cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-frequency active vibration isolation system

We are developing an active vibration isolation system for reducing the disturbing effects of ground motion about six orders of magnitude between 1 and 30 Hz. The system consists of three cascaded stages, each comprising a suspended platform on which are located seismometers and actuators for six degrees of freedom. Our goal is to reduce the vibration noise to [1 X 10-13 X (1 Hz/f)2.5 + 3 X 10-15] m/(root)Hz on the third stage. We have built and tested the initial stage, which is intended to reduce our laboratory noise level to that of a quiet site. The design, control system models, measured performance and current limitations for this stage are presented. The two main stages require a vacuum environment and interferometric readout. The design and models for the main stages are also presented.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Transglutaminase Effects on the Rheological Characteristics of Peanut Flour Dispersions

Introduction: Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) are a stable food commodity around the world. In the last few decades, peanut flour has been used as a food ingredient. Previously, microbial transglutaminase (TGase), an enzyme that catalyzes protein cross-linking via acyl-transfer reactions (1) was shown to modify functional properties of food systems including viscosity, solubility, and water holding capacity. Objective: Characterization of rheological properties of roasted peanut flour-12% fat (PF) dispersions containing amidated pectin (AP) crosslinked with TGase. Methods: Dispersions (20% w/w) were heated from 40° to 90oC at 1°C/min and subsequently cooled to 40oC while continuously monitoring rheological changes. Small strain rheological measurements were conducted under a stress of 1.5 Pa, frequency = 0.1 Hz, a value identified to be within the linear viscoelastic region. PF fractions (+/-) TGase and (AP) were analyzed with SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and the O-Phthaldialdehye assay (OPA). Results: Figure 1 indicates TGase treated PF dispersions had increased gelling temperature (~78°C) after 7 hrs incubation compared to untreated samples (~68°C). Others have noted increased gelling temperature for whey and soy upon treatment with TGase (2, 3). Figure 2 showed PF (+) AP treated with TGase under incubation (24 hrs) resulted in formation of a high molecular weight polymers on the SDS-PAGE gel. OPA assay (Figure 3) showed ~10% coupling of PF after treatment with TGase PF dispersions prepared with AP after incubation for 6 hrs. AP was added to the dispersions to increase gel strength and water holding capacity.
Comparative evaluation of new fine-screen filters: effects on blood flow rate and microaggregate removal.

Fine-screen filters were studied in a simulated clinical situation wherein ten units of outdated concentrated erythrocytes were rapidly transfused per filter to determine flow rates and effectivenesses of debris removal. Preliminary studies to evaluate flow rates with outdated whole blood indicated
Fields that are always dynamic (electromagnetism)

An approach to undergraduate electromagnetics is outlined that differs from the traditional sequence of statics followed by electrodynamics. The purpose is to capture student interest while teaching relatively simple fields by relating the topics to electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic device examples. This is done by addressing electrostatics and magnetostatics as quasistatics, so that the fields are always dynamic. A side benefit is that electro and magneto-quasistatic (EQS and MQS) fields can be more easily realized and measured than static fields, allowing for a wealth of lecture demonstrations, some of which are described. The interaction of fields with matter is emphasized, with examples taken from electrostatic precipitators, the current and charges induced in a person by a power line, magnetic recording, magnetic (i.e. electric) motors, antenna, etc. The introduction of magnetization parallels that of polarization, using the Chu formulation of electrodynamics. >
Circumpolar diversity and geographic differentiation of mtDNA in the critically endangered Antarctic blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia).

The Antarctic blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) was hunted to near extinction between 1904 and 1972, declining from an estimated initial abundance of more than 250,000 to fewer than 400. Here, we describe mtDNA control region diversity and geographic differentiation in the surviving population of the Antarctic blue whale, using 218 biopsy samples collected under the auspices of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) during research cruises from 1990–2009. Microsatellite genotypes and mtDNA sequences identified 166 individuals among the 218 samples and documented movement of a small number of individuals, including a female that traveled at least 6,650 km or 131° longitude over four years. mtDNA sequences from the 166 individuals were aligned with published sequences from 17 additional individuals, resolving 52 unique haplotypes from a consensus length of 410 bp. From this minimum census, a rarefaction analysis predicted that only 72 haplotypes (95% CL, 64, 86) have survived in the contemporary population of Antarctic blue whales. However, haplotype diversity was relatively high (0.968±0.004), perhaps as a result of the longevity of blue whales and the relatively recent timing of the bottleneck. Despite the potential for circumpolar dispersal, we found significant differentiation in mtDNA diversity (FST = 0.032, p<0.005) and microsatellite alleles (FST = 0.005, p<0.05) among the six Antarctic Areas historically used by the IWC for management of blue whales.
Behavior of Salt-Marsh Microtus During Winter High Tides

The populations of Microtus californicus inhabiting the salt marshes of the San Francisco Bay region are subjected to daily high tides but extremely high tides, which completely submerge most vegetation and thus force mice from cover, are encountered only in winter. The mice are in considerable danger from both drowning and avian predation at this time. During these high tides, mice hide in what emergent vegetation remains, swimming freely on the water surface as little as possible. However, swimming and diving abilities are well developed. Evidence presented shows that Microtus usually remain on their home ranges during and after these very high tides, and it is concluded that only the rare, combined effects of wind, rain, and the several factors that produce high tides will displace a population, or reduce its size, to any great extent.
Christian de Duve: Explorer of the cell who discovered new organelles by using a centrifuge.

