cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 104 – Forest Habitats

Publisher Summary This chapter emphasizes to those orders of insects that feed on trees and the predators and parasitoids that consume these phytophagous species. Insects found primarily in soils, lakes, and streams; those that feed on other vegetation found in forests; and those that parasitize other animals are considered. Approximately half of the insect orders are directly or indirectly associated with trees. As with humans, insects use trees for food, shelter, support, and travel. Among all plants, trees present the most diverse habitats for insects to occupy. Insects feed on all parts of the tree, that is, vegetative structures such as leaves, stems, and roots and reproductive structures such as flowers, fruits, and seeds. Some insects are specialized to feed on phloem and/or xylem tissues, dead sapwood, and heartwood. Insects that feed on these structures and tissues vary in size from 1–2 mm to 6 cm. Life cycles can be completed in a few days or weeks or be prolonged for 50 years. Insects affect the growth rate and mortality of trees by feeding on various parts of the tree. Thus, they affect the life cycle of trees by influencing the size of the seed bank, the amount of recruitment, the growth of individuals in height and volume, and the reproduction and dispersal of the tree species.
Judgments of Economic Fairness Are Based More on Perceived Economic Mobility Than Perceived Inequality

Are judgments of the fairness of the American economy based on perceptions of economic inequality, mobility, or both? In two experiments, the authors varied information on levels of U.S. inequality...
A Cautionary Tale of Etanercept Use in Patients With Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a severe cutaneous reaction that can be life-threatening. In the United States, there are no established guidelines for the treatment of TEN. Supportive care including fluids and supportive therapies are the current recommendations. Research surrounding TEN involves mostly case studies or small, uncontrolled studies. Recent literature describes the use of tumor necrosis factor blockers in the treatment of TEN with positive results. These case reports describe decreased time to reepithelization, hospital length of stay, and minimal side effects. Conversely, we present three fatalities after the administration of etanercept.
DYNAMICAL METEOROLOGY | Solitary Waves

Solitary waves are steadily translating disturbances in which nonlinearity and dispersion balance to create a disturbance of permanent form. The alternative name ‘soliton’ was coined because solitary waves are long-lived and elementary particle-like. Other coherent structures such as vortices or vortex pairs may exhibit a similar nonlinear persistence. Many distinct species of solitons are observed in both the ocean and the atmosphere. Solitary wave misconceptions are also reviewed.
Between Trust and Democracy: The Election Commission of India and the Question of Constitutional Accountability

The scholars of comparative law and politics have acknowledged the Election Commission of India (‘the ECI’) as the institution that has played a central role in maintaining electoral fairness and integrity in India. The ECI has consistently acquired wider powers, covering the administration of elections as well as a range of allied activities. Despite its important, there is a dearth of constitutional theorising about the institution. This also extends to the question of the ECI’s constitutional accountability. The severe criticism of the institution’s functioning by the opposition parties and the civil society particularly in the 2019 national elections necessitates a serious investigation into these institutional questions. This chapter critiques the Indian Supreme Court’s elections jurisprudence from the perspective of the ECI’s constitutional accountability, and argues that it has sidelined this serious aspect. In a series of celebrated judgments, the Court adopted the framework of discursive democracy that enhanced the demands of transparency and accountability of political actors. These judgments simultaneously strengthened the ECI but left its accountability unattended. The Court adopted a different framework with respect to the ECI. This framework was based on trust that relied on institutional competence and commitment. The chapter argues that the framework of trust has failed to address the serious concerns of the ECI’s accountability and transparency. It proposes that the Court must adopt tools from the framework of democracy to strengthen these values.
Skeletal muscle myosin and cardiac myosin attenuate heparin's antithrombin-dependent anticoagulant activity.

BACKGROUND Heparin enhances the ability of the plasma protease inhibitor, antithrombin, to neutralize coagulation factor Xa and thrombin. Skeletal muscle myosin binds unfractionated heparin. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of myosin binding to heparin on antithrombin's anticoagulant activity. METHODS Inhibition of factor Xa and thrombin by antithrombin in the presence of different heparins and skeletal muscle myosin or cardiac myosin was studied by measuring inhibition of each enzyme's chromogenic substrate hydrolysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Skeletal muscle myosin and cardiac myosin neutralized unfractionated heparin's enhancement of antithrombin's inhibition of purified factor Xa and thrombin. Skeletal muscle myosin also reduced the inhibition of factor Xa and thrombin by antithrombin in the presence of heparan sulfate. These two myosins did not protect factor Xa from antithrombin inhibition when tested in the presence of smaller heparins (eg, low molecular weight heparin, heparin pentasaccharide). This chain length dependence for skeletal muscle myosin's ability to reduce heparin's anticoagulant activity might have potential implications for therapy for patients who experience increases in plasma myosin levels (eg, acute trauma patients). In addition to the chain length, the type and extent of sulfation of glycosaminoglycans influenced the ability of skeletal muscle myosin to neutralize the polysaccharide's ability to enhance antithrombin's activity. In summary, these studies show that skeletal muscle myosin and cardiac myosin can influence antithrombin's anticoagulant activity against factor Xa and thrombin, implying that they may significantly influence the hemostatic balance involving bleeding vs clotting.
N-myc-interactor mediates microbiome induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition and is associated with chronic lung allograft dysfunction.

