cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of static and dynamic imbalance on a horizontal axis wind turbine

In this note the differences between static and dynamic balancing of a wind turbine rotor are addressed. The paper begins with a definition of each type of balancing. It is demonstrated that even if a horizontal axis wind turbine rotor is in static balance, the rotor can still be dynamically imbalanced. Dynamic imbalance can result in a yaw and/or teeter producing torque. A turbine rotor is only in a state of dynamic balance when the principle axes of inertia are aligned with the angular velocity vector. This criteria is illustrated with a point mass model.
Anomalous field sweep rate dependence of the tunnel relaxation in single-molecule magnet Mn4–Bet

Abstract We present a low-temperature magnetometry study of the behavior of the quantum tunneling of the magnetization (QTM) in a Mn4 single-molecule magnet (SMM) as a function of the rate at which a longitudinal magnetic field is swept across a QTM resonance. An initial decrease of the tunnel relaxation rate with increasing field sweeping rate is eventually replaced by an anomalous monotonic increase for moderately high sweep rates. This behavior is distinct from the drastic reversal of the total sample magnetization caused by thermal avalanches (“hot” process), which is commonly observed in other SMMs when increasing the sweep rate, usually due to poor thermal conduction or inadequate thermal anchoring of the sample. We associate the observations to a (“cold”) mechanism by which different collections of molecules within the crystal relax collectively without affecting the rest of the molecules.
Lithium Desensitizes Brain Mitochondria to Calcium, Antagonizes Permeability Transition, and Diminishes Cytochrome c Release *

Among the numerous effects of lithium on intracellular targets, its possible action on mitochondria remains poorly explored. In the experiments with suspension of isolated brain mitochondria, replacement of KCl by LiCl suppressed mitochondrial swelling, depolarization, and a release of cytochrome c induced by a single Ca2+ bolus. Li+ robustly protected individual brain mitochondria loaded with rhodamine 123 against Ca2+-induced depolarization. In the experiments with slow calcium infusion, replacement of KCl by LiCl in the incubation medium increased resilience of synaptic and nonsynaptic brain mitochondria as well as resilience of liver and heart mitochondria to the deleterious effect of Ca2+. In LiCl medium, mitochondria accumulated larger amounts of Ca2+ before they lost the ability to sequester Ca2+. However, lithium appeared to be ineffective if mitochondria were challenged by Sr2+ instead of Ca2+. Cyclosporin A, sanglifehrin A, and Mg2+, inhibitors of the mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT), increased mitochondrial Ca2+ capacity in KCl medium but failed to do so in LiCl medium. This suggests that the mPT might be a common target for Li+ and mPT inhibitors. In addition, lithium protected mitochondria against high Ca2+ in the presence of ATP, where cyclosporin A was reported to be ineffective. SB216763 and SB415286, inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3β, which is implicated in regulating reactive oxygen species-induced mPT in cardiac mitochondria, did not increase Ca2+ capacity of brain mitochondria. Altogether, these findings suggest that Li+ desensitizes mitochondria to elevated Ca2+ and diminishes cytochrome c release from brain mitochondria by antagonizing the Ca2+-induced mPT.
Overexpression of SLURP-1 and -2 alleviates the tumorigenic action of tobacco-derived nitrosamine on immortalized oral epithelial cells.

Recent research has demonstrated that mucocutaneous epithelial cells express functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and that tobacco-derived carcinogenic nitrosamines, such as 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3–pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), and SLURP (secreted mammalian Ly-6/urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-related protein)-1 and -2 can act as non-canonical ligands of these receptors. It was found that recombinant SLURP-1 and -2 can lessen tumorigenic activity of nitrosamines. The immortalized esophageal keratinocytes (Het-1A cells) exhibit low SLURP-1 and -2 mRNA levels that decrease further after treatment with NNK. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that overexpression of full length SLURP proteins may protect Het-1A cells from malignant transformation by NNK. The Het-1A cells transfected with either SLURP-1 or -2 vector produced the highest amounts of respective proteins between 24 and 48 h, at which point they were exposed to 1 μM NNK for 24 h and their tumorigenic activities were subsequently evaluated by plating in soft agar and injecting subcutaneously to Nu/Nu mice. Transfection with either SLURP-1 or -2 cDNA in both cases significantly (p<0.05) diminished the number of colonies produced by NNK exposed cells. SLURP-1 was more efficient than SLURP-2 in abolishing the tumorigenic effect in nude mice. Thus, the anti-tumorigenic activities of SLURP-1 and -2 were demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. The obtained results suggest that SLURP-like proteins may become useful for developing novel anti-cancer therapies.
The under-representation of women in information technology and computing in the Middle East: A perspective from Jordan

Abstract This paper presents the results of a study on the participation of women in computing and information technology (IT) in Jordan. It investigates the percentages of women at all levels of education—from the secondary level through the graduate level—and their participation in the IT workforce. Women in Jordan are still under-represented in the computing and IT fields, and my study explores possible reasons for the under-representation and what can be done to increase women's participation. Despite the fact that the worldwide participation of women in computing has been declining steadily to very low levels, that is not the case in Jordan. This study found that the percentage of Jordanian women in the IT field is rising and far exceeds that of women in the U.S. and Canada. Indeed, increasing women's participation in computing in Jordan is vital to the economy and to the country's sustainable development.
Transfection of a murine fibrosarcoma with intercellular adhesion molecule-1 enhances the response to adoptive immunotherapy

