cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seedling ontogeny and environmental plasticity in two co-occurring shade-tolerant conifers and implications for environment–population interactions

 Premise of the study: Seedling success is determined by evolved strategies of intrinsic genetic programming and plasticity that are regulated by extrinsic pathways. We tested the relative importance of these mechanisms in red spruce ( Picea rubens Sarg.) and balsam fi r ( Abies balsamea Lin.), which share understory regeneration niches in northeastern North America. Although its reproductive effort is adequate, spruce has decreased in abundance, in relation to fiin seedling and sapling populations, even in forests that have a predominance of spruce in the overstory.  Methods: To understand the factors that regulate this phenomenon and their implications for tree populations, we compared intrinsic and plastic regulation of fiand second-year seedlings under steady understory irradiance levels and in response to increases in light environment.  Key results: Both species exhibited interactions of ontogenetic patterns and plasticity in fiand second-year seedlings. Physiologically, spruce had higher photosynthetic capacity, allocation to photoprotective xanthophylls, and greater plasticity in response to light treatments. Although both species demonstrated an inability to plastically increase photosynthetic capacity in the short term, spruce benefi ted from greater allocation to foliage under increased irradiance. Fir showed a conservative strategy in root–shoot allocation that may better equip seedlings to withstand drought adaptations and attributes associated with greater shade tolerance.  Conclusions: These attributes likely contribute to the relative success of fiin the current climate. By contrast, they indicate that spruce would be a superior competitor in cooler, moister climates, which suggests that future forest composition will be largely determined by an interaction of disturbance and moisture regimes.
Analysis of factors affecting the decrease of endothelial cell density of imported donor corneas

Purpose To evaluate the difference between corneal endothelial cell density at the moment of preservation and keratoplasty in imported donor corneas, and analyze the correlated factors of the difference. Methods Eighty-seven corneas imported between March 2009 and February 2011 were evaluated. Corneal endothelial cell density at the moment of preservation was obtained from the medical record and was measured just before the keratoplasty. Results All of the corneas showed decrease of endothelial cell density. Mean endothelial cell density of imported donor corneas at the moment of preservation and keratoplasty was 2789±235 cells/mm2 and 2592±254 cells/mm2(p=<0.001). Mean endothelial cell loss was 197±148 cells/mm2, which was significantly correlated with preservation to surgery time, death to surgery time and preservation period more than 7 days(p=0.042, p=0.045, p=0.036 respectively). Conclusion Decrease of death to surgery time and keratoplasty before 7days of preservation period are needed for better surgical outcome.
Isotropic CT examination of abdomen and pelvis diagnostic quality of reformat.

Rationale and Objectives To evaluate the image quality of axial and coronal reformats obtained from isotropic resolution abdomino-pelvic computed tomography (CT) examinations. Materials and Methods Thirty consecutive patients with intravenous contrast–enhanced abdomino-pelvic CT examinations (Brilliance 40, Philips Medical Systems, Cleveland, OH) were enrolled for the study. The raw data were reconstructed into two sets of source axial images: 0.9-mm slice widths with 0.45-mm reconstruction interval (isotropic resolution) and 4-mm slice widths with 3-mm reconstruction interval (anisotropic resolution: group A). Isotropic data set was reformatted into axial and coronal stacks (groups B and C, respectively) with 4-mm slice width and 3-mm interval. Three independent readers evaluated stacks A to C using a 3-point scale for resolution of hepatic vessels, edge sharpness of kidneys, respiratory motion artifact, reconstruction artifact, noise, and overall image quality. Results There was no statistical difference among the groups A to C for vessel resolution, motion artifact, noise, and overall quality. The scores given to group C were significantly lower than those to groups A and B for reconstruction artifacts. There was no difference among groups A to C for overall impression of image quality. The interreader agreements were excellent for axial images (groups A and B) and moderate for coronal reformats. Conclusion Isotropic scanning of the abdomen and pelvis allows creation of reformats with similar image quality as similar thickness axial source images. These reformats are of sufficient quality to form the basis of clinical interpretation.
Quantum Analogies: A Reply to Maudlin

Quantum mechanics predicted the Aharonov-Bohm effect and violations of Bell inequalities before either phenomenon was experimentally verified. It is now commonly taken to explain both phenomena. Maudlin has pointed out significant disanalogies between these phenomena. But he has failed to appreciate the striking analogy that emerges when one examines the structure of their quantum mechanical explanations. The fact that each may be explained quantum mechanically in terms of a locally-acting, but nonseparable process suggests that the lesson of quantum nonlocality may be that while there is no action at a distance, the world is nonseparable.
Interpreting Harry Bahrick's discovery: what confers immunity against forgetting?

