cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An improved technique to measure firn diffusivity

Abstract Gas diffusivity in snow and firn is a basic transport parameter that is important for snow-air exchange processes and for ice core interpretation of past atmospheric composition. Firn is snow that is more than one year old, and it exists over many thousands of kilometers of the polar ice sheets, comprising approximately the upper 60–120 m of the ice sheet. Because use of firn air for climate and environmental investigations is a relatively new science, and because of the difficulties in working with firn as a temperature-dependent porous material, few direct measurements of the gas diffusivity through the firn column have been made. This paper describes the development, testing, validation, and initial use of a diffusion chamber specifically designed to measure inert gas diffusivity on firn cores. A brief review of previous methods for determining gas diffusivity for various porous media is discussed. The new technique and apparatus are described. Results of validation of the technique on multiple sizes of glass beads are presented, including comparison to experimental and theoretical results from the literature. After this verification, initial results obtained from using the technique to measure the SF 6 gas diffusivity of firn samples from Summit, Greenland are presented; results ranged from 0.005 cm 2 /s to 0.033 cm 2 /s. This set of measurements is compared to the diffusivity of other natural porous media and also to the few previous measurements of gas diffusivity of firn. The improved technique offers a more direct measurement of the transport parameter than other techniques previously used, and offers good potential for future investigations aimed at understanding processes of firnification and gas trapping for ice core climate change research.
Energy Tabulation Strategies for Accelerated Monte Carlo Simulation at Multiple Length Scales

We have constructed novel coarse-grained models based on dividing biomolecular systems into rigid fragments and constructing six-dimensional tables of the interaction energy between them as a function of their relative displacement and orientation. The approach can be used for simulations on two length scales: conformational sampling within a macromolecule (e.g., protein) and interactions between elements of a multi-molecular complex (e.g., viral capsid). For conformational sampling of proteins, we tabulate interaction and solvation energies for small rigid fragments, obtained from an underlying atomistic force field. By applying potential energy smoothing techniques to these tables, we are able to improve sampling of these proteins, while maintaining secondary structure without added restraints. We use a similar tabulation strategy, based on an underlying coarse-grained model, to study interactions among hepatitis B capsid subunit dimers, treating each entire dimer as a rigid fragment. The tables reduce the computation time of the capsid simulations by 2-3 orders of magnitude, potentially enabling the study pathways for the assembly of capsids using more realistic models than previously possible.
Participants in the nuclear weapons freeze movement

Abstract Explanations of why people participate in social movements are usually ad hoc combinations of ideology, social support, and ecological factors. This survey of Californians active in the nuclear freeze movement found that rather than structural isolation, as suggested by collective behavior tradition, the participants displayed links to Democratic Party organizations and the previous anti-Vietnam War movement. At least some social movements may become institutionalized to the degree that paradigms from areas such as political sociology of institutions are needed. Social movements may have evolved beyond their earlier collective behavior origins.
Where urology and obstetrics meet: the Campaign to End Fistula

That obstetric fistula, one of the most devastating childbirth morbidities, exists in the 21st century is unconscionable when the means to prevent and treat obstetric fistula are known. Where it persists, it is a startling reminder of the vast disparities in maternal health care. Inequities in access to skilled care at delivery and caesarean section and lack of available and affordable treatment care mean that tens of thousands of new cases occur and the backlog of cases grows each year. Nurses and midwives have a key role in preventing and treating obstetric fistula. A global Campaign to End Fistula is now bringing actors together to address the neglected condition of obstetric fistula. Nurses and midwives should be engaged in the fight to end this injustice.
Distribution of kinetochore fragments during mitosis with unreplicated genomes.

When hydroxyurea and caffeine are added to Chinese hamster ovary cells, the cells bypass the S-phase checkpoint, and enter unscheduled mitosis. These cells build a morphologically normal spindle, and distribute unreplicated kinetochore fragments to daughters. We examined these cells and found that they undergo a full repertoire of mitotic stages, with the exception of anaphase B. Spindle elongation did not occur in these cells. When taxol was added, treated cells arrested indicating that microtubule turnover was necessary for kinetochore fragment separation. When released from taxol arrest, these cells divided. Finally, we determined that mitosis with unreplicated genome cells separated kinetochore fragments relatively equally. This mitosis is minimal, but still successful in kinetochore separation, which provides insight into the mechanism of anaphase movement. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An overview of integrative therapies in asthma treatment.

