cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combining wavelet and linear-regression methods to model the effect of available forage on daily grazing and lying activity of mature Bos indicus cows during summer months

Cattle exhibit a circadian rhythm of grazing and lying behaviour. Understanding how available forage (FA) interrupts this rhythm and at what time or spans of time throughout the day could be beneficial in understanding grazing dynamics. Predictable changes in activity using FA would also permit changes in activity to indicate when forage supply is approaching a threshold for optimal herd productivity. The objective of the present study was to utilise wavelet techniques to evaluate the changes in herd-level lying, grazing and standing or walking behaviour in response to varying levels of FA. This objective was accomplished by (1) applying the discrete Haar wavelet transformation to lying and grazing activity, (2) examining the relationship of the transformation coefficients with FA, and (3) developing coefficient-prediction equations to model the relationship between the coefficient and FA. Data for the study were established by monitoring the grazing behaviour of up to three cattle herds, during June, July and August of Years 2010, 2011 and 2012. The minimal FA studied was 12.8 kg DM/100 kg bodyweight and maximum FA was 56.5 kg DM/100 kg bodyweight. Lying and grazing activity were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with a single-wavelet coefficient and these occurred at different scales (timespans). Linear models to predict coefficients were constructed for correlations of P < 0.05. The coefficient for lying was predicted as 0.011944 × FA – 0.641426 (r2 = 0.31), and the coefficient for grazing was predicted as 0.009547 × FA – 0.847766 (r2 = 0.21). On the basis of location of the predicted coefficients within the wavelet pyramid, from 0600 hours to 0900 hours, lying activity increased as FA increased; however, from 1000 hours to 1300 hours, lying activity decreased as FA increased. Lying activity converged during the timespan from 1400 hours to 2100 hours. Prior to 1300 hours, fewer cattle were predicted grazing as FA decreased. Following 1300 hours, the proportion of cattle grazing increased as FA decreased. In conclusion, the use of wavelet techniques in combination with linear regression provided a mechanism to study the magnitude of changes in herd grazing and lying activities at different scales of time throughout the day due to varying quantities of FA. However, the slope coefficient of the linear models to estimate the wavelet coefficients that were significantly correlated with FA resulted in modest changes in estimated activity. Therefore, utilising time-of-day-related changes in activity may not be a practical mechanism to delineate modest forage shortages.
Nonstandard Work Arrangements among Women and Men Scientists and Engineers

This paper draws on a sample of 48,444 scientists and engineers in the United States to analyze nonstandard work arrangements among women and men, 8,773 of whom worked in such arrangements. With few exceptions, women were overrepresented in these arrangements and particularly in those characterized by lower wages and benefits, but their overrepresentation in the worst arrangements failed to explain the gender pay gap. Unlike in the general labor force where “equality at the bottom” tends to prevail, the gender pay gap in science and engineering is greater in the worst nonstandard work arrangements than in the best, and gender equality is greater in the best arrangements than in the worst, possibly because of a selection effect.
Prepreg age Monitoring via Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Fabrication of composite parts from prepregs often requires layup and preparation times of days and even weeks, during which prepregs undergo room-temperature aging. The aging process can compromis...
A perspective on the inherent oxidation sensitivity of epoxy materials

Abstract There has long been awareness that epoxy materials are not inert to high temperature-induced degradation and therefore have performance limits. As organic polymers, epoxy thermo-sets and composite materials will degrade under thermo-oxidative conditions with loss of useful properties in adhesion or mechanical toughness, and this degradation may initiate at the surface. While high temperature empirical data on the depth of degradation profiles have been made available for some materials, precise data on the intrinsic oxidation sensitivity of epoxy materials do not yet exist. Two different epoxy material types were chosen: a DGEBA based resin (Epon 828) was cured with either a cycloaliphatic amine (Ancamine 2049) or a polyether amine (Jeffamine D230) for comparison. Due to generally low O 2 permeability in epoxies any oxidation will be limited to the surface; hence experiments were conducted for thin films under non-diffusion limited conditions to obtain unbiased rate data. We have succeeded to show for the first time that oxidation behavior of epoxies at moderate temperatures can be approached experimentally. This study offers an overview on the intrinsic oxidation sensitivity of two cured epoxy thermo-set materials between 25 and 140 °C. Excellent Arrhenius behavior was observed with activation energies in the 70–80 kJ/mol range. These epoxy materials are surprisingly reactive and show higher oxidation rates than anticipated, even at moderate temperatures. In any applications where epoxy materials are used at elevated temperatures under non-inert conditions, oxidation will result in material chemistry changes and this will affect their performance with regard to adhesion or properties in composites.
The use of deoxyribonuclease in the isolation of nucleoli and purification of nuclear RNA--a caution.

