cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finite element model correlation of a composite UAV wing using modal frequencies

The current work details the implementation of a meta-model based correlation technique on a composite UAV wing test piece and associated finite element (FE) model. This method involves training polynomial models to emulate the FE input-output behavior and then using numerical optimization to produce a set of correlated parameters which can be returned to the FE model. After discussions about the practical implementation, the technique is validated on a composite plate structure and then applied to the UAV wing structure, where it is furthermore compared to a more traditional Newton-Raphson technique which iteratively uses first-order Taylor-series sensitivity. The experimental testpiece wing comprises two graphite/epoxy prepreg and Nomex honeycomb co-cured skins and two prepreg spars bonded together in a secondary process. MSC.Nastran FE models of the four structural components are correlated independently, using modal frequencies as correlation features, before being joined together into the assembled structure and compared to experimentally measured frequencies from the assembled wing in a cantilever configuration. Results show that significant improvements can be made to the assembled model fidelity, with the meta-model procedure producing slightly superior results to Newton-Raphson iteration. Final evaluation of component correlation using the assembled wing comparison showed worse results for each correlation technique, with the meta-model technique worse overall. This can be most likely be attributed to difficultly in correlating the open-section spars; however, there is also some question about non-unique update variable combinations in the current configuration, which lead correlation away from physically probably values.
Economics of sawmill residues in the establishment of black locust biomass plantations on surface mines

ABSTRACT Although the short term benefits of bark mulch to tree survival and growth on surface mines are well documented, its long term effects and economic performance are not as well established. A study to compare the biomass production of black locust trees grown with bark mulch and fertilizer to that of trees grown with fertilizer alone indicated that bark mulch significantly improved biomass production. These results, however, were not apparent until after seven years. Although the use of bark mulch involved higher plantation establishment costs, an economic analysis indicated that these costs were more than offset by the added biomass produced.
Chaotic complex dynamics and Newton's method

Abstract We consider one-parameter families of Julia sets arising from Newton's method in the complex domain. We show the existence of bifurcation points where zeros coalesce or change from attractors to repellors, and points where chaotic behavior occurs.
The identification of non-prescription internal analgesics by thermal analysis

Abstract The techniques of diffrential thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry) and thermogravimetry were used to aid in the identification of 12 non-prescription internal analgesics. Analgesic preparations studied included pure acetylsalicylic acid, Bayer, Squibb and St. Joseph's aspirin, Anacin, BC tablets, Bufferin, Tylenol, Empirin, Excedrin, Stanback, and Vanquish. A potential use of these curves is for criminalistic investigations.
The beginning of the equoid radiation

With the benefit of newly collected material, primitive equoids are analysed cladistically to determine the detailed relationships of the families Equidae and Palaeotheriidac. The most primitive equid is shown to be Pliolophus. Cymbalophus cuniculus and 'Hyracotherium' sandrae are closely related stem equoids. The Pachynolophidac are not equoids, but most closely related to the primitive tapiromorph family Isectolophidae. Hallensia is sister to these two and therefore also not an equoid. Hyracotherium is restricted to the type species H. leporinum Owen, part of whose lower dentition is made known for the first time. It is closest to a restricted genus Propachynolophus within the family Palaeotheriidae. The original concept of Propachynolophus is polyphyletic. Using the cladogram, newly extended stratigraphic ranges and palaeogeography, an attempt is made to reconstruct the very early speciation and biogeographical history of the group. 'Cymbalophus' hookeri Godinot is recombined in the genus Pachynolophus and 'H.' pernix in Pliolophus. Hallensia louisi sp. nov. and Propachynolophus levei sp. nov. are described.
Inhibition and subsequent rebound of FSH secretion following treatment with bovine follicular fluid in the ewe

Abstract Plasma concentrations of gonadotropins were examined after treatment of ewes with bovine follicular fluid (FF) in four experiments. Mean concentrations of FSH were significantly decreased by FF treatment. The FSH depression appeared to continue throughout the length of treatment when the duration of treatment was 2–4 days. However, in an experiment in which the treatment period was 8 days, mean concentrations of FSH initially declined and then returned to control levels during the last 4 days of treatment. In all experiments, a rebound in FSH concentrations was found 24–36 h after cessation of FF treatment. The magnitude of this rebound appeared to be proportional to the degree of FSH suppression during FF treatment.
Effects of interleukin 1-β (IL-1) and combination of IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor on tumor growth and protein metabolism