Background. Increasing the ability of antitumor effector cells to leave the vasculature and gain access to tumor cells may improve therapeutic efficacy. We undertook this study to determine whether increased expression of intercellular adhesion of molecular-1 (ICAM-1) by gene transfection would result in an improved response to adoptive immunotherapy in vivo. Methods. C57BL/6 mice received 1×106 tumor cells on day 0. Tumor cells examined were MCA-105 (parental), NeoR (MCA-105 transfected with the neomycin resistance gene), or Clones 81 or 149 (MCA-105 cotransfected with NeoR and the gene for ICAM-1 and highly express ICAM-1). Animals were treated by use of no treatment, interleukin-2 alone (days 10 through 14), hyperthermia alone (days 10 and 13), or interleukin-2 + hyperthermia, and tumor growth was reported as a ratio to size on day 10. In vitro cytotoxicity was assayed by using murine lymphokine-activated killer cells. Results. Tumors transfected with ICAM-1 and treated with hyperthermia + immunotherapy grew significantly (p Conclusions. These findings show that increased expression of ICAM-1 by tumor cells results in a significant increase in antitumor efficacy of combined interleukin-2 and hyperthermia in a murine model. Although the mechanism has yet to be elucidated, modulation of cellular adhesion may play a role in the therapeutic efficacy of cellular immunotherapy.
Longitudinally and transversely spaced cylinders in cross flow

Abstract An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the flow field around some arrangements of cylinders in cross flow. Results are presented in the form of surface pressure distributions, turbulence intensity and velocity maps, and flow visualization photographs. Results indicate that the forebody separated flow field influences the aft body flow characteristics significantly.
Genetic parameters for growth traits in Suffolk and Polypay sheep

Abstract Genetic parameters for growth traits in Suffolk and Polypay sheep were estimated using U.S. National Sheep Improvement Program data. Records on 12,814 Suffolks from 65 flocks and 9,028 Polypays from 39 flocks were used. Heritability (h2) estimates for weaning weights (WW) at 30, 60, 90, and 120 d in Suffolks were 0.16, 0.14, 0.21, and 0.55, respectively; h2 for WW at 30, 60, and 90 d in Polypay were 0.07, 0.08, and 0.07. For postweaning gain (PWG), h2 for models with and without maternal effects were 0.14 and 0.21, respectively, in Suffolk and 0.13 and 0.22, respectively, in Polypay. Maternal effects (additive+permanent environmental) accounted for 16 to 23% of variation in WW through 90 d of age but for 6% or less of the variation in 120-d WW and PWG. Correlations between WW at different ages were uniformly high. Postweaning gain had significant additive genetic correlations with WW at 30 d (1.00) and 60 d (0.69) in Suffolks but was not significantly correlated with 60 d WW in Polypay (0.41). Residual correlations between WW and PWG were small and not significant. Evidence for a modest antagonistic relationship between additive direct and maternal effects on WW was observed in both breeds.
Effect of trace elements in drinking water on dental caries

Summary Drinking waters in comparison with foodstuffs do not contribute appreciable amounts of trace elements to the daily diet. Hence, claims based on previous studies that minute amounts of molybdenum or vanadium in drinking waters were responsible for a low prevalence of caries in children cannot be considered valid. With the exception of fluoride, the influence of trace elements on the susceptibility of children to caries can be determined only by ascertaining the amounts ingested daily in the total diet.
Rheology of concentrated suspensions

The dependence of the viscosities of highly concentrated suspensions on solids concentrations and particle size distributions is investigated by using an orifice viscometer. Based on the extensive amount of data on pertinent systems, an empirical equation which correlates the relative viscosities of suspensions (or relative moduli of filled polymeric materials) as a function of solids concentrations and particle size distributions is proposed. The equation has a constant which characterizes size distributions of spherical particles and can be determined experimentally without measuring viscosities. For uniform-size spherical particles, it reduces to the well-known Einstein equation at dilute solids concentrations.
Serum Immunoglobulin E Concentrations and Radioallergosorbent Tests in Children with Atopic Dermatitis

Extract: Serum IgE concentrations and the presence of allergen-specific IgE were determined in a series of 23 children with atopic dermatitis. In this group 83% had significantly elevated serum levels of IgE, 91% had coexistent respiratory allergy, 70% had radioallergosorbent test (RAST) evidence of pollen hypersensitivity, and 43% gave a history and demonstrated a RAST score consistent with milk or egg hypersensitivity. In patients with eczema a significant proportion of the elevated serum IgE appears to be antigen specific. Speculation: The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis remain unknown. Elevated serum IgE and the presence of antigen specific IgE suggest a causal relationship of atopic eczema with immediate hypersensitivity. Alternatively, the disease process may have a marked stimulatory effect on the specific IgE response. The precise nature of this association remains to be determined.
Thermal-Fluid Model for Weld Pool Geometry Dynamics

Description d'un programme analytique et experimental pour fournir une technique de modelisation du bain de soudage
Scanning electron microscopy of the placental interface in the viviparous lizard Sceloporus jarrovi (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae).