Background Recent evidence suggests a role for lung microbiome in occurrence of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). However, the mechanisms linking the microbiome to CLAD are poorly delineated. We investigated a possible mechanism involved in microbial modulation of mucosal response leading to CLAD with the hypothesis that a Proteobacteria dominant lung microbiome would inhibit N-myc-interactor (NMI) expression and induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods Explant CLAD, non-CLAD, and healthy nontransplant lung tissue were collected, as well as bronchoalveolar lavage from 14 CLAD and matched non-CLAD subjects, which were followed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PsA) or PsA-lipopolysaccharide was cocultured with primary human bronchial epithelial cells (PBEC). Western blot analysis and quantitative reverse transcription (qRT) PCR was performed to evaluate NMI expression and EMT in explants and in PsA-exposed PBECs. These experiments were repeated after siRNA silencing and upregulation (plasmid vector) of EMT regulator NMI. Results 16S rRNA amplicon analyses revealed that CLAD patients have a higher abundance of phyla Proteobacteria and reduced abundance of the phyla Bacteroidetes . At the genera level, CLAD subjects had an increased abundance of genera Pseudomonas and reduced Prevotella . Human CLAD airway cells showed a downregulation of the N-myc-interactor gene and presence of EMT. Furthermore, exposure of human primary bronchial epithelial cells to PsA resulted in downregulation of NMI and induction of an EMT phenotype while NMI upregulation resulted in attenuation of this PsA-induced EMT response. Conclusions CLAD is associated with increased bacterial biomass and a Proteobacteria enriched airway microbiome and EMT. Proteobacteria such as PsA induces EMT in human bronchial epithelial cells via NMI, demonstrating a newly uncovered mechanism by which the microbiome induces cellular metaplasia .
Exploring the Effect of Virtual Currency on Learners Engagement

There has been an increasing effort to make activities that are not inherently interesting for all learners more attractive through gamification. Although the research on the effectiveness of educational gamification has been growing, the effects of some gamification elements on learners’ motivation and engagement are not well understood. In response to this gap, in this paper we describe an experience of gamifying out-of-class practicing with Virtual Currency (VC) in a Computer Networking course. The results of our study show that the VC-based gamification (without interactions with any other gamification elements) had a positive impact on student engagement compared to non-gamified online practicing. The learners’ VC earning and spending behaviors indicate also that Virtual Currency brings additional objectives for students to strive for, besides grades.
Sensing the coastal environment

Abstract The spatial and temporal dynamics of near-shore ecosystems are being studied by the Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with special consideration of episodic events associated with anthropogenic activity. Our growing array of estuarine and coastal monitoring stations in the Corpus Christi region supplies real-time, continuous input from a broad array of sensors (physical, chemical and biological) to feed comprehensive converged data sets that in turn foster, in a new context, the interpretation and evaluation of environmental perturba- tions (episodic events) and their ecological effects.
KILLER/DR5, a novel DNA-damage inducible death receptor gene, links the p53-tumor suppressor to caspase activation and apoptotic death

TRAIL and its emerging receptors are the newest members of the TNF receptor super-family. The activation of TRAIL receptors by ligand binding leads to apoptosis through caspase activation through an as yet unclear signaling pathway that does not require the FADD adaptor. The TRAIL receptor KILLER/DR5, is induced by DNA damage and appears to be regulated by the tumor suppressor gene p53. Both the Fas receptor and KILLER/DR5 provide potential links between DNA damage-mediated activation of the p53 tumor suppressor and caspase activation. While further evaluation of the role of TRAIL receptors in human cancer is ongoing, initial studies suggest that both KILLER/DR5 and DR4 may be targets for inactivation and that these pro-apooptotic receptors may be tumro suppressor genes. Understanding the regulation of TRAIL and its receptors may thus be beneficial for the development of novel approaches for cancer treatment. TRAIL appears to be a cancer-specific cytotoxic agent and thus offers promise as a novel therapy for cancer either through replacement of the cytokine or potentially via gene replacement. Preliminary studies suggest the potential to combine TRAIL with classical cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs to achieve synergistic cell killing.
Spatio-temporal management of fisheries to reduce by-catch and increase fishing selectivity: Spatio-temporal by-catch management

