cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Checking Brain Expertise Using Rough Set Theory

Most information about the external world comes from our visual brain. However, it is not clear how this information is processed. We will analyze brain responses using machine learning methods based on rough set theory. We will test the expertise of the visual area V4, which is responsible for shape classifications. Characteristic of each stimulus are treated as a set of learning attributes. We assume that bottom-up information is related to hypotheses, while top-down information is related to predictions. Therefore, neuronal responses are divided into three categories. Category 0 occurs if cell response is below 20 spikes/s (sp/s), indicating that the hypothesis is not valid. Category 1 occurs if cell activity is higher than 20 spikes, implying the hypothesis is valid. Category 2 occurs if cell response is above 40 sp/s; in this case we conclude that the hypothesis and prediction are valid. By using experimental data we make a decision table for each cell, and generate equivalence classes. We express the brains basic concepts by means of the learners basic categories. By approximating stimulus categories with concepts of different cells we determine core properties of cells, and differences between them. On this basis we have created profiles of their receptive field properties.
Effect of pulse noise jamming and phase noise on a coherent RAKE receiver with maximum-likelihood detection and convolutional coding

The effect of pulse noise jamming and phase noise on a coherent RAKE receiver with convolutional coding is analyzed. The effect of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) is also included in the analysis. The maximum-likelihood RAKE receiver for the combination of pulse noise and AWGN is derived. Pulse jamming usually has a significant effect when soft decision decoding is used, however, we show that the maximum-likelihood RAKE receiver effectively mitigates the effects of the pulse noise jammer. Phase noise causes an irreducible error floor when soft decision decoding is used. The maximum-likelihood RAKE receiver with hard decision decoding reduces the effect of pulse noise jamming and can provide performance below the irreducible error floor obtained with soft decision decoding.
Personal Exposure Monitoring

Exposure to a pollutant occurs when an individual encounters the specific pollutant. The science of exposure assessment is to assess how much, how long, and how frequently an individual is exposed to the compounds of interest. Accurate and reliable exposure-related information is essential for informed decisions about protecting and promoting public health.
Intelligent software engineering tools for NASA's crew exploration vehicle

Orion is NASA's new crew exploration vehicle. The Orion Project will be using a state-of-the art model-based software development process. This model-based software development process is new for the human space program, and implies both new opportunities and risks for NASA. Opportunities include gaining early insight into designs in the form of executable models, and formulation of requirement verification conditions directly at the model level. Risks include autogenerated code. This paper describes intelligent software engineering tools being developed by NASA. The tools interface directly to the model-based software development process, and provide the following capabilities: early analysis to find defects when they are inexpensive to fix, automated testing and test suite generation, and innovative methods for verifying autogenerated code.
The Structure of Ukrainian Agriculture: Comparative Efficiency and Implications for Policy Reform

Production data on more than 11,000 state and collective farms in Ukraine were obtained through the VASKhNIL Research Agreement between the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) at Iowa State University and the Ukrainian Institute of Agrarian Economics. Of particular interest to this study are data on input use, resource endowments, cost of production, output, prices, and labor. The major objectives of the study were to (1) organize, develop, and provide a descriptive analysis of data from state and collective farms in Ukraine; (2) summarize and analyze major trends and economic indicators for Ukrainian agriculture; (3) analyze the technical efficiency of Ukraine's agricultural sector using frontier production function estimation; and (4) provide policy assessments and disseminate research results.
The Otolaryngologic Manifestations of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A Clinical Investigation of 225 Patients Using Ambulatory 24‐Hour pH Monitoring and an Experimental Investigation of the Role of Acid and Pepsin in the Development of Laryngeal Injury

Occult (silent) gastroesophageal reflux disease (GER, GERD) is believed to be an important etiologic factor in the development of many inflammatory and neoplastic disorders of the upper aerodigestive tract. In order ot test this hypothesis, a human study and an animal study were performed. The human study consisted primarily of applying a new diagnostic technique (double-probe pH monitoring) to a population of otolaryngology patients with GERD to determine the incidence of overt and occult GERD. The animal study consisted of experiments to evaluate the potential damaging effects of intermittent GER on the larynx. Two hundred twenty-five consecutive patients with otolaryngologic disorders having suspected GERD evaluated from 1985 through 1988 are reported. Ambulatory 24-hour intraesophageal pH monitoring was performed in 197; of those, 81% underwent double-probe pH monitoring, with the second pH probe being placed in the hypopharynx at the laryngeal inlet. Seventy percent of the patients also underwent barium esophagography with videofluoroscopy. The patient population was divided into seven diagnostic subgroups: carcinoma of the larynx (n = 31), laryngeal and tracheal stenosis (n = 33), reflux laryngitis (n = 61), globus pharyngeus (n = 27), dysphagia (n = 25), chronic cough (n = 30), and a group with miscellaneous disorders (n = 18). The most common symptoms were hoarseness (71%), cough (51%), globus (47%), and throat clearing (42%). Only 43% of the patients had gastrointestinal symptoms (heartburn or acid regurgitation). Thus, by traditional symptomatology, GER was occult or silent in the majority of the study population. Twenty-eight patients (12%) refused or could not tolerate pH monitoring. Of the patients undergoing diagnostic pH monitoring, 62% had abnormal esophageal pH studies, and 30% demonstrated reflux into the pharynx. The results of diagnostic pH monitoring for each of the subgroups were as follows (percentage with abnormal studies): carcinoma (71%), stenosis (78%), reflux laryngitis (60%), globus (58%), dysphagia (45%), chronic cough (52%), and miscellaneous (13%). The highest yield of abnormal pharyngeal reflux was in the carcinoma group and the stenosis group (58% and 56%, respectively). By comparison, the diagnostic barium esophagogram with videofluoroscopy was frequently negative. The results were as follows: esophagitis (18%), reflux (9%), esophageal dysmotility (12%), and stricture (3%). All of the study patients were treated with antireflux therapy. Follow-up was available on 68% of the patients and the mean follow-up period was 11.6 +/- 12.7 months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The pre-M1 segment of the α1 subunit is a transduction element in the activation of the GABAA receptor

