cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron microscope comparisons of fine and ultra-fine carbonaceous and non-carbonaceous, airborne particulates

Abstract Particulate matter (PM) from a number of specific sources has been collected on carbon/formvar-coated 100-mesh nickel or copper grids for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using a thermal precipitator. These sources included diesel truck exhaust, graphitic PM from brake-shop environments, jet engine exhaust streams, and a wide range of general airborne PM for comparison. Individual PM TEM images were compared with corresponding selected-area electron diffraction patterns and energy-dispersive (X-ray) spectra. Diesel PM was characterized by aggregate branching of carbonaceous spherules while graphitic PM consisted of layered carbon, crystalline carbon nanotubes and fullerene-related nanocrystals, and prominent mixtures of inorganic microcrystals. Essentially, all airborne PM collected was characterized by variations of cluster or aggregate morphologies and non-carbonaceous PM was mostly micro- or nanocrystalline. Mixtures of carbonaceous and nanocrystalline PM were also observed. Although tedious, individual PM analysis and comparison appears to be a necessary strategy to elucidate the apparent toxic effects increasingly identified with ultra-fine and nanoparticulates in the air.
Dipolar and Nonpolar Altitudinal Molecular Rotors Mounted on an Au(111) Surface

We describe the preparation of a compound whose molecules consist of two metal sandwich stands carrying tentacles with affinity to metal surfaces and holding an axle that carries a dipolar or a nonpolar rotator. The dipolar rotor exists as three pairs of enantiomers, rapidly interconverting at room temperature. When mounted on a gold surface, each molecule represents a chiral altitudinal rotor, with the rotator axle parallel to the surface. The surface-mounted rotor molecules are characterized by several spectroscopic and imaging techniques. At any one time, in about one-third of the dipolar rotors the rotator is free to turn and the direction of its dipole can be flipped by the electric field applied by an STM tip, as revealed by differential barrier height imaging. Molecular dynamics calculations suggest that electric field normal to the surface causes members of one pair of enantiomers to rotate unidirectionally.
Decadal variability in the Southern Hemisphere

[1] This study reveals that a quasi‐decadal variability exists in the climate system of southern high latitudes, particularly in the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and subpolar to mid latitudes sea surface temperature (SST), based on in situ observations, reanalysis data, and the 20th Century runs of IPCC AR4 coupled climate models. Spectral analysis reveals that a statistically significant variability with periods of 8–16 years appears in the SAM indices based on about 50 years of reanalysis data and observed SST. Observations of air temperature and sea level pressure from weather stations confirm that the decadal variability is more evident in the midlatitudes than over Antarctica. Cross‐spectral analysis indicates that the SAM index is related to the SST in the subpolar seas of Antarctica and SST gradient at mid‐high latitudes at this decadal frequency band. The SAM indices from 20th century runs (longer than 100 years) of eighteen IPCC coupled climate models are also examined for the decadal variability. Sixteen out of the eighteen models exhibit decadal variability in SAM that is significant at least at the 90% of confidence level while eight are significant at the 95% confidence level. Seven models produce significant co‐variability between SAM and subpolar SST at this quasi‐decadal frequency.
Strategic capacity decision-making in a stochastic manufacturing environment using real-time approximate dynamic programming

In this study, we illustrate a real-time approximate dynamic programming (RTADP) method for solving multistage capacity decision problems in a stochastic manufacturing environment, by using an exemplary three-stage manufacturing system with recycle. The system is a moderate size queuing network, which experiences stochastic variations in demand and product yield. The dynamic capacity decision problem is formulated as a Markov decision process (MDP). The proposed RTADP method starts with a set of heuristics and learns a superior quality solution by interacting with the stochastic system via simulation. The curse-of-dimensionality associated with DP methods is alleviated by the adoption of several notions including “evolving set of relevant states,” for which the value function table is built and updated, “adaptive action set” for keeping track of attractive action candidates, and “nonparametric k nearest neighbor averager” for value function approximation. The performance of the learned solution is evaluated against (1) an “ideal” solution derived using a mixed integer programming (MIP) formulation, which assumes full knowledge of future realized values of the stochastic variables (2) a myopic heuristic solution, and (3) a sample path based rolling horizon MIP solution. The policy learned through the RTADP method turned out to be superior to polices of 2 and 3. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 2010
Refinement of Culture Conditions for Maintenance of Undifferentiated Equine Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells

Abstract Umbilical cord blood (UCB) was collected from Thoroughbred mares at foaling, and stem cells were isolated. UCB stem cells were cultured in growth media (GM), GM + Fibroblast Growth Factor 2, GM + Flt3/Thrombopoietin/c-Kit ligand, or conditioned media. Population doubling times (PDTs) were calculated. UCB stem cells cultured in standard GM exhibited faster PDTs (30.07 ± 1.59 hours) than those cultured in any treatment media. PDT was further accelerated by cultivation in GM on fibronectin (26.99 ± 1.57 hours)-, collagen I (26.21 ± 1.18 hours)-, or gelatin (27.32 ± 1.50 hours)-coated surfaces. Time in culture increased PDT regardless of media or substrata conditions. Because Oct4, nanog, KLF4, Sox2, and c-myc are implicated in embryonic stem cell pluripotency, total RNA was harvested from UCB stem cells as well as mouse ES cells and analyzed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Both populations expressed all transcripts. The persistence of Oct4, nanog, and Sox2 expression in UCB stem cells was monitored over time in culture. Oct4 was detected throughout the duration of the experiment. Sox2 and nanog expression was lost with time in culture. Cells cultured on protein matrices maintained nanog expression longer than those on uncoated plasticware. These phenotypes remain unaffected by the type of culture matrix and FGF2. However, the plasticity markers are lost with serial passage.
Positive B-cell only flow cytometric crossmatch: Implications for renal transplantation

In renal transplantation, the presence of anti-donor HLA antibodies is associated with early rejection and accelerated graft loss. The clinical relevance of anti-HLA antibodies can be evaluated in the crossmatch assay using either a complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) assay or a flow cytometric crossmatch (FCXM) method. The FCXM technique is more sensitive than CDC-based assays for detection of anti-donor antibodies and allows the simultaneous detection of antibodies against T-lymphocytes (anti-HLA class I antibodies) and B-lymphocytes (anti-HLA class I and/or HLA class II antibodies). Although the clinical relevance of a positive FCXM using T-lymphocytes in kidney graft outcome is well established, there is still debate about the clinical significance of a positive B-cell only FCXM (B+FCXM). In this review we discuss several factors to consider during the evaluation of patients with a B+FCXM and suggest ideas to improve the use of the information provided by the FCXM assay.
Effects of Depletion of CREB-binding Protein on c-Myc Regulation and Cell Cycle G1-S Transition

We recently reported that the transcriptional coactivator and histone acetyltransferase p300 plays an important role in the G(1) phase of the cell cycle by negatively regulating c-myc and thereby preventing premature G(1) exit (Kolli, et al. (2001) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 98, 4646-4651; Baluchamy, et al. (2003) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 100, 9524-9529). Because p300 does not substitute for all CREB-binding protein (CBP) functions, we investigated whether CBP also negatively regulates c-myc and prevents premature DNA synthesis. Here, we show that antisense-mediated depletion of CBP in serum-deprived human cells leads to induction of c-myc and that such cells emerge from quiescence without growth factors at a rate comparable with that of p300-depleted cells. The CBP-depleted cells contained significantly reduced levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 and low levels of p107 and p130 (but not pRb) phosphorylation, suggesting that these factors, along with elevated levels of c-Myc, contribute to induction of DNA synthesis. Antisense c-Myc reversed the phosphorylation of p107 and p130 and the induction of S phase in CBP-depleted cells, indicating that up-regulation of c-myc is directly responsible for the induction of S phase. Furthermore, the serum-stimulated p300/CBP-depleted cells did not traverse beyond S phase, and a significant number of these cells died of apoptosis, which was not related to p53 levels. These cells also contained significantly higher levels of c-Myc compared with normal cells. When c-myc expression was blocked by antisense c-Myc, the apoptosis of the serum-stimulated CBP-depleted cells was reversed, indicating that high levels of c-Myc contribute to apoptosis. Thus, despite their high degree of structural and functional similarities, normal levels of both p300 and CBP are essential for keeping c-myc in a repressed state in G(1) and thereby preventing inappropriate entry of cells into S phase. In addition, both these proteins also provide important functions in coordinated cell cycle progression.
SET-LRP of MMA in Acetic Acid

Single-electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) has emerged as a reliable, robust, and straight forward tool for the construction of well-defined polymers. This manuscript reports on the influence of acidity on the SET-LRP process. The SET-LRP of methyl methacrylate initiated with tosyl chloride and catalyzed by Cu(0)/Me 6 -TREN at 50 °C in protic solvent mixtures containing acetic acid is described. The polymerization kinetics was recorded in the presence of various amounts of acetic acid. Hereby it was found that the SET-LRP process tolerates considerable acidity. The SET-LRP of MMA comprising 1, 2.5, 10, and 25% acetic acid were well controlled. The reactions followed first-order kinetic in monomer consumption and the molecular weights increased linearly with conversion while retaining narrow molecular weight distribution. In all cases, complete monomer conversion was achieved. Acetic acid could be also used as a solvent for the SET-LRP of MMA.
Navigation in juvenile alligators