Treatment of asthma lends itself to an integrative medicine approach due to the multifactorial nature of the disease. It is well established that asthma has a neuromuscular component (bronchospasm), an immunological component (inflammation), and a psychological component. This encourages the use of diverse approaches to address all avenues of pathophysiology, aiming for the most effective blend of treatment approaches possible. Integrative medicine is defined by NIH NCCAM (http://nccam.nih.gov) as medicine that blends the use of evidence-based complementary therapies with conventional medicine. Statistics from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), showed that approximately four out of 10 adults and approximately one in nine children and more than 50 % of children living with chronic illness, including asthma, used complementary therapies in the USA in 2007. Asthma and allergies rank among the top 15 most common medical conditions in which integrative therapies are used in both children and adults. To date, integrative treatment approaches with some evidence for benefit in asthma treatment include the following: nutrition modification, mind-body medicine, physical activity, and certain dietary supplement interventions.
Phosphorescence caused by Active Nitrogen

IN 1904, in the Astrophysical Journal, the present writer described the spectrum of the afterglow of active nitrogen, and showed that the vapours of mercury and other metals present in the tube participated in the afterglow. Some years later the present Lord Rayleigh showed that luminosity of the vapours of many substances is excited by active nitrogen.
A stable isotope tracer method to measure silicic acid uptake by marine phytoplankton

A tracer method is described that uses the stable isotope 30Si to measure rates of silicic acid uptake by diatom cultures and natural populations of marine phytoplankton. The method involves (i) incubation of organisms requiring silicic acid for growth in the presence of 30Si-labeled silicic acid, (ii) collection of the resulting particulate silicon, (iii) conversion of the particulate silicon to BaSiF6, (iv) determination of the 30Si content of BaSiF6 by solid sample mass spectrometry, and (v) calculation of the uptake rate from the 30Si enrichment of the particulate matter during the incubation. The maximum overall error in the uptake rate measurement is ±10%.
Solution growth, structure and composition of boron carbide crystals

Abstract Boron carbide crystals, with dimensions up to several millimeters on a side and typically twinned, have been prepared by slow cooling in molten copper, palladium and platinum solutions. Despite the wide single-phase region of boron carbides prepared by solid state reactions, the lattice parameters and Raman spectra of these crystals indicate that their composition is always near 20 at.% C (“B 4 C”), independent of B:C ratio in solution or the solvent employed. Thermodynamic analysis shows that the relative instability of pure β-rhombohedral boron allows the formation of low carbon boron carbides prepared by solid state techniques. However, the reduced chemical potential of boron in these metal solutions limits the composition of the solution-grown boron carbide crystals to near B 4 C. X-ray structural refinements of these B 4 C crystals are consistent with a model of B 11 C icosahedra and CBC chains. The lattice constants, bond lengths and thermal parameters of the solution-grown B 4 C crystals show remarkably little variation between samples. Crystals utilized in a previous study have larger unit cells, suggesting a reduced carbon concentration of 15–16 at.%, and thermal factors consistent with expectations of a mixture of CBB and CBC chains at this composition.
Multidisciplinary stroke rehabilitation delivered by a humanoid robot: Interaction between speech and physical therapies

Background: A great number of stroke patients pursue rehabilitation services in multiple domains (e.g., speech, physical, occupational). Although multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to stroke rehabilitation are considered desirable, it is largely unknown how the intervention in one domain affects the progress in others. Aims: The current study investigated the interaction between speech therapy and physical therapy. Additionally, the feasibility of utilising a humanoid robot in stroke rehabilitation was described. Methods & Procedures: A 72-year-old male chronically challenged by aphasia and hemiparesis completed speech and physical therapy tasks in the sole condition (Speech Only, Physical Only) and in the sequential condition (Speech & Physical). The therapy activities were delivered by a humanoid robot. Outcomes & Results: Greater gains in speech and physical functions were obtained during the sole condition than in the sequential condition, suggesting a competitive interaction between s...
Absolute Wave-Lengths of the Copper and Chromium K-Series

In the measurement of x-ray wave-lengths by ruled gratings two principal difficulties have been discussed which may account for the difference observed between the wave-lengths determined by this method and those determined by using crystal gratings. They are, the periodic error in the grating, and the geometrical divergence of the x-ray beam. It is now shown that the effect of the periodic error can be determined by a study of the intensities of the optical ghost lines. For a good quality optical grating it has been found that the error in x-ray wave-lengths due to the periodic error in the grating is thus of no importance. By using a suitable disposition of apparatus the effect of the geometrical divergence of the x-ray beam can be made as small as desired. Thus it is concluded that ruled gratings can be used for precise wave-length measurements of x-ray spectra.In the present experiment the two parallel plate method has been used for determining the angles of incidence and diffraction. Five glass gratings of different grating spaces and ruled on two ruling engines have been used. The results from the various gratings on the same wave-length have agreed satisfactorily. No consistent variations of any type were observed. The final results from 172 sets of plates are given in the following tables. From these results the true grating space of a calcite crystal is $d=3.0359\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0003$ A. Using this value of the grating constant, Planck's constant as determined by Duane, Palmer and Yeh is, $h=6.573\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.007\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}27}$ erg\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}sec. $\frac{e}{m}$ can be determined from the dispersion of x-rays by using the absolute wave-length of an x-ray spectrum line. The mean of the values of the dispersion as given by Stauss and Larsson gives $\frac{e}{m}=1.769\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{7}$ e.m.u.${\mathrm{g}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The values of these constants are independent of any imperfection in the crystal. If the crystal lattice is assumed to be perfect we then have Avogadro's number, $N=6.019\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{23}$ mol. per mole, and the charge on the electron $e=4.806\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$ e.s.u. Using this value of $e$, and $d$ as above, we find Planck's constant $h=6.623\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}27}$ erg\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}sec.
How to Deal with Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Pain predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are common in the pediatric population and this review article is meant to explore the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches taking into account the most recent developments in the field.
Coulomb self-energy of a uniformly charged three-dimensional cylinder