The binding of the neurotransmitter GABA induces conformational changes in the GABAA receptor (GABAAR), leading to the opening of a gate that controls ion permeation through an integral transmembrane pore. A number of structural elements within each subunit, located near the membrane interface, are believed to undergo relative movements during this activation process. In this study, we explored the functional role of the β-10 strand (pre-M1 segment), which connects the extracellular domain to the transmembrane domain. In α1β2γ2s GABAARs, analysis of the 12 residues of the β-10 strand in the α1 subunit proximal to the first transmembrane domain identified two residues, α1V212 and α1K220, in which mutations produced rightward shifts in the GABA concentration–response relationship and also reduced the relative efficacy of the partial agonist, piperidine-4-sulphonic acid. Ultra-fast agonist techniques were applied to mutant α1(K220A)β2γ2s GABAARs and revealed that the macroscopic functional deficit in this mutant could be attributed to a slowing of the opening rate constant, from ∼1500 s−1 in wild-type (WT) channels to ∼730 s−1 in the mutant channels, and a reduction in the time spent in the active state for the mutant. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in agonist affinity, with half-maximal activation rates achieved at 0.77 mm GABA in WT and 1.4 mm GABA in the α1(K220A)β2γ2s channels. The β-10 strand (pre-M1 segment) emerges, from this and other studies, as a key functional component in the activation of the GABAAR.
Combinatorial Nanopowder Synthesis Along the ZnO–Al2O3 Tie Line Using Liquid-Feed Flame Spray Pyrolysis

Liquid-feed flame spray pyrolysis (LF-FSP) of mixtures of alumatrane [Al(OCH2CH2)3N]/zinc acetate dihydrate [Zn(O2CCH3)2·2(H2O)] or zinc propionate [Zn(O2CCH2CH3)2]/aluminum acetylacetonate [Al(Acac)3] dissolved in EtOH in known molar ratios can be used to combinatorially generate nanopowders along the ZnO–Al2O3 tie-line. LF-FSP was used to produce (ZnO)x(Al2O3)1−x powders with x=0–1.0. Powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, thermal gravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, and BET. The resulting powders had average particle sizes (APSs) <100 nm with the majority being <50 nm. Analytical data suggest that at concentrations of interest for transparent conducting oxides, <10 mol% Al2O3 the particle morphologies are combinations of plates and rods that grow with c/a ratios close to 1. The spinel phase dominates at (ZnO)x(Al2O3)1−x (x=0.5 and 0.3). In the latter case, the currently accepted phase diagram for the ZnO–Al2O3 couple indicates that phase separation should occur to form zinc spinel (ZnAl2O4) and α-alumina. It appears that the rapid quenching during LF-FSP helps to preserve the spinel phase at ambient temperature giving rise to kinetic nanopowder products along the ZnO2–Al2O3 tie-line. Finally, the solubility of ZnO in Al2O3 and vice versa in the materials produced by LF-FSP suggest apparent flame temperatures reached before quenching are 1700°–1800°C. Efforts to re-pass the spinel phase powders, (ZnO)x(Al2O3)1−x, x=0.5 and 0.3 through the LF-FSP system were made with the hope of generating core shell materials. However, instead the x=0.5 material generated materials closer to the x=0.3 composition and pure ZnO nanoparticles that coat the former materials. These results suggest that at LF-FSP flame temperatures ZnO remains in the vapor phase for sufficient times that Al3+ oxy-ions generated promote nucleation of finer particles leaving essentially phase pure ZnO still in the vapor phase to condense giving the two distinct particle morphologies observed.
Production of combinatorial libraries of fused genes by sequential transposition reactions

The use of in vivo and in vitro transposition reactions to perform non-combinatorial manipulation of DNAs in molecular biology is widespread. In this work we describe a technique that utilizes two sequential, directed transposition reactions in order to carry out combinatorial DNA manipulations. The methodology relies on the use of two different mutant Tn5 transposase proteins that have different transposon end recognition specificities. We demonstrate that the technique can be used to create large libraries of random fusions between two genes. These transpositional fusions are defined by insertion of a 32 bp linker sequence. We applied the technique to a model system, chloramphenicol acetyl transferase, to create functional fusions from N- and C-terminally truncated, non-functional genes. Comparative structural analysis suggests that both sides of the linker are inserted into disordered regions in functional proteins.
TGF-β2 Inhibits Growth of Uveal Melanocytes at Physiological Concentrations

