cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple myeloma in 16 cats: a retrospective study.

Background: There is limited published information regarding feline multiple myeloma. Diagnostic criteria are derived from canine studies and to our knowledge, have not been critically reviewed for cats. Objective: To evaluate the clinical and laboratory findings in cats with multiple myeloma and appraise diagnostic criteria. Methods: Retrospective evaluation of medical records was performed. Inclusion required an antemortem diagnosis of multiple myeloma using 2 of 4 criteria: 1) ≥20% plasma cells in the bone marrow, or ≥10% if atypical plasma cells; 2) paraproteinemia; 3) radiographically-evident osteolysis; 4) light chain proteinuria. Alternatively, a postmortem diagnosis was based on the findings of multiple plasma cell neoplasms, with marrow involvement. Results: Sixteen cats were diagnosed with multiple myeloma between 1996 and 2004, with a median age of 14.0 years; 9 of 16 (56%) were castrated males, and 7 of 16 (44%) were spayed females. Laboratory abnormalities included hyperglobulinemia (14/16, 87.5%), with 11/14 (78.5%) monoclonal and 3/14 (21.4%) biclonal gammopathies; hypoalbuminemia (4/16, 25%); light chain proteinuria, (4/9, 44.4%); hypocholesterolemia (11/16, 68.7%); hypercalcemia, (3/15, 20%); nonregenerative anemia, (11/16, 68.7%); regenerative anemia, (1/16, 6.2%); neutropenia (5/15, 33.3%); thrombocytopenia (8/16, 50%); and marrow plasmacytosis (14/15, 93.3%). Plasma cells were markedly immature, atypical, or both in 10 of 12 (83.3%) cats. Focal or multifocal osteolysis was noted in 6 of 12 (50%) cats for which radiographs were available for review; generalized osteopenia was found in 1 (8.3%) cat. Noncutaneous, extramedullary tumors were found in all cats assessed, 7/7 (100%), including spleen (6), liver (3), and lymph nodes (4). The disease in 1 of 2 cats with cutaneous tumors progressed to plasmacytic leukemia. Conclusions: Common findings in feline multiple myeloma include atypical plasma cell morphology, hypocholesterolemia, anemia, bone lesions, and multi-organ involvement. Based on the results of this study, we advocate modifying diagnostic criteria in cats to include consideration of plasma cell morphology and visceral organ infiltration.
Fatal tradeoff? Toward a better understanding of the costs of not evacuating from a hurricane in landfall counties

Given the significant population increases in United States hurricane-prone coastal areas since 1970, we empirically model U.S. coastal hurricane fatalities from 1970 to 2007. The findings suggest that an apparent decline in hurricane fatality risk since 1970 may be overstated, especially considering the impact of evacuation levels achieved, and that various factors believed to affect the rate of hurricane fatalities have divergent outcomes. The research also illustrates the necessity of understanding the impact of a seminal storm such as Hurricane Katrina. In the analyses, we account for the coastal versus inland county location in the raw fatality data, as well as for the role of evacuation using zero-inflated specifications to handle the excessive number of zero fatality county observations. Initial results, with and without the fatalities from Hurricane Katrina, show that the expected count of fatalities increases by a factor of 1.7–3.4 for a one category level increase in storm strength, and begin to provide an understanding of the bias in the fatality data by varying the level of county evacuation achieved. Finally, we find a higher expected count of fatalities for more frequently struck counties, especially those in the Gulf of Mexico; a lower expected count of fatalities for counties with higher percentages of the population over 65, less than 18, and in poverty. We have also found that forecasting technology improvements have had a relatively minor effect on the expected count of fatalities.
Warfighter feedback on large-area displays in C2 environments