Abstract We calculate exactly the Coulomb self-energy of a uniformly charged three-dimensional cylinder. We derive a general analytical formula which, in the limit of zero length, gives also the correct result for the Coulomb self-energy of a uniformly charged two-dimensional disk. The exact analytical expression that we derive can be used in models that incorporate finite thickness effects in studies of two-dimensional electronic systems in the fractional quantum Hall regime as well as models that describe cylindrical beams of charged particles, certain colloidal suspensions of charged rigid rod-like particles and biological systems consisting of macromolecules with cylindrical symmetry.
A New Host and Reproduction at a Small Size for the “Snapper-Choking Isopod” Cymothoa Excisa (Isopoda: Cymothoidae)

Cymothoa excisa Perty, 1833 (Isopoda: Cymothoidae), the “snapper-choking isopod,” is a fish parasite previously known from fifteen host species; it ranges along the Atlantic coast from Brazil to Massachusetts. However, no host information has previously been published for the species north of the Gulf of Mexico. We encountered this isopod in 3.0% (12/399) of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) collected at St. Catherines Island, Georgia. This is the first report of weakfish as a host for C. excisa. We confirmed our morphological identifications by sequencing a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene from our specimens and a previously identified C. excisa specimen from the Gulf of Mexico. Three C. excisa (body lengths 13-15 mm) were ovigerous with brood sizes ranging from 171 to 483 embryos. These represent some of the smallest ovigerous C. excisa known and the smallest brood sizes reported for the species. Due to morphological changes during development, the identification of immature cymothoid isopods is challenging. The COI sequences we report will facilitate identifying all life stages of this species in the future.
Ca2+Mg2+-activated ATPase in the shell gland of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica)

Abstract 1. 1. An ATPase has been found in the microsomal fraction of the shell gland of the Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica, which is stimulated by either Ca2+, Mg2+ or Mn2+, but is highest with Mg2+. Sr2+ activities the enzyme only slightly. Ca2+Mg2+ interaction was studied. 2. 2. The addition of Ca2+ to a reaction mixture containing an optimal concentration of Mg2+ reduced hydrolysis of ATP. GTP, ITP and UTP are hydrolyzed about as well as ATP; p- nitrophenyl phosphate is not hydrolyzed. 3. 3. The mean Ca2+ or Mg2+ ATPase activity of the shell gland from ovipositing birds was higher than from “precalcifying” adults or immature birds. 4. 4. The data are discussed in relation to the enzymatic basis for active calcium translocation.
Characterization of mechanical properties of thermoplastic films by creep measurements

Plasticized poly(methyl methacrylate) and methyl methacrylate/acrylate copolymer films were examined by isothermal creep at low loads measured at several temperatures from ∼Tg to Tg + 15°C. Viscosity calculated using η = σ/3 was plotted vs temperature giving precise values for Tg based on a viscosity criterion of η = 1013 poises. Creep fracture data at various temperatures below Tg were interpreted using the maximum apparent viscosity measured at the minima of strain rate vs strain curves. Plots of ηmaxVS stress at several temperatures gave values of ΔTg/Δσ of −1° to 2°C/106N/m2 in agreement with treatment of ΔTg/Δσ based on free volume. Fracture occurred at low elongations when ηmax was ≥1013 poises, and at higher elongations when ηmax was <1013 poises supporting the concept that fracture is related to the lowering of Tg under stress. Plots of log σ VS log eb (the elongation at fracture) had the same form as that for crosslinked elastomers above Tg reported by T. L. Smith. Plots of log bVS log eb also had the same form supporting proposals on the rate sensitivity of fracture.
Postseismic relaxation following the 1989 MS7.1 Loma Prieta earthquake, central California

