cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bedrock type drives forest carbon storage and uptake across the mid-Atlantic Appalachian Ridge and Valley, U.S.A.

Abstract Lithology influences forest carbon storage and productivity yet is often overlooked for forests of the eastern United States, a large and important carbon sink. This research explores the influence of two common lithologies of the Ridge and Valley physiographic province in the Appalachian Mountains, shales and sandstones, on live aboveground carbon storage, carbon uptake, forest community composition and their interrelationships. We couple forest inventory data from 565 plots from Pennsylvania state agencies with a suite of GIS derived landscape metrics including measures of climate, topography and soil physical properties to identify biotic and abiotic drivers of live forest carbon dynamics in relation to lithology. Forests growing on shale bedrock store more live aboveground carbon compared to forests on sandstone when controlling for stand age, which ranged from 20 to 200 years. Furthermore, forests in the dominant ages (81–120 years) store more live aboveground carbon (108.1 Mg/ha vs. 86.5 Mg/ha) and uptake live aboveground carbon at a faster rate (1.32 Mg/ha/yr vs 0.85 Mg/ha/yr) on shale compared to sandstone respectively. Overall forest communities on both lithologies are dominated by oaks (Quercus spp.), however northern red oak (Q. rubra) is more dominant at shale sites compared to chestnut oak (Q. prinus), which dominates on sandstone. Most species in the forest tend to be more productive on shale, which may account for differences in carbon pools and fluxes across the landscape. Tree species richness is higher in sites on shale bedrock, but biodiversity-productivity relationships within lithologic classifications fail to account for differences in forest productivity. Modeled live aboveground carbon storage points to topography (elevation and aspect) and soil physical properties (% clay and available water capacity) as important influences on forest productivity that related back to lithology. Incorporating lithology into forest management strategies that are focused on a variety of ecosystem services can aid future site selection, and we demonstrate that forests on shale bedrock grow faster, store more carbon and have higher species diversity. The results presented here highlight the potential for underlying bedrock to exert differential influences on forest ecosystem structure and function across a region.
The project REBOOT protocol: Evaluating a personalized inhibitory control training as an adjunct to cognitive behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.

Outcomes from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge-eating disorder (BED) are suboptimal. One potential explanation is that CBT fails to adequately target inhibitory control (i.e., the ability to withhold an automatic response), which is a key maintenance factor for binge eating. Computerized inhibitory control training (ICT) is a promising method for improving inhibitory control but is relatively untested in BN/BED. The present study will evaluate a computer-based ICT as an adjunct to CBT for BN/BED. Participants with BN (n = 30) or BED (n = 30) will be randomized to 12 weeks of either CBT + ICT or CBT + a sham training. Trainings will be completed daily for 4 weeks and weekly for 8 weeks. Primary aims include the following: (a) confirm target engagement (evaluate whether ICT improves inhibitory control), (b) test target validation (evaluate whether improvements in inhibitory control are associated with improvements in binge eating), and (c) evaluate the incremental efficacy of ICT on binge eating. Secondary aims include the following: (a) evaluate ICT feasibility and acceptability and (b) assess the moderating effects of approach tendencies on highly palatable food, dietary restraint, and diagnosis. Data will be used to shape a fully powered clinical trial designed to assess efficacy and dose-response effects of ICT for BN/BED.
A 0.09 $\text{mm}^2$ On-Chip Wireless Power Transfer System Designed in 0.5 $\mu$ m CMOS Process for Brain Neuromodulation Applications

Chronic neuropathic pain is one of the most debilitating medical conditions that impacts the lives of almost 20% of the population in the United States. Optogenetic neuromodulation is proven to be one of the possible cures for this chronic disease. To stimulate multiple neurons simultaneously, distributed miniaturized implants are needed to cover a wide range of areas. In this paper, an on-chip design of an inductively coupled wireless power transfer (WPT) system for an optogenetic implant is presented. A 0.3 mm × 0.3 mm on-chip spiral coil is designed using a standard 0.5 $\mu$ m CMOS process and characterized as the receiver of the WPT system. The electromagnetic (EM) field distribution through different tissue layers is investigated which helps to further evaluate the maximum specific absorption rate (SAR) and temperature through the brain tissue. The system achieves a measured power transfer efficiency (PTE) of 0.65% and 0.79% with matching networks through a 10 mm phantom tissue layer and air links respectively. At 10 dBm transmitted power, the maximum SAR value is simulated to be 1.53 W/kg with the maximum temperature increase of 0.73 $^{\circ }$ C through the skin layer due to the EM field exposure. A case study of the proposed on-chip coil-based WPT system shows the different light intensity levels that can be achieved for optogenetic neuromodulation application. Thus, the proposed miniaturized WPT system proves to be a good candidate for future distributive neuromodulation applications.
Sizing and planning fenestrated and branched stent-grafts in patients with chronic post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