and Summary Few species have been shown to truly “navigate”, or go directly homeward from an area with which they have no familiarity. True navigation has been difficult to demonstrate in nature because a wild-caught animal's lifetime area of familiarity is rarely known. Juvenile alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) remain in the vicinity of their nest for months or years after hatching so that the lifetime area of familiarity for such alligators is small and predictable. Of 258 juvenile alligators displaced 2 to 20 home range diameters in central Florida, 73 were resighted at a place other than their release site. Of the 73, at least 46 returned to the site from which they had been captured and all but one of the others were resighted along a path between their release and home sites. Homing was not limited to any special conditions, although fewer animals completed their homeward journeys if a major habitat barrier blocked their homeward paths. Homing rates were highly variable, but the higher rates denoted by resightings were consistent with the rates determined by radiotelemetry for juvenile alligators moving relatively long distances along a direct route. The alligators apparently did not have to search in order to encounter their home sites. These data suggest that juvenile alligators possess an ability to navigate. Zusammenfassung Die Fahigkeit zu echtem Navigieren ist an wild lebenden Tieren schwer nachzuweisen, wenn man nicht weis, in einem wie weiten Bereich ihrer Umgebung sie sich aus Erfahrung auskennen. Junge Mississippi-Alligatoren bleiben Monate bis Jahre nach dem Schlupfen in der Nestumgebung, kennen sich also nur in einem bestimmten, kleinen Bereich aus. 258 Jungalligatoren wurden uber den zwei– bis zwanzigfachen Durchmesser ihres vermutlich bekannten Gebietes verfrachtet. 73 wurden danach an anderen als den Auslas–Orten wiedergesehen; 46 kehrten zum Heimatort zuruck, alle weiteren (bis auf einen) fanden sich auf dem Wege vom Auslas– zum Heimatort. Die Heimkehrgeschwindigkeit war sehr verschieden, past aber zu radiotelemetrischen Messungen der Fortbewegung uber langere Strecken auf direktem Weg. Offensichtlich haben die Tiere nicht suchen mussen, um heimzufinden. Junge Alligatoren haben demnach wohl ein Navigationsvermogen.
Pharmacokinetics (PK) and absolute bioavailability (F) of linezolid (L) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients (PTS)

Introduction Methicillin- & vancomycin-resistant bacteria are increasingly responsible for CF exacerbations. L is highly active against these pathogens. We studied L first dose (FD) & steady-state (SS) PK in CF Pts. Methods CF pts received L-IV and then orally when indicated as part of their hospitalized clinical care. 12 blood samples & 4 timed urine aliquots were obtained over 24hrs after FD (2nd IV dose held) & 9 blood samples again at SS (dosed q8–12h). Quantitation of L and 2 inactive metabolites were determined by HPLC; standard non-compartment PK methodology was used. Results 10 pts (5 males) studied thus far; data analyzed for 7. Plasma L concentration-time curves reflect 2-compartment character. Mean(±)SD L PK after FD:t½-4.6 (1.9) hrs;Vd-0.67 (0.09) L/Kg; Cl-2.6 (1) ml/min/Kg. No differences were observed between FD & SS PK. ~18% of IV dose excreted in urine over 24hrs. Median L oral F was 110% of IV dose administered. L metabolites M25 & M23 accounted for ~24% & 5% of parent L plasma concentrations, respectively. These L PK data in CF are consistent with L PK data obtained in 39 non-CF Pts of similar age. Conclusions Our preliminary L CF PK data support conventional age-appropriate L dosing & employing a 1 to 1 conversion for IV to oral switch in the treatment of CF patients. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P30–P30; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.006
Transformation of Political Islam in Turkey Islamist Welfare Party’s Pro-EU Turn

The recent changes in the Islamist party’s ideology and policies in Turkey are analysed in this article. The Islamist Welfare Party (WP) was ousted from power in June 1997 and was outlawed by the Constitutional Court (CC) in March 1998. After the ban, the WP elite founded the Virtue Party and changed policies on a number of issues. They emphasized democracy and basic human rights and freedoms in the face of this external shock. The WP’s hostile policy toward the European Union (EU) was changed. This process of change is discussed and it is argued that the EU norms presented a political opportunity structure for the party elites to influence the change of direction of the party. When the VP was banned by the CC in June 2001, the VP elites split and founded two parties which differ on a number of issues but have positive policies toward the EU.
Measurement of the weak nucleon-nucleon interaction by polarized cold neutron capture on protons

The NPDGamma Experiment at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is measuring the parity-odd correlation between the neutron spin and the direction of the emitted photon in the capture of polarized cold neutrons on protons. A parity violating asymmetry from this process is directly related to the strength of the hadronic weak interaction between nucleons. The experiment was run first with heavier nuclear targets to check systematic e ects, false asymmetries, and backgrounds. Since early 2012 the experiment has been collecting data with a 16-liter liquid parahydrogen target. Data taking will continue through 2013 until statistics for a 10 8 asymmetry mea- surement are expected. The experiment performance will be discussed as well as the status of the asymmetry measurements.
Myocardial thallium-201 scintigraphy for assessment of viability in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction.