[1] The postseismic relaxation (postseismic displacement less displacement that would have occurred at the preseismic rate) measured by GPS and leveling following the 1989 MS7.1 Loma Prieta earthquake is reexamined. The temporal dependence of the relaxation over the first 1200 days postseismic is well described by 1 − e−t/τ, where τ = 414 ± 92 days. (Quoted uncertainties are standard deviations.) That temporal dependence appears to be a linear function of the cumulative number of M > 2.5 aftershocks that have occurred. The relaxation is attributed to afterslip (1.56 ± 0.20 m dextral strike slip and 0.60 ± 0.04 m reverse slip) on the downdip extension (depth, 16–21 km) of the coseismic rupture plus a collapse (0.11 ± 0.02 m fault-normal displacement) of the rupture zone (depth, 5–16 km). Because the postseismic uplift was determined by leveling over a route with relief in excess of 1000 m, an allowance (18 ± 2 ppm of height above the base elevation) for excess (beyond corrections already applied) height-dependent error in the measured uplift was estimated simultaneously with the afterslip and collapse parameters. This new solution for afterslip and collapse on the plane of the rupture provides an alternative explanation to the suggestion by Burgmann et al. (1997) that the postseismic deformation was due to afterslip on the coseismic rupture and on a nearby, shallow, 30° dipping thrust.
Fairy Rings in Turf Associated with the Bird's Nest Fungus Cyathus stercoreus.

During the summer of 1998, several fairy rings with the fruiting bodies of a bird's nest fungus were observed on two greens at the University of Minnesota turf plots in St. Paul. Both greens, a 3-year-old annual bluegrass green and a 2-year-old creeping bentgrass green, were constructed of a 90% sand: 10% reed sedge peat soil mix. The fungus was identified as Cyathus stercoreus (Schwein.) de Toni (Nidulariaceae) (1). The fruiting bodies were approximately 15 mm tall and 8 mm wide. The fairy rings were irregular in shape, with a diameter of up to 50 cm, and contained up to 120 fruiting bodies per ring. On annual bluegrass, chlorotic and necrotic grass was observed at the edge of the rings in July but those damaged areas recovered in August. No symptoms were associated with the rings in creeping bentgrass. Rings were first discovered in June and early July and expanded by about 10 cm in 30 days. New fruiting bodies appeared during July and August as the rings expanded. The application of the fungicide choro...
Multilevel functional simulation

This paper presents a modification to the functional simulation technique which allows the user to perform simulations of systems at increasing levels of detail by making only minimal changes in the description of the system. Functional simulation is easy to imple ment because the functional simulation model defines all the system control parameters necessary for simu lation. The investigator designing the simulation need not be concerned with implied parameters. To extend the technique of functional simulation to multilevel functional simulation (MLFS) requires only a small amount of additional program, but it provides a significant increase in capability.
Language, Reading, and Readability Formulas: Implications for Developing and Adapting Tests.

Issues pertaining to language and reading while developing and adapting tests are examined. Strengths and limitations associated with the use of readability formulas are discussed. Their use should be confined to paragraphs and longer passages, not items. Readability methods that consider both quantitative and qualitative variables and are performed by seasoned professionals are recommended. Research examining the use of readability formulas applied to test content is needed.
New statistical software for the proportional hazards model with current status data

Currently, there are some statistical software packages such as intcox, survBayes, and BITE that are designed to analyze current status data (in which failure times are known to be either left- or right-censored) based on the proportional hazards model. They, however, either fail to directly provide standard errors for the estimated regression parameters or require frailty terms. As a result, practitioners often analyze their data using packages for right-censored data. By so doing, they mistreat left-censored observations as exact. This paper describes our newly developed statistical software for the proportional hazards model with current status data. The software is implemented in the R and C languages and consists of the following two simple steps: (a) find MLEs of the regression parameter and the cumulative hazard function; (b) compute the variance-covariance matrix of the regression parameter estimator by using the generalized missing information principle (GMIP) developed by Kim [Kim, J.S., 2003b. Efficient estimation for the proportional hazards model with left-truncated and Case 1 interval-censored data. Statista Sinica 13 (2), 519-537]. Our simulation study results show that our method works well in terms of bias, standard error, and power. By treating current status data as right-censored data, we also show the discrepancy in terms of bias, standard error, and power. Real examples are provided to illustrate the use of the software. This method can be extended to both general interval-censored data and truncated and interval-censored data.
Phoebe: Voyager 2 observations

Voyager 2 images of Phoebe obtained over a period of 24 hours provide information on the size, rotation rate, surface markings, and photometric properties of this mysterious object. Phoebe is approximately equidimensional: its longest diameter, about 230 km, is only 10 percent greater than the shortest-diameter (about 210 km). A prograde-rotation period of 9.4 + or - 0.2 hours was determined from both the disk-integrated light curve and by tracking individual markings. Because of the limited resolution of the images (11 pixels across the disk) crater counts cannot be made. The geometric albedo of Phoebe is longitudinally variable from 0.046 to 0.060 (clear filter, lambda = 0.47 micron). The most prominent surface markings are brighter patches at high northern and southern latitudes that have reflectances as much as 50 percent greater than the dark, bland areas. These patches are scattered and do not appear to constitute polar caps. The Voyager color data agree with earlier ground-based spectra that show that Phoebe has a flatter spectrum than does the dark side of Iapetus; this observation is not consistent with simple contamination of Iapetus by debris from Phoebe.
Radiological emergency management of multiple trauma patients

