cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Global Balance of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide, the most abundant air pollutant found in the atmosphere, generally exceeds that of all other pollutants combined (excluding CO2). Carbon monoxide is principally a man-made pollutant. Of the estimated 102 million tons of CO emitted in the U.S.A. during 1968 more than 90 × 106 tons were emitted from major technological sources. The motor vehicle contributed approximately 63% of the man-made CO emissions or about 58% of CO from all sources in the U.S.A. and also represents the largest single source of CO globally.
Isolation, characterization and expression of the eclosion hormone gene of Drosophila melanogaster

Eclosion hormone (EH) is a neuropeptide that triggers the performance of ecdysis behaviors at the end of a molt. We have isolated the EH gene from Drosophila melanogaster, and localized the gene to the right arm of chromosome 3 at band position 90B1-2. The 97-amino-acid translation product contains a signal peptide followed by a 73-amino-acid prohormone. The N-terminus of the prohormone has diverged from lepidopteran EH both in its length and amino acid composition, and contains a potential endoproteolytic cleavage site. The deduced sequence of Drosophila EH is 58% identical (36 of 62 amino acids) to that of Manduca EH. The EH gene is expressed as a 0.8-kb transcript in a single pair of brain neurons which extend their processes the entire length of the central nervous system and also to the corpora cardiaca portion of the ring gland. These cells show massive depletion of immunoreactive EH at ecdysis.
Does Medicare benefit the poor

Abstract Measuring the progressivity of age-targeted government programs is difficult because no single data set measures income and benefit use throughout life. Previous research, using zip code as a proxy for lifetime income, has found that Medicare benefits flow primarily to the most economically advantaged groups, and that the financial returns to Medicare are often higher for the rich than the poor. However, our analysis produces the starkly opposed result that Medicare is an extraordinarily progressive public program, in dollar terms or welfare terms. These new results owe themselves to our measurement of socioeconomic status as an individual's education, rather than the geographically aggregated measures of income used by previous research. We argue that individual education has important practical and conceptual advantages over geographically aggregated measures of income. Our results suggest the crucial importance of accurate poverty measurement in evaluating the progressivity of complex government programs like Medicare or Social Security.
Syndecan-4 dependent FGF stimulation of mouse vibrissae growth

Abstract The development, maintenance and regeneration of epithelial appendages such as hairs or vibrissae depend on reciprocal interactions between the epidermal and the dermal components of the integument. Growth factors are among a number of signaling molecules that have been identified during these developmental events. Growth factors such as fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) bind cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) on their heparan sulfate side chains and as such these proteoglycans act as co-receptors for FGF receptors (FGFRs) by forming a ternary signaling complex of HSPG, FGFR and FGF. The syndecans make up a family (syndecan-1–4) of transmembrane HSPGs. In the present study we examined the growth response of mouse vibrissae to HSPG-binding growth factors as a function of the presence or absence of syndecan-4 in an organ culture system. Syndecan-4 is expressed on keratinocytes that make up the inner root sheath of the vibrissa. Vibrissae from wild-type mice, but not from syndecan-4 null mice, displayed a statistically significant and dose-dependent growth response to FGF-1, FGF-2 and FGF-7. In contrast, a statistically significant growth response is seen in vibrissae from both wild-type and syndecan-4 null mice when the culture medium is supplemented with either hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) that binds to HSPG, insulin that does not bind to HSPG or 5% fetal bovine serum. The syndecan-4 dependent effect of FGF-1, -2 and -7 on the transcriptional activity of IRS expressed genes and of genes involved in cell proliferation reveals a number of different response patterns. In vivo, the vibrissae of syndecan-4 null mice are shorter and have a smaller diameter than those of wild-type mice and this phenotype may result from a suboptimal response to growth factors. Syndecan-1, which is expressed in the outer root sheath of the vibrissae shaft, does not influence the response of the vibrissae to FGF-1, -2 and -7 and the length and diameter of vibrissae of syndecan-1 null mice do not differ from those of wild-type mice.
T-cell activation through immunological synapses and kinapses

T-cell activation requires 'contact' with antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to bring the T-cell receptor (TCR) and antigenic major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-peptide complex together. Contact is defined by the size of the TCR and MHC-peptide complex, which at approximately 13 nm requires extensive interdigitation of the glycocalyx of the T cell and APC. T cells may be activated through formation of a stable T cell-APC junction, referred to as an immunological synapse. It has also been shown in vitro that T cells can integrate signals from APCs without a stable interaction. In vivo imaging studies supported the importance of both motile and stable T cell-APC interactions in T-cell priming. We have found that stability depends not upon turning off motile machinery but by symmetrization of force-generating structures to balance forces and hold the cell in place. Motility is induced by breaking this symmetry, which may be necessary to maintain the differentiation potential of the T cell. Recently, we also discovered a mode of T-cell signaling leading to tolerance in vivo based purely on motile interactions. Because this entire process takes place in a state of continuous T-cell kinesis, I propose the term 'kinapse' for motile T cell-APC contacts leading to signaling. Synapses and kinapses are inter-convertible by symmetrization/symmetry breaking processes, and both modes appear to be involved in normal T-cell priming. Imbalance of synapse/kinapse states may lead to immunopathology.
Pressure Dependence of Diffusion in Polymers