This study examined the effects of the 20 μg/kg of interleukin-1 (IL-1), a combination of 10 μg/kg of IL-1 and 10 μg/kg of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), or 20 μg/kg of TNF on tumor growth and of IL-1 and the coinfusion on protein metabolism in the Yoshida sarcoma bearing rat. The results showed that IL-1 alone did not affect tumor growth. A significantly higher rate of tumor regression was seen in IL-1 and TNF coinfusion treated groups, as demonstrated by the fractional growth rate of −0.24 ± 0.05/day (P < 0.05). Twenty μg/kg of TNF alone had similar effects as coinfusion of the cytokines on tumor growth, indicated by the growth rate of −0.26 ± 0.03/day. In a second experiment, we measured the effects of IL-1 and IL-1/TNF combination on protein metabolism in both tumor and non-tumor tissues since the effect of TNF alone had been previously studied.7 The data revealed that the observed antitumor effect of the coinfusion of cytokines was through decreases of tumor protein synthesis in both the periphery and center of the tumor tissue. In addition, IL-1 alone and the coinfusion reduced the fractional protein synthetic rate, and the rates of protein synthesis and breakdown in liver in both tumor bearing and healthy control rats, but did not cause liver protein loss. No effect was seen on muscle protein metabolism.
Field response ofDendroctonus brevicomis toexo-brevicomin, frontalin, and myrcene released at two proportions and three levels

Racemicezo-brevicomin, racemic frontalin, and myrcene were released at two proportions (5∶1∶400 and 1∶1∶1), each at three levels (1 ×, 10 ×, and 100 ×) in a ponderosa pine forest in central California. The 5∶1∶400 mix was based on an estimate of the relative amounts released from a ponderosa pine under attack by the western pine beetle,Dendroctonus brevicomis. MoreD. brevicomis were trapped at a source of the three compounds released at 5∶1∶400 than were trapped at a source released at 1∶1∶1, at all three levels, but this difference was statistically significant only at the 1 × and 10 × levels. Sex ratio of trapped beetles and distribution of catch at the source of attractant and 5 m away apparently did not differ between relative release rates.
HIV-1 infection and regulation of Tat function in macrophages

Abstract The macrophage is an important cell type in the pathophysiology of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Macrophages both support viral replication and are capable of attracting and activating lymphocytes, thus rendering CD4 + T lymphocytes highly permissive for infection. The viral Tat protein, whose function is mediated by the cellular cyclin T1 protein complexed with CDK9, is required for efficient transcription of the integrated HIV-1 provirus by RNA polymerase II. Cyclin T1 expression is highly regulated during macrophage differentiation, and this has important implications for HIV-1 replication. In monocytes isolated from healthy blood donors, cyclin T1 protein expression is low and is induced to high levels within the first few days of differentiation by a post-transcriptional mechanism. After 1–2 weeks of macrophage differentiation, however, cyclin T1 expression is shut off. Treatment of macrophages with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can re-induce cyclin T1, indicating that the activation status of macrophages can regulate cyclin T1 expression. Recent results indicate that HIV-1 infection is able to induce cyclin T1 expression in macrophages. Future studies of cyclin T1 regulation in macrophages may suggest means of manipulating expression of this crucial cellular co-factor for therapeutic benefit in HIV-1 infected individuals.
Dielectric Properties of Strontium Titanate at Low Temperature

The dielectric properties of annealed single crystals of SrTi${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ have been measured over the temperature range from 5 to 300 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. At temperatures below 50 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, electric double hysteresis loops are observed and associated changes in weak-field permittivity under dc bias have been measured. It is shown that a phenomenological analysis based on the simple Kittel function accounts satisfactorily for many aspects of the dielectric behavior of SrTi${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ crystals.
Transgenic Rootworm Corn: Assessing Potential Agronomic, Economic, and Environmental Benefits

The potential benefits of transgenic rootworm corn (Cry3Bb1 protein) are expected to include: increased root protection; increased intangible benefits to farmers (safety of not being exposed to insecticides, ease of use and handling, time and labor savings, better pest control); increased economic benefits to farmers ($231 million from yield gains [$25-$75/acre relative to no insecticide control, $4-$12/acre relative to control with a soil insecticide] and $58 million in reduced insecticide risks and time savings); reduced incidence of corn stalk rot; and increased yield protection (9 to 28% relative to no insecticide use, 1.5 to 4.5% relative to control with a soil insecticide). If transgenic rootworm corn is planted on 10 million acres, the annual impact will be a reduction of 5,344,462 lb a.i. (75.2%) of insecticide use; increased resource conservation (3.07 to 5.23 million gal of diesel fuel equivalents conserved that would have been consumed in the manufacture and delivery of insecticides); increased water conservation (5,657,734 gal of water not used in insecticide application); conservation of aviation fuel (68,845 gal of aviation fuel not used); reduced farm waste (1,187,035 fewer insecticide containers used); increased planting efficiency; and improved safety to wildlife and other nontarget organisms.
Effect of gate recessing on linearity characteristics of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

GaN-based HEMTs are the most promising device in order to meet the requirements of new generation communication systems. In this work, devices with planar (unrecessed) and gate recessed structures have been fabricated on the same wafer, and characterized by means of RF two-tone measurements at 10 GHz. For GaAs-based devices, increasing device transconductance by means of gate recessing proved to be very effective, resulting in an overall improvement of both large and small signal performance, especially their linearity characteristics. Further optimization of gate recessing may result in higher efficiency operation while maintaining low distortion level.
Analysis of the structure-function relationship of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A