In recent years there has been major improvement in the management of patients with serious injuries. The initial imaging technique for multiple trauma patients is also undergoing change. In addition, other innovations including specialisation in training (casualty surgery), preclinical services (emergency medical care/ambulance system), optimisation of early clinical procedures (guidelines for action) and modification of clinical treatment strategies (conservative/operative/interventional) have altered the management of these patients. Conventional X-ray diagnosis, which has played a major role to date, is now increasingly giving way to modern cross-sectional imaging, in particular CT. This tendency has been seen in Germany particularly since the introduction of spiral CT. However, to minimise any risk to critically injured patients, standards must be defined with regard to physical structure, emergency room equipment and quality. The basic principles, the current situation and suggestions for improvement with regard to the emergency management of multiple trauma patients are put forward and discussed from the radiologic point of view.
Skeletal remodelling suggests the turtle's shell is not an evolutionary straitjacket

Recent efforts to decipher the enigma of the turtle's shell revealed that distantly related turtle species deploy diverse processes during shell development. Even so, extant species share in common a shoulder blade (scapula) that is encapsulated within the shell. Thus, evolutionary change in the correlated development of the shell and scapula probably underpins the evolution of highly derived shell morphologies. To address this expectation, we conducted one of the most phylogenetically comprehensive surveys of turtle development, focusing on scapula growth and differentiation in embryos, hatchlings and adults of 13 species. We report, to our knowledge, the first description of secondary differentiation owing to skeletal remodelling of the tetrapod scapula in turtles with the most structurally derived shell phenotypes. Remodelling and secondary differentiation late in embryogenesis of box turtles (Emys and Terrapene) yielded a novel skeletal segment (i.e. the suprascapula) of high functional value to their complex shell-closing system. Remarkably, our analyses suggest that, in soft-shelled turtles (Trionychidae) with extremely flattened shells, a similar transformation is linked to truncated scapula growth. Skeletal remodelling, as a form of developmental plasticity, might enable the seemingly constrained turtle body plan to diversify, suggesting the shell is not an evolutionary straitjacket.
Bioavailability and Population Pharmacokinetics of Voriconazole in Lung Transplant Recipients

This study was undertaken to characterize the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of voriconazole in adult lung transplant patients during the early postoperative period, identify factors significantly associated with various pharmacokinetic parameters, and make recommendations for adequate dosing regimens. Thirteen lung transplant patients received two intravenous infusions (6 mg/kg, twice daily [b.i.d.]) immediately posttransplant followed by oral doses (200 mg, b.i.d.) for prophylaxis. Blood samples (9/interval) were collected during one intravenous and one oral dosing interval from each patient. Voriconazole plasma concentrations were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). NONMEM was used to develop pharmacokinetic models, evaluate covariate relationships, and perform Monte Carlo simulations. There was a good correlation (R 2 0.98) between the area under the concentration-time curve specific for the dose evaluated (AUC0‐) and trough concentrations. A two-compartment model adequately described the data. Population estimates of bioavailability, clearance, Vc, and Vp were 45.9%, 3.45 liters/h, 54.7 liters, and 143 liters. Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) exhibited a significantly lower bioavailability (23.7%, n 3) than non-CF patients (63.3%, n 10). Bioavailability increased with postoperative time and reached steady levels in about 1 week. Vp increased with body weight. Bioavailability of voriconazole is substantially lower in lung transplant patients than non-transplant subjects but significantly increases with postoperative time. CF patients exhibit significantly lower bioavailability and exposure of voriconazole and therefore need higher doses. Intravenous administration of voriconazole during the first postoperative day followed by oral doses of 200 mg or 400 mg appeared to be the optimal dosing regimen. However, voriconazole levels should be monitored, and the dose should be individualized based on trough concentrations as a good measure of drug exposure.
New Thomson scattering laser control for DIII-D

A Laser Control system has been built for the DIII-D Thomson Scattering Diagnostic. This new system has provided the capability to place the laser probe pulses with one microsecond timing precision throughout the DIII-D shot. The new system fires the eight lasers with a programmable sequence which repeats every 50 ms. If one wants to probe the plasma at a higher rate to study a fast paced event, the new control circuit can fire all charged lasers in rapid succession (BURST MODE). This burst rate is programmable. The new Laser Control system successfully replaced the previous control scheme which consisted of three VME Motorola 68030 computers one host under UNIX VME V/68 and two interrupt driven targets under VME Exec. The old system was not successful due to the many VME interrupts needed to service the lasers. The new hardware approach is much more reliable. The old system still controls data acquisition and as a monitoring system since it does not have the burden of controlling the lasers. A brief description of the Thomson Scattering diagnostic will be presented with emphasis in the new upgraded laser firing control system and data acquisition timing control.
Ultrahigh-resolution electro-optical framing camera for reconnaissance and other applications using a 9216 x 9216 pixel wafer-scale focal plane array

