cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequence and expression of an α-amylase gene in four related species of prickleback fishes (Teleostei: Stichaeidae): ontogenetic, dietary, and species-level effects.

Partial α-amylase gene sequences were determined and α-amylase gene expression was quantified in four species of carnivorous, omnivorous, and herbivorous prickleback fishes (family Stichaeidae) to assess the effects of ontogeny, diet, and species on expression of this gene. Pairwise comparison of α-amylase nucleotide sequences revealed 96–98 % identity, and comparison of amino acid portions revealed 93–95 % similarity among the four prickleback species. Expression was determined using in situ hybridization and intensity of expression quantified using image analysis. Alpha-amylase expression level was compared in three feeding categories of the four species: (1) small, wild-caught carnivorous juveniles; (2) larger, wild-caught juveniles of the carnivorous species and the three that had shifted to herbivory or omnivory; and (3) larger, juveniles produced by feeding a low-starch artificial diet to small juveniles until they reached the size of the larger wild-caught juveniles. The results showed no dietary effect in any species but significant ontogenetic and species-level effects in Cebidichthys violaceus, as well as in the sister species Xiphister mucosus and X. atropurpureus. Based on a phylogeny for the Stichaeidae produced for this study using two mtDNA genes and one nuclear gene, the ontogenetic dietary shifts to herbivory/omnivory evolved independently in C. violaceus and in the clade containing the two species of Xiphister. All three of these species increased α-amylase gene expression with increase in size and had higher expression than Anoplarchus purpurescens, which is a member of a third, stichaeid clade comprising carnivores. These results show the importance of α-amylase in the herbivores and omnivores.
Of ions and temperature: the complicated interplay of temperature, fluids, and electrolytes on myocardial function

This article discusses the potential of levosimendan to treat calcium-induced myocardial dysfunction associated with deep hypothermia. Moderate hypothermia (30 to 34°C) usually improves myocardial contractility and stabilizes heart rhythm, but deep hypothermia can cause severe myocardial dysfunction, which is mediated by intracellular calcium overload. In experimental studies, levosimendan appears effective in reversing this. Clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine whether levosimendan could also be used for accidental hypothermia and perhaps to mitigate diastolic dysfunction under moderate hypothermia.
Buoyancy effects on horizontal boundary-layer flow and heat transfer

Abstract The conditions have been determined under which there are significant effects of buoyancy on a forced-convection, boundary-layer flow along a flat plate. It is found that lowPrandtl number fluids are more sensitive to buoyancy effects.
Relation of early socialization experiences to self-concepts and gender role in middle childhood.

5 self-concept scales and an M-F instrument were given to 84 girls and 75 boys, all sixth grade. Their mothers had been interviewed (Patterns of Child Rearing) 7 years earlier. For both sexes, high self-concepts were significantly associated with (1) high reading and arithmetic achievement, (2) small family size, (3) early ordinal position, and (4) high maternal and paternal warmth. For boys only, high self-concept was associated with (5) low father dominance in husband-wife relations. In both sexes, femininity was associated with poor self-concepts.
Dopamine D1 and D3 receptors mediate reconsolidation of cocaine memories in mouse models of drug self-administration.

Memories of drug experience and drug-associated environmental cues can elicit drug-seeking and taking behaviors in humans. Disruption of reconsolidation of drug memories dampens previous memories and therefore may provide a useful way to treat drug abuse. We and others previously demonstrated that dopamine D1 and D3 receptors play differential roles in acquiring cocaine-induced behaviors. Moreover, D3 receptors contribute to the reconsolidation of cocaine-induced conditioned place preference. In the present study, we examined effects of manipulating D1 or D3 receptors on reconsolidation of cocaine memories in mouse models of drug self-administration. We found that pharmacological blockade of D1 receptors or a genetic mutation of the D3 receptor gene attenuated reconsolidation that lasted for at least 1 week after the memory retrieval. In contrast, with no memory retrieval, pharmacological antagonism of D1 receptors or the D3 receptor gene mutation did not significantly affect reconsolidation of cocaine memories. Pharmacological blockade of D3 receptors also attenuated reconsolidation in wild-type mice that lasted for at least 1 week after the memory retrieval. These results suggest that D1 and D3 receptors and related signaling mechanisms play key roles in reconsolidation of cocaine memories in mice, and that these receptors may serve as novel targets for the treatment of cocaine abuse in humans.
Response:Role of PKCθ in collagen-related peptide-induced platelet activation

