cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Worst-case tolerance design and quality assurance via genetic algorithms

In many engineering designs, several components are often placed together in a mechanical assembly. Due to manufacturing variations, there is a tolerance associated with the nominal dimension of each component in the assembly. The goal of worst-case tolerance analysis is to determine the effect of the smallest and largest assembly dimensions on the product performance. Furthermore, to achieve product quality and robustness, designers must ensure that the product performance variation is minimal.Recently, genetic algorithms (GAs) have gained a great deal of attention in the field of tolerance design. The main strength of GAs lies in their ability to effectively perform directed random search in a large space of design solutions and produce optimum results. However, simultaneous treatment of tolerance analysis and robust design for quality assurance via genetic algorithms has been marginal.In this paper, we introduce a new method based on GAs, which addresses both the worst-case tolerance analysis of mechanical assemblies and robust design. A novel formulation based on manufacturing capability indices allows the GA to rank candidate designs based on varying the tolerances around the nominal design parameter values. Standard genetic operators are then applied to ensure that the product performance measure exhibits minimal variation from the desired target value. The computational results in the design of a clutch assembly highlight the advantages of the proposed methodology.
The New Jersey Shelf Observing System

The New Jersey Shelf Observing System is a coastal ocean observatory whose primary goal is supporting collaborative interdisciplinary oceanographic research. The observatory has both a sustained component designed to provide spatial datasets year-round, and a process study component for more intensive measurements during short-term scientific experiments. The sustained component consists of tracking stations for the international constellation of ocean color and IR satellites, multi-frequency multistatic CODAR HF radars, and long-duration subsurface glider AUVs. The processes study component uses numerous platforms that include aircraft, ships, propeller-driven AUVs and relocatable mooring arrays. Process studies focused on recurrent coastal upwelling centers and their biological impacts from 1998-2001, and are planned to focus on the Hudson River plume, chemical contaminants, and their biological impacts from 2003-2007. Despite being a research-oriented observatory run by the scientists for the scientists, it maintains a significant societal impact through its Website (marine.rutgers.edu/cool), receiving an average of over 60,000 hits/day during the busy summer months.
Analyzing Voice-over-IP Subjective Quality as a Function of Network QoS: A Simulation-Based Methodology and Tool

A simulation-based methodology is developed for analyzing the subjective quality of voice-over-IP calls as a function of network QoS parameters and choices in implementation and configuration. The proposed method combines the use of existing objective voice-quality measurement algorithms, such as the ITU-T P.861 PSQM, and artificial voice reference signals, such as the ITU-T P.50, with the discrete-event simulation of a network QoS model. A significant advantage of the method is that it does not involve the use of human subjects in evaluating subjective voice quality levels. This enables one to entirely automate the process of quantifying call quality as a function of network QoS and implementation choices such as packet size and codec type. Such automation enables one to realize significant time and cost savings in obtaining experimental results. A tool implementation is described that includes basic network packet loss and delay jitter models. Example numerical results are presented for the G.711 codec. The extension of the method to the subjective quality evaluation of audio, video, and multimedia signals is also described. The paper also introduces the concepts of 'subjective teletraffic engineering' and 'subjective equivalent bandwidths.'
Russian economic report

After a decade of high growth, the Russian economy is experiencing a slowdown in the wake of the global financial crisis. While Russia's strong short-term macroeconomic fundamentals make it better prepared than many emerging economies to deal with the crisis, its underlying structural weaknesses and high dependence on the price of a single commodity make its impact more pronounced than otherwise. Prudent fiscal management and substantial financial reserves have protected Russia from deeper consequences of this external shock. The government's policy response so far swift, comprehensive, and coordinated has helped limit the impact. Short-term macroeconomic stabilization has to be the immediate priority as the authorities continue to adjust their short-term policy responses to changing economic circumstances. But the crisis also presents an opportunity to address the medium to longer term challenges of competitiveness, economic diversification, and financial sector modernization which are necessary to boost growth and living standards. This would ensure that Russia emerges from this global crisis with a stronger basis for dynamic, productivity-led growth and is better placed to take advantage of global integration. In the first six months of 2008, real gross domestic product (GDP) growth in Russia continued at a brisk pace of about 8 percent, reflecting a booming economy and strong macroeconomic fundamentals. This growth exceeds the long-term potential of the economy (estimated in the 6-7 percent range), with clear signs of overheating. An upturn in inflation, a decline in unemployment, a rise in capital utilization, and real wages significantly outpacing productivity growth all indicated an overheating economy against the backdrop of binding supply (infrastructure) constraints.
Ultra-Scale Computing for Emergency Evacuation