A framing camera incorporating an ultra high resolution CCD detector array comprised of 9,216 by 9,216 pixels is discussed. The detector array measures 8 by 8 centimeters and has been scaled to be fabricated in one piece on a 5 inch diameter silicon wafer. Pixel size is 8.75 by 8.75 microns which gives 57 lp/mm resolution. The detector array features a two frame per second readout capability which allows collection of stereo imagery from very high V/H platforms. Image Motion Compensation is achieved by operating the frame readout clocks during the exposure interval in typical TDI fashion. The high geometric accuracy of pixel placement on the array yields a camera suitable for mapping, reconnaissance, space and astronomy applications. In this paper, measured detector array performance, detector array yield and overall camera performance are presented.
The isolation and identification of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) recovered from Los Angeles potable water, a possible source of infection in AIDS patients

Los Angeles water was investigated as a possible source of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in patients with AIDS. MAC consists of M. avium (MA), M. intracellulare (MI) and Mycobacterium X (MX) (positive for MAC by DNA probe but not MA or MI). The study included 13 reservoirs supplying 90% of the water to the City of Los Angeles, ten major hospitals and 58 dwellings. Water samples were filtered through 0.45 μm Millipore filters and decontaminated with either sodium hydroxide and/or oxalic acid and cetylpyridinium chloride. The decontaminated filters were placed on selective Middlebrook 7H10 medium and observed for growth at three and eight weeks. Coccobacillary acid‐fast bacilli were subcultured; Tween and nitrate negative isolates were identified by DNA hybridization probes. Eight morphotypes were observed and nontubercu‐lous mycobacteria (NTM) were recovered from 12 (92%) reservoirs, 54 (95%) homes, and ten (100%) hospitals. Twenty‐six (34%) of the NTM were probe positive for MAC. MA was isol...
Water infrastructures in the U.S./Mexico borderlands

This article discusses the infrastructures involved in the management and use of water in the borderlands of Mexico and the United States. I maintain that both the physical works and the institutions of water management should be understood as infrastructures, and locate infrastructures within larger political and economic processes. Archaeological, historical and ethnographic literature on irrigation in the borderlands provides data about the evolution and functioning of small- and large-scale infrastructures. Since European contact, water infrastructures have enabled different regimes of accumulation to grow, overlap and decline: mining; ranching; agriculture; urbanization and industry; and the service economy. This process continues into the twenty first century, and changes to infrastructures that respond to current issues of scarcity and conflict must be understood in relation to this material history. I argue that in the present conjuncture new infrastructures must be developed to confront unsustainability, and the management and knowledge of these must be decentralized, democratic, and collective.
Synthetic Seismograms and Wide-angle Seismic Attributes from the Gaussian Beam and Reflectivity Methods for Models with Interfaces and Velocity Gradients

The effects of interfaces and velocity gradients on wide-angle seismic attributes are investigated using synthetic seismograms. The seismic attributes considered include envelope amplitude, pulse instantaneous frequency, and arrival time of selected phases. For models with interfaces and homogeneous layers, head waves can propagate which have lower amplitudes, as well as frequency content, compared to the direct arrivals. For media with interfaces and velocity gradients, higher amplitude diving waves and interference waves can also occur. The Gaussian beam and reflectivity methods are used to compute synthetic seismograms for simple models with interfaces and gradients. From the results of these methods, seismic attributes are obtained and compared. It was found that both methods were able to simulate wide-angle seismic attributes for the simple models considered. The advantage of using the Gaussian beam method for seismic modeling and inversion is that it is fast and also asymptotically valid for laterally varying media.
Vector coding with decision feedback equalization for partial response channels

The authors develop a block decision-feedback equalizer (BDFE) for partial response channels. The BDFE removes interference between successive blocks of channel inputs. Vector coding with the BDFE decreases the block length required for large coding gains on the partial response channels considered. For systems operating at low bit rates, vector coding with the BDFE achieves coding gains greater than 3 dB (over the uncoded flat channel performance) on partial response channels of the form (1-D)(1+D)/sup m/ with a 16-state, four-dimensional coset code. These gains are achieved with block lengths as low as 10. The authors also develop a block precoder which achieves the same coding gains as the BDFE but avoids any potential error propagation problems that decision-feedback equalization may cause. >
Starving the Best Revisited

