cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
6 – Frequency Domain System Identification

This chapter discusses the identification of linear dynamic systems using frequency domain measurement data. Frequency domain curve-fitting is a technique to fit a transfer function matrix (TFM) closely into the observed FRF data. Like other system identification techniques, this is a two-step procedure: model structure selection and model parameter optimization. In this context, the first step is to parameterize the TFM in some special forms. Two such forms are introduced in the following: the matrix fraction (MF) parameterization and the polynomial matrix (PM) parameterization. After outlining a general modeling procedure, the two major computation steps, frequency domain curve-fitting and state-space system realization, are illustrated with detailed numerical routines. The algorithms employ transfer function matrix models in the form of matrix fraction or polynomial matrix and require respectively linear or nonlinear parameter optimizations. The proposed identification schemes are validated through the modeling of two experimental test structures.
New Paradigm Research

In striving for quality methods, educational research as a whole has never come close to the demands of an ideal empirical science. The paradigm of which these strivings are a part has had the germ within it for the developments that are now occurring. Partly, the research techniques of historians, astronomers, archeologists, biologists, psychologists, etc., although dissimilar because of their radically different focuses, have had influences that cross over into education. Within the paradigm of educational research as a regular science as well, there have always been a variety of novel approaches to some degree.
Sleep and Cancer

Sleep disturbances are reported in up to 60% of patients with cancers of many types and stages. Impaired sleep has an array of detrimental effects on the health of individuals with cancer and their family caregivers, with significant societal costs. Cancer-related sleep disturbances can also affect health-related quality of life by way of persistent fatigue and altered mood. Chronic sleep loss may lead to poor adherence to cancer treatments and higher morbidity and mortality. Sleep disturbances can range from perceived or actual alterations in usual sleep patterns to diagnosed sleep disorders meeting precise diagnostic criteria. New onset or worsening of sleep disturbances are common and disabling problems for those with cancer before treatment, during treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and after completion of treatments. Cancer pathology, treatments, and symptoms such as pain and hot flashes, disruption of daily activity and circadian rhythms, and unhealthy sleep habits contribute to acute and chronic sleep disturbances. In this chapter, we describe the prevalence of common sleep problems in adults with cancer and define key terms. This chapter also provides information about biological and behavioral conceptual models of sleep and guidelines for the assessment and management of sleep disturbances. Emphasis is given to the latest non-pharmacological evidence-based treatments. We discuss the importance of provider awareness of sleep problems and patient education. Finally, we identify barriers to behavioral change and strategies to assist the cancer patient and family to self-manage sleep problems.
Co-exposure of metals and high fat diet causes aging like neuropathological changes in non-aged mice brain.

Abstract In recent decades, humans’ exposure to metals have increased due to industrialization and socioeconomic trends have caused increased high fat diet (HFD) consumption. Concurrently, metals and HFD are risk factors for health, and in particular, the cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of metals and HFD treatment on neuropathological changes in young mice brain, and compare with untreated young mice (8–11 weeks = 2–3 months) and aged mice (12 months). Mice were given 300 ppm of Aluminum (Al), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) in drinking water and HFD feed (40% of the feed weight was animal fat) for 42 days. Metals+HFD treated mice were subjected to behavior tests, such as, Morris water maze, elevated plus maze, fear condition and contextual memory to evaluate memory levels. Spatial memory (p
Randomized Trial of a Single-Session Growth Mind-Set Intervention for Rural Adolescents' Internalizing and Externalizing Problems.

Adolescents living in rural regions of the United States face substantial barriers to accessing mental health services, creating needs for more accessible, nonstigmatizing, briefer interventions. R...
Longer commutes are associated with increased human exposure to tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate.

Abstract Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are a class of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) used as flame retardants, plasticizers, and anti-foaming agents. Due to stringent flammability standards in vehicles and the ability of OPEs to migrate out of end-use products, elevated concentrations of OPEs have been found in car dust samples around the world. As many residents of Southern California spend a significant amount of time in their vehicles, there is potential for increased exposure to OPEs associated with longer commute times. As approximately 70% of the University of California, Riverside’s undergraduate population commutes, the objective of this study was to use silicone wristbands to monitor personal exposure to OPEs and determine if exposure was associated with commute time in a subset of these students. Participants were asked to wear wristbands for five continuous days and complete daily surveys about the amount of time spent commuting. Data were then used to calculate a participant-specific total commute score. Components of Firemaster 550 (triphenyl phosphate, or TPHP, and isopropylated triaryl phosphate isomers) and Firemaster 600 (TPHP and tert-butylated triaryl phosphate isomers) – both widely used commercial flame retardant formulations – were strongly correlated with other OPEs detected within participant wristbands. Moreover, the concentration of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) was significantly correlated with the concentration of several Firemaster 500 components and tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP). Finally, out of all OPEs measured, TDCIPP was significantly and positively correlated with total commute score, indicating that longer commutes are associated with increased human exposure to TDCIPP. Overall, our findings raise concerns about the potential for chronic TDCIPP exposure within vehicles and other forms of transportation, particularly within densely populated and traffic-congested areas such as Southern California.
AIRS version 6.6 and version 7 level-1C products