Current Command and Control (C2) situations have necessitated not only the requirement for a larger and higher resolution display system, but also a propitious interactive solution that will enable warfighters to execute their mission critical tasks effectively. They are constantly faced with making key decisions utilizing massive amounts of data and information, which is not only dynamic, but originating from various sources including military applications, sensors, databases, live satellite input, and video feeds. In addition, the portability and usability of such a system are both at a premium. The decision maker's role must not to be impaired by the mechanics of utilizing the tool, but one that will facilitate better information management and an improved situational awareness to fulfill his/her mission. The Advanced Displays and Intelligent Interfaces (ADII) team at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Information Directorate (AFRL/IF) recognizes the challenges that our warfighters encounter, and based on their evaluations and feedback, has designed, implemented, deployed, and transitioned several evolutionary versions of the Interactive DataWall (IDW). The IDW is a collaborative, contiguous, large display solution equipped with multi-modal methods of interaction, and the ability to receive multiple sources of data in real time.
Role of nitric oxide in cutaneous blood flow increases in the rat hindpaw during dorsal column stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: Dorsal column stimulation (DCS) increases blood flow to the extremities and may produce a limb-saving effect in addition to treatment of refractory chronic pain in patients with peripheral vascular disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the importance of nitric oxide in cutaneous vasodilation caused by DCS. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). A unipolar ball electrode was placed on the left-side of the exposed spinal cord at approximately L1-L2. Blood flow was concurrently recorded from both hindpaw foot pads with laser doppler flowmeters. Blood flow responses were assessed during 1 minute of DCS (0.6 mA at 50 Hz, 0.2-ms pulse) at 10-minute intervals. Nitric oxide synthase was inhibited with N G -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Four groups of animals were examined. The first and second groups involved examination of the effects of DCS after 2 and 10 mg/kg L-NAME, respectively. In the third group, the effect of another nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N G -monomethyl-L-arginine (10 mg/kg), was examined on the responses to DCS. The fourth group of animals entailed comparison of the effects of DCS under control conditions, after the nicotinic receptor antagonist, hexamethonium (10 mg/kg), and during the combined presence of hexamethonium and L-NAME (10 mg/kg). RESULTS: L-NAME markedly attenuated the cutaneous blood flow increases caused by DCS at doses of 2 or 10 mg/kg. Similarly, N G -monomethyl-L-arginine also attenuated the DCS response. Hexamethonium did not affect the cutaneous vasodilation caused by DCS. After hexamethonium, L-NAME no longer attenuated the DCS response. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that nitric oxide played a significant role in producing the DCS-induced increase in rat cutaneous hindpaw blood flow. The involvement of nitric oxide does not require the presence of autonomic efferent function; however, ganglionic blockade may unmask a mechanism for vasodilation during DCS that is independent of nitric oxide release.
The Power and Effects of Entrepreneurship Research

This study summarizes and analyzes average statistical power and effect sizes in empirical entrepreneurship research. Results show that statistical power was higher than expected, and was particularly high in studies employing archival measures. Statistical power has also increased over time. Effect sizes were higher than expected, a finding that remained consistent for different levels of analysis and across multiple subdomains. We discuss these findings, compare them to related disciplines, and draw implications for the design of future studies.
Processing characteristics and structure development in solid‐state extrusion of bacterial copolyesters: Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate)

The bacterial copolyesters poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) have been successfully commercialized by ICI and are currently being distributed worldwide. Because of their bacterial origin, they are completely biodegradable. This has opened up numerous opportunities to develop new environmentally friendly products. The solid-state extrusion of a series of biodegradable copolyesters (P(3HB-3HV)) was performed in our laboratory with the aim of gaining fundamental understanding about their processability below their melting temperatures. The extrudability windows were found to span the temperature range from 135 to 150°C, depending on the composition of the samples under our experimental setup. The solid-state extrudates were found to exhibit an extra melting endotherm about 15–20°C above their normal melting temperature. This high temperature melting peak increasingly became dominant at lower extrusion temperatures. Wide angle X-ray diffraction studies did not indicate any phase change that might be responsible for this increase in the melting point. Contrary to the expectations, the solid-state extruded samples did not show significant chain orientation along the extrusion direction. This might be a result of fracture of the mass in the barrel into smaller pieces and their randomization during the course of their passage through the die. When the extrusion temperature was raised closer to the melting temperature, the quality of the extrudates was improved, and this was reflected in improvement of their mechanical properties. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Sustained benefits of metformin therapy on markers of cardiovascular risk in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with fat redistribution and insulin resistance

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the metabolic and cardiovascular benefits of continued metformin therapy for HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. Eligible subjects who participated in the 3-month randomized study received an additional 6-month open label metformin treatment extension. Nineteen of the 25 potential subjects were eligible to receive open label metformin based on preestablished safety and efficacy criteria. Insulin and glucose response to oral glucose challenge, cardiovascular disease risk markers (e.g. tissue plasminogen activator), weight, and anthropometric measurements were the primary outcome measures. Continued treatment with metformin resulted in further significant reductions in tissue plasminogen activator antigen levels (P = 0.02) and body mass index (P = 0.03). Reductions in insulin levels were sustained during the 6-month treatment extension. In addition, waist circumference decreased significantly in subjects continuing metformin treatment (P = 0.01). Metformin was well tolerated and no one discontinued treatment due to side effects. These data demonstrate a sustained benefit of metformin treatment to reduce hyperinsulinemia and certain markers of cardiovascular disease risk in patients with HIV infection and lipodystrophy.
Lateralization of pectoral stridulation sound production in the channel catfish

Sounds of the channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus were found to consist of a rapid series of pulses produced by rubbing a ridged process on the first pectoral spine against the rough surface of a groove in the pectoral girdle during fin abduction. Although sounds can be made with either fin, approximately half of the individuals exhibited a fin preference, and 90% of these preferred the right fin. Unlike examples of handedness in other invertebrates and fishes, this preference is not simply a matter of anatomical asymmetry, but as in humans, reflects a preference between two equally developed limbs.
Common psychological tests applied to the assessment of brain damage.