L'interpretation des donnees de Bahrick (1984) sur la retention de l'espagnol appris a l'ecole et sa theorie du stockage permanent («permastore») sont critiquees par reference a une hypothese de reconstruction
Magnetohydrodynamic steady flow computations in three dimensions

A complete three-dimensional mathematical model has been developed governing the steady, laminar flow of an incompressible fluid subjected to a magnetic field and including internal heating due to the Joule effect, heat transfer due to conduction, and thermally induced buoyancy forces. The thermally induced buoyancy was accounted for via the Boussinesq approximation. The entire system of eight partial differential equations was solved by integrating intermittently a system of five fluid flow equations and a system of three magnetic field equations and transferring the information through source-like terms. An explicit Runge-Kutta time-stepping algorithm and a finite difference scheme with artificial compressibility were used in the general non-orthogonal curvilinear boundary-conforming co-ordinate system. Comparison of computational results and known analytical solutions in two and three dimensions demonstrates high accuracy and smooth monotone convergence of the iterative algorithm. Results of test cases with thermally induced buoyancy demonstrate the stabilizing effect of the magnetic field on the recirculating flows.
Interaction between uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation andStaphylococcus aureus infected liver mitochondria

Des microphotographies electroniques de mitochondries du foie de souris infectees par des staphilocoques montrent une decroissance de la population energisee, ce qui suggere un decouplement. Les mitochondries du foie des animaux infectes avaient un taux eleve d'absorption d'oxygene et indiquent une action de decouplement de laS. aureus plus effective que celle du dinitrophenol employee in vitro dans une concentration optimale. Le decouplement semble avoir lieu au stage de phosphorylation de l'oxydation.
Postspawning Mortality of Rainbow Smelt in Western Lake Superior

Extensive die-offs of rainbow smelt, Osmerus mordax (Mitchell), have occurred in the western end of Lake Superior during each of the past several springs. Sex, age composition, and incidence of fungus infection in smelt from the 1977 die-off were compared with the same characteristics of smelt of the extant spawning population to determine the extent and possible causes of mortality. The die-off in 1977 began about 3 weeks after the end of the spawning run and continued for approximately 2 weeks. The occurrence of dead rainbow smelt was greatest near the Superior-Duluth harbor and decreased as distance from the harbor increased. Age structure of smelt that died was similar to that of the spawning population. Some factor or factors related to spawning may have caused the mortality. The most probable cause of the die-off was temperature stress on spawning smelt in the spawning areas which increased the susceptibility of smelt to the fungus Saprolegnia sp. and may have promoted osmoregulatory imbalance. Male smelt were more vulnerable to the cause of the die-off than female smelt; young fish, especially females, were more resistant than older fish.
Use of remotely sensed data to estimate the flow of water to a playa lake

Abstract The presence of water on Rosamond lake presents potential operational hazards and environmental issues for Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB). This research tests the utility of threshold precipitation in predicting inundation of Rosamond lake. Arcview v.3.2, with the ESRI extension ‘watershed delineator’ and detailed field investigations were used to delineate the watershed and determine elevation-bounded intervals based on soil types and vegetation types and densities. The natural resource conservation service curve number approach was used to estimate the initial abstraction of precipitation, infiltration, runoff, and estimate the threshold depth of precipitation. Climatic data from the western regional climate center and remotely sensed data from the USA Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory were used to examine the association between winter precipitation events and surface water inundation. Visual_Data, a remote sensing analysis program, was used to analyze the Landsat multispectral images in the infrared (IR) bands and apply remote sensing techniques to determine the areal change of water on Rosamond lake over a defined temporal resolution. Threshold precipitation was then compared to precipitation events that occurred within the temporal resolution of the image subtractions to determine the association between precipitation and the inundation of Rosamond lake. The results of this study demonstrated that with refinement this approach could be used to predict the flow of water to a playa lake to predict the duration of inundation.
Pose determination of parameterized object models from a monocular image

Abstract Pose determination of parameterized object models plays an important role in verification of model based recognition systems and real-time tracking of objects in images. Described herein is a data structure that models 3D parametric objects. Algorithms are presented for obtaining analytical partial derivatives of distance functions from projected model edges and endpoints to corresponding image segments, with respect to changes in model and camera parameters. These parameters include rotational, translational, scale and dilation in camera and object model. Solving for camera and model parameters in a 2D image (pose determination) is a nonlinear least squares paradigm. Weights are considered for line-to-line and point-to-point matchings to allow for the applicability of the methods to images with noisy data. A number of complex models are tested, and convergence to proper values occurs from a wide range of initial error, using advanced numerical analysis techniques. The experimentation suggests that by treating the model and camera parameters uniformly, correct pose determination can be obtained from minimal matching information relative to the number of matches required per component individually. The robust verification of model parameters thus simplifies associated object recognition problems.
Angle-closure glaucoma as an initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract Purpose To study a patient with bilateral uveal effusions and secondary glaucoma as an initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Design A case report. Methods The patient presented with bilateral uveal effusions and angle-closure glaucoma. A detailed ocular examination with ultrasonography and a comprehensive medical evaluation with laboratory testing were performed. Results The ocular examination revealed bilateral uveal effusions with angle-closure and elevated intraocular pressures. A systemic evaluation revealed bilateral pleural effusions and laboratory values consistent with systemic lupus erythematosus. After medical and laser therapy failed to lower the intraocular pressure, partial thickness sclerectomies, linear sclerostomies, and choroidal drainage were successful in controlling the glaucoma. Conclusions Uveal effusion with secondary glaucoma can be a presenting sign for systemic lupus erythematosus. If antecedent ocular abnormalities are not present, a systemic evaluation is warranted in assessing a patient with uveal effusions and secondary angle-closure glaucoma. Partial-thickness sclerectomies, linear sclerostomies, and choroidal drainage may be effective in lowering intraocular pressure.
Computational support for building evaluation: Embedded Commissioning Model