Biochemical and genetic techniques have provided considerable insight into the structure-function relationship of one of the ADP-ribosyl transferases produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, exotoxin A. Exotoxin A contains a typical prokaryotic signal sequence which, in combination with the first 30 amino-terminal amino acids of the mature protein, is sufficient for exotoxin A secretion from P. aeruginosa. Determination of the nucleotide sequence and crystalline structure of this prokaryotic toxin allowed a molecular model to be constructed. The model reveals three structural domains of exotoxin A. Analysis of the identified domains shows that the amino-terminal domain (domain I) is involved in recognition of eukaryotic target cells. Furthermore, the central domain (domain II) is involved in secretion of exotoxin A into the periplasm of Escherichia coli. Evidence also implicates the role of domain II in translocation of exotoxin A from the eukaryotic vesicle which contains the toxin after it becomes internalized into susceptible eukaryotic cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis. The carboxy-terminal portion of exotoxin A (domain III) encodes the enzymatic activity of the molecule. The structure of this domain includes a cleft which is hypothesized to be the catalytic site of the enzyme. Several residues within domain III have been identified as having a direct role in catalysis, while others are hypothesized to play an important structural role.
Analyzing Interaction Patterns in Dysfunctional Teams

After a brief review of team effectiveness models is presented, Stohl and Schell’s concept of farrago—a confusing group member who becomes the relational focus of a dysfunctional group—is reconfigured into primary and secondary provokers. It was hypothesized that a group’s dysfunction is caused by the primary provoker’s confusing behavior. Behaving at one anchor of a behavioral dimension and then at the other, the primary provoker pulls other group members into a web of confusing communication, causing them to become secondary provokers. The dysfunction that results replaces the task focus of the team. This assumption was tested in two studies of organizational work groups. Results indicate that confusion on only one dimension—the friendly-unfriendly—distinguishes dysfunctional from effective groups.
Opposing actions of ethanol and nicotine on microRNAs are mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in fetal cerebral cortical-derived neural progenitor cells.

Background Ethanol and nicotine are often co-abused. However, their combined effects on fetal neural development, particularly on fetal neural stem cells (NSCs), which generate most neurons of the adult brain during the second trimester of pregnancy, are poorly understood. We previously showed that ethanol influenced NSC maturation in part, by suppressing expression of specific microRNAs (miRNAs). Here, we tested in fetal NSCs, the extent to which ethanol and nicotine co-regulated known ethanol-sensitive (miR-9, miR-21, miR-153 and miR-335), a nicotine-sensitive miRNA (miR-140-3p), and mRNAs for nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits. Additionally, we tested the extent to which these effects were nAChR dependent.
Calibrated Probabilistic Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts Based on the MRF Ensemble

Abstract Probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecasts (PQPFs) based on the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Medium-Range Forecast (MRF) ensemble currently perform below their full potential quality (i.e., accuracy and reliability). This unfulfilled potential is due to the MRF ensemble being adversely affected by systematic errors that arise from an imperfect forecast model and less than optimum ensemble initial perturbations. This research sought to construct a calibration to account for these systematic errors and thus produce higher quality PQPFs. The main tool of the calibration was the verification rank histogram, which can be used to interpret and adjust an ensemble forecast. Using a large training dataset, many histograms were created, each characterized by a different forecast lead time and level of ensemble variability. These results were processed into probability surfaces, providing detailed information on performance of the ensemble as part of the calibration scheme. Improvem...
Littoral blasts: Pumice-water heat transfer and the conditions for steam explosions when pyroclastic flows enter the ocean

[1] Steam explosions, or littoral blasts, generated when pyroclastic flows interact with seawater may be a common, although rarely documented, phenomena. The development of steam explosions rather than passive steam production is related to the rate of thermal energy transfer from hot pyroclasts to water. We conduct a series of laboratory experiments to quantify the heat transfer and steam production rates when hot pyroclasts encounter water. Hot pumice (>200°C) rapidly ingests water while remaining at the surface, producing measurable amounts of steam during the process. Approximately 10% of the thermal energy of the pumice particles is partitioned into the production of steam, and smaller particles have greater steam production rates. The laboratory experiments are used to develop a subgrid model for steam production that can be incorporated into a multiphase numerical framework. We use this model to study the critical steam production rates required to initiate explosive events. For conditions typical of many pyroclastic flows, particles smaller than ∼1–5 mm are required to initiate a littoral blast. A second set of two-dimensional numerical simulations is conducted to simulate the 12–13 July Soufriere Hills dome collapse event that reached the sea. The simulations predict that the focus of the blast is likely generated several hundred meters offshore and although the landward directed base surge is primarily dry (<15% water vapor), the area immediately above the blast is steam-rich and may be a likely site for the production of accretionary lapilli.
Sequential Side-Chain Residue Motions Transform the Binary into the Ternary State of DNA Polymerase λ