The pressure dependence of diffusion of vapors In polymer films arises not only from the concentration dependence of the diffusion coefficient, D, but also because D can vary with the mean pressure within the film. For sufficiently large organic molecule vapors for which a free volume theory of diffusion is applicable one expects that this latter pressure dependence can be obtained also from the pressure dependence of the free volume of the polymer-vapor system.
Regional Spread of Auricular and Periauricular Cutaneous Malignancies

Over 90% of all cutaneous malignancies occur in the head and neck. Malignancies involving the external auditory meatus, auricle, and periauricular region are notoriously difficult to control. The morbidity and mortality associated with extension of these malignancies underscore the importance of complete initial removal. We present 14 patients who underwent excision of periauricular lesions. All lesions were less than 2 cm in diameter and previously excised with negative margins. These patients were subsequently referred for regional disease. Twenty-nine percent of the patients failed definitive surgical therapy. We examine the indications for regional lymphadenectomy in the treatment of auricular and periauricular cutaneous malignancies.
CD-SEM suitability for CD metrology of modern photomasks

The requirements of the semiconductor industry, as evidenced by the SIA roadmap, are driving the reticle development cycle at an ever-increasing rate. With the current trends towards employing optical proximity corrections (OPC) to features to improve image transfer to the wafer, as well as development of phase shift masks (PSM), both targeting to extend the range of optical lithography, even more emphasis is being placed on photomask quality. Along with enhanced performance pattern generation and inspection tools, metrology tools capabilities need to be up to the task. This paper chronicles the development and optimization of a CD-SEM (Critical Dimension - - Scanning Electron Microscope) as a metrology tool for mask production. Accuracy, linearity and precision were investigated with the emphasis on improving both dynamic and static precision. Algorithm evaluation was focused at improving the confidence in the measurement, and its correlation with the on-wafer CD. Accuracy was compared to pitch values written by an advanced e-beam lithography tool as well as an AFM. New algorithms were developed to address the growing requirement in two-dimensional metrology, as well as pattern fidelity issues that are facing the mask industry.
Effects of prey quantity on predatory wasps ( Polistes dominulus ) when patch quality differs

To determine the effects of prey quantity on central-place foraging of predatory wasps (Polistes dominulus), prey of varying quality were distributed in patches. A field experiment was conducted, which controlled the amount and quality of prey available. 'Low-fed' colonies were provided with one-third the quantity of prey as that of 'high-fed' colonies. Both were provided with a 1:1 ratio of palatable:unpalatable prey. Experienced wasps of the high-fed colonies never selected unpalatable prey as their first choice of the day, whereas those of the low-fed colonies selected unpalatable prey as their first choice about 1:4 times. In general, wasps from the high-fed colonies reduced palatable patches to zero prey before exploiting unpalatable patches. Foundresses of high-fed colonies captured disproportionately more palatable prey than those of low-fed nests, but there was no correlation between ratio of palatable to unpalatable prey taken and the number of offspring produced. Wasps from low-fed colonies attacked unpalatable prey sooner, but not without considerable effort to avoid use of those patches. Foundresses of low-fed colonies also spent a greater proportion of time overall in unsuccessful search, which may explain why only wasps from low-fed colonies foraged on cool days. High-fed colonies produced more cells and more and heavier offspring than low-fed colonies. But the productivity of the low-fed colonies was greater than that of the 'natural' colonies, which had to find their own prey in a field-woodland area. These results indicate that prey scarcity changes foraging behavior and affects prey choice. These changes may not totally alleviate negative effects of unpalatable prey on colony development and offspring production. The results of this study increase understanding of the central-place foraging behavior of paper wasps, which are important biocontrol agents in natural and agricultural settings.
Crystal and molecular structure of dithiobiuret

The crystal and molecular structure of dithiobiuret (S2C2N3H5) has been determined and refined from 1020 intensities measured by counter techniques at room temperature. The full-matrix refinement, including anisotropic temperature factors for the non-hydrogen atoms and isotropic temperature factors for the hydrogen atoms, converged to a finalR of 0·033. The structure consists of almost planar molecules in thetrans configuration with essentially only van der Waals interactions between molecules. The two independent C-S distances are 1·702(3) and 1·673(3) A. The internal C-N distances are 1·386(4) and 1·367(4) A, whereas the external C-N distances are 1·331(4) and 1·309(4) A. The unit cell parameters area = 4·081(1),b = 17·684(5),c = 8·222(3) A and β = 100·56(2) °;Z = 4,Dm =Dc = 1·54 gcm−3; the space group isP21/c.
dc conductivity of tetrathiofulvalene bromide ( TTF − Br n ) and TTF- I n single crystals