Abstract A recent survey by Sundberg (1961) identified the most common referral questions asked of clinical psychologists, and the tests most used by them to answer these referral questions. A common referral problem was that of the specification of brain damage, and the most common (10) tests were reviewed in terms of their efficiency as organic diagnostic indicators. The tests were found to be of varying degrees of effectiveness for this purpose, although no test was unequivocally demonstrated to be an adequate assessment device for this purpose. A common underlying problem was the treatment of organicity as a unitary syndrome, which tended to result in a number of conceptual and methodological difficulties.
Quantitative Genetics, Pleiotropy, and Morphological Integration in the Dentition of Papio hamadryas

Variation in the mammalian dentition is highly informative of adaptations and evolutionary relationships, and consequently has been the focus of considerable research. Much of the current research exploring the genetic underpinnings of dental variation can trace its roots to Olson and Miller’s 1958 book Morphological Integration. These authors explored patterns of correlation in the post-canine dentitions of the owl monkey and Hyopsodus, an extinct condylarth from the Eocene. Their results were difficult to interpret, as was even noted by the authors, due to a lack of genetic information through which to view the patterns of correlation. Following in the spirit of Olson and Miller’s research, we present a quantitative genetic analysis of dental variation in a pedigreed population of baboons. We identify patterns of genetic correlations that provide insight to the genetic architecture of the baboon dentition. This genetic architecture indicates the presence of at least three modules: an incisor module that is genetically independent of the post-canine dentition, and a premolar module that demonstrates incomplete pleiotropy with the molar module. We then compare this matrix of genetic correlations to matrices of phenotypic correlations between the same measurements made on museum specimens of another baboon subspecies and the Southeast Asian colobine Presbytis. We observe moderate significant correlations between the matrices from these three primate taxa. From these observations we infer similarity in modularity and hypothesize a common pattern of genetic integration across the dental arcade in the Cercopithecoidea.
Epidermal nevus syndrome: Association with central precocious puberty and woolly hair nevus

The epidermal nevus syndrome is characterized by the association of epidermal nevi with abnormalities of the skin, skeletal system, central nervous system, eyes, and cardiovascular system, as well as with malignant conditions. We describe a 2-year-old girl with an extensive epidermal nevus involving the left side of the body (nevus unius lateris) and associated with a woolly hair nevus on the left parietal area of the scalp and multiple acquired melanocytic nevi. Idiopathic central precocious puberty characterized by premature breast and pubic hair development and advanced bone age developed at the age of 20 months. A sharp increase in serum gonadotropins after a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) stimulation test confirmed the presence of central precocious puberty. This is the third reported case of precocious puberty associated with the epidermal nevus syndrome.
Structure and digestibility of tissues in normal and brown midrib pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

The tissues in leaf blades, midribs, sheaths and stems of normal (N), 5848, and two brown midrib (bmr) mutants, 5753 and 5778, of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R Br) were examined for structural characteristics related to digestibility. The anatomies of the various plant parts were not substantially different between N and bmr plants. The more rigid, lignified tissues such as vascular bundles in all plant parts and the rind of stems were not digested after incubation for 7 days in N or bmr plants, indicating that modifications in these tissues were not sufficient to affect biodegradation. Modifications in the digestible tissues resulted in faster and more extensive degradation in bmr plants, and these changes appear to be the most significant in relation to biodegradation. The parenchyma of midveins and stems, which occupies c 70 and 60% of the cross-sectional area of these respective parts, were the sites where modification in phenolics resulted in the greatest improvement in digestibility.
Responses of Fish Populations to Mitigation Structures in Two Small Channelized Streams in Ohio

Abstract Responses of fish populations to mitigation structures (rock deflectors and artificial riffles) were compared in two small channelized streams in Ohio to determine potential recreational benefits of such structures. In Chippewa Creek, we compared fish populations 1 and 3 years after construction in sections with and without rock deflectors. In River Styx, previously altered around 1950, we compared fish fauna 1 year before and 1 year after channelization in sections with and without mitigation devices. Sections with rock deflectors in Chippewa Creek supported significantly more species and higher numbers and biomass of fish than did sections without structures. In River Styx, fish populations before construction and 1 year afterwards were similar; low flows prior to channelization and above-average flows afterwards probably had more influence on fish populations than the habitat changes. Stations with deflectors or artificial riffles tended to support greater densities of fish than stations witho...
The distribution of lead in milk and the fate of milk lead in the gastrointestinal tract of suckling rats.