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) introduces new Level-1C (L1C) products. AIRS Version 6.6 L1C processing addresses data quality and sampling issues as well as spectral drift, making a clean, easy to use product. This will be the first version of AIRS L1C permanently hosted at the Goddard Earth Science DAAC, making it easy for users to access. A later Version 7 L1C will incorporate v7 Level-1B (L1B) calibration improvements and use a modern netCDF4 format. We focus on the spectral changes in the AIRS instrument and the new L1C feature that corrects for it.
Surfactant-Free Latex Nanocomposites Stabilized and Reinforced by Hydrophobically Functionalized Cellulose Nanocrystals

Stable poly(styrene-co-2-ethylhexyl acrylate) latex particles with diameter less than 600 nm were prepared by the miniemulsion polymerization of Pickering emulsions stabilized with hexyl-functional...
Shepherding the Flock: Shepherd Leadership in Multi-Cultural Environment

Unlike charismatic, transformational, transactional, authentic, servant, or spiritual leadership theories, the shepherd leadership theory has received limited attention and, mainly, in the context of church leadership. Looking at an organization through a “flock” metaphor, this study endeavors to expand the boundaries of understanding of what constitutes shepherd leadership behavior and how it can be effectively applied to multi-cultural organizations through historical socio-cultural analysis of Biblical examples of shepherding and Jesus’ leadership (Averin, 2015). Specifically, analysis of social-cultural topics of the New Testament is employed to identify Jesus’ calls for conversion, cross-cultural unity, and noble sacrifice. Building on these calls, this study makes several propositions about effectiveness of shepherd leadership in the multi-cultural environments by emphasizing clear communication, prioritizing relationships over tasks, and exemplifying a leader’s sacrificial behavior toward the followers.
A Three-Dimensional Model for Perpetrators of Genocide

Over the seven decades since the passing of the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (UNGC), our understanding of both genocide as a crime and perpetr...
1-Port Piezoelectric Resonators With > 100 V/V Gain

This paper presents a 1-port thickness-shear (TS) mode quartz resonator with very high voltage gain, suitable for use in “near-zero-power” radios. These devices offer voltage gains >100x (referenced to $50~\Omega $ ) at ~50 MHz and >300x at ~75 MHz with ~60 fF load, which is the highest voltage gain directly measured to date in a piezoelectric micromechanical resonator. Six resonators with resonance ${f}_{{\text {r}}}\approx 50$ MHz and identical electrode dimensions are characterized by S11 measurements and by directly measuring the voltage gain using a high-impedance active probe. Quality factor ( ${Q}$ ) up to 140,000 at ~50 MHz and electromechanical coupling ( ${k}_{{\text {eff}}}^{2}$ ) up to 0.445% are demonstrated. In several devices, voltage gain around or above 100 V/V is observed for load ${C}~\approx ~60$ fF, and the gain changes as expected with decreasing load impedance. Additionally, a similar 1-port quartz resonator design at ${f}_{{\text {s}}}~\approx ~75$ MHz is demonstrated to have voltage gain over 300 V/V (referenced to $50\Omega $ ) and ${Q}$ around 335,000. These quartz resonators are fabricated in a mature, commercially available process, promoting widespread integration into radio-frequency (RF) wake-up receivers (WURs). [2020-0196]
Contraceptive Method Choices in Women With and Without Opioid Use Who Have Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Nursery

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether a history of opioid use predicts tier 1 contraceptive use or plan to use in women with infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and...
Cross-platform for the development environment of smart home system

The multiple embedded sensors of the cross-platform in Internet of Things (IoT) have influenced the aspects of human life, especially for smart home system. Android, iOS and Window OS are the leading representative in the terminal operating system of networks. As one of the applications in IoT, a smart home system included the cross-platforms with various software and hardware is programmable to enhance the network motive efficiently. In this paper, we discuss a cross-platform with the embedded devices such as sensors to support the realization of a smart home system, the network technologies of a smart home network, the varieties of devices and circuits, software-based systems and standards.
Opioid use prior to admission for chemotherapy induced febrile neutropenia is associated with increased documented infection, sepsis, and death

Abstract Purpose Cancer patients on chemotherapy are at risk for developing febrile neutropenia and infections. Opioids have been associated with immune suppression and risk of infection. We aimed to investigate opioid use associated with infections and death among cancer patients admitted with febrile neutropenia. Methods A total of 481 patients admitted for chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia were reviewed. There were 274 patients with opioid prescriptions (OP) within 10 days of hospitalization and 207 patients without opioid prescriptions (NOP) for >1 year of hospitalization. The primary outcomes were microbiologically and clinically documented infection as defined by the International Immunocompromised Host Society (IHS), sepsis by clinician, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. Results Documented infection occurred in 192 (70%) of patients with opioids compared to 99 (48%) with non-opioids, p Conclusion The data supports that patients with prior opioid use is associated with increased odds for infection, sepsis and death than non-opioid users admitted with febrile neutropenia.
The Effects of Genetic Relatedness on the Preterm Infant Gut Microbiota