Emergency evacuations are carried out in anticipation of a disaster such as hurricane landfall or flooding, and in response to a disaster that strikes without a warning. Existing emergency evacuation modeling and simulation tools are primarily designed for evacuation planning and are of limited value in operational support for real time evacuation management. In order to align with desktop computing, these models reduce the data and computational complexities through simple approximations and representations of real network conditions and traffic behaviors, which rarely represent real-world scenarios. With the emergence of high resolution physiographic, demographic, and socioeconomic data and supercomputing platforms, it is possible to develop micro-simulation based emergency evacuation models that can foster development of novel algorithms for human behavior and traffic assignments, and can simulate evacuation of millions of people over a large geographic area. However, such advances in evacuation modeling and simulations demand computational capacity beyond the desktop scales and can be supported by high performance computing platforms. This paper explores the motivation and feasibility of ultra-scale computing for increasing the speed of high resolution emergency evacuation simulations.
Global stabilizer quantum error correction with combinatorial arrays

Stabilizer codes are a fundamental class of error-correcting codes for quantum information that allow for syndrome decoding in the quantum domain. One of the substantial challenges in quantum error correction is that the quantum gates that perform error correction themselves are faulty in practice, which makes fault-tolerant implementation a vital component. Recently, a coding theoretic technique is proposed that makes it possible for syndrome decoding to help correct imperfectly extracted syndromes instead of fully relying on an external fault-tolerant mechanism. In particular, it was proved that any single-error-correcting stabilizer code can be made robust against single errors on either a data qubit or a syndrome bit by using at most one more stabilizer operator than necessary for standard syndrome decoding, while analogous overhead for making double-error-correcting stabilizer codes robust against double errors involving data qubits and/or syndrome bits was shown to be at most logarithmic. We generalize this result to t-error-correcting stabilizer codes and show that the overhead for achieving analogously defined global t-error correction for data qubits and/or syndrome bits is also at most logarithmic. The proof exploits combinatorial arrays that may be seen as parity-check matrices that detect errors of even weight but may overlook errors of odd weight.
1018 ALLOGENEIC SEMINAL LEUKOCYTES AND GERM CELLS AS COFACTORS IN AIDS: EVIDENCE FROM A MURINE MODEL

Recent evidence incriminates a group of retroviruses as causative agents for AIDS but discrepancy between antibody prevalence and disease incidence in high risk populations indicates a role for other factors in development of the syndrome. Epidemiological associations between AIDS or related immune aberrations and numbers of sexual partners and rectal receptive intercourse suggest such a role for allogeneic leukocytes (AL) and germ cells (GC) of semen by perhaps inducing an initial immunodeficiency (ID). This hypothesis was tested in a murine model. AKR (H–2k) and C57BL/6 (H–2b) mice were given leukocytes (4.8 × 107 or GC (3×107) of syngeneic or allogeneic origin or a combination of AL and GC over 3 wks. ID (depression of Con A and alloreactivity and of natural killer activity (p<0.001) detectable at 8 wks and progressive at 12 wks developed only in mice given the combination. Histopathological abnormalities in ID mice included absence of thymic Hassall's corpuscles in both strains and histiocytic hyperplasia of lymphoid organs and a B cell leukemia (unlike the common T lymphoma) in the AKR strain. ID was induced in normal adult mice by administration of AL and GC in numbers comparable to those encountered through rectal intercourse by homosexual males. Chronic immune stimulation by alloantigens may alter host immune response to the retroviral agent leading to the development of AIDS.
Entrepreneurs: the missing link in the training of medical scientists.

Universities focusing on teaching translational research should look to life-science entrepreneurs.
Dark-field illuminated reflectance fiber bundle endoscopic microscope

We propose a reflectance fiber bundle microscope using a dark-field illumination configuration for applications in endoscopic medical imaging and diagnostics. Our experiment results show that dark-field illumination can effectively suppress strong specular reflection from the proximal end of the fiber bundle. We realized a lateral resolution of 4.4 μm using the dark-field illuminated fiber bundle configuration. To demonstrate the feasibility of using the system to study cell morphology, we obtained still and video images of two thyroid cancer cell lines. Our results clearly allow differentiation of different cancer cell types.
Maximum likelihood estimators for incorrect models, with an application to ascertainment bias for continuous characters

Abstract Uncertainty about the ascertainment of human family data leads to a need for robust methods for estimating genetic and environmental effects. This in turn leads to a need for efficient techniques for estimating model parameters for data generated under one parametric model but analyzed under a second model. If the two models correspond to different ascertainment schemes for the same exponential family, simple formulas for the asymptotic means and standard errors of both conditional and unconditional MLEs can be derived. In an example for continuous sibship data, these formulas show that estimates derived from conditioning on proband value have greater asymptotic bias than two other estimators. Similarly, either conditioning on proband value or conditioning on the number of affected family members resulted in biases of up to 30% when ascertainment depended on the values of more than one affected family member.
Structural optimization of turbine blade firtrees

On the basis of the present optimization equation for the structural capacity of a turbine blade attachment firtree, the optimum of the lobe circular fillet radius in the blade and in the turbine disk is determined. In order to further diminish peak stress in firtree design, an elliptical fillet radius is selected in place of the circular one. Two-dimensional stress analysis results for a three-lobe firtree with elliptical radius shows a 14-percent stress reduction in the blade necks (where cracking has been experienced) over the current, four-lobe firtree design.
EFFECTIVENESS OF BAITED CONE TRAPS AND COLORED STICKY TRAPS FOR MONITORING ADULT CABBAGE MAGGOTS: WITH NOTES ON FEMALE OVARIAN DEVELOPMENT