Persistent evaluation of design throughout the building delivery process is a challenging task. Isolated measurements with discrete objectives typify current practices. However the goal of the AEC industry should be the improvement of the quality of buildings through continuous evaluation. This paper describes our research on an Embedded Commissioning Model, which proposes a building information model to make architectural evaluation a persistent part of the building lifecycle.
Symposium: Situations and Problems

Abstract The purpose of this panel discussion is to examine the situations and problems in the five geographic areas of the U.S.—Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West, and Far West. Normally poultry extension specialists do not have an opportunity to travel to other areas of the country. Quite often, though, industry problems are not confined to one particular state or geographic area. Consequently, it is important that specialists find out what is going on in other areas and what is being done, and can be done, to solve a particular problem. Members IN THE NORTHEAST H. C. W helden University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04473 In the past five years, the Northeast has not expanded as rapidly in egg and broiler production as the average for the U.S. The 11 Northeastern states now produce about 15 percent of the country’s total eggs and 16 percent of the broilers. The main problems facing the…
Performance Study of Direct Borohydride Fuel Cells Employing Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Membrane and Nickel‐Based Anode

A direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) employing a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel membrane and a nickel-based composite anode is reported. Carbon-supported platinum and sputtered gold have been employed as cathode catalysts. Oxygen, air and acidified hydrogen peroxide have been used as oxidants in the DBFC. Performance of the PVA hydrogel membrane-based DBFC was tested at different temperatures and compared with similar DBFCs employing Nafion® membrane electrolytes under identical conditions. The borohydride–oxygen fuel cell employing PVA hydrogel membrane yielded a maximum peak power density of 242 mW cm–2 at 60 °C. The peak power densities of the PVA hydrogel membrane-based DBFCs were comparable or a little higher than those using Nafion® 212 membranes at 60 °C. The fuel efficiency of borohydride–oxygen fuel cell based on PVA hydrogel membrane and Ni-based composite anode was found to be between 32 and 41%. The cell was operated for more than 100 h and its performance stability was recorded.
Morphological, mechanical and gas-transport characteristics of crosslinked poly(propylene glycol): homopolymers, nanocomposites and blends

Abstract Linear polyethers possess unusually high CO2 solubility and, hence, selectivity due to the presence of accessible ether linkages that can interact with the quadrupolar moment of CO2 molecules. In this work, membranes derived from crosslinked poly(propylene glycol) diacrylate (PPGda) oligomers differing in molecular weight (M), as well as PPGda nanocomposites containing either an organically-modified montmorillonite clay or a methacrylate-terminated fumed silica are investigated and compared with highly CO2-selective poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGda) homopolymer and nanocomposite membranes previously reported. The rheological and permeation properties of PPGda depend sensitively on M, with the elastic modulus decreasing, but CO2 permeability and CO2/H2 selectivity increasing, with increasing M. Incorporation of either nanofiller into PPGda enhances the elastic modulus and reduces the gas permeability in the resultant nanocomposites without strongly affecting CO2/H2 selectivity. Blending PPGda and PEGda prior to chemical crosslinking yields binary membranes that exhibit intermediate gas-transport properties accurately described by a linear rule of mixtures.
The Global and the Local: Health in Latin American Indigenous Women