Response: Harper and Poole report that collagen-related peptide (CRP) caused potentiation of dense granule secretion in murine platelets deficient in Protein kinase C (PKC) θ isoform.[1][1] They also show that pretreatment of human platelets with PKCθ isoform selective RACK peptide results in
Cellular analysis of long-term habituation of the gill-withdrawal reflex of Aplysia californica

Long-term habituation training in Aplysia californica produces a profound depression in the efficacy of synaptic transmission between mechanoreceptor neurons and gill motor neurons. This depression persists for more than 3 weeks. Thus a critical synaptic site for plasticity underlying long-term habituation is the same as that for short-term habituation. For this simple form of learning, short- and long-term memory share a common locus and aspects of a common mechanism: synaptic depression.
Heparin and atherosclerosis: an investigative report on the treatment of atherosclerosis

Both animal and clinical evidence of the special role of long-term low-dose heparin as a preventative of atherosclerosis is presented. Some of the many beneficial effects of heparin aside from its anticoagulant capability are mentioned. Concern about hemorrhage and osteoporosis which can occur when taken in the usual anticoagulant doses does not apply to long-term administration of low-dose heparin. Taken by the intrapulmonary route using an ultrasonic nebulizer weekly or fortnightly, heparin is safe and assures patient compliance. Further clinical trials are strongly indicated.
Disuse exaggerates the detrimental effects of alcohol on cortical bone

BACKGROUND: Alcohol abuse is associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis. However, comorbidity factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of alcohol-related bone fractures. Suboptimal mechanical loading of the skeleton, an established risk factor for bone loss, may occur in some alcohol abusers due to reduced physical activity, muscle atrophy, or both. The effect of alcohol consumption and reduced physical activity on bone metabolism has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to determine whether mechanical disuse alters bone metabolism in a rat model for chronic alcohol abuse. METHODS: Alcohol was administered in the diet (35% caloric intake) of 6-month-old male rats for 4 weeks. Rats were hindlimb-unloaded the final 2 weeks of the experiment to prevent dynamic weight bearing. Afterward, cortical bone histomorphometry was evaluated at the tibia-fibula synostosis. RESULTS: At the periosteal surface of the tibial diaphysis, alcohol and hindlimb unloading independently decreased the mineralizing perimeter, mineral apposition rate, and bone formation rate. In addition, alcohol, but not hindlimb unloading, increased endocortical bone resorption. The respective detrimental effects of alcohol and hindlimb unloading to inhibit bone formation were additive; there was no interaction between the two variables. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced weight bearing accentuates the detrimental effects of alcohol on cortical bone in adult male rats by further inhibiting bone formation. This finding suggests that reduced physical activity may be a comorbidity factor for osteoporosis in alcohol abusers.
Juvenile Psychopathic Personality Traits are Associated with Poor Reading Achievement

The current study sought to further the understanding of the linkage between maladaptive behavior and cognitive problems by examining the relations between psychopathic personality traits and reading comprehension performance. Data were derived from a study of 432 predominately African-American and Hispanic middle-school students. Dependent variables consisted of three measures of reading comprehension. Psychopathy measures included the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional traits (ICU—teacher rated) and the self-reported Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory (YPI). Findings from regression models indicated that self-report and teacher ratings of psychopathy were statistically significant inverse predictors of reading performance. Specifically, affective facets of psychopathy were potent predictors of reading comprehension over and above ADHD, IQ, and an impulsivity component of psychopathy. Study results extend the utility of psychopathy construct generally and affective traits specifically to reading achievement, which has broad implications. Findings are discussed with respect to future research and prevention.
Biogeomorphological influence of the Hawaiian silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense DC.) on soil erosion in Haleakala (Maui, Hawai'i)