Abstract Many patients with Ischemic heart disease and depressed left ventricular (LV) function have asynergic zones with sustained microcirculatory perfusion and myocardial metabolic activity that exhibit improved systolic function after coronary revascularization. The 2 predominant noninvasive techniques used to determine myocardial viability in patients with severely depressed LV function are thallium-201 ( 201 TI) scintigraphy and posltron emission tomography (PET). Myocardial extraction of 201 TI is unaltered under experimental conditions of myocardial stunning or short-term hibernation (characterized by decreased flow and ischemic dysfunction). Akinetic or dyskinetic LV wall segments can exhibit normal or near normal 201 TI uptake as long as some residual flow is present. 201 TI scintigraphy can identify viable asynergic segments when performed on patients with severe coronary artery disease who are in the resting state. Many of these patients have initial resting defects that demonstrate delayed redistribution, or mild persistent defects that show improved perfusion and function after revascularization. There is a direct correlation between the extent of 201 TI uptake in zones of severe regional myocardial asynergy and the magnitude of improvement in resting LV ejection fraction after coronary bypass surgery. Rest 201 TI scintigraphy may help in the selection of patients wtth coronary artery disease and severely depressed LV function who would benefit the most from revascularization.
Rationality and Relationality in the Process of Whistleblowing: Recasting Whistleblowing Through Readings of Antigone

Reporting wrongdoing is seen as desirable to fight illegal practices, but whistleblowers often suffer retaliations and are in need of protection. Overall, whistleblowers engender strong reactions and are cast either as saints or rats. I consider why whistleblowers are seen as unsettling and ambivalent figures by exploring the analogy between Antigone, the Sophoclean heroine, and whistleblowers. These reflections reconfigure the rationality and relationality of the process of whistleblowing. The rationality of the whistleblower is singular and not easily subsumed into universalizing norms which explains some of the limits reached by the empiricist pro-social research agenda. The relationality of the process of whistleblowing indicates that the reactions of those who hear the whistle are as important. This opens up to an appreciation of the ethical and political valence of the process of whistleblowing and highlights a number of counter-intuitive and interesting issues in its synchronic and diachronic dimen...
Regression Versus Causation, Revisited

I recently discussed pitfalls in attempted causal inference based on reduced-form regression models. I used as motivation a real-world example from a paper by Dr. Sneeringer, which interpreted a reduced-form regression analysis as implying the startling causal conclusion that "doubling of [livestock] production leads to a 7.4% increase in infant mortality." This conclusion is based on: (A) fitting a reduced-form regression model to aggregate (e.g., county-level) data; and (B) (mis)interpreting a regression coefficient in this model as a causal coefficient, without performing any formal statistical tests for potential causation (such as conditional independence, Granger-Sims, or path analysis tests). Dr. Sneeringer now adds comments that confirm and augment these deficiencies, while advocating methodological errors that, I believe, risk analysts should avoid if they want to reach logically sound, empirically valid, conclusions about cause and effect. She explains that, in addition to (A) and (B) above, she also performed other steps such as (C) manually selecting specific models and variables and (D) assuming (again, without testing) that hand-picked surrogate variables are valid (e.g., that log-transformed income is an adequate surrogate for poverty). In her view, these added steps imply that "critiques of A and B are not applicable" to her analysis and that therefore "a causal argument can be made" for "such a strong, robust correlation" as she believes her regression coefficient indicates. However, multiple wrongs do not create a right. Steps (C) and (D) exacerbate the problem of unjustified causal interpretation of regression coefficients, without rendering irrelevant the fact that (A) and (B) do not provide evidence of causality. This reply focuses on whether any statistical techniques can produce the silk purse of a valid causal inference from the sow's ear of a reduced-form regression analysis of ecological data. We conclude that Dr. Sneeringer's analysis provides no valid indication that air pollution from livestock operations causes any increase in infant mortality rates. More generally, reduced-form regression modeling of aggregate population data—no matter how it is augmented by fitting multiple models and hand-selecting variables and transformations—is not adequate for valid causal inference about health effects caused by specific, but unmeasured, exposures.
Bias in Judicial Citations: A New Window into the Behavior of Judges?

This Article tests for the presence of bias in judicial citations within federal circuit court opinions. Our findings suggest bias along three dimensions. First, judges base outside circuit citation decisions in part on the political party of the cited judge. Judges tend to cite judges of the opposite political party less compared with the fraction of the total pool of opinions attributable to the opposite political party judges. Second, judges are more likely to engage in biased citation practices in certain high stakes situations. These high stakes situations include opinions dealing with certain subject matters (such as individual rights and campaign finance) as well as opinions in which another judge is in active opposition. Third, judges cite more to those judges that cite back to them frequently, suggesting the presence of "mutual" citation clubs.
Power Management for Wafer-Level Test During Burn-In