Christian de Duve, whose laboratory in Louvain discovered lysosomes in 1955 and defined peroxisomes in 1965, died at his home in Nethen, Belgium at the age of 95, on May 4, 2013. De Duve was the last of a group of eminent physiological chemists who, by the 1940s and 1950s, began to explore the subcellular organization of biochemical pathways and thus forged the emergence of Modern Cell Biology. Christian De Duve, Albert Claude, and George Palade received the Nobel Prize in 1974 “for their discoveries concerning the structural and functional organization of the cell.”
Study of image potential surface states on Cu(111): Characterization of the n = 1 and n = 2 members via two-photon photoemission

Abstract The binding energies and dispersions of the n = 1 and n = 2 members of the image potential series of surface state on Cu(111) are measured using the technique of angle-resolved two-photon photoelectron spectroscopy. The n = 1 image state is prepared via excitation of the well-known Gartland-Slagsvold surface state of Λ1 symmetry using intense laser pulses at a photon energy of 4.38 eV. This state is found to have a binding energy at Γ of 0.84±0.05 eV with respect to the vacuum level and a dispersion, as measured from −0.3 ∥ A −1 , which can be characterized by an effective mass equal to 1.0±0.1 times the free electron mass, me. Using optical excitation at hv=4.95 eV, then = 2 member of the series has been observed for the first time on Cu(111). It is found to have a binding energy of 0.26±0.05 eV at Γ and a dispersion (−0.3 ∥ A −1) characterized by m ∗ =0.9±0.2m e .The experimentally observed n=1,2 binding energies are predicted accurately by phase analysis theory, but the same theory predicts an effective mass for the n = 1 member which is 50% greater than that determined experimentally. Reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.
Design of a novel triple helix-forming oligodeoxyribonucleotide directed to the major promoter of the c-myc gene

Altered expression of c-myc is implicated in pathogenesis and progression of many human cancers. Triple helix-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) directed to a polypurine/polypyrimidine sequence in a critical regulatory region near the c-myc P2 promoter have been shown to inhibit c-myc transcription in vitro and in cells. However, these guanine-rich TFOs had moderate binding affinity and required high concentrations for activity. The 23 bp myc P2 sequence is split equally into AT- and GC-rich tracts. Gel mobility analysis of a series of short TFOs directed in parallel and anti-parallel orientation to the purine strand of each tract showed that only parallel CT and anti-parallel GT TFOs formed stable triplex on the AT- and GC-rich tracts, respectively. A novel full-length GTC TFO was designed to bind simultaneously in parallel and anti-parallel orientation to the polypurine strand. Gel-shift and footprinting assays showed that the new TFO formed a triple helix in physiological conditions with significantly higher affinity than an anti-parallel TFO. Protein-binding assays showed that 1 microM GTC TFO inhibited binding of nuclear transcription factors to the P2 promoter sequence. The novel TFO can be developed into a potent antigene agent, and its design strategy applied to similar genomic sequences, thus expanding the TFO repertoire.
Validity of Student Ratings for Two Affective Outcomes of Introductory Psychology

The correlation between student rating of instructor and affective outcomes of instruction was studied in two samples (n = 388 and n = 344) of Introductory Psychology students enrolled in 18 different classes. Correlations were calculated within each class, for students pooled across classes, and between-class means. In general, correlations were positive and of the same magnitude as correlations between student ratings of instructor and cognitive achievement outcomes.
The receptor for advanced glycation end products mediates lung endothelial activation by RBCs.

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a multiligand pattern recognition receptor implicated in multiple disease states. Although RAGE is expressed on systemic vascular endothel...
Bottle feeding simulates child loss: Postpartum depression and evolutionary medicine

summary At the level of a mother’s basic biology, the decision to bottle feed unwittingly mimics conditions associated with the death of an infant. Child loss is a well documented trigger for depression particularly in mothers, and growing evidence shows that bottle feeding is a risk factor for postpartum depression. The implications of this hypothesis for infant feeding practices, hospital procedures that lead to intermittent separation between mothers and infants during the immediate postpartum period, parallels between an increased desire to hold infants by mothers who bottle feed and responses to infant death among nonhuman primates, and the relationship between weaning and depression are discussed in the context of an emerging discipline known as evolutionary medicine.
Spherical Vacuum - Interface Window With Axial - Flow Impingement Cooling