Abstract Soils were examined at 2505 m elevation in Haleakala's crater (Maui, Hawaiʻi) beneath 50 adult Hawaiian silversword plants ( Argyroxiphium sandwicense DC.); mean canopy diameter was 42.0 cm. Exposed volcanic Inceptisols (Andic Humitropepts) seem significantly eroded beyond the dense rosette crowns, but remain unaffected below plants. Rosettes are perched on isolated basal soil mounds or pedestals 27–121 mm high (mean: 77.5 mm). Geomorphic field response of soils below rosettes and adjacent (∼ 100 cm apart) bare soils differs. Infiltration rates are higher under plants (mean: 158.7 mm/min) than in exposed control soils (60.0 mm/min). Soils below silverswords also show greater shear strength (146.1 g/cm 2 ) and compressibility (2.795 kg/cm 2 ) than unprotected soils (36.1 g/cm 2 , and 0.108 kg/cm 2 , respectively). Soil in the plant mounds contains more organic matter; this has influenced other pedological properties, which also differ substantially between sampling positions. Substrate under plants has a porosity ∼ 53% higher than exposed soil, while bulk density is 62% higher in soil outside the plant crown. The observed microtopographic differences are ascribed to greater soil erosion by rainsplash and runoff outside the silversword canopy. The dense rosette crown effectively intercepts raindrops; soils beneath plants also have a high surface cohesiveness provided by a dense network of fine plant rootlets and partially decomposed organic material. Higher runoff rates occur on the less permeable substrate beyond rosettes, which is affected by soil crusting.
Exploring Leadership Competencies in Established and Aspiring Physician Leaders: An Interview-based Study

Background and Objectives Academic health care institutions have become interested in understanding and supporting current leaders and preparing leaders for the future. We designed this exploratory study to better understand specific perceived leadership needs of physicians from the perspective of “aspiring” and “established” leaders within our institution.
Dissolution of resistate minerals containing uranium and thorium: Environmental implications

Minerals in the soil range from those that easily weather to those that are very resistant to the weathering processes. The minerals used in this study are referred to as “resistates” because of their resistance to natural weathering processes. 1 It is also known that there are some resistate minerals that have a tendency to contain uranium and thorium within their crystal structure. These resistates can contain as much as 15–20% of the total uranium and thorium present in the soil. 9 Do resistates dissolve in acids, particularly in the HF/HNO 3 procedures, if not what can be done to the HF/HNO 3 process to dissolve more of the resistate minerals? How would these acid techniques compare to the fusion method used for mineral dissolution? Could the resistate minerals contain considerable amount of uranium and thorium? These were the questions addressed in this research. The comparative data indicate that the use of H2SO4 in the dissolution process resulted in ~25% overall increase in the minerals dissolving therefore resulting in a higher yield of extracted uranium and thorium.
Condom migration resulting from circumcision, microbicides and vaccines: Brief review and methodological considerations

Objective: To provide an updated review of condom migration as a means of highlighting methodological issues for future studies of this behavioural issue. Methods: Electronic searches of PubMed, MEDLINE and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases were carried out in October 2010 and updated in January 2011 for English-language articles published from 1994 onward. Results: Evidence addressing condom migration from microbicides and vaccines is vastly underdeveloped, simply because these products are still experimental. In contrast, the more advanced evidence regarding male circumcision is hopeful because it suggests that migration may not be an overwhelming issue. Nonetheless, the entire body of empirical evidence on this question could be substantially expanded and improved. Conclusion: Until stronger evidence suggests that condom migration is unlikely, it is important to be mindful of the potential for condom migration to occur in response to biomedical interventions (circumcision, microbicides and vaccines).
Longitudinal effects of hostility, depression, and bullying on adolescent smoking initiation