Wafer-level test during burn-in (WLTBI) has recently emerged as a promising technique to reduce test and burn-in costs in semiconductor manufacturing. However, test during burn-in can lead to significant power variations in the die. This variation adversely affects the accuracy of predictions of junction temperatures and the time required for burn-in. We present a test-pattern manipulation technique for WLTBI, where the objective is to minimize the variation in power consumption during test application. Test-pattern manipulation is carried out by carefully filling the don't-care bits in test cubes. The X-fill problem is formulated and solved using an efficient polynomial-time algorithm. Simulation results are presented for the ISCAS'89 and the IWLS'05 benchmark circuits, and the proposed technique is compared with three baseline methods that carry out pattern manipulation to minimize peak-power consumption.
Two problems in WKBJ theory: the interpolation of sampled velocity profiles and the use of frequency-dependent, complex velocities

Summary Phase-integral (WKBJ) methods are widely used in seismology and other branches of physics. Both uniform and non-uniform methods require that integrals such as be computed along a contour in the complex p-plane. When velocity is specified at isolated depths {zi i = 1, N} any method of computing these integrals makes use, either explicitly or implicitly, of some interpolation scheme, τ and the turning point zp are well defined by such a scheme only if the p-contour passes through the points 1/vi. Such a contour forces the turning point zp to intersect the Re(z)-axis at those values of z for which velocity is specified. Before passing through 1/vN and after passing through 1/v1 the p-contour has only the usual constraint of being such that the motion integrals are convergent. In models for which Q varies with depth the effects of attenuation can be correctly calculated only by making velocity a complex function of frequency as well as z. Then the points 1/vi, through which the p-contour must pass, are frequency-dependent and so a slightly different p-contour must be used for each frequency. These results are applied to the spectral WKBJ method where a correct treatment of sampled velocity functions at first appears to complicate the theory but is then seen to simplify it. The restrictions on the p-contour are easily satisfied because the points through which it must pass are always the reciprocals of known velocities; also, if the generalized Filon method of quadrature is used for the p-integral then there is no need to deform the contour over the saddle points of the integrand. The tunnelling problem is more straightforward with a sampled velocity function than with an analytic velocity function because a sampled velocity with a low-velocity zone always divides naturally into three zones in which velocity is mono-tonic; in each zone the solution is a sum of well-understood functions with a single turning point. The problem of reflection at a discontinuity is simplified because, unlike an analytic velocity function, a sampled velocity function can always be made to remain monotonic when analytically continued across a discontinuity.
Intravital Microscopic Interrogation of Peripheral Taste Sensation

Intravital microscopy is a powerful tool in neuroscience but has not been adapted to the taste sensory organ due to anatomical constraint. Here we developed an imaging window to facilitate microscopic access to the murine tongue in vivo. Real-time two-photon microscopy allowed the visualization of three-dimensional microanatomy of the intact tongue mucosa and functional activity of taste cells in response to topically administered tastants in live mice. Video microscopy also showed the calcium activity of taste cells elicited by small-sized tastants in the blood circulation. Molecular kinetic analysis suggested that intravascular taste sensation takes place at the microvilli on the apical side of taste cells after diffusion of the molecules through the pericellular capillaries and tight junctions in the taste bud. Our results demonstrate the capabilities and utilities of the new tool for taste research in vivo.
Dopamine neurons derived from human ES cells efficiently engraft in animal models of Parkinson’s disease

Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are a promising source of cells for applications in regenerative medicine. Directed differentiation of PSCs into specialized cells such as spinal motoneurons or midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons has been achieved. However, the effective use of PSCs for cell therapy has lagged behind. Whereas mouse PSC-derived DA neurons have shown efficacy in models of Parkinson's disease, DA neurons from human PSCs generally show poor in vivo performance. There are also considerable safety concerns for PSCs related to their potential for teratoma formation or neural overgrowth. Here we present a novel floor-plate-based strategy for the derivation of human DA neurons that efficiently engraft in vivo, suggesting that past failures were due to incomplete specification rather than a specific vulnerability of the cells. Midbrain floor-plate precursors are derived from PSCs 11 days after exposure to small molecule activators of sonic hedgehog (SHH) and canonical WNT signalling. Engraftable midbrain DA neurons are obtained by day 25 and can be maintained in vitro for several months. Extensive molecular profiling, biochemical and electrophysiological data define developmental progression and confirm identity of PSC-derived midbrain DA neurons. In vivo survival and function is demonstrated in Parkinson's disease models using three host species. Long-term engraftment in 6-hydroxy-dopamine-lesioned mice and rats demonstrates robust survival of midbrain DA neurons derived from human embryonic stem (ES) cells, complete restoration of amphetamine-induced rotation behaviour and improvements in tests of forelimb use and akinesia. Finally, scalability is demonstrated by transplantation into parkinsonian monkeys. Excellent DA neuron survival, function and lack of neural overgrowth in the three animal models indicate promise for the development of cell-based therapies in Parkinson's disease.
Mechanism by Which Progesterone Shortens the Estrous Cycle of the Ewe