Time/area closures have been widely used in fisheries management to prevent overfishing and the destruction of marine biodiversity. To a lesser degree, such spatio‐temporal management measures have been used to reduce by‐catch of finfish or protected species. However, as ecosystem‐based management approaches are employed and more fisheries are managed through multispecies, multiobjective models, the management of by‐catch will likely become increasingly important. The elimination of by‐catch has become a primary goal of the fishing policies of many countries. It is particularly relevant in the United States, as the deadline for setting annual catch limits (ACLs) in all fisheries passes in 2011. This will result in a dramatic expansion of the number of catch and by‐catch quotas. Such catch measures may result in the early closure of otherwise sustainable fisheries when by‐catch quotas are exceeded. To prevent such closures and the consequent economic hardship to fishers and the economy, it is imperative that managers be given the tools necessary to reduce by‐catch and improve fishing selectivity. Targeted spatio‐temporal fishery closures are one solution open to managers. Here, we examine how the spatio‐temporal and oceanographic characteristics of by‐catch may be used by managers to design fishery closures, and place these methods within a decision tree to assist managers to identify appropriate management measures. We argue that the current movement towards marine spatial planning (MSP) presents an important impetus to examine how we manage fisheries spatially, and we offer a first step towards the objective participation of fisheries in the MSP process.
Teaching Communication Activism: Communication Education for Social Justice

Teaching Communication Activism: Communication Education for Social Justice provides an innovative account of activist teaching. It is an excellent read for instructors navigating an increasingly overburdened and underfunded academic environment. The contributors of this edited volume provide inspirational accounts of social activism in the classroom. Teaching Communication Activism is a hopeful compilation with the potential to reinvigorate higher education by reuniting theory with practice and celebrating the cacophonous melody of multiple voices.
Constraint satisfaction techniques for spatial planning

Wright is a CAD system for designing two dimensional layouts consisting of rectangles. This problem arises in space planning, i.e. the design of floorplans, arrangement of equipment in rooms, and site planning. Space planning is a search process characterized by very large search spaces. Constraint directed search provides a basic problem solving methodology for intelligent CAD by providing a formal method for representing domain knowledge uniformly as constraints, and by using constraints for efficient search. Each configuration is represented as a Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP), and constraint propagation restricts the domains of variables as information becomes available during search. Constraints reduce search complexity by choosing the most constrained decision. The measures that identify opportunistic decisions are variable tightness, constraint reliance and constraint tightness. Least commitment representations (value ranges) delay decisions until enough information becomes available. Abstractions reduce complexity by allowing abstract constraints to prune away entire design subsets.
BMI and attitudes and beliefs about physical activity and nutrition of parents of adolescents with intellectual disabilities

Background The purpose of this study was: (1) to evaluate the beliefs, attitudes and behaviours associated with nutrition and physical activity of parents with adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID); (2) to determine if these variables related to the body mass index (BMI) of the adolescents and the parents' BMI; and (3) to investigate if the parents' perception of their child's weight status was accurate. Methods A survey was used to collect information on BMI and attitudes and beliefs about nutrition and physical activity from parents (n = 207) of adolescents with ID attending schools participating in the Best Buddies Program. Results Approximately 45% of the adolescents were overweight or obese and over two-thirds of the parents were either overweight or obese. There was a significant difference in child's BMI by parents' description, F3,158 = 72.75, P < 0.001. Factor analysis on questions on physical activity and nutrition revealed three factors (Factor 1 – Family Healthy Habits, Factor 2 – Parental Role and Factor 3 – Parental Activity) extracting 63% of the variance. The BMI of the adolescents significantly correlated with Factors 2 and 3. Children categorised as having a lower BMI had parents who agreed significantly more (r = −0.22, P < 0.005) with questions about being role models. There was a significant correlation between BMI for both the parents and adolescents and frequency of fast foods purchased. Conclusion Efforts need to be made to provide parents of adolescents with ID tailored information about how they can assist their child in managing their weight. This information should emphasise to parents the important part they play as role models and as providers for healthy choices for physical activity as well as nutrition.
Ca(2+) transients in submucous neurons during the colonic migrating motor complex in the isolated murine large intestine.

Background The colonic migrating motor complex (CMMC) is a spontaneous, rhythmic, and neurally mediated motor pattern generated by myenteric neurons, which can propel fecal pellets in mice. Our aim was to determine whether submucous neurons were also activated during the CMMC. Methods The isolated murine colon was opened and sections of mucosa were removed to expose the submucous ganglia, which were then loaded with Fluo-4. Key Results Colonic migrating motor complexes, which occurred spontaneously or by mechanically stimulating the mucosa, were identified by displacement of the tissue (duration = 23.3 s). Between CMMCs, spontaneous Ca2+ transients (frequency = 0.9 Hz) were observed in 55% (n = 8) of submucous neurons. During the CMMC, 98% (seven ganglia, n = 7) of submucous neurons within the same ganglion exhibited rapid Ca2+ transients (1.6 Hz) superimposed on a sustained rise in Ca2+ (duration ∼23 s) that occurred 1.7 s following the mucosal stimulus; whereas other neurons exhibited a similar, but delayed response that occurred either at 7 or 13 s following the stimulus. The activity in submucous neurons was correlated with activity in adjacent nerve varicosities. Ondansetron (1 mm; 5-HT3 antagonist) significantly reduced the frequency and duration of the Ca2+ transient responses. Conclusions & Inferences Activity in the submucous neurons appears to be secondary to that in the myenteric plexus and appears to be generated largely by activity in myenteric descending (serotonergic) interneurons. During the CMMC, there is likely to be an increase in secretion to lubricate and facilitate fecal pellet propulsion.
Prey composition and ontogenetic shift in coastal populations of longnose gar Lepisosteus osseus.