All over Latin America, indigenous populations are rapidly changing their lifestyle. This work elaborates on the complex experience of indigenous people in transition. Poverty, discrimination, marginalization, and endurance are defining characteristics of their everyday life. Global health programs represent excellent opportunities for addressing these issues. These initiatives, however, are at risk of being short-sighted, ethnocentric, and paradigmcentric. Global health programs would be increasingly more successful if they break disciplinary boundaries and invite actors with different perspectives to a dialogue that does not emphasize biology over culture or academic over community expertise.
Protective Role of P450 Epoxyeicosanoids in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background Patients recovering from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are at risk for developing delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Experimental and human studies implicate the vasoconstrictor P450 eicosanoid 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) in the pathogenesis of DCI. To date, no studies have evaluated the role of vasodilator epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) in DCI.
Finger Tendon Travel Associated with Sequential Trigger Nail Gun Use.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS This article reports a method for assessing finger tendon motion associated with the use of a sequential actuation trigger pneumatic nail gun. The two-stage actuation process of the sequential actuation trigger reduces risk of nail puncture injury from unintended nail discharge (relative to the higher risk of the contact actuation trigger). However, widespread adoption of the sequential actuation trigger nail gun throughout the construction industry has been hindered by beliefs about productivity and musculoskeletal concerns about the repetitive trigger actuation and finger motion for each nail fired. Though existing guidelines for finger tendon travel exposure are not well established, predictions derived with the present method combined with productivity standards suggest insufficient evidence to contradict the safety-based recommendation to adopt the sequential actuation trigger trigger. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Pneumatic nail guns used in wood framing are equipped with ...
Nuclear ribosomes, an early factor in tissue reparation.

Abstract The role of cytoplasmic ribosomes in protein synthesis has been studied extensively in the past; more recent discoveries suggest ( Noll et al, 1963 ) that the functional units or protein synthesis are ribosomal aggregates, “ergosomes”, consisting of particles held together by m-RNA. The origin of cytoplasmic ribosomes is a matter of some speculation but a current favorite is that ribosomal RNA is synthesized in the nucleus. The purpose of our report is to present some data which indicate that nuclear ribosomes are labeled earlier than cytoplasmic microsomes during tissue reparation, suggesting nuclear origin of the cytoplasmic microsomes. The studies were carried out on subcellular fractions of infarcted and normal cardiac muscle.
The relationship between resting blood pressure and acute pain sensitivity in healthy normotensives and chronic back pain sufferers: the effects of opioid blockade

Resting blood pressure is inversely correlated with acute pain sensitivity in healthy normotensives. This study tested: (1) whether endogenous opioid activity is necessary for this adaptive relationship to occur, (2) whether this relationship is altered in chronic low back pain (LBP), and (3) whether endogenous opioid dysfunction underlies any such alterations. Fifty-one pain-free normotensives and 44 normotensive chronic LBP sufferers received opioid blockade (8 mg naloxone i.v.) or placebo blockade (saline) in randomized, counterbalanced order in separate sessions. During each session, subjects participated in a 1-min finger pressure (FP) pain task followed by an ischemic (ISC) forearm pain task. Among pain-free normotensives, elevated resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were associated with significantly higher ISC pain thresholds (P values 0.10). In combined groups analyses, a significant subject typexSBP interaction (P 0.10). Higher DBP was associated with greater clinical pain intensity among the LBP subjects (P<0.001). Overall, these results suggest: (1) endogenous opioids do not mediate the inverse relationship between resting blood pressure and acute pain sensitivity in pain-free normotensives; (2) the BP-pain sensitivity relationship is altered in chronic pain, suggesting dysfunction in pain regulatory systems, and (3) these alterations are not related to opioid dysfunction.
LEED study of the order-disorder transition of the p(2 × 2) phase of oxygen chemisorbed on Ni(111)

Abstract The order-disorder transition of the p(2 × 2) phase of oxygen chemisorbed on Ni(111) has been studied using low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). The transition was found to be continuous, and the measured critical exponents are consistent with those predicted for the 4-state Potts model. These results agree with the theoretical predictions for this overlayer based on symmetry considerations, but disagree with two other experimental studies. These discrepancies are discussed.
Entwicklung und Anwendung eines Baustellenmessgeräts zur Bestimmung der Spannung in Bewehrungsstählen

Die Kenntnis der in einem bestehenden Stahlbeton- oder Spannbetonbauwerk herrschenden Spannung in den Bewehrungsstahlen ist ein wichtiger Parameter fur die Tragwerksbeurteilung. Bei der rechnerischen Ermittlung der Spannung in der Bewehrung mussen viele Annahmen zu Bauteilabmessungen, Steifigkeiten und Lasten getroffen werden, die das Ergebnis stark beeinflussen. Eine messtechnische Ermittlung der Stahlspannung mit zerstorungsfreien Prufmethoden ware deshalb sehr hilfreich. Die enertec engineering ag in Winterthur hat ein solches Messgerat zur Anwendungsreife entwickelt. Das auf der Messung von mikromagnetischen Eigenschaften beruhende Verfahren wird beschrieben, die praktische Anwendung erlautert und der Nutzen anhand von zwei durchgefuhrten Messkampagnen aufgezeigt. Development and practice of a new device for the measurement of mechanical stress in the reinforcement of concrete structures The knowledge of the mechanical stress in the reinforcement of existing concrete structures is a vital parameter for the evaluation of these structures. At the calculation of the tension in the reinforcement using static models there have to be assumed values for geometry, stiffness and load, which have a crucial impact on the result. For this reason the measurement of the existant stress in the reinforcement with nondestructive methods would be very helpful. The enertec engineering ag in Winterthur, Switzerland has developed such a measuring device for practical use on site. The physical methods and the practical use are described. The advantages of the deployment of the device are shown on two executed measuring campaigns.
Therapeutic plasma exchange and renal related vasculitis: Therapeutic apheresis academy 2010