Tetrathiofulvalene (TTF) combines with the halogens to form crystals with interesting electrical properties due to the segregated stacking of the TTF molecules. The monoclinic forms of TTF-${\mathrm{I}}_{n}$ and TTF-${\mathrm{Br}}_{n}$ ($n\ensuremath{\sim}0.7$) have a high conductivity [100-550 ${(\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$] which is almost temperature independent for a very broad region near room temperature but display a thermally activated conductivity at low temperature. Unlike monoclinic TTF-${\mathrm{Br}}_{n}$, monoclinic TTF-${\mathrm{I}}_{n}$ displays a strong hysteresis in its conductivity upon temperature cycling. The conductivity of the orthorhombic form of TTF-${\mathrm{I}}_{n}$ ($n=2$) is about five orders of magnitude lower than the monoclinic form at room temperature and is thermally activated over the entire temperature range.
Polyamide Nucleic Acid Targeted to the Primer Binding Site of the HIV-1 RNA Genome Blocks in Vitro HIV-1 Reverse Transcription†

We report here that polyamide nucleic acid (PNA) as well as a polyamide nucleic acid-DNA chimera complementary to the primer binding site of the HIV-1 genome can completely block priming by tRNA3Lys and consequently the in vitro initiation of reverse transcription by HIV-1 RT. Conventional heating and cooling is not required for annealing PNA analogs to the complementary nucleotide sequence as effective blockage of reverse transcription results from their invasion in the duplex region of preprimed U5-PBS HIV-1 RNA template-primer and was seen even at ambient temperature. Further, the extension of the initiated nascent (-) strand DNA can also be blocked by inclusion of another PNA, targeted to upstream sequences in the U5 region of the viral RNA. Interestingly, a PNA chimera having only two DNA nucleotides annealed with the U5-PBS RNA is recognized as a bonafide primer by HIV-1 RT, as the 3'OH end of the chimeric molecule is extended by the enzyme in the presence of dNTPs. A significant observation was that RNA/PNA or RNA/(PNA-DNA) hybrids were entirely resistant to the RNase H activity of HIV-1 RT. Furthermore, PNA invasion into the RNA/DNA hybrid completely prevented the cleavage of the RNA strand, suggesting that the RNase H activity of HIV-1 RT which was required in reverse transcription may also be inhibited by the PNA oligomer. These observations suggest that oligomeric PNAs targeted to various critical regions of the viral genome are likely to have strong therapeutic potential for interrupting multiple steps involved in the replication of HIV-1 and warrant serious investigation especially in the area of an effective delivery system.
A performance study of plasma source ion-implanted tools versus high-speed steel tools

Abstract The performance of plasma source ion implanted high-speed tools was compared to untreated high-speed steel tools in a test that was modeled after actual manufacturing usage. Studies had shown that plasma source ion implantation improved the wear characteristics of materials, this experiment was done to determine if ion implantation could be used to improve the wear life of cutting tools. A set of 12 M2 high-speed steel turning tools was implanted with 45 keV at 2 khz frequency with a peak value of 30 amps of N+ resulting in a retained dosage of 2.5 e17 at/cm2 using plasma source ion implantation. The 12 tools where compared to 12 unimplanted tools using a simple turning operation on 4140 steel. The implanted tools exhibited an increase in wear resistance by a factor of 2 over the unimplanted tools.
Instanton effects on light-quark spectroscopy

Abstract We investigate the effects of small instatons on mass levels of hadrons containing massless u and d quarks. The calculations are carried out within the framework of the MIT bag model. The result is a small decrease of the N and Λ masses and a strong increase of the η and decrease of the π masses. The various mass shifts are related by group-theoretic coefficients which we explain and calculate. We interpret the strong binding that we find for the pion as the term which turns that bag state into a Nambu-Goldstone boson.
Odontologic and periodontal diseases

Abstract The oral mucosa is not uncommonly involved in dermatologic disease. In fact, mucosal lesions may be the presenting manifestations of cutaneous disease, however, since a significant number of mucosal lesions may affect the epithelium and mucosa surrounding the teeth, the clinical appearance of such lesions may occasionally be confused with the dental changes associated with periodontal disease. It thus behooves the dermatologist, as well as others involved in diagnosing and treating conditions with oral manifestations, to be able to recognize the signs of odontologic and periodontal diseases and to distinguish them from other conditions. Moreover, early detection of odontologie and periodontal diseases by nondental professionals can result in earlier triage for appropriate therapy and may contribute to significantly preventing the complications of these diseases. To this end, the following chapter reviews essential dental anatomy and pathology.
Integrated micro 4f-optical imaging system for the characteriztion of mesoscopic DOEs