During 1979, sticky-colored stakes and baited cone traps were effective in monitoring 1st-and 2nd-generation adult cabbage maggots. Baited cone traps were not effective after August 8, 1979, which appeared to be due to the increased amount of host material in the field. Male flies were attracted most to white and federal safety yellow colored stakes while females were attracted most to federal safety yellow and 659 yellow. There was no relationship between the stage of female ovarian development and stake color. In 1981, baited cone traps were placed outside the periphery of cruciferous plantings to reduce competition between host crop and traps. At a commercial farm, cone traps were very effective in detecting periods of adult activity. When properly used, baited cones are more effective overall than colored sticky stakes. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Fallenfang und Entwicklung der Fortpflanzungsorgane bei der weiblichen Kohlfliege, Hylemya brassicae Mit Allyl-Isothiocyanate bekoderte kegelformige Fallen und klebrige, farbige Stangen wurden benutzt, um die Aktivitat der Kohlfliegen im Jahren 1979 und 1981 in Massachusetts zu uberwachen. Im Jahre 1979 uberwachten beide Fallenarten sehr wirkungsvoll die erste und zweite Generation der Fliegen auf einer 25 ha grozen Farm in Whately, MA; jedoch waren die bekoderten kegelformigen Fallen spater in der Saison nicht mehr wirkungsvoll. Dies scheint mit der zunehmenden Anzahl von reifen, Senfol abgebenden Wirtspflanzen zusammenzuhangen, auf die die Kohlfliegen eher ansprachen als auf die bekoderten kegelformigen Fallen. Mannliche Fliegen wurden am haufigsten von weissen und gelbgefarbten (federal safety yellow und 695 yellow) Stangen angezogen. Alle weiblichen Fliegen wurden seziert und auf die Entwicklung der Fortpflanzungsorgane hin untersucht. Es liez sich kein Zusammenhang zwischen der Farbe der Falle und der Entwicklung der Weibchen erkennen. 1981 wurden bekoderte kegelformige Fallen und gelbe (federal safety yellow), klebrige Stangen benutzt, um ausgewachsene Fliegen an 3 verschiedenen Stellen zu uberwachen: die bereits 1979 untersuchte Farm in Whately und die Versuchsanstalten der University of Massachusetts in Sunderland und South Deerfield, MA. Die Untersuchungsserie stutzte sich auf die Ergebnisse von 1979: bekoderte kegelformige Fallen wurden auzerhalb von senfolhaltigen Pflanzen aufgestellt, um die Konkurrenz zwischen Wirtspflanzen und Fallen zu reduzieren. In Whately erwies sich diese Methode als sehr wirkungsvoll, um die Aktivitat der Fliegen zu uberwachen. In Sunderland und South Deerfield zeigte sich jedoch bei niedriger Fliegendichte keine Spitzenaktivitat.
Technologies of humility

Researchers and policy-makers need ways for accommodating the partiality of scientific knowledge and for acting under the inevitable uncertainty it holds. While society and policy makers demand ever more science-based evidence, Sheila Jassanoff cautions on the partiality of scientific knowledge and the need for disciplined methods to accommodate this irredeemable uncertainty.
Measuring noise in exchange rate models

Abstract This paper conducts a race between models in terms of their ability to explain observed violations of uncovered interest parity. This is done by comparing the empirical performance of the `simple efficiency' hypothesis and the models which assume the existence of risk premiums. My analysis uses noise ratios which complement specification tests by showing the relative degree to which each model reconciles with the data. The empirical results imply that the risk premiums introduced by the latent variable model could significantly explain the deviation of forward exhange rates from the expected future spot rates.
EFFECT OF SIZE AND SHAPE OF TITANIUM OXIDE CRYSTALS ON SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF TITANIUM‐BEARING PORCELAIN ENAMELS

Color changes of three titanium enamels given varied firing treatment were investigated. The size and shape of titanium oxide particles were studied with the electron microscope, the relative amounts of anatase and rutile were determined from X-ray analyses, and spectrophotometric curves of the fired panels were made. Electron micrographs showed that rutile particles recrystallized as needles or “sticks,” whereas anatase appeared as ill-defined, irregularly shaped, rounded particles. With increasing firing temperature or firing time (1) rutile particles showed a greater increase in size than anatase particles, (2) the amount (by weight or volume) of anatase crystals decreased and the amount of rutile crystals increased, and (3) a color change from blue-white to cream-white was observed. The change in color seemed to be related to the scattering of blue light by small particles at lower temperatures or shorter periods of firing. As the size of opacifying particles increased, the scattering of blue light decreased, and the characteristic absorption of visible light in the shorter wave lengths was more apparent. In enamels containing both anatase and rutile, the smaller anatase crystals were predominant at lower and the larger rutile crystals at higher temperatures, so that sharp changes of color were observed as the firing temperature was increased.
Haloperidol given chronically decreases basal dopamine in the prefrontal cortex more than the striatum or nucleus accumbens as simultaneously measured by microdialysis

