cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The ecology of Osmia nigrifrons with a comparison to other Acanthosmioides

Summary The biology and ethology of Osmia nigrifrons are described and contrasted with O. integra, O. unca, and O. nigrobarbata. The nesting season begins in mid spring and extends about 45 days. Floral records for the species indicate a preference for papilionaceous legumes. Mud nests occur in tubular burrows and in sheltered sites. Nests are composed of from one to several hundred urn-shaped cells. Cells vary between different nest types but possess several constant features: (1) narrowed entry; (2) spiral cell cap structure; (3) constancy of inner dimensions; (4) construction of only soil. Mating, sleeping, cell construction and provisioning behaviour are described. Eggs deposited on top of the pollen-nectar mass required 11·7 days to develop. Larval feeding time averaged 28 days and then the cocoon is spun. Pupation begins in early September and the bee overwinters as adults encased in cocoons. Four years analysis of mortality factors is provided for one population. Mortality rates vary from a low of ...
The Effects of Processor Strategy on the Speech Perception Performance of Pediatric Nucleus Multichannel Cochlear Implant Users

Objective: The present investigation examined the speech perception skills of pediatric cochlear implant users who changed from their original speech processors and strategies to the Spectral Peak (SPEAK) strategy. Design: A within-subjects design was used to compare individual subject's performance using the SPEAK strategy with that obtained with their previous speech strategy (F0F1F2 or Multipeak) in this retrospective study. The subjects demonstrated a wide range of perceptual abilities and had used a cochlear implant for varying lengths of time before converting to the SPEAK strategy. Results: Nine of the 11 subjects showed significant improvement on at least one of the open-set word recognition measures, whereas two subjects showed no change on any of the open-set measures when using the SPEAK strategy. Conclusions: The present results suggest that the majority of pediatric cochlear implant users are likely to show improved speech perception performance when converting to the new SPEAK processing strategy.
Performance bounds and suboptimal policies for linear stochastic control via LMIs

In a recent paper, the authors showed how to compute performance bounds for infinite-horizon stochastic control problems with linear system dynamics and arbitrary constraints, objective, and noise distribution. In this paper, we extend these results to the finite-horizon case, with asymmetric costs and constraint sets. In addition, we derive our bounds using a new method, where we relax the Bellman equation to an inequality. The method is based on bounding the objective with a general quadratic function, and using linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) and semidefinite programming (SDP) to optimize the bound. The resulting LMIs are more complicated than in the previous paper (which only used quadratic forms) but this extension allows us to obtain good bounds for problems with substantial asymmetry, such as supply chain problems. The method also yields very good suboptimal control policies, using control-Lyapunov methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iterative method for the analysis of rectangular waveguides with external effective index correction

We discuss a simple, self-consistent iterative method for the analysis of rectangular waveguides with strong guidance. We show that this method removes the ambiguity of the conventional effective index method and gives a convergent value of the propagation constant both near and far from cutoff. Near the cut-off region, the accuracy can be improved by including an external effective index correction which takes into account the finite mode effect outside the waveguide.
Low Reynolds Number Aerodynamics of Low-Aspect-Ratio, Thin/Flat/Cambered-Plate Wings

The design of micro aerial vehicles requires a better understanding of the aerodynamics of small low-aspect-ratio wings. An experimental investigation has focused on measuring the lift, drag, and pitching moment about the quarter chord on a series of thin flat plates and cambered plates at chord Reynolds numbers varying between 60,000 and 200,000. Results show that the cambered plates offer better aerodynamic characteristics and performance. It also appears that the trailing-edge geometry of the wings and the turbulence intensity in the wind tunnel do not have a strong effect on the lift and drag for thin wings at low Reynolds numbers. Moreover, the results did not show the presence of any hysteresis, which is usually observed with thick airfoils/wings
In search of the videogame player The lives of Mario

Videogames represent what may be the current apotheosis, and certainly most widely available implementation, of high-level human-computer interaction. As such, they must be viewed as a paradigmatic emblem of the new media. This article presents findings from two longitudinal studies that highlight the analytical and methodological weaknesses of the (sparse) extant scholarly studies of the medium, and calls for a more sensitive approach to investigating and interpreting the composition of the interactive experience of videogame play. The article offers an integrative model describing the complex of dialectical relationships and interactions between previously discrete concepts and constructs of player, system and gameworld.
Purposes of three-dimensional circuits

The authors discuss the topology, metrology, and architecture of three-dimensional (3-D) circuits. They attempt to identify the principal advantages of 3-D circuitry, the types of circuits that will best provide these advantages, and the technology problems that should be given priority.
Training methods for a connectionist model of consonant-vowel syllable recognition