Longnose gar Lepisosteus osseus were collected from May 2012 to July 2013 in the Charleston Harbor and Winyah Bay estuaries (SC, U.S.A.). This study examined trends in stomach fullness, described major prey components and their importance in the diet of L. osseus, compared stomach content-based trophic level estimates with the stable-isotope-based proxy: δ(15) N and tested for the occurrence of an ontogenetic diet shift using stomach content analysis and stable C and N isotopes (δ(13) C and δ(15) N). Dominant prey families were Clupeidae, Sciaenidae, Penaeidae, Fundulidae and Mugilidae, with the highest consumption rates in autumn. Trophic levels calculated using stomach contents did not correspond to δ(15) N (P > 0·05). Stomach contents and stable-isotope signatures indicate ontogenetic prey composition shifts from low trophic level benthic prey (fundulids) to higher trophic level pelagic prey (clupeids) as the fish grow between 400 and 600 mm in standard length. Due to their biomass, abundance and top predator status, L. osseus play a significant ecological role in the estuarine community composition, although this effect has often been overlooked by past researchers and should be considered in future estuarine community studies.
A comparison of concurrent general and HMO-affiliated medical practice experience.

This study was designed to differentiate the general practice perceptions of physicians who affiliate with an HMO and those not affiliated with an HMO as well as the ''within physician'' comparison of HMO practice experience relative to one's own general practice. A written survey was mailed to 1,000 members of the Florida Medical Association (FMA). A total of 372 physicians responded to the survey; 114 (31%) reported affiliation with an HMO. Based on a 5-point Likert-type scale, the rating of overall satisfaction with the general practice of medicine was good (mean = 3.19). Perceptions of general practice did not differ substantially based on HMO-affiliation status. However, physicians reporting concurrent general and HMO-affiliated practice clearly distinguished these experiences. All aspects of medical practice, except paperwork, were rated consistently lower for HMO practice in comparison to general practice.
Surface energy enhancement of bulk plastics using the one atmosphere uniform glow discharge plasma (OAUGDPO)

Summary form only given. The one atmosphere uniform glow discharge plasma (OAUGDPO) has been found to be an effective way to increase the surface energy and wettability of metals, polymeric films, and fabrics. Surface energies up to 70 dynes/cm can be achieved within 10 seconds of exposure time. The surface energy exhibits an aging effect, in which it decays to levels that are greater than pre-exposure values over periods of days to weeks, depending on the materials. In this paper, we discuss some experimental results using a OAUGDPO air plasma to process 2 mm thick polycarbonate (PC) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which have wide application in the automotive industry. Both materials have had their surface energy increased substantially and uniformly by direct exposure to the plasma, with the proper choice of plasma operating parameters, including the electrode gap separation, RMS voltage, RF frequency and air flow rate. The PMMA did not show an aging effect after seven days. No visible damage was observed, but SEM images will be used to determine the existence of any micro-scale damage caused by the roots of microfilaments
Game engines and immersive displays

While virtual reality and digital games share many core technologies, the programming environments, toolkits, and workflows for developing games and VR environments are often distinct. VR toolkits designed for applications in visualization and simulation often have a different feature set or design philosophy than game engines, while popular game engines often lack support for VR hardware. Extending a game engine to support systems such as the CAVE gives developers a unified development environment and the ability to easily port projects, but involves challenges beyond just adding stereo 3D visuals. In this paper we outline the issues involved in adapting a game engine for use with an immersive display system including stereoscopy, tracking, and clustering, and present example implementation details using Unity3D. We discuss application development and workflow approaches including camera management, rendering synchronization, GUI design, and issues specific to Unity3D, and present examples of projects created for a multi-wall, clustered, stereoscopic display.
Factors Affecting the Use of Precast Concrete Systems

The reasons precast concrete systems are not used extensively in the United States were explored through four mail surveys that were sent to 100 contractors, 100 design firms, 100 precast concrete manufacturers, and 100 local labor unions. The findings indicate that most of the prerequisite conditions for the extensive use of industrialized building systems already exist. The findings also indicate, however, that there is a major shortage of expert personnel capable of designing and organizing projects involving precast concrete systems and that almost half the contractors surveyed did not observe significant cost savings when they used precast concrete systems. Architects' and engineers' awareness of precast concrete systems and the number of competent precast concrete designers and erectors can be increased by providing adequate exposure of engineering and architecture students to these systems and by providing frequent and numerous continuous education programs for the benefit of active professionals.
Respiration in eyestalkless Uca (Crustacea: Decapoda) acclimated to two temperatures☆

Abstract 1. 1. Eyestalks were removed from crabs acclimated to 10 and 25°C and the stubs cauterized. 2. 2. The oxygen consumption rate in the cauterized eyestalkless crabs increased significantly over that of the controls. 3. 3. Seasonal differences in oxygen consumption were eliminated upon eyestalk removal. This suggests the presence of an eyestalk factor which directly regulates respiration.
Modification by glibenclamide of the electrophysiological consequences of myocardial ischaemia in dogs and rabbits.