Abstract Commercial electrophoretically purified deoxyribonuclease, frequently used in the isolation of mammalian nucleoli, has been found to exhibit significant endonuclease activity towards RNA. This activity, although undetectable by the assay method used by the manufacturer, is capable of degrading ribosomal 28-S RNA.
An expert system for the determination and computation of hypothesis tests

Abstract We describe the design and development of Hypothesis Tester (HT), an Expert System which not only guides the user to select the proper statistical test, but is also capable of computing the value of the test statistic. HT is designed to test hypotheses of proportions and means, in one and two population samples, under various conditions, such as large or small sample size, Normal or not Normal distribution, known or unknown variance, and equal or unequal variances.
Formation of low-resistance contact between titanium and lightly doped polycrystalline diamond using highly doped interlayer

Abstract A low-resistance ohmic contact between lightly doped polycrystalline diamond (poly-C) and metal was achieved for piezoresistive sensor applications using highly doped poly-C thin interlayer in the contact area for the first time for poly-C. Two Trimethylboron (TMB) doping concentrations were used during the growth of poly-C films using microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD), which yielded a 0.2 μm highly doped layer on top of 1.8 μm lightly doped layer. The resistivities of the highly and lightly doped poly-C layers are 0.022 and 151 Ω cm, respectively. The contacts were defined by partially etching the highly doped poly-C layer beyond the contact area. Kelvin bridges are fabricated to test the contact resistance. It is demonstrated that the contact resistivities are 0.0028 and 0.0083 Ω cm 2 for contacts with and without interlayer, respectively. This method reduced the contact resistance to one third of the original value and improved the performance of the piezoresistive sensor.
In-Season Nitrogen Uptake by Grain Sorghum following Legume Green Manures in Conservation Tillage Systems

With renewed interest in legumes as green manures, it is important to understand their effect on in-season N uptake of following non-legume row crops. This study assessed the effect of legumes as green manures on in-season N uptake by subsequent grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown in conservation tillage systems in the eastern Great Plains. Treatments were (i) red clover (Trifolium prarense L.) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) before grain sorghum vs. continuous grain sorghum, (ii) reduced or no-tillage, and (iii) fertilizer N rates. The experiment was conducted on two adjacent sites (Parson silt loam: fine, mixed thermic Mollic Albaqualf) similar in organic matter but Site 1 higher in pH, P, and K than Site 2. In-season N uptake was often statistically greater in reduced-tillage than no-tillage systems. At both sites, red clover as a previous crop resulted in about 25% greater N uptake by sorghum vs. sorghum grown continuously with no previous legume crop. Nitrogen uptake by sorghum at the boot and soft dough growth stages responded linearly to increasing N rate, but the slope was 135 kg ha -1 during the first year for both legumes at each site, but values for red clover remained greater than those for hairy vetch in subsequent years, especially at the higher fertility site. Grain yield tended to be maximized when N uptake at the soft dough stage exceeded 100 kg ha -1 at Site 2 but continued to increase as N uptake increased at the higher-fertility Site 1. Utilizing legumes as green manures can increase in-season N uptake by following grain sorghum crops compared with continuous sorghum in these prairie soils.
Current Status Of Densitometric Left Ventricular Volume Computation

The volume of the heart as a function of time over a period of several full cardiac cycles can be used in conjunction with concurrent pressure measurements to obtain important indications of myocardial function: total work output, efficiency, stroke volume and so forth. Of the four heart chambers, the left ventricle (LV) is of primary importance medically since it is the systematic pumping chamber of the heart and consequently provides most of the work output. For this reason, the LV is the object of this study.© (1971) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Biochemical Response to Treatment of Bone Hyperresorption in Chronically Critically Ill Patients

Study objective The chronically critically ill (CCI)are a subgroup of critically ill patients who have survived an acutecritical illness but remain profoundly debilitated and ventilatordependent. We have previously shown that CCI patients have a very highprevalence of bone hyperresorption. The objective of this present studywas to determine the biochemical response of bone hyperresorption in, CCI patients to treatment with either calcitriol alone or calcitrioland pamidronate. Design Retrospective survey. Setting Respiratory care step-down unit (RCU) at atertiary-care teaching hospital. Patients Fifty-fiveventilator-dependent CCI patients transferred from ICUs within the sameinstitution who had elevated urine N-telopeptide (NTx) levels at RCUadmission, who were treated with either calcitriol alone (n = 44) orcalcitriol and pamidronate (n = 11), and who had urine NTx levelsremeasured following treatment. Intervention None. Measurements and results Patients treated withcalcitriol alone had a significant reduction in serum parathyroidhormone (PTH; 93 ± 145 pg/mL vs 40 ± 28 pg/mL; p = 0.02) butnot in urinary NTx (187 ± 146 nmol bone collagen equivalents[BCE]/mmol creatinine [Cr] vs 178 ± 123 nmol BCE/mmol Cr, p = 0.59). In contrast, patients treated with both calcitriol and pamidronate had a significant decrease in urine NTx at follow-up(329 ± 238 to 100 ± 85 nmol BCE/mmol Cr; p Conclusion The bone hyperresorption of CCI patients is PTHindependent and biochemically responds to treatment with calcitriol and pamidronate but not calcitriol alone.
Perturbations of best approximation problems