A description is given of several CV (consonant-vowel) syllable recognition experiments using neural network learning and retrieval paradigms. Previously (1988), the authors trained both one- and two-speaker systems to classify phonemes from the set (b d g)*(a i u) at a rate over 90%. However, when more phonemes are added to the system, additional training techniques are necessary to maintain this system performance. These techniques include training parallel sets of hidden units sequentially. In this technique the weights associated with one set are frozen while the weights of the other set are being trained. In addition, it was found that elaboration of the same input data in alternate representations helps performance considerably. Finally, it is shown that training the system to reject nonspeech acoustic data helps system performance when error analysis criteria are made more rigorous to test for practical speech recognition performance. >
Protection of Multiple Antioxidants against Heme Protein Oxidation and Lipid Peroxidation Induced by CBrCl3 in Liver, Lung, Kidney, Heart, and Spleen

Protection of multiple antioxidants against heme protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation induced by bromotrichloromethane (CBrCl3) was studied in a tissue homogenate system. Rats were fed a basal diet (vitamin E and selenium deficient) supplemented with different kinds and amounts of antioxidants. Diet 1 was supplemented with vitamin E and selenium (control diet). Diet 2 was supplemented with vitamin E, selenium, and the water-soluble/less fat-soluble antioxidants coenzyme Q0, trolox c, and acetylcysteine. Diet 3 was supplemented with vitamin E, selenium, and both water- and fat-soluble antioxidants trolox c, coenzyme Q0, acetylcysteine, β-carotene, ascorbic acid 6-palmitate, coenzyme Q10, and canthaxanthin. (+)-Catechin was added to diets 2 and 3 as a representative flavonoid. In general, lower concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and oxidized heme proteins were found in tissues from rats fed diets 2 and 3 than from rats fed diet 1, suggesting that increased quantity and diversity o...
Continence and urodynamic parameters of continent urinary reservoirs : Comparison of gastric, ileal, ileocolic, right colon, and sigmoid segments

Abstract Objectives. To compare the urodynamic parameters and continence rates among five different continent urinary reservoirs. Methods. Continent urinary reservoirs were constructed in 40 patients with an average age of 60 years (range 23 to 81). Twenty-three had orthotopic neobladders (“neobladders”), and in 17 the reservoirs exited by way of an abdominal wall stoma as “stomal urinary reservoirs.” In the neobladders, the detubularized segment was ileum (Hautmann) in 5, ileocecal (Mainz) in 8, sigmoid in 4, and gastric in 6. In the stomal urinary reservoirs, the segment was ileocecal in 11 (Mainz) and right colon in 6 (Indiana). Urodynamic studies were performed at a mean of 9.1 months. Results. Stomal urinary reservoirs had the best continence rates (Indiana pouch 100%, Mainz pouch 91%). Neobladder continence rates were as follows: Hautmann, 80%; Mainz, 75%; sigmoid, 50%; and gastric, 33%. Day and night incontinence rates were nearly identical. Compared with the other pouches, gastric and sigmoid reconstructions had the smallest capacity, were the least compliant, and were the most contractile. Conclusions. Stomal urinary reservoirs using ileocecal valve and right colon, with or without an overlying patch of ileum, provide similar excellent results. Continence approached 100% in compliant patients without the need for revision. Patients with neobladders were less continent, although those with ileal or ileocecal configurations still had very good continence rates. Neobladders of sigmoid or stomach can be used when necessary, but with greater incontinence rates. This poorer continence can be explained by the decreased capacity, decreased compliance, and a tendency toward high pressure spikes despite detubularization.
A Yield Model for Walking Catfish Production in Aquaculture Systems

Diana, J.S., Kohler, S.L. and Ottey, D.R., 1988. A yield model for walking catfish production in aquaculture systems. Aquaculture, 71: 23-35. A yield model for Clarias culture was produced using a combination of laboratory data for Clarias lazera and field data on Clarias batrachus culture in Thailand. The model was used for simulations to fulfil three distinct objectives: (1) to consolidate knowledge of fish physiology and aquaculture practices for Clarias into a model which can be validated; (2) to determine sensitivity of predictions to variation in model parameters; and (3 ) to predict yield of Clarias ponds under different stocking density, size at stocking, and type of containment. The accuracy of this model was tested with an independent data set of 32 grow-out periods. The model was relatively poor at predicting yield when the measured feeding rate was input (r2=0.022), but reasonably good at predicting yield if maximum feeding rate was input ( r2 = 0.52 ). This may reflect poor data collection of feeding rate in the ponds. Sensitivity analyses indicated that changes in parameters related to maximum consumption showed high importance in predicting yield, while changes in metabolic parameters had low importance. A doubling of feeding rate increased yield 548% in earthen ponds and 465% in concrete tanks. Density stocked was of secondary importance in increasing simulated yield, while size at stocking was relatively unimportant. The maximum consumption rate of different food types (pellets, trash fish) was also extremely important in determining simulated yield.
Arsenic Adsorption and Oxidation at Manganite Surfaces. 1. Method for Simultaneous Determination of Adsorbed and Dissolved Arsenic Species