A spherical vacuum - interface window and an axial - flow impingement cooling system for high - energy laser applications are described. The vacuum - interface window is a 65 - cm diameter, 0.5 - cm thick, fused silica dome with a 10° edge angle. Both window optical surfaces are coated with anti - reflective coatings. Finite element analysis techniques were used to determine window thermal, structural, and optical performance characteristics for both uniform and Gaussian, 50 - cm diameter laser beam profiles. The axial - flow impingement cooling system provides convective cooling on a window surface. Helium gas is drawn into a throat duct, flows axially towards the window, impinges the window, and then flows radially outwards through a diffuser. Thermal, fluid, and optical performance testing was performed on a sub - scale apparatus to optimize convective cooling, minimize pumping power, and determine optical path distortion. A 40% scale factor was selected based on similitude. For the configurations tested, a diffuser angle of 30 degrees and a diffuser gap width to duct radius ratio of 0.3 maximized heat transfer with a Nusselt number of 610 at a flow Reynolds number of 740,000. This Nusselt number corresponds to a 30 - second thermal response time constant for the window. A gap width ratio of 0.4 minimized pumping power but at a 20% reduction in heat transfer. Use of turbulence promoters in the throat duct can increase convective cooling by 50%.
General Scientific Electronic Journals

This article describes and compares the Websites of three staples of scientific serial publications: Nature, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), and Science. To varying role all...
An assessment of the energy budget of boran cattle

Abstract 1. 1.|This study presents an estimate of the energy budget of two Boran steers in a hot, radiative environment through a quantitative evaluation of each avenue of heat gain and loss, in near-nature field conditions. 2. 2.|The mean per cent error in the energy budget for the two steers was −9·3 and −15·1, with the estimate of heat loss larger than heat gain. Present techniques and methods are evaluated through an analysis of this error.
Olive orchard amended with two experimental olive mill wastes mixtures: Effects on soil organic carbon, plant growth and yield

Amendments of olive orchard soil with two different preparations of olive mill solid waste (OMWMs) at the rate of 9tonha(-1) per year for five years in two different plots were compared with an industry standard soil amendment using urea. Both the OMWMs amendments showed significant increases in total organic carbon and humic substances in soil of approximately 40% and 58%, respectively, without negative effects on tree growth and yield. This work has shown that olive oil mill waste (OMW) can be recycled safely using the bioremediation system used in this study. We suggest that this system is particularly beneficial to organic farming and is an alternative solution to direct spreading of raw OMW on farm lands.
Robotic Manufacturing of Near-Net Shaped Short-Fiber Reinforced Composites With Functional Properties

Fiber reinforced composite materials are now frequently being used over conventional materials for their ability to achieve tailored properties and performance characteristics. With the recent advancements in manufacturing techniques, short-fiber composites are coming into prominence in this sector, with their cost advantage and their capability for large throughput. Randomness of fiber orientation is inherent to short fiber composite manufacturing processes. In order to effectively manipulate the mechanical properties of a short-fiber reinforced composite, it is imperative to adequately control the orientation of the fibers during the deposition stage. A process is currently developed to acquire geometrical data of the target object and to utilize it to create a short-fiber reinforced component with controlled fiber orientation. The topological data acquisition of the object is made possible using non-contact 3D imaging techniques. The geometric data is then transferred to a commercial CAD package for the added capability to manipulate the geometry as may be required for specific applications. Subsequently, geometric data constitutes the basis of path planning for the tooling processes. In our process, a novel rapidly re-configurable tooling and molding technology is employed by which a 6-axis robotic arm is used to sculpt a pin-device vacuum surface. After the tooling is completed, the robotic arm will use a deposition nozzle to orient a steady stream of initially random short-fiber from a feeder into a unidirectional output, onto the tool surface. By controlling the position and orientation of the deposition nozzle, it is possible to control the orientation and density of fiber in each section of the near-net shaped composite pre-form. The fiber pre-form is then impregnated with a suitable matrix medium and cured to create the required component. The outlined process is thus capable of manufacturing a near-net shaped short-fiber reinforced component with highly specific mechanical properties. One of the many applications envisaged using this process is the manufacture of custom form-fitting braces, masks and guards for use in healthcare products. A patient intervention can have his or her features acquired using stereo-imaging and have corrective measures incorporated into the device prior to manufacturing. By controlling the orientation and density of the fiber at different portions of the device, it is possible to provide adequate support at specific areas or to restrict movement in specific directions while providing compliance to movement in the others.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Ventricular Defibrillation With Triphasic Waveforms