Simultaneous microdialysis was performed in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and the caudal region of the nucleus accumbens using implanted guide shafts with removable microdialysis probes. Extracellular dopamine (DA), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and homovanillic acid (HVA) were measured in response to acute and chronic haloperidol, an antipsychotic drug. Six rats received haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg, IP) while changes in DA and its metabolites were monitored for six hours. Then the microdialysis probes were removed and daily injections of haloperidol were given for 28 more days. Next the probes were reinserted, and a final haloperidol challenge was given. A control group of six rats was treated the same way but with saline. The first injection of haloperidol increased extracellular DA, DOPAC and HVA proving increased turnover in all three regions. A month later, after chronic treatment, basal DA and its metabolites decreased in just the cortex. DOPAC and HVA also decreased in the cortex and striatum, suggesting a decrease in turnover at these two sites. None of these changes occurred in the accumbens. The last haloperidol challenge after chronic treatment no longer increased extracellular DA in any of the three sites, but increased production of metabolites was still detectable. This suggests a lack of DA responsiveness in all three sites. In summary, chronic haloperidol affected each of the regions differently; DA metabolites decreased in the STR and PFC; basal DA decreased in the PFC.
Risk Profiles of Distressed Hedge Funds

This article examines differences in average estimated risk premiums of individual distressed hedge funds as compared to those of their surviving counterparts, along with a unique measure of performance in order to provide evidence of why the distressed funds eventually dissolved. The sample period is selected to cover the sharp downturn in U.S. equity markets of 2000 and beyond, when many individual hedge funds dissolved. Sample data are derived from a unique database of the five major hedge fund providers existing during the sample period. The estimation technique is performed on a sample of 212 distressed hedge funds and 1,555 surviving funds of various investment styles. The main results generally show that for the diverse hedge fund styles the average risk premiums of the distressed funds are greater in absolute value than those of their surviving peers; moreover, these differences generally correspond to significantly lower average performance values for the distressed funds. In short, the hedge funds with the greatest exposure to the risk factors are the funds most at risk of dissolution. These results are of particular importance for individual investors as economic warning signals in monitoring the performance and risk characteristics of the funds comprising their investment portfolios.
Characterizing harmonic immersions of surfaces with indefinite metric.

Abstract Harmonic maps X:(S,h) → N from a 2-manifold S with indefinite metric h to a semi-Riemannian manifold N are characterized, assuming that the induced metric I is nondegenerate. Except in one very special case, the characterizations involve a canonically determined holomorphic quadratic differential on a naturally chosen conformal structure. This is surprising because the Euler-Lagrange equation that X must satisfy is basically the wave equation. The Gauss map of a spacelike or timelike surface in Minkowski 3-space is shown to be harmonic if and only if mean curvature is constant. Finally, it is noted that a harmonic map X:(S,h) → N with indefinite h and nondegenerate I normally gives rise to a sine-Gordon, a sinh-Gordon, or a cosh-Gordon equation, provided that the intrinsic curvature of I is constant.
Obstructive Azoospermia in a Patient with VATER Association

VATER association was first described in 1968 by Say and Gerald and is an association of congenital anomalies including V (vertebral defect), A (anal atresia), TE (tracheoesophegeal fistula), and R (radial dysplasia and renal defects). This report described a 26 year-old man with VATER association presented with infertility. Hormone tests including follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone were normal. Semen analysis showed azoospermia. A testicular biopsy was performed and showed the presence of all of germinative components, germ cell sloughing, and mild hypospermatogenesis. The findings were compatible with obstructive azoospermia. No evidence of intratubular germ cell neoplasia unclassified was identified.
Responses of olfactory receptor neurons in the spiny lobster to binary mixtures are predictable using a noncompetitive model that incorporates excitatory and inhibitory transduction pathways

Coding of binary mixtures by a population of olfactory receptor neurons in the spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) was examined. Extracellular single-unit responses of 50 neurons to seven compounds and their binary mixtures were recorded. The ability of a noncompetitive model with correction for binding inhibition to predict responses to mixtures based on responses to their components was compared with the predictive abilities of other models. This model assumes that different compounds activate different transduction processes in the same neuron leading to excitation or inhibition, and it includes a term quantifying the degree to which binding of an odorant to its receptor sites is inhibited by other compounds. The model accurately predicted the absolute response magnitude of the population of neurons for 13 of 15 mixtures assessed, which is superior to the predictive power of any of the other models. The model also accurately predicted the across neuron patterns generated by the binary mixtures, as evaluated by multidimensional scaling analysis. The results suggest that there is no emergence of unique qualities for binary mixtures relative to components of these mixtures.
Evolutionary conservation of vertebrate notochord genes in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis

To reconstruct a minimum complement of notochord genes evolutionarily conserved across chordates, we scanned the Ciona intestinalis genome using the sequences of 182 genes reported to be expressed in the notochord of different vertebrates and identified 139 candidate notochord genes. For 66 of these Ciona genes expression data were already available, hence we analyzed the expression of the remaining 73 genes and found notochord expression for 20. The predicted products of the newly identified notochord genes range from the transcription factors Ci-XBPa and Ci-miER1 to extracellular matrix proteins. We examined the expression of the newly identified notochord genes in embryos ectopically expressing Ciona Brachyury (Ci-Bra) and in embryos expressing a repressor form of this transcription factor in the notochord, and we found that while a subset of the genes examined are clearly responsive to Ci-Bra, other genes are not affected by alterations in its levels. We provide a first description of notochord genes that are not evidently influenced by the ectopic expression of Ci-Bra and we propose alternative regulatory mechanisms that might control their transcription.
Genetic and Molecular Characterization of Vernalization Genes Vrn-A1, Vrn-B1, and Vrn-D1 in Spring Wheat Germplasm from the Pacific Northwest Region of the U.S.A.

The objective of this study was to determine the Vrn-I allelic composition of spring wheat germplasm from the Pacific Northwest region of the USA. Individual plants from 56 spring wheat lines were crossed to near-isogenic tester lines carrying the dominant allele Vrn-A1, Vrn-B1 or Vrn-D1. F 2 progeny were evaluated for growth habit in the field and Vrn-I allelic composition was determined through chi-square analysis. Lines also were analysed with DNA sequence-based Vrn-1 allele-specific markers. A majority of the germplasm carried the dominant allele Vrn-A1a alone or in combination with Vrn-B1, Vrn-D1 or Vrn-B3 alleles. Vrn-B1 and Vrn-D1 were almost always associated with other dominant Vrn-1 allele(s). Based on DNA sequence analysis, a novel Vrn-B1 allele referred to as Vrn-Blb, which carried a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and a 36 bp deletion, was identified in cultivar 'Alpowa'. These results will be useful to wheat breeders for choosing parents with different Vrn-1 alleles for crossing to maximize diversity at the Vrn-1 loci with an expectation of identifying superior Vrn-1 allelic combinations for cultivar improvement.
Relationship between dispersal and fecundity ofTetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) exposed to flucythrinate

The effects of the synthetic pyrethroid flucythrinate on dispersal and fecundity of the two-spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticae Koch, was investigated using a vial exposure technique that allowed treatment of mites without incidental treatment of host plant and allowed determination of the actual dose received by the mites. Flycythrinate elicited both immediate and delayed dispersal. Immediate dispersal within 120 min posttreatment was more sensitive than delayed dispersal and fecundity at 24, 48, and 72 h posttreatment. The lowest flucythrinate concentrations elicited immediate dispersal without subsequent inhibition of fecundity, providing support for the hypothesis that pyrethroid-induced mite population outbreaks can result from dispersal of healthy mites to areas of low competition. Delayed dispersal, however, was observed only in mites that had reduced fecundity. No significant increases in egg production were observed; however, mites exposed to the lowest concentrations of flucythrinate showed a trend toward increased fecundity at 48 and 72 h posttreatment. Since the mites were treated rather than the host plant, it appeared that the dispersal associated with flucythrinate was manifested primarily through a general stimulation of locomotor activity rather than directional locomotor response.
Analytic approach to charge transfer during atom-surface scattering

We present an analytic approach to the solution of the time-dependent Newns-Anderson model of charge transfer during atom-surface scattering. For sufficiently slow atomic velocities we show, using a WKB technique, that the time evolution of the electronic state of the atom is determined by the instantaneous quasiparticle energies of the coupled atom plus surface system. Surface electronic structure and level-crossing effects are thus incorporated into the theory in a natural way. The results of the analysis compare quite favorably with numerical solutions and recently discovered exact solutions.
Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of the Hydroxyapatite Orbital Implant

The role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of fibrovascular ingrowth in the integrated hydroxyapatite orbital implant is evaluated. Fifteen patients who underwent enucleation and placement of a hydroxyapatite orbital implant were evaluated for degree of implant vascularity with gadolinium-DPTA-enhanced MRI with surface coil before drilling the implant. On T 1 -weighted images, the hydroxyapatite sphere appeared with intermediate signal. After gadolinium-DPTA administration, all patients showed an enhancement in the implant consistent with the presence of fibrovascular ingrowth. The enhancement was most notable in the peripheral portions of the sphere and was seen as early as 5 months after implantation. Comparison of gadolinium-DPTA-enhanced MRI with contrast-enhanced computed tomography, ultrasonography, and color Doppler imaging suggests that these latter techniques are not as helpful in the detection of the fibrovascular tissue in the orbital implant. Bone scan, a technique used by many surgeons, demonstrates fibrovascular ingrowth, but it is limited by its one-dimensional low-resolution image. Because of its three-dimensional capability and its highest resolution, contrast-enhanced MRI with surface coil appears to be the best imaging method for evaluating the hydroxyapatite orbital implant and its fibrovascular ingrowth.
Labs in the Field? Rocky Mountain Biological Stations in the Early Twentieth Century

