cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Liquid deposition photolithography for photonic device fabrication

We describe a novel fabrication method, liquid deposition photolithography (LDP), for the creation of polymer photonic devices. We demonstrate LDPs ability to fabricate photonic devices by fabricating a waveguide array and gradient index lens.
Overdose after detoxification: a prospective study.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine predictors of non-fatal overdose (OD) among a cohort of 470 adults after detoxification from heroin, cocaine or alcohol. Methods We examined factors associated with time to OD during 2 years after discharge from an urban detoxification unit in Boston, MA, USA using multivariable regression analyses. Separate analyses were performed for both the total sample and a subgroup with problem opioid use. Results Lifetime prevalence for any OD was 30.9% (145/470) in the total sample and 42.3% (85/201) in patients with opioid problems. During the 2-year follow-up, OD was estimated to occur in 16.9% of the total sample and 26.7% of the opioid problem subgroup, with new-onset (incidence) OD estimated at 5.7% and 11.0%, respectively. Factors associated with an increased hazard of OD in both samples included white race, more depressive symptoms, and prior OD regardless of intent. Prior suicidal ideation or attempt was not associated with future OD. Conclusions Findings underscore both the high prevalence of non-fatal OD among detoxification patients especially opioid users, and the potency of prior OD as a risk factor for future OD. Depressive symptoms, a modifiable risk factor, may represent a potential intervention target to prevent OD, including some “unintentional” ODs.
Tests of three-vector-boson nonstandard couplings.

We have examined the bounds on nonstandard WWV couplings that can be extracted from the existing low-energy data, without assuming some couplings are zero; we use a regularization procedure for loops that gives a gauge-invariant limit and results that do not depend on how integrations are performed. These bounds turn out to be only a little bit better than those given by unitarity requirements; in addition, some relations between parameters can be extracted. The results should be interpreted to mean that the WWZ and WW\ensuremath{\gamma} vertices are not very well constrained at present, though very large deviations from standard-model values are not allowed. We have also examined how well the measurements of the ${W}^{+}$${W}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ cross section at the CERN ${e}^{+}$${e}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ collider LEP II, and WZ and W\ensuremath{\gamma} production at hadron colliders, can restrict the values of the anomalous WWV couplings. We found that significant improvement, with respect to the bounds set from low-energy experiments and unitarity, can be achieved at an upgraded Fermilab Tevatron, at LEP II, and at a 400-GeV ${e}^{+}$${e}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ collider. Considerably better bounds can be set from experiments at the CERN Large Hadron Collider and at the Superconducting Super Collider.
Toulmin on argument: An interpretation and application

(1960). Toulmin on argument: An interpretation and application. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 46, No. 1, pp. 44-53.
A performance evaluation of storing XML data in relational database management systems

XML is an emerging standard for the representation and exchange of Internet data. Along with document type definition (DTD), XML permits the execution of a collection of queries, using XPath to identify data in XML documents. In this paper we examine how XML data can be stored and queried using a standard relational database management system (RDBMS). For this, we propose a technique for automatic mapping from an XML document to relations within the RDBMS. We demonstrate that our novel approach preserves the nested structure of the XML documents. By hiding database details we devise a seamless, transparent framework for user access to XML data. In order to achieve this, we propose a novel mechanism for translating an XPath query into an SQL statement. Furthermore, we propose efficient techniques for the construction of an XML document on the fly from the result set of the SQL statement. We also present findings in terms of query response time on the comparative performance of different techniques for the construction of an XML document on the fly.
Functional and Molecular Mitochondrial Abnormalities Associated with a C T Transition at Position 3256 of the Human Mitochondrial Genome THE EFFECTS OF A PATHOGENIC MITOCHONDRIAL tRNA POINT MUTATION IN ORGANELLE TRANSLATION AND RNA PROCESSING

We have previously identified a mitochondrial DNA polymorphism (a C → T transition at position 3256, within the mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) gene) in a patient with a multisystem disorder. Although there were several indicators suggesting a pathogenetic role for this mtDNA polymorphism, its heteroplasmic nature made functional and molecular studies difficult to interpret. We have now fused enucleated fibroblasts from the patient with a mtDNA-less cell line to generate transmitochondrial cybrids harboring different proportions of mutated and wild-type mtDNA. Individual clones harboring essentially 100% wild-type or >99% mutated mtDNAs were characterized and studied for respiratory capacity, respiratory chain enzymes activity, mitochondrial protein synthesis, and RNA steady-state levels and processing. Our results showed that cell lines containing exclusively mutated mtDNAs respire poorly, overproduce lactic acid, and have significantly impaired activity of respiratory complexes I and IV. Molecular studies showed that mutant clones have a decrease in steady-state levels of mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR), and a partial impairment of mitochondrial protein synthesis and steady-state levels, suggesting that these molecular abnormalities are involved in the pathogenetic mechanism of the mtDNA 3256 mutation.
415 patients with adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas: a population-based analysis of prognosis and survival.