ABSTRACT. Milk can be a significant source of lead (Pb) for young mammals, including humans. Certain essential trace elements have previously been shown to be specifically associated with particular milk components and such associations often increase bioavailability. Thus, the first goal of this study was to determine the distribution of Pb in cream, casein, and whey fractions of various milks under various conditions using 203Pb as a tracer. In rat milk almost 90% of the Pb was found to be associated with the casein micelles, regardless of: 1) whether the milk was labeled in vivo or in vitro; b) whether the milk was fresh or frozen; and c) the added concentration of Pb (over the range 0.01–75 μ/ml). The remainder of the Pb was approximately equally distributed between cream and whey. A virtually identical pattern of Pb distribution was observed with bovine milk. Pb added to infant formula also associated predominantly with casein micelles, although the Pb content of this fraction was significantly less than with rat and bovine milks. The second goal of the study was to determine if Pb remained associated with casein as it traversed the gastrointestinal tract of infant rats. For this purpose, rat pups aged 15–16 days were gavaged with 203Pb-labeled rat milk, and lumenal contents from the stomach and small intestine were collected 2 h later. Differential centrifugation of the homogenized lumenal contents showed that in the stomach the Pb was associated primarily with the casein curd. By the time chyme reached the distal small intestine, Pb was found predominantly in a fraction that was not precipitable by high-speed centrifugation (thus, not intact casein micelles), but was nondialyzable. We conclude that Pb in milk is protein bound and remains this way as it traverses the stomach and proximal small intestine of the infant rat.
Red versus blue: American electoral geography and congressional bipartisanship, 1898–2002

Abstract Today's parties appear to be at an impasse. Despite recent nationally traumatic events, including the attacks of September 11th and the war on terrorism, Republicans and Democrats remain deeply divided. Many now refer to these divisions as red state versus blue state politics. Is geography really the source of the contemporary partisan deadlock? If so, what possibility is there for overcoming these divisions on pressing political problems such as the economy and the war in Iraq? In this article, we look at geography and partisanship from an historic perspective. Using multivariate analysis of roll call voting in the House of Representatives from 1889 to 2002, we demonstrate that bipartisanship is most likely when the two political parties are geographically diverse or nationally competitive. This has not been the case in recent years, making bipartisanship harder to come by. We conclude with a brief discussion of the implications for future bipartisan unity.
Prediction of diffusion coefficients in porous media using tortuosity factors based on interfacial areas.

Determination of aqueous phase diffusion coefficients of solutes through porous media is essential for understanding and modeling contaminant transport. Prediction of diffusion coefficients in both saturated and unsaturated zones requires knowledge of tortuosity and constrictivity factors. No methods are available for the direct measurement of these factors, which are empirical in their definition. In this paper, a new definition for the tortuosity factor is proposed, as the real to ideal interfacial area ratio. We define the tortuosity factor for saturated porous media (tau5) as the ratio S/S(o) (specific surface of real porous medium to that of an idealized capillary bundle). For unsaturated media, tortuosity factor (tau(a)) is defined as a(aw)/a(aw),o (ratio of the specific air-water interfacial area of real and the corresponding idealized porous medium). This tortuosity factor is suitably measured using sorptive tracers (e.g., nitrogen adsorption method) for saturated media and interfacial tracers for unsaturated media. A model based on this new definition of tortuosity factors, termed the interfacial area ratio (IAR) model, is presented for the prediction of diffusion coefficients as a function of the degree of water saturation. Diffusion coefficients and diffusive resistances measured in a number of saturated and unsaturated granular porous media, for solutes in dilute aqueous solutions, agree well with the predictions of the IAR model. A comparison of permeability of saturated sands estimated based on tau(s) and the same based on the Kozeny-Carman equation confirm the usefulness of the tau(s) parameter as a measure of tortuosity.
Physical Function in Older Men With Hyperkyphosis

Background. Age-related hyperkyphosis has been associated with poor physical function and is a well-established predictor of adverse health outcomes in older women, but its impact on health in older men is less well understood. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the association of hyperkyphosis and physical function in 2,363 men, aged 71–98 (M = 79) from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study. Kyphosis was measured using the Rancho Bernardo Study block method. Measurements of grip strength and lower extremity function, including gait speed over 6 m, narrow walk (measure of dynamic balance), repeated chair stands ability and time, and lower extremity power (Nottingham Power Rig) were included separately as primary outcomes. We investigated associations of kyphosis and each outcome in age-adjusted and multivariable linear or logistic regression models, controlling for age, clinic, education, race, bone mineral density, height, weight, diabetes, and physical activity. Results. In multivariate linear regression, we observed a dose-related response of worse scores on each lower extremity physical function test as number of blocks increased, p for trend ≤.001. Using a cutoff of ≥4 blocks, 20% (N = 469) of men were characterized with hyperkyphosis. In multivariate logistic regression, men with hyperkyphosis had increased odds (range 1.5–1.8) of being in the worst quartile of performing lower extremity physical function tasks (p < .001 for each outcome). Kyphosis was not associated with grip strength in any multivariate analysis. Conclusions. Hyperkyphosis is associated with impaired lower extremity physical function in older men. Further studies are needed to determine the direction of causality.
Multiplicative and zero-crossing representations of signals