Progesterone administered early in the estrous cycle of ewes decreases the average life of corpora lutea. The effects of exogenous progesterone during estrus on patterns of concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone in peripheral plasma and of prostaglandin (PGF2 a) in utero-ovarian venous plasma were studied. In experiment 1, eight ewes received 40mg of progesterone (i.m.) in corn oil and eight were given only corn oil 8 h after the onset of estrus (Day 0). Mean cycle length in progesterone-treated ewes was less than in control ewes (12.5 ± 1.7 vs 16.3 ± 0.2 days: P<0.05). The concentrations of LH during and immediately following the surge were decreased by progesterone and returned to control values by 30 h after treatment. Mean concentration of PGFSa in uterine venous plasma on Day 5 proestrus did not differ significantly between groups. In experiment 2, ewes were injected (i.m.) with corn oil containing 0 (n = 6) or 40 mg (n = 6) of progesterone 8 and 32 h after the onset of estrus. Beginning on Day 5, blood samples were collected via a catheter in one utero-ovarian vein every 8 h until the onset of the next estrus for quantification of PGF2 �. Five of six progesterone-treated ewes had short cycles (11.0 ± 1.0 days), while cycles averaged 17.0 ± 0.3 days for the six control ewes. Concentrations of LH were lower 8 h after the second injection of progesterone but reached control levels by 32 h. Concentrations of progesterone in peripheral plasma of progesterone-treated and control ewes did not differ on Days 4 to 7. The first peak of PGF20 occurred earlier in progesterone-treated (Day 8.0 ± 0.3) than in control ewes (Day 12.3 ± 1.0; P<0.01). Analyses of the regressions of PGF2a on estradiol-17i3 revealed that plasma concentrations of estradiol at the same hour and at 16 and 24 h previous to PGF,0 could account for some of the variation in PGF2a. Decreased concentrations of LH immediately following exogenous progesterone did not interfere with the ability of the young corpus luteum to produce progesterone. Earlier peaks of PGF2 a following exogenous progesterone during estrus may be more important than reduced LH in causing earlier regression of corpora lutea.
User Demographics and Physical Activity Behaviors on a Newly Constructed Urban Rail/Trail Conversion

Background: To examine demographic characteristics and physical activity (PA) behaviors of trail users on a newly constructed 2-mile urban rail/trail (ie, abandoned rail line converted to a recreational trail). Methods: A systematic evaluation process was initiated to monitor PA behaviors using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). Results: Slightly more males (n = 2578, 54%) than females (n = 2198, 46%) were observed using the rail/trail since its inception. A significant age group difference (F = 16.68, P < .001) was observed among users with the vast majority being adults (n = 3317, 69%). Women were 2.2 times more likely than men (95% CI 1.7−3.0) to be sedentary rather than vigorously active adjusted for age and race. Whites were 2.8 times more likely than nonwhites (95% CI 2.4−3.2) to engage in vigorous activity rather than walking, adjusted for age and gender. Rail/trail users resided on average 2.89 miles from the trail. Discussion: The most frequent users of the rail...
Solution of the unit commitment problem by the method of unit periods

A heuristic solution for short-term thermal unit commitment is presented. The algorithm has been developed as a FORTRAN-based production-type program. Tests of this algorithm on data provided by a midwest utility have demonstrated satisfactory results. The proposed algorithm produces the same unit commitment schedule as a standard dynamic programming (DP)-based algorithm in one fourth the computation time for the DP-based algorithm. The algorithm is nearly linear with the number of unit periods. A unit period is defined as the online duration time versus operation level for each unit. Operating system restrictions limit the prototype to 30 thermal power units as implemented on a PS/2 model 50 personal computer. >
Lane change intent prediction for driver assistance: On-road design and evaluation

Automobiles are quickly becoming more complex as new sensors and support systems are being added to improve safety and comfort. The next generation of intelligent driver assistance systems will need to utilize this wide array of sensors to fully understand the driving context and situation. Effective interaction requires these systems to examine the intentions, desires, and needs of the driver for preemptive actions which can help prepare for or avoid dangerous situations. This manuscript develops a real-time on-road prediction system able to detect a driver's intention to change lanes seconds before it occurs. In-depth analysis highlights the challenges when moving intent prediction from the laboratory to the road and provides detailed characterization of on-road performance.
When Is a Belief True Because of Luck

Many epistemologists are attracted to the claim that knowledge possession excludes luck. Virtue epistemologists attempt to clarify this idea by holding that knowledge requires apt belief: belief that is true because of an agent's epistemic virtues, and not because of luck. Thinking about aptness may have the potential to make progress on important questions in epistemology, but first we must possess an adequate account of when a belief is true because of luck. Existing treatments of aptness assume a simple and natural view of luck attribution, according to which the success of a performance is attributable to luck if one of the principal causes of the success is a lucky event. I show that this view is false, and should be replaced. This has major implications for virtue-theoretic accounts of knowledge, as well as the role of luck in epistemology more generally.
Experimental results and design guidelines derived from the testing of a 2 MW, 250 Hz, auxiliary resonant commutated pole bi-directional converter