Background Adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas is rare. Our understanding of the disease and its prognosis comes mainly from small retrospective studies. Methods Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (1988 to 2007), we identified patients with adenosquamous carcinoma (n = 415) or adenocarcinoma (n = 45,693) of the pancreas. The demographics, tumor characteristics, resection status, and survival were compared between the groups. Results Compared with patients with adenocarcinoma, patients with adenosquamous carcinoma were more likely to have disease located in the pancreatic body and tail (44.6% versus 53.5%, P Conclusions This is the first population-based study to evaluate outcomes in adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas. Compared with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma was more likely to occur in the pancreatic tail, be poorly differentiated, larger, and node positive. The long-term survival following surgical resection is significantly worse for adenosquamous cancers; however, patients with adenosquamous carcinoma can still benefit from surgical resection, which is the strongest predictor of survival.
Effects of linoleic acid on sweet, sour, salty, and bitter taste thresholds and intensity ratings of adults.

Evidence supporting a taste component for dietary fat has prompted study of plausible transduction mechanisms. One hypothesizes that long-chain, unsaturated fatty acids block selected delayed-recti...
Stochastic modeling of particle movement with application to marine biology and oceanography

We consider some stochastic models that have been proposed for the trajectories of moving objects, including Brownian motion. This leads to the development of a general approach for dealing with paths including the use of functional stochastic differential equations. We then present an empirical example based on the surface drifting movements of a small satellite-linked radio transmitter tag after it detached from a whale shark in the western Indian Ocean. The daily estimates of the tag’s locations were determined from transmissions received at irregular times by polar-orbiting satellites of the Argos Data Collection and Location Service system. An aspect of the empirical analysis is a study of how well the sea surface currents that are derived from remote sensing and sea surface models compare to the movements of the drifting tag. A second is to develop a predictive model using the past tag locations, the currents and the winds.
Enhancing the Development of Low‐Birthweight, Premature Infants: Changes in Cognition and Behavior over the First Three Years

The Infant Health and Development Program is a randomized clinical trial to test the efficacy of educational and family support services and pediatric follow-up offered in the first 3 years of life on reducing the incidence of developmental delay in low-birthweight (LBW), preterm infants in 8 clinical sites (N = 985). Effects of the intervention on cognitive and behavior problem scores over the 3 years are examined. Significant intervention effects were seen on cognitive scores at 24 and 36 but not 12 months of age; effect sizes were similar at both ages. These effects persist when controlling for earlier cognitive scores. At 24 and 36 months, behavior problem scores for the intervention group were significantly lower than for the follow-up group; the intervention was more efficacious for children with higher initial behavior problem scores. Results are discussed in terms of timing and targeting of services for LBW and disadvantaged children.
On the comparison of bilinear, cubic spline, and fuzzy interpolation techniques for robotic position measurements

This paper describes a novel technique for position error compensations of robots based on a fuzzy error interpolation method. A traditional robot calibration implements either model or modelless methods. The compensation of position error in a model-less method is to move the robot's end-effector to a target position in the robot workspace, and to find the target position error online based on the measured neighboring four-point errors around the target position. For this purpose, a stereo camera or other measurement device can be used to measure offline the position errors of the robot's end-effector at predefined grid points. By using the proposed fuzzy error interpolation technique, the accuracy of the position error compensation can be greatly improved, which is confirmed by the simulation results given in this paper. A comparison study among various interpolation methods, such as bilinear, cubic spline, and the fuzzy error interpolation technique is also made via simulation. The simulation results show that more accurate compensation results can be achieved using the fuzzy error interpolation technique compared with its bilinear and cubic spline counterparts.
Co-segregation of yeast plasmid sisters under monopolin-directed mitosis suggests association of plasmid sisters with sister chromatids

The 2-micron plasmid, a high copy extrachromosomal element in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, propagates itself with nearly the same stability as the chromosomes of its host. Plasmid stability is conferred by a partitioning system consisting of the plasmid-coded proteins Rep1 and Rep2 and a cis-acting locus STB. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the partitioning system couples plasmid segregation to chromosome segregation during mitosis. However, the coupling mechanism has not been elucidated. In order to probe into this question more incisively, we have characterized the segregation of a single-copy STB reporter plasmid by manipulating mitosis to force sister chromatids to co-segregate either without mother-daughter bias or with a finite daughter bias. We find that the STB plasmid sisters are tightly correlated to sister chromatids in the extents of co-segregation as well as the bias in co-segregation under these conditions. Furthermore, this correlation is abolished by delaying spindle organization or preventing cohesin assembly during a cell cycle. Normal segregation of the 2-micron plasmid has been shown to require spindle integrity and the cohesin complex. Our results are accommodated by a model in which spindle- and cohesin-dependent association of plasmid sisters with sister chromatids promotes their segregation by a hitchhiking mechanism.
Global Property Rights The Kyoto Protocol and the Knowledge Revolution