The purpose of this paper is to unify a number of continuity, perturbation, and discretization properties of best approximations in normed linear spaces or in metric or semimetric spaces. It extends work of Aubin and, more specifically, of Daniel.
The problem of cyclic flows in traffic assignment

Abstract A fundamental property of traffic assignment is that cyclic flows from a common origin or to a common destination cannot exist in an equilibrium solution. However, cyclic flows can easily be created by the Frank-Wolfe (F-W) assignment procedure, especially during its first several iterations. The PARTAN technique—a more rapidly converging derivative of the F-W method—can also create cyclic flows during its procedure. We show in this paper that once cyclic flows become part of a combined assignment, they are difficult to correct, thus presenting one impediment to convergence. We then present modifications to the F-W and PARTAN procedures that prevent cyclic flows from being created between adjacent pairs of nodes. The avoidance of cyclic flows in test problems is shown to accelerate the convergence of both the F-W and PARTAN techniques, particularly in the first several iterations. While the impossibility of cyclic flows in a true equilibrium solution is an important property of traffic assignment, this paper shows that (1) the F-W and PARTAN procedures eventually reduce cyclic flows to zero if they occur, (2) avoiding cyclic flows can be most helpful in the early iterations of these procedures, and (3) avoiding cyclic flows in large networks is very difficult because of large computational requirements.
Learning and memory following conformal radiation therapy for pediatric craniopharyngioma and low-grade glioma.

Purpose The primary objective of this study was to examine whether children with low-grade glioma (LGG) or craniopharyngioma had impaired learning and memory after conformal radiation therapy (CRT). A secondary objective was to determine whether children who received chemotherapy before CRT, a treatment often used to delay radiation therapy in younger children with LGG, received any protective benefit with respect to learning. Methods and Materials Learning and memory in 57 children with LGG and 44 children with craniopharyngioma were assessed with the California Verbal Learning Test–Children's Version and the Visual-Auditory Learning tests. Learning measures were administered before CRT, 6 months later, and then yearly for a total of 5 years. Results No decline in learning scores after CRT was observed when patients were grouped by diagnosis. For children with LGG, chemotherapy before CRT did not provide a protective effect on learning. Multiple regression analyses, which accounted for age and tumor volume and location, found that children treated with chemotherapy before CRT were at greater risk of decline on learning measures than those treated with CRT alone. Variables predictive of learning and memory decline included hydrocephalus, shunt insertion, younger age at time of treatment, female gender, and pre-CRT chemotherapy. Conclusions This study did not reveal any impairment or decline in learning after CRT in overall aggregate learning scores. However, several important variables were found to have a significant effect on neurocognitive outcome. Specifically, chemotherapy before CRT was predictive of worse outcome on verbal learning in LGG patients. In addition, hydrocephalus and shunt insertion in craniopharyngioma were found to be predictive of worse neurocognitive outcome, suggesting a more aggressive natural history for those patients.
Optimal control of random vibration in plate and shell structures with distributed piezoelectric components

The state covariance assignment (SCA) method of Skelton and associates has been extended to the optimal random vibration control of large-scale complicated shell structures with distributed piezoelectric components and under nonstationary random excitations. It provides a direct approach for achieving performance goals stated in terms of the root-mean-square (RMS) values which are common in many engineering system designs. The large-scale shell structures with distributed piezoelectric components of complicated geometrical configurations are approximated by the hybrid strain or mixed formulation based lower order triangular shell finite elements developed in the present investigation. Each of these shell finite elements has three nodes. Every node has seven degrees of freedom (dof) which include three translational, three rotational and one electric potential dof. These elements are better alternatives to those based on the displacement formulation and that hinged on the truly hybrid strain formulation in that they eliminate locking problems commonly associated with displacement based lower order shell finite elements. Computed results applying the proposed approach for a plate and a cylindrical shell structures with distributed piezoelectric components and under stationary random excitations are included to demonstrate its simplicity of use and efficiency of implementing the proposed approach.
A stage-structured, stochastic population model for the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera

We have developed a population model for the giant kelpMacrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Agardh in southern California, USA. The model includes five life-history stages and takes into account environmental and demographic stochasticity, as well as density-dependent interactions. The density of each stage is predicted on a monthly basis for up to 20 yr, and extinction probability is determined for adult sporophytes. Survival probabilities and rates of reproduction and growth are based on stage-specific responses to environmental conditions (irradiance and temperature), including the occurrence of El Nino events. The model is validated by comparing simulation results to empirical data from natural kelp populations. Results of the model provide insight into patterns observed in natural populations and have applications in resource management.
Blood flow velocity in the right coronary artery: Assessment before and after angioplasty☆