ABSTRACTIn this paper we present the design and characterization of a micro 4f optical imaging system for thepurpose of characterizing mesoscopic diffractive optical elements. To this end, we demonstrate the systems' ability to measure very small variations in diffraction intensity with high resolution. Because thesystem is illuminated by both coherent and incoherent sources, we characterize the cutoff frequency andmodulation transfer function to determine the spatial resolution of the system. The system is validated bycomparing measured results to theoretical predictions. 1. INTRODUCTION In recent years, the ability to fabricate optical devices on both the micro and nanometer scales has become widespread and, to some extent, even commercially available. During this time, significant advanceshave also occurred in the ability to design such small-scale devices [1]. However, what is currently lacking is the ability to characterize these devices and, to this end, compare the designed performance to
On factoring the polyvariance operator

The minimum phase factorization of bounded Hermitian operators (covariance operators) is an essential ingredient in linear filtering and stochastic control. In a recent article the author studied an analogous class of polynomic filtering and stochastic control problems. The present study uses the concept of a Hilbert scale to establish a minimum phase factorization procedure for the polynomic setting. The linear theory is carried over in its entirety.
Collisional-radiative non-equilibrium in high-temperature helium

A stationary, nonlinear collisional-radiative model for determination of production of electrons, excited atoms and atomic line intensities for high-temperature helium is presented. The populations of several atomic levels and the intensities of spectral and continuum lines are calculated in a wide range of conditions (Te = 12,000-22,000 K, Nt = 10 to the 12 - 10 to the 20th per cu cm. Transport of radiation is included by coupling the rate equations for production of the electrons and excited atoms with the radiation escape factors which are not constant but depend on plasma conditions.
Transport algorithms for premixed, laminar steady-state flames

Abstract The effects of different methods of approximating multispecies transport phenomena in models of premixed, laminar, steady-state flames have been studied. Five approximation methods that span a wide range of computational complexity are developed. Identical data for individual species properties have been used for each method. Each approximation method is employed in the numerical solution of a set of five H 2 O 2 N 2 flames. For each flame the computed species and temperature profiles, as well as the computed flame speeds are found to be very nearly independent of the approximation method used. This does not indicate that transport phenomena are unimportant, but rather that the selection of the input values for the individual species transport properties is more important than the selection of the method used to approximate the multispecies transport. Based on these results we have developed a sixth approximation method that is computationally efficient and which provides results extremely close to the most sophisticated and precise method used.
A deep framework for bacterial image segmentation and classification

Bacterial image segmentation and classification is an important problem because bacterial appearance can vary dramatically based on environmental conditions. Further, newly isolated species may exhibit phenotypes previously unseen. Conventionally, biologists identify bacteria using colony morphology, biochemical properties, or molecular phylogenetic approaches. However, these phylogenetic classification approaches do not provide predictive information about the colony morphology that is expected to result from the growth of these bacteria on agar, or how these morphological phenotypes might vary in the presence of other bacterial species. In this paper, we propose a framework to automatically identify and classify regions of bacterial colony images and correspond them across different images from different contexts. Importantly, this approach does not require prior knowledge of species' appearances. Rather, our method assumes that images contain one or more bacteria from a pool of bacteria, and learns morphological features relevant to distinguishing between bacteria in this pool. Our method first segments the image into regions covering the bacterial colonies, agar, plate, and various border artefacts. To achieve this, we use an unsupervised deep learning technique, Convolutional Deep Belief Network (CDBN). This technique provides a deep representation of small image patches. Using this high-level representation instead of raw pixel intensities, we train a support vector machine (SVM). The trained SVM accurately classifies foreground and background patches. Once the foreground patches are identified, we train a supervised deep learning method, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), that predicts which bacterial colonies from the pool occur in a query image. Experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms other classical methods on segmentation and classification.
Predicting Yarn Processing Performance from the Noncellulosic Content of Raw Cottons

Noncellulosic materials on raw cottons can influence spinning performance. Chemical and physical tests are conducted on a series of nonsticky single-season upland cottons originating from three U.S. growing areas. Relationships are determined between yarn production performance and efficiency and fiber frictional and physical properties as well as nonfibrous material content for three different spinning systems. Fiber micronaire significantly influences results. Increases in yarn strength correlate with increasing levels of total fiber alcohol surface extractables, wax, and potassium content. Processing ends down increases in ring and open-end spinning and decreases in vortex spinning as fiber alcohol surface extractables, wax, and light metal content increase. Ends down decrease in ring an open-end spinning and increase in vortex spinning as the HVI trash measurement increases. Uster yarn evenness neps and thick and thin places decrease in ring and open-end and increase in vortex yarns as alcohol surface extractables increase. Fiber yellowness and grayness increase as concentrations of the metals potassium, magnesium, and iron increase.
Pattern of Folded Folds in the Appalachian Piedmont Along Susquehanna River