Fenestrated-branched endovascular repair (FB-EVAR) has been widely applied to treat chronic post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) with favorable outcomes. A recent multicenter experience indicates that outcomes of FB-EVAR for chronic post-dissection are comparable to degenerative TAAAs. Anatomical and technical pitfalls are different than degenerative aneurysms because of true lumen compression, separate target vessel origin from true or false lumen and possible extension of dissection flaps into the renal and mesenteric vessels. This article focuses on planning and sizing FB-EVAR in patients with chronic post-dissection TAAAs.
Attenuated aortic blood pressure responses to metaboreflex activation in older adults with dynapenia

Abstract Background Low muscle strength (dynapenia) is a primary characteristic of sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength or low walking speed. New evidence suggests that muscle strength positively affects blood pressure (BP) responses to exercise. As older adults with lowest handgrip strength also have lowest BP at rest, those with dynapenia may experience attenuated BP responses during physical activity. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that dynapenic older adults would exhibit lower BP response to post-exercise muscle ischemia (PEMI). Methods Brachial and aortic systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured in older adults (age, 80 ± 5 y) with dynapenia (n = 16) and non-dynapenia (n = 9) at rest and during PEMI following 2 min of isometric handgrip exercise at 30% maximal voluntary contraction. Walking speed was assessed by an 8-foot (2.44 m) walk course. Results Increases in aortic SBP (11 ± 2 vs. 23 ± 6 mm Hg, p = .03), DBP (6 ± 2 vs.14 ± 4 mm Hg, p = .04), and MAP (8 ± 1 vs. 17 ± 5 mm Hg, p = .02) were lower in dynapenic compared to non-dynapenic adults. Aortic MAP (r = 0.52, p Conclusions Our findings indicate that aortic DBP response to muscle metaboreflex activation is attenuated in older adults with dynapenia. Normal aortic DBP response during metaboreflex activation may positively affect walking performance in non-dynapenic older adults.
Tuning network dynamics from criticality to an asynchronous state

According to many experimental observations, neurons in cerebral cortex tend to operate in an asynchronous regime, firing independently of each other. In contrast, many other experimental observations reveal cortical population firing dynamics that are relatively coordinated and occasionally synchronous. These discrepant observations have naturally led to competing hypotheses. A commonly hypothesized explanation of asynchronous firing is that excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs are precisely correlated, nearly canceling each other, sometimes referred to as 'balanced' excitation and inhibition. On the other hand, the 'criticality' hypothesis posits an explanation of the more coordinated state that also requires a certain balance of excitatory and inhibitory interactions. Both hypotheses claim the same qualitative mechanism-properly balanced excitation and inhibition. Thus, a natural question arises: how are asynchronous population dynamics and critical dynamics related, how do they differ? Here we propose an answer to this question based on investigation of a simple, network-level computational model. We show that the strength of inhibitory synapses relative to excitatory synapses can be tuned from weak to strong to generate a family of models that spans a continuum from critical dynamics to asynchronous dynamics. Our results demonstrate that the coordinated dynamics of criticality and asynchronous dynamics can be generated by the same neural system if excitatory and inhibitory synapses are tuned appropriately.
External stoma diversion: a palliative measure for peristomal wound healing in resource-limited settings

The provision of intestinal stoma care is challenging in austere settings due to limitations in surgical and wound care access as well as the high cost and sparsity of ostomy supplies. As a result, many surgical patients suffer from ostomy-related complications such as peristomal wounds and are unable to find relief for these complications from standard treatments and measures. This article describes the external stoma diversion, a cost-effective palliative surgical procedure that assists in the healing of peristomal wounds in resource-limited settings.
The Virginia Uniform Trust Code

In its 2005 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 891, thus adopting the Uniform Trust Code (“UTC”), with modifications considered appropriate to this state’s institutions, traditions, and jurisprudence. The Virginia Uniform Trust Code (“Virginia UTC”), set forth in new Chapter 31 of Title 55 of the Virginia Code, has an effective date of July 1, 2006, but, once in effect, it will be applicable (with some exceptions) to trusts created before, on, or after that date.
A Simple Resonant Frequency Tracking Technique for DC Transformer Operation

In this article, we proposed a simple transformer secondary average voltage based resonant frequency tracking technique for LLC converter with DC transformer operation. It was found out that the transformer secondary side average voltage is lees than the output voltage in below resonant frequency operation region, which can be adopted to achieve resonant frequency tracking for LLC converter. Nevertheless, the proposed method fails to track the resonant frequency in above resonant frequency operation region since the transformer secondary voltage is always clamped by the output voltage in both at resonant frequency operating point and above resonant frequency operation region. Experiment results with different scenarios are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Low cost, simple, and high noise immunity are the main advantages of the proposed method.
Self-referenced and self-calibrated MoiréOVL target design and applications