Abstract The effect of TGF-β2 on growth of uveal melanocytes in vitro was studied and the dose-dependent inhibitory effect of TGF-β2 was compared with the known concentration of TGF-β2 in aqueous humor. Uveal melanocytes were isolated and cultured with medium supplemented with cAMP elevating agents and basic fibroblast growth factor. The uveal melanocytes were plated into multi-well plates. After 24 hr, TGF-β2 was added to the medium in various concentrations. After 5 days, the cells were detached, counted and compared to the controls. The effect of TGF-β2 on DNA synthesis (as evaluated by uptake of bromodeoxyuridine) were also tested. TGF-β2 inhibited growth and DNA synthesis of cultured uveal melanocytes in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations from 0.03–10.0 ng ml −1 . The growth-inhibition of TGF-β 2 was present even in serum-free medium. TGF-β 2 had little or no effect on melanogenesis of cultured uveal melanocytes. The serum used for cultivation did not contain active TGF-β 1 or TGF-β 2 as measured by immunoassay. The known amount of active TGF-β2 in aqueous humor (0.2–0.4 ng ml −1 ) is sufficient to inhibit the growth of uveal melanocytes. It indicates that TGF-β2 is a potent growth inhibit factor of uveal melanocytes and may play an important role in maintaining the non-proliferative, relatively quiescence status of uveal melanocytes in vivo.
Management of a rare case of arytenoid mucosa oedema inducing stridor and cough

Abstract Objective : Current guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary systematic integrated approach to patient with chronic cough in which nowadays otolaryngologists play an increasingly valuable role as new procedures are used for evaluation and treatment. Surgery has been never taken into consideration to treat refractory chronic cough. Method : We present a rare case of arytenoid mucosa oedema inducing stridor and cough, lasting 8 months, that critically affected the quality of life of a 15-year-old adolescent arrived to our emergency department with prominent arytenoid oedema causing paroxysmal cough and laryngeal stridor and that was successfully treated by laryngeal debridement. Results : In this case report we observed that prominent swelling of arytenoid mucosa might sustain a vicious cycle of cough persistence and that laryngeal surgical debridement might interrupt it resolving the particular clinical condition. Conclusion : The description of this case could be of some help for clinicians to draw new insight about diagnosis and therapy of rare selected cases of chronic refractory cough.
Small-signal parameters for transistors

The commonly used sets of parameters are discussed briefly and it is shown how the performance of the transistor can be determined with equal facility from any of the sets that may be provided.
A deterministic-solution based fast quadratic eigenvalue solver for 3-D finite element analysis

A fast solution to the quadratic eigenvalue problem resulting from the finite element based analysis of general electromagnetic problems with lossy conductors and materials is developed. Given an arbitrary frequency band, the proposed solver is capable of solving a significantly reduced eigenvalue problem of O(k) to find a complete set of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors that are physically important for this frequency band, the number of which is k. The reduced eigenvalue problem is constructed from O(k) solutions to a deterministic problem. Its convergence and accuracy are theoretically proved. The proposed solver is applicable to general 3-D problems where the structures are arbitrary, materials are inhomogeneous, and both dielectrics and conductors can be lossy.
The fundamental solution for shallow circular cylindrical shells: Part II: numerical computation and software

Abstract The explicit closed form fundamental solution of the elastostatic shallow circular cylindrical shell derived in Part I by Chen et al. [Int. J. Eng. Sci. to appear] is realized numerically. Major difficulties exist in approximating integrals of Hankel functions with irrational functions as arguments on the two-dimensional domain of definition. By analyzing the asymptotic characteristics of those integrals, we decompose the first quadrant of the (x,s)-plane into five regions, and apply appropriate exact, series-truncation, or quadrature algorithms on each region to compute numerical values of the three components of the fundamental solution. Comparisons of errors are tabulated and graphics of solutions are illustrated.
Determination of urinary 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl-ethylene glycol by gas-liquid chromatography and electron capture detection.

Abstract The determination of urinary 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylene glycol (HMPG), a major metabolite of epinephrine and norepinephrine by gas-liquid chromatography and electron capture detection is described. A purified extract of HMPG was treated with trifluoroacetic anhydride to form the highly sensitive HMPG-trifluoroacetate derivative. Chromatography was performed on a 6% QF-1-0065 column at 158°. Recovery was found to be 55.4% using [3H]MPG. Two sets of eight identical samples demonstrated a standard deviation from the mean of 6.9% and 5.7%. Thirty-five normal human urine specimens assayed by this procedure gave a mean HMPG excretion of o.86μg/mg creatinine (range 0.25–1.49). Six urine samples from patients with proven pheochromocytoma, and four from patients with proven neuroblastoma were analyzed and gave rise to the anticipated elevation in HMPG excretion. The high sensitivity of this procedure points to the possibility of estimation of plasma HMPG levels.
Education Reprogramming college preparatory computer science