The nature of conformational transitions in DNA polymerase λ (pol λ), a low-fidelity DNA repair enzyme in the X-family that fills short nucleotide gaps, is investigated. Specifically, to determine whether pol λ has an induced-fit mechanism and open-to-closed transition before chemistry, we analyze a series of molecular dynamics simulations from both the binary and ternary states before chemistry, with and without the incoming nucleotide, with and without the catalytic Mg2+ ion in the active site, and with alterations in active site residues Ile492 and Arg517. Though flips occurred for several side-chain residues (Ile492, Tyr505, Phe506) in the active site toward the binary (inactive) conformation and partial DNA motion toward the binary position occurred without the incoming nucleotide, large-scale subdomain motions were not observed in any trajectory from the ternary complex regardless of the presence of the catalytic ion. Simulations from the binary state with incoming nucleotide exhibit more thumb subdomain motion, particularly in the loop containing β-strand 8 in the thumb, but closing occurred only in the Ile492Ala mutant trajectory started from the binary state with incoming nucleotide and both ions. Further connections between active site residues and the DNA position are also revealed through our Ile492Ala and Arg517Ala mutant studies. Our combined studies suggest that while pol λ does not demonstrate large-scale subdomain movements as DNA polymerase β (pol β), significant DNA motion exists, and there are sequential subtle side chain and other motions—associated with Arg514, Arg517, Ile492, Phe506, Tyr505, the DNA, and again Arg514 and Arg517—all coupled to active site divalent ions and the DNA motion. Collectively, these motions transform pol λ to the chemistry-competent state. Significantly, analogs of these residues in pol β (Lys280, Arg283, Arg258, Phe272, and Tyr271, respectively) have demonstrated roles in determining enzyme efficiency and fidelity. As proposed for pol β, motions of these residues may serve as gate-keepers by controlling the evolution of the reaction pathway before the chemical reaction.
A high-performance W-band uniplanar subharmonic mixer

A uniplanar subharmonic mixer has been implemented in coplanar waveguide (CPW) technology. The circuit is designed to operate at RF frequencies of 92-96 GHz, IF frequencies of 2-4 GHz, and LO frequencies of 45-46 GHz. Total circuit size excluding probe pads and transitions is less than 0.8 mm /spl times/1.5 mm. The measured minimum single-sideband (SSB) conversion loss is 7.0 dB at an RF of 94 GHz, and represents state-of-the-art performance for a planar W-band subharmonic mixer. The mixer is broad-band with a SSB conversion loss of less than 10 dB over the 83-97-GHz measurement band. The measured LO-RF isolation is better than -40 dB for LO frequencies of 45-46 GHz. The double-sideband (DSB) noise temperature measured using the Y-factor method is 725 K at an LO frequency of 45.5 GHz and an IF frequency of 1.4 GHz. The measured data agrees well with the predicted performance using harmonic-balance analysis (HBA). Potential applications are millimeter-wave receivers for smart munition seekers and automotive-collision-avoidance radars.
Planar millimeter-wave microstrip lumped elements using micro-machining techniques

Planar millimeter-wave microstrip inductors and capacitors have been fabricated on high-resistivity silicon substrates using micro-machining techniques. The spiral inductors and interdigitated capacitors are suspended on a thin dielectric membrane to reduce the parasitic capacitance to ground. The resonant frequencies of a 1.2 nH and a 1.7 nH inductor fabricated on a high-resistivity silicon substrate and on a small dielectric membrane, have been increased from 22 GHz and 17 GHz to 73 GHz and 54 GHz, respectively. The planar micro-machined elements are compatible with the via-hole technology process in GaAs and InP MMIC, and can be used as true inductors and capacitors up to 50-60 GHz. The technique can be also applied to lumped elements in coplanar-waveguide transmission lines. >
Envisioning identity: deity, person, and practice in the Kathmandu Valley

Through an analysis of diverse accounts offered by those who perform "god's work" for a large religious festival in the Kathmandu Valley, I argue that the oppositional frameworks typically used to understand divergent perspectives are inadequate to understand the multifocal polyphony that these accounts (as well as most other ethnographic settings) present. The terms of argument upon which conflicting accounts agree suggest that esoteric concepts of visualization (sadhana) resonate with popular modes of constructing identities of gods and selves and that this shared understanding helps account for the reproduction and transformation of the many dimensions of contestation that have characterized this festival for centuries. [Nepal, Newar, hermeneutic contestation, multifocal polyphony, identity, religion, ritual, tantra]
Analysis and design of cavity-coupled microstrip couplers and transitions