In this article, I revisit the evidence in favor of the fiscal illusion hypothesis, as presented in Young (2009) for the period 1959 Q3–2007Q4. According to Young, the tax and spend variables are integrated of order one and share a long-term linear common trend (cointegration). He attempts to depict asymmetric behavior by incorporating interaction dummies in the standard expenditure regression model. Subsequently, he correctly states that the employed interaction dummies (eight dummies in a univariate model, four of which appear to be redundant) are incapable of capturing the essence of nonlinear dynamic adjustments. Eventually, following the findings presented by Ewing et al. (2006), Young identifies residual thresholds and reestimates the regression model using the TAR (threshold autoregression) and M-TAR (momentum TAR) models. He concludes that while TAR and M-TAR estimate different speed of adjustment, the findings are not favorable to starving the beast. His findings reject the type of tax cuts that are not contingent on spending cuts of the same magnitude. This article empirically demonstrates that the findings presented by Young are heavily plagued by the lack of an “attractor” (i.e., tendency toward budgetary long-run equilibrium) in the residual of the model he estimated within the utilized asymmetric framework. Indeed, the findings reported in Table 4 of his article do not include any evidence of an attractor — nor do they indicate asymmetry or the lack of residual autocorrelation. Consequently, his findings in Table 4 invalidate the results presented in Table 5 and overturn the main contention of his article.
Adjunctive value of intra-arterial cone beam CT angiography relative to DSA in the evaluation of cranial and spinal arteriovenous fistulas

Objective To assess the adjunctive diagnostic value of intra-arterial cone-beam CT angiography (IA-CBCTA) relative to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the anatomic identification/localization of intracranial/spinal arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and utility for surgical/endovascular treatment planning. Methods Retrospectively, two blinded observers scored DSA and IA-CBCTA images of 32 patients with intracranial/spinal AVFs based on a qualitative scale. The following parameters were scored: arterial feeders, venous drainers and course, fistula site, and adjacent anatomic landmarks for cross-sectional localization. The total score was defined as the overall diagnostic value. Differences between IA-CBCTA and DSA scores were defined as the IA-CBCTA efficacy value. Observers described the treatment strategy at the end of DSA and IA-CBCTA grading, respectively. Mann–Whitney U test, Wilcoxon9s signed rank test, and Kendall’s tau (τ) coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Results Interobserver agreement of overall diagnostic value for IA-CBCTA was good (τ=0.59, p=0.001) with no significant variance between the two observers9 IA-CBCTA efficacy values (p=0.2). Significantly higher scores were assigned to IA-CBCTA for overall diagnostic value (both observers: p Conclusions IA-CBCTA as an adjunctive technique to DSA improves the anatomic delineation of AVFs, particularly for the fistula site and cross-sectional localization, and has the potential to improve treatment planning.
Highly sensitive room temperature carbon monoxide detection using SnO2 nanoparticle-decorated semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes.

We demonstrate a practical sensing platform, consisting of SnO2 nanoparticle-decorated semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes assembled on gold electrodes via a dielectrophoretic process, for highly sensitive CO detection with fast response at room temperature. The highest sensitivity obtained was 0.27 and the response time was ?2?s for 100 ppm CO detection. The lower detection limit was ?1?ppm. These results indicate that the sensing performance of our device is among the best of CO sensors implemented with SWNTs. Further, we observed a significant increase in sensitivity to 0.67 after subjecting the device to an electrical breakdown at 8?V. We also proposed a theoretical model to reveal the relationship between the sensitivity and the gas concentration. The new model not only resulted in a nice fit to our data, but also allowed us to estimate the contact resistance between an individual SWNT and the gold electrodes.
THE STRANDEDNESS OF MEIOTIC CHROMOSOMES FROM ONCOPELTUS

Meiotic chromosomes were isolated from male Oncopeltus fasciatus by dissecting the testes under insect Ringer's solution and spreading the living cells on the Langmuir trough. After being dried by the critical point method, preparations were examined under the electron microscope. Chromosomes at all stages of prophase prove to be multistranded. A significant increase in the number of parallel 250 A fibers in the chromosomes occurs between zygotene and diakinesis. Parallel folding, rather than true multistrandedness, is interpreted as the mechanism responsible for this observed increase in multistrandedness. It has not been possible to determine whether the multistrandedness observed at leptotene represents true multistrandedness or is the result of parallel folding. Apparent multistrandedness is lost at metaphase when the 250 A fibers of the chromosomes become coiled more tightly. In preparations isolated by these methods, no structures other than the 250 A chromosome fibers are visible in the chromomeres, which appear as regionally coiled or folded areas of the fibers along the arm of the chromosome.
Acid and alkaline phosphatase activities and calcium transport in aortic smooth muscle from DOCA hypertensive rats