Background—It has been reported that triphasic defibrillation waveforms cause less myocardial injury than biphasic waveforms. This study compared the defibrillation thresholds (DFTs) of triphasic and biphasic waveforms. Methods and Results—DFTs were determined for a transvenous lead system and a 300-μF-capacitor defibrillator. In 8 pigs (group 1), DFTs were determined for 5 triphasic waveforms with tilts of 80%, 83%, and 86% and for 1 biphasic waveform. DFTs were determined in another 8 pigs (group 2) for 2 triphasic and 4 biphasic waveforms with tilts of 43%, 49%, and 56%. In both groups, a biphasic waveform from a 140-μF-capacitor defibrillator was also evaluated, and both shock polarities were tested for each waveform. In group 1, with the 300-μF-capacitor defibrillator, the leading-edge voltage and energy stored at DFT were significantly lower for triphasic waveforms with phase-duration ratios of 50/33/17 and an anode at the right ventricular electrode for phase 1 than for biphasic waveforms (P<0.001)...
Location and Timing of Death among the Elderly: An Analysis of Obituary Notices

This research examines the location and timing of deaths among elderly males and females. Data were gathered and analyzed from 913 obituary notices in an upstate New York Metropolitan newspaper. The obituary notices were collected between August 1994 and October 1994. The data reinforce previous research supporting the institutionalization of death among the elderly. That is, the majority of deaths among the elderly occur in hospitals and nursing homes. Although some gender differences are noted, variations between elderly men and women in the location and timing of death are minimal. Marital status and number of surviving children and siblings of the decedent were also examined relative to the location and timing of death. Controlling for marital status and number of surviving family members does not alter the timing or location of death. Social policy implications associated with future aging populations are addressed.
Female Medflies Mate Selectively with Young Males but Gain No Apparent Fitness Benefits

Species in which female choice is not strongly shaped by male-controlled resources present a challenge to sexual selection research, because it is typically difficult to identify the male phenotypic cues used in female mate selection or the fitness benefits accruing from such selection. In such species, mate selection is presumably based on direct benefits associated with sperm quantity or quality and/or indirect benefits relating to the viability or mating probability of the progeny. Across animal taxa in general, male age has received considerable attention as a potential indicator of these fitness benefits, and the importance of male age in affecting female choice and fitness has been investigated in various insect species with highly variable results. The present study examined whether females of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wied.), a lek-forming species, discriminate among potential mates on the basis of male age and whether this selectivity results in fitness benefits to the females. Both young (10 days old) and old (40 days old) females were offered males from two groups differing in age by 10, 20, or 30 days. Young females mated randomly when the age difference between the younger and older males was 10 days but mated preferentially with the younger males when the age difference was 20 or 30 days. Old females did not discriminate among males of different ages. Although young females showed mate selectivity, we found no differences in fecundity, fertility, or larval viability between young females mated to 10 versus 40 day old males.
Influence of Congeneric Aquaculture on Hard Clam (Mercenaria spp.) Population Genetic Structure

Throughout their range, hard clams of the genus Mercenaria support important commercial fisheries, and hard clam aquaculture is rapidly developing in several regions, including Florida, USA. Commercial hard clam aquaculture in Florida waters originated in the Indian River Lagoon during the late 1970s, but by the early 1990s the focus of the industry had shifted to Cedar Key on the west coast of the state. There, the species Mercenaria campechiensis predominates the natural hard clam population, whereas Mercenaria mercenaria is predominant in the local aquaculture industry. The two species hybridize extensively. The present study was conducted to estimate the genetic implications of M. mercenaria aquaculture on the natural population of M. campechiensis that occupies Cedar Key waters. We sampled a variety of marine and estuarine habitats surrounding Cedar Key and collected 257 hard clams for analysis of species-specific diagnostic allozyme loci, age, and the presence and stage of gonadal neoplasia. Results indicate that the composition of the hard clam population has changed since the advent of aquaculture (i.e., post-aquaculture). Members of the species M. mercenaria were practically nonexistent prior to the 1993 initiation of aquaculture in the area but increased significantly in abundance post-aquaculture, as did hybrid hard clams. There was no significant difference in the abundance of M. campechiensis pre- versus post-aquaculture. All genotype classes had a high incidence (>80%) of gonadal neoplasia, although it is not clear if this high incidence is a reflection of the introduction of aquaculture into the area or if neoplasia was a common feature of the population prior to 1993. Regardless, this finding is not consistent with previous reports that neoplasia is more common in hybrid hard clams. Overall, the results of this study provide clear evidence that culture of M. mercenaria can influence the genotype composition of naturally occurring congeneric populations in the vicinity of the culture operation. The long-term implications of that influence remain to be seen.
Relations among sustained engagement during play, quality of play, and mother-child interaction in samples of children with down syndrome and normally developing toddlers