This paper describes a full-wave moment-method analysis of an aperture-coupled microstrip coupler using a resonant cavity (rectangular or circular) between the substrate ground planes. Structures of this type are useful for millimeter-wave integrated circuits and phased arrays, as they allow the use of a relatively thick central ground plane to provide isolation, as well as heat dissipation. Both four-port coupler geometries and two-port transitions are treated. Equivalent circuits are derived for each of these problems, and computed results are validated with data from the literature and with independent calculations from commercial computer-aided design (CAD) packages and measured data. These comparisons show that the solutions derived here are accurate and computationally efficient, and have the added advantage over commercial CAD packages in that equivalent-circuit parameters can be obtained directly. The vector Bessel transform is used to derive the required Green's function for the circular cavity.
Correction [to "Some recent developments in digital feedback communication systems"]

Summary form only given, as follows. The author of the above-named work, which appeared on pages 51-57 of the March, 1961, issue of these Transactions, requested the following addition to his paper: "The research reported was performed at New York University, N.Y., under the sponsorship of the Air Force Command and Control Development Division, Air Research and Development Command, Laurence G. Hanscom Field, Bedford, Mass."
Central neural mechanisms in diurnal rhythm regulation and neuroendocrine responses to light

Abstract (1) Two central neural mechanisms are neceessary for the regulation of diurnal rhythms in mammals. The first is a visual pathway to mediate the effects of light in the entrainment of such rhythms. The second is an endogenous ‘clock’ mechanism. (2) The retinohypothalamic projection terminating in the suprachiasmatic hypothalamic nuclei appears to be the visual pathway which mediates entrainment of rhythms. (3) Ablation of the suprachiasmatic nuclei results in loss of diurnal rhythms indicating that this region of the hypothalamus plays an essential role in the endogenous central generation of rhythmic functions.
Role of climate and invasive species in structuring trout distributions in the interior Columbia River Basin, USA

Recent and projected climate warming trends have prompted interest in impacts on coldwater fishes. We exam- ined the role of climate (temperature and flow regime) relative to geomorphology and land use in determining the observed distributions of three trout species in the interior Columbia River Basin, USA. We considered two native species, cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), as well as nonnative brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). We also examined the response of the native species to the presence of brook trout. Analyses were conducted using multi- level logistic regression applied to a geographically broad database of 4165 fish surveys. The results indicated that bull trout distributions were strongly related to climatic factors, and more weakly related to the presence of brook trout and geomor- phic variables. Cutthroat trout distributions were weakly related to climate but strongly related to the presence of brook trout. Brook trout distributions were related to both climate and geomorphic variables, including proximity to unconfined valley bottoms. We conclude that brook trout and bull trout are likely to be adversely affected by climate warming, whereas cutthroat trout may be less sensitive. The results illustrate the importance of considering species interactions and flow re- gime alongside temperature in understanding climate effects on fish.
A Programing Approach to Optimal Structural Design Using Structural Indices

2 A substitution of Eq. (18) into Eq. (2), using the appropriate Hamiltonian Functional of shallow shells, gives P_ Pb " ' Pb " "J where S is the area of the shell. The Euler equations are + pa "I -—>4i s >> J __ w Bl+_.
Transcriptional Regulation of Frog Virus 3

Transcriptional regulation of eukaryotic promoters is now thought to be mediated by the interaction of specific trans— acting factors with cis-regulatory DNA sequences and RNA poly-merase II (Kingston et al., 1985). Large DNA viruses such as the iridovirus frog virus 3 (FV3) provide an excellent model system for the study of such regulatory processes, for they carry out a complex transcriptional program in which different classes of mRNA are synthesized in sequential order as infection progresses, and in which viral proteins play a role as trans-acting regulatory factors (Willis and Granoff, 1985). Investigation into the mechanism of transcriptional regulation in FV3 offers an additional dimension into transcriptional control mechanisms, because unlike that of the more commonly studied eukaryotic DNA viruses (poxvirus, adenovirus, and herpesvirus), the genomic DNA of FV3 is highly methylated by a virus—encoded DNA me thyltransf erase (Willis et al., 1984a). Thus, not only does FV3 display a temporal regulation of transcription that depends on specific promoter sequences and trans-acting viral proteins, but it has also evolved a mechanism that allows the host RNA polymerase II to transcribe highly methylated DNA (Thompson et al., 1984b). In light of the current controversy over whether DNA methylation blocks transcription or whether DNA becomes methylated because transcription ceases (Bird, 1986), the elucidation of the mechanism that FV3 employs to transcribe methylated DNA has become of considerable importance.
Turbulent boundary-layer heat transfer and transition measurements for cold-wall conditions at Mach 6.