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), a form of extracorporeal therapy, has been used in the management of many systemic conditions some of which include the systemic vasculitides that affect the kidneys. The following is a mini review of what is known about renal related indications for TPE in such conditions and the evidence based literature available as presented at the Therapeutic Apheresis Academy in September 2010.
Effects of Si/Ge multilayered structures on bi projected range distributions*

Ion range distributions in Si/Ge multilayered structures were studied by glancing angle Rutherford backscattering analysis. Alternating layers of silicon and germanium with thicknesses ranging from 25 to 60 nm were prepared by UHV deposition and then implanted with Bi at energies ranging from 70 to 385 keV. Experimental results exhibit the expected discontinuities at Si/Ge interfaces and depend strongly both on whether Si or Ge is the first layer in the sequence and on the projected range to layer thickness ratio. Our preliminary results are compared to a recent theoretical approximation, the method of equivalent atomic stopping (MEAS), for determining ion depth distributions in multilayer targets.
Observations on the ultrastructure, mode of infectivity and host range of xenosomes.

Abstract Xenosomes are infectious bacterial-like symbionts that reside in the cytoplasm of certain strains of the marine hymenostome ciliate, Parauronema acutum . Ultrastructural studies of xenosomes of one such strain, P. acutum , 110/3, reveal that the particles possess a cell envelope whose outer membrane resembles that of Gramnegative bacteria. Unlike typical Gram-negative bacteria, however, xenosomes possess a much reduced ‘murein’ layer. The DNA is not located in a ‘nucleosome’ or ‘nuclear body’ as it is in most bacteria, but may be found dispersed throughout the internal contents of the particle. Xenosomes are capable of infecting several strains of Parauronema spp. and at least one other ciliate of marine origin, Miamiensis avidus , Ma. They are also capable of inhibiting the growth of certain marine ciliate strains, particularly those of the genus Uronema . Infectivity may be related to the fact that the particles are motile. When released from the host protozoan, they may be seen spinning or darting rapidly, suggesting the presence of a motile apparatus. Phosphotungstic acid staining of the released particles show that they do, indeed, possess bacterial-like flagella. The average number of flagella per particle observed was two, although some particles were seen with as many as five. A flagellum may occur at almost any point on the surface of the particle and is characteristically wider near its point of insertion into the cell envelope than it is near its tip. During normal growth in axenic culture, xenosomes are actively released into the ambient medium. Particles, thus released, rapidly lose their capacity to infect susceptible hosts, and this capacity parallels their ability to remain motile.
Virginia's Higher Specification for Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement: Performance and Economic Evaluation

In 2007 the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) decided to allow higher percentages—more than 20%—of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in hot-mix asphalt with no change in binder grade. For selected VDOT resurfacing projects in 2007, six contractors produced a total of 129,277 tons of mix containing 21% to 30% RAP from seven asphalt plants in four districts. This study estimated the effect of increased RAP percentages on performance and relative cost. Mixes from most of the high-RAP jobs were sampled and tested, as were mixes from roughly comparable jobs containing less than 20% RAP. Laboratory tests revealed no significant difference between the higher RAP mixes and the control mixes for fatigue, rutting, and susceptibility to moisture. Recovered binder was graded to determine the effect of adding higher percentages of RAP. No construction problems were attributed to the use of the mix with the higher RAP percentage. Slight price adjustments were applied to two of the 10 high-RAP projects, but these were not because of the higher RAP percentage. Price and quantity data from all contracts in the 2007 resurfacing schedule were subjected to statistical analysis. The specification allowing higher RAP percentages was found to have a small, statistically insignificant impact on the bid prices for surface mix items. Value engineering proposals received for jobs not advertised with the high-RAP specification showed that the use of more than 20% RAP could reduce costs in at least some cases.
The tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein directly inhibits GABAA receptors.

Abstract The protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitor genistein has been widely used to examine potential effects of tyrosine phosphorylation on neurotransmitter function. We report here that genistein inhibits GABAA receptors through a direct effect. Extracellular application of genistein and GABA reversibly inhibited GABA-activated currents recorded from HEK293 cells expressing rat α1β2γ2S or α1β2 receptors, even when genistein was preequilibrated in the intracellular solution. Daidzein, an analog of genistein that does not block PTK, also inhibited GABA-activated current. Coapplication of lavendustin A, a specific inhibitor of PTK, had no effect on the GABA response. Our results demonstrate that genistein has a direct inhibitory effect on GABAA receptors that is not mediated via inhibition of tyrosine kinase.
Analogs of natural lipids. II. Polymorphic behavior of the tris-Homo acyl derivatives of cyclopentane-1,2,3-triols