Placental membranes mediate maternal-fetal exchange in all viviparous reptilian sauropsids. We used scanning electron microscopy to examine the placental interface in the mountain spiny lizard, Sceloporus jarrovi (Phrynosomatidae). From the late limb bud stage until birth, the conceptus is surrounded by placental membranes formed from the chorioallantois and yolk sac omphalopleure. The chorioallantois lies directly apposed to the uterine lining with no intervening shell membrane. Both fetal and maternal sides of the chorioallantoic placenta are lined by continuous layers of flattened epithelial cells that overlie dense capillary networks. The chorioallantoic placenta shows specializations that enhance respiratory exchange, as well as ultrastructural evidence of maternal secretion and fetal absorption. The yolk sac placenta contains enlarged fetal and maternal epithelia with specializations for histotrophic nutrient transfer. This placenta lacks intrinsic vascularity, although the vascular allantois lies against its inner face, contributing to an omphallantoic placenta. In a specialized region at the abembryonic pole, uterine and fetal tissues are separated by a compact mass of shed shell membrane, yolk droplets, and cellular debris. The omphalopleure in this region develops elongate folds that may contribute to sequestration and absorption of this material. Fetal membrane morphogenesis and composition in S. jarrovi are consistent with those of typical squamates. However, this species exhibits unusual placental specializations characteristic of highly placentotrophic lizards. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On the influence of anthropogenic forcings on changes in the stratospheric mean age

A common feature of stratospheric simulations of the past or future is an increase in tropical upwelling and a decrease in mean age. Possible causes or these changes include (1) increases in tropical sea surface temperatures (SSTs) driven by increases in well-mixed greenhouse gases (WMGHGs), (2) the direct radiative effect of increases in WMGHGs, and (3) changes in ozone. Here we examine a suite of simulations from the Goddard Earth Observing System chemistry-climate model (GEOS CCM) to isolate the relative role of these three factors. Our analysis indicates that all three factors cause changes in the mean age, but the relative impact of each factor depends on the time period analyzed. Over the past 30-40 years ozone depletion is the major factor causing the decrease in mean age, with negligible changes due to direct radiative impact of WMGHG's. However, ozone is predicted to recover back to 1970 levels during the next 50-60 years, and this causes an increase in the mean age, whereas the continued increase in SSTs from increased levels of WMGHGs and the direct radiative impact of WMGHGs will still cause a decrease in the mean age. The net impact of these factors will still result in a decreasing mean age although the rate will be smaller than that of the past. The decreases in mean age are primarily caused by increases in upwelling in the tropical lower stratosphere. The increased upwelling from both increased tropical SSTs and polar ozone loss appears to be related to changes in zonal winds and increases in wave activity propagating into the stratosphere. The different contributions of changes in SSTs, WMGHGs, and ozone to the circulation of the stratosphere may help explain the large spread in the rate of change of tropical upwelling seen in previous studies.
Variation in Results of Identical Bioassays of Minnows Subjected to Instant Temperature Increase

Abstract Variation in the results of five near-identical bioassays of fathead minnows subjected to instant increase in water temperature is examined. It is shown that median tolerance limits for an instant temperature increase can be estimated with precision, and levels of stress tolerable to more than 50% of the test fish can be estimated with somewhat lower precision. It is suggested that the standard deviation of the population tolerance frequency distribution can be of practical value in evaluating the effect of dilution on lethality of wastes. It is concluded that TL50 values should indeed be used in calculations of “safe” levels of water quality alteration when bioassays and so called “application factors” are employed in regulating disposal of lethal agents.
Risk Factor Analysis for Breast Cellulitis Complicating Breast Conservation Therapy

Women who undergo breast conservation therapy for early-stage breast cancer can develop breast cellulitis, a complication for which risk factors are undefined. A matched case-control investigation was conducted to identify risk factors for the development of breast cellulitis among patients who have undergone breast conservation therapy. Patients comprised 17 patients with cases of breast cellulitis diagnosed after partial mastectomies that had been performed from 1992 through 1997 and 34 control patients who were matched to case-patients by date of breast lumpectomy and by primary surgeon. Statistical analyses indicated the following factors were associated with breast cellulitis: drainage of a hematoma (P=.010); postoperative ecchymosis (P=.021); lymphedema (odds ratio [OR], 10. 154; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.348-208.860); resected breast tissue volume (OR, 1.456; 95% CI, 1.035-2.168); and previous number of breast seroma aspirations (OR, 3.445; 95% CI, 1.036-19.771). This is the first matched case-control study to identify risk factors for the development of breast cellulitis after breast conservation therapy.
Compounds containing linked, multiply-bonded dimetal units. 3. Preparation, molecular structure and magnetic properties of a compound containing tetrakis (μ-6-chloro-2-hydroxopyridinato)-diosmium (II,III) cations linked axially by pyrazine