The preterm infant gut microbiota is influenced by environmental, endogenous, maternal, and genetic factors. Although siblings share similar gut microbial composition, it is not known how genetic relatedness affects alpha diversity and specific taxa abundances in preterm infants. We analyzed the 16S rRNA gene content of stool samples, ≤ and >3 weeks postnatal age, and clinical data from preterm multiplets and singletons at two Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), Tampa General Hospital (TGH; FL, USA) and Carle Hospital (IL, USA). Weeks on bovine milk-based fortifier (BMF) and weight gain velocity were significant predictors of alpha diversity. Alpha diversity between siblings were significantly correlated, particularly at ≤3 weeks postnatal age and in the TGH NICU, after controlling for clinical factors. Siblings shared higher gut microbial composition similarity compared to unrelated individuals. After residualizing against clinical covariates, 30 common operational taxonomic units were correlated between siblings across time points. These belonged to the bacterial classes Actinobacteria, Bacilli, Bacteroidia, Clostridia, Erysipelotrichia, and Negativicutes. Besides the influence of BMF and weight variables on the gut microbial diversity, our study identified gut microbial similarities between siblings that suggest genetic or shared maternal and environmental effects on the preterm infant gut microbiota.
A critical evaluation of midazolam nasal spray for the treatment of patients with seizure clusters.

Introduction: Patients with epilepsy may experience seizure clusters (SCs), which are considered a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Besides seizures and seizure-related injuries, pa...
Exploration of individualized goals and ergonomic modifications to address sedentary behaviors and perceived health and well-being among office workers

Background Office workers spend significant time in sedentary behaviors. Exploration of interventions to address this concern is warranted. Objective This study explored the impact of individualized goals and ergonomic modifications on sedentary behaviors and perceived health and well-being among office workers. Methods A six-week, one-group, pre- and post-test design was utilized to assess sedentary behaviors and perceptions of health and well-being among office workers using the RAND 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ), actigraphy, and a workstation assessment. Results Statistically significant improvements were noted from pre- to post-test on the RAND SF-36 for energy/fatigue (p = 0.000) and emotional well-being (p = 0.049) and subjective sleep quality using the PSQI (p = 0.005). Participants (n = 17) could set up to two goals related to health and well-being. A majority of the 31 established goals were met: increase physical activity (n = 11/16), reduce sedentary behavior (n = 8/11), and improve personal health (n = 3/4). Conclusions The use of individualized goals and ergonomic modifications is effective for addressing perceived health and well-being among office workers. However, limited statistical significance was found regarding the impact of these interventions on sedentary behaviors or activity levels.
Porque callo y miro al cielo. Poesía y narrativa como catalizadoras de est-éticas para horizontes políticos sexuales y de género diferentes

Creative writing is used in this article to introduce love ethics based on texts with a loving aesthetic. The author presents an aest-ethics as an alternative and as a complement to intersectional and interpretivist theories/narratives developed in international relations and queer studies to analyze sexual and gender politics. In its methodology, this article constructs its (theoretical) analysis in four sections: one narrative including some of the prevailing queer and feminist intersectional debates about politics in Mexico and the United States; two auto-ethnographic aesthetic pieces (one work of prose and one poem) in order to develop the concept of trauma in (the theory of) international politics; an incorporation of love postcards as aesthetic alternatives to trauma; and a reflexive narrative about ethical constructions of political action based on the aesthetic fragments.
Group Psychotherapy in the Treatment of Alcoholism

This chapter will discuss group psychotherapy as it is widely applied in the treatment of alcoholism today. For our purposes, a therapy group may be defined as a group of clients or patients, usually six to ten in number, who meet regularly with a professional leader or leaders for the purpose of overcoming identified personal problems. The leader of the group is responsible for screening and selection of the members and for the formulation of specific goals and a plan of treatment for each. This distinguishes group therapy from Alcoholics Anonymous, a treatment method which is covered elsewhere in this book (Chapter 10). Specific group variations, such as family therapy and psychodrama, are also covered elsewhere (Chapters 6 and 8), although techniques borrowed from these treatment methods are very helpful in the psychodynamic-eclectic group therapy discussed here. Recommendations on format, structure, and technique are based chiefly on the author’s fifteen years’ experience treating alcoholic patients at the Charles K. Post Alcoholism Rehabilitation Unit at Central Islip Psychiatric Center, New York.
Ghosts of Policing Strategies Past: Is the New Zealand Police ‘Prevention First’ Strategy Historic, Contemporary or the Future?