This paper presents a new overlay metrology target design and scheme referred as MoireOVLTM. It utilizes Moire patterns of two overlapping gratings to amplify the kernel response to overlay misalignment and thereby has the potential to enhance kernel sensitivity, detectability and measurement accuracy. A Self-referenced (SR) MoireOVL design scheme, which enables MoireOVL to be measured with existing image-based overlay tools is proposed and evaluated on a contact layer. This paper demonstrated the feasibility of SR-MoireOVL on existing IBO tools. When comparing to the reference SEM-based overlay, a magnification factor of 6.9X with an R2 of 0.96 and a calibrated intercept of 0.34nm was observed on wafer. Comparison between MoireOVL and POR IBO on TIS, residuals, precision and TMU is presented. Lastly we present the idea of a Self-calibrated (SC) MoireOVL scheme to calibrate the magnification factor on the fly during measurement for enhanced usability.
Spatio-Temporal Economic Properties of Multi-Product Supply Chains

In this work, we analyze the spatio-temporal economic properties of multi-product supply chains. Specifically, we interpret the supply chain as a coordinated market in which stakeholders (suppliers, consumers, and providers of transportation, storage, and transformation services) bid into a market that is cleared by an independent entity to obtain allocations and prices. The proposed model provides a general graph representation of spatio-temporal product transport that helps capture geographical transport, time delays, and storage (temporal transport) in a unified and compact manner. This representation allows us to establish fundamental economic properties for the supply chain (revenue adequacy, cost recovery, and competitiveness) and to establish bounds for space-time prices. To illustrate the concepts, we consider a case study in which organic waste is used for producing biogas and electricity. Our market model shows that incentives for waste storage emerge from electricity demand dynamics and illustrates how space-time price dynamics for waste and derived products emerge from geographical transport and storage.
Long-term physical health outcomes of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder traits.

Background Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is characterized by pervasive and persistent traits including preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control. Relatively little is known about the potential relationship between OCPD traits and physical health. Methods We investigated the association between OCPD traits and several self-reported medical conditions in 249 individuals followed prospectively from 1981 until 2004/2005 as part of the Epidemiological Catchment Area. Results The OCPD trait score was inversely related to hypertension in males, in models unadjusted (OR = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.45-0.90) and adjusted (OR = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.47-0.95) for sociodemographic variables. Perfectionism was inversely related to hypertension in the unadjusted models for men (OR = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.12-0.89). Indecisiveness was positively associated with heart conditions in adjusted models for women (OR = 3.46; 95% CI, 1.11-10.52). Conclusion OCPD traits are associated with cardiovascular health in both sexes. Further studies are needed to understand the specificity of these relationships, as well as to determine the underlying mechanism.
Riverbank filtration concepts and applicability to desert environments

Riverbank filtration (RBF) is considered a “natural” filtration technique in which the bed and bank areas of a river serve as “treatment” zones for the river water. When wells are placed adjacent to a river and pumped, the treatment zones remove most surface water pollutants. This technology has been in operation for more than a century in Europe and for more than half a century in the United States. In many areas of the world, particularly in the populated regions of India and China, RBF has significant potential. Riverbank filtration can be used along perennial as well as ephemeral rivers in desert countries. However, studies are needed to evaluate the connectivity of the surface water and ground water, dynamic variation of the redox zone(s), flash flood impacts, and climate changes for the sustainable operation of RBF systems in desert environments.
New dimensions of neuronal plasticity.

Neurons are more dynamic than we thought. Complementary theoretical and experimental reports explore how neurons can respond to changing inputs by adjusting their firing properties, through the modification of voltage-gated ion channels.
An experiment in digital government at the United States National Organic Program

Digital communications technology isreconfiguring democratic governance. Federalagencies increasingly rely on Internet-basedapplications to improve citizen-governmentinteraction. Early efforts in the area ofdigital government have created newparticipatory opportunities as well asformidable governance challenges. Federalagencies are working within and across theirboundaries to find an e-rulemaking format thatis cost-effective, legally appropriate,user-friendly, and well suited to diverse modesof rulemaking activities. One of the overridingissues emerging from this process is thedefinition of meaningful public participationin rulemaking. An examination of an early caseinvolving the USDA's National Organic Programproposed rule summarizes comments related togenetic engineering, biosolids, irradiation,and the role of the National Organic StandardsBoard. The USDA's experience suggests a numberof complex challenges that must be met toeffectively integrate Web-based communicationsinto the federal rulemaking process.
Systematic characterization of stochastic activity in non-invasively recorded neural signals

Scalp encephalograms (EEG) are often contaminated by various types of biological and non-biological noise that affect the performance of source localization, signal decoding and/or event estimation methods. The statistics and structure of EEG noise are usually unknown and time-varying. As these characteristics may vary substantially between subjects, as well as within subjects both in time and space, it may be difficult to select a unique noise model and/or to update its parameters. This study proposes a data-driven approach, based on the Empirical Model Decomposition and the autocorrelation function, for estimating and comparing the spatio-temporal statistical characteristics of EEG noise. The proposed approach was applied to a dataset of continuously recorded (over several hours) scalp EEGs from 3 patients with focal epilepsy. It is shown that the statistical characteristics of EEG noise vary substantially in time and space. Thus, adaptive signal processing methods may be most appropriate for denoising and/or estimation of data-driven and possibly subject-specific noise distributions, with the ultimate goal to improve source localization, waveform feature extraction and signal decoding.
Electron paramagnetic resonance studies on iron-sulfur proteins of submitochondrial particles from Candida utilis cells.