The compounds [Os2(chp)4py]BF4(hexane)2 and [{Os2(chp)4}2(pyz)](BF4)2(CH2Cl2)2(pyz)2, whe chp=anion of 6-chloro-2-hydroxypyridine, py=pyridine and pyz=pyrazine, have been prepared, crystallographically characterized and their magnetic properties measured in the range 2–300 K. All Os2(chp)4 units have all their chp units aligned in the same direction and have the py or pyz ligand axially bound to the Os atom with the four chp oxygen atoms. In the second case the pyz molecule bridges the two Os2 units. The Os-Os distances are 2.336(1) and 2.334(1) A, respectively. The magnetic data are consistent with quarter ground states based on a σ2π4δ2δ∗π∗2 configuration, but detailed interpretation of the temperature dependence was not accomplished. The py compound forms crystals in space group P1 with a=13.651(3), b=16.216(3), c=9.229(1) A, α=105.36(1), β=98.95(2), γ=78.54(2)°, V=1919(1) A3, Z=2. The pyz compound forms monoclinic crystals in space group P21/c with a=12.441 (5), b=16.189(5), c=17.695(8) A, β=98.01(4)°, V=3529(3) A3, Z=2.
A method for estimating glueball-meson mixing in lattice QCD☆

Abstract A systematic expansion of lattice QCD amplitudes based on the replica trick is discussed, the leading term of which is the quenched approximation. A parameter is defined that estimates the mixing between glueball and q q meson states and provides a test for the reliability of the quenched approximation. The procedure is illustrated by an explicit Monte Carlo calculation for a model system on a one-dimensional lattice.
Evaluation of therapeutic care delay among Latina- and European-American cervical cancer survivors.

Abstract Objectives Cervical cancer (CCA) ranks among the deadliest of cancers. Globally CCA claims 275,000 lives yearly. Severe delays, in cancer diagnostic or therapeutic care, that approach ≥60days negatively affect survival and survivorship outcomes. This study investigated socioeconomic and healthcare system factors influencing therapeutic care delays among cervical cancer survivors (CCS). Methods 291 CCS (132 European-, 50 English-proficient (EP) Latina- and 109 limited English-proficient (LEP) Latina-Americans) were recruited from cancer registries. CCS retrospectively noted the days of delay in obtaining therapeutic care and reasons for delays. Results CCS who were LEP Latina-Americans, had lower income and education reported severe therapeutic delays (≥60days). LEP Latina-Americans experienced delays due to financial issues, doctor's delay, and healthcare system issues (p Conclusions Healthcare system delays are primary contributors to ethnic differences in access to appropriately-timed care observed in this study. Healthcare professionals need to develop a fuller appreciation of the multilevel factors that contribute to healthcare barriers to better inform effective interventions to increase access to life saving care.
Las Navas de Tolosa and the culture of crusade in the Kingdom of Castile

This article focuses on the reactions and celebrations of the victory of Las Navas de Tolosa in the Castilian diplomatic and historiographical record. In particular it highlights the increased focus on crusade (rhetorical, ideological, and institutional) in the kingdom of Castile, and Christian Spain generally, during the campaign of 1212 and in the following years. This significant ideological impact of 1212 is contrasted to the relative insignificance of a single battle to Castilian–Almohad relations/trajectories.
Regional differences in bank efficiency and technology

Regional differences in production technologies and the effect of regulatory stringency — which differs across states — are analyzed for a sample of large U.S. commercial banks. Differences in both dimensions of production are found. Banks located in the midwestern states are found to be more adversely affected by regulation, however, to have a technology which enables them to be more resilient to regulatory induced distortions, i.e., they would produce more efficiently under comparable regulatory conditions. The policy implications of the results are discussed.
The Combination of Insulin and Metformin in Treatment of Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: To assess whether, in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), (1) metformin in conjunction with insulin can safely cause a decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) to 7% or less and (2) this combination therapy may result in weight loss and lower insulin dose in comparison with insulin treatment alone. Methods: Forty patients with NIDDM being treated with insulin on their first visit to the Diabetes Center were identified by retrospective review of medical records of all patients encountered during a 1-year period. These patients were classified into groups who were receiving insulin only (group 1) or insulin + metformin (group 2) at the most recent visit. Group 2 was subdivided into those with a body mass index of either =30 kg/m2 (group 2A) or >30 kg/m2 (group 2B). Blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin dose, and weights were analyzed from their initial and most recent visits. Results: HbA1c decreased from 10 &#45 2.7% to 7 &#45 1.1% (P<0.01) in group 1 and from 9.8 &#45 2...
Molecular analysis of the gene encoding the immunodominant phenotypically varying P270 protein of Trichomonas vaginalis