Thirty-three children with Down syndrome (DS), whose developmental ages (DA) ranged from 17 to 44 months, and 39 normally developing (ND) children, whose DA levels were approximately equivalent, were observed in two play conditions. In the first condition, children played independently while their mothers completed a questionnaire. Next, mothers were instructed to play with their child. Multivariate analyses yielded few significant differences between DS and ND groups for the nonsocial play condition. However, children with DS had lower levels of sustained engagement, and their mothers were more frequently intrusive during social play. Correlational analyses revealed that play quality and sustained engagement with toys were significantly related for the nonsocial play segment, but only for the ND group. Sustained engagement with toys during nonsocial play significantly predicted play quality during social play for both DS and ND samples. During social play, maternal variables were associated significantly with both play quality and sustained engagement with toys for the DS group, but not for ND children. The results suggest that DS and ND children follow parallel trajectories of development with respect to play quality and sustained engagement with toys. However, the social scaffolds supporting these trajectories may differ. Mothers of children with DS tend to focus on and manipulate their child's attention to toys more directly than do mothers of ND children.
Human Laser Angioplasty: Clinical Applications

Angiographically guided balloon dilatation of atherosclerotic vascular lesions is an established non-surgical technique for treating selected patients with occlusive vascular lesions. Balloon angioplasty involves compressing, stretching, and tearing of the arterial intima with subsequent reshaping and healing of the vessel lumen. The atherosclerotic lesion is mechanically displaced but otherwise remains intact. Totally occluding vascular lesions are not amenable to balloon dilatation unless the catheter can be advanced through the occlusion, a practice with inherent complications.
Detection of Hiatus Hernia on 4 × 10 Chest Survey X-ray Films

Ambroise Pare32 anatomized ** the first two reported cases of diaphragmatic hernia, published Initially in 1564. Two centuries later, another French surgeon, Petit,33 described post-mortem findings in hiatus hernia.*** In 1882, Thoma,4’ a pathologist, collected 290 diaphragmatlc hernias from the literature: only three of them were para-esophageal. The latter type was thus believed to be very rare.38 As early as 1897, fluoroscopy had been considered potentially useful for the detection of diaphragmatic hernia.37 In 1900, Hirsch’6 and Mertens found the first case, revealed by radiological examination. They reproduced a film of the barium-coated, air-distended stomach, containing a recoiled catheter filled with mercury. It made history, even if the autopsy, performed years later, disclosed an eventration.2 Eppinger’#{176} was actually the first to diagnose a hiatus hernia on x-ray films in 1904. By 1911, 635 diaphragmatic hernias had been published, 11 of which were para-esophageal. Becker3 contrasted the six cases of diaphragmatic hernia suspected on physical examination (during three centuries) with the 13 cases discovered in the first 15 years of the x-ray era. Early literature, debating the differential diagnosis of hernia vera and relaxation or eventration, has been reviewed by J. M. W. Morrison27 and Assmann.2 At a meeting in Boston (1922), L. B. Morrison28 and Healy’5 presented 12 hiatus hernias detected during routine x-ray examination of the fundus, originally Intended to reveal eventual malignancies. The number was later increased to 32, and finally to 53, which proved that it was not an uncommon finding. In some European textbooks,43 the credit for this goes to Akerlund,’ although he arrived at similar conclusions four years later, in 1926. Today, the high incidence of hiatus hernia is unanimously accepted.’9 It can be seen in 2 to 6 per cent of all barium examinations of the upper G. I. tract.36 A large number of cases, with literary references covering mainly the last few decades, were published by KIrklin and Hodgson.2’ The condition is often asymptomatic, having been demonstrated in four out of 300 apparently healthy adults.6
New Gateways to Discovery

Dr. Pangloss was right, at least for live-cell imaging in plants, in his contention that this is “the best of all possible worlds” ([Voltaire, 1759][1]). We are now able to look inside cells in detailed ways that the fathers of microscopy, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek and Robert Hook, could not have
Preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of ribonuclease I from Escherichia coli.

Abstract Single crystals of ribonuclease I from Escherichia coli have been obtained by the vapor diffusion method. The crystals belong to the tetragonal space group P 4 1 2 1 2 or its enantiomer P 4 3 2 1 2 and have cell parameters a = b =119·01 A and c =34·40 A. There is one 27,000 dalton monomer in the asymmetric unit. The crystals diffract to beyond 3·0 A resolution.
Optical Detection of Disordered Water Within a Protein Cavity

Internal water molecules are important to protein structure and function, but positional disorder and low occupancies can obscure their detection by X-ray crystallography. Here, we show that water can be detected within the distal cavities of myoglobin mutants by subtle changes in the absorbance spectrum of pentacoordinate heme, even when the presence of solvent is not readily observed in the corresponding crystal structures. A well-defined, noncoordinated water molecule hydrogen bonded to the distal histidine (His64) is seen within the distal heme pocket in the crystal structure of wild type (wt) deoxymyoglobin. Displacement of this water decreases the rate of ligand entry into wt Mb, and we have shown previously that the entry of this water is readily detected optically after laser photolysis of MbCO complexes. However, for L29F and V68L Mb no discrete positions for solvent molecules are seen in the electron density maps of the crystal structures even though His64 is still present and slow rates of ligand binding indicative of internal water are observed. In contrast, time-resolved perturbations of the visible absorption bands of L29F and V68L deoxyMb generated after laser photolysis detect the entry and significant occupancy of water within the distal pockets of these variants. Thus, the spectral perturbation of pentacoordinate heme offers a potentially robust system for measuring nonspecific hydration of the active sites of heme proteins.
Absence of CD40 Signaling Is Associated With an Increase in Intimal Thickening After Arterial Injury