An auxiliary resonant commutated pole (ARCP) converter, rated for an output of 2 MW at 250 Hz, has been built and has undergone preliminary tests at the University of Texas at Austin Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM). Experimental results are reported on its testing as the bi-directional link between a power DC bus and a flywheel energy storage system. Design issues encountered in the course of development of the converter and the system are discussed and some considerations are made regarding the application of soft-switching ARCP-type converters versus their hard-switched counterpart.
Feminist prison activism An assessment of empowerment

In the following ethnography of the California Coalition of Women Prisoners (CCWP), who exist at the forefront of feminist prison activism, I address canonical feminist debates focused on the relationship between subjectivity, experience, knowledge, and power by closely following an explicit attempt at political reform by and for women. I argue that feminist prison activists' attempts to reform the American prison system reveal why feminist theorists must remain committed to a specific, contextual, and localized analysis of the prospects for political empowerment.
Molecular mechanics. The MM3 force field for alkenes

The MM3 force field has been extended to include alkenes. Forty-five compounds were examined, and structures, conformational equilibria, heats of formation, and rotational barriers, were calculated. For a smaller representative group, the vibrational spectra and entropies were also calculated. In general, these quantities, except for the vibrational spectra, agree with available data to approximately within experimental error. The vibrational frequencies for a set of eight well-assigned structures were calculated to a root-mean-square error of 47 cm−1.
Natural hierarchical refinement for finite element methods

Current formulations of adaptive finite element mesh refinement seem simple enough, but their implementations prove to be a formidable task. We offer an alternative point of departure which yields equivalent adapted approximation spaces wherever the traditional mesh refinement is applicable, but our method proves to be significantly simpler to implement. At the same time it is much more powerful in that it is general (no special tricks are required for different types of finite elements), and applicable for some newer approximations where traditional mesh refinement concepts are not of much help, for instance on subdivision surfaces. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards an automated reasoning for computing with words

This paper paves the path for the design and implementation of a practical automated reasoning mechanism for computing with words. The presented methodology aims at filling the gap between the raw theory and the implementation of CW paradigm. As part of this methodology, a portion of a formal grammar for Generalized Constraint Language (GCL) as well as a systematic approach for applying the deduction rules are introduced.
Design and evaluation of a wireless magnetic-based proximity detection platform for indoor applications

ABSTRACT Many indoor sensing applications leverage knowledge of relative proximity among physical objects and humans, such as the notion of “within arm's reach”. In this paper, we quantify this notion using “proximity zone”, and propose a methodology that empirically and systematically compare the proximity zones created by various wireless technologies. We find that existing technologies such as 802.15.4, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and RFID fall short on metrics such as boundary sharpness, robustness against in-terference, and obstacle penetration. We then present the design and evaluation of a wireless proximity detection platform based on magnetic induction — LiveSynergy. LiveSynergy provides sweet spot for indoor applications that require reliable and precise proximity detection. Finally, we present the design and evaluation of an end-to-end system, deployed inside a large food court to offer context-aware and personalized advertisements and diet suggestions at a per-counter granularity.
Gecko-inspired controllable adhesive structures applied to micromanipulation

Gecko-inspired angled elastomer micropillars with flat or round tip endings are presented as compliant pick-and-place micromanipulators. The pillars are 35 μm in diameter, 90 μm tall, and angled at an inclination of 20°. By gently pressing the tip of a pillar to a part, the pillar adheres to it through intermolecular forces. Next, by retracting quickly, the part is picked from a given donor substrate. During transferring, the adhesion between the pillar and the part is high enough to withstand disturbances due to external forces or the weight of the part. During release of the part onto a receiver substrate, the contact area of the pillar to the part is drastically reduced by controlled vertical or shear displacement, which results in reduced adhesive forces. The maximum repeatable ratio of pick-to-release adhesive forces is measured as 39 to 1. It is found that a flat tip shape and shear displacement control provide a higher pick-to-release adhesion ratio than a round tip and vertical displacement control, respectively. A model of forces to serve as a framework for the operation of this micromanipulator is presented. Finally, demonstrations of pick-and-place manipulation of micrometer-scale silicon microplatelets and a centimeter-scale glass cover slip serve as proofs of the concept. The compliant polymer micropillars are safe for use with fragile parts, and, due to exploiting intermolecular forces, could be effective on most materials and in air, vacuum, and liquid environments.
Engineering Transdisciplinarity in University Academic Affairs: Challenges, Dilemmas, and Progress

Since the 1970s the notion of transdisciplinarity and pragmatic approaches to it have challenged the monolithic traditional orientation and procedures of academia. The long tradition of monodisciplinary academic departmentalization in higher education institutions has crippled the development of human knowledge, way of doing, and even world view; ironically, it has hindered understanding of the interconnected and interdependent ecological human and the natural world. Monodisciplinary academic departmentalization has perpetually and inherently limited the discovery of knowledge and its application to complex real-life problems that demand solutions to assure a sustainable and democratic human society. This article presents a discussion of strategic engineering in higher education academic affairs aiming toward transdisciplinary teaching, learning, research, service, and curriculum transformation with an emphasis on challenges, dilemmas, and progress.
To Cull, or Not To Cull, Bat is the Question.