Structural details are presented for 22 key stations along a 30-mile cross section of the Pennsylvania Piedmont along the Susquehanna River. Three major cleavages, S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , with associated folds F 1 , F 2 , F 3 , vary systematically and independently in orientation across the region. The pattern seems to have developed by successive superposition of three deformations, D 1 , D 2 , and D 3 , each involving a characteristic style of yield. The oldest deformation, D 1 , utilized mechanisms of flowage and isoclinal folding to create the dominant schistosity of the region. In the southeast the F 1 axial planes and the associated S 1 dip steeply to the southeast but flatten northwestward to become part of a recumbent fold system suggestive of northwestward tectonic transport from a root zone in the southeast. The D 2 deformation has uniform orientations across the region and is characterized by slip folding along S 2 . As the largest F 2 structure, the Tucquan anticline involves folding of basement in the Mine Ridge area. Evidence of D 3 appears only in the extreme northwest and southeast of the Susquehanna section. The extreme southeast is characterized by intense F 3 slip folds with northwest-dipping axial planes becoming steeper to the northwest. In the extreme northwest D 3 is marked by nearly vertical S 3 fracture cleavage planes. With changing lithology the deformation planes vary in development and style but not in local orientation. All deformations cross the classic Martic Line without change, indicating that this contact predates all major folding. The over-all style of deformation seems to change with time from predominant flow to predominant fracture, and from nappelike flowage of sedimentary rocks o t basement involvement.
Hemodynamics of Stenotic Infrainguinal Vein Grafts: Theoretic Considerations

We developed a theoretic model of arterial stenosis to study the relationship between perfusion pressure and regional hemodynamics in stenotic infrainguinal vein grafts in an attempt to identify grafts at high risk for failure. Our model was based on the concept of energy and mass conservation of the flowing blood. We used the modified Bernoulli equation (ΔP=4ΔV2) to calculate the maximum possible intrastenotic peak systolic velocity (PSV) from the systolic blood pressure. PSV was measured by means of duplex ultrasonography in infrainguinal bypasses up to the time of revision (nine grafts) or spontaneous thrombosis (two grafts). We related arm systolic blood pressure, intrastenotic PSV, and prestenotic PSV obtained from duplex examinations conducted prior to graft thrombosis or revision and applied our model to these stenotic vein grafts. Intrastenotic PSV was consistently lower than maximum PSV predicted from the Bernoulli equation. The highest measured intrastenotic PSV of 600 cm/sec would require a minimum perfusion pressure of 144 mm Hg. The lowest measured PSV (20 cm/sec) was considered the minimum “thrombotic threshold velocity.” This model predicts that for parabolic profile flow in an 80% diameter-reducing axisymmetric stenosis (96% cross-sectional area reduction), a prestenotic PSV of 20 cm/sec would produce an intrastenotic PSV of 500 cm/sec requiring the equivalent potential energy of 100 mm Hg systolic blood pressure. Our theory implies that in patients with nocturnal hypotension thrombosis of stenotic vein grafts may occur.
The Equivalence of K(Ic) and J(Ic) Fracture-Toughness Measurements in Ni-Cr-Mo Steels.

Several series of fracture-toughness measurements were made in 4340 type steels, using both the standardKIc test method and theJIc test method described by Landes and Begley.KIc results andJIc results converted toKIc units are nearly identical for a given steel over a range of specimen size. The fracture toughness of steels produced by vacuum-degassing, remelt, and airmelt processes are compared over a range of yield stress. SimplifiedJIc test procedures are suggested for use with Ni−Cr−Mo steels within certain ranges of yield stress and specimen geometry.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Definition and Implications of Structural Determinants of Airflow Obstruction for Epidemiology

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be defined as a process characterized by the presence of chronic bronchitis or emphysema that may lead to the development of airways obstruction; airways obstruction need not be present at all stage of the process and may be partially reversible. The pathologic changes in the lungs due to smoking affect three regions: the bronchi, bronchioles, and parenchyma. The bronchi show enlargement of the submucosal glands with dilation of their ducts; infiltration with neutrophils and lymphocytes is present but not prominent. Respiratory bronchiolitis is observed in persons smoking for only a few years; the membranous bronchioles show a mix of inflammation, luminal mucus, goblet cell metaplasia, and distortion due to fibrosis and loss of alveolar attachments. The lung parenchyma shows centrilobular emphysema. Bronchial changes are only weakly related to airflow obstruction but bronchiolar changes are also related. The relation between airflow limitation and bronchiolitis is progressively harder to show as the severity of emphysema increases because of the dominant role of emphysema in causing airflow obstruction. Emphysema is the predominant lesion in persons with severe airflow obstruction due to COPD. The diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide is related to the severity of emphysema but is nonspecific and is mildly abnormal in smokers without emphysema. The compliance of the lungs of smokers is decreased even when a emphysema and airflow limitation are mild. Standard epidemiologic tools do not differentiate emphysema from other causes of airflow obstruction. Most persons dying of COPD will have severe emphysema.
Impacts of sedimentation and nitrogen enrichment on wetland plant community development