Since the 1990s the New Zealand Police have introduced three extensive change management programs to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their core services; Policing 2000, Policing Excellence and Prevention First. Each program has been fundamentally different, with the more modern programs influencing the way that New Zealand Police deliver services. Policing 2000 evolved from implementation of the first strategic plan, while Policing Excellence and Prevention First were introduced in response to the 2007 fiscal crisis. The programs are compared to identify the differences, and whether these later programs can increase service delivery efficiency and effectiveness.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacoimmunodynamic interactions between prednisolone and sirolimus in adrenalectomized rats.

Prednisolone (Pred) and sirolimus (SIR) are immunosuppressive compounds acting through different mechanisms with moderate synergism found in vitro. Both drugs are metabolized partly by CYP3A enzymes. After iv administration of placebo, Pred (5 mg/kg), SIR (1 mg/kg), or Pred with SIR (5 and 1 mg/kg doses) to adrenalectomized male rats, Pred plasma and SIR whole blood concentrations were followed for 48 hr along with circulating T-helper and T-cytotoxic cell counts. Ex vivo whole blood lymphocyte proliferation marked host responsiveness. An extended indirect PK/PD model was used to describe responses to these drugs, alone or combined. An interactive two-stage population analysis showed no modification in drug PK. Mean Pred plasma clearance was 0.655 L/hr (interrat variability: 11%) and significantly increased with weight. Mean SIR whole blood volume of distribution and clearance were 5.6 L (62%) and 0.28 L/hr (32%), and animal scaling showed weightpowerproportionality. In vitro metabolism studies showed no significant inhibition of Pred or prednisone CYP3A metabolism by SIR (50 μM), but this pathway accounted for less than 5% of Pred metabolism. Pred decreased numbers of T-helper lymphocytes with a mean IC50of 37.8 nM (21%) alone or 12.3 nM (130%) with SIR. Results for T-cytotoxic lymphocytes were similar. SIR increased lymphocyte numbers with a mean IC50of 52.2 nM (24%) for T-helper and 28.8 nM (51%) for T-cytotoxic cells. Taking into account drug effects on lymphocyte trafficking, Pred directly inhibited ex vivo lymphocyte proliferation with a mean IC50of 1.08 nM (38%). SIR, after a transduction step, inhibited proliferation with a mean IC50of 1.00 nM (26%). Responses measured after drug coadministration were reasonably quantitated by addition of single drug effects. Since, at pharmacologic concentrations in rats, Pred and SIR did not interact in their PK but synergistically or additively interact in their dynamics, their joint therapeutic use is promising. The adrenalectomized rat may be a suitable animal model to characterize drug effects on lymphocyte trafficking and reactivity.
Deregulation, Mergers, and Employment in the Railroad Industry

Since 1978, there have been dramatic changes in the railroad industry with partial deregulation, a massive consolidation of firms, a reduction in the size of the rail network, and a dramatic reduction in employment. In this paper, we focus on the effects of deregulation, a change in the traffic characteristics, miles of road, and consolidation, on employment by Class I railroads. We develop and estimate a model that allows these effects to be identified, finding that the largest employment declines emanate from the direct effect of partial deregulation, while smaller, but still large, employment declines emanate from mergers and changes in traffic mix.
Fuzzy Reasoning for Wireless Awareness

In hybrid communication environments where both wired and wireless links exist, performance of the quality-of-service (QoS) provision can be enhanced if an application knows whether there exist wireless links in the communication channel and adapts its behavior accordingly. This paper presents a scheme using fuzzy reasoning to make applications wireless-aware. Based on the studies of statistical patterns of round-trip time (RTT) in communication sessions via wired and wireless links, the mean value and variance of RTTs are used as fuzzy inputs, and the confidence of existence of wireless links in the communication channel as the fuzzy output. Simulations and experiments show that fuzzy reasoning for wireless awareness (FuRWA) is a feasible way to enhance QoS in hybrid communication environments at the application layer. FuRWA adds intelligence into endpoints without modifying protocol stacks, and can handle scenarios where a wireless link is an intermediate component of a communication path.
Hydrogen bonding. Part 21. Infrared spectral study of the high-temperature phases of choline bromide and choline iodide

Abstract Infrared spectra have been obtained for the high-temperature phase of choline bromide, and for the three high-temperature phases of choline iodide, and the results correlated with our previous studies on choline chloride. All eight known phases of the choline halides contain OH⋯X hydrogen bonds. β-Choline chloride, β-choline bromide, and δ- choline iodide appear to have identical environments; thus, when secondary interionic interactions are overcome by elevated temperatures, a face-centered cubic crystal habit is preferred for all three halides.
Measuring the capacity of a Web server under realistic loads

The World Wide Web and its related applications place substantial performance demands on network servers. The ability to measure the effect of these demands is important for tuning and optimizing the various software components that make up a Web server. To measure these effects, it is necessary to generate realistic HTTP client requests in a test-bed environment. Unfortunately, the state-of-the-art approach for benchmarking Web servers is unable to generate client request rates that exceed the capacity of the server being tested, even for short periods of time. Moreover, it fails to model important characteristics of the wide area networks on which most servers are deployed (e.g., delay and packet loss). This paper examines pitfalls that one encounters when measuring Web server capacity using a synthetic workload. We propose and evaluate a new method for Web traffic generation that can generate bursty traffic, with peak loads that exceed the capacity of the server. Our method also models the delay and loss characteristics of WANs. We use the proposed method to measure the performance of widely used Web servers. The results show that actual server performance can be significantly lower than indicated by standard benchmarks under conditions of overload and in the presence of wide area network delays and packet losses.
Peak PWM current control of switched reluctance and AC machines