This paper is about the origin of today's global environmental problems, and how to resolve them. At stake are catastrophic risks from global warming and damage to the world's biodiversity that ranks as the planet' sixth great extinction. The origin of today's global nvironmental problems is a historic difference in property rights regimes between industrial and developing countries, the North and the South. The solutions we suggest involve redefining property rights in the use of the global environment as well as in knowledge. We discuss the Kyoto Protocol's new systems of property rights on the use of the planet's atmosphere, and propose a parallel system of property rights on knowledge. Resources such as forests and oil and other mineral deposits are owned as private property in industrial countries but they are treated as common or government property in developing countries. Illrdefined protected property rights lead to the overrextraction of resources in the South, such as timber and oil. They are exported at low prices to the North that over-consumes them. The international market amplifies the tragedy of the commons, leading to inferior solutions for the world economy as a whole (Chichilnisky 1994). Updating property rights on resources in developing countries would face formidable opposition. The lack of property rights in inputs to production, such as timber and oil, could be compensated by assigning property rights on by-products of outputs. The 1997 Kyoto Protocol provides an example as it limits the countries' rights to emit carbon, a by-product of burning fossil fuels. Our suggestions for trading emissions rights (Chichilnisky 1995, 96) was adopted in the Kyoto Protocol, yet the atmospheres carbon concentration is a global public good, which makes tradingtricky. Trading rights to forests' carbon sequestration services or to genetic blueprints would also be trading global public goods. Markets that trade public goods have been shown to require a measure of equity to ensure efficiency (Chichilnisky 1996, Chichilnisky and Heal 2002). This conclusion has been validated theoretically and is also in line with what was agreed by 160 nations in the Kyoto Protocol. Somewhat surprisingly, the same conclusion applies also to trading knowledge goods. Knowledge is a global public good. This paper proposes a new property rights regimes for knowledge goods and for environmental assets that seem crucial for economic progress in the era of the Knowledge Revolution.
The circulatory effects of roniacol; a physiologic study in normal man.

The vasodilatory effects of nicotinic alcohol tartrate (Roniacol) were tested on 12 normal adult males, utilizing digital venous occlusion plethysmography, brachial and digital artery oscillometry and flicker photometry. Orally administered Roniacol in single doses up to 200 mg. has no significant effect on the auscultatory blood pressure, pulse rate, or peripheral arterial circulation of normal individuals.
Regulation of AMPA Receptor Trafficking in the Nucleus Accumbens by Dopamine and Cocaine

Nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons are excited primarily by AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPAR). This is required for cocaine seeking in animal models of cocaine addiction, suggesting AMPAR transmission in the NAc as a key control point for cocaine-related behaviors. This review will briefly describe AMPAR properties and trafficking, with a focus on studies in NAc neurons, and then consider mechanisms by which cocaine may alter AMPAR transmission. Two examples will be discussed that may be important in two different stages of addiction: learning about drugs and drug-related cues during the period of drug exposure, and persistent vulnerability to craving and relapse after abstinence is achieved. The first example is drawn from studies of cultured NAc neurons. Elevation of dopamine levels (as would occur following cocaine exposure) facilitates activity-dependent strengthening of excitatory synapses onto medium spiny neurons, the main cell type and projection neuron of the NAc. This occurs because activation of D1-class dopamine receptors primes AMPAR for synaptic insertion. This may create a temporal window in which stimuli related to cocaine-taking are more efficacious at eliciting synaptic plasticity and thus being encoded into memory. The second example involves rat models of cocaine addiction. Cell surface and synaptic expression of AMPAR on NAc neurons is persistently increased after withdrawal from repeated cocaine exposure. We hypothesize that this increases the reactivity of NAc neurons to glutamate inputs from cortex and limbic structures, facilitating the ability of these inputs to trigger cocaine seeking and thus contributing to the persistent vulnerability to relapse that characterizes addiction.
Postflight data analysis by means of adaptive interated, extended Kalman filtering

This paper describes a specific postflight data analysis (PFDA) technique, which is termed adaptive, iterated, extended Kalman filtering (AIEKF), and illustrates the application of the PFDA tool to the estimation of aerodynamic coefficients ( C_{x}, C_{N}, and C_{m} ) for a single-axis model of a thrust-vector-controlled missile. It is demonstrated that PFDA embraces many areas of interest to control specialists, such as simulation of nonlinear systems, estimation, optimization, and validation.
Statewide Testing of Reading and Possible Implications for Students With Disabilities