The implicit sampling theorem of Bar-David gives a representation of band limited functions using their crossings with a cosine function. This cosine function is chosen such that its difference with the original function has sufficient zero crossings for a unique representation. We show how, on an interval, this leads to a multiplicative representation involving a Riesz product. This provides an alternative to the classic additive Fourier series. We discuss stability and implementation issues. Since we have an explicit reconstruction formula, there is no need for an iterative algorithm.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Paleocollapse structure as a passageway for groundwater flow and contaminant transport

Paleocollapse structure is a rock collapse, resulting from the failure in the geological history of the bedrock overlying karstified limestone. Depending on the present hydrogeological conditions within the area of paleocollapse and the internal properties of these structures, they can provide a means to facilitate groundwater flow and contaminant transport. Inactive paleocollapse structures can be reactivated by human activities such as dam construction, mining underground minerals, pumping groundwater, and development of landfills. They can also be reactivated by natural events such as earthquakes and neotectonic movements. In the mines of northern China, sudden inflow of karst water from Ordovician limestone into drifts and mining stopes through paleocollapse structures has caused significant economic loss. Water pumping tests and accompanied dye traces are effective approaches of locating water-conducting paleocollapse structures. Grouting is probably the best means of preventing them from becoming geohazards.
Just say 'A Class Defines a Data Type'

When teaching computer programming to novices, forget "objects early," "objects later," and "back to basics."
D-optimal designs for sorption kinetic experiments: Cylinders

Abstract This project extends prior research in D-optimal design for sorption kinetics in a slab to cylindrical geometry. Combining Fick’s second law of diffusion and a convective mass transfer boundary condition at the surface of the cylinder with D-optimal theory provides the experimental design which results in the best estimates of the model parameters: the material’s diffusivity and the convective mass transfer coefficient. The results show that for a wide range of diffusivities and convective mass transfer coefficients, the D-optimal support points can be expressed in terms of the dimensionless Biot number and Fourier modulus. Furthermore, it is shown that when the Biot number is between 0.10 and 10.0, both the diffusivity and the convective mass transfer coefficient can be simultaneously estimated. Outside of this range, only one model parameter can be determined, and which one can be determined depends on the magnitude of the Biot number.
Predatory trading, Stigma and the Fed׳s Term Auction Facility

Abstract Predatory trading may affect the incentives for banks to raise liquidity in times of financial distress. In these periods, borrowing becomes a signal of illiquidity, exposing borrowers to predatory trading and possible insolvency. A stigma of borrowing thus arises, leading distressed banks to take on more illiquid positions than they would otherwise. The Fed׳s Term Auction Facility (TAF) can alleviate this problem. The TAF׳s competitive auction format allows auction winners to signal that they are illiquid but relatively strong. The TAF may therefore be an effective policy tool during financial crises: by altering the signal value of borrowing, this facility supports the injection of liquidity into distressed banks. In normal times, however, this auction facility becomes counterproductive: by cream-skimming the relatively strong banks, the weakest banks are left as potential prey for predators. This suggests that the TAF is a policy best reserved for times of crisis.
Optimal Inspection Procedures

Abstract Five different optimum procedures are presented for inspection plans which do not directly measure the quality characteristic sought. Four of these plans are based on well-known criteria frequently used in applications of statistical decision theory. A fifth procedure maximizes, among other things, the probability that all defective items in a batch are removed among a fixed number, N, chosen for removal. This procedure replaces the problem of deciding which criterion to use with how many items one can afford to remove.
GENETIC AND MOLECULAR ANALYSES OF UV RADIATION‐INDUCED MUTATIONS IN THE FEM‐3 GENE OF CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS

The utility of a new target gene (fem-3) is described for investigating the molecular nature of mutagenesis in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. As a principal attribute, this system allows for the selection, maintenance and molecular analysis of any type of mutation that disrupts the gene, including deletions. In this study, 86 mutant strains were isolated, of which 79 proved to have mutations in fem-3. Twenty of these originally tested as homozygous inviable. Homozygous inviability was expected, as Stewart and coworkers had previously observed that, unlike in other organisms, most UV radiation-induced mutations in C. elegans are chromosomal rearrangements of deficiencies (Mutat. Res. 249, 37-54, 1991). However, additional data, including Southern blot analyses on 48 of the strains, indicated that most of the UV radiation-induced fem-3 mutations were not deficiencies, as originally inferred from their homozygous inviability. Instead, the lethals were most likely "coincident mutations" in linked, essential genes that were concomitantly induced. As such, they were lost owing to genetic recombination during stock maintenance. As in mammalian cells, yeast and bacteria, the frequency of coincident mutations was much higher than would be predicted by chance.
Photoinduced electric current in Fe-doped KNbO 3