Glibenclamide has been shown to block ATP-dependent K+ channels in the heart and prevent the shortening of cardiac action potentials caused by hypoxia in vitro. The present study examines the ability of glibenclamide to modify the effect of acute ischaemia on monophasic action potential duration in pentobarbital-anaesthetized rabbits, and on monophasic action potential duration and ventricular fibrillation threshold in pentobarbital-anaesthetized dogs. Left ventricular endocardial monophasic action potential duration was measured using a contact electrode catheter, and ventricular fibrillation threshold was measured by the single pulse method. Ischaemia was produced in rabbits by occluding the circumflex coronary for 5 min and in dogs by occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery for 40 min. In rabbits, glibenclamide (0.3 – 3 mg/kg, i. v.) had no effect on baseline monophasic action potential duration, but attenuated action potential shortening during ischaemia in a dose-related manner. In dogs, monophasic action potential duration did not shorten during ischaemia in the vehicle group, but tended to increase in the glibenclamide group (0.5 mg/kg, i. v.) both before and during ischaemia (7 ± 5% and 14 ± 8%, respectively, NS). Likewise, ventricular effective refractory period was significantly increased by glibenclamide prior to ischaemia (5 ± 1%). Ventricular fibrillation threshold tended to increase during 40 min of ischaemia in vehicle-treated dogs (40 ± 29%, NS), but was unchanged during ischaemia in the glibenclamide-treated dogs. Consistent with the increase in ventricular effective refractive period and monophasic action potential duration in dogs, glibenclamide (10−7 − 10−5 mol/l) significantly increased action potential duration in normoxic canine Purkinje fibres to a maximum of 19 − 2% at 95% repolarization. These data suggest that the opening of ATP-dependent K+ channels contributes to action potential shortening duration ischaemia in rabbits, but do not provide evidence that glibenclamide, at the dose studied, reduces the susceptibility to electrically-induced ventricular fibrillation in dogs subjected to acute ischaemia.
Use of manure concentrations of ash or specific minerals and nitrogen to estimate loss of volatile nitrogen from manure incubated under laboratory conditions

Abstract Changes in the ratio of volatile N to non-volatile specific minerals or total ash in manure can potentially be used to estimate losses of N from manure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of using specific minerals (P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na) or total ash as markers to estimate volatile N losses from incubated manure slurries. Holstein cows were fed diets with the forage as predominantly corn silage (CS) or alfalfa silage (AS) or a diet identical to the CS diet except 5 g/kg urea was added (CSU). Total output of urine and feces were measured and used to prepare two types of slurry mixtures (all slurry mixtures contained 1200 g of manure per tray): (1) as excreted (AsEx) and (2) AsEx + sand (SAND). The SAND slurry was designed to mimic manure from barns that used sand as a bedding material. Feces and urine were mixed in the same proportion as excreted by the cows for both slurry types and 240 g of sand were added to the SAND slurries. Initial and final (3 d incubation period) slurry weights and concentrations of N, ash, and specific minerals were measured to calculate loss of volatile N. Losses of volatile N from the slurries were estimated as: (N intake − N milk) − [N/ash × (ash intake − ash milk)], where N and ash intake = g/d consumed by the cow; N and ash milk = g/d secreted in milk; and N/ash = ratio of N and ash concentrations in slurry samples at 3 d. To evaluate specific minerals as markers, the same equation was used except that Ca, K, Mg, Na or P replaced the ash term. Measured N losses from the AsEx slurries were 0.44, 0.62, and 1.03 g/3 d for the AS, CS, and CSU treatments and estimated N losses (using N/ash) were 0.29, 0.49, and 1.14 g/3 d. Estimated losses were less than measured losses for cows with negative N balance and greater than measured losses for cows in positive N balance. For AsEx slurries, the use of N to specific mineral ratios was generally less accurate than using the N/ash ratio. Estimated N losses from SAND slurries were extremely inaccurate for all markers. The use of the N/ash ratio to estimate N volatilization from manure shows promise but markers that are in appreciable concentrations in bedding material will not be accurate.
Design for sustainability