Abstract The activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases were significantly increased in subcellular fractions isolated from the aorta of deoxycorticosterone-acetate induced hypertensive rats as compared to normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats. Calcium uptake by the microsomal vesicles of deoxycorticosterone-acetate induced hypertensive rats was slightly reduced as compared to normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats, particularly in the presence of 10 μ m free CaCl 2 . Total tissue Ca 2+ content in the aortae was significantly increased in deoxycorticosterone-acetate induced hypertensive rats as compared to normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats. These results suggest that increased activities of phosphatases in the vascular smooth muscle may be representative of biochemical alterations occurring in the deoxycorticosterone-acetate-hypertensive rats.
Dynamic Interactions and Cooperative Functions of PGC-1α and MED1 in TRα-Mediated Activation of the Brown-Fat-Specific UCP-1 Gene

PGC-1alpha is an inducible nuclear receptor coactivator with direct functions in both p300-mediated chromatin remodeling and Mediator-dependent transcription in vitro. Here, we have employed the PPARgamma- and TRalpha-activated brown adipose tissue-specific UCP-1 enhancer to investigate mechanistic aspects of PGC-1alpha function. We first demonstrate a cellular role for the PGC-1alpha-interacting MED1 subunit of Mediator in UCP-1 induction, as well as the accumulation of TRalpha, PPARgamma, PGC-1alpha, and MED1 on the UCP-1 enhancer in brown adipocytes. We then use biochemical assays to show that (i) PGC-1alpha is recruited to the TRalpha-RXRalpha-UCP-1 enhancer complex through interaction of an N-terminal LXXLL domain with TRalpha, (ii) MED1/Mediator displaces PGC-1alpha from TRalpha through LXXLL domain competition, and (iii) upon loss of PGC-1alpha-TRalpha interactions, PGC-1alpha remains associated with the enhancer complex through an interaction between PGC-1alpha and MED1 C-terminal domains. These results indicate dynamic MED1-dependent PGC-1alpha interactions related to functions in both chromatin remodeling and the transition to subsequent transcription initiation.
Predicting the trajectories of depressive symptoms among southern community-dwelling older adults: the role of religiosity.

Background: This study examined the effects of religiosity on the trajectories of depressive symptoms in a sample of community-dwelling older adults over a four-year period in a Southern state in the US. Methods: Data from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Study of Aging were analyzed using a hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) method. This study involved 1000 participants aged 65 and above (M age = 75 at baseline, SD = 5.97) and data were collected annually from 1999 to 2003. The Geriatric Depression Scale measured depressive symptoms; the Duke University Religion Index measured religious service attendance, prayer, and intrinsic religiosity; and control variables included sociodemographics, health, and social and economic factors. Results: The HLM analysis indicated a curvilinear trajectory of depressive symptoms over time. At baseline, participants who attended religious services more frequently tended to report fewer depressive symptoms. Participants with the highest levels of intrinsic rel...
Strategic resources: Traits, configurations and paths to sustainable competitive advantage

The resource-based view (RBV) of the firm holds that certain assets with certain characteristics will lead to sustainable competitive advantage. All the traits are required to be present to result in sustainable competitive advantage. Such a trait approach overlooks the dynamics of the creation of firm resources especially the strategically important factors as identified by the resource based view theory. We propose that the resources are made up of factor networks which have specific interfactor and inter-resource relationships that result in the characteristic traits being evidenced. These strategic resource factor relationships include network type, available substitutes and cogency relationships (compensatory, enhancing and suppressing.) Specific configurations that lead to high or very high support of sustainable competitive advantage are proposed. Twenty-two specific paths to sustainable competitive advantage for a factor, contingent on resource factor traits and relationship configurations, are proposed. The implications, upon confirmation of these configurations, are discussed.
Laboratory Diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Toxoplasmosis

For the past 40 years, the Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute (TSL-PAMFRI) has been dedicated to the laboratory diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection and toxoplasmosis. TSL-PAMFRI is the "brain child" of Jack S. Remington. Jack's ceaseless devotion to objectivity and uncompromising excellence has made TSL-PAMFRI the Toxoplasma reference laboratory for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US Food and Drug Administration, and health care providers and clinical laboratories in the United States and other countries. Jack's leadership and vision created, defined, and significantly contributed to the development of laboratory methods for the diagnosis of the infection and diseases caused by T. gondii. A summary of the laboratory tests currently available at TSL-PAMFRI for the diagnosis of infection and disease caused by the parasite is presented here.
Why emotion work matters: sex, gender, and the division of household labor

Attempting to explain why biological sex remains the primary predictor of household labor allocation, gender theorists have suggested that husbands and wives perform family work in ways that facilitate culturally appropriate constructions of gender. To date, however, researchers have yet to consider the theoretical and empirical significance of emotion work in their studies of the gendered division of household labor. Using survey data from 335 employed, married parents, I examine the relative influence of economic resources, time constraints, gender ideology, sex, and gender on the performance of housework, child care, and emotion work. Results indicate that gender construction, not sex, predicts the performance of emotion work and that this performance reflects a key difference in men's and women's gendered constructions of self.