Abstract Past electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies at 77° K showed an involvement of one species of EPR signal from iron-sulfur protein in the NADH dehydrogenase region of submitochondrial particles prepared from Candida utilis cells. Present studies extend the above work to temperatures below 77° K, and demonstrate the existence of at least two species of EPR signal arising from iron-sulfur protein in this region of the respiratory chain. The previously unrecognized EPR signal is detectable only below ∼30° K, with g values at gx = 1.89, gy = 1.93 to 1.94, gz = 2.05. Both species of iron-sulfur protein EPR signal are suggested to be located on the substrate side of the piericidin A inhibition site in the respiratory chain.
Nanoscale ductility mechanisms in Cu/Ag nanolayered metals

Nanoscale multilayered metal coatings have high potential for numerous engineering applications due to their unprecedented compressive strength which far exceeds the individual constituents. However, the mechanical strength and ductility of the nanolayered structures under tension have remained largely unexplored. Here, we use large-scale massively parallel molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to understand the strengthening and ductility mechanisms of nanoscale Cu/Ag multilayered composites under tension. Our MD simulations reveal that the inherent flaws in the nanolayers, in the form of columnar grain boundaries, can trigger new mechanism of interlayer interface migration, causing wavy nanolayer structures to develop. This interface migration mechanism is triggered by the competition between increase in interface energy and the relaxation of Cu/Ag lattice mismatch stresses. In addition, the columnar grain boundaries also emit and absorb dislocations. The resulting dislocation slip allows flaws within the interlayer to seamlessly communicate, and contributed to delocalized fracture and enhanced ductility of the multilayered structure. These tension-activated mechanisms are very different from mechanisms activated under compression, which explains the differences in yield strengths measured by experiments conducted under tension and compression.
Comparative experiments of robust and adaptive control with new robust adaptive controllers for robot manipulators

Several conceptually different robust adaptive schemes, namely, a smooth robust adaptive sliding mode controller with guaranteed transient performance, a robust desired compensation adaptive controller with guaranteed transient performance, a simple robust performance based adaptive control scheme which has a nonlinear PID feedback structure with adaptation gains, and a robust desired compensation adaptive controller which is synthesized by combining the design techniques of performance based adaptive control and model based adaptive control and is easy to tune, are proposed for trajectory tracking control of robot manipulators. The schemes as well as other established adaptive schemes are implemented and compared on the UCB/NSK SCARA direct drive robot. Experimental results are obtained to show the advantages and the drawbacks of each method. >
In vivo regulation of an Aplysia glutamate transporter, ApGT1, during long-term memory formation.

Regulation of glutamate transporters often accompanies glutamatergic synaptic plasticity. We investigated the mechanisms responsible for the increase in glutamate uptake associated with increased glutamate release at the Aplysia sensorimotor synapse during long-term sensitization (LTS) and long-term facilitation. An increase in the Vmax of transport, produced by LTS training, suggested that the increased glutamate uptake was due to an increase in the number of transporters in the membrane. We cloned a high-affinity, Na+-dependent glutamate transporter, ApGT1, from Aplysia central nervous system that is highly enriched in pleural sensory neurons, and in pleural-pedal synaptosome and cell/glial fractions. ApGT1, expressed in Xenopus oocytes, demonstrated a similar pharmacological profile to glutamate uptake in Aplysia synaptosome and cell/glial fractions (strong inhibition by threo-beta-benzyloxyaspartate and weak inhibition by dihydrokainate) suggesting that ApGT1 may be the primary glutamate transporter in pleural-pedal ganglia. Levels of ApGT1 and glutamate uptake were increased in synaptosomes 24 h after induction of LTS by electrical stimulation or serotonin. Regulation of ApGT1 during LTS appears to occur post-transcriptionally and results in an increased number of transporters in synaptic membranes. These results suggest that an increase in levels of ApGT1 is responsible, at least in part, for the long-term increase in glutamate uptake associated with long-term memory.
Coexpression of mRNAs for NGF, BDNF, and NT-3 in the cardiovascular system of the pre- and postnatal rat

The expression of NGF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) mRNAs was examined in whole rat embryos and in the heart and great vessels of postnatal and adult rats, using in situ hybridization of cRNA probes. The patterns of expression were correlated with innervation patterns as revealed by immunostaining for neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and with the HNK-1 antibody, which demonstrates derivatives of the neural crest. The patterns of neurotrophin mRNA localization were different from those of mRNAs for the low-molecular-weight NGF receptor. Hybridization indicating the presence of mRNAs for all three neurotrophins is particularly prominent within the tunica media of the aorta, pulmonary, and other major elastic arteries of the thorax and abdomen and is first observed on embryonic day 13 (E13) when innervation is being established and rises to maximum by E15. In the fetus, there is little or no detectable expression in the CNS or PNS. NT-3 expression in the vessels is relatively constant and high from embryonic to adult stages, while levels of BDNF increase and those of NGF decrease over the same time course. During the fetal period, hybridization in the heart is absent. In the postnatal period, additional label becomes detectable in the coronary arteries but not in the walls of the atria or ventricles, other than at the base of the aorta and pulmonary trunk.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Isolation and characterization of spontaneous avirulent variants of Histoplasma capsulatum.