Abstract Purpose The present study examined the associations between smoking initiation and, hostility, depressive symptoms, and bullying (bullies and bully-victims) among a culturally diverse sample of 1,771 adolescents who reported never having smoked at baseline. Methods Data were obtained from a longitudinal school-based experimental trial of smoking prevention programs in Southern California. Annual survey was performed for students of the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. All students in the 24 participating schools were invited to participate in the study during the sixth grade. Results The risk of smoking initiation was significantly higher among students who scored higher on hostility and depressive symptoms, and were bully-victims. Conclusion The findings suggest that tobacco prevention programs should include strategies for managing hostile feelings and negative effect as part of the curriculum. In addition, it might be helpful to identify youth who score high on these psychosocial factors and teach them skills to handle interpersonal conflict and negative feelings to prevent their involvement in substance use.
To what extent can matching algorithms based on direct outputs of spatial filters account for human object recognition

A number of recent successful models of face recognition posit only two layers, an input layer consisting of a lattice of spatial filters and a single subsequent stage by which those descriptor values are mapped directly onto an object representation layer by standard matching methods such as stochastic optimization. Is this approach sufficient for modeling human object recognition? We tested whether a highly efficient version of such a two-layer model would manifest effects similar to those shown by humans when given the task of recognizing images of objects that had been employed in a series of psychophysical experiments. System accuracy was quite high overall, but was qualitatively different from that evidenced by humans in object recognition tasks. The discrepancy between the system's performance and human performance is likely to be revealed by all models that map filter values directly onto object units. These results suggest that human object recognition (as opposed to face recognition) may be difficult to approximate by models that do not posit hidden units for explicit representation of intermediate entities such as edges, viewpoint invariant classifiers, axes, shocks and object parts.
Magnesium Uptake by Soybeans

Magnesium contents of soybean (Glycine max) roots increase and the K and Ca contents decrease with increased MgCl2 concentrations in ambient solutions. The Mg uptake is inhibited when both Ca and K are present in the solution, but not by K or Ca alone. Chloride uptake, which is very low from the MgCl2 solution, is greatly enhanced by the presence of K. The selectivity against Mg imparted by K + Ca appears to be at an external barrier for cation uptake as shown by its dependence on the presence of Ca in the external solution. The Ca content of roots is influenced only slightly by changes in external Ca concentrations from 10−4 to 10−2m, but that of shoots is greatly enhanced as the Ca concentration is increased or the K concentration is decreased. These effects on Ca contents are explained as arising from transport to the shoot without involvement of vacuoles of root cells.
The real singularities of the N-body problem in celestial mechanics

N-body problem real singularities in celestial mechanics, considering present status and holomorphic motion
STRUCTURE‐ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIPS OF ALKYL‐ PHENOL ETHYLENE OXIDE ETHER NON‐IONIC SURFACTANTS AND THREE WATER‐SOLUBLE HERBICIDES

Summary. Several alkylphenol ethylene oxide ether non-ionic surfactants were tested in aqueous foliar sprays with dalapon, amitrole and paraquat for (heir enhancement of phytocidal activity against Zea mays L. With three homologous series of surfactants studied (octyl-, nonyl- and laurylphenol types), the herbicide, the surfactant concentration and the hydrophilic constitution (ethylene oxide content) of the surfactant molecule all markedly influenced maximum toxicity. Smaller apparent differences in effectiveness were also attributable to the hydrophobic (alkylphenol) portion of the surfactant. The results arc discussed in relation to possible cuticle-spray solution interactions and their influence on herbicide penetration. Relations entre la structure et l'activite de produits tensio-actifs non ionigues, a base d'ether d'oxyde ethylenique et d'alkylphenol, en presence de trois herbicides hydrosolubles
Interaction of Elastic Strain with the Structural Transition of Strontium Titanate