Abstract Objectives . This study attempted 1) to assess the utility of rest measurements of intracoronary blood flow velocity for the physiologic assessment of coronary stenoses before and after right coronary artery angioplasty, and 2) to compare the phasic flow pattern in the right coronary artery proper with the phasic flow pattern in its major branches to the left ventricle. Background . Previous investigations have demonstrated that a reduction in distal blood flow velocity and a loss of distal diastolic predominant flow are characteristic of physiologically significant stenoses and that these indexes normalize after successful coronary artery dilation. However, these studies were predominantly performed in the left coronary artery. The utility of monitoring rest velocity variables during angioplasty of the right coronary artery has not been studied. Methods . We studied 20 patients undergoing angioplasty of the right coronary artery with use of a Doppler angioplasty guide wire. Results . Values were expressed as the mean value ± 1 SD. The rest average peak velocity did not decrease distal to angiographically significant right coronary artery stenoses (23.3 ± 9.4 cm/s proximal vs. 20.2 ± 11.1 cm/s distal, p = 0.20). The proximal/ distal velocity ratio was 1.4 ± 0.9 before angioplasty and did not significantly decrease after angioplasty (p = 0.58). This study had a 99.4% power to detect a difference between proximal and distal average peak velocity. There was no relation between percent diameter stenosis and proximal/distal velocity ratios (r = 0.15, p = 0.55). Diastolic predominant flow was not observed in the proximal or distal right coronary artery. However, after angioplasty, diastolic predominant flow was observed in the posterolateral and posterior descending coronary arteries. Conclusions . Rest phasic Doppler flow velocity indexes are not useful for evaluating stenoses in the right coronary artery proper before or after angioplasty. In contrast to the right coronary artery proper, diastolic predominant flow is observed in the posterior descending and posterolateral coronary arteries. The utility of measuring hyperemic Doppler flow velocity indexes, such as distal coronary flow reserve, for assessing right coronary artery stenoses merits further investigation.
Thermal Behavior of Whey Protein Concentrate Treated by Heat and High Hydrostatic Pressure and Its Functionality in Wheat Dough

ABSTRACT Solutions of commercial whey protein concentrate (CWPC, 82% protein) at 5, 10, 20, and 30% were treated with heat at 90°C or with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) at 85 Kpsi (Kpsi = 6.9 MPa) for 30 min. A CWPC solution at 20% also was treated for 30 min with heat at 60, 70, 80, and 90°C and HHP at 20, 40, 60, and 85 Kpsi. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms of untreated CWPC (82% protein) showed two endothermic peaks: the first had an enthalpy value of 4.72 J/g between 57 and 86°C, and the second had an enthalpy value of 2.36 J/g between 120 and 143°C. The first enthalpy peak disappeared after heat treatment at 90°C for 30 min and HHP treatment at 85 Kpsi for 30 min, whereas the second peak remained, independent of concentration. The results indicate that HHP treatment caused changes in the protein of CWPC, and the changes were comparable to those caused by high-temperature treatment. Differential scanning calorimetric analysis of CWPC, heat treated at 60°C, showed an enthalpy valu...
The internal clock of reaggregating embryonic sea urchin cells

The presence of micromere “a clock” during early cleavage in sea urchin embryos has been shown by several investigators. The suggestion that an internal clock may be operative in later developmental stages up to the pluteus is presented in this study. The development of reaggregating Arbacia cells was followed from dissociation at the 16-cell stage to pluteus formation, using scanning electron microscopy. After 7 hr of development, the reaggregates were dissociated a second time and were again able to develop into plutei. The morphological development of both reaggregations appears to be identical. In addition, embryos of both reaggregations developed at the same rate as control embryos. Differences in the cells of the first and second dissociations as compared to controls are described, as is the ability of reaggregating cells to catch up to controls during early development. Possible reasons for their ability to make up for lost time are discussed, including non-randomness of cell behavior, lack of dedifferentiation and the presence of an internal clock.
Response of inbred and hybrid maize seed to gamma radiation and fission neutrons and its relationship to nuclear volume

Abstract This investigation was conducted to determine dose-response curves and relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for seedling growth reduction following seed irradiation of four inbreds, three single-cross hybrids, and one double-cross hybrid of maize with γ-radiation and fission neutrons. Also of primary interest was the relationship of response differences to nuclear volume. Caryopses (seeds) were adjusted to a water content of 13–14% prior to irradiation. Nuclear volumes were determined from nuclei in cells of the apical meristem. The inbred T232 was approximately 3 and 1·5 to 2 times more sensitive to γ-radiation and fission neutrons, respectively, than the other inbreds and hybrids. Except for T232, the D 50 for γ-radiation was 35–40 krads. The response to fission neurtrons was more variable; D 50 's ranged from 0·79 krads for T232 to 1·79 krads for the double-cross hybrid. This resulted in differences in neutron RBE, which ranged from 17·5 for T232 to 35·6 for the in bred T220. There was no consistent relationship between response to either kind of radiation and nuclear volume.
Combined-environment influence on microcrack evolution in mono-crystalline silicon