Biological field stations proliferated in the Rocky Mountains region of the western United States during the early decades of the twentieth century. This essay examines these Rocky Mountain field stations as hybrid lab-field sites from the perspective of the field side of the dichotomy: as field sites with raised walls rather than as laboratories whose walls with the natural world have been lowered. Not only were these field stations transformed to be more like laboratories, but they were also embedded within the particular regional environmental and institutional context of the Rocky Mountains. Using the University of Colorado’s Mountain Laboratory at Tolland and other contemporaneous sites as examples, this essay analyzes key features of these sites, including their location within transportation networks, buildings, equipment, personnel, scheduling, recreational and social activities, and other material and social practices on the ground. Considering both the distinctive and shared characteristics of the Rocky Mountain field stations in comparison to other types of field stations provides a more complete picture of the diversity and range of lab-field hybrid sites in the biological sciences in the early twentieth-century United States.
Effects of Thyroid Hormone and Thyroid Dysfunction on the Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system is particularly sensitive to the effects of thyroid hormone. Increased or decreased concentrations of circulating thyroid hormone can produce clinically apparent changes in cardiovascular function. This article discusses the actions of thyroid hormone on the cardiovascular system and the clinical cardiac manifestations associated with thyroid dysfunction.
Image Construction for Concave Gratings at Grazing Incidence, by Ray Tracing

The images formed by a concave grating used at grazing incidence are constructed by a ray-tracing method. The method, equivalent to a recently developed procedure of Spencer and Murty, can be used for any configuration of grating and object. The results are compared with a third-order approximate theory for the case of rays parallel to the Rowland plane.
Generalization of the radiative corrections to β and μ decays in the SU(2)L × U(1) gauge model

Abstract Previous results for the radiative corrections to the ratio of decay probabilities of β and μ decays are generalized to the case of arbitrary symmetry breaking in the framework of the SU(2)L × U(1) gauge model. In this more general case, the results remain very simple: the corrections are given by the corresponding expressions of the local V-A theory with mW substituted for the cutoff Λ plus a positive definite contribution which depends on θW and R = mW2/mZ2.Thus, the corrections in the general case are still constrained to have large values as required by Cabibbo universality and the present experimental values on β and μ decays. For reasonable values of mZ and mW the results in the general case are numerically close to those previously obtained in the simplest version of the theory. To illustrate this point the corrections are compared for two different choices of the parameters of the theory. In an appendix we discuss, rather briefly, the theoretical arguments that allow us to generalize pprevious discussions the case of fractionally charged quarks.
Endotracheal tube selection in children: A comparison of four methods

Study objective: To determine the accuracy of four methods of endotracheal tube size selection in the pediatric population. Study design: Prospective, blinded comparison. Setting: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Participants: Two hundred thirty-seven children aged 1 month to 9 years old undergoing elective surgery requiring endotracheal intubation. Selection procedures: Consecutive sample. Interventions: Four methods of determining proper endotracheal tube size in children were compared. These methods included direct comparison with the width of the fifth finger, direct comparison with the diameter of the fifth finger using a ring-sizing device, direct comparison with the width of the fifth fingernail, and estimation using a formula ([age in years + 16]/4). In infants, a 3.0-mm (internal diameter) endotracheal tube was predicted for those 3 months of age and younger, and a 3.5-mm endotracheal tube was predicted for those from 3 to 9 months of age. The size of the endotracheal tube used in the operating room was recorded, as was the "air leak" around the tube. An appropriately sized endotracheal tube was determined by an air leak with ventilation pressures between 5 and 40 cm of water. Main results: Direct comparison using the width and the diameter of the fifth finger predicted an endotracheal tube between 1 mm smaller and 0.5 mm larger than that used by the anesthesiologists in 11% and 14% of patients, respectively. The age-based formula predicted an endotracheal tube size in this range in 97.5% of patients, and direct comparison with the width of the fifth fingernail predicted an endotracheal tube in this same range in 91% of patients. These findings were consistent within all age groups studied. Conclusion: Neither fifth finger width nor fifth finger diameter accurately predicts proper endotracheal tube size in most children. A more accurate estimation can be made using the age-based formula, but when the child's age is unknown or when calculation is awkward or impossible, an accurate estimate can be made using the width of the fifth fingernail.
Twelve reasons why rape is not sexually motivated: A skeptical examination

The most popular current explanation of rape holds that rapists are seeking power, control, violence, and/or domination instead of sex. After reviewing the history of this explanation, this paper examines the evidence that has been used to demonstrate that rapists are not sexually motivated. Twelve specific arguments are examined in light of existing data on rape. All twelve of the arguments are found to be either logically unsound, based on inaccurate definitions, untestable, or inconsistent with the actual behavior of rapists. The implications of these findings are discussed.
In vitro selection of DNA aptamers to anthrax spores with electrochemiluminescence detection.

Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) was used to select and PCR amplify DNA sequences (aptamers) capable of binding to and detecting nonpathogenic Sterne strain Bacillus anthracis spores. A simplified affinity separation approach was employed, in which autoclaved anthrax spores were used as the separation matrix. An aptamer-magnetic bead-electrochemiluminescence (AM-ECL) sandwich assay scheme was devised for detecting anthrax spores. Using a low SELEX DNA to spore ratio (154 ng DNA/10(6) spores), at least three distinct populations of single-stranded DNA aptamers, having varied affinities for anthrax spores, were noted by the AM-ECL assay. Results reflect detection of spore components with a dynamic range equivalent to 6 x 10(6) anthrax spores. In the low DNA to spore ratio experiments, aptamers could be liberated from spore pellets by heating at 96 degrees C for 5 min after each round of SELEX. When a much higher DNA to spore ratio (10,256 ng DNA/10(6) spores) was used for SELEX development, a higher affinity set of aptamers was selected that could not be heat-eluted even at 99 degrees C for 5 min following round four of SELEX. However, high affinity spore surface bound aptamers were detectable via their 5'-biotinylated tails using labeled avidin and could be eluted in deionized water. Aptamers have potential for use as inexpensive, in vitro-generated receptors for biosensors in biological warfare detection and other areas.
A Change–Resistance Account of Children's Difficulties Understanding Mathematical Equivalence

Most elementary school children in the United States have difficulties understanding mathematical equivalence in symbolic form (e.g., 3 + 4 = 5 + 2, 7 = 7). This is troubling because a formal understanding of mathematical equivalence is necessary for success in algebra and all higher level mathematics. Historically, children's difficulties with mathematical equivalence have been attributed to something that children lack relative to adults (e.g., domain-general logical structures, working memory capacity, proficiency with basic arithmetic facts). However, a change–resistance account suggests that children's difficulties are due to inappropriate generalization of knowledge constructed from overly narrow experience with arithmetic. This account has not only enhanced our understanding of the nature of children's difficulties with mathematical equivalence but also helped us identify some of the malleable factors that can be changed to improve children's understanding of this concept.
Erosion and Nutrient Losses From Zero Tillage on a Clay Soil

Conventional tillage (CT) and zero tillage (ZT) farming systems were compared in terms of losses of sediment, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in surface runoff from watersheds with heavy clay soils in central Texas, U.S.A. CT included several sequential tillage operations that resulted in burial of most of the plant residue from the previous crop. ZT involved no primary or secondary tillage, and crops were planted through the residue from the previous crop. ZT had no effect on runoff amounts but reduced the loss of sediment, N, and P relative to CT. Similar results were obtained for each of the three crops used in the study. The EPIC (Erosion-Productivity Impact Calculator) model successfully simulated the effect of tillage on runoff, sediment, and nutrient loss with the exception of soluble N and P.
Stereotopography of the prolactin cells of the rat pituitary gland.

L'orientation des organelles dans les cellules de l'hypophyse anterieure a ete etudiee sur des coupes en serie pour la microscopie electronique. Une polarisation importante des elements de l'appareil secretoire fut observee dans quelques cellules a prolactine. En conclusion, l'etude de la distribution topographique des organelles peut fournir des informations sur les variations du mode de secretion cellulaire.
Acute hematologic and mucosal toxicities in head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy: A comparison of 3D-CRT, IMRT, and helical tomotherapy

IMRT and helical tomotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment are associated with higher doses to certain non-target tissues than traditional static beam techniques. We hypothesized that this may lead to higher acute mucosal and hematologic toxicities. This analysis was limited to 178 patients receiving ≥60 Gy with concurrent weekly cisplatin. Radiation delivery used 3D-CRT in 41 patients (23%), conventional IMRT in 56 patients (31%), and helical tomotherapy in 81 patients (46%). Acute mucositis rates, weekly hematologic parameters, and ability to deliver planned chemotherapy cycles were examined for each patient during their course of chemoradiotherapy. Analysis showed patients were well balanced with regard to sex, age, and stage. Treatment time, as assessed by delivered monitor units, varied significantly between the 3D-CRT (median = 502), IMRT (median = 1087), and tomotherapy (median = 6757) cohorts. Acute mucositis grades did not significantly differ between the three subsets. Through six weeks of chemoradiotherapy, the median decline in hemoglobin was 15.6%, the median decline in platelets was 30.6%, and the median decline in leukocytes was 51.5%, but these drops were not significantly different between treatment cohorts. Chemotherapy was discontinued or held secondary to hematologic toxicity in 12% of 3D-CRT patients, 5% of IMRT patients and 15% of tomotherapy patients (p = 0.14). In conclusion, HNC patients undergoing high dose radiation with concurrent weekly cisplatin chemotherapy, the longer beam-on times and larger volumes of low-to-moderate radiation doses to non-target tissues associated with modern IMRT delivery techniques do not appear to result in increased acute hematologic or mucosal toxicities.
Management of asymptomatic candiduria