This article reports on findings from a review of statewide large-scale test blueprints. The qualitative and descriptive numerical review of themes found in state blueprints provides information on trends in statewide reading assessments. These trends are then set against the backdrop of testing accommodations for students with disabilities. Results indicate that most constructs tested in statewide assessments are amenable to accommodations, but some present challenges (e.g., those that test foundational skills of reading such as phonemic awareness). Next steps are proposed, focusing on both paper-based and computerized statewide tests.
User-friendly functional programming for web mashups

MashMaker is a web-based tool that makes it easy for a normal user to create web mashups by browsing around, without needing to type, or plan in advance what they want to do.Like a web browser, Mashmaker allows users to create mashups by browsing, rather than writing code, and allows users to bookmark interesting things they find, forming new widgets - reusable mashup fragments. Like a spreadsheet, MashMaker mixes program and data and allows ad-hoc unstructured editing of programs.MashMaker is also a modern functional programming language with non-side effecting expressions, higher order functions, and lazy evaluation. MashMaker programs can be manipulated either textually, or through an interactive tree representation, in which a program is presented together with the values it produces.In order to cope with this unusual domain, MashMaker contains a number of deviations from normal function languages. The most notable of these is that, in order to allow the programmer to write programs directly on their data, all data is stored in a single tree, and evaluation of an expression always takes place at a specific point in this tree, which also functions as its scope.
Response to Superantigen Stimulation in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Children Perinatally Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Our understanding of the pathogenesis of perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is still evolving. We sought to characterize the response to the bacterial superantigen Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) of lymphocytes from HIV-infected children receiving treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Using the flow cytometric methodology, we quantified apoptosis, proliferation, cytokine production, and activation antigen upregulation in CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes following in vitro stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with SEB. The levels of proliferation, CD4 interleukin-2 (IL-2) production, CD8 gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production, and upregulation of CD69 expression by cells from HIV-infected children were indistinguishable from those by cells from controls. However, stimulation with SEB dramatically decreased the ratio of resting apoptotic cells to cycling apoptotic cells in the controls but not in the patients. In addition, unstimulated spontaneous apoptosis of CD4 T cells remained greater in the patients than in the controls. The percentages of IL-2-positive CD8 T cells and IFN-γ-positive CD4 T cells following SEB stimulation were significantly lower in the patients than in the controls. Our multiparameter approach was able to demonstrate differences in lymphocyte superantigen responsiveness in HIV-infected children receiving HAART in comparison to that in uninfected controls, notably, an apoptotic versus a proliferative response to stimulation.
Measurement of regional cerebral blood flow in cat brain using intracarotid 2H2O and 2H NMR imaging

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured in cat brain in vivo at 2.7 T using 2H NMR to monitor the washout of deuterated saline injected into both carotid arteries via the lingual arteries. In anesthetized cats, global CBF varied directly with PaCO{sub 2} over a range of 20-50 mm Hg, and the corresponding global CBF values ranged from 25 to 125 ml.100 g-1.min-1. Regional CBF was measured in a 1-cm axial section of cat brain using intracarotid deuterated saline and gradient-echo 2H NMR imaging. Blood flow images with a maximum pixel resolution of 0.3 x 0.3 x 1.0 cm were generated from the deuterium signal washout at each pixel. Image derived values for CBF agreed well with other determinations, and decreased significantly with hypocapnia.
Impacts of the National Green Corps Program (Eco‐Clubs) on students in India and their participation in environmental education activities

India’s National Green Corps (NGC) Eco‐Clubs are a unique opportunity to educate youth about environmental issues. NGC objectives include: (1) educate children about their immediate environment by increasing awareness; (2) impart knowledge about eco‐systems, their interdependence and need for survival, through visits and demonstrations; (3) mobilize youth by instilling a spirit of scientific inquiry into environmental problems; and (4) involve youth in active environmental preservation efforts. In 2005–2006, Eco‐Clubs existed in nearly 68,000 schools across India representing 150 Eco‐Clubs per district. During the 2007–2008 school year, the number of Eco‐Clubs increased to approximately 97,000 in 519 districts. The purpose of the study reported here was to document and evaluate the effectiveness of Eco‐Clubs and assess their organizational framework. An extensive document review of secondary data was employed and focus group interviews were conducted in two locations. Findings show that the partnership pr...
Epigenetic silencing of RASSF1A deregulates cytoskeleton and promotes malignant behavior of adrenocortical carcinoma