Purpose – To begin making the library sustainable requires a vision of what will be created and a description of the outcome of the process. This paper aims to address the issueDesign/methodology/approach – The paper provides a viewpoint on developing the sustainable library.Findings – Libraries have important roles to play in the unfolding internet saga, from preserving and organizing knowledge to accelerating and designing learning environments. Achieving sustainability is the new imperative, but the process is difficult, not easy. New mindsets, new strategies of collaboration and networking, widespread professional and staff engagement, and measuring and managing progress are all challenges to be met.Practical implications – In these troubled times clear vision and purpose are needed to maintain stakeholder support. Sustainability provides a model for designing appropriate vision, facilities, and services toward that end.Originality/value – The complexities of designing sustainable libraries requires o...
Robust Cooperative Exploration With a Switching Strategy

Biological inspirations have lead us to develop a switching strategy for a group of robotic sensing agents searching for a local minimum of an unknown noisy scalar field. Starting with individual exploration, the agents switch to cooperative exploration only when they are not able to converge to a local minimum at a satisfying rate. We derive a cooperative H∞ filter that provides estimates of field values and field gradients during cooperative exploration and give sufficient conditions for the convergence and feasibility of the filter. The switched behavior from individual exploration to cooperative exploration results in faster convergence, which is rigorously justified by the Razumikhin theorem, to a local minimum. We propose that the switching condition from cooperative exploration to individual exploration is triggered by a significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) during cooperative exploration. In addition to theoretical and simulation studies, we develop a multiagent testbed and implement the switching strategy in a lab environment. We have observed consistency of theoretical predictions and experimental results, which are robust to unknown noises and communication delays.
Modification of the projection from the sensory cortex to the motor cortex following the elimination of thalamic projections to the motor cortex in cats.

Abstract Examination of the projection from area 2 of the sensory cortex to the motor cortex revealed substantial changes following lesion of the ventrolateral nucleus of the thalamus. These observed changes were as follows. (1) The polarity of the evoked potentials elicited by area 2 stimulation reversed in the depth of the motor cortex whereas in normal animals, there was no reversal. (2) The amplitude of area 2-elicited EPSPs in the motor cortical neurons became greater following the lesion of VL. (3) The shape of the observed EPSPs was characterized by multiple peaks whereas in normal animals, the EPSPs were generally smooth and monophasic. (4) Neurons receiving a short-latency input from area 2 were distributed throughout the depths of the motor cortex whereas in normal animals, they were located only in the upper layers (layers II and III). (5) Intracellular injection of HRP revealed that the neurons receiving short-latency input were not restricted to typical stellate type cells, but also included bipolar or bitufted neurons with elongated cell bodies and polarized arborizations. These neurons were located in the superficial (II and III) as well as the deep (V) layer. (6) It is concluded that the elimination of thalamic input resulted in the reinforcement of the corticocortical input to the motor cortex. The subsequently observed corticocortical projection extended to neurons not originally innervated by the association fibers. (7) The results suggested that functional recovery following thalamic lesion is partly due to reorganization of projections from the sensory cortex to the motor cortex.
Effects of Furazolidone in the Early Chick Embryo

Abstract Effects of furazolidone in early chick embryos were investigated in order to determine the feasibility of using this biological system as a model for studying the mechanism(s) of furazolidone toxicity. Double and triple injections of varying dosages of furazolidone were administered via the yolk sac at early stages of incubation. Toxic levels of the drug affecting both growth and levels of glycogen were dosage-dependent and time-dependent. Double injections of furazolidone at a dose as little as 60 μg/egg administered at 40 and 72 hr of incubation significantly retarded growth (P
Isolation of 9-O-(α-d-N-acetylneuraminyl)-β-d-N- acetylneuraminic acid by partial acid hydrolysis, and its characterisation by 13C n.m.r.

Abstract 9- O -(α- d - N -Acetylneuramyl)-β- d - N -acetylneuraminic acid ( 1 ) has been obtained 16% yield by partial hydrolysis of the sialic acid homopolymer from the serogroup C, meningococcal polysaccharides. The disaccharide was purified by gel chromatography and paper chromatography and was obtained as its diammonium salt. Its structure was conformed by 13 C-n.m.r. spectroscopy in comparison with related monomers (sialic acid and its methyl α-and-β-glycosides). The free-acid forms of the monomers proved to be inadequate models for the assignment of the C-1, C-2, C-3, and C-4 resonances of the disaccharide ( 1 ) because of the substantial uplifted shifts in these resonances caused by the introduction of a monovalent ion at the carboxylic acid carbons (C-1 and C-1′). When the monovalent salts (Na + , K + , and of the monomers were used as models, improved assignment could be made, permitting unambiguous assignment of the anomeric configuration of the disaccharide ( 1 ) based solely on the chemical shift of the carboxylate carbon atoms (C-1 and C-1′). Formation of the sodium salt of methyl α- d - N -acetylneuraminic acid also produced a significant chemical-shift difference (0.9 p.p.m.) at the remote C-8 position. This shift is attributed to an interaction (hydrogen bonding) between the axial carboxylate ion of the methyl α-anomer and the hydroxyl group at C-8.
Biologic targeted therapy in allergic asthma