Aselection procedure wasdeveloped which allowed ustoisolate spontaneous isogenic avirulent clones from virulent strains ofHistoplasma capsulatum. Theavirulent yeasts hadaunique phenotype: theydidnot aggregate like theparental strains butgrewasdispersed budded andunbudded single cells inliquid medium. Onsolid medium, theavirulent variant strains grewassmooth-textured colonies, whereas thevirulent parental strains grewasroughconvoluted colonies. Virulence testing inmicedemonstrated that thesmooth variants gave50%lethal dosevalues similar tothose oftheavirulent Downsstrain. Growth curves forthepaired rough andsmooth strains weresimilar. Furthermore, theyhadthesameprotein profiles whencrude cell fractions wereseparated onone-dimensional polyacrylamide gelsorwhenwhole-cell extracts wereseparated by two-dimensional gelelectrophoresis. Electrophoresis ofculture supernatants, however, revealed adifference in areleased low-molecular-weight peptide thatmayberelated tovirulence. Inaddition totheir usefulness in comparative virulence studies, these avirulent strains should provevaluable forH.capsulatum genetic experiments because oftheunique ability ofthese yeasts togrowwithout clumping. Atleast 40million people intheUnited States havebeen infected withHistoplasma capsulatum, adimorphic fungus especially commoninthesoil oftheOhio-Mississippi river valley (1). Onlyasmall percentage ofthose infected develop clinically apparent histoplasmosis, butthespectrum ofdiseasecanrangefrommildtosevere, either exclusively pulmonary ordisseminating toother tissues. Infection generally begins byinhalation ofconidia ormycelial fragments, although these soonconvert tobudding yeast inthe37°C environment ofthelung. Persistent infection andspread rely onsurvival within alveolar macrophages, whichareunable tokill thephagocytosed yeasts andthusallow continued intracellular multiplication (seereference 7). Theinteraction ofvirulent H.capsulatum withmacrophages andmicehasbeenstudied inseveral laboratories, but thebiochemical andmolecular characteristics associated withvirulence remain unknown. A serious obstacle tosuch studies hasbeenthelackofappropriate avirulent strains for direct comparisons withexisting virulent strains. Theonly strain variation described forH.capsulatum isthebrown(B) andalbino (A)classification ofBerliner (3), whobasedthis distinction onthemorphological appearance ofmycelial colonies invitro. Primary isolates ofH.capsulatum, when grownasmycelia, oftencontain bothA andB types, although unselected subculture invitro results inpredominantly A typecolonies. Tewari andBerkhout (15) reported that theB typeyeasts weremorevirulent thantheA type yeasts ofthesamestrain. Superficially, this B/Atypedifferencemight appear similar tothevirulent/avirule nt phase
Challenges, feedback & notifications: empirical explorations to inform the design of interfaces to motivate and encourage long-term personal informatics use

In our research group, we are currently carrying out several empirical research studies to inform the design of future personal informatics (PI) systems. These studies include projects investigating the use of gamification elements to encourage engagement based on a user's personality type, varying levels of feedback during day-to-day PI use, and categorizing and evaluating the suitability of dispatching PI notifications across a wide variety of wearable devices and using different feedback modalities. We provide an overview of these projects and suggest ways that our early results might contribute to the discussion of next-generation systems at the UbiComp 2015 QS workshop.
The influence of free fatty acids on valproic acid plasma protein binding during fasting in normal humans.

The effect of physiologic variations of free fatty acid levels on in vivo valproic acid plasma protein binding was studied in 6 healthy adult subjects. 14 blood samples were taken during a 12-h dosing interval at steady state while in a fed condition and also during a 27 h fast. Free fraction and total valproate concentration were determined by equilibrium dialysis and GLC, respectively. Free fatty acid levels were determined from both fresh samples and samples incubated at 37°C for 12 h, the latter in order to simulate equilibrium dialysis conditions. Fasting resulted in increased serum free fatty acid levels in all subjects, ranging from 34–182% (p<0.01). Incubation also caused free fatty acid levels to rise, more so in fed samples (50–87%,p<0.01) than in fasting samples (10–50%,p<0.01). Fasting resulted in a 9% increase in the mean free fraction for all subjects combined (p<0.01). Regression analysis of 180 sets of values for free fraction, total valproate concentration and free fatty acid level suggested that valproate concentration accounts for 17% and free fatty acid level for 37% of the variation in free fraction. Mean clearance was unchanged by fasting despite an increased free fraction suggesting decreased intrinsic clearance (i.e. decreased metabolism) of valproate under these conditions.
Effect of Receiving Phase Anion on Macrocycle-Mediated Cation Transport Rates and Selectivities in Water—Toluene—Water Emulsion Membranes