Immune-mediator CD40 ligand is expressed on a variety of cell types involved in the immune response and on the cells of the vascular system. Inhibition of CD40 signaling has been associated with reduction of experimental atherosclerosis and transplant-associated vasculopathy. Immune response also plays a cardinal role in intimal thickening after acute arterial-wall injury. After carotid artery injury in CD40 ligand knockout (CD40L(-/-)) mice, the intimal thickening was increased 3-fold compared with the thickening in background B6/129 mice. The extent of thickening was similar to the thickening in B6/129 mice depleted of T lymphocytes with anti-CD4 and anti-CD8 antibodies. Injection of splenocytes from B6/129 mice into the CD40L(-/-) mice reduced the intimal thickening to the level comparable to the thickening in background B6/129 mice. These data suggest that CD40 signaling plays a significant role in the inhibitory effect of T lymphocytes on intimal thickening after arterial injury.
Association of Parent and Peer Support with Adolescent Physical Activity

(2002). Association of Parent and Peer Support with Adolescent Physical Activity. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 73, No. 2, pp. 206-210.
On the study of surface wave propagation in concrete structures using a piezoelectric actuator/sensor system

Concrete structures have been used widely in civil infrastructural systems. Due to the complex nature of the microstructure, nondestructive testing (NDT) of concrete inherently imposes many challenges, which can cause severe limitations on the resolution and the sensitivity of the signals observed. In this study, a numerical simulation based on the finite element (FE) model is first performed to investigate surface wave generation and reception using piezoelectric actuators/sensors, especially in relatively higher frequency cases. The results provide a basic understanding of some features of the microstructure effects on the surface wave propagation. Experimental testing is then conducted to validate the numerical simulation. The group velocity dispersion curves of the surface waves, which are very useful for future damage detection in concrete materials, are obtained from both numerical and experimental results. The good agreement shows the great potential and feasibility of using piezoelectric actuators/sensors to generate and receive surface waves for quantitative damage detection in concrete structures.
Public Libraries and the GATS

Politically neutral bureaucrats posed no threat to the constitution as long as they were only executing poli cies chosen by elected officials. Although they note that the distinction has blurred over time, Denhardt and Denhardt (2007) find the politics-administration dichotomy an important element of the field and its importance is still evident in current government institutions such as the council-manager form of local government. Huber's book on bureaucratic neutrality rejects the politics?administration dichotomy as im practical and instead argues that strategic neutrality allows for bureaucratic power and policy making.
Equivalent plate structural modeling for wing shape optimization including transverse shear

A new technique for structural modeling of airplanes wings is presented taking transverse shear effects into account. The kinematic assumptions of first-order shear deformation plate theory in combination with numerical analysis, where simple polynomials are used to define geometry, construction, and displacement approximations, lead to analytical expressions for elements of the stiffness and mass matrices and load vector. Contributions from the cover skins, spar and rib caps, and spar and rib webs are included as well as concentrated springs and concentrated masses. Limitations of wing modeling techniques based on classical plate theory are discussed, and the improved accuracy of the new equivalent plate technique is demonstrated through comparison with finite element analysis and test results. Expressions for analytical derivatives of stiffness, mass, and load terms with respect to wing shape are given. Based on these, it is possible to obtain analytic sensitivities of displacements, stresses, and natural frequencies with respect to planform shape and depth distribution. This makes the new capability an effective structural tool for wing shape optimization.
Nitric oxide attenuates endothelin-1-induced vasoconstriction in canine stomach.

We previously observed that endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced gastric vasoconstriction is enhanced after ischemia-reperfusion. The purpose of our present study was to examine the role of nitric oxide in regulating ET-1-induced vasoconstriction under normal conditions and after ischemia-reperfusion. Using a mechanically perfused stomach segment from chloralose-anesthetized dogs, we examined 1) responses to NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) alone and in combination with L-arginine, 2) whether L-NAME affects ET-1-induced vasoconstriction under normal conditions and after ischemia-reperfusion, and 3) if spermine NONOate inverted question mark1,3-propanediamine-N-[4-1-(3-aminopropyl)-2-hydroxy-2-nitrosohydrazi no] butyl; a nitric oxide donor inverted question mark attenuates the augmented response to ET-1 after ischemia-reperfusion. Our results show that 1) L-NAME significantly increased baseline vascular resistance and this response was reduced by L-arginine, 2) ET-1-induced vasoconstriction was enhanced by L-NAME, and 3) administration of spermine NONOate during reperfusion largely attenuated the vasoconstrictor response to ET-1 after ischemia-reperfusion. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that nitric oxide modulates responses to ET-1 under normal conditions, and loss of this vasodilator after ischemia-reperfusion results in an augmented response to ET-1.
Distribution of Sonic hedgehog peptides in the developing chick and mouse embryo.