Arsenic occurs in the +III oxidation state as a metastable species in oxic waters. Under oxic conditions, As(III) is both more mobile in natural waters and less efficiently removed by water treatment processes than As(V). Other oxidants, however, can react with As(III) more rapidly than oxygen. The oxidation of As(III) by manganite occurs on the time scale of hours. Here, a method is introduced for the rapid determination of the total and dissolved concentrations of arsenic species in this heterogeneous system; adsorbed arsenic concentrations are calculated by difference. The oxidation reaction is quenched by the addition of ascorbic acid to effect the reductive dissolution of manganite and concomitant release of adsorbed As(III) and As(V) into solution. Once in solution, As(III) and As(V) are separated using anion-exchange chromatography. Comparison of dissolved and total concentrations of As(III) and As(V) clearly illustrates that the overall conversion rate of As(III) to As(V) in this system would be overpredicted based solely on dissolved As(III) concentrations and underpredicted based solely on dissolved As(V) concentrations. The overall conversion of As(III) to As(V) was more rapid at pH 4 than at pH 6.3 and was unaffected by the presence of boric acid at 95 μM or 3 mM. However, the presence of 200 μM phosphate (at pH 4) decreased the overall rate of conversion of As(III) to As(V). Comparison of total and dissolved As(III) concentrations during the reaction time course demonstrates that the effects of pH and phosphate on adsorbed As(III) concentrations are generally consistent with these kinetic observations.
HDAC lightens a heavy heart.

Numerous pathological stimuli lead to cardiac hypertrophy. The winding roads to pathological cardiac growth now seem to converge on one protein, histone deacetylase (HDAC).
Raman and far infrared spectra and conformational analysis of some dichloropropenes

Abstract The Raman spectra of gaseous, liquid and solid 2,3-dichloropropene, CH2=C(CH2Cl)Cl and both trans and cis-1,3-dichloropropene, ClHC=CH(CH2Cl) have been recorded. For the first two molecules both the anticlinal (gauche) and synclinal (s-cis) conformers have been observed in the fluid states at ambient temperature whereas for the latter molecule only the anticlinal conformer is present in all three physical states. Conformational stabilities have been determined from the temperature dependence of the Raman spectrum.
Characterization of a hybrid Li-ion anode system from pulsed laser deposited silicon on CVD-grown multilayer graphene

A hybrid anode system for lithium (Li) ion battery applications based on pulsed laser deposited silicon films on chemical vapor deposited multilayer graphene (MLG) layers on a nickel foam substrate was electrochemically characterized. The as-grown material was directly fabricated into an anode without a binder, and tested in a half-cell configuration. There is evidence of the participation of both the multilayer graphene and the Si in the transport of Li ions. Even when cycled under stressful voltage limits that accelerate degradation, the MLG–Si films displayed higher stability than Si-only anodes, especially at higher cycling rates. Unlike the Si cells that display capacity fade even within the first few cycles, the MLG–Si cells show a very narrow spread in capacity, indicative of the role of the graphene layers in improving adhesion of the Si and acting as a compliant buffer for its volume expansion. Stable average specific capacities of ~1,200 mAh/g per total weight of MLG + Si, over 80 cycles at C/5 rate, were obtained for the MLG–Si anode. Pre- and post-cycling characterization of the anode materials revealed the differences between the two systems.
Long-distance transmission of bandwidth-managed solitons in fibres with alternating dispersion

It is shown that bandwidth management in dispersion-alternating fibres allows noise accumulation in spaces to be suppressed and signal pulses, bandwidth-managed solitons (BMS), to be stably propagated over ultra-long distances. Both the amplitude and timing jitter of the signal pulses are greatly reduced by using BMS while the transmission distance is dramatically increased.
Openness and income: The roles of trade and migration

Abstract This paper explores the relationship between openness to trade, immigration, and income per person across countries. To address endogeneity concerns we extend the instrumental-variables strategy introduced by Frankel and Romer (1999). We build predictors of openness to immigration and to trade for each country by using information on bilateral geographical and cultural distance (while controlling for country size). Since geography may affect income through other channels, we also control for climate, disease environment, natural resources, and colonial origins. Most importantly, we also account for the roles of institutions and early development. Our instrumental-variables estimates provide evidence of a robust, positive effect of openness to immigration on long-run income per capita. In contrast, we are unable to establish an effect of trade openness on income. We also show that the effect of migration operates through an increase in total factor productivity, which appears to reflect increased diversity in productive skills and, to some extent, a higher rate of innovation.
Biased sex ratios in laboratory strains of guppies, Poecilia reticulata

Older laboratory strains of guppies, Poecilia reticulata, exhibit female-biased sex ratios. The results of interstrain crosses and crosses involving exceptional Y Y males showed that the sex ratio phenomenon is determined primarily by Y-linked genes which result either in decreased production of Y-bearing sperm, or in lowered ability of Y-bearing sperm to compete with X-bearing sperm for ova. Inbreeding and local mate competition cannot account for the evolution of the sex ratio deviations. It is suggested that the sex ratio effect is caused either by pleiotropic effects of Y-linked genes increasing the ability of males to compete for females, or by a genetic deterioration of the Y-chromosomes through accumulation of deleterious alleles. The latter suggestion is supported by the theoretical models of Nei (1970) and Charlesworth (1978) on the evolution of inert Y-chromosomes.
A Vitamin/Nutriceutical Formulation Improves Memory and Cognitive Performance in Community-dwelling Adults without Dementia

