results support the idea that Rev1 is not essential for the cellular TLS functions of polζ in mammalian cells. Furthermore, the frequency of dA-AL-I to T transversion was affected by a sequence context, suggesting that TLS, at least in part, contributes to the formation of mutational hot and cold spots observed in aristolochic acid-induced cancers.