The college preparatory computer science education curriculum must be improved, beginning with the earliest phases of the process.
Molecular Characterization of the Dot/Icm-Translocated AnkH and AnkJ Eukaryotic-Like Effectors of Legionella pneumophila

Although most Dot/Icm-translocated effectors of Legionella pneumophila are not required for intracellular proliferation, the eukaryotic-like ankyrin effectors, AnkH and AnkJ are required for intracellular proliferation. In this report, we show that the IcmSW chaperones are essential for translocation of AnkJ but not AnkH. The 10 C-terminal residues and the ANK domains of AnkH and AnkJ are required for translocation. Our data indicate that the two ANK domains of AnkH are critical domains required for the function of the effector in intracellular replication of L. pneumophila. The ankH and ankJ mutants are severely defective in intrapulmonary proliferation in mice. Expression of AnkH and AnkJ fusions within HEK293 cells show a punctuate distribution in the cytosol but no association with endocytic vesicles, the Golgi apparatus or the endoplasmic reticulum. Interestingly, the defect in intracellular proliferation of the ankH or ankJ mutants is rescued in HEK293 cells expressing the respective protein. We conclude that AnkH and AnkJ are effectors translocated by the Dot/Icm system by distinct mechanisms and modulate distinct cytosolic processes in the host cell.
Adsorption dynamics of carbon dioxide in molecular sieving carbon

Abstract The sorption equilibrium isotherm of carbon dioxide at 20 °C on a commercially manufactured carbon molecular sieve has been measured with a variable volume (vacuum to high pressure) volumetric adsorption apparatus. Measurement was taken over the pressure range
Percutaneous Renal and Ureteral Stone Removal

Percutaneous removal of upper urinary tract calculi has become an accepted alternative to surgical removal. Calculi may be removed through large nephrostomy tracts under fluoroscopic or endoscopic control. Close cooperation between the radiologist and urologist should increase the success rate of the procedure.
Orientational analysis ― a supplement to dimensional analysis. I

Abstract A method for extending the methods of dimensional analysis is based upon assigning “orientational” symbols to physical quantities such as area, force and angle which are spatially oriented. These symbols are shown to form a noncyclic group with four members, and they can be used to derive additional information that resolve problems incompletely solved by conventional dimensional analysis.
Mechanical properties and thermal expansion behaviour in leucite containing materials

The effect of a change in sodium content and thermal history on a leucite composition material produced by a coprecipitation process was studied. Five materials with formulae of (K(1−x),Nax)2O-Al2O3-4SiO2 (x= 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) were investigated for differences in phases, thermal expansion, and strength. Strengths of up to 175 MPa were obtained for a leucite composition material (x = 0.0). Sodium was effective in lowering the thermal expansion coefficients of these materials. Leucite was linked to higher flexural strengths, but was present only in those specimens which were sintered at 1200 °C. Leucite was not present in those specimens sintered at 1100 °C or lower. Porosity was present in all specimens sintered at 1000 °C or higher.
Observations on the Paneth cell in human ileum

Abstract An autoradiographic study of the Paneth cell in human ileum is presented. The low labeling index, low mitotic frequency, and retention of label over a long testing period (18 and 32 days after 3 HTdR injection) seen in these cells confirm the slow replacement of this cell type. The observed minimum duration of the G2 (premitotic) phase was 3 hr. Observations on the migration, secretion, and death of the Paneth cell are also reported, as well as estimates of the generation and replacement time of this cell.
The Miracles of King Henry VI of England

(1980). The Miracles of King Henry VI of England. The Historian: Vol. 42, No. 3, pp. 456-471.
Asymptotic behavior of nonlinear contraction semigroups

The asymptotic behavior of weak solutions of the equation {u(t) + Au(t) ϵ ƒ(t) (A maximal monotone in Hilbert space) is determined via a characterization of ω-limit sets of the contraction semigroup generated by −A.
The 110Pd, 116Cd(p, p'γ) reactions

Abstract The possibility of extending our knowledge about higher-energy collective-type states among the vibrational nuclei by observing γ-rays from states excited by inelastically scattered protons has been examined. Gamma rays from 110 Pd and 116 Cd were detected in coincidence with inelastically scattered protons; the incident protons had energies of 12 and 13 MeV. Gamma rays, most of them previously unreported, were observed from 17 levels in 110 Pd and 14 levels in 116 Cd below ≈ 2.5 MeV. The results are compared to predictions of a phonon- model interpretation of the levels. Evidence is shown for the existence of the three-quadrupole phonon quintet in 110 Pd.
Psychobiological Consequences of Social Relationships

Social separations can induce long-lasting increases in cortisol, whereas companionship can result in social buffering. Preliminary evidence from studies of squirrel monkeys suggests that social separation-induced hypersecretion of cortisol is initially driven by hypersecretion of ACTH. From 1-21 days postseparation, however, cortisol remains elevated above pre-separation controls, while ACTH levels are consistently reduced. Hypercortisolism is maintained despite reductions in ACTH, because adrenal responsiveness to ACTH is enhanced. Low circulating ACTH, in turn, is maintained by robust feedback mechanisms that apparently inhibit biosynthesis or release of pituitary ACTH. These findings are consistent with neuroendocrine interactions known or hypothesized to occur during major depressive disorders in humans and raise unique possibilities for comparative research in human and nonhuman primates.
Comparative effects of periodic bleedings on serum glycoprotein concentrations in guinea pig and rat.