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy with high mutational heterogeneity and a generally poor clinical outcome. Despite implicated roles of deregulated TP53, IGF-2 and Wnt signaling pathways, a clear genetic association or unique mutational link to the disease is still missing. Recent studies suggest a crucial role for epigenetic modifications in the genesis and/or progression of ACC. This study specifically evaluates the potential role of epigenetic silencing of RASSF1A, the most commonly silenced tumor suppressor gene, in adrenocortical malignancy. Using adrenocortical tumor and normal tissue specimens, we show a significant reduction in expression of RASSF1A mRNA and protein in ACC. Methylation-sensitive and -dependent restriction enzyme based PCR assays revealed significant DNA hypermethylation of the RASSF1A promoter, suggesting an epigenetic mechanism for RASSF1A silencing in ACC. Conversely, the RASSF1A promoter methylation profile in benign adrenocortical adenomas (ACAs) was found to be very similar to that found in normal adrenal cortex. Enforced expression of ectopic RASSF1A in the SW-13 ACC cell line reduced the overall malignant behavior of the cells, which included impairment of invasion through the basement membrane, cell motility, and solitary cell survival and growth. On the other hand, expression of RASSF1A/A133S, a loss-of-function mutant form of RASSF1A, failed to elicit similar malignancy-suppressing responses in ACC cells. Moreover, association of RASSF1A with the cytoskeleton in RASSF1A-expressing ACC cells and normal adrenal cortex suggests a role for RASSF1A in modulating microtubule dynamics in the adrenal cortex, and thereby potentially blocking malignant progression. Downregulation of RASSF1A via promoter hypermethylation may play a role in the malignant progression of adrenocortical carcinoma possibly by abrogating differentiation-promoting RASSF1A- microtubule interactions.
Relational learning via propositional algorithms: an information extraction case study

This paper develops a new paradigm for relational learning which allows for the representation and learning of relational information using propositional means. This paradigm suggests different tradeoffs than those in the traditional approach to this problem - the ILP approach - and as a result it enjoys several significant advantages over it. In particular, the new paradigm is more flexible and allows the use of any propositional algorithm, including probabilistic algorithms, within it. We evaluate the new approach on an important and relation-intensive task - Information Extraction - and show that it outperforms existing methods while being orders of magnitude more efficient.
HrpI of Erwinia amylovora functions in secretion of harpin and is a member of a new protein family.

Abstract HrpI, a 78-kDa protein, functions in the secretion of harpin, a proteinaceous elicitor of the hypersensitive response from Erwinia amylovora. The predicted amino acid sequence of HrpI is remarkably similar to that of LcrD of Yersinia species, the first member of a recently described protein family. Other proteins of the family are MixA from Shigella flexneri, InvA from Salmonella typhimurium, FlhA from Caulobacter crescentus, HrpI from Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, HrpO from Pseudomonas solanacearum, and HrpC2 from Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria. Cells of E. amylovora containing mutated hrpI genes or cells of Escherichia coli containing the cloned hrp gene cluster with mutated hrpI produce but do not export harpin. When similar cells with functional hrpI genes were grown at 25 degrees C, but not at 37 degrees C, harpin was exported to the culture supernatant. Direct evidence that HrpI is involved in the secretion of a virulence protein has been offered. Two other loci of the hrp gene cluster are involved in the regulation of harpin, and four other loci also are involved in the secretion of harpin. Since harpin and other proteins likely to be secreted by the LcrD family of proteins lack typical signal peptides, their secretion mechanism is distinct from the general protein export pathway.
SYNDEMICS OF WAR: MALNUTRITION‐INFECTIOUS DISEASE INTERACTIONS AND THE UNINTENDED HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF INTENTIONAL WAR POLICIES

Syndemics play a substantial role in shaping the disease burdens of populations, especially in times of war. It is estimated that in the 20th century, sixty-two million civilians suffered war-related deaths, in addition to forty-five million combatant deaths. Many of these casualties were due to disease rather than battlefield injuries. Through a review and analysis of interdisciplinary literature on war and health, and using case studies of several wars from different periods of history, we argue that war is a disruptive biosocial process that sets in motion interactions between diseases and other conditions that increase war-related morbidity and mortality.
Corticosterone Metabolite Concentrations in Greater Sage-Grouse Are Positively Associated With the Presence of Cattle Grazing

Abstract The sagebrush biome in the western United States is home to the imperiled greater sage-grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus ) and encompasses rangelands used for cattle production. Cattle grazing activities have been implicated in the range-wide decline of the sage-grouse, but no studies have investigated the relationship between the physiological condition of sage-grouse and the presence of grazing cattle. We sampled 329 sage-grouse across four sites (two grazed and two ungrazed) encompassing 13 600 km 2 during the spring and late summer–early autumn of 2005 to evaluate whether demographic factors, breeding status, plasma protein levels, and residence in a cattle-grazed habitat were associated with the stress hormone corticosterone. Corticosterone was measured in feces as immunoreactive corticosterone metabolites (ICM). Males captured during the lekking season exhibited higher ICM levels than all others. Prenesting female sage-grouse captured in a grazed site had higher ICM levels than those in ungrazed sites and prenesting female plasma protein levels were negatively correlated with ICM concentrations. With the use of a small-scale spatial model, we identified a positive correlation between cattle pat count and sage-grouse ICM levels. Our model indicated that ICM levels increased by 2.60 ng · g -1 dry feces for every increase in the number of cow pats found in the vicinity. Management practices will benefit from future research regarding the consistency and mechanism(s) responsible for this association and, importantly, how ICM levels and demographic rates are related in this species of conservation concern.
Climatic and landscape controls of the boreal forest fire regime: Holocene records from Alaska