Second-order displacive transitions of a type often observed in crystals of perovskite structure are analyzed by means of a phenomenological model employing optical soft-mode and elastic-strain coordinates. Relations connecting spontaneous distortion, soft-mode vibrational frequencies, and elastic constants of a tetragonal low-temperature phase are derived. These relations are found to be consistent with existing x-ray, neutron, EPR, Raman, Brillouin, and ultrasonic data for SrTi${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. From these data, it is inferred that properties of SrTi${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ are isotropic to a considerable degree and that, of the small anisotropy which determines the symmetry of the low-temperature phase, interaction with strain contributes a large portion. Under certain assumptions, the soft-mode force constant inferred from the data appears to vary fairly smoothly through the transition temperature. Discontinuities in the specific heat and the temperature-derivative of the restoring-force coefficient amounting to 1.3% in SrTi${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ and about 8% in LaAl${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ are predicted.
Improving speech playback using time-compression and speech recognition

Despite the ready availability of digital recording technology and the continually decreasing cost of digital storage, browsing audio recordings remains a tedious task. This paper presents evidence in support of a system designed to assist with information comprehension and retrieval tasks from a large collection of recorded speech. Two techniques are employed to assist users with these tasks. First, a speech recognizer creates necessarily error-laden transcripts of the recorded speech. Second, audio playback is time-compressed using the SOLAFS technique. When used together, subjects are able to perform comprehension tasks with more speed and accuracy.
Spontaneous Nephritis in Rabbits and Its Relation to Chronic Nephritis in Man

It is well known that spontaneous1 nephritis is often found in rabbits, and there are frequent estimates in the literature as to its frequency. There is, however, not much detail published as to the finer structure and pathogenesis of this lesion, and it is still a serious source of error for those engaged in the study of experimental nephritis. It is noteworthy that no investigator who claims to have produced a chronic nephritis experimentally has been able to draw a sharp distinction between the spontaneous lesions and those supposedly produced by the experimental procedure. This fact is usually admitted, though sometimes ignored, and the argument is made that a lesion occurring much oftener in the experimental than in the control animals is due to the experimental procedure. It is not generally recognized that nephritis in animals (especially the rabbit) is entirely different in its pathogenesis from human chronic nephritis, and that therefore the successful experimental production of lesions of this character does not necessarily illuminate the problems of the etiology of human chronic nephritis. We have, therefore, thought it worth while to give a brief account of the etiology and pathogenesis of spontaneous nephritis and to call attention to its relations to the problems of human nephritis and experimental nephritis.
Methamphetamine-induced dopaminergic deficits and refractoriness to subsequent treatment

Repeated high-dose methamphetamine administrations can cause persistent dopaminergic deficits. As individuals abusing methamphetamine are often exposed to recurrent high-dose administration, the impact of its repeated exposure merits investigation. Accordingly, rats were pretreated with repeated high-dose injections of methamphetamine, and subsequently "challenged" with the same neurotoxic regimen 7 or 30 days later. Results revealed that the initial methamphetamine treatment caused persistent deficits in striatal dopamine levels, dopamine transporter function, and vesicular monoamine transporter-2 function. The subsequent methamphetamine challenge treatment was without further persistent effects on these parameters, as assessed 7 days after the challenge, regardless of the interval (7 or 30 days) between the initial and challenge drug exposures. Similarly, a methamphetamine challenge treatment administered 7 days after the initial drug treatment was without further acute effect on dopamine transporter or VMAT-2 function, as assessed 1 h later. Thus, this study describes a model of resistance, possibly explained by: 1) the existence of dopaminergic neurons that are a priori refractory to deficits caused by methamphetamine; 2) the existence of dopaminergic neurons made persistently resistant consequent to a neurotoxic methamphetamine exposure; and/or 3) altered activation of post-synaptic basal ganglia systems necessary for the elaboration of methamphetamine-induced dopamine neurotoxicity.
Addressing non-idealities in NMR experiments on rotating liquid crystals