Fast response and insensitivity to parameter variation are among the most desired characteristics for current regulators in electric drives. This paper presents a new switching strategy with current regulation for switched reluctance machines (SRM), and the same concept is extended to other inverter fed AC machines to achieve instantaneous torque response. The technique is based on detecting the peak current in each phase and regulating the current by turning off the phase when the phase current reaches the commanded current, and turning on the phase at the leading edge of the clock signal at a fixed frequency. This peak-PWM current regulation (PPWMCR) strategy offers instantaneous torque response, fixed switching frequency, robustness, stability, inherent protection, no tuning, and simple implementation. The paper discusses detailed PPWMCR implementation for SRM and AC machines. Experimental results are presented to compare PPWMCR with hysteresis (HCR), delta modulation (DCR), and proportional-integral-PWM (PI-PWMCR) current regulators for a four phase SRM.
Influence of Dietary 1,3-Butanediol on Weight Gain, Blood, and Liver Metabolites and Lipogenesis in the Pig and Chick

The influence of dietary 1,3-butanediol (BD) on body weight gain, blood and liver metabolites, and on lipogenesis in pigs and chicks was studied. Body weight gain and energy intake of both pigs and chicks were depressed when the dietary energy derived from BD exceeded about 20 percent. Circulating beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate levels were markedly increased by dietary BD. Plasma triglyceride levels were increased in pigs and unchanged in chicks fed BD-containing diets. In vitro rates of fatty acid synthesis and the activities of fatty acid synthetase and malic enzyme in pig adipose tissue were not affected by the dietary BD. Neither addition of 18 percent dietary energy in the form of BD to the diet nor addition of BD to the incubation buffer affected glucose conversion to fatty acids by chick liver slices. Dietary BD did not affect long-chain acyl CoA levels in freeze-clamped chick liver but did increase the free CoA levels slightly. The hepatic lactate: pyruvate ratio was decreased when chicks were fed a BD-containing diet.
Effect of interchannel mismatches upon adaptive array cancellation

The author analyzes the effect of interchannel mismatch on adaptive array interference cancellation for an arbitrary number of channels and arbitrary bandwidth waveforms for a partially adaptive array used in a multiple sidelobe canceller (MSLC). A general equation giving the residue power as a function of the interchannel mismatch, the radar bandwidth, and the array parameters is derived. To aid in clarifying the dependence of cancellation on interchannel errors, a Taylor series expansion is obtained. It shows that the ratio of adapted power to the unadapted main power is greater than 1- mu (where mu is the average interchannel mismatch correlation coefficient) for all interferer locations and power levels and any number of auxiliary antennas. The special, simple-geometry case of narrowband orthogonal direction vectors is evaluated. For this case, the ratio of adapted to unadapted power is approximately equal to (1- mu )(1+K/N) for K interferers and N auxiliary antennas. >
Aspirin in pregnancy: maternal and fetal effects.

Recent surveys of prenatal drug consumption indicate that aspirin is the most frequently consumed drug in pregnancy. Over the past several years, numerous reports have suggested a possible association between prenatal aspirin ingestion and adverse effects in the pregnant woman and her developing fetus. This review summarizes the available experimental animal and human epidemiological data on the possible teratogenicity of aspirin, its effects on fetal lethality, its effects on the duration of pregnancy and parturition, and its ability to alter hemostatic mechanisms in both the mother and newborn. From an analysis of the data, it appears that, although direct conclusive evidence of adverse effects in humans is lacking, a potential hazard does exist and thus "the indiscriminate use of aspirin during pregnancy is contraindicated."
Analyzing the dynamic behavior of marine design tools using network theory

This paper introduces a new network metric, termed path influence, to analyze the dynamic behavior of marine design tools. Design tools are increasingly becoming opaque, if not outright black boxes, and engineers often do not have the resources to intuitively understand their behavior. Network representations of marine design tools have been created and analyzed in previous research, providing static insight into designer intent and tool formulation; this paper extends the research to include dynamic behavior. Two network weighting schemes were developed that enable path influence to approximate the impact of variable changes on an entire tool formulation. The first scheme utilizes partial derivatives and is demonstrated to be equivalent to a first order Taylor series expansion. The proposed approach was applied to the Sen Bulker problem, and then compared with a full factorial design of experiments. The benefits and drawbacks associated with path influence are discussed throughout the paper.
Gene expression underlying enhanced, steroid-dependent auditory sensitivity of hair cell epithelium in a vocal fish