Candiduria is a common nosocomial infection, occurring predominantly in elderly debilitated subjects with frequent co-morbid pathology, especially diabetes mellitus. The majority of candiduric patients are catheterized or have been recently catheterized or instrumented. Physician surveys indicate considerable variation in attitude towards treatment of asymptomatic candiduria. Management of candiduria is seriously limited by lack of understanding of the natural history of this infection as well as reliable data of treatment efficacy based upon controlled studies. The recent availability of oral antifungal agents has strongly influenced physicians in adopting a more interventional role. Most therapeutic studies quoted in the literature compare active intervention with a variety of systemic or local measures. Reference is made to a recent placebo-controlled prospective study, in which fluconazole was significantly more effective than placebo in short-term eradication of asymptomatic candiduria. Nevertheless, follow-up of these asymptomatic patients revealed identical candiduria rates within 1 month of cessation of therapy. In most studies, evidence of clinical benefit in asymptomatic patients by the eradication of candiduria has not been evident. In conclusion, the majority of hospitalized patients, particularly those with continued catheterization, do not require local or systemic antifungal therapy for asymptomatic candiduria.
Evolution of Nonprofit Self-Regulation in Europe

This article explores the emergence of nonprofit self-regulation in long-established and emergent nonprofit sectors in Europe. An application of agency, resource dependence, and institutional theories to specific national cases reveals three predominant self-regulation types, compliance, adaptive, and professional models, conditioned on varied market, political, and social antecedents. The compliance system predominates in the Western European cases (Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Austria), where the nonprofit sector is long established and public regulation of the sector is weak. The adaptive model is evidenced in the United Kingdom, where the nonprofit sector is well established but self-regulation design shifts in response to changes in public regulation and the resource environment. The professional self-regulation type occurs when the nonprofit sector and its legal system both are emergent, as in Poland, with self-regulation emerging to shape philanthropic, civil society, and nonprofit pr...
Chemically crosslinked protein dimers: Stability and denaturation effects

Nine single substitution cysteine mutants of staphylococcal nuclease (nuclease) were preferentially crosslinked at the introduced cysteine residues using three different bifunctional crosslinking reagents; 1,6-bismaleimidohexane (BMH), 1,3-dibromo-2-propanol (DBP), and the chemical warfare agent, mustard gas (bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide; mustard). BMH and mustard gas are highly specific reagents for cysteine residues, whereas DBP is not as specific. Guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl) denaturations of the resulting dimeric proteins exhibited biphasic unfolding behavior that did not fit the two-state model of unfolding. The monofunctional reagent, epsilon-maleimidocaproic acid (MCA), was used as a control for the effects of alkylation. Proteins modified with MCA unfolded normally, showing that this unusual unfolding behavior is due to crosslinking. The data obtained from these crosslinked dimers was fitted to a three-state thermodynamic model of two successive transitions in which the individual subunits cooperatively unfold. These two unfolding transitions were very different from the unfolding of the monomeric protein. These differences in unfolding behavior can be attributed in large part to changes in the denatured state. In addition to GuHCl titrations, the crosslinked dimers were also thermally unfolded. In contrast to the GuHCl denaturations, analysis of this data fit a two-state model well, but with greatly elevated van't Hoff enthalpies in many cases. However, clear correlations between the thermal and GuHCl denaturations exist, and the differences in thermal unfolding can be rationalized by postulating interactions of the denatured crosslinked proteins.
3′-terminal polyadenylate sequences of Escherichia coli tryptophan synthetase α-subunit messenger RNA☆

Abstract Our earlier studies have shown that the mRNA from many bacterial species, including Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis , is extensively polyadenylated, but with shorter poly(A) segments than those associated with eukaryotic mRNA. In this paper, we show that about 40% of the mRNA for the tryptophan synthetase α-subunit (TrpA) of E. coli carries a 3′-terminal polyadenylate sequence of 15 to 20 residues. This conclusion was supported by several independent lines of evidence. About 40% of trpA mRNA bound to oligo(dT)-cellulose at high ionic strength and was eluted with water. Treatment with RNase H in the presence of oligo(dT) 12–18 destroyed the ability of trpA mRNA to bind to oligo(dT)-cellulose, presumably through the degradation of the poly(A) tract. trpA mRNA could be used as template for complementary DNA synthesis with reverse transcriptase in a reaction that was absolutely dependent on oligo(dT) 12–18 as primer. The identity of the cDNA product as a complement to trpA mRNA was established by specific hybridization. In addition, it was possible to synthesize polyadenylated trpA mRNA in toluenepermeabilized cells of E. coli transformed with a recombinant plasmid carrying the trpA gene. In view of the fact that the trpA gene and its 3′-untranslated region contain no continuous deoxyadenylate sequences larger than five nucleotides, one can conclude that the polyadenylate moiety is added post-transcriptionally.