Photorefractive KNbO3:Fe is characterized by monitoring of the electric currents induced in the crystal that are due to applied illumination. Important photorefractive parameter values, such as the Maxwell relaxation time, carrier-diffusion length, carrier-screening length, and the magnitude of the photogalvanic current are thereby estimated.
Reliability evaluation with cost analysis of alternate wind energy farms and interconnections

The increasing wind penetration into power systems has brought about the problem to have accurate planning and suitable connection of wind farms. Reliability and cost issues become more of concern for evaluating an interconnected wind farm. In this paper, AC systems, HVDC transmission systems, and low frequency AC transmission systems, typically at 20/16.7 Hz, is considered as alternative technologies for interconnection of remote wind farms to the power grid. Eight alternative configurations are discussed. Reliability analysis and cost analysis are performed on each of the eight configurations. Case studies with 30 wind turbines for each configuration are given and the results are compared.
Effects of Time since Diagnosis on the Association between Parent and Child Distress in Families with Pediatric Cancer

Although parental distress and child distress have been linked in families of children with cancer, how these associations change over time is unknown. The present study examined how the amount of time elapsed since the child’s diagnosis moderates the associations between self-reported parent and child symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress in 255 parent-child dyads. Time since diagnosis moderated the associations between parental symptoms and child-reported anxiety and post-traumatic stress. Dyads farther out from diagnosis exhibited stronger associations between parental and child symptoms. Findings suggest the importance of monitoring the psychological adjustment of parents and children over time.
Velocities and compressibilities of komatiitic melts

Ultrasonic measurements of compressional wave velocities for six komatiitic melts containing 13–30 wt% MgO are reported in the frequency range 3–20 MHz and in the temperature range 1280–1661°C. Melts with less than about 20 wt% MgO have velocities that are 6% lower and relaxed compressibilities, βr, that are 15% higher than melts with more than about 20 wt% MgO. The general trend of increasing velocity with increasing MgO content correlates well with increasing depolymerization (decreasing molar volume) of the melts as reflected in the NBO/T, (CaO + MgO)/Al2O3, and Al/(Al+Si) ratios. The value of dβr/dw (w=wt% MgO) for the high MgO melts is more than four times greater than dβr/dw for the low MgO melts.
Hematology and serum chemistry values for free-ranging Florida panther neonates with a comparison to adult panther values.

Hematologic and serum chemistry values were determined for 25 free-ranging Florida panther (Puma concolor couguar) neonates from southern Florida sampled from January 2001 to April 2007. The kittens were ≤25 days old, belonging to 12 litters, from 11 different dams. Forty-one blood samples also were collected from 32 free-ranging adult panthers (3–10 yr-old) from southern Florida from November 2000 to February 2007. Male kittens had higher hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), and red blood cell (RBC) counts than did female kittens. Neonates had higher mean serum values of total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, triglycerides, and magnesium than adult panthers but lower mean values of urea nitrogen, creatinine, total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, sodium, chloride, creatine kinase, amylase, and total globulin. Neonates also had higher mean values of mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, platelets, ...
An entropy-based surface velocity method for estuarine discharge measurement

An entropy-based method is developed to estimate estuarine river discharge from surface velocity measurements. A two-dimensional velocity profile based on the principle of maximum entropy is employed to express the mean velocity as a function of average surface velocity. The entropy-based flow profile is parameterized by the location of maximum velocity in the channel and the shape of the velocity distribution. The entropy parameters are quantified over the tidal cycle to account for the unsteady nature of estuarine flow. The method was tested using experiments conducted at the Danshui River, the largest estuarine system in Taiwan. Surface velocities were measured using an Automated River-Estuary Discharge Imaging System (AREDIS), and full-channel velocity profiles were measured with a moving-boat ADP survey. Entropy parameters were calibrated over the tidal cycle and linearly correlated with the average surface velocity to facilitate estimation from AREDIS measurements. The discharge calculated from average surface velocity and entropy relationships exhibits a 7.7% relative error compared to the ADP velocity profiles. The error nearly doubles when the mean values for entropy parameters are used instead of the variable parameters, indicating the importance of accounting for the unsteady nature of estuarine flows. Furthermore, the effects of measurement coverage area, types of entropy distribution, and wind-induced drift current on the surface velocity-based discharge measurement are evaluated and discussed. Overall, surface velocity measurements in conjunction with the entropy profiles well represent the flow in a complex estuarine environment to provide a reliable estimate of discharge.
EarthCube's Governance Working Group Steering Committee presents roadmap