Abstract Objective To review the structure, function, clinical utility, and safety of current biologic targeted therapies being used for the treatment of asthma. Data Sources Medical literature obtained from PubMed and OVID searches from June to November 2013. Study Selections Studies were selected based on article impact, relevance, and clinical significance. Particular emphasis was placed on articles discussing therapies targeted at IgE, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-4 receptor, IL-5, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor-α, CRTh2, and toll-like receptors 7 and 9. Results Since the approval of omalizumab in 2003, the development of biologic asthma therapies has grown at a remarkable pace. With approximately 30 drugs currently in clinical trials and dozens more in development, the future of asthma biologic therapies is promising. Despite several well-publicized setbacks, researchers remain focused on elucidating the complex pathophysiology of asthma. The hope is that asthma biologic therapies will eventually be tailored to an individual's asthma phenotype. With more than 300 million people worldwide affected by asthma and with roughly 5% to 10% of this population living with severe, uncontrolled asthma, the need for new biologic therapies is great. Conclusion The introduction of each new biologic therapy into clinical trials has been associated with great anticipation, but the outcome of these trials, in many cases, has led to disappointment. Given the lack of overwhelming positive responses, these results have emphasized that asthma is a complex clinical syndrome with multiple underlying genotypes and clinical phenotypes. It has become abundantly clear that it is very unlikely that there is one "magic bullet" to cure all patients with asthma.
Study of crystal defects in natural diamond

Abstract To study the crystal defects in diamonds, a specimen of natural diamond crystals selected from northeast China was tested by means of Lang X-ray topography and double-crystal X-ray topography. As a result, several types of crystal defect, such as twin boundaries, dislocations, growth bands and substructures existing in the specimen were found. The morphologies of the twin boundaries have been analysed and a detailed discussion of the determination of its characteristic vectors is given. The distribution characteristics of the various crystal defects as well as their relation to the twin boundaries are presented.
Vapor-transport growth of high optical quality WSe2 monolayers

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides are atomically thin direct-gap semiconductors that show a variety of novel electronic and optical properties with an optically accessible valley degree of freedom. While they are ideal materials for developing optical-driven valleytronics, the restrictions of exfoliated samples have limited exploration of their potential. Here, we present a physical vapor transport growth method for triangular WSe2 sheets of up to 30 μm in edge length on insulating SiO2 substrates. Characterization using atomic force microscopy and optical microscopy reveals that they are uniform, monolayer crystals. Low temperature photoluminescence shows well resolved and electrically tunable excitonic features similar to those in exfoliated samples, with substantial valley polarization and valley coherence. The monolayers grown using this method are therefore of high enough optical quality for routine use in the investigation of optoelectronics and valleytronics.
Stabilizers of capitellocondylar total elbow arthroplasty.

The contribution of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments (MCL, LCL) and muscle forces to the kinematics and stability of the capitellocondylar total elbow arthroplasty was investigated in six fresh cadaveric elbows. The three-dimensional orientation of the ulna relative to the humerus was monitored with the use of an electromagnetic tracking device in neutral, valgus, and varus stress positions with (1) the ligaments intact, (2) LCL insufficiency obtained by osteotomizing the lateral epicondyle, (3) partial MCL insufficiency obtained by sectioning either the anterior or posterior bundle of the MCL, and (4) complete MCL insufficiency. Simulated muscle forces were applied as follows: (1) no load, (2) 1 kg each to the biceps and the brachialis and 2 kg to the triceps, and (3) 2 kg to the biceps and the brachialis and 4 kg to the triceps. The laxity was defined as the difference in valgus/varus orientation of the ulna in the valgus and varus stress positions. The laxity at 40°, 75°, and 110° elbow flexion was analyzed. The greatest laxity occurred with LCL insufficiency (40.7° ± 11.6°, average at three flexion angles) followed by that with MCL insufficiency (15.7° ± 9.9°), both of which were significantly larger than laxity with the intact ligaments (5.6° ± 2.5°). The laxity with the anterior bundle sectioned (12.0° ± 8.1°) was significantly greater than with the posterior bundle sectioned (3.3° ± 3.6°); thus the contribution of anterior bundle to stability was four times that of posterior bundle. Stabilizing effect of muscle loading was small in elbows with intact ligaments, whereas it was large with LCL or MCL insufficiency. Based on these data, we can see that the integrity of both the MCL and LCL is essential to maintain stability of this total elbow, the anterior bundle is a more important stabilizer than the posterior bundle, and the collateral ligaments seem to be the primary stabilizer and the musculature seems to be the secondary stabilizer. Careful implantation technique to preserve the collateral ligaments is required to obtain postoperative stability of this arthroplasty. Otherwise, routine exposure of the MCL and repair or reinforcement of the MCL, if deficient, may need to be considered during surgery.
A dimensionally scaled generalization of constrained search energy density functionals