SummaryThe effects of repeated bleedings at weekly intervals on the serum concentrations of total glycoprotein, seromucoid, and total protein and on the hemoglobin and hematocrit values of blood have been investigated in adult, male guinea pigs and rats. No significant increases occurred in levels of the serum components. Transient decreases were observed in the total serum protein and seromucoid of the rat and the total serum glycoprotein of the guinea pig. Statistically significant decreases occurred in hematocrit and hemoglobin values following the first and ensuing hemorrhages.
On the Modeling of Open and Breathing Cracks of a Cracked Rotor System

The modeling of a cracked rotor system with an open or breathing transverse crack is addressed here. The cracked rotor with an open crack model behaves as an asymmetric shaft. Hence, the time-varying area moments of inertia of the cracked section are employed in formulating the periodic finite element stiffness matrix for both crack models which yields a linear time-periodic system. The harmonic balance method (HB) is used in solving the finite element (FE) equations of motions for studying the dynamic behavior of the cracked rotor system. The unique behavior of the whirl orbits during the passage through the subcritical rotational speeds and the sensitivity of these orbits to the unbalance force direction can be used for early crack detection of the cracked rotor for both crack models. These whirl orbits were verified experimentally for the open crack model in the neighborhood of 1/2 of the first critical rotational speed where a good match with the theoretical whirl orbits was observed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
THE FROND OF HETERANGIUM

Frond members belonging to the monostelic seed fern genus Heterangium have been found in Pennsylvanian age coal balls collected in the Illinois Basin. Petioles bear small pinnae below a dichotomy which produced a bipartite frond. Pinnules of the Sphenopteris obtusiloba type are borne on secondary pinnae. The anatomy of each pinna order and the pinnules is described.
Lumbar epidural anatomy. A new look by cryomicrotome section.

The anatomic findings from cryomicrotome sections of 38 cadaver lumbar spines are reported. The technique produces high-resolution planar images of undisturbed epidural anatomy. Several observations differ from previous reports that used methods more prone to artifact. The epidural contents are found in circumferentially and metamerically segmented compartments, rather than in a uniform layer. Large areas of the dura are directly in contact with the spinal canal wall. The steeply arched ligamenta flava are fused in the midline to a variable degree. The space anterior to the dura is filled with veins and is isolated from the rest of the epidural space by a membranous lateral extension of the posterior longitudinal ligament. This membrane and a midline posterior fat pedicle are the only observed potential barriers to the spread of epidural solutions. These findings may be important in understanding the mechanics and pharmaco-kinetics of solutions injected into the epidural space and in refining techniques for needle and catheter placement.
High-resolution X-ray computed tomography of an Early Cretaceous gekkonomorph (Squamata) from Öösh (Övörkhangai; Mongolia)

We describe the braincase of AMNH FR 21444, a gecko-like squamate from the Early Cretaceous of Mongolia, based on high-resolution X-ray computed tomography scans (CT scans) and incorporate it in a phylogenetic analysis of 36 squamate taxa scored for 226 morphological characters. Our analysis corroborates the Eublepharidae-Gekkonoidea split as the basal gekkotan dichotomy, but retrieves Teratoscincus as the sister-taxon to pygopodines + diplodactylines. The combination of plesiomorphic and apomorphic character states within AMNH FR 21444 demonstrates a decoupled evolutionary history between the braincase and the rest of the skull and mandible within gekkonomorph squamates. Enclosure of the lateral head vein and mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve are both plesiomorphic for gekkonomorphs. The mechanisms responsible for the transition from the plesiomorphic skull roof of basal gekkonomorphs to the modern gekkotan condition cannot be anticipated given the current data.
A podand analog of 18-crown-6

Conformationally locked, chiral podands 3 and 4 are prepared and their ionophoric properties are studied. These host molecules have a cation-binding site with six oxygens arranged in the geometry found in the crystal structure of potassium 18-crown-6.
Concentration of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals in Alaska Arctic Marine Mammals

Over the last decade, a baseline database on anthropogenic contaminants in Alaska marine mammals has been developing through the efforts of several independent investigations as well as larger research programs. Although still somewhat limited in scope, the largest amount of data exists for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT, mercury, and cadmium in walrus, beluga whale, bowhead whale, and ringed seal. Because of their relatively large contribution to the total chlorinated hydrocarbon levels in Arctic species, chlordane and toxaphene are two pesticides that are also gaining attention. Comparison of the Alaska database with the results of studies conducted in Canada and Greenland, indicates that patterns of many accumulative substances are quite similar in species that occur across the North American Arctic.
The Penetration of Kuroshio Water into the Sea of Japan