Many factors influence which plant species are found in a particular wetland. The species pool is composed of the species present in the seed bank and species able to disperse into the wetland, and many abiotic and biotic factors interact to influence a species performance and abundance in the plant community. Anthropogenic activities produce specific stressors on wetland systems that alter these abiotic and biotic interactions, potentially altering species composition. We simulated three common wetland hydrogeomorphic (HGM) subclasses in a greenhouse to examine the effects of two stressors-sedimentation and nitrogen (N) enrichment-on the performance of 8 species grown in artificial communities. Species establishment, height, biomass, and foliar N and P concentrations were measured to explore species responses to stressors and competition, as well as the potential impacts of changes in species composition on ecosystem processes. Species were affected differently by sedimentation and N enrichment, and there were differences in overall community sensitivity to stressors between wetland subclasses. Sedimentation generally reduced seedling establishment, while N enrichment produced variable effects on height and biomass. Interspecific competition had little effect on establishment but significantly reduced most species biomass. Sedimentation generally lowered community biomass, diversity, and richness, while enrichment increased community biomass. Establishment, biomass, and foliar nutrient concentrations significantly differed between many species, suggesting that shifts in species composition may impact ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling and carbon storage. Phalaris arundinacea, an aggressive clonal graminoid, universally dominated all wetland subclasses. This dominance across a range of environmental conditions (sedimentation, fertility, and hydrology) has important implications for both restoration and predicting the impacts of human activities on species composition. Our results suggest that, in regions where P. arundinacea is common, restoration projects that establish communities from seeds and human activities that cause vegetation removal are likely to become dominated by P. arundinacea.
Understanding the limitations of next generation sequencing informatics, an approach to clinical pipeline validation using artificial data sets

The advantages of massively parallel sequencing are quickly being realized through the adoption of comprehensive genomic panels across the spectrum of genetic testing. Despite such widespread utilization of next generation sequencing (NGS), a major bottleneck in the implementation and capitalization of this technology remains in the data processing steps, or bioinformatics. Here we describe our approach to defining the limitations of each step in the data processing pipeline by utilizing artificial amplicon data sets to simulate a wide spectrum of genomic alterations. Through this process, we identified limitations of insertion, deletion (indel), and single nucleotide variant (SNV) detection using standard approaches and described novel strategies to improve overall somatic mutation detection. Using these artificial data sets, we were able to demonstrate that NGS assays can have robust mutation detection if the data can be processed in a way that does not lead to large genomic alterations landing in the unmapped data (i.e., trash). By using these pipeline modifications and a new variant caller, AbsoluteVar, we have been able to validate SNV mutation detection to 100% sensitivity and specificity with an allele frequency as low 4% and detection of indels as large as 90 bp. Clinical validation of NGS relies on the ability for mutation detection across a wide array of genetic anomalies, and the utility of artificial data sets demonstrates a mechanism to intelligently test a vast array of mutation types.
Chronic ethanol exposure enhances AMPA-elicited Ca2+ signals in the somatic and dendritic regions of cerebellar Purkinje neurons.

Abstract Intracellular Ca 2+ signals produced by the glutamate receptor agonist α -amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA; 5 μM) were measured in the somatic and dendritic regions of cerebellar Purkinje neurons in mature cerebellar control cultures (≥20 days in vitro) and cultures chronically treated with 32 mM ethanol (146 mg%; 8–11 days). Recordings were made in physiological saline without ethanol. The mean peak amplitude of the Ca 2+ signal elicited by AMPA (applied by brief 1-s microperfusion) in the somatic region was enhanced 38% in chronic ethanol-treated Purkinje neurons compared with control neurons. In contrast, Ca 2+ signals evoked by AMPA in the dendritic region were similar in magnitude between control and chronic ethanol-treated Purkinje neurons. When tetrodotoxin (TTX; 500 nM) was included in the bath saline to block spike activity and synaptically-generated events, the mean peak amplitude of the Ca 2+ signal elicited by AMPA was enhanced 60% in both the somatic and dendritic regions of chronic ethanol-treated Purkinje neurons compared with control neurons. Thus, TTX-sensitive mechanisms (i.e., spike or synaptic activity) appear to play a role in normalizing neuronal functions involved in Ca 2+ signaling in the chronic ethanol-treated neurons. In parallel current clamp experiments, the resting membrane potential of chronic ethanol-treated neurons was slightly depolarized compared with control neurons. However, no differences were found between control and chronic ethanol-treated Purkinje neurons in input resistance or the peak amplitude or duration of the depolarizations or hyperpolarizations elicited by AMPA. AMPA receptors mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission in the majority of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and Ca 2+ signals in response to AMPA receptor activation contribute to synaptic function. Thus, our results suggest that modulation of Ca 2+ signals to AMPA receptor activation (or other cellular inputs) may provide an important mechanism contributing to the actions of prolonged ethanol exposure in the CNS.
A comparative ultrastructural analysis of the third cerebral ventricle of the North American mink (Mustela vison).