The impact of combined environment conditions (mechanical state, temperature, and relative humidity) on microcrack propagation characteristics in p-type monocrystalline, photovoltaic-grade Si wafers was examined. A four-point bend apparatus was used to impose static strain conditions in 280 micron thick monocrystalline Si wafers containing microindentation-initiated crack centers. The specimen under test was simultaneously subjected to varied temperature and relative humidity conditions within a controlled environment chamber. Microcrack length was monitored after exposure to two sets of temperature and relative humidity conditions (i.e. 20℃ and 33%, 40℃ and 60% respectively) using scanning electron microscopy. Two primary stages of crack elongation behavior were observed under both of the combined environment conditions. Specifically, an early-time, more rapid growth period occurred, followed by more limited crack growth at later times. The deceleration of crack propagation is consistent with stress relaxation accompanying crack elongation under the constant strain conditions imposed. In general, an increase in the average microcrack propagation rate within both growth rate ranges and in the final overall change in average crack length was observed under elevated temperature and humidity conditions. These findings support the probable role of local crack-tip environment on microcrack evolution.
Normal momentum transfer on ideal crystalline surfaces

I a previous Note the authors reported on a molecular collisional analysis of tangential momentum transport from a flowing gas to a solid surface. The surface was taken to be macroscopically smooth and flat, i.e., monocrystalline on a molecular scale, so that comparison with experimental data on tangential momentum transfer rates could be used to estimate the importance of roughness of real surfaces. The gas-surface system was represented by a simple molecular model, and calculations were made of the tangential momentum transfer coefficient <rt as a function of the dimensionless gas velocity and the length parameter of the molecular interaction potential. The trends in the calculated results for <jt generally agreed with observation, but the calculated magnitudes were somewhat lower than typical measured values, as would be expected if the effect of surface roughness (polycry stallinity) were significant. The purpose of this Note is to report values of normal momentum transfer coefficients calculated for the same gassurface model. In this case the model is clearly of more questionable validity, for reasons to be described below. The results should therefore be viewed as tentative until they can be compared with experiment or until studies with a more accurate surface model have been made. Consider the free-molecule flow of a rarefied gas along a stationary infinite flat plate whose surface is the plane y = 0. The gas velocity u = xu(y,t) is in the x direction parallel to the plate and is steady and uniform far from the plate; that is, lim u(y,t) = U, a constant. If we let/(c,?/,0 be the distribu-
Abstract 2237: Acquisition of biospecimens to support the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project is an NIH Common Fund study that is aimed at understanding how genetic variation influences gene expression in normal tissues. Here we describe a biospecimen collection platform that was developed to address the logistical challenges of acquiring a large collection of high-quality tissues from rapid autopsy and organ donors for GTEx. This complex infrastructure is utilized to procure specimens under a rigorous quality management program and a stringent ethical, legal, and regulatory framework. Ultimately, data from the GTEx study will be used to evaluate gene regulatory mechanisms and their contribution to human disease development. Citation Format: Latarsha Carithers, Abhi Rao, Helen Moore. Acquisition of biospecimens to support the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2237. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2237
Efficient Object-Based Video Inpainting

Video inpainting describes the process of removing a portion of a video and filling in the missing part (hole) in a visually consistent manner. Most existing video inpainting techniques are computationally intensive and cannot handle large holes. In this paper, we propose a complete and efficient video in-painting system. Our system applies different strategies to handle static and dynamic portions of the hole. To inpaint the static portion, our system uses background replacement and image inpainting techniques. To inpaint moving objects in the hole, we utilizes background subtraction and object segmentation to extract a set of object templates and perform optimal object interpolation using dynamic programming. We evaluate the performance of our system based on a set of indoor surveillance sequences with different types of occlusions.
Predictive factors of regional toxicity and serum creatine phosphokinase levels after isolated limb infusion for melanoma: A multi-institutional analysis

Isolated limb infusion (ILI) is a minimally invasive technique delivering regional chemotherapy to treat in-transit extremity melanoma. Determining perioperative factors that could predict toxicity is important to optimize strategies to improve clinical outcomes after regional chemotherapy in melanoma. Perioperative factors from 171 ILI patients performed at eight centers from 2001 to 2008 were reviewed. The Wieberdink limb toxicity scale and creatine phosphokinase (CK) levels were used to measure toxicity. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between toxicity and perioperative parameters. Mild (grades I–II) and severe (grades ≥III) limb toxicity developed in 68% and 32% of patients, respectively. Melphalan adjusted for ideal body weight (aIBW) and papaverine were used in 47% and 63% of patients, respectively. Median peak CK for all patients was 563 U/l, and median peak occurred at postoperative day 4. On univariate analysis, papaverine and high CK levels (>563 U/l) were significantly associated with higher toxicity. On the contrary, aIBW was significantly associated with a lower risk of severe toxicity. Perfusate blood gas at 30 min [pH, PaO2, and base excess (BE) ], limb temperature, and ischemia time were not predictive of limb toxicity. On multivariate analysis, severe toxicity was associated with female sex (P = 0.01), papaverine (P = 0.01), and high peak CK levels (P < 0.01). Independent predictors of high CK levels included younger age, unadjusted melphalan dose, and low PaO2 at 30 min. ILI can be performed with an acceptable morbidity. Papaverine use, female gender, and high peak CK were associated with higher limb toxicity. CK levels can be diminished significantly with aIBW.
Studies of the Dielectric Constant of Thin Film Bismuth Nanowire Samples Using Optical Reectometry