Summary 1 The response of ecosystems to past and future climatic change is difficult to understand due to the uncertainties in the direction and magnitude of changes and the relative importance of interactions between climate and local factors. In boreal ecosystems such interactions may dictate the response to climatic change, but the interaction of climate, vegetation composition and the fire regime remains poorly understood. 2 Sediment cores from lakes in south-central Alaska were analysed for lithology, macrofossils, pollen and charcoal to investigate the relationships between moisture availability, species composition and mean fire return intervals (MFI). 3 Macrofossil and lithological evidence suggests that variations in effective moisture occurred over the past 7000 years and that the regional climate has been wetter during the past c . 3800 years than before. 4 Boreal forests existed in the region throughout the past 7000 years. Picea glauca and Picea mariana were the prevalent forest species around Chokasna Lake, whereas P. g lauca and hardwood species (e.g. Betula ) co-dominated the landscape around Moose Lake. Picea mariana replaced P. g lauca as the dominant Picea species around Chokasna Lake at c . 2000  . 5 MFI was > 500 years before 3800  , except from 5800 to 5000  at Moose Lake and 5400 to 4550  at Chokasna Lake, when values were c . 200 years. MFI decreased to c . 200 years during the late-Holocene at both sites and to c . 150 years after 2000  at Chokasna Lake. 6 At both sites, fires occurred more frequently under wetter climatic conditions. Our results therefore support other recent studies demonstrating that warmer/drier climatic conditions do not necessarily induce greater fire importance. A combination of increased ignition by lightning strikes and seasonal-moisture variability probably resulted in more frequent fires under wetter conditions.
Right congenital diaphragmatic hernia associated with fusion of the liver and the lung

We present the case of a male infant at a gestational age of 41 weeks who presented with a right congenital diaphragmatic hernia. During surgical exploration, right hepatopulmonary fusion was encountered. We review the existing literature on this problem, describe a novel surgical approach, and review the embryology of this complex lesion.
TLR2 Mediates the Innate Response of Retinal Muller Glia to Staphylococcus aureus

Muller cells, the principal glia of the retina, play several key roles in normal and various retinal diseases. To date, their direct involvement in retinal innate defense against bacterial pathogens has not been investigated. In this article, we show that Muller cells express TLR2, a key sensor implicated in recognizing Gram-positive bacteria. We found that intravitreal injection of TLR2 agonist Pam3Cys and Staphylococcus aureus activated Muller glia in C57BL/6 mouse retina. Similarly, Pam3Cys or S. aureus elicited the expression of TLR2 and activated the NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling cascade. Concomitant with the activation of signaling pathways, transcriptional expression and secretion of various proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β), chemokines (IL-8), and antimicrobial peptide (LL-37) were also induced in Muller glia. Importantly, the culture media derived from TLR2-activated Muller glia exhibited robust bactericidal activity against S. aureus. Furthermore, use of neutralizing Ab, small interfering RNA, and pharmacological inhibitors revealed that Muller glial innate response to S. aureus is mediated via the TLR2-NF-κB axis. Collectively, this study for the first time, to our knowledge, establishes that the retinal Muller glia senses pathogens via TLR2 and contributes directly to retinal innate defense via production of inflammatory mediators and antimicrobial peptides.
The impact of the death penalty and executions on state-level murder rates: 1980–2011

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the present study is to determine the effect of capital punishment on state-level murder rates. Using a large current data-set and a two-stage fixed effects model, results of the present study suggest that states with death penalties and at least one execution in a given year had 28% lower murder rates than other states. These results hold regardless of the functional form used.
Genetic Algorithms and Language Learning Models

The previous chapter identified several capabilities that a parameter-setting strategy needs if it is to bring about language learning with reasonable efficiency. In this chapter, I describe an approach to parameter setting which stems from the use of genetic algorithms (GAs) in the optimization of search procedures. To understand how this alternative approach compares to the possible solutions to the learning problem as explored in Chapter Two, we consider the merits of incorporating Darwin’s (1859) theory of survival-of-the-fittest within natural genetics. This is a fairly involved chapter, as it covers a lot of pertinent background information before arriving at the actual description of the proposed bilingual model; therefore, it may be useful to preview the course of exposition.
Application of One-Dimensional NMR Imaging to Solvent Diffusion Measurements in Polymeric Samples