Successful animal communication depends on a receiver’s ability to detect a sender’s signal. Exemplars of adaptive sender-receiver coupling include acoustic communication, often important in the context of seasonal reproduction. During the reproductive summer season, both male and female midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus) exhibit similar increases in the steroid-dependent frequency sensitivity of the saccule, the main auditory division of the inner ear. This form of auditory plasticity enhances detection of the higher frequency components of the multi-harmonic, long-duration advertisement calls produced repetitively by males during summer nights of peak vocal and spawning activity. The molecular basis of this seasonal auditory plasticity has not been fully resolved. Here, we utilize an unbiased transcriptomic RNA sequencing approach to identify differentially expressed transcripts within the saccule’s hair cell epithelium of reproductive summer and non-reproductive winter fish. We assembled 74,027 unique transcripts from our saccular epithelial sequence reads. Of these, 6.4 % and 3.0 % were upregulated in the reproductive and non-reproductive saccular epithelium, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment analyses of the differentially expressed transcripts showed that the reproductive saccular epithelium was transcriptionally, translationally, and metabolically more active than the non-reproductive epithelium. Furthermore, the expression of a specific suite of candidate genes, including ion channels and components of steroid-signaling pathways, was upregulated in the reproductive compared to the non-reproductive saccular epithelium. We found reported auditory functions for 14 candidate genes upregulated in the reproductive midshipman saccular epithelium, 8 of which are enriched in mouse hair cells, validating their hair cell-specific functions across vertebrates. We identified a suite of differentially expressed genes belonging to neurotransmission and steroid-signaling pathways, consistent with previous work showing the importance of these characters in regulating hair cell auditory sensitivity in midshipman fish and, more broadly, vertebrates. The results were also consistent with auditory hair cells being generally more physiologically active when animals are in a reproductive state, a time of enhanced sensory-motor coupling between the auditory periphery and the upper harmonics of vocalizations. Together with several new candidate genes, our results identify discrete patterns of gene expression linked to frequency- and steroid-dependent plasticity of hair cell auditory sensitivity.
Membrane-bound dynamic structure of an arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptide, the protein transduction domain of HIV TAT, from solid-state NMR.

The protein transduction domain of HIV-1 TAT, TAT(48−60), is an efficient cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) that diffuses across the lipid membranes of cells despite eight cationic Arg and Lys residue...
Decreased birth weight/placenta ratio and asymmetric growth restriction

Abstract Background: Asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction (AsymIUGR) in normal birth weight (BW) infants is associated with increased perinatal morbidity, but without documented length or head circumference it cannot be assessed. Objective: To evaluate the association between decreased BW/placenta ratio and markers of AsymIUGR in normal BW, term infants. Method: There were 34,568 singleton, nonanomalous infants born at 36–44 weeks with BW equal to or exceeding the 10th percentile were evaluated for the Collaborative Perinatal Project. AsymIUGR markers were BW/length ratio, ponderal index, and BW/head circumference. AsymIUGR markers and BW/placenta weight less than the 10th percentile for gestation and gender were considered low. Five-minute Apgar score of 0–3 (low Apgar) was judged low. Relative risks with 95% confidence intervals, excluding 1.0, and P values Results: Low BW/placental weight ratio occurred in 1,912 (5.5%) infants and was associated with increased rates of low BW/length ratio, low ponderal index, low BW/head circumference ratio (relative risks 1.6, 1.3, and 2.0, respectively, all P Conclusions: Low BW/placental weight ratio is correlated with increased risk for AsymIUGR and low Apgar in term, nonanomalous, normal BW infants. Low BW/placental weight ratio may represent a useful, readily available marker for poor nutritional status at birth when birth length or head circumference are unavailable for analysis.
Positive- and negative-effective-viscosity phenomena in isotropic and anisotropic Beltrami flows.

A field-theoretic approach, analogous to Kraichnan's direct-interaction approximation, to the stability theory of complex three-dimensional flows is developed. The long-wavelength stability of a class of Beltrami flows in an unbounded, viscous fluid is considered. We examine two flows in detail, to illustrate the effects of strong isotropy versus strong anisotropy in the basic flow. The effect of the small-scale flow on the long-wavelength perturbations may be interpreted as an effective viscosity. Using diagrammatic techniques, we construct the first-order smoothing and direct-interaction approximations for the perturbation dynamics. It is argued that the effective viscosity for the isotropic flow is always positive, and approaches a value independent of the molecular viscosity in the high-Reynolds-number limit; this flow is thus stable to long-wavelength disturbances. The anisotropic flow has negative effective viscosity for some orientations of the disturbance, and is therefore unstable, when its Reynolds number exceeds \ensuremath{\surd}2 .
Design and Preparation of β-Sheet Forming Repetitive and Block-Copolymerized Polypeptides