Trichomonas vaginalisis a flagellated protozoan responsible for the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease. The immunogen P270 was previously found to be up-regulated in expression and to undergo phenotypic variation between surface versus cytoplasmic localization in trichoImonads harbouring a dsRNA virus. In this report, we characterize the entire p270 open reading frame (ORF) and the unknown flanking 5;- and 3;-unique, non-repeat coding sequences of the gene in addition to untranslated regions. Consistent with an earlier report (Dailey & Alderete, 1991, Infect. Immun. 59: 2083-88), a significant portion of the gene consists of a tandemly repeated 333 bp element that contains the sequence coding for the epitope DREGRD detected by murine monoclonal antibody and antibody from the sera of patients. The non-repeat coding regions for the 5;- and 3;-ends were 69 nucleotides (23 amino acids) and 1183 nucleotides (395 amino acids), respectively. Sequencing of repeat elements showed them to be identical, affirming the highly-conserved nature of this element throughout the gene. The start codon was immediately preceded by the 12 nucleotide consensus sequence (TCATTTTTAATA) found in other trichomonad protein-coding genes. A very AT-rich, non-coding region was identified upstream of the p270 ORF. P270 appears to contain a leader sequence at the amino-terminus and transmembrane domain at the carboxy-terminus. No significant homology was found with any reported proteins at either the nucleotide or amino acid level.
Dose Escalation in the Radiation Therapy of Prostate Cancer

Because ionizing radiations cause mutations and kill mammalian cells, exposures should be kept to a minimum commensurate with the goals of clinical procedures. In radiation therapy it is generally accepted that graphs of tumor-cure probability vs. dose reach a plateau, after which additional dose only increases normal tissue toxicity. Dose prescriptions are mainly empiric, based on experience or from dose escalation studies, and generally represent a balance between tumor control and toxicity. The development of sophisticated x-ray delivery systems has encouraged the prescription of higher doses, none more so than for prostate cancer. Clinical reports raise questions about the impact of dose escalation on survival, distant metastases, and the extent of gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and other morbidities. Beyondtheissueofdoseescalationisthemorefundamental question of which patients will benefit from treatment. In a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of prostatectomy vs. watchful waiting, Bill-Axelson et al. (1) found no differences in the 10-year disease-specific survivals (DSS) or overall survivals (OAS) for over-65 men: 91% and 67%, respectively. However, for under-65 men, the results for prostatectomy were significantly better than for watchful waiting: 91% vs. 81% for DSS, and 84% vs. 67% for OAS. The data of Bill-Axelson et al. clearly show that radical treatment confers questionable if any benefits to older men, although it improves DSS and OAS by 12% and 25% in younger men. An RCT of radiation vs. watchful waiting is likely to yield similar outcomes; however, whereas the data of Bill-Axelson et al. suggest that the magnitude of thedosewould playnoroleforthoseover65,itcouldbecritical for those under 65. The roleof dose escalationin prostatecancerwas clarified by the RCT of Kuban et al. (2), who compared clinical outcomes in 301 patients. For tumor doses of 70 Gy or 78 Gy, the 10-year DSS were 95% and 98%, and OAS were 75% and 67%, respectively. In a more recent analysis of these same clinical data, Kuban et al. (3) broke down the 10year DSS for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria. For the 200 low- and intermediate-risk patients, these were 100% independent of dose, whereas for the 101 patients at high risk, DSS were 84% (40 survivors out of 48 patients) for 70 Gy and 96% (51 survivors out of 53 patients) for 78 Gy. Note that the numbers are small and the uncertainties correspondingly large, and that 78 Gy was beneficial for only the high-risk patients.
Thermal photon production in high-energy nuclear collisions

We use a boost-invariant one-dimensional (cylindrically symmetric) fluid dynamics code to calculate thermal photon production in the central rapidity region of S+Au and Pb+Pb collisions at SPS energy (\ensuremath{\surd}s =20 GeV/nucleon). We assume that the hot matter is in thermal equilibrium throughout the expansion, but consider deviations from chemical equilibrium in the high temperature (deconfined) phase. We use equations of state with a first-order phase transition between a massless pion gas and quark gluon plasma, with transition temperatures in the range 150\ensuremath{\le}${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$\ensuremath{\le}200 MeV.
Plant Specific Direct Chemical Application Field Robot

A mobile robot was developed to directly apply chemical to individual weed, plant specific direct chemical application. The robot has a mobile platform equipped with a laptop, a robotic arm with the direct application end effector and a machine vision. The laptop computer and the arm were connected to the robot’s microcontroller via a serial interface, and the machine vision was controlled by the computer via IEEE 1394 interface: the machine vision detects weeds and the arm with the end effector eliminates weeds. A C++ program was written to control the robot and its components: the program included an image processing algorithm for the machine vision to detect weeds under variable outdoor illumination, and a robotic arm motion control algorithm to eliminate detected weeds. Detected weeds were eliminated by the end effector via cutting a stem and sweeping chemical on its surface. As a result, the developed robot showed the fully automated processes of plant specific direct chemical application: detecting and eliminating weeds, examining the application results, and executing the re-application. While the robot was testing in the field, the robot was able to detect the plants despite outdoor illumination changes. The robot controlled 63.6 % of the weeds in the field. Developed robot may enlighten the potential to reduce the chemical use, to improve chemical efficiency and to reduce environmental contamination from agrochemical.
Successful transgene expression with serial doses of aerosolized rAAV2 vectors in rhesus macaques