Small-scale, low-resolution NMR imaging has been performed on a standard NMR spectrometer equipped with a homogeneity spoiling unit without instrument modification. This technique uses the homogeneity spoiling unit to generate the magnetic field gradient needed in the imaging experiment. We demonstrate how this imaging technique can be used to observe a solvent diffuse into a polymer gel. By fitting experimental images to calculated ones it is possible to extract a diffusion coefficient from the imaging data. This experiment has been used to measure the diffusion of deuterium oxide in aqueous carboxymethyl-cellulose solutions. Two different samples were studied having concentrations of 4 and 6% cellulose by weight in water. Diffusion coefficients of 1.67×10−9 and 1.36×10−9 m2/s were determined using the imaging experiment for the 4 and 6% samples, respectively. In samples of such low polymer concentration gradient the value of the solvent mutual-diffusion coefficient is nearly equal to that of the self-diffusion coefficient. Thus, for this set of samples, a comparison of self-diffusion measurements to the imaging results would serve as a check of the accuracy of the measurement. The pulsed-gradient spin-echo (PGSE) technique was used to determine the self-diffusion coefficients in the same set of samples. The results of the two diffusion measurements are found to be within experimental error of each other. These experiments demonstrate the feasibility of measuring mutual-diffusion coefficients for other systems in this way.
Mortality among World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers, 2002-2011.

Background Rescue and recovery workers responding to the 2001 collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) sustained exposures to toxic chemicals and have elevated rates of multiple morbidities. Methods Using data from the World Trade Center Health Program and the National Death Index for 2002–2011, we examined standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and proportional cancer mortality ratios (PCMR) with indirect standardization for age, sex, race, and calendar year to the U.S. general population, as well as associations between WTC-related environmental exposures and all-cause mortality. Results We identified 330 deaths among 28,918 responders (SMR 0.43, 95%CI 0.39–0.48). No cause-specific SMRs were meaningfully elevated. PCMRs were elevated for neoplasms of lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue (PCMR 1.76, 95%CI 1.06–2.75). Mortality hazard ratios showed no linear trend with exposure. Conclusions Consistent with a healthy worker effect, all-cause mortality among responders was not elevated. There was no clear association between intensity and duration of exposure and mortality. Surveillance is needed to monitor the proportionally higher cancer mortality attributed to lymphatic/hematopoietic neoplasms. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:87–95, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pursuing a Great Transformation: National and Global Dynamics

Polanyi offers a powerful vision of a “great transformation” that will reverse the subordination of society to the economy and reassert the primacy of social protection in the context of modern society. Pursuit of the great transformation is one way of conceptualizing the quest for “development” in the positive sense of ecologically sustainable human flourishing. This paper explores how the contemporary interaction of national and global political dynamics affects the trajectory of Polanyi9s “double movement.” Does the shift of economic power to globally organized capital while the space for contentious politics remains primarily at the national level “checkmate” the movement for social protection? Or is there more potential for political contestation and policies supporting social protection at the national level than the “global checkmate” thesis claims? And, if so, can this potential be magnified by productive, synergistic alliances between national and global movements, resulting in a global auxiliary effect instead of a global checkmate effect? Answering these questions requires analyzing the relative autonomy of national political regimes vis-a-vis global capital as well as evaluating the ability of movements to connect effectively across levels.
A theoretical investigation of the performance of an internally mixed liquid atomizer

This paper describes the development and predictions of an engineering model that depicts the two-phase flow within an internally mixed airassisted liquid atomizer. The main objective of this study is to develop an analytical tool that could be used in the design of improved internally mixed injectors and to predict the injector’s flow and spray characteristics under different operating conditions. This study is a part of an effort to develop a controllable liquid atomizer that could be used to optimize the performance of gas turbine combustors. The developed model assumes that the formation of liquid drops, due to the interaction between the air and liquid flows, occurs inside the injector. Basic conservation equations, along with appropriate. boundary conditions, are used to model the twophase air-liquid flow inside the injector. A critical Weber number criterion is used to estimate the mean size of the droplets being produced in the process. One set of equations is used to model all the different two-phase flow regimes. A unique solution procedure, using transformation and elimination of variables, is developed to solve this set of equations, which can be readily implemented on a PC. The liquid flow rates and mean droplet sizes, predicted by the model, are compared with the experimentally obtained results and they are found to be in good agreement with each other, suggesting that the model properly describes the physics of the two-phase flow within the injector. NOMENCLETURE A Area AT Tube cross-sectional area DT Tube diameter V Velocity P Pressure T Temperature f Mass of air added per unit length X Distance from the initial point * Graduate Student, School of Mechanical Engineering ’ Senior Research Engineer and Adjunct Associate Professor z Regents Professor, David S. Lewis Jr. Chair, Fellow AIAA dx
Cross-modal matching: The development and evaluation of a new technique