Abstract Relative transport rates of metal nitrates (Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, Ag+, T1+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+) were measured alone and in combination with either Pb2+, Ag+, or T1+ in a water-toluene-water emulsion membrane system. The toluene phase contained the surfactant Span 80 and the crown ether dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DC18C6). The aqueous receiving phase contained the lithium salt of one of the following anions: pyrophosphate, thiosulfate, hydroxide, chloride, formate, nitrate. In the case of the metal combinations, chloride and formate ions were not studied. Unless significant complexation occurred both between the transported cation and the anion in the receiving phase and between the cation and DC18C6 in the membrane phase, there was little or no transport of the cation from the source phase to the receiving phase. Selective removal of Pb2+ and of Ag+ from binary mixtures of these cations with each of the cations listed was demonstrated using the emulsion membrane.
New infrared transmitting phosphovanadate glasses containing rare earth oxides

Abstract New glass compositions have been synthesized in the V2O5P2O5La2O3, V2O5P2O5Nd2O3 and V2O5P2O5CeO2 systems. The infrared transmission characteristics of some of these glasses are reported in the 2.5–25 μ region.
Cost Analysis between SABER and Design Bid Build Contracting Methods

The majority of Air Force construction is performed by two main contractual methods, design bid build (DBB) and simplified acquisition of base engineering requirements (SABER). DBB is the traditional contracting method in which each project is competitively bid. SABER uses one contractor to complete multiple projects using unit prices established in the original contract. This research performs a cost analysis between DBB and SABER construction projects. The research involved finding appropriate, comparable projects completed by the two contractual methods. Two diverse Air Force bases were used to gather project information, and a total of 46 interior renovation projects were used. Project comparability was demonstrated by evaluating the similarity of type and scope of work. Data from the projects was used to calculate unit cost per dimensional characteristic and time and cost growth for each project. The results indicated SABER contracting had a lower cost per square meter, although not at a statistical level of significance. SABER performed better in time growth. Cost growth was similar for both methods.
Scaphoid excision and 4-bone arthrodesis versus proximal row carpectomy: a comparison of contact biomechanics.

Purpose We compare scaphoid excision and 4-bone arthrodesis (FBA) with proximal row carpectomy (PRC) in terms of contact pressure, area, and location. Methods Six cadaveric forearms underwent simulated FBA with K-wires. We measured pressures in the radiocarpal joint with Fuji contact film after we applied a 200-N load via the wrist tendons with the wrist in neutral, flexion, and extension. We repeated the experiment after excising the lunate and triquetrum, to create a PRC in the same specimens. Results Contact pressure in the PRC wrist was significantly greater, by 25%, compared with the FBA wrist for all wrist positions. The PRC wrist had a significantly smaller contact area, by 43%, compared with the FBA wrist. In the FBA wrist, lunate contact was more dorsal in flexion but more volar in extension. In the PRC wrist, capitate contact was more dorsal and radial in flexion, whereas the contact was more volar and ulnar in extension. Comparing contact location, FBA contact was significantly more ulnar than PRC contact in wrist flexion. We found no significant difference in contact translation (the distance between the contact locations in the positions of wrist flexion and extension) for the lunate in FBA or the capitate in PRC. Conclusions The FBA wrist has significantly lower contact pressure ( P P Clinical relevance Current biomechanical evidence is lacking for common motion-preserving procedures for wrist arthritis. Comparing contact pressure, area, and location provides a biomechanical basis of our clinical understanding of these surgeries.
Peddling Poverty for Profit: Elements of Oppression in Ruby Payne's Framework

Ruby Payne, CEO of aha! Process, Inc., and author of A Framework for Understanding Poverty (2005), has become one of the most influential figures in the U.S. public education milieu. Payne's framework, built largely upon understanding the “culture” of poverty, instructs educators on the values and mindsets poor students carry into the classroom as well as how to help them develop middle-class values and culture. But despite Payne's popularity, scholars and activists representing a wide variety of disciplines, from critical theory to mathematics education, have been highly critical of her work. In this essay I synthesize the existing critiques, dividing them into “eight elements of oppression” in Payne's work. I then offer a vision for a more authentic framework—one for authenticating anti-poverty education.
Dynamic modeling of blown‐film extrusion