A dimensionally scaled generalization of constrained search density functional theory allows access to some simple model problems. These might be valuable for testing and perhaps improving conventional density functionals. One specific model problem is solved: When extrapolated to infinite numbers of spatial dimensions, the energy density functional for spherically symmetric, two-electron systems can be calculated to arbitrary accuracy. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Maize Root Biomass and Net Rhizodeposited Carbon

Assessment of net primary productivity of maize (Zea mays L.)-based agroecosystems is dependent on both above and belowground dry matter production that is ultimately returned to the soil as residue and decaying roots. Root to shoot ratio (R/S) is a parameter often used to estimate root biomass (RB) when shoot biomass is measured or estimated. The labor intensive nature of root sampling and wide variety of sampling techniques has lead to a paucity of maize RB data in the literature, and few researchers have endeavored to characterize R/S throughout an entire growing season. In this paper, the results of 45 maize root studies published in 41 journal articles are summarized and the data used to generate estimates of maize RB and R/S versus days after emergence (DAE). The data from these studies indicate that on average, RB was maximized just after anthesis at approximately 31 g plant -1 (13.6 g C plant -1 ) and that average R/S varied from a high of 0.68 at emergence to a low of 0.16 at physiological maturity. Net rhizodeposited C as a percentage of total net root-derived belowground C at time of sampling (%NRC) was reported for 12 maize studies and varied between 5 and 62%. The wide variation in the %NRC was shown to be highly correlated with an index combining irradiance level, photoperiod, and ambient temperature, suggesting a strong dependence of net rhizodeposited C on rate of photosynthesis and soil respiration. The net belowground C deposition at maize physiological maturity is estimated as 29 ± 13% of shoot biomass C for maize that has not experienced stress.
Ascorbate inhibition of 6‐aminonicotinamide teratogenesis in chicken embryos

Chicken eggs of 4 or 6 days of incubation were injected with 10 mug 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) or 6-AN plus various doses of sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, or ascorbic acid; 11-day embryos were examined grossly and histologically. 6-AN-treated embryos had various degrees of micromelia and were reduced in overall size. All three ascorbates inhibited 6-AN teratogenesis but not completely. The extent of inhibition was dose related. Increased amounts of intercellular matrix and decreased necrosis of chondrocytes in the limb cartilage of protected embryos correlated with the gross findings.
Sternal development in the pediatric population: evaluation using computed tomography

The normal development of the sternum using CT imaging is not known. To describe the normal development of the sternum in children on chest CT imaging. CT imaging of 300 patients (150 male, 150 female), mean age: 4.97 years (range: 0.01–9.9 years), were evaluated retrospectively. The presence and number of ossification centers in the manubrium, each individual mesosternal segment and the xiphoid were reviewed. Additionally, the vertical and horizontal fusion between ossification centers was evaluated. Differences among age and gender were calculated. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variances (ANOVA), chi-square and Fisher exact tests were performed for statistical analysis. Manubrium: A single ossification center was seen in 88% of cases and two or three ossification centers were seen in 12%. More manubrial ossification centers were correlated to a younger age (P 0.05). Xiphoid: Absence was seen in 67% of the patients. Bifid xiphoid was seen in 1% of the patients. The normal development of the different components of the sternum is a process with wide variation among children. The large variability of mesosternal ossification center types should not be confused with pathology.
A cortical edge-integration model of object-based lightness computation that explains effects of spatial context and individual differences.

Previous work demonstrated that perceived surface reflectance (lightness) can be modeled in simple contexts in a quantitatively exact way by assuming that the visual system first extracts information about local, directed steps in log luminance, then spatial integrates these steps along paths through the image to compute lightness (Rudd & Zemach, 2004, 2005, 2007). This method of computing lightness is called edge integration. Recent evidence (Rudd, 2013) suggests that the human vision employs a default strategy to integrate luminance steps only along paths from a common background region to the targets whose lightness is computed. This implies a role for gestalt grouping in edge-based lightness computation. Rudd (2010) further showed the perceptual weights applied to edges in lightness computation can be influenced by the observer’s interpretation of luminance steps as resulting from either spatial variation in surface reflectance or illumination. This implies a role for top-down factors in any edge-based model of lightness (Rudd & Zemach, 2005). Here, I show how the separate influences of grouping and attention on lightness can be together modeled by a cortical mechanism that first employs top-down signals to spatially select regions of interest for lightness computation. An object-based network computation, involving neurons that code for border-ownership, then automatically sets the neural gains applied to edge signals surviving the earlier spatial selection stage. Only the borders that survive both processing stages are spatially integrated to compute lightness. The model assumptions are consistent with those of the cortical lightness model presented earlier by Rudd (2010, 2013), and with neurophysiological data indicating extraction of local edge information in V1, network computations to establish figure-ground relations and border ownership in V2, and edge integration to encode lightness and darkness signals in V4.