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) encodes a signal that is implicated in both short- and long-range interactions that pattern the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS), somite and limb. Studies in vitro indicate that Shh protein undergoes an internal cleavage to generate two secreted peptides. We have investigated the distribution of Shh peptides with respect to these patterning events using peptide-specific antibodies. Immunostaining of chick and mouse embryos indicates that Shh peptides are expressed in the notochord, floor plate and posterior mesenchyme of the limb at the appropriate times for their postulated patterning functions. The amino peptide that is implicated in intercellular signaling is secreted but remains tightly associated with expressing cells. The distribution of peptides in the ventral CNS is polarized with the highest levels of protein accumulating towards the luminal surface. Interestingly, Shh expression extends beyond the floor plate, into ventrolateral regions from which some motor neuron precursors are emerging. In the limb bud, peptides are restricted to a small region of posterior-distal mesenchyme in close association with the apical ectodermal ridge; a region that extends 50–75 microns along the anterior-posterior axis. Temporal expression of Shh peptides is consistent with induction of sclerotome in somites and floor plate and motor neurons in the CNS, as well as the regulation of anterior-posterior polarity in the limb. However, we can find no direct evidence for long-range diffusion of the 19 × 10(3) Mr peptide which is thought to mediate both short- and long-range cell interactions. Thus, either long-range signaling is mediated indirectly by the activation of other signals, or alternatively the low levels of diffusing peptide are undetectable using available techniques.
Stabilization of poliovirus polymerase by NTP binding and fingers-thumb interactions

The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases show a conserved structure where the fingers domain interacts with the top of the thumb domain to create a tunnel through which nucleotide triphosphates reach the active site. We have solved the crystal structures of poliovirus polymerase (3D(pol)) in complex with all four NTPs, showing that they all bind in a common pre-insertion site where the phosphate groups are not yet positioned over the active site. The NTPs interact with both the fingers and palm domains, forming bridging interactions that explain the increased thermal stability of 3D(pol) in the presence of NTPs. We have also examined the importance of the fingers-thumb domain interaction for the function and structural stability of 3D(pol). Results from thermal denaturation experiments using circular dichroism and 2-anilino-6-napthaline-sulfonate (ANS) fluorescence show that 3D(pol) has a melting temperature of only approximately 40 degrees C. NTP binding stabilizes the protein and increases the melting by 5-6 degrees C while mutations in the fingers-thumb domain interface destabilize the protein and reduce the melting point by as much as 6 degrees C. In particular, the burial of Phe30 and Phe34 from the tip of the index finger into a pocket at the top of the thumb and the presence of Trp403 on the thumb domain are key interactions required to maintain the structural integrity of the polymerase. The data suggest the fingers domain has significant conformational flexibility and exists in a highly dynamic molten globule state at physiological temperature. The role of the enclosed active site motif as a structural scaffold for constraining the fingers domain and accommodating conformational changes in 3D(pol) and other viral polymerases during the catalytic cycle is discussed.
1-D electro-optic beam steering device

In this paper, we present the design and fabrication of a 1D beam steering device based on a planar electro-optic thermal-plastic prisms and a collimator lens array. With the elimination of moving parts, the proposed device is able to resolve the mechanical limitations of present scanning devices, such as fatigue and low operating frequency, while maintaining a small system footprint (∼0.5mm×0.5mm). Simulation and fabrication process of the device is presented. Device operation is observed and measured. From experiment, our prototype device is able to achieve a maximum deflection angle of 5.6° and a a 4µm collimated beam diameter.
An EM Approach to MAP Solution of Segmenting Tissue Mixtures: A Numerical Analysis

This work presents an iterative expectation-maximization (EM) approach to the maximum a posteriori (MAP) solution of segmenting tissue mixtures inside each image voxel. Each tissue type is assumed to follow a normal distribution across the field-of-view (FOV). Furthermore, all tissue types are assumed to be independent from each other. Under these assumptions, the summation of all tissue mixtures inside each voxel leads to the image density mean value at that voxel. The summation of all the tissue mixtures' unobservable random processes leads to the observed image density at that voxel, and the observed image density value also follows a normal distribution (image data are observed to follow a normal distribution in many applications). By modeling the underlying tissue distributions as a Markov random field across the FOV, the conditional expectation of the posteriori distribution of the tissue mixtures inside each voxel is determined, given the observed image data and the current-iteration estimation of the tissue mixtures. Estimation of the tissue mixtures at next iteration is computed by maximizing the conditional expectation. The iterative EM approach to a MAP solution is achieved by a finite number of iterations and reasonable initial estimate. This MAP-EM framework provides a theoretical solution to the partial volume effect, which has been a major cause of quantitative imprecision in medical image processing. Numerical analysis demonstrated its potential to estimate tissue mixtures accurately and efficiently.
Tyrosinase-related protein 2 promoter targets transgene expression to ocular and neural crest-derived tissues.