Adults of both genders without dementia consumed a nutriceutical formulation (“NF,” consisting of folic acid, B12, Vitamin E, S-adenosylmethionine, N-acetyl cysteine and Acetyl-L-carnitine), previously shown to improve cognitive performance in Alzheimer’s disease, or placebo. Participants receiving NF but not placebo improved statistically and clinically in the California Verbal Learning Test II and the Trail-Making Test. Both groups improved further during a 3-month open-label extension. Additional individuals displayed identical improvement during a separate 6-month open-label trial. Performance declined to baseline following withdrawal of NF, and statistically improved when participants resumed taking NF. Additional participants receiving NF but not placebo demonstrated improvement within 2 weeks in Trail-making and Digit-Memory tests; both groups improved in a 2-week open-label extension. An increased percentage of participants ≥ 74 years of age did not show improvement with NF, which may relate to age-related difficulties in adsorption and/or basal nutritional deficiencies, or age-related cognitive decline during the course of this study. These findings support the benefit of nutritional supplements for cognitive performance and suggest that additional supplementation may be required for the elderly.
Reactive Melt Infiltration of Silicon-Niobium Alloys in Microporous Carbons

Studies of the reactive melt infiltration of silicon-niobium alloys in microporous carbon preforms prepared by the pyrolysis of a polymer precursor have been carried out using modeling, Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), and melt infiltration. Mercury porosimetry results indicate a very narrow pore size distribution with virtually all the porosity within the carbon preforms open to infiltrants. The morphology and amount of the residual phases (niobium disilicide and silicon) in the infiltrated material can be tailored according to requirements by careful control of the properties (pore size and pore volume) of the porous carbon preforms and alloy composition. The average room temperature four-point flexural strength of a reaction-formed silicon carbide material (made by the infiltration of medium pore size carbon preform with Si - 5 at. % Nb alloy) is 290 +/- 40 MPa (42 +/- 6 ksi) and the fracture toughness is 3.7 +/- 0.3 MPa square root of m. The flexural strength decreases at high temperatures due to relaxation of residual thermal stresses and the presence of free silicon in the material.
Subsurface cisterns and their relationship to the neuronal plasma membrane.

Subsurface cisterns (SSC's) are large, flattened, membrane-limited vesicles which are very closely apposed to the inner aspect of the plasma membranes of nerve cell bodies and the proximal parts of their processes. They occur in a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate neurons of both the peripheral and central nervous systems, but not in the surrounding supporting cells. SSC's are sheet-like in configuration, having a luminal depth which may be less than 100 A and a breadth which may be as much as several microns. They are separated from the plasmalemma by a light zone of ∼50 to 80 A which sometimes contains a faint intermediate line. Flattened, agranular cisterns resembling SSC's, but structurally distinct from both typical granular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and from Golgi membranes, also occur deep in the cytoplasm of neurons. It is suggested that membranes which are closely apposed may interact, resulting in alterations in their respective properties. The patches of neuronal plasmalemma associated with subsurface cisterns may, therefore, have special properties because of this association, resulting in a non-uniform neuronal surface. The possible significance of SSC's in relation to neuronal electrophysiology and metabolism is discussed.
Additional results on key-to-address transform techniques: a fundamental performance study on large existing formatted files

In an earlier paper by Lum, Yuen, and Dodd [1] experimental results comparing six commonly used key-to-address transformation techniques were presented. One transformation in that study referred to as “Lin's method” is an elaborate technique based on radix transformation. Andrew Lin has since pointed out to the authors that his method of transformation [2] consists of not just a radix transformation algorithm but also the specific ways the values of p and q are chosen as well as hardware implementation to carry out the steps of this transformation in an efficient manner. Since our study was intended for general radix transformations rather than Lin's specific implementation, we think it is more appropriate to change the label of that transformation in [1] from “Lin's method” to “generalized radix transformation method” and we use this term here.
Canis Satiricus: Alexander Pope and His Dogs

Among Alexander Pope's most quoted lines is the epigram “Engraved on the Collar of a Dog which I gave to his Royal Highness” (1738): “I am his Highness’ Dog at Kew; / Pray tell me Sir, whose Dog ar...
Veterans' perceptions of care by nurse practitioners, physician assistants,and physicians: A comparison from satisfaction surveys

Purpose: To examine the differences in patient satisfaction with care provided by nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and physicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) system. Data source: Secondary data was obtained from the VHA's Survey of Healthcare Experience of Patients (SHEP), a monthly survey designed to measure patient satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were calculated and categorical variables were summarized with frequency counts. Conclusions: Of the 2,164,559 surveys mailed to the veterans, 1,601,828 (response rate 64%) were returned. The study found that satisfaction scores increased by 5% when the number of NPs was increased compared to 1.8% when the number of physicians was increased and slightly increased or remained the same when the number of PAs was increased. Physician to PA/NP ratio was 7:3. Implications for practice: The VHA is the largest healthcare system and the single largest employer of NPs and PAs in the country. This study shows that a majority of the primary care clinic patients prefer to see NPs as compared with PAs and physicians. Besides clinical care, NPs focus on health promotion, disease prevention, health education, attentiveness, and counseling. Physicians and PAs should be educated on these characteristics to promote patient satisfaction and expected outcomes.
Physical and chemical changes in feather keratin during pyrolysis