Abstract The polymorphic behavior of the three series of tris-homoacyl (C14:0, C16:0 and C18:0) cyclopentane-1,2,3-triol analogs of the natural saturated triglycerides has been studied using differential thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. It was found that the triglyceride analogs derived from the 1,2,3/0 and 1,2/3 cyclopentanetriols exhibit different polymorphic behavior than that of the natural triglycerides. The analogs derived from 1,3/2 cyclopentanetriol, however, were found to parallel the polymorphic behavior of the natural triglycerides quite closely. This polymorphic behavior is discussed in terms of the different configurations which the chains assume in each of the triglyceride analogs.
Primitive numerical simulation of circular Couette flow - Carrousel wind tunnel nonturbulent solutions

The azimuthal-invariant, three-dimensional cylindrical, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved to steady state for a finite-length, physically realistic model. The numerical method relies on an alternating-direction implicit scheme that is formally second-order accurate in space and first-order accurate in time. The equations are linearized and uncoupled by evaluating variable coefficients at the previous time iteration. Wall grid clustering is provided by a Roberts transformation in radial and axial directions. A vorticity-velocity formulation is found to be preferable to a vorticity-streamfunction approach. Subject to no-slip, Dirichlet boundary conditions, except for the inner cylinder rotation velocity (impulsive start-up) and zero-flow initial conditions, nonturbulent solutions are obtained for sub- and supercritical Reynolds numbers of 100 to 400 for a finite geometry where R(outer)/R(inner) = 1.5, H/R(inner) = 0.73, and H/Delta-R = 1.5. An axially-stretched model solution is shown to asymptotically approach the one-dimensional analytic Couette solution at the cylinder midheight. Flowfield change from laminar to Taylor-vortex flow is discussed as a function of Reynolds number. Three-dimensional velocities, vorticity, and streamfunction are presented via two-dimensional graphs and three-dimensional surface and contour plots.
Digestive Stability, Micellarization, and Uptake of β-Carotene Isomers by Caco-2 Human Intestinal Cells

While isomeric profiles of carotenoids found in food often differ from those in body fluids and tissues, insights about the basis for these differences remain limited. We investigated the digestive stability, relative efficiency of micellarization, and cellular accumulation of trans and cis isomers of beta-carotene (BC) using an in vitro digestion procedure coupled with human intestinal (Caco-2) cells. A meal containing applesauce, corn oil, and either water-soluble beadlets (WSB) or Dunaliella salina (DS) as a BC source was subjected to simulated gastric and small intestinal digestion. BC isomers were stable during digestion, and the efficiency of micellarization of cis-BC isomers exceeded that of all-trans-BC isomers. The cellular profile of carotenoids generally reflected that in micelles generated during digestion, and intracellular isomerization was minimal. These data suggest that cis isomers of BC are preferentially micellarized during digestion and transferred across the brush-border surface of the enterocyte from mixed micelles with similar efficiency as all-trans-BC at the concentrations of the carotenoids utilized in this study.
Response to: Resolving the software science anomaly

Abstract Card and Agresti 1. [1] claim to have resolved the software science anomaly by demonstrating that Halstead's length measure lacks empirical as well as theoretical support. It may be true that software science, as developed by Halstead 2. [2],lacks this support but the arguments used by Card and Agresti are shown to be invalid.
Estimation-theoretic approach to dynamic range enhancement using multiple exposures

We present a new approach for improving the effective dynamic range of cameras by using multiple photographs of the same scene taken with different exposure times. Using this method enables the photographer to accurately capture scenes that contain high dynamic range by using a device with low dynamic range, which allows the capture of scenes that have both very bright and very dark regions. We approach the problem from a probabilistic standpoint, distinguishing it from the other methods reported in the literature on photographic dynamic range improvement. A new method is proposed for determining the camera's response function, which is an iterative procedure that need be done only once for a particular camera. With the response function known, high dynamic range images can be easily constructed by a weighted average of the input images. The particular form of weighting is controlled by the probabilistic formulation of the problem, and results in higher weight being assigned to pixels taken at longer exposure times. The advantages of this new weighting scheme are explained by com- parison with other methods in the literature. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the utility of the algorithm. © 2003 SPIE
Work In Progress: A Comparison of Assessment Techniques

First year cadets at the United States Military Academy are required to complete an introduction to computers and technology course. In the past, we assessed the student mastery of the basic programming concepts of sequence, selection, and iteration through large out-of-class projects. Recently, we redesigned the course assessment technique to replace the out-of-class projects with three in-class graded labs involving scaled down problems. Comparison of the results of term end exams and end-of-course surveys from cadets and faculty from both semesters indicate that the in-class graded labs are a better assessment technique. This paper discusses the implementation and results of the in class graded labs.
Effect of the physiological state of microbial cells on cadmium sorption