June 2012 EarthCube Charrette;Washington, D. C., 12–14 June 2012 EarthCube is a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) initiative sponsored by the Directorate for Geosciences and the Office of Cyberinfrastructure to transform the conduct of research through open, community- guided development of cyberinfrastructure across the geosciences. EarthCube recently held its second organizational charrette (collaborative design event), with the objective of engaging its 190 physical and 60 remote attendees in discussions and workshops on developing EarthCube. One goal of the charrette was to review and integrate draft roadmaps produced by four NSF- funded Community Groups (Governance, Data, Semantics, and Workflow) and five Concept Awards (Brokering, Earth System Models, Layered Architecture, Interoperability, and Web Services), which emerged from the first charrette, held in November 2011. The roadmaps are the culmination of 6 months of research, community outreach, and deliberations in virtual and physical meetings; they identify initial EarthCube stakeholders and cyberinfrastructure components, in addition to key issues related to advancing EarthCube.
Online news reports of air quality issues in Beijing

The paper studies Chinese media discourse on the ''Blue Sky Project'' in preparation for the 2008 Olympics through a textual analysis of online stories in major daily newspapers in Beijing, to examine the interaction of science and culture in environmental communication. The research finds that the news stories underscore an environmentalism practice predominantly driven by quota measurements and administrative interventions, even though grassroots activities were present. The author also finds extensive use of scientific data that details monitored steps toward periodical results. The author concludes that the concentrated coverage on air quality in Beijing demonstrates growing significance of environmental issues in Chinese media, signaling an increasingly important role of science communication in advancing state development agendas among diverse social groups.
Effects of liquid and surface characteristics on oscillation behavior of droplets upon impact

Author(s): Banks, D; Ajawara, C; Sanchez, R; Surti, H; Aguilar, G | Abstract: The physical behavior of a single droplet impacting a surface is one of the most fascinating facets of spray research. Under some conditions, a droplet will strike and spread across a solid surface without splashing or rebounding. That droplet will spread and recoil for some time, oscillating between a disk and a hemisphere until these fluctuations diminish due to viscous damping. These oscillations affect the liquid coverage area and are essential in droplet solidification applications; yet little is known about them; Knowing more will, for example, enable higher-precision three-dimensional printing or enhanced droplet and spray cooling. Using mixtures of water and glycerol, oscillations of droplets with kinematic viscosities between 1.0 × 10-6and 1.1 × 10-4m2=s are explored, focusing on the damping behavior. Several impact substrates were used. Droplets freefall onto the target with velocities of 0.5-1.5 m/s. TheWeber number of the droplets ranged from 10 to 100 and the Reynolds number from 15 to 4000. The impact velocity, spreading lamella diameter, and thickness at the center of each droplet were measured. Droplet kinematic viscosity, impact velocity, and surface tension effects are found to play a role in oscillations, which occur at approximately 75-90 Hz. For the liquids tested, a hydrophilic surface thins the droplet, arresting oscillations quickly, whereas a hydrophobic surface sustains oscillations. Correspondingly, a highly viscous droplet tends to stop oscillations sooner than a less viscous droplet. Increasing the velocity of impact restricts oscillations by spreading liquid across a larger area. For the range of conditions studied, viscosity dominates droplet oscillations when compared to the surface effects. We explore the interplay between viscous and surface tension effects in the oscillations. The spring constant and damping coefficient of an analogous harmonic system are calculated for the observed droplet oscillations. The tested liquid droplets generally exhibit underdamped behavior; higher damping coefficients are associated with more wetting and more viscous droplet liquids - a 103increase in viscosity corresponds with an approximately 101increase in damping. The spring constant appears to be influenced by the droplet composition and the surface wettability in a less trivial manner, with similar magnitudes and no discernable pattern in the spring constant (1.5-3.0 N/m) for all droplets and surface conditions examined.
Simulation and analysis of the migration mechanism of Σ5 tilt grain boundaries in an fcc metal

Abstract The atomistic mechanism by which grain boundaries migrate is important for understanding the relationship between their structures and dynamical properties. We perform a series of three-dimensional molecular dynamic simulations of the migration of Σ5 tilt grain boundaries of different inclinations in nickel. We identify the migration mechanism through frequent quenches and analysis of the atomic displacements, local and global excess volume, and stress. The migration mechanism has the following components: local volume fluctuations precede the displacements of 3–4 linear atomic clusters in the direction parallel to the tilt axis which, in turn, are followed by individual atomic hops that are primarily perpendicular to the boundary plane. Excess volume is key to both the volume fluctuations and the atomic hops perpendicular to the boundary plane. The linear, or string-like, atomic motion parallel to the tilt axis also gives rise to a strong anisotropy in the grain boundary self-diffusivity.
High throughput creation of recombinant adenovirus vectors by direct cloning, green-white selection and I-Sce I-mediated rescue of circular adenovirus plasmids in 293 cells