The structural changes of chicken feather fibers (CFF) were investigated during pyrolysis by thermal analysis techniques coupled with mass spectrometry, solubility tests and gel permeation chromatography. The experimental data showed simultaneous disulfide bond cleavage and peptide crosslinking reactions, and suggested the dependency of crystalline melting on disulfide bond cleavage. The variation in the kinetics of these reactions played an important role in the melting transition and stability. Thus, careful tuning of the pyrolysis thermal profile provided conditions to obtain useful fibrous material at high temperatures. For instance, long-time heat treatments below the melting point provided sufficient crosslinks in the protein matrix to keep the fibrous structure intact. The protein matrix went through a series of transformations including cyclization and aromatization reactions above the melting point. Degradation of the matrix and liberation of aromatic carbons and cyclic amines were observed during these transformations. These pyrolysis mechanisms can serve as a guide for producing materials with desired properties from CFF and other keratin fibers, particularly in textile, high performance composite and catalyst applications.
The Modal Number of Citations to Political Science Articles Is Greater than Zero: Accounting for Citations in Articles and Books

Existing measures of article and journal impact count citations that articles receive in other articles. Such metrics ignore citations that articles receive in monographs and edited-volume chapters. Counting article citations in books reveals that popular measures of article and journal impact discriminate against articles and journals that receive citations in books rather than (or in addition to) citations in other articles, thereby discriminating against the research contributions of scholars who publish such articles. Analysis of citation patterns over 25 years reveals that citations in books have declined in American politics research while citations in articles have increased; citations in both books and articles remain important in the other subfields. Findings suggest that political scientists should supplement indicators of journal impact based on citations in peer-reviewed articles with measures that account for the citations that published articles receive in books.
Periductal Stromal Sarcoma of the Breast With Liposarcomatous Differentiation: A Case Report With 10-Year Follow-up and Literature Review

A biphasic tumor with features of benign ductal elements and a malignant stromal component that lacks the architecture of a phylloides tumor represents a diagnostic challenge. A 35-year-old woman presented with a painful mass located in the upper inner quadrant of the right breast. A biopsy revealed histologically that the tumor had a multinodular architecture with malignant spindle cells forming cuffs around multiple open benign ducts. No leaf-like architecture was present. In addition, liposarcomatous differentiation was seen in focal areas. Immunohistochemical staining showed positive for CD34, vimentin and CDK4, and negative for ER, PR, Her2/neu, CD10, CD117, p63, bcl-2, cytokeratin, and MDM2. A diagnosis of periductal stromal sarcoma with liposarcomatous differentiation was established. Following excision with mastectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy, the patient was disease-free for 10 years. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of periductal stromal sarcoma showing liposarcomatous differenti...
High-spin states in 92Tc

Abstract High-spin states in 92 Tc have been studied using the 33 MeV 92 Mo( 3 He, p2nγ) 92 Tc reaction. Levels up to J = (13) are identified. The results are compared with various shell-model calculations.
Psoriatic arthritis: prevalence, diagnosis, and review of therapy for the dermatologist

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that is commonly associated with psoriasis. While traditionally viewed as being a benign disease, recent evidence indicates the potential for a significant amount of morbidity and disability, making early recognition and intervention important. Treatment includes both traditional immunomodulatory agents as well as the recently available biologic response modifiers.
An optimization study of stripline loads for isentropic compression experiments

The use of stripline, rather than coaxial, load configurations for isentropic compression experiments (ICE) on Sandia's Z accelerator has recently become commonplace. Such loads offer many advantages over previously-developed coaxial loads, but also introduce new issues. In this paper, we will describe the behavior of these stripline loads and examine some of the issues that arise through their use.
A high power experimental traveling wave antenna for fast wave heating and current drive in DIII-D and relevance to ITER

The impact of a contemplated conversion of the directly driven high power antenna arrays in DIII-D to externally tuned and coupled traveling wave antennas (TWAs) is evaluated based on empirical modeling, computer simulation and low power experiments. A regime of operation is predicted within the TWA passband in which the reflected power from the TWA approaches 0.1% during the ELM-free H-mode. Furthermore, this reflected power does not exceed 1% and the optimum phase velocity produced by the TWA decreases less than 5% during ELMs. This resilient operating regime is phase shifted using external tuning stubs, thus providing considerable experimental flexibility. Over 90% plasma coupling efficiency is achieved by recovering the TWA output power using a novel traveling wave recirculator. Combining the above attributes with efficient plasma coupling even at large antenna-plasma distances and the lack of need for dynamic tuning, TWAs appear to offer great promise for ITER.
An analysis of the in-plane acceleration sensitivity of contoured quartz resonators with rectangular supports