Research in the area of multimodal displays and information processing has reported several benefits of distributing information across multiple sensory channels (vision, audition, and touch, in particular). However, with few exceptions, studies on multimodal information processing involve the potential risk of confounding modality with other factors, such as salience, because no cross-modal matching is being performed prior to experiments. To date, no agreed-upon cross-modal matching method has been developed. The goal of our research is to develop and compare the feasibility and validity of various approaches. In this paper, we present the findings for one particular technique that employs cue adjustments and bidirectional matches. Six participants were asked to perform a series of 216 matching tasks for combinations of cues in vision, audition and touch. The results show that participants’ matches differed from one another, were inconsistent across trials, and were also a function of the intensity leve...
Principle of Nondiscrimination in International Law ——Protection of Women's Equal Rights of Employment

Equal right to obtain employment which is placed as the priority has generally been taken as a principle by the international human rights acts.However,the gender discrimination varies in the forms and it is due to lots of causes.In the harmonious society,it's a must to perfect the protection system.The government is obliged to seek countermeasures against the discrimination in women's employment right from two points,legal restriction and legislation.In addition,the lawmakers should give more cares to females who are at adverse position in the proceeding.Guaranteed by the enhanced policies and legal provisions,the women's equal employment rights can be better protected.
The 6-Minute Walk Test as a Primary Endpoint in Clinical Trials for Pulmonary Hypertension⁎

“Golf is a good walk spoiled.” —Mark Twain ([1][1]) Walking is a basic form of locomotion that involves the coordination of numerous muscles to provide forward movement while maintaining body balance and limiting energy expenditure ([2][2]). The distance and speed that a healthy individual
Modeling: An Effective Behavior Change Technique for Teaching Blind Persons.

The application of Bandura's modeling techniques in working with a legally blind male in a residential facility for the mentally retarded resulted in improved attitudes and behaviors. The client wa...
The crust-mantle transition in the Bering Sea

abstract A plane layered oceanic crustal model is investigated. A point source and receiver are located in the oceanic fluid layer. The Mohorovic˘ic discontinuity is treated as a layered transition zone. De Hoop9s modification of Cagniard9s method is used to obtain the exact transient response which is convolved with the source pulse shape and the instrumental system function to yield theoretical seismograms. When the boundary is an interface or a thin layered transition zone the head wave is a small pure refraction which is followed by a strong reflection. As the transition zone grows in thickness the head wave receives both refracted and reflected energy and becomes the dominant feature. These results compare favorably with observations made in the Bering Sea. This study suggests that the transition zone is thin, probably less than 1 km, in the Northern Aleutian Basin. Southward approaching the Aleutian Islands the transition zone thickens so that no major discontinuity exists between the crust and mantle.
Noninvasive Identification of Individual American Badgers by Features of Their Dorsal Head Stripes

Abstract. Identification of individual animals is a valuable and often essential procedure for studies of animal behavior and population size. I present evidence that individual American badgers (Taxidea taxus) may be identified by natural features of their dorsal head stripes.
A Role for the Dorsal Dentate Gyrus in Color Context Pattern Separation (S49.001)

Background: It is known that in rats the dorsal dentate gyrus (dDG) supports spatial location information as well as spatial pattern separation. Objective: In order to determine whether the dDG also plays a role in context pattern separation, shades of color were used in an exploratory task to measure novelty detection for changes in the color context environment. Methods: Long-Evans subjects were tested for 12 days, using rearings to measure novelty detection. Three context gradient levels were measured, taking the difference of the novel color. Level 1 context gradient was a slight color change. Level 2 context was a medium color change. Level 3 context was the maximum color change, white to black or the reverse. Each subject completed equal level 1, level 2 and level 3 context gradient transitions. The following Discrimination Ratio was calculated: [Exploration of Novel (A) - Exploration of Familiar (B)]/Total Exploration (A+B). Results: dDG lesioned rats were impaired for levels 2 and 3 relative to controls and did not show a gradient effect. A two way ANOVA with groups (dDG and controls) as the between factor and levels (one, two and three) as the within factor revealed a significant group effect (F=7.44, df (1,10), p= 0.021), a significant level effect (F=11.52 df (2,20), p= 0.0005), and significant group x level interaction (F= 3.62, df (2,20), p= 0.046). These data suggest that during the test phase the control rats displayed a greater novelty effect in terms of number of rearings compared to dDG lesioned rats. Conclusion: The results of the experiment indicate that control rats displayed a color-context pattern separation effect across levels of separation of context (shades of color), whereas, the dDG lesioned rats did not. Thus, the dDG plays an important role in context recognition for colors by reducing interference between shades of color. Disclosure: Dr. Musso has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kesner has nothing to disclose.