Arrays of 10 to 120 nm diameter single crystalline bismuth nanowires havebeen formed inside amorphous alumina templates. ince bismuth has a small e ective mass compared to other materials, signi cant quantum mechanical con nement is expected to occur in wires with diameter less than 50nm. he subbands formed b yquantum con nement cause in teresting modi cations to the dielectric function of bismuth. his study measures the dielectric function of bismuth nanowires in an energy range where the e ects of quantum con nement are predicted (0.05 to 0.5e). Using F ourier transforminfrared re ectometry, the dielectric constant as a function of energy is obtained for the alumina/bismuth composite system. E ective medium theory is used to subtract the e ect of the alumina template from the measurement of the composite material, thus yielding the dielectric function of bismuth nanowires. A strong absorption peak is observed at ∼1000cm−1 in the frequency dependent dielectric function in the photon energy range measured. he dependence of the frequency and intensity of this oscillator on incident light polarization and wire diameter are reviewed. n addition, the dependence of the optical absorption on antimony and tellurium doping of the nanowires are reported.
Degenerative changes in peripheral joints as indicators of mechanical stress: Opportunities and limitations

Although it commonly has been assumed that environmentally mediated stress is centrally important in initiating degenerative joint disease, it does not necessarily follow that we can make predictive statements concerning those specific stresses in the past that have led to the onset of degenerative change. Indeed, numerous examples from clinical studies of apparently clearly demarcated occupational stress have failed to show expected correlations with degenerative disease. Comparisons of laterality, age of onset, location, frequency and severity of involvement can be used to facilitate general comparisons concerning type and overall level of mechanical stress as, for example, between hunter-gatherer and agricultural groups. As shown from statistical analysis of skeletons of American Whites, American Blacks, Alaskan Eskimos, Pueblo Indians and Californian Indians (total N > 950), the expression of degenerative lesions varies both within and between joints. The most behaviourally sensitive joint modifications are seen on articular surfaces (pitting, eburnation), but not around joint margins (osteophytes), where strong age-related phenomena predominate.
Nerve growth factor-induced increase in electrical excitability and acetylcholine sensitivity of a rat pheochromocytoma cell line

A cloned line of rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) which responds to nerve growth factor (NGF) by cessation of division and extension of neurone-like processes, is shown to develop electrical excitability and greatly increased acetylcholine sensitivity in the presence of NGF. This implies that NGF influences the physiological differentiation of certain neural crest derivatives.
Distribution and hormonal regulation of androgen receptor (AR) and AR messenger ribonucleic acid in the rat hippocampus.

The actions of androgens in both peripheral and central tissues are linked in part to their ability to specifically bind and activate androgen receptors (ARs). ARs have been well studied in the rat hypothalamus and peripheral reproductive tissues, where they are directly involved in endocrine feedback mechanisms and reproduction. Previous studies revealed relatively high levels of AR and AR messenger RNA (mRNA) in the rat hippocampus; however, the action of androgen in this brain region remains unclear. To begin to address this issue, we used a multidisciplinary approach to quantitate hippocampal AR and AR mRNA levels and investigate their regulation after various hormonal manipulations. In vitro binding assays revealed a single, saturable, high affinity binding site for androgen in hippocampal cytosols. The expression of AR mRNA in the intact adult male rat hypothalamus and hippocampus was demonstrated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and quantified using a ribonuclease protection as...
Energetic cost of development through metamorphosis for the seastar Mediaster aequalis (Stimpson)

Rates of oxygen consumption were measured for embryos, larvae and juveniles of the seastar Mediaster aequalis for 76 days post-fertilization. The rate increased from 0.65 nmol O2 ind−1 h−1 at 6 h after fertilization to 2.8 nmol O2 ind−1 h−1 at day 35. Larvae became competent to metamorphose around day 35 post-fertilization and began to decrease their metabolic rate after this time. Metamorphosed juveniles consumed 0.74 nmol O2 ind−1 h−1. Eggs contained 138.6 µg lipid ind−1 and 12.1 µg protein ind−1. Lipid levels decreased in concentration throughout development while protein levels increased slightly. The lipid levels decreased by 88.5 µg from eggs to day 76 larvae, accounting for 3.5 J of energy. Total oxygen consumption to this point was 3.74 µmol O2 ind−1, accounting for 1.84 J. The energetic demand up to day 76 was met completely through the use of lipid reserves. Metamorphosed juveniles expended 0.5 J more than larvae at the same age. Tubes of the polychaete Phyllochaetopterus prolifica were able to induce metamorphosis in M. aequalis larvae and a non-polar extract of these tubes also triggered metamorphosis. Larvae that are delayed to metamorphose can sustain their metabolic rate with lipid reserves for a limited, yet undetermined, period.
Catalytic partial oxidation of methane over Pt/ceria-doped catalysts: Effect of ionic conductivity