Turbulent boundary layer heat transfer and transition measurements over range of wall to recovery temperature ratios, discussing wall cooling effects
Action planning with commonsense knowledge

Understanding other people's goals is an essential part of interpersonal interactions. This capability enables a person to naturally predict another person's future actions in a situation and produce appropriate joint or shared actions. In like manner, a human-like planning agent (or sociable robot) should be able to understand the user's action goal and come up with subgoal-based plans to achieve the goal. In this paper we focus on how the agent can automatically construct the subgoal-based action hierarchy corresponding to the user's high-level goal. As a first step, we implement an action-planning engine based on ConceptNet, and indicate the drawbacks of using ConceptNet for this purpose. Also, we present the structure of a new goal-oriented commonsense-reasoning knowledgebase for the agent's action-goal representation and action planning.
Particle size measurement from infrared laser ablation of tissue

The concentration and size distribution were measured for particles ablated from tissue sections using an infrared optical parametric oscillator laser system. A scanning mobility particle sizer and light scattering particle sizer were used in parallel to realize a particle sizing range from 10 nm to 20 μm. Tissue sections from rat brain and lung ranging in thickness between 10 and 50 μm were mounted on microscope slides and irradiated with nanosecond laser pulses at 3 μm wavelength and fluences between 7 and 21 kJ m−2 in reflection geometry. The particle size distributions were characterized by a bimodal distribution with a large number of particles 100 nm in diameter and below and a large mass contribution from particles greater than 1 μm in diameter. The large particle contribution dominated the ablated particle mass at high laser fluence. The tissue type, thickness, and water content did not have a significant effect on the particle size distributions. The implications of these results for laser ablation sampling and mass spectrometry imaging under ambient conditions are discussed.
Job Desirability: Chief Academic Officers Opting Out of the College Presidency

By 2016, U.S. higher education institutions will face significant turnover among senior leaders. About 50% of university presidents are expected to retire. Historically, the chief academic officer (CAO) has been next in line for the presidency. New evidence suggests that fewer CAOs are interested in this position. Using Job Choice Theory, this article examines the reasons given by CAOs for opting out of pursuing the presidency. Data analysis shows that subjective (psycho-social) factors rather than objective (economic) factors are making the role of president undesirable to CAOs.
Synergistic effect of phosphorothioate, 5′-vinylphosphonate and GalNAc modifications for enhancing activity of synthetic siRNA

Chemical modifications are essential to improve metabolic stability and pharmacokinetic properties of siRNA to enable their systemic delivery. We investigated the effect of combing the phosphorothioate (PS) modification with metabolically stable phosphate analog (E)-5'-vinylphosphonate and GalNAc cluster conjugation on the activity of fully 2'-modified siRNA in cell culture and mice. Our data suggest that integrating multiple chemical approaches in one siRNA molecule improved potency 5-10 fold and provide a roadmap for developing more efficient siRNA drugs.
Analysis on case registration of tuberculosis special reporting system in Liuzhou City from 2008-2011

[Objective]To understand the case registration of tuberculosis(TB) from TB special reporting system in Liuzhou City,analyze the epidemic situation of TB,provide the scientific evidence for future control planning for TB.[Methods]Data from TB special reporting system in Liuzhou City during 2008-2011 were analyzed with descriptive epidemiology.The case registration of TB patients was analyzed,which the investigation included patients' source,type,gender,age and the occupation.[Results]The registration number of active TB was about 3 000 cases yearly from 2008-2011,and the registration rate was 88.58/lakh.54.16% of these patients were from referral medical institution,and 35.05% visited the tuberculosis preventive institution.A majority of cases were smear positive TB(35.64%) and smear negative TB(64.34%).The proportion of smear positive TB decreased year by year(χ2=82.85,P0.01),while the proportion of tuberculous pleurisy increased year by year(χ2=27.19,P0.01).73.19% of patients were males,and26.81% were females.Most of these cases were people aged 60 years or above,while cases in 40 years or above age group respectively accounted for 60.18%,61.82%,62.11% and 65.19% during 2008-2011,and the difference was significant(χ2=18.31,P0.0).56.31% of patients were farmers.[Conclusion]It is necessary to strengthen the propaganda and training,perform the rational allocation of recourses,improve the cooperation of treatment and prevention,enhance the direct cure rate in TB preventive institution and referral rate in medical institutions,to realize the 〝early detection,early discovery and early treatment〞and control the spread of tuberculosis.
Life History, Reproductive Biology, and Larval Development of Ontsira mellipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a Newly Associated Parasitoid of the Invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

The invasive Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), is a destructive xylophagous forest pest species originating from Asia. Several endemic North American hymenopteran (Braconidae) species in the mid-Atlantic region were capable of attacking and reproducing on A. glabripennis larvae in laboratory bioassays. Ontsira mellipes Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) has been continually reared on A. glabripennis larvae at USDA-ARS BIIRU since 2010, and has been identified as a potential new-association biocontrol agent. Two experiments were conducted to investigate parasitism, paralysis, reproductive biology, larval development, and longevity of adult O. mellipes. In the first experiment, pairs of adult parasitoids were given single A. glabripennis larvae every 2 d (along with honey and water) over their lifetimes, while in the second experiment individual parasitoids were observed daily from egg to adult, and adults were subsequently starved. Adults in the first experiment parasitized ∼21% of beetle larvae presented to them throughout their life, and paralysis of larvae occurred 1–2 d after oviposition. More than half of the individual pairs parasitized A. glabripennis larvae, with each female producing around 26 offspring throughout her life. In the second experiment, median development time of O. mellipes from egg to adult was about 3 wk, with five larval instars. Adult O. mellipes that were provided with host larvae, honey, and water lived 9 d longer than host-deprived and starved adults. These findings indicate that mass-rearing procedures for O. mellipes may be developed using the new association host for development of effective biocontrol programs against A. glabripennis.
CARBON RESOURCES OF A BENTHIC SALT MARSH INVERTEBRATE NASSARIUS OBSOLETUS SAY (MOLLUSCA: NASSARIIDAE)