Past dynamic studies of blown-film extrusion have been confined to the stability analysis of the linearized equations. The full set of nonlinear equations comprises a system of partial differential and algebraic equations with boundary conditions that vary from author to author. In this paper, the Numerical-Method-of-Lines, which combines finite-difference methods with ordinary differential/algebraic equation integrators, is used to solve the full system. Appropriate boundary conditions are selected to give physical results that compare well with experiment. An important boundary condition is the “minimum order reduction” condition on the gradient of the bubble-tube radius with respect to distance above the extrusion die (the axial position). Transient startups and operational disturbances are examined. Calculations show the influence of oscillations in operating conditions such as heat transfer or inflation pressure on the bubble-tube radius and film thickness. Steady-state results obtained by integrating the transient equations for a sufficiently long time are qualitatively in agreement with experiment, in contrast to past simulations of these equations.
Cell kinetics of rat 9L brain tumors determined by double labeling with iodo- and bromodeoxyuridine

Rats with 9L brain tumors received intraperitoneal injections of iododeoxyuridine (IUdR) and bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) to estimate the duration of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis phase (Ts) and the potential doubling time (Tp) of individual tumors. Different sequences and intervals (2 or 3 hours) of IUdR and BUdR administration were evaluated. After denaturation, tumor sections were reacted with Br-3, a monoclonal antibody that identifies only BUdR, and then were stained immunohistochemically by the avidinbiotin complex method. An antibody that recognizes both IUdR and BUdR, IU-4, was applied to the sections and identified by the alkaline phosphatase-antialkaline phosphatase method. Nuclei labeled only with IUdR stained blue, while those labeled with BUdR or with BUdR and IUdR stained brown. The fraction of cells that either left or entered the S-phase during the time between administration of IUdR and BUdR was measured to calculate Ts and Tp, assuming that the labeled cohort completed the DNA synthesis at a constant rate. The Ts was 8.8 hours (coefficient of variation (cv) = 0.05) and the Tp was 64.2 hours (cv = 0.08). The sequence and interval of administration of IUdR and BUdR had a minimal effect on Ts and Tp. In studies of 9L cells in monolayer culture, the Ts was 9.6 hours (cv = 0.08) and the TP was 30.6 hours (cv = 0.06). Double labeling with BUdR and IUdR allows the duration of the S-phase and potential doubling time of individual brain tumors to be estimated in situ from a single biopsy specimen.
Modeling methane emissions from rice soils

Abstract Rice paddies are a major source of anthropogenic methane emitted to the atmosphere. Methane is an important greenhouse gas since it is 20 times more absorptive than carbon dioxide and methane emissions have been increasing at a rate of about 1% per year. Modeling the methane production and transport processes in rice soils can yield insight into methods for reducing emissions from rice paddies. A mechanistic model is developed to describe the production of methane in rice soils and its subsequent transport to the atmosphere. The Monod kinetic model is used for methane production. Two independent sources of carbon are incorporated: the carbon initially in the soil and that given off by the rice plant roots. The model assumes that methane is emitted to the atmosphere only by transport through the plant, which is consistent with field observations, and that methane transport to the plant is by simple mass transfer. Kinetic parameters are determined by independent experiments involving the decay rate of acetic acid (carbon substrate) in a laboratory culture of a sample of the actual rice soil. Mass transfer coefficients and root carbon exudate function parameters are adjusted so that data from methane flux measurements in an experimental rice field agree approximately with the model simulation. Results from this initial modeling effort are encouraging. The agreement between model output and field data are well within the precision of the measurements.
Dioxin and furan contamination of deodorizer distillates and natural vitamin E supplements

Abstract Thirty-five samples of vitamin E supplement softgels, obtained from store shelves, were analyzed for 17 dioxin and furan congeners. Of these samples, 14 were identified as natural vitamin E, containing D- α -tocopherol, as well as lesser amounts of β -, α -, and δ -tocopherols, and the remaining 21 were labeled as synthetic vitamin E, containing a mixture of D- and L- α -tocopherol. The supplements were collected during the years of 2002 and 2004. The seven natural vitamin E supplements collected in 2002 were found to contain significant quantities of dioxins and furans, with an average total toxic equivalence (TEQ) of 0.79 pg/g, compared to 0.10 g/g for the 2004 natural vitamin E supplements. The 21 synthetic vitamin E supplements collected during the same time period showed little or no contamination, with an average TEQ of 0.057 pg/g. Eight samples of deodorizer distillate, from which natural vitamin E is derived, were also collected and analyzed. The distillates exhibit an overall congener pattern similar to that found in the natural vitamin E, but at a much higher average TEQ of 3.4 pg/g. This suggests the possibility of carryover of contamination to the vitamin E samples from the deodorizer distillate during the extraction process. The natural vitamin E supplements collected in 2004 have much lower levels of contamination, suggesting that improved extraction processes may be in use, effectively reducing contamination.
Damage and fracture of a cross woven C/SiC composite subject to compression loading

In order to understand the mechanical behaviours of ceramic matrix composites under various loading conditions, the compression stress-strain behaviour of a cross woven C/SiC ceramic matrix composite was characterized in terms of damage and fracture mechanisms, which were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) on a side-polished sample. The compression stress-strain curve was found to consist of two stages. The first stage, which extends to about 300 MPa, covers linear elastic deformation with a compression modulus of 140 GPa. The second stage starts with the occurrence of compression damage modes, which include ply delamination, bundle separation and transverse bundle cracking. Depending on the local structure of the sample, the second stage of the stress-strain curve can be either mostly linear or non-linear. The fracture of the composite under compression is by kinking, shearing and bending fracture of fibre bundles individually or in groups, forming a macroscopic shear band in the sample.
Guided Modes Supported by Nanoscale Metal-Dielectric Multilayers

We discover that nanoscale metal-dielectric-multilayers support a family of guided modes strongly confined within the bulk of the multilayer - the bulk plasmon modes. We verify existence of bulk plasmons by measuring their modal indices.
Metabolism of barley seed during early hours of germination.