Abstract Catalyst deactivation due to carbon deposition during the production of hydrogen rich synthesis gas has proven to be a major impediment in hydrocarbon fuel reforming. Several Pt-deposited catalysts were prepared and tested to study the role of ionic conductivity of the support material upon which they were deposited. Ceria-based supports used in this work were synthesized by a hydrothermal method and the catalysts were prepared by Pt addition (1 wt.%). Characterization of ceria-based supports included composition, surface area, crystal phases, reducibility and ionic conductivity. In order to study the influence of ionic conductivity on carbon deposition, Pt/(Ce0.56Zr0.44)O2−x, Pt/(Ce0.91Gd0.09)O2−x, Pt/(Ce0.71Gd0.29)O2−x and Pt/CeO2 were utilized as catalysts in the conversion of methane to syn-gas at varying oxygen-to-carbon ratios. Carbon content on the catalysts measured post-test revealed that the gadolinium-doped catalysts generated less carbon deposition between the catalysts tested. Stability tests of Pt/ceria-based catalysts showed stable performance during a 24 h reaction period. In order to compare carbon formation by oxygen ion conducting and non-oxygen ion conducting catalysts, the partial oxidation of methane was carried out over Pt/γ-Al2O3 and Pt/(Ce0.71Gd0.29)O2−x. Interestingly, the CH4 conversion for both materials was comparable. However, the amount of carbon deposited on Pt/(Ce0.71Gd0.29)O2−x was observed to be much less than on the alumina-supported Pt catalyst.
The midline of the drosophila central nervous system: A model for the genetic analysis of cell fate, cell migration, and growth cone guidance

Abstract A row of mesectodermal cells separates the two lateral neurogenic regions in the Drosophila embryo and generates a discrete set of glia and neurons. Most CNS growth cones initially head straight toward the midline, suggesting that these midline cells play a key role in the formation of the axon commissures. We have used antibodies that stain the first axons, β-galactosidase enhancer trap lines that selectively stain the different midline cells, and electron microscopic studies to elucidate the cells and interactions that mediate the normal formation of the two major commissures in each segment. This analysis has led to a model that proposes a series of sequential cell interactions controlling the development of the axon commissures. A genetic test of this model has utilized a number of mutations that, by either eliminating or altering the differentiation of various midline cells, perturb the development of the axon commissures in a predictable fashion.
The distribution of DNA translocation times in solid-state nanopores

This paper systematically investigates the effects of solution viscosity, applied voltage and DNA chain length on the distribution of DNA translocation times through 8 ± 2 nm diameter silicon nitride nanopores. Linear dsDNA translocation events were selected based on the magnitude of current blockage and accumulated into scatter plots of current blockage and event duration (translocation time). The translocation time distribution was fitted to the solution of a Smoluchowski-type equation for 1D biased diffusion to a sink. The DNA drifting speed under bias and diffusion constant were extracted from the fits as functions of solution viscosity, applied voltage and DNA chain length. Combined with the Einstein-Smoluchowski relation, this model allowed evaluation of the viscous drag force on DNA molecules. This model also allowed estimation of the uncertainty in determining the DNA chain length due to the influence of friction on the spread of translocation times in a nanopore measurement. The data analysis suggests that the simple 1D biased diffusion model fits the experimental data well for a wide range of conditions. Some deviations from predicted behavior were observed and show where additional phenomena are likely to contribute to the distribution of DNA translocation times.
Recovering crater production functions from densely cratered surfaces

Two techniques proposed for the recovery of the crater-production functions on densely cratered surfaces have been appraised. The first technique classifies craters according to their degree of rim preservation, then interprets the statistics of the freshest craters as closely mimicking the full population's production function. Although commonly practiced, in fact, this method is demonstrably misleading for densely cratered surfaces. The second technique uses a weighting scheme to recover the production function. Each crater diameter measured is weighed by the fraction of the crater that remains unoverlapped by subsequent impacts. While this method is theoretically sound even at saturation crater densities, it too fails at high densities due to practical difficulties. For this technique to work effectively, one would have to be able to recognize and accurately measure the diameters of craters having less than 10 percent of their rims remaining, a feat beyond reasonable expectation.
Interaction of human plasma high density lipoprotein HDL2 with synthetic saturated phosphatidylcholines