Unequivocal evidence for a biaxial nematic phase in low‐molar‐mass calamitic thermotropic liquid crystals has been challenging to generate. Recently we provided NMR evidence that nonlinear calamitic mesogens based on the oxadiazole heterocycle exhibit a biaxial nematic phase (Phys. Rev. Lett., 2004, 92, 145505). Herein we probe the robustness of that claim by exploring potential variations of the director distribution from the ideal one that would apply to nematics rotated about an axis perpendicular to the spectrometer magnetic field. Moreover, we demonstrate that our methodology, when applied to the high temperature uniaxial nematic TBBA, yields a biaxial order parameter η = 0.0, thereby confirming the validity of our procedures. Our findings suggest that the original claim of biaxial order (η∼0.1) as reflected by probe molecule studies of oxadiazole mesogens is still valid.
On-Line Turing Machine Computations

This paper investigates 1) the problem of finding lower bounds on the computation times of on-line Turing machines, and 2) the trade-off relationship between computation time and tape dimensionality. It considers problems in which a Turing machine is supplied with a sequence of inputs representing data to be stored on the machine's tape(s), followed by a sequence of inputs requesting the machine to find and examine various portions of the stored data. The approach taken is to assume that the machine has been designed to read in and store data in such a way as to minimize the time required to subsequently locate arbitrary portions of that data. This approach sometimes makes it possible to find good lower bouds on the computation time (number of machine steps) needed to process the portion of the input sequence that calls for the retrieval of data. It is shown that there are some problems in which an increase in tape dimensionality appreciably reduces the computation time needed. But it is already known that increasing the number of a machine's tapes (beyond two) does not appreciably decrease the computation time needed. Thus, tape dimensionality and tape multiplicity are parameters that affect computation time in basically different ways.
Angiogenesis versus arteriogenesis: neuropilin 1 modulation of VEGF signaling

In development and disease, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates the expansion of the vascular tree. In response to hypoxia, VEGF promotes new capillary formation through the process of angiogenesis by inducing endothelial cell sprouting, proliferation, and migration. Wound healing, tissue regeneration, and tumor growth depend on angiogenesis for adequate nutrient and oxygen delivery. Under different conditions, VEGF promotes arterial growth, modulates lumen expansion, and induces collateral vessel formation, events collectively referred to as arteriogenesis. Induction of arteriogenesis after cardiac or cerebral arterial occlusion can reduce ischemia and improve disease outcome. Endothelial VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling governs both processes. However, modulation of downstream VEGF signaling effectors, such as extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, differs in order to achieve angiogenic versus arteriogenic outcomes. Recent reports show that neuropilin 1 (NRP1), a VEGF receptor, can instill VEGF signaling outcomes that specifically regulate either angiogenesis or arteriogenesis. Here, we discuss how NRP1 functions as a VEGFR2 co-receptor in angiogenesis and a modulator of VEGFR2 trafficking in arteriogenesis. The unique role played by neuropilin in different endothelial processes makes it an exciting therapeutic target to specifically enhance angiogenesis or arteriogenesis in disease settings.
Leaf Anatomy, Emphasizing Unusual 'Concertina' Mesophyll Cells, of Two East African Legumes (Caesalpinieae, Caesalpinioideae, Leguminosae)

Abstract Cordeauxia edulis(Somalia and Ethiopia), andStuhlmanniamoavii(Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar) are evergreen shrubs or small trees of dry areas. They have similar leaf anatomy as revealed by resin sectioning and scanning electron microscopy. The cuticle is extremely thick and all vascular bundles lack bundle sheath extensions. The most unusual feature is the mesophyll, three to seven layers consisting entirely of cylindrical palisade cells with lateral walls capable of changing vertical length by folding in a concertina-like manner. The matching outward folds of two adjacent cells always remain attached by means of a row of wall thickenings (‘pegs’). The pegs can elongate, especially so between the widely separated mesophyll cells that occupy the substomatal chamber area. The unattached flexible inward wall folds enable these ‘concertina’ cells to shorten or lengthen vertically without disrupting cell interconnections in the interior of each relatively long-lived leaf as it periodically loses and gains water. Concertina cells may be an anatomical adaptation allowing these leaves to remain evergreen and survive extended periods of drought and yet to store water quickly when it becomes available.
Data mining approaches for life cycle assessment