The mud snail, Nassarius obsoletus Say, occupies the intertidal mud flat area of the salt marsh ecosystem at Sapelo Island, Georgia, and is classed as a detritovore. The three principal carbon resources available for ingestion by the intertidal population are Spartina alterniflora Loisel derived carbon (plant detritus), microbial carbon (bacteria), and benthic algae (primarily pennate diatoms). Uptake studies using 14 C labeled substrates indicated that the structural carbohydrate fraction (crude fibre) of the plant detritus was not assimilable. Uptake and retention of 14 C by N. obsoletus occurred only on microbial and algal labeled substrates. Extrapolating the calculated short term uptake and retention rates to a daily basis for these two carbon resources, total incorporation would balance a daily body carbon loss of 5 to 6%. There was evidence from the uptake studies that N. obsoletus functions more as a “grazer” on the mud flat area than a strict detritovore. Label uptake was approximately 2.3 times greater on the algal substrate than the microbial and ingestion significantly reduced algal standing crop in the experimental cores. Net carbon retention efficiency for both substrates was 46%.
Finite element method modeling to assess Laplacian estimates via novel variable inter-ring distances concentric ring electrodes

Noninvasive concentric ring electrodes are a promising alternative to conventional disc electrodes. Currently, superiority of tripolar concentric ring electrodes over disc electrodes, in particular, in accuracy of Laplacian estimation has been demonstrated in a range of applications. In our recent work we have shown that accuracy of Laplacian estimation can be improved with multipolar concentric ring electrodes using a general approach to estimation of the Laplacian for an (n + 1)-polar electrode with n rings using the (4n + 1)-point method for n ≥ 2. This paper takes the next step toward further improving the Laplacian estimate by proposing novel variable inter-ring distances concentric ring electrodes. Derived using a modified (4n + 1)-point method, linearly increasing and decreasing inter-ring distances tripolar (n = 2) and quadripolar (n = 3) electrode configurations are compared to their constant inter-ring distances counterparts using finite element method modeling. Obtained results suggest that increasing inter-ring distances electrode configurations may decrease the estimation error resulting in more accurate Laplacian estimates compared to respective constant inter-ring distances configurations. For currently used tripolar electrode configuration the estimation error may be decreased more than two-fold while for the quadripolar configuration more than six-fold decrease is expected.
Science Advocacy and the Legal System: Is Life Cycle Assessment Unconstitutional?

Communication scholars and practitioners emphasize the need for scientists to reach out to the general public, the media, and policymakers. But one important audience is often left off of this list: judges. In this chapter, we describe a recent legal challenge to California’s climate policy, which applies life cycle assessment methods to evaluate the greenhouse gas emissions intensity of transportation fuels. In December 2011, a federal district court found that the policy’s use of life cycle assessment impermissibly discriminates against interstate commerce. The authors represented two groups of scientists on appeal before the Ninth Circuit, providing science-based arguments in support of the policy’s methodological approach. Using this experience as a case study, we identify strategies for interdisciplinary collaboration between the scientific and legal communities.
Jamming statistics-dependent frequency hopping

This paper studies a jamming statistics-dependent frequency-hopping (FH) pattern generation scheme. Most existing FH patterns are determined by two encryption keys: (a) one for FH in the frequency domain, and (b) the other for time permutation in the time domain. These keys are independent of channel conditions. Hence, an FH signal generated by these two keys occupies the entire spectrum in both frequency and time domains, and the probability of detection by a jammer is low. However, the probability of a hit (or jamming) on the desired user's frequency channels by partial-band noise jamming (PBNJ) can be high because it is inversely proportional to the total number of available frequency positions. Can an FH system with jamming-dependent adaptive FH patterns safeguard the communications systems more effectively? If the answer is yes, then how can an efficient jamming-dependent adaptive FH pattern be found, and can it be implemented cost-effectively for future communications systems against jamming? The aim of this paper is to study answers to the questions posed here.
The Oklahoma Affirmative Action Ban Amendment: A Dialogic Analysis of Equal Opportunity Discourse in Oklahoma

ABSTRACTUsing a dialogic lens, this study explored the competing discourses surrounding the Oklahoma Affirmative Action Ban. Focus groups interviews were conducted and findings revealed that Oklahoma residents varied in their discursive positions regarding the ban on affirmative action. Affirmative action was discursively constructed as both a protection from prejudice and as an inherently prejudiced policy in and of itself. Four dialectical tensions were found to influence individual's positions: (a) individual agency and structural constraints, (b) acknowledgment of progress and recognition of failures, (c) commitment to individuals and commitment to free enterprise, and (d) legal protection and individual morality. Importantly, the interplay of these competing discourses animated individuals' understandings of, and opinions about, affirmative action legislation.
An Examination of the Energetic Adequacy of the Ion Gradient Hypothesis for Nonelectrolyte Transport