Live and dead cells of several strains of bacteria as well as different microbial populations isolated from natural environments were tested for their ability to sorb cadmium (Cd) from a liquid medium (0.05M phosphate buffer, pH 7.2) containing 10 μg Cd/ml. The bacterial cultures were grown in a nutrient solution without Cd, harvested, and then suspended in the buffer solution for the uptake assays. The amount of Cd sorbed by dead cells was usually higher than by live cells. Killing of bacteria by chemicals (ethanol, formaldehyde, or propylene oxide) or physical (γ-radiation) means had a varying effect on Cd uptake by dead cells. Various bacterial strains showed different degrees of resistance to Cd and different uptake levels of this heavy metal with no established correlation. Neither storage of the cells at 4°C for 48 hr after harvesting nor varying incubation times of the bacteria before the Cd uptake experiments had any influence on the amount of Cd sorbed.
Shyness and boldness differences across contexts in juvenile three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus from an anadromous population

To examine if a behavioural syndrome is present in juvenile three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus from anadromous populations, individuals were repeatedly exposed to a variety of conditions to assess behavioural consistency and determine if a shyness-boldness syndrome occurred. The degree of exploration in a novel environment was positively correlated with boldness in all other test conditions. Activity level in all contexts, foraging, predator inspection and shoaling were found to be repeatable while other behaviours such as latency to respond appeared more plastic. Both similarities and differences were found for behavioural correlations within and across contexts when compared to prior studies on freshwater populations of G. aculeatus. This suggests that selection pressures may vary across ontogeny and environments.
Hematocrit values during pregnancy in a nurse-midwifery caseload

Abstract This article reviews the normal hematologic changes in pregnancy and the kinetics of iron metabolism. The differences between iron depletion and anemia are described. The hematocrit levels of a nurse-midwifery caseload in a tertiary-care setting are described and compared with recently published population norms. Hematocrits of the sample compared favorably to the population hematocrits until 24 weeks' gestation, when the sample hematocrit mean became statistically lower and remained that way. throughout pregnancy. Further analysis was done on the sample hematocrits, comparing differences in parity, age, pregnancy spacing, and AS versus AA hemoglobin. Parous women with a pregnancy interval >12 months had a higher mean hematoctit then nulliparous women. Mean hematocrits of age groups varied significantly only at the 29–32-week interval, with women younger than 18 having lower mean hematocrits than those ≥18. A trend of women with AS hemoglobin having higher hematocrits than women with AA hemoglobin was identified, reaching statistical significance at the 29–32-week interval.
A general cattle production systems model. I: Structure of the model

Abstract A deterministic model for simulating beef cattle production under a wide range of management schemes and environments with cattle differing widely in genotypes for size, growth and milk production is described. In the model, genotypes are specified as production potentials, which are reached only if past and present planes of nutrition are adequate. Intake of forage and/or other feed is simulated as a function of the size and physiological status of the animals and the availability, digestibility and crude protein content of the feed. Animal performance is calculated from the nutrient intake and the animals' condition (fatness), degree of maturity and genetic potential. The model has been used for simulating beef cattle production under several widely differing sets of environmental and management conditions in Guyana, Colombia, Venezuela, Botswana, Texas and Mid-western United States and for simulating dairy-beef production systems in Colombia, Tanzania and Botswana. Results of simulations of existing conditions have coincided rather closely with actual production levels.
Temporal effects of inhaled histamine and methacholine aerosols on the pulmonary mechanics of thoroughbred horses.

This paper presents a method for on-line determination of pulmonary mechanics in standing, non-sedated horses during and following inhalation of aerosolized drug solutions. This method was used to evaluate the temporal effects of inhaled histamine and methacholine aerosols on pulmonary mechanics in 18 Thoroughbred horses. The following were concluded from this study. The extremely large between-breath variation, for all variables used to evaluate pulmonary mechanics in the horse, limits the usefulness of these variables for modeling the non-specific pulmonary responses to inhaled stimulants on a breath-by-breath basis. Following the implementation of averaging techniques to control the variation of these response variables, respiratory rate appears to be affected most predictably by inhalation of non-specific bronchoconstrictors. In the 18 subjects studied, the response of respiratory rate to inhaled histamine and methacholine aerosols was well described by a complex function consisting of exponential treatment and post-treatment phases in 10 and six of the subjects, respectively. Large intra-individual variation of the non-specific response to these. stimulants in repeated studies of some subjects, suggests that differences in responses on a particular day may be due to inter-day variations in minute ventilation or baseline airway caliber.
The Role of Single and Multi-Electron Excitations in Electron Stimulated Desorption

We investigate the nature of the electronic transitions which lead to the desorption of ions from adsorbate-covered metal and semiconductor surfaces. F+ desorption from F/Si occurs via a Knotek-Feibelman mechanism, while H+ desorption from H/Si and O+ from CO/metals involve multi-electron transitions. The desorption of CO+ from CO/metals and NO+ from NO/Si apparently occurs via a simple Menzel-Gomer-Redhead mechanism.
High order central scheme on overlapping cells for magneto-hydrodynamic flows with and without constrained transport method