Abstract The nonlinear leakage of Kuroshio water (via the Tsushima Strait) into the Sea of Japan is examined using a “reduced gravity” analytical model. The flow in our conceptual model results from the zonal sea level difference between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. The landmasses separating the Pacific from the adjacent Sea of Japan are represented by thin walls and the Tsushima Strait, whose width is larger than the Rossby radius, is represented by a gap. The gap is initially closed and the problem is treated as an adjustment process resulting from an abrupt opening of the gap. Steady analytical solutions for the final state associated with the adjustment are constructed using the integrated momentum equation on a β plane, conservation of energy, and potential vorticity. Also, a perturbation expansion in ϵ≡βL/f0 (the ratio of the change in the Coriolis parameter, as one moves from the gap to the boundary current separation latitude, to the Coriolis parameter at the center of the gap) is used....
News from the CIS Executive Committee

Dear JoCI Readers and Clinical Immunologists, We are pleased to provide you with some exciting updates on two initiatives the leadership and staff of CIS have implemented. The CIS continues to expand and cultivate its international relationships. During the last 6 months partnership programs with related regional organizations in Africa (African Society for Immunodeficiencies – ASID-), Europe (European Society for Immunodeficiencies –ESIDand J-Project), and Latin America (with the Latin American Society for Immunodeficiencies – LASID-) have been established. Under these new agreements, full CIS membership has been offered to all our partnering society colleagues at a reduced fee of $50 per year. This initiative will scientifically enrich our society and multiply the outreach of our message into the Clinical Immunology/Primary Immunodeficiency community. New agreements with these and other scientific societies that have shared interests with the CIS are being explored. For example, CIS has agreed with ESID and LASID to publish the abstracts from their biennial conferences in the JoCI, and we are working with the other partner societies to reach similar deals. We also are proud to inform you that CIS now offers complimentary full membership to all Clinical Immunology Trainees worldwide (http:/ /www.clinimmsoc.org/ membership/eligibility-requirements). Fellows will only have to attest to their enrollment in a Clinical Immunology training program, and then will be granted complimentary full CISmembership for the duration of their training (maximum 3 years). CIS is committed to fostering the development of Fellows and Trainees, feeling very strongly that membership in CIS is vital to an immunologist’s career development; therefore, membership will be encouraged and accessible to all trainees in Clinical Immunology. We invite you, your trainees and all members of the Clinical Immunology community to visit the CIS website (http:// www.clinimmsoc.org/) for details on partner societies, for instructions about how to become a CIS member, and for the many educational tools on his site. We also want to remind you to register for the 2014 CIS Annual Meeting: Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases North American Conference on April 10–13, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. Finally, please encourage your colleagues and friends to submit their finest research articles for publication in the Journal of Clinical Immunology, the official journal of the CIS (http://www.clinimmsoc.org/meetings/annual-meeting/2014annual-meeting).
The Minimal Composite Higgs Model and Electroweak Precision Tests

Abstract A complete analysis of the electroweak precision observables is performed within a recently proposed minimal composite Higgs model, realized as a 5-dimensional warped compactification. In particular, we compute Z → b b ¯ and the one-loop correction to the ρ parameter. We find that oblique data can be easily reproduced without a significant amount of tuning in the parameters of the model, while Z → b b ¯ imposes a stronger constraint. As a consequence of the latter, some of the new fermionic resonances must have mass around 4 TeV, which corresponds to an electroweak fine tuning of a few percent. Other resonances, such as Z ′ , can be lighter in sizeable portions of the parameter space. We discuss in detail the origin of the Z → b b ¯ constraint and we suggest several possible avenues beyond the minimal model for weakening it.
Mass Transfer into Boundary Layers for Power Law Fluids

The boundary layer equations for the class of non-Newtonian fluids having the shear stress proportional to a power of the strain rate are considered under conditions of similarity-preserving mass transfer at the wall. The adoption of Crocco variables results in a nonlinear, two point boundary value problem for which existence, uniqueness and analyticity are established. In the case of mass injection particular attention is paid to boundary conditions corresponding to the vanishing of the wall friction and values for the (possibly non-existent) critical injection rates are exhibited.
Post-earthquake fire performance of moment resisting frames with reduced beam section connections

Abstract The occurrence of fire following earthquakes is a significant issue for buildings in areas of moderate-to-high seismicity. Damages sustained by both active and passive fire resistance systems in steel frame buildings during past earthquakes have been highly variable and can be substantial. This damage may result in the unprotected structural component frame being directly exposed to elevated temperatures when fire is ignited following the earthquake. Moreover, the current seismic design philosophy permits a certain degree of damage in the structure during an earthquake, making the system more vulnerable when exposed to the additional demands from fire exposure. This paper utilizes finite element simulations to provide insight into the effects of earthquake-initiated fires on low-, medium-, and high-rise steel moment resisting frames with reduced beam section connections which, since the Northridge earthquake of 1994, have become common in modern earthquake-resistant design. The earthquake simulations are conducted using nonlinear time–history analysis where the frames are subjected to a suite of near-field and far-field ground motions. With the state of the structure following the earthquake used as the initial condition, the uncoupled thermal–mechanical analysis is performed with a specified time–temperature curve applied at the reduced beam section connections. The results of the simulations can be used by engineers to design for the combined action of earthquake and fire.
A priori quantum field equations