It is shown that the resultant in-plane acceleration sensitivity of contoured quartz resonators symmetrically supported along rectangular edges always vanishes. This result is essentially a consequence of symmetry and applies to any shape for which the support system is symmetric with respect to the center of the mode shape. When the active plate is supported on one side only, a state of flexure is induced in the resonator which degrades the in-plane sensitivity. This emphasizes the importance of a symmetric support system to achieve low acceleration sensitivities. The extensional and induced in-plane flexural biasing deformations are determined by means of the variational approximation procedure using the variational principles in which all conditions appear as natural conditions. The resulting biasing states are used in a perturbation equation along with the mode shapes of the contoured resonators to calculate the non-vanishing acceleration sensitivities. >
Discourse analysis as a methodology for nursing inquiry

Discourse analysis is a relatively recent form of inquiry without a strict step-by-step method. The methodology of discourse analysis has a longer history in Continental Europe than in other countries.1 The complex theoretical assumptions, the goals and the target (discourse) have been explicated, but the methodology may be applied in different ways. This paper will describe discourse analysis and give examples of some of the possible variations. It is the claim of this paper that discourse analysis deserves consideration as a methodology for nursing inquiry.
Experimental Methods for Measuring Gene Interactions

AbstractThe role of epistasis in evolution has long been contentious. Resolving the issue requires empirical measurements that are statistically adequate and evolutionarily relevant. We review experimental methods for measuring epistasis, some that are commonly used but weak and others that are less frequently used but stronger. We review statistical genetic methods based on analyses of variances and means as well as molecular genetic methods for detecting gene interactions. We also highlight relevant empirical studies that illustrate the implementation of particular methods. In spite of the inherent weaknesses of most methods, epistasis is surprisingly common. We conclude with a discussion of how technologies for investigating genome-wide epistasis are bridging the gap between physiological and statistical epistasis for model organisms.
The allocation of attention and working memory in visual crowding

When the distance between a visual target and nearby flankers falls below a critical distance, target discrimination declines precipitously. This is called "crowding." Many researchers have proposed that selective attention plays a role in crowding. However, although some research has examined the effects of directing attention toward versus away from the targets, no previous research has assessed how attentional allocation varies as a function of target-flanker distance in crowding. Here, we used ERPs to assess the operation of attention during crowding, focusing on the attention-related N2pc component. We used a typical crowding task in which participants were asked to report the category vowel/consonant of a lateralized target letter flanked by distractor letters at different distances. We tested the hypothesis that attention fails when the target-flanker distance becomes too small for attention to operate effectively. Consistent with this hypothesis, we found that N2pc amplitude was maximal at intermediate target-flanker distances and decreased substantially when crowding became severe. In addition, we examined the sustained posterior contralateral negativity SPCN, which reflects the amount of information being maintained in working memory. Unlike the N2pc component, the SPCN increased in amplitude at small target-flanker distances, suggesting that observers stored information about the target and flankers in working memory when attention failed to select the target. Together, the N2pc and SPCN results suggest that attention and working memory play distinctive roles in crowding: Attention operates to minimize interference from the flankers at intermediate target-flanker distances, whereas working memory may be recruited when attention fails to select the target at small target-flanker distances.
The effect of a strong longtitudinal magnetic field on the flow of mercury in a circular tube

An experimental study of the effects of large longitudinal magnetic fields on the pipe flow of mercury has been made. The experiments were designed to provide large magnetic interaction parameters and thereby to have an important effect upon transition from laminar to turbulent flow and upon the structure of any turbulence. The friction factor and the transition Reynolds number were measured as functions of the magnetic field strength. The friction factor was obtained from accurate measurement of the pressure gradient along the tube. The transition Reynolds number was determined from measurements of the intermittency factor obtained using a hot-wire anemometer.The results indicate that all relevant stability theories vastly over-estimate the stabilizing effect of the field. The results also indicate that viscosity plays a critical role in delaying transition and in reducing the friction factor of fully developed flows. This, in turn, leads to the important conclusion that the magnetic field has an important effect on the generation of new turbulence, as well as upon the damping of already generated turbulence.
Percutaneous and laparoscopic cryoablation of small renal masses.