Abstract Bronchoscopic microspraying of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors targets high doses of vector directly to pulmonary epithelium. Single-dose endobronchial gene therapy trials have been accomplished in cystic fibrosis patients; however, repeated dosing strategies are likely essential for lifetime correction. These studies address whether serial redosing with rAAV2 vectors results in an antiserotypic response and, furthermore, whether it triggers an inflammatory response prohibitive to transgene expression. Serial redosing of 9 × 10 11 infectious units of aerosolized rAAV2 vectors to rhesus macaques resulted in successful gene transfer by quantitative PCR (1.43 × 10 9 copies/g tissue) and transgene expression. Additionally, confocal microscopy and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated in situ expression localized to the pulmonary epithelium. Although serial redosing did induce a heightened anti-neutralizing antibody response in sera, gene transfer prevailed with resultant expression. This study is the first to demonstrate successful gene transfer subsequent to repeated aerosolized doses of rAAV2 in immunocompetent nonhuman primates without associated inflammatory responses prohibitive to transgene expression.
Forces between surfaces in liquids.

Recent developments in the direct measurements of forces between surfaces in liquids at the angstrom resolution level are reviewed. The results reveal a rich variety of interactions and interaction potentials that depend on the nature of the surfaces and intervening liquids. These results also shed new insights into liquid structure adjacent to surfaces and the interactions occurrig in complex systems, with implications in many different areas of chemical physics, biology, and technology. The origin of some important fundamental interactions, such as repulsive "hydration" forces and attractive "hydrophobic" forces, are still not understood and offer a challenge for experimental and theoretical work in this area.
Reply: Sperm DNA damage and ART: sins of the fathers and the doctors?

varicoceles in subfertile men. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; 10:CD000479. Ramalho-Santos J. Sins of the fathers: sperm DNA damage in the context of assisted reproduction. Hum Reprod 2014;29:2356–2358. RowePJ,Comhaire FH,HargreaveTB,MahmoudAMA.WHOManual for the Standardized Investigation, Diagnosis and Management of the Infertile Male, 1st edn. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000. Showell MG, Brown J, Yazdani A, Stankiewicz MT, Hart RJ. Antioxidants for male subfertility. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011;CD007411. Simon L, Murphy K, Shamsi MB, Liu L, Emery B, Aston KI, Hotaling J, Carrell DT. Paternal influence of sperm DNA integrity on early embryonic development. Hum Reprod 2014;29:2402–2412. Wright C, Milne S, Leeson H. Sperm DNA damage caused by oxidative stress: modifiable clinical, lifestyle and nutritional factors in male infertility. Reprod Biomed Online 2014;28:684–703. Zalata A, Hafez T, Comhaire F. Evaluation of the role of reactive oxygen species in male infertility. Hum Reprod 1995;10:1444–1451. Zini A,DohleG.Are varicoceles associatedwith increased deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation? Fertil Steril 2011;96:1283–1287.
RIPPLES: tool for change in legacy software

Key parts of software change are concept location and change propagation. We introduce a tool called RIPPLES that supports both. It uses the Abstract System Dependence Graph (ASDG) of the program, enriched by conceptual dependencies. A case study of NCSA Mosaic demonstrates the use of the tool. Precision and recall are used to evaluate the quality of support provided by RIPPLES.
Efficient blocking probability computation of complex traffic flows for network dimensioning

Computing or estimating link blocking probabilities is a fundamental ingredient in network design and engineering. While in traditional telephone networks this was easily done by Erlang's formula, it became much harder in today's complex networks that carry very heterogeneous traffic. We present a simple, efficient method to estimate the blocking probability and link utilization for general multirate, heterogeneous traffic, where the individual bandwidth demands may aggregate in complex, nonlinear ways. The estimation is derived without adopting conventional performance modeling assumptions, such as Poisson arrivals or exponential holding times, thus allowing non-standard behaviour patterns, including special phenomena of IP networks, such as self-similarity. Despite its generality, our estimation maintains an optimally tight exponent and is capable of handling apparently very different cases in a unified way. The approach also makes it possible to make estimations under incomplete information. We show that the results are easily applicable for fast, robust link dimensioning, especially in case of complex traffic patterns, under partial information. Moreover, it is very well fitted for embedding into network level optimization tasks, due in part to simplicity and in part to convexity properties.
Nasal capsular cartilage is required for rat transpalatal suture morphogenesis