Abstract We study the fields ϕ and ψ in a class of finite quantum field models on the cylindrical space-time S1 × R . We show that ϕ and ψ satisfy a system of local, nonlinear partial differential equations. These are just the equations of evolution for the critical points of the corresponding action functional.
Microstructural evolution after thermomechanical processing in an equiatomic, single-phase CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy with special focus on twin boundaries

Abstract The FCC-structured equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy was produced by arc melting and drop casting. After homogenization, the drop-cast ingots were cold rolled to sheets with six different final thicknesses (thickness reductions of 21, 41, 61, 84, 92 and 96%). Samples were cut from the rolled sheets and annealed for 1 h at temperatures between 400 and 1000 °C. The recrystallization temperature was then determined as a function of cold work by means of scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction measurements. Additionally, Vickers indentation was performed on these samples. It was found that the microhardness first tends to increase slightly upon annealing below the recrystallization temperature but then drops steeply for higher annealing temperatures due to the onset of recrystallization. To study grain growth kinetics, samples that underwent 96% cold rolling were first recrystallized for 1 h at 800 °C, which is the lowest temperature at which complete recrystallization occurs, and then annealed at temperatures between 800 and 1150 °C for various times. The grain growth exponent was determined to be approximately n = 3, and the activation energy Q = 325 kJ/mol, both of which agree well with published values for this alloy. EBSD measurements were made in the as-recrystallized and grain growth samples to analyze the annealing twins. The density of annealing twins in the grain growth samples was found to depend only on grain size, i.e., it was independent of annealing temperature and time. No such correlation could be found for the as-recrystallized samples. These observations are discussed in the framework of existing theories for the formation of annealing twins.
[LeuB24]insulin and [AlaB24]insulin: altered structures and cellular processing of B24-substituted insulin analogs

Abstract We have used insulin analogs having leucine or alanine substitutions at positions B24 and B25 to examine the structural basis for insulin binding and insulin metabolism by isolated rat hepatocytes. Apparent receptor binding affinities for the analogs were in the order insulin greater than [LeuB24]insulin greater than [LeuB25]insulin = [AlaB24]insulin. Incubation of the corresponding 125I-labeled peptides with hepatocytes followed by analysis of the cell-associated products showed that [125I]iodoinsulin and [125I]iodo-[LeuB25]insulin were processed to a peptide intermediate which appeared as an ascending shoulder on the peak of cell-associated hormone during gel filtration; similar incubations using [125I]iodo-[LeuB24]insulin or [125I]iodo-[AlaB24]insulin failed to yield detectable amounts of the intermediate. In addition, assessment of the structures of insulin and the three insulin analogs by tyrosine radioiodination showed that [LeuB24]insulin and [AlaB24]insulin maintain similar solution conformations which differ from the conformations taken by insulin and [LeuB25]insulin. We conclude that (a) alterations in side-chain bulk at position B24 result in long-range structural perturbations in the insulin molecule, (b) these structural alterations lead to an altered cellular processing of the two B24 insulin analogs, and (c) the selectivity of this processing arises from events subsequent to ligand-receptor recognition.
Restoring Power Through Nursing Intervention

PURPOSE. To test the effectiveness of seven therapeutic nursing interventions in alleviating powerlessness in chronically ill clients was tested. METHODS. Part I of the study tested the Holistic Power Model, developed by the researchers, in a pilot study. Part II compared the effectiveness of seven therapeutic nursing interventions to decisional control in alleviating powerless in experimental (N = 25) and control groups (N = 25). FINDINGS. An inverse relationship was found between power resource scores and the perception of powerlessness. There was a significant difference in perceived powerlessness between the experimental and control groups following intervention. CONCLUSIONS. Utilization of specific therapeutic nursing interventions is more effective in alleviating perceived powerlessness than utilizing the interventions of decisional control.
Ion-pairing kinetics investigated using nanometer-size Pt electrodes

Abstract The kinetics of ion pairing of IrCl 6 3 - with K+, Ca2+ and tetraethylammonium (TEA+) were investigated by steady-state voltammetry at disk and hemispherically shaped Pt electrodes. A general square-scheme mechanism is employed that allows for redox reactions of both free and ion paired IrCl 6 3 - and IrCl 6 2 - . Numerical simulations of the voltammetric response employing the ion pairing square scheme suggest that the dissociation rate constant of the reactant ion pair can be determined from the voltammetric wave shape recorded at very small electrodes. No ion-pair kinetic limitation was discernable in K+ and Ca2+ solutions using Pt hemispherical electrodes with radii as small as 13 nm, indicating that ion-pair dissociation in these solutions occurs at rates greater than 107 s−1. However, the voltammetric wave in 1 M TEA+ displays a shoulder at electrodes with radii less than 500 nm, consistent with a slower rate of ion-pair dissociation. The appearance of the shoulder is predicted by the numerical simulations and corresponds to a direct observation of the oxidation of both free and ion paired IrCl 6 3 - in the same solution.
Brain-Tumor Risk and Cell-Phone Use [Telecommunications Health & Safety]