Purpose: We reviewed our 4-year experience with percutaneous cryoablation and laparoscopy for treating small renal masses.Materials and Methods: After institutional review board approval we retrospectively analyzed renal cryoablation procedures performed between March 2003 and October 2007. An in-depth analysis was performed concerning demographics, hospital course and short-term outcome with respect to percutaneous vs laparoscopic cryoablation.Results: A total of 37 patients underwent treatment for 43 renal masses. Of the 37 patients 19 underwent laparoscopic cryoablation (24 tumors) and 18 underwent percutaneous cryoablation (19 tumors) using computerized tomography fluoroscopy. For percutaneous cryoablation a saline instillation was used in 58% of cases to move nonrenal vital structures away from the targeted renal mass. There were 5 cases of hemorrhage requiring transfusion, all of which were associated with the use of multiple cryoprobes. The transfusion rate in the percutaneous and laparoscopic cryo...
Genetic Information, Ethics, Ethical Issues in Tissue Banking and Human Subject Research in Stored Tissues

Introduction Human Tissues: What They Are, and How They Are Used Current Federal Regulations for Protecting Human Subjects in Biomedical Research Exemption Implied by the Definition of “Human Subject” Exemption for Existing Tissues and Medical Records Conditions Necessary for the Waiver of Informed Consent General Requirements for Informed Consent and Special Provisions for Genetics Research Autonomy, Privacy, and the Social Good How the Regulations Encode and Interpret Autonomy and Beneficence Defining Privacy Consequentialist Interpretation of Autonomy Deontological Approach to Autonomy Keywords: genetics; ethics
The Influence of Rapid Social Change on Civic Community and Perceptions of Crime and Disorder

This study examines the effects of rapid social change brought on by industrial restructuring to nine small town/rural communities located in Southern Louisiana. Social change is often found to have negative impacts on traditional community organization. In particular, communities experiencing rapid social change often demonstrate heightened perceptions of crime problems and social disorder. Other sociological literature finds that communities that are civically organized show various positive social outcomes. Utilizing qualitative methodology, this study aimed to examine the nuances of the relationship between rapid social change, civic community, and perceptions of crime and disorder. This study proposed that civic and social organizations may work as intervening institutions against the negative effects of social change, such as increasing fear of crime. The study found a twofold effect of social capital on this relationship. First, when incoming workers are brought into civic and social organizations then the civic community does have a dampening effect on perceptions of crime. However, the integration of migrating workers into these organizations was dependent upon the workers level of trust or future reciprocity perceived by the local community. Furthermore, when workers were not integrated into civic and social organizations they were seen as potential criminals, which heightened the community’s fear and distrust of new-comers.
Pretreatment of tumor cells with an aromatase inhibitor increases sensitivity to human monocyte-mediated, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity

5312 Recent results from a Phase III clinical trial of the breast cancer vaccine, Theratope®, which contains the carbohydrate determinant, STn, revealed that vaccinated patients treated concomitantly with hormone therapy survived significantly longer than patients treated with hormone therapy + a control vaccine lacking the STn epitope. The objective of this study was to investigate mechanisms to explain the apparent collaboration between anti-hormone treatment and vaccination observed in vivo in patients. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were activated in vitro with gamma interferon + lipopolysaccharide (IFN/LPS) and tested for the capacity of the monocyte (PBM) and lymphocyte (PBL) fractions to mediate cytolysis of STn-positive tumor cell lines in the presence and absence of monoclonal anti-STn antibodies (STn mAb). OvCar3 cells (ER+/STn+) cultured in medium were sensitive to lysis by activated PBM from normal donors (mean % cytolysis +/− SD = 54.6+/−11%); this level of cytolysis was not enhanced by treatment of the target cells with STn mAb (55.0 +/− 12%, n.s). OvCar3 cells treated with an I:C 50 concentration of the aromatase inhibitor (AI), formestane, exhibited decreased sensitivity to PBM-mediated cytolysis in the absence of STn mAb (44.8 +/− 12%, p=0.07 compared to media-cultured cells) but significantly increased sensitivity to cytolysis in the presence of STn mAb (64.8 +/− 8%; p=0.003 compared to formestane-treated cells in the absence of STn mAb and p=0.02 compared to media-cultured cells in the presence of STn mAb). The additive effects of formestane pretreatment and STn mAb treatment were not attributable to increased binding of STn mAbs as measured in cell-based ELISA or to Ab-mediated tumor cell cytostasis as measured in MTT assays. Additional experiements with MCF7 cells (ER+/STn-) and DU4475 cells (ER-/STn+) revealed that collaboration between AI pretreament and PBM-mediated ADCC appeared to require both estrogen sensitivity and STn positivity on the part of the target tumor cells. Although tumor cells were also sensitive to in vitro cytolysis by PBL from the same donors (mean % cytolysis +/− SD = 31.9 +/−4%) neither STn mAb treatment alone (30.2 +/− 4%); formestane pretreatment alone (28.8 +/− 3%); nor formestane pretreatment + STn mAb treatment (26.3 +/− 8%) significantly affected the level of tumor cytolysis. These results demonstrate that tumor cells which survive treatment with an AI exhibit increased sensitivity to human monocyte-mediated, antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The capacity of an AI to “sensitize” tumor cells to this form of anti-tumor immunity represents a heretofore, undescribed mechanism whereby a hormone-based cytostatic/cytotoxic treatment may collaborate with antigen-specific tumor immunity to produce improved tumor control in vivo in patients.
Effects of new field resistant cultivars and in-furrow applications of phorate insecticide on tomato spotted wilt of peanut