In an effort to identify a promoter suitable for studying early ocular development, we generated transgenic mice carrying the lacZ reporter gene linked to the tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP2) promoter. TRP2-lacZ was expressed in early retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and early neural crest cells in embryos. The promoter activity was robust and consistent in independent transgenic lines. The transgene was also expressed in the optic nerve and neural crest-derived neuronal cells in which the endogenous TRP2 gene is not expressed. This suggests that repressor elements may be missing in the promoter used in this study. To test whether this promoter can be used to study melanocyte development, we cross-mated TRP2-lacZ transgenic mice with mice heterozygous for the Patch (Ph) mutation. The pattern of beta-galactosidase activity in the embryos correlates well with the pigmentation phenotype in postnatal and adult Ph/+ mice. We also generated transgenic mice expressing fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) directed by the TRP2 promoter and examined the effect on ocular development. Ectopic expression of FGF9 in the early embryonic RPE switched its differentiation pathway to a neuronal fate, resulting in formation of a duplicated neural retina in transgenic mice. These studies demonstrate that the TRP2 promoter is valuable for transgenic studies of ocular differentiation and development of neural crest cells.
New learning frameworks for information retrieval

Recent advances in machine learning have enabled the training of increasingly complex information retrieval models. This dissertation proposes principled approaches to formalize the learning problems for information retrieval, with an eye towards developing a unified learning framework. This will conceptually simplify the overall development process, making it easier to reason about higher level goals and properties of the retrieval system. This dissertation advocates two complementary approaches, structured prediction and interactive learning, to learn feature-rich retrieval models that can perform well in practice.
On tensors of border rank l in Cm×n×l

NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Linear Algebra and its Applications. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Linear Algebra and its Applications, [June 23, 2011] DOI:10.1016/j.laa.2011.05.013. The original publication is available at www.elsevier.com.
Reading Minds and Telling Tales in a Cultural Borderland.

In this article I consider “narrative mind reading,” the practical capability of inferring the motives that precipitate and underlie the actions of others. Following Jerome Bruner, I argue that this everyday capacity depends on our ability to place action within unfolding narrative contexts. While Bruner has focused on narrative mind reading as a within-culture affair, I look to border situations that cross race and class lines where there is a strong presumption among participants that they do not, in fact, share a cultural framework. Instead, interactions often reinforce actors’ perceptions of mutual misunderstanding and cultural difference. Drawing on a longitudinal study of African American families who have children with severe illnesses, I examine narrative mind reading and misreading in one mother’s interactions with the clinicians who treat her child. I further explore how narrative misreadings are supported through chart notes and “familiar stranger” stories. The focus on miscommunication grounds a theory of the reproduction of cultural difference in interactive dynamics and brings Bruner’s emphasis on narrative into dialogue with contemporary anthropology of cultural borderlands.
Temporary migration: a case study of Florida

Most migration statistics in the United States focus on changes in per- manent residence, thereby missing temporary moves such as the daily commute to work, business trips, vacations, and seasonal migration. In this paper, we analyze temporary migration streams in Florida, focusing on moves that include an extended stay. Using several types of survey data, we examine the characteristics of non- Floridians who spend part of the year in Florida and Floridians who spend part of the year elsewhere. We develop estimates of the number, timing, and duration of temporary moves and the origins, destinations, characteristics, and motivations of temporary migrants. This study presents the most comprehensive analysis yet of temporary migration in Florida and provides a model that can be used in other places. It also points to a serious shortcoming in the US statistical system, namely, the lack of information on temporary migration streams. We believe the American Community Survey provides an opportunity to remedy this problem.
Man versus model of man: some conflicting evidence

Abstract This study searched for “bootstrapping” behavior in a financial analysis task where 43 professional loan officers predicted business failure from five-ratio financial profiles. As in previous studies, a linear model proved to be an excellent predictor of subject responses. But, where in previous studies the models of the judges outperformed the judges themselves, in the present study the judges significantly outperformed their linear models ( p ≤.01). The present study differed from previous studies in that the subjects had a greater amount of task-related expertise, the criterion was more well defined and reliably measured, and the cue distributions were more highly skewed. It is also suggested that the most accurate judges tend to outperform their models.
Symbolic tree automata

Abstract We introduce symbolic tree automata as a generalization of finite tree automata with a parametric alphabet over any given background theory. We show that symbolic tree automata are closed under Boolean operations, and that the operations are effectively uniform in the given alphabet theory. This generalizes the corresponding classical properties known for finite tree automata.