This paper extends the central finite-volume schemes of Liu et al. Y. Liu, C.-W. Shu, E. Tadmor, M. Zhang, Non-oscillatory hierarchical reconstruction for central and finite-volume schemes, Commun. Comput. Phys. 2 (2007) 933-963] on overlapping cells to the magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) equations. In particular, we propose a high order divergence-free reconstruction for the magnetic field that uses the face-centered values. We also advance the magnetic field with a high order constrained transport (CT) scheme to preserve the divergence-free condition to machine round-off error. The overlapping cells are natural to be used to calculate the electric field flux without an averaging procedure. We have developed a third-order scheme which is verified by the numerical experiments. Other higher order schemes can be constructed accordingly. Our central constrained transport schemes do not need characteristic decomposition, and are easy to code and combine with un-split discretization of the source and parabolic terms. The overlapping cell representation of the solution is also used to develop more compact reconstruction and less dissipative schemes. The high resolution is achieved by non-oscillatory hierarchical reconstruction, which does not require characteristic decomposition either. The numerical comparisons show that the central schemes with non-CT perform as well as with CT for most of problems. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate efficacy of the new schemes.
Taste Processing: Whetting our appetites

Two G-protein-coupled receptors have been identified that are present in the apical membranes of rat and mouse taste cells and differentially distributed across the tongue and palate. They are strong candidates for being taste receptors and their discovery has provided new tools for research into gustatory processing.
Inflammatory biomarkers, race/ethnicity and cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the developed world. In the United States alone, cardiovascular disease accounts for nearly 40% of deaths, at an estimated annual cost of at least US $430 billion. Notable, racial/ethnic differences in morbidity and mortality have been observed; in the United States, African Americans have the highest age-adjusted death rate from CVD, followed by Whites, Hispanics, and Asians. The underlying basis for the observed racial/ethnic disparities in CVD morbidity and mortality is likely multifactorial. Although hyperlipidemia screening and treatment has proven to be one of the most effective strategies for reducing CVD burden in the US population, it often fails to identify a substantial proportion of persons at high risk for CVD-related events. Elevations in markers of inflammation and thrombosis such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule, homocysteine, and fibrinogen are also associated with increased CVD risk. However, data relating markers of inflammation and he-mostasis to CVD principally come from White populations; little data are available across racial/ethnic groups. A range of barriers exist related to ethnic minority subject participation in research studies in the United States. If we are to better understand the racial differences in cardiovascular risk, these barriers must be overcome.
Senate Elections With Independent Candidates

Assuming strict two-party competition, policy balancing models of the US senate imply that senators from the same state will often be from opposite parties and have great ideological divergence. We analyze the effect of independent candidates on these implications. Our theoretical model implies the two state senators will generally not be from opposite parties and will be closer in ideological space than if they were elected under strict two-party competition. Empirical analysis of senate composition from 1991 to 2002 supports the theory.
Magnetic accretion onto young stars

Young T Tauri stars exhibit strong solar-type magnetic activity, with extremely high temperature coronae and energetic flares. In a few systems discovered with Chandra and XMM-Newton there is also evidence for X-ray emission produced by shocks associated with magnetically channeled accretion. A recent 489 ksec Chandra HETG/ACIS-S observation of the classical T Tauri star TW Hydrae has provided a wealth of spectroscopic diagnostics not available in lower signal-to-noise ratio observations. Using line ratios for electron temperature, electron density, and column density we have found that the shock produced by the accelerating material in the accretion stream behaves as predicted by standard theory. However, the properties of the post-shock plasma differ substantially from the predictions of standard 1D shock models (Brickhouse et al. in Astrophys. J. 710:1835, 2010). The accretion process apparently heats the stellar atmosphere up to soft X-ray emitting temperatures, providing hot ions to populate the magnetic corona, in loops, stellar wind, and/or jets. This gas is highly turbulent, as evidenced by non-thermal line broadening. The observed properties of the accretion-fed corona should constrain theoretical models of an accretion-driven dynamo.
Nuclear Receptor Coregulators: Judges, Juries, and Executioners of Cellular Regulation

In a little more than 10 years, nuclear receptor (NR) coregulators (coactivators and corepressors) have contributed to our present realization that a great level of sophistication exists in transcriptional regulation. Here, we discuss the implications of coregulators as versatile regulatory agents, influencing not only transcriptional initiation but also elongation, splicing, and translation. In addition to this, there is an increasing recognition that they also regulate a variety of biological processes outside of the nucleus. An important concept that we wish to emphasize is that coregulators are both targets and propagators of posttranslational modification (PTM) codes. This underlies a sophisticated epigenetic regulatory scheme from which a complex and dynamic mammalian phenotype emanates.