In the cranial vault, suture morphogenesis occurs when the growing cranial bones approximate and overlap or abut one another. Patency of developing sutures is regulated by the underlying dura mater. Once cranial sutures form, bone growth proceeds from the sutures in response to growth signals from the rapidly expanding neurocranium. Facial sutures do not develop in contact with the dura mater. It was therefore hypothesized that facial suture morphogenesis and bone growth from facial sutures are regulated by tissues with an equivalent role to the dura mater. The present study was designed to test this hypothesis by characterizing the morphology and growth factor expression in developing transpalatal (TP) sutures and their surrounding tissues, and then assessing the role of the overlying nasal capsular (NC) cartilages in maintaining suture patency. TP sutures develop as overlapping sutures, similar to cranial coronal sutures, and expression of Tgf-βs in TP sutures was similar to their distribution in cranial coronal sutures. To establish whether NC cartilages play a role in regulating TP suture morphogenesis, fetal rat TP sutures were cultured with associated attached NC cartilages or with NC cartilages removed. Sutures cultured for upward of 5 days with intact NC cartilages remained patent and maintained their cellular and fibrous components. However, in the absence of NC cartilages, the cellular nature of the sutures was not maintained and they became progressively acellular, with bony bridging across the suture. This finding is similar to that for cranial vault sutures cultured in the absence of dura mater, indicating that NC cartilages play an equivalent role to dura mater in maintaining the patency of developing sutures. These studies indicate that tissue interactions likely regulate morphogenesis of all cranial and facial sutures.
External Morphology of Adult Libythea celtis (Laicharting [1782]) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Libytheinae is a morphologically unusual group of butterflies whose external anatomy has never been described in detail. The subfamily is considered basal within the diverse family Nymphalidae, and libytheines retain many plesiomorphic features, such as a functional female foreleg and smooth larva. In this paper, we describe and illustrate the adult morphology of Libythea celtis Laicharting, make comparisons to other nymphalid subfamilies, and homologize terms whenever possible. We describe major sclerites, sulci, and the presence of cranial and lateral pits on the tibia, the latter which appear to be previously unreported from the lepidopteran literature. When present, sexual dimorphism and geographic variation are noted. It is hoped that the present paper will help stabilize inconsistencies in morphological terms in nymphalid butterflies.
Using a test site for the rapid introduction of 32-kb bipolar RAM

The authors describe the introduction of a 32-kb bipolar RAM. The introduction started with a preliminary phase, using an exploratory test site, followed by a more conventional product test site. Both the cell layout and processing were optimized with an exploratory test site in the early manufacturing cycle. The exploratory test site has yield test structures with different ground rules and cell layouts side by side. The yield detractors and product yields are continuously monitored in the manufacturing line with a product test site in order to enhance defect learning. A number of product test sites are distributed on the product wafer. The test site has the same ground rules as the product. The test-site-aided product introduction doubled the defect learning rate. >
Polymers containing fluorinated ketone groups. III. Synthesis of styrene/p-vinyltrifluoroacetophenone copolymers by modification of polystyrene and the copolymerization of monomers

Copolymers of styrene/p-vinyltrifluoroacetophenone were prepared by two different reaction routes: (1) modification of polystyrene with trifluoroacetyl chloride and (2) copolymerization of styrene and p-vinyltrifluoroacetophenone (VTFA). There appears to be a limit to the modification method because only a maximum content of 14.5 mole % trifluoroacetyl functionality could be attached to the polymer before the onset of crosslinking. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to determine their Tg's. In addition, the reactivity ratios of styrene and VTFA were investigated. The reactivity ratios and Q and e values were r1 = 0.30 ± 0.09 (styrene) and r2 = 1.3 ± 0.3 (VTFA); Q1 = 1.0 and e1 = −0.8 (styrene); Q2 = 0.44 and e2 = 1.93 (VTFA).
Chemisorption of oxygen, chlorine, hydrogen, hydroxide, and ethylene on silver clusters: A model for the olefin epoxidation reaction

We have examined various postulated pathways for the catalytic epoxidation of olefins by silver using ab initio quantum mechanical methods to study likely intermediates in this reaction. In particular, we predict preferred binding sites, geometries, vibrational frequencies, and binding energies for O, O2, Cl, H, OH, and C2H4 on a cluster model for Ag aggregates present on supported catalysts. These calculations suggest the presence of two nearly degenerate states of chemisorbed atomic oxygen. The calculated binding energy for these surface oxides are 78–79 kcal/mol (experimental values are 77–78 kcal/mol). One surface oxide has the form of an oxyradical anion and is predicted to be selective for olefin epoxidation. The other surface oxide is a closed shell state expected to be less active and nonselective for olefin epoxidation. These results lead to a detailed mechanistic model that explains: (i) why C2H2 exhibits high selectivity for epoxide while higher olefins do not; (ii) the difference in activity per surface site between the (110) and (111) surfaces of Ag; and (iii) the role of both electropositive (e.g. Cs) and electronegative (e.g. Cl) promoters in increasing selectivity. A number of experiments are proposed which would test key points of this new mechanism.
A Combination of cis and trans Control Can Solve the Hotspot Conversion Paradox