A portion of the work reported here was completed while the author was a fellow of the Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research at the Institut fur vegetative Physiologie, Frankfurt a. M., German Federal Republic. The author is currently an Established Investigator of the American Heart Association
The Other Gender Gap

In the last century, international focus on workplace equality has reached an all-time high. The role of women in the workplace has been a point of dispute since the beginning of this era of professionalism. Support for bringing women into the technology industry has greatly overshadowed the efforts of recruiting men to fields historically dominated by women, despite the fact that this imbalance negatively impacts equality in the workplace. Women would introduce a new dynamic to the technology world and fields like teaching and nursing would be enhanced by an increase in the number of men in those fields.
Integrated Omic Analysis of a Guinea Pig Model of Heart Failure and Sudden Cardiac Death

Mechanistic understanding of heart failure (HF) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) has been hampered by the lack of suitable experimental models with features of human disease. We have developed a guinea pig model of cardiac hypertrophy (HYP) and HF, characterized by predisposition to SCD (Liu et al. Circ. Res. 2014). Our objective was to refine guinea pig models of HF progression by integrating protein, metabolite and transcript levels.Relative protein abundances from sham-operated, HYP and HF hearts were assessed using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification, prior to liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Metabolites were quantified by LC-MS/MS or gas chromatography coupled to MS. Transcriptome profiles were obtained from Affymetrix microarrays.Theguinea pig HF proteome exhibited classic biosignatures of cardiac HYP, left ventricular dysfunction, fibrosis, cellular degeneration, inflammation and extravasation. Fatty acid metabolism, mitochondrial transcription/translation factors, and other mitochondrial processes, were downregulated. Processes/proteins upregulated in HF include fibrillogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, cytoskeletal proteins, the unfolded-protein response, and acute phase inflammation markers. Among metabolites, downregulation of acyl-carnitines was observed in HYP, while fatty acids accumulated in HF. Levels of the TCA cycle metabolite, citrate, and the potent inhibitor, 2-methylcitrate, increased upon transition from HYP to HF. Among transcripts, downregulation of repolarizing K+ channels, SERCA2a, phospholamban and ryanodine receptor was noted, and upregulation of mRNAs for cyclic-nucleotide gated hyperpolarization-activated channels and TRPC6.The biosignature of decompensation in the guinea pig HF/SCD model parallels prior rodent models but spotlights metabolic bottlenecks. Fatty acid use is likely abrogated by impaired mitochondrial import and oxidation, while compensation by glycolytic flux is predicted to be impaired, along with TCA cycle dysfunction and accumulation of inhibitors (e.g. citrate). Pathway analysis suggests avenues for metabolic therapy beyond PPAR activation.
Diverse Protein-Folding Pathways and Functions of β-Hairpins and β-Sheets

One of the most common fundamental secondary-structure elements of proteins is the β-sheet. Folding of β-sheets into various structures, e.g., β-hairpins, β-barrels, and amyloids, is believed to provide the energy required to drive various processes, including membrane-protein insertion into and translocation across the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. The folding of the β-hairpin has also been proposed to function as a conformational switch in some systems. In this chapter, we review the contributions of molecular dynamics simulations to resolving the energetics of β-hairpin folding, the mechanics of β-barrel insertion into the membrane by the BAM complex, the dynamics of β-hairpin conformational switching, and the structures of disease-causing amyloids.
Promoting acceptance of direct load control programs in the United States: Financial incentive versus control option

Abstract Residential direct load control (DLC) is an important type of demand response designed to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours through utility companies' control over the operation of certain household appliances. Despite many benefits of DLC, customers' concern for losing control has been hindering its adoption. This study aims to investigate U.S. residents' willingness to accept two popular A/C-related DLC programs in summertime with or without financial incentives or an override option, and to identify the socio-demographic characteristics associated with the decisions. Results of an online survey among 1482 U.S. residents indicate half of the participants are willing to accept DLC without any conditions; however, both an incentive of $30 and an override option boost acceptance rates. Importantly, the override option is more effective than the financial incentive. Residents who are younger, Democrats, non-Whites, have higher education levels, live in larger dwellings, and live with more people are more likely to adopt DLC than their counterparts. Residents who are older, Republicans, Whites, homeowners, and live in a house preferred an override option to financial incentives more often. The implications were discussed in terms of improving power system stability through better DLC program design and implementation.
Critiques of Papers by Direct Realists by Indirect Realists

Abstract Critiques of the papers by Michael Huemer, William Fish, Eva, Pierre Le Morvan and Fred Adams et al. are given by Robert French, David McGraw, Ernie Kent, and Stephen Lehar.