The design and rapid construction of libraries of genes coding β-sheet forming repetitive and block-copolymerized polypeptides bearing various C- and N-terminal sequences are described. The design was based on the assembly of DNA cassettes coding for the (GA)3GX amino acid sequence where the (GAGAGA) sequences would constitute the β-strand units of a larger β-sheet assembly. The edges of this β-sheet would be functionalized by the turn-inducing amino acids (GX). The polypeptides were expressed in Escherichia coli using conventional vectors and were purified by Ni-nitriloacetic acid (NTA) chromatography. The correlation of polymer structure with molecular weight was investigated by gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. The monomer sequences and post-translational chemical modifications were found to influence the mobility of the polypeptides over the full range of polypeptide molecular weights while the electrophoretic mobility of lower molecular weight polypeptides was more susceptible to C- and N-te...
The Honest Give-and-Take

Information technology has not only expanded the scale and scope of global markets, it has also provided the means for probing the meaning of every give-and-take transaction. Suggestion systems search for valuable ideas from customers or employees. Recommendation systems present ideas with the intent that customers or employees will find value in them. Both have long histories that could probably be traced, with little difficulty, to transactions on the Silk Road. However, both have been the object of careful analytic study and engineering practice. They show how we systematically try to extract or create ideas.
Evidence of Modified Ferromagnetism at a Buried Permalloy/CoO Interface at Room Temperature

We have used magnetometry and resonant soft x-ray magnetic reflectometry to determine the depth-dependent charge and magnetization density on an absolute scale across a Permalloy/CoO interface above the N\'eel temperature of CoO. A thin magnetic layer of $1.0\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ forms at the interface. This layer has larger magnetization density and different temperature dependence of magnetization than Permalloy.
Within and across modality comprehension of electronic media in children

A sample of sixth grade students, 74 boys and 78 girls, were presented with a 17-minute edited videotape showing one of the two subplots from an episode of a prime time commercial television programme. There were four comprehension measures; two were print measures: (1) ordering written descriptions of the narrative and (2) choosing those written scene descriptions which were essential to the telling of the story. Two tasks were pictorial: (3) ordering pictorial representations of the plot, and (4) choosing those six images that were essential to the story. Each subject received one print and one pictorial comprehension test, randomly assigned by groups. Scores on the verbal items were compared to scores on the pictorial items. The mean percentage for the verbal tasks was 63% correct and the mean percentage for the pictorial measures was 71% correct ( p
High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of emetine after oxedative activation to a fluorescent product

Abstract A clinically useful analytical method is described for monitoring plasma levels of emetine. The drug is initially extracted from plasma with dichloromethane (0.3 volumes). The extract can be analyzed directly by paired-ion reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography to levels of 500 ng/ml of plasma by spectrophotomeric monitoring of column effluent. For analysis of emetine at lower concentrations, the dichloromethane extracts are subjected to mild mercuric acetate oxidation prior to separation, thereby converting emetine to a fluorescent product. Spectrofluorometric monitoring of the column effluent readily extends the sensitivity of the assay to 10 ng of emetine/ml of plasma. At these levels measurements can be made with a precision of ±4%.
Swelling of refractory materials and silicate glasses on proton, deuteron, and helium ion bombardment

Abstract Small areas of polished plates were bombarded with 140 keV ions at room temperature, and the heights of steps formed at the edges of the bombarded areas were measured interferometrically. The refractory materials swelled because of porosity caused by the implanted gas. Vitreous silica and Pyrex did not. All the other glasses swelled when bombarded with protons or deuterons, but only dense barium crown swelled appreciably under helium ion bombardment.
Aprotinin Abolishes Sevoflurane Postconditioning by Inhibiting Nitric Oxide Production and Phosphorylation of Protein Kinase C-δ and Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β

BACKGROUND It remains controversial whether aprotinin use during cardiac surgery is cardioprotective or detrimental. In contrast, volatile anesthetics may offer cardioprotection perioperatively. Increased nitric oxide, protein kinase C activation, and glycogen synthase kinase 3beta inhibition play a role in sevoflurane-induced cardioprotection. The authors investigated whether aprotinin affects sevoflurane postconditioning. METHODS Isolated guinea pig hearts underwent 30 min of global ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion (control [CTL]). Postconditioning was elicited with sevoflurane (2%) for 2 min at reperfusion onset (POST). Aprotinin (250 kallikrein inhibitor units/ml) was administered for 5 min at reperfusion onset (POST + APRO and CTL + APRO). In additional experiments, both sevoflurane and aprotinin were given before ischemia and throughout the reperfusion period (SEVO + APRO (throughout)) to mimic clinical conditions. Left ventricular developed and end-diastolic pressures and infarct size were measured. Western blot analysis determined phosphorylated protein kinase C-delta, protein kinase C-delta, Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase 3beta expression. Nitric oxide production during reperfusion was measured by nitric oxide sensor. RESULTS After ischemia-reperfusion, POST had significantly higher left ventricular developed (56 +/- 11 vs. 26 +/- 8 mmHg [mean +/- SD]) and lower end-diastolic pressures (20 +/- 9 vs. 47 +/- 15 mmHg) and reduced infarct size (15 +/- 3% vs. 41 +/- 10%) versus CTL. Aprotinin abolished these improvements. Expressions of phospho-Akt (activated), phospho-protein kinase C-delta (activated), and phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (inhibited) were significantly increased in POST. Aprotinin attenuated these increased expressions. Nitric oxide production after reperfusion was higher in POST than in CTL, but not in POST + APRO. CONCLUSIONS Aprotinin abolishes sevoflurane postconditioning, associated with inhibited phosphorylation of Akt, protein kinase C-delta, and glycogen synthase kinase 3beta and reduced nitric oxide production.
Search for Magnetic Monopoles in Lunar Material