The third ventricular walls and floor of male and female mink (Mustela vison) were analyzed with comparative light microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Distinct regional fine structural variations were noted in the appearance of the dorsal, middle third and lower portions of the ventricular wall and floor. These variations were characterized by an abrupt decrease in the density of ciliated ependymal surfaces in the middle one-third of the ventricular wall. The ventral walls and floor of the lateral and infundibular recesses displayed smoother contours with numerous bleb-like protrusions and blunt villiform processes. Occasionally multipolar neuron-like cells were observed to lie upon the floor of the infundibular recess. Speculation is raised relative to the differing functional capacities of these various ventricular areas.
Novel nonlinear three-dimensional distributed nano-structures with single-wall carbon nanotubes

The nonlinear optical properties of three-dimensional, distributed, nanostructures made of p-n junctions and composed of doped carbon nanotubes, in addition to carbon nanotubes/conductive polymers structures, were studied.
Comparison of the toxicity and tissue distribution of cadmium in newborn and adult rats after repeated administration.

Abstract Male rats, 4 days or 7 weeks of age, were given seven sc injections of either saline (2 ml/kg) or 2 or 3 mg Cd/kg once every other day. Twelve to sixteen hours after the last injection, the animals were sacrificed and renal function was determined by measuring the in vitro uptake of p-aminohippurate by renal cortical slices, the plasma levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen, and the urinary excretion of glucose and protein. In addition, the morphology of various tissues was examined by light microscopy. The renal function tests mentioned above did not show any difference between the saline- and cadmium-treated rats at either age. However, histopathologically there was minor renal damage in the young adult rats treated with 3 mg Cd/kg. In the young adult rats treated with 2 mg Cd/kg and in the newborn rats treated with either doses of cadmium, there was no difference in the histopathology of the kidney compared with that in the salinetreated controls at the same ages. Cadmium at both doses caused extensive necrosis in the testes of adult rats, but not in newborn rats. In contrast, cadmium did not produce any observable changes in the morphology of other tissues at either age. The concentration of cadmium in the kidney, liver, adrenal, spleen, and heart of newborns treated with cadmium was lower than that of adults at comparable dosages. There was no difference in the concentration of cadmium in the testes, skeletal muscle and plasma of young adult and newborn rats. The concentration of cadmium in the lung, bone, brain, and blood of newborn rats was higher than that of young adults. There is an age difference in both the toxicity and tissue distribution of cadmium after subchronic administration to rats.
Visual Pigments in Single Rods and Cones of the Human Retina

Difference spectra of the visual pigments have been measured in single rods and cones of a parafoveal region of the human retina. Rods display an absorption maximum (lambdamax) at about 505 mmicro associated with rhodopsin. Three kinds of cones were measured: a blue-sensitive cone with Amaxe about 450 mpf; two green-sensitive cones with Xmaa about 525 mumicro; and a red-sensitive cone with lambdamax about 555 mmicro These are presumably samples of the three types of cone responsible for human color vision.
Properties of high alumina cement paste reinforced with mica flakes

Abstract The influence of small amounts of high aspect ratio mica flakes on the high alumina cement matrices is reported. Significant increases in flexural strength and fracture toughness were observed in mica-high alumina cement composites; the dependence of strength and fracture toughness of these composites on porosity and volume concentration of mica flakes was established. Compressive strength decreases with the addition of mica flakes.
Association of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies With Resistance to Treatment of Left-Sided Ulcerative Colitis: Results of a Pilot Study

Objective To determine the frequency of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies with perinuclear staining in patients with treatment-resistant left-sided ulcerative colitis. Methods We studied four groups: treatment-resistant left-sided ulcerative colitis, treatment-responsive left-sided ulcerative colitis, ulcerative colitis historical controls, and healthy control subjects. Antineotrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and positive results were confirmed by demonstration of a perinuclear staining pattern by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Results The frequency of perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies was significantly greater in treatment-resistant left-sided ulcerative colitis (90x) than in treatment-responsive left-sided ulcerative colitis (62x) (P x 0.03) or in ulcerative colitis historical controls (60x). Conclusion The increased frequency of perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in treatment-resistant left-sided ulcerative colitis suggests a possible association between these antibodies and relative resistance to medical therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Oviposition site preference inNeacoryphus bicrucis (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae): Responses to the density and dispersion of a single host-plant species

Caged females of Neacoryphus bicrucis(Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) were permitted to settle upon and oviposit within a small or large ragwort patch, each of which contained both maturing (= adult food/water source) and dehisced (=oviposition substrate/resource for nymphs) flower heads. The proportion of females settling in the large patch was significantly greater than for the small patch but not significantly greater than expected based on the proportion of maturing flower heads contained in each patch. Also, the number of egg masses laid in each patch was proportional to the number of females that settled there. However, egg mass size was significantly skewed toward larger numbers of eggs in the larger patch. Within the large patch egg mass size was significantly larger where the number of dehisced flower heads was greater and accounts for the between-patch difference in number of eggs per mass. Thus, female settlement does not demonstrate a resource concentration effect but females do appear to evaluate patches after settlement with regard to suitability for oviposition.
Does Search‐Facilitating Technology Improve the Transparency of Financial Reporting?

XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) is an emerging technology that facilitates directed searches and simultaneous presentation of related financial statement and footnote information. We investigate whether using an XBRL‐enhanced search engine helps nonprofessional financial statement users acquire and integrate related financial information when making an investment decision. We conduct our investigation in the context of recognition versus disclosure of stock option compensation. Our results reveal that many users do not access the technology, but those who do use it are better able to acquire and integrate information. Specifically, we find that when stock option accounting varies between firms, the use of an XBRL‐enhanced search engine increases the likelihood that individuals acquire information about stock option compensation disclosed in the footnotes. We also find that XBRL helps individuals integrate the implications of this information, resulting in different investment decisions betwe...
The impact of locomotor energetics on mammalian foraging

The ecological impact of energy expended on an activity stems from its effect on foraging requirements. For locomotion, the effect of moving each additional unit distance probably depends on the proportional increase in energy expenditure. Other common measures of the cost of locomotion do not reflect the impact of energy expenditure on foraging requirements. In terrestrial mammals, both the effect of body mass and the unit cost itself are very small: moving one kilometre requires less than 2% of all other energy expenditures combined. Total locomotor energy expenditure ranges from 1/2% of daily metabolism for a 10 g mammal to 6% for an elephant. Potential sources of bias in the estimation of these costs include systematic bias in estimates of distance traversed and extra energy required for non-linear locomotion. Because larger mammals can readily locomote at greater speeds, the primary locomotor advantage of large size may not be conservation of energy but of time, which can mean greater safety and more or better food.
Serum nitrate and nitrite in dogs with spontaneous cardiac disease.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether nitric oxide (NO) concentrations are high in dogs with chronic valvular disease (CVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) compared to healthy controls and to determine whether NO concentrations are correlated with type of cardiac disease, disease severity, medical therapy, or serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1). Blood was collected from 32 dogs with DCM, from 10 dogs with CVD, and from 10 healthy controls. Indirect determination of NO concentrations was performed by a commercial photoabsorbance assay that uses a Greiss reagent to measure the concentration of nitrite and nitrate (NN), end products of NO metabolism. TNF and IL-1 activities were measured by bioassay. Mean NN concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with heart disease (median, 4.57 microM; range, 0.00-31.05 microM) than in controls (median, 0.00 microM; range, 0.00-6.16 microM; P = .04). NN concentrations in dogs with cardiac disease were not correlated with type or severity of cardiac disease, medication type, or TNF and IL-1 concentrations. NN concentrations were inversely correlated with fractional shortening. The results of this study suggest that metabolites of NO are increased in some dogs with cardiac disease, but these increases appear to be independent of disease severity, TNF and IL-1 concentrations, and type of pharmacologic intervention.
Bacterial Assimilation of iron

(1973). Bacterial Assimilation of iron. CRC Critical Reviews in Microbiology: Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 273-331.
GPSFR: GPS-Free Geographic Routing Protocol for Intelligent Vehicles

Intelligent vehicles can improve safety by communicating critical road hazard and traffic information among vehicles in the roadway. In this paper, we propose a novel routing protocol called GPS-free geographic routing (GPSFR) for inter-vehicle communication. It does not require position information (e.g. from GPS) but instead rely on relative position that can be determined dynamically. The proposed method focuses primarily on the complexity of rural highways and solves problems that arise when vehicles are near interchanges, curves, and merge or exit lanes of highways. GPSFR greedily chooses the best next hop neighbor based on a balance advance (BADV) metric that balances between proximity and link stability due to relative velocity. Our simulation results show that by taking relative velocity into account, GPSFR reduces link breakage frequency to only 27% that of GPSR in the best case, and 70% in the worst case. Furthermore, the average path length of GPSFR is similar to that of GPSR about 80% of the time.
Simple data-driven modeling of brushes

We present a new and simple data-driven technique for modeling 3D brushes for use in realistic painting programs. Our technique simplifies and accelerates simulation of the constrained dynamics of brushes by using a small lookup table that efficiently encodes the range of feasible constrained states. The result is a brush model which runs an order of magnitude faster than previous physics-based methods, while at the same time delivering greater deformation fidelity.