Epidemiological studies on the use of a cell phone for less than ten years showed no overall association between cell-phone use and increased risk of malignant brain tumors, according to the recently published summary report of a large international study: the INTERPHONE project. This was so with duration of use, years since first use, cumulative number of calls, or cumulative hours of use. However, brain tumors are known to have latencies longer than 10 years, and maybe as long as 30 years.
A CMOS 210-GHz Fundamental Transceiver With OOK Modulation

This paper presents a 210-GHz transceiver with OOK modulation in a 32-nm SOI CMOS process (fT/fmax= 250/320 GHz). The transmitter (TX) employs a 2 × 2 spatial combining array consisting of a double-stacked cross-coupled voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) at 210 GHz with an on-off-keying (OOK) modulator, a power amplifier (PA) driver, a novel balun-based differential power distribution network, four PAs, and an on-chip 2 × 2 dipole antenna array. The noncoherent receiver (RX) utilizes a direct detection architecture consisting of an on-chip antenna, a low-noise amplifier (LNA), and a power detector. The VCO generates measured -13.5-dBm output power, and the PA shows a measured 15-dB gain and 4.6-dBm Psat. The LNA exhibits a measured in-band gain of 18 dB and minimum in-band noise figure (NF) of 11 dB. The TX achieves an EIRP of 5.13 dBm at 10 dB back-off from saturated power. It achieves an estimated EIRP of 15.2 dBm when the PAs are fully driven. This is the first demonstration of a fundamental frequency CMOS transceiver at the 200-GHz frequency range.
The New School of Convict Criminology Thrives and Matures

This article discusses the past, present, and future of the New School of Convict Criminology (CC). A short history, including a discussion of literature, major works, and research studies is provided as is a review of Convict Criminology Group origination, membership, and activities. A first attempt at formal Convict Criminology Theory construction is presented alongside four research hypotheses. University prejudice and exclusion, as well as criminal justice hate words, are also addressed. The conclusion explores the future of CC and requests support for the movement.
Innentitelbild: Multicompartmental Microcylinders (Angew. Chem. 25/2009)

Mikrozylinder mit mehreren Kompartimenten lassen sich mit einer Kombination aus elektrohydrodynamischem Spinnen und Mikroabtrennen herstellen, wie J. Lahann et al. in der Zuschrift auf S. 4659 ff. beschreiben. Die Zahl der einzelnen Kompartimente, ihre relative Orientierung, chemische Zusammensetzung und Funktionalitat sowie das Seitenverhaltnis konnen masgeschneidert eingestellt werden. Jede Farbe in den Langs- und Querschnitt-Mikrographen entspricht einem individuellen Kompartiment.
The Stacking Tryptophan of Galactose Oxidase: A Second-Coordination Sphere Residue that Has Profound Effects on Tyrosyl Radical Behavior and Enzyme Catalysis

The function of the stacking tryptophan, W290, a second-coordination sphere residue in galactose oxidase, has been investigated via steady-state kinetics measurements, absorption, CD and EPR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography of the W290F, W290G, and W290H variants. Enzymatic turnover is significantly slower in the W290 variants. The Km for d-galactose for W290H is similar to that of the wild type, whereas the Km is greatly elevated in W290G and W290F, suggesting a role for W290 in substrate binding and/or positioning via the NH group of the indole ring. Hydrogen bonding between W290 and azide in the wild type−azide crystal structure are consistent with this function. W290 modulates the properties and reactivity of the redox-active tyrosine radical; the Y272 tyrosyl radicals in both the W290G and W290H variants have elevated redox potentials and are highly unstable compared to the radical in W290F, which has properties similar to those of the wild-type tyrosyl radical. W290 restricts the accessibilit...
Spectra of polar heliospheric fields and implications for field structure

[1] The predictions of the “Fisk” model for a peak at the equatorial solar rotation frequency in the spectrum of the latitudinal component of the heliospheric magnetic field were found to give values significantly larger than those observed. The observed values were statistically the same as observed in the ecliptic and were consistent with random fluctuations about the (null) Parker field component. These conclusions are based on spectra of field and plasma quantities using Ulysses data from the first southern and northern polar passes. There was also no evidence for solar photospheric differential rotation in the latitudinal component. A related search for signatures of the differential rotation (not directly part of the Fisk magnetic field model) yielded the strongest evidence for a photospheric influence on the radial component of the solar wind velocity and related “compressive” quantities.
Sexuality and sex in mentoring and tutoring: Implications for women's opportunities and achievement

Abstract The authors describe primarily negative implications that sexuality and sex have on women's opportunities and achievement in grooming mentoring, networking mentoring, and tutoring relationships. They conclude that grooming mentoring, which usually involves male mentors and female proteges, has the greatest potential to be exploitative and result in inequitable outcomes when sexuality and sex are introduced into these relationships. This conceptual article suggests a research agenda focused on the incidence of sex and sexuality in mentoring and tutoring and effects on development of those relationships, as well as on women's opportunities and achievement.