Whether it is justified or effective to cull populations of bats, as a means for mitigating human–animal conflict or controlling disease, is an issue that has recently resurfaced with moves by the Mauritius government to cull a population of endangered Mauritius flying foxes (Pteropus niger) (IUCN 2015). Similar calls for fruit bat culls by the Australian government in response to crop damage and outbreaks of Hendra virus (Walker and Nadin 2011) underscore the urgent need for a more robust, sciencebased approach to guide wildlife management. Here, I review the evidence and argue that culling of bat populations is not an effective means to mitigate conflict with fruit growers, nor to reduce the likelihood of zoonotic disease risk.
Management of the deficient acetabulum using cementless fixation without bone grafting.

Abstract Based on the extensive experience with bulk femoral head augmentation of the acetabulum that began in 1973 and the disturbing incidence of failure that has been substantial and progressive, it is argued that sufficient justification, apart from exceptional circumstances, for the use of this reconstructive technique no longer exist. Instead, technical and technologic advances in the use and design of components that stabilize by biointegration now offer a more attractive alternative.
Biocompatibility and mechanical behaviour of three-dimensional scaffolds for biomedical devices: process–structure–property paradigm

We elucidate here process–structure–property relationships in implantable biomaterials processed by rapid prototyping approaches that are based on the principle of additive manufacturing. The conventional methods of fabrication of biomedical devices including freeze casting and sintering are limited because of difficulties in adaptation at the host site and mismatch in micro/macrostructure, mechanical and physical properties with the host tissue. Moreover, additive manufacturing has the advantage of fabricating patient-specific designs, which can be obtained from the computed tomography scan of the defect site. The discussion here comprises two parts – the first part briefly describes the evolution and underlying reasons that have led to 3D printing of scaffolds for tissue regeneration. The second part focuses on biocompatibility and mechanical properties of 3D scaffolds, fabricated by different approaches. The article concludes with a discussion on functionally graded scaffolds and vascularisation of 3D ...
An Alternative Approach to Nonlinear Instabilities in Hydrodynamics

The conventional theoretical methods used in the study of nonlinear hydrodynamic instabilities are known to suffer from severe amplitude limitations. In this paper a modified asymptotic theory is developed which is more general and less restrictive. Such an approach may be relevant to many nonlinear instability phenomena.
What mechanisms of tau protein transport could be responsible for the inverted tau concentration gradient in degenerating axons

In tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), microtubule (MT)-associated protein tau detaches from MTs and aggregates, eventually forming insoluble neurofibrillary tangles. In a healthy axon, the tau concentration increases toward the axon terminal, but in a degenerating axon, the tau concentration gradient is inverted and the highest tau concentration is in the soma. In this article, we developed a mathematical model of tau transport in axons. We calibrated and tested the model by using published distributions of tau concentration and tau average velocity in a healthy axon. According to published research, the inverted tau concentration gradient may be one of the reasons leading to AD. We therefore used the model to investigate what modifications in tau transport can lead to the inverted tau concentration gradient. We investigated whether tau detachment from MTs due to tau hyperphosphorylation can cause the inverted tau concentration gradient. We found that the assumption that most tau molecules are detached from MTs does not consistently predict the inverted tau concentration gradient; the predicted tau distribution becomes more uniform if the axon length is increased. We then hypothesized that in degenerating axons some tau remains bound to MTs and participates in the component 'a' of slow axonal transport but that the rate of tau reversals from anterograde to retrograde motion increases. We demonstrated that this hypothesis results in a tau distribution where the tau concentration has its maximum value at the axon hillock and its minimum value at the axon terminal, in agreement with what is observed in AD. Our results thus suggest that defects in active transport of tau may be a contributing factor to the onset of neural degeneration.
Ultra-low phase noise frequency combs

Emerging applications put increasing demands on the short-term stability of frequency combs. We review how ultra-low noise oscillator design combined with improved loop gain and bandwidth continue to enable these most challenging applications to date.
Electronic and Time-Sampling Measurement of General Activity

-Two improved electronic circuits are described for measuring in small time units activity which produces electrical contact with very slight current. Test results obtained with white rats in a stabilirneter cage show valid relationships with observational criteria. Analysis of behavior patterns exhibited supports the concept of general activity when it is properly defined in a given situation.
Study on the Production Techniques of the Instant Cream with NaturalBio-active Calcium, Phosphorus and Zinc

This is a paper that researches into the technological conditions of using edible fungi spawns to activate various elements, the operating procedures in the production of the instant cream with natural bio-active Calcium, Phosphorus and Zinc. The product is delicious and nutritious.