There is growing evidence that in a variety of organisms the majority of meiotic recombination events occur at a relatively small fraction of loci, known as recombination hotspots. If hotspot activity results from the DNA sequence at or near the hotspot itself (in cis), these hotspots are expected to be rapidly lost due to biased gene conversion, unless there is strong selection in favor of the hotspot itself. This phenomenon makes it very difficult to maintain existing hotspots and even more difficult for new hotspots to evolve; it has therefore come to be known as the "hotspot conversion paradox." I develop an analytical framework for exploring the evolution of recombination hotspots under the forces of selection, mutation, and conversion. I derive the general conditions under which cis- and trans-controlled hotspots can be maintained, as well as those under which new hotspots controlled by both a cis and a trans locus can invade a population. I show that the conditions for maintenance of and invasion by trans- or cis-plus-trans-controlled hotspots are broader than for those controlled entirely in cis. Finally, I show that a combination of cis and trans control may allow for long-lived polymorphisms in hotspot activity, the patterns of which may explain some recently observed features of recombination hotspots.
A study of neuronal types in clarke's column in the adult cat†

Three neuronal classes have been identified in Clarke's column in the adult cat. The smallest cells (class A) exhibit variable dendritic branching patterns. Medium-sized neurons (class B) can be subdivided into multipolar and fusiform cells. The majority of the multipolar cells have elongated perikarya and their dendrites project in a radial fashion, while the fusiform neurons often have their long axis perpendicularly oriented. The large Clarke cells (class C) and their dendrites project in the cranio-caudal direction. Their dendrites are generally smooth and often extend for over 1000 μ from the perikaryon, but three types of dendritic specializations have been noted: spines, branchlets and varicosities. These specializations are not strictly restricted to Clarke cells. Dendrites of all three cell types cross the nuclear boundaries. Some enter the dorsal columns via Rexed's lamina V and others enter laminae VI, VII and X. Neurons whose cell bodies lie within laminae V, VI, VII and X occasionally send dendrites into Clarke's column. Class A cells account for at least 60% of the total neuronal population of Clarke's column and outnumber the Clarke cells (class C) by approximately three to one. Class B neurons are the least common and form between 6 and 16% of the population.
Reconsidering the Marielito Legacy: Race/Ethnicity, Nativity, and Homicide Motives*

Objective. This article investigates how race/ethnicity is associated with specific types of violent crime such as killings between intimates, robbery homicide, or drug-related killings. We extend the study of the role of race and ethnicity for violence by examining five ethnic/immigrant groups, including the Mariel Cubans—a group singled out by many as particularly drug-crime-prone. Methods. Using 1980 through 1990 homicide data for the City of Miami, we use multinomial logistic regression to examine the association between race/ethnicity, nativity, and several types of homicide motives. Results. Contrary to popular expectations, ethnicity and immigration status rarely play a role in the types of homicide involvement of victims or violators. Incident characteristics, such as multiple offenders, or gender and age, were consistently more important influences in shaping homicide circumstances. Conclusions. The analyses revealed few significant relationships between immigration status and homicide motives, suggesting that immigrant groups like the Marielitos have more in common with native groups’ experiences of criminal violence than is commonly assumed. Contemporary crime studies emphasize black-white differences, despite a fundamental shift in the population of the United States that has resulted from sustained Latino immigration (Short, 1997; see also Sampson and Lauritsen, 1997). Criminologists have largely ignored the dramatic growth that has occurred in the Latino population over the past 20 years, even though data from the 2000 Census indicate that the Latino population more than doubled since 1980, to 35.3 million from 14.6 million, and now comprises a similar population proportion as African Americans (Schmitt, 2001). This recent growth was influenced by the arrival of vast numbers of
Delirium superimposed on dementia is pervasive and associated with restraint use among older adults residing in long-term care

Commentary on: P Voyer, S Richard, L Doucet, et al.. Precipitating factors associated with delirium among long-term care residents with dementia.Appl Nurs Res2011;24:171–8.
Separation of nicked human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), intact hCG, and hCG beta fragment from standard reference preparations and raw urine samples

hCG is found in pregnancy urine and in urine from some cancer patients in a variety of forms whose concentrations have clinical importance. Recently, concerns about accurate measurement of these forms have been raised because of the finding that hCG with peptide bond cleavages within the beta-subunit is not recognized by commonly used antibodies. Such nicked forms of hCG are biologically inactive or of very low activity. They are present in normal pregnancy urine and to varying extents in the urine of patients with trophoblastic disease. International reference preparations of hCG contain nicked forms of hCG. Previously, it was not possible to separate nicked hormone from the intact form of hCG. This was a serious impediment to producing improved reference standards from natural pregnancy hormone. We now report that a simple hydrophobic purification scheme separates intact hCG from nicked hCG as well as from hCG beta core fragment. This scheme is a modification of the method of Hiyama et al. The order of elution from low to high hydrophobicity is hCG beta core fragment, nicked hCG, and lastly, intact hCG. Nicking of the putative amphipathic helix loop, hCG beta 38-57, apparently renders the hormone significantly less hydrophobic despite the equal molar content of sialic acid. The hCG CR 127 nicked preparation was only 10% as potent as the reference preparation in a heterodimer-directed assay. The nicked-depleted hCG CR 127 was 30% more potent in this assay. Improved hCG reference standards should display similar increases in immunopotency (20-30%) with most antiheterodimeric antibodies and similar increases in bio-potency assays. It should now be possible to make reference preparations of these forms of hCG directly from the raw urine of normal pregnant patients and those with trophoblastic disease.