Magnetic monopoles in 19.8 kg. of lunar material returned by Apollo 11, 12 and 14 missions were investigated. The search was done with a detector which is capable of detecting any single monopole of any charge equal to or larger than the minimum value compatible with Dirac's theory. Two experiments were performed, each one with different lunar material. In each experiment the lunar material was divided into several measurement samples. No monopole was found. The magnetic charge of each sample was consistent with zero.
Major Intermediates in Organophosphate Synthesis (PCl3, POCl3, PSCl3, and Their Diethyl Esters) Are Anticholinesterase Agents Directly or on Activation

Three phosphotrichlorides [phosphorus trichloride (PCl(3)), phosphorus oxychloride (POCl(3)), and thiophosphoryl chloride (PSCl(3))] with an annual U.S. production of >500,000,000 pounds and their diethyl esters are intermediates in the production of organophosphorus pesticides, plastics, flame retardants, and hydraulic fluids. They are classified as highly toxic to mammals based on acute oral and inhalation data with rats. This study considers their mechanisms of toxicity. PCl(3) and POCl(3) inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) from several species with in vitro IC(50) values of 5-36 and 88-1200 microM, respectively; PSCl(3) is a less potent inhibitor. These phosphotrichlorides have high vapor toxicity to houseflies with in vivo inhibition of brain AChE activity correlating with mortality. PCl(3) and POCl(3) produce cholinergic poisoning signs on ip administration to mice, and all three phosphotrichlorides give marked in vivo inhibition of serum BChE but not brain AChE activity. PCl(3) is a direct acting AChE inhibitor. Our earlier proposed activation of POCl(3) is confirmed here by preparing pure Cl(2)P(O)OH and its potassium and dicyclohexylamine salts that reproduce the action of POCl(3) as in vitro AChE inhibitors and toxicants in mice. PSCl(3) on hydrolysis yields Cl(2)P(O)SH [which oxidizes with peracid to Cl(2)P(O)SOH] as the proposed activation product. Vapors of (EtO)(2)PCl, (EtO)(2)P(O)Cl, and (EtO)(2)P(S)Cl are lethal to houseflies as in vivo AChE inhibitors, the first two acting directly and the last one on oxidative activation to (EtO)(2)P(O)Cl (possibly by P450) or (EtO)(2)P(O)SCl (a phosphorylating agent in a peracid oxidation system). Thus PCl(3), (EtO)(2)PCl, and (EtO)(2)P(O)Cl act directly as AChE inhibitors whereas POCl(3) and PSCl(3) undergo hydrolytic activation and (EtO)(2)P(S)Cl undergoes oxidative activation. In contrast, the toxicity to mice of phosphofluorides [FP(O)Cl(2), F(Cl)P(O)OH, and F(2)P(O)OH; studied as model compounds for comparison] may be due to liberating fluoride ion.
Perception of Competency to Perform Procedures and Future Practice Intent: A National Survey of Family Practice Residents

PurposeA national survey of family practice (FP) chief residents to identify the type of procedural skills they have completed, assess their perceptions of competence to perform those procedures, and identify the procedures they anticipate performing in practice.MethodA questionnaire asking about tr
Modeling failure in notched plates with micropolar strain softening

Abstract Predicting failure in particulate or fiber-reinforced composite structures containing a notch is complicated by the development of a zone of damaged material near the notch. Recent experimental work indicates that the damage growth at the notch manifests itself in the form of strain softening of the material. In this investigation a strain softening model was developed with the material treated as a micropolar continuum which eliminates the mesh sensitivity problems associated with classical theories. Calculations were performed for a plate under tension with three types of notches: a circular hole, an elliptical hole, and a sharp crack. For all notch types, the specimen size was found to have a relatively weak effect on failure load.
Husbands' Occupational Attributes as Constraints on Wives' Employment:

This paper draws attention to the implications of the husband's occupational role for the wife's employment by reviewing a widely dispersed literature. It is argued that central attributes of the husband's work role limit the sharing offamily work and put pressure on the wife to participate in the "two-person career, " thereby limiting her own occupational participation and attainment. The socioeconomic rewards, career patterns, temporal requirements, geographical mobility pressures, and sex-typing of the husband's occupation are considered. Research is called for to investigate systematically: (1) the impacts of husbands' occupational attributes on wives' employment decision-making; (2) the effects of the "two-person career" pattern on men's, women's, and families' socioeconomic attainment; and (3) the new patterns of work and family integration that may be currently emerging.