Ability of replication-defective adenovirus vectors to achieve efficient gene transfer in most of the mammalian cell types makes them useful vehicles for many gene transfer applications, including their use in assessing gene function. High throughput creation of recombinant adenovirus becomes a critical path to the expanding utility of adenovirus vector technology. Here, we report a process in which recombinant adenovirus vectors are isolated as single molecular clones through a convenient direct cloning and green-white selection procedure, and directly transfected into 293 cells where virus is rescued through an enzymatic reaction mediated by an intron-encoding rare endonuclease I-Sce I. This process of enzymatic rescue of circular molecular clones was at least 10-fold more efficient than that using linearized clones for transfection. This method will facilitate a high throughput creation of vectors as required for screening gene function.
Putnam’s account of apriority and scientific change: its historical and contemporary interest

In the 1960s and 1970s, Hilary Putnam articulated a notion of relativized apriority that was motivated to address the problem of scientific change. This paper examines Putnam’s account in its historical context and in relation to contemporary views. I begin by locating Putnam’s analysis in the historical context of Quine’s rejection of apriority, presenting Putnam as a sympathetic commentator on Quine. Subsequently, I explicate Putnam’s positive account of apriority, focusing on his analysis of the history of physics and geometry. In the remainder of the paper, I explore connections between Putnam’s account of relativized a priori principles and contemporary views. In particular, I situate Putnam’s account in relation to analyses advanced by Michael Friedman, David Stump, and William Wimsatt. From this comparison, I address issues concerning whether a priori scientific principles are appropriately characterized as “constitutive” or “entrenched”. I argue that these two features need to be clearly distinguished, and that only the constitutive function is essential to apriority. By way of conclusion, I explore the relationship between the constitutive function a priori principles and entrenchment.
Analysis of molecular interactions in poly(methacrylic acid-g-ethylene glycol) hydrogels

Molecular and structural changes of the P(MAA-g-EG) hydrogels were investigated in their hydrated state using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. FTIR studies identified the formation of hydrogen-bonded complexes at low pH and polyelectrolyte complexes at high pH. Hydrogen bonding and electrostatic repulsion were not affected by the grafted PEG molecular weight in the hydrogels. Additionally, investigation of the macroscopic swelling properties showed that the presence of the grafted PEG chain in the P(MAA-g-EG) hydrogels contributed to the formation of hydrogen bonds.
PML inhibits HIF-1α translation and neoangiogenesis through repression of mTOR

Loss of the promyelocytic leukaemia (PML) tumour suppressor has been observed in several human cancers. The tumour-suppressive function of PML has been attributed to its ability to induce growth arrest, cellular senescence and apoptosis. Here we identify PML as a critical inhibitor of neoangiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) in vivo, in both ischaemic and neoplastic conditions, through the control of protein translation. We demonstrate that in hypoxic conditions PML acts as a negative regulator of the synthesis rate of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) by repressing mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). PML physically interacts with mTOR and negatively regulates its association with the small GTPase Rheb by favouring mTOR nuclear accumulation. Notably, Pml-/- cells and tumours display higher sensitivity both in vitro and in vivo to growth inhibition by rapamycin, and lack of PML inversely correlates with phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 and tumour angiogenesis in mouse and human tumours. Thus, our findings identify PML as a novel suppressor of mTOR and neoangiogenesis. The tumour suppressor PML ('promyelocytic leukaemia') is shown to be an inhibitor of blood vessel formation in tumours and in tissue recovering from ischaemia. Loss of PML is associated with a range of human cancers. Its role in angiogenesis control marks it as a drug target in cancers, where upregulation is the aim, and in encouraging blood vessel formation following ischaemic heart attack or stroke, by downregulation. The tumour suppressor gene PML is shown to normally restrain angiogenesis, both in tumours and under ischaemic conditions. This involves a new pathway in which during hypoxia, PML regulates mTOR and the transcription factor HIF-1α
Protein kinase G–regulated production of H2S governs oxygen sensing

Reflexes initiated by the carotid body, the principal O 2 -sensing organ, are critical for maintaining cardiorespiratory homeostasis during hypoxia. O 2 sensing by the carotid body requires carbon monoxide (CO) generation by heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2) and hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) synthesis by cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE). We report that O 2 stimulated the generation of CO, but not that of H 2 S, and required two cysteine residues in the heme regulatory motif (Cys 265 and Cys 282 ) of HO-2. CO stimulated protein kinase G (PKG)–dependent phosphorylation of Ser 377 of CSE, inhibiting the production of H 2 S. Hypoxia decreased the inhibition of CSE by reducing CO generation resulting in increased H 2 S, which stimulated carotid body neural activity. In carotid bodies from mice lacking HO-2, compensatory increased abundance of nNOS (neuronal nitric oxide synthase) mediated O 2 sensing through PKG-dependent regulation of H 2 S by nitric oxide. These results provide a mechanism for how three gases work in concert in the carotid body to regulate breathing.