The interaction of human plasma high density lipoprotein HDL2 (d 1.063–1.125 g/ml) with sonicated dispersions of synthetic saturated phosphatidylcholines, dipalmitoyl- (diC16PC), dimyristoyl- (diC14PC), didodecanoyl- (diC12PC), didecanoyl- (diC10PC), and dioctanoyl- (diC8PC) L-alpha phosphatidylcholine, was investigated. Incubation (4.5 hr, 37 C) of HDL2 with diC14PC, diC12PC, diC10PC and diC8PC followed by gradient gel electrophoresis or preparative ultracentrifugation resulted in a redistribution of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I). The extent of redistribution depended on the molar ratio of the phospholipid to HDL2 in the incubation mixture. Redistributed apoA-I occurred as lipid-free apoA-I and/or as complexes of apoA-I with phosphatidylcholine. Increasing the length of time of ultracentrifugation of the interaction mixtures did not increase the extent of redistribution. No redistribution of apoA-I was detected following incubation and gradient gel electrophoresis or preparative ultracentrifugation of mixtures of HDL2 with dispersions of diC16PC.
Distribution of Carbon Nanofibers and Nanotubes in Cementitious Composites

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and nanotubes (CNTs) are known to be extremely strong and stiff, and their potential as reinforcement has been of interest to many investigators in the past decade. One of the most important keys for fully harnessing the properties of any type of fiber is to control the distribution in the material matrix. As far as CNFs-CNTs are concerned, the strong attraction among nanoscale fibers due to van der Waals forces makes this task difficult. This study focuses on some of the problems that prevent a uniform distribution of CNFs-CNTs in cement paste and the methods used in the past to enhance dispersion. The first phase of the experimental program investigates the effect of using superplasticizers accompanied by sonication on the dispersion of CNFs in water and paste. The second phase focuses on the problem of cement grain size and limitations that the use of fine grain cement causes. Finally, on the basis of results and past studies, suggestions are made for achieving enhanced dispers...
Three Types of Metaphoric Utterances That Can Synthesize Theories of Metaphor

This article argues that there are three types of metaphoric utterances that can be defined by (a) the contextual stability of the utterance’s interpretation and (b) the presence or absence of a conceptual source–target mapping. Evidence for these three types of metaphoric utterances comes from introspective evidence about metaphor-in-language, from a survey-based study of metaphoricity, from a computational model of metaphoricity, and from a meta-study of the examples used in published metaphor research. These three types of metaphoric utterances are used to narrow the scope of existing theories of metaphor and thus to synthesize them, showing that competing theories describe and are concerned with different types of metaphoric utterances.
An X-ray study of the effect of enzymes on frog sciatic nerve myelin

Abstract Low-angle X-ray diffraction patterns have been recorded from frog sciatic nerve after digestion with trypsin and Pronase. Reproducible X-ray patterns were obtained by swelling the nerves in distilled water before treatment with enzymes. The X-ray patterns of enzyme-treated nerves are distinctly different from the X-ray pattern of normal (live) nerve. It would appear that the normal asymmetric nerve myelin membrane becomes symmetric about its center after treatment with enzymes as a result of proteolytic cleavage and a subsequent redistribution of protein components.
Modeling of switching cores for induction accelerators

A nonlinear magnetization model has been installed in the 2-1/2-D finite-difference electromagnetic code AMOS. A procedure has been developed for mapping the 3D induction cells on the 2D AMOS mesh. These tools will be important for modeling advanced induction accelerator cells. >
Successive direction extraction for estimating the central subspace in a multiple-index regression

In this paper we propose a dimension reduction method for estimating the directions in a multiple-index regression based on information extraction. This extends the recent work of Yin and Cook [X. Yin, R.D. Cook, Direction estimation in single-index regression, Biometrika 92 (2005) 371-384] who introduced the method and used it to estimate the direction in a single-index regression. While a formal extension seems conceptually straightforward, there is a fundamentally new aspect of our extension: We are able to show that, under the assumption of elliptical predictors, the estimation of multiple-index regressions can be decomposed into successive single-index estimation problems. This significantly reduces the computational complexity, because the nonparametric procedure involves only a one-dimensional search at each stage. In addition, we developed a permutation test to assist in estimating the dimension of a multiple-index regression.
An Improved Weak Pressure Gradient Scheme for Single-Column Modeling

AbstractA new formulation of the weak pressure gradient approximation (WPG) is introduced for parameterizing large-scale dynamics in limited-domain atmospheric models. This new WPG is developed in the context of the one-dimensional, linearized, damped, shallow-water equations and then extended to Boussinesq and compressible fluids. Unlike previous supradomain-scale parameterizations, this formulation of WPG correctly reproduces both steady-state solutions and first baroclinic gravity waves. In so doing, this scheme eliminates the undesirable gravity wave resonance in previous versions of WPG. In addition, this scheme can be extended to accurately model the emission of gravity waves with arbitrary vertical wavenumber.