Abstract Field experiments were conducted at Tifton, Georgia from 2008 to 2014 to determine the effects of new peanut ( Arachis hypogaea ) cultivars and in-furrow applications of phorate insecticide on severity of tomato spotted wilt (TSW) caused by Tomato spotted wilt virus . Several cultivars, including Florida-07, Georgia-06G, Georgia-07W, Georgia Greener, and Tifguard, had final incidence of TSW that were less than that of Georgia Green. In-furrow applications of phorate insecticide reduced incidence of TSW in Georgia Green in three experiments in which that cultivar was included. In-furrow application of phorate insecticide reduced incidence of TSW in most cases where incidence in nontreated plots was 10% or higher. Cultivars Georganic, and Georgia-10T, had final incidence of TSW that was lower than that of Georgia-06G, or Florida-07 within nontreated plots across 2011–2012. Georgia-10T and Georgia-12Y had final incidence that was lower than that of Georgia-06G, Georgia-07W, Georgia-09B and Georgia Greener across insecticide treatments in 2013. In-furrow application of phorate increased yields across cultivars in 2008–2009, and increased yield of Georgia-09B in 2010. In most other cases, phorate had no significant effect on yield. With higher levels of field resistance in most of these cultivars, especially those such as Georgia-12Y, benefits from use of phorate insecticide for TSW suppression were small, and typically did not result in yield increase. Based on these results, several of these cultivars should allow greater flexibility for insecticide choice for thrips management without increasing the risk of losses to TSW.
The Segal–Shale–Weil representation, the indices of Kashiwara and Maslov, and quantum mechanics☆

Abstract We produce a connection between the Weil 2-cocycles defining the local and adelic metaplectic groups defined over a global field, i.e. the double covers of the attendant local and adelic symplectic groups, and local and adelic Maslov indices of the type considered by Souriau and Leray. With the latter tied to phase integrals occurring in quantum mechanics, we provide a formulation of quadratic reciprocity for the underlying field, first in terms of an adelic phase integral, and then in terms of generalized time evolution unitary operators.
A PER3 Polymorphism Interacts with Sleep Duration to Influence Transient Mood States in Women

Background: Expression of the clock family of genes in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) regulates the molecular control of circadian timing. Increasing evidence also implicates clock gene activity in the development of mood disorders. In particular, variation in the PER3 clock gene has been shown to influence diurnal preference and sleep homeostasis. However, there is not currently a clear association between PER3 polymorphisms and mood. This is possibly because the PER3 gene has been shown to influence homeostatic sleep drive, rather than circadian timing, and the PER3 gene may be behaviorally relevant only under chronic sleep loss conditions. Methods: To test the association between PER3 allele status and impaired mood, a total of 205 healthy women were genotyped for PER3 allele status and responded to previously-validated psychological questionnaires surveying self-reported sleep habits (MEQ, PSQI) and mood. Our mood measures included two measures of short-term, transient mood (state anxiety and mood disturbance) and two measures of longer term, ongoing mood (trait anxiety and depressive symptomology). Results: The PER3 genotype distribution was 88 (42.9%) for PER3(4/4), 98 (47.8%) for PER3(4/5), and 19 (9.3%) for PER3(5/5). Our sleep duration x genotype interaction analyses showed that, relative to longer allele carriers, PER3(4/4) genotypes were at greater risk for transient psychological effects (mood and state anxiety) when they reported reduced sleep durations. Conclusion: Sleep duration plays a critical role in understanding the extent to which PER3 allele status relates to mood states.
The Effect of Inhomogeneous Surface Relaxivity On Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Relaxation Rates

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation (NMR) relaxation rates can be used in geophysics to estimate the pore-size distribution and permeability of water saturated geologic material. The interpretation of NMR data to this end relies on the assumption that the surface relaxivity, an important NMR parameter, is uniform and constant in the measured volume. However, when more than one mineral type is present in a measured volume, the surface relaxivity can be inhomogeneous. This laboratory study was designed to explore the effect of inhomogeneous surface relaxivity on NMR relaxation rates. NMR measurements were collected on water saturated mixtures of quartz sand coated with the iron hydroxide mineral ferrihydrite (Fe(OH)3· H2O). The iron-coated quartz sand was mixed with pure quartz sand at seven concentrations: 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, and 75%. NMR measurements were also collected on samples containing pure quartz sand and 100% iron-coated sand. Four NMR relaxation rates (mean log, bulk fluid, diffusion and surface relaxation rates) were calculated from the NMR data. The surface relaxation rates and measured surface areas were used to calculate the average surface relaxivity of each sample and to estimate the surface relaxivity corresponding to the iron-coated sand in each sample. The surface relaxivity corresponding to the iron-coated sand was then compared with the known surface relaxivity for the iron-coated sand determined from the 100% iron-coated sand sample. For samples with iron-coated sand concentrations ≥25% the ironcoated sand surface relaxivity was constant with concentration. For the samples with iron-coated sand concentrations <25% the surface relaxivity was not constant with concentration. We conclude that the relationship between the surface relaxivity and the relaxation rate depends on the concentration of ironcoated sand.