The growth process in germinating barley seeds and its inhibition by actinomycin D and puromycin were investigated. Soon after seeds are imbided, their respiratory activity increases several fold, and the protein- and carbohydrate-synthesizing systems become active. The immediate activation of protein synthesis and its inhibition by actinomycin D and puromycin suggest that the dry seed has all the components necessary for protein synthesis.Although a good correlation exists between the rate of oxygen uptake and that of protein synthesis during the first 12 hr of germination, respiration appears to be independent of protein synthesis during the first 8 hr, as reflected by the insensitivity of the respiratory process to actinomycin D and puromycin. However, after 8 hr both antibiotics reduce oxygen uptake as well as subsequent seedling growth.The distribution of (14)C, derived from labeled glucose during the early hours of barley germination, among various fractions of metabolites, indicated that 50 to 70% of the utilized glucose appeared in (14)CO(2). The rest of the incorporated label appeared in hemicelluloses and starch, water-soluble ethanol-insoluble carbohydrates, and to a lesser extent in proteins and cellulose.
Online Fundraising at ARL Libraries.

Abstract This study assesses the practice of online fundraising on ARL library Web sites. Sites were examined for the appearance of seven specific fundraising and development-related elements. The results indicate that the placement of links and the descriptors used may be more important than an extensive, feature-laden site.
Evolution-theory-based algorithm for optical diffusion tomography

In diffuse optical diffuse tomography (DOT) one attempts to reconstruct cross-sectional images of various body parts given data from near-infrared transmission measurements. The cross- sectional images, display the spatial distribution of optical properties, such as the absorption coefficient (mu) (alpha ), the scattering coefficient (mu) s, or a combination thereof. Most of the currently employed imaging algorithms are model- based iterative image reconstruction (MOBIIR) schemes that employ information about the gradient of a suitably defined objective function with respect to the optical properties. In this approach the image reconstruction problem is considered as a nonlinear optimization problem, where the unknowns are the values of optical properties throughout the medium to be reconstructed. It is well known that gradient-based schemes are inefficient in areas where the gradient is close to zero. These schemes often get caught in local minima close to the starting point of the search and have problems finding the global minimum. To overcome this problem, we propose to employ optimization algorithms that make use of evolution strategies. These schemes are in general much better suited to find global minima and may be a better choice for the image reconstruction problem in diffuse optical tomography.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Green: My Favorite Color

The IT industry has long been a significant contributor to global warming, but green computing is a strong and growing trend that seeks to reverse that impact. First steps include some relatively simple technical and behavioral changes that can help make a difference and pave the way for larger-scale efforts.
Quantum Zeno effect

The quantum Zero effect is the inhibition of transitions between quantum states by frequent measurements of the state. The inhibition arises because the measurement causes a collapse (reduction) of the wave function. If the time between measurements is short enough, the wave function usually collapses back to the initial state. We have observed this effect in an rf transition between two $^{9}$${\mathrm{Be}}^{+}$ ground-state hyperfine levels. The ions were confined in a Penning trap and laser cooled. Short pulses of light, applied at the same time as the rf field, made the measurements. If an ion was in one state, it scattered a few photons; if it was in the other, it scattered no photons. In the latter case the wave-function collapse was due to a null measurement. Good agreement was found with calculations.
An empirical refutation of the direct realist theory of perception

There are currently two main philosophical theories of perception ‐ Direct Realism and the Representative Theory. The former is supported by most contemporary philosophers, whereas the latter forms the groundwork for most scientific theories in this area. The paper describes a recent experiment involving retinal and cortical rivalry that provides strong empirical evidence that the Direct Realist theory is incorrect. There are of course a large number of related experiments on visual perception that would tend to lead us to the same conclusion, but the experiment described in this paper does so in a singularly direct and straightforward manner. Often the most telling experiments are the simplest.
Dynamic accessibility: accommodating differences in ability and situation

Human abilities and situations are idiosyncratic and may change frequently. Static one-size-fits-many accessibility solutions miss the opportunities that arise from careful consideration of an individual's abilities and fail to address the sometimes dynamic aspect of those abilities, such as when a user's activity or context causes a "situational impairment." The goal of this workshop is to bring together researchers and practitioners in accessibility, mobile HCI, and interactive intelligent systems who are pursuing agile, data-driven approaches that enable interactive systems to adapt or become adapted to the needs and abilities of a particular individual in a particular context.