To reduce the cost associated with screening lifecycle assessments (LCAs), we propose treating LCA as a data mining problem and automating the process of assigning impact factors to inventory components. We describe three sub-problems involved in automating LCA and provide illustrative case studies for each. The results from an automated data mining approach are comparable to those obtained from the more laborious manual LCA process.
Structure–property considerations for rotationally molded polyethylenes†

In a companion study,1 it was found that five commercially available rotational molding grade polyethylenes had similar particle size distribution profiles and dynamic angles of repose. There were measurable differences in their general particle shapes. These powders were rotationally molded in an axisymmetric cylinder mold using time–temperature molding cycles recommended for these materials. Wall sections were then cut from the molded cylinders and tensile strengths, Young's moduli, elongations at break, and Izod impact strengths were measured. The resins were then injection molded and similar mechanical tests were performed. The rotationally molded samples exhibited porosity, the level of which depended strongly on the residence time in the isothermal oven. The rotationally molded samples showed greater strengths and moduli, but lower elongations at break and impact strengths. The rotationally molded samples also showed higher crystallinity levels and substantially larger spherulite dimensions. These observations support the mechanical property data.
A new approach to the nonlinear fuzzy control of the switched reluctance motor

This paper presents a new technique for the control of switched reluctance motors (SRM), SRMs are considered more desirable for certain applications due to their extremely simple construction and fault tolerant operation. Unfortunately, the high nonlinearities make it difficult to derive tractable and accurate mathematical models and hence, conventional control algorithms. Fuzzy logic control is ideally suited to the control of systems with uncertain characteristics. In this paper fuzzy logic control is applied to the design of a SRM velocity controller. Several simulations are given and the results are discussed. Also, an adaptive algorithm is presented that minimizes the torque and speed ripple even in the presence of unknown systems nonlinearities and changes in system parameters.
Reliability of the Welling Scale (WS1) for Rating Temporal Bone Dissection Performance

Objective: To determine the inter- and intrarater reliability of using a new scale (Welling scale) for resident evaluation of temporal bone dissection performance. Study Design: Prospective, double-blinded, randomized trial. Methods: Twelve residents in otolaryngology (postgraduate year [PGY] 2–5) drilled 26 temporal bones (21 cadaveric, 5 plastic) with the objective to perform a complete mastoidectomy with facial recess approach. These bones were then rated using the Welling scale by six independent raters on two separate occasions (4–6 wk apart). Raters were blinded to PGY year. The Kappa statistic was calculated for inter- and intrarater reliability. Results: Intrarater agreement was high for all raters, ranging from κ = 0.65 to 0.72 (all P < .001), whereas the interrater agreement scores were more moderate (range, κ = 0.49–0.64; all P < .01). Conclusion: The Welling scale can be used reliably to assess temporal bone dissection performance where performance is measured by assessment of end product (mastoidectomy with facial recess approach).
Preliminary experience with Ilizarov method in late reconstruction of radial hemimelia

We report the outcome of ulnar lengthening with the Ilizarov technique in five adults with radial hemimelia and previous wrist centralization. The indications for ulnar lengthening in these patients were either a functional deficit due to the short ulna or poor appearance that caused the patient significant unhappiness. All patients had a successful lengthening of the ulna, with a gain in length from 4 to 13 cm; however, the procedures were prolonged (7 to 25 months), and all patients experienced complications. At the time of follow-up examination no patient had residual pain or paresthesias. In four of five patients, although ulnar lengthening resulted in somewhat stiffer digits, it improved function of the extremity as a whole. When asked if they would repeat the lengthening, knowing what they know now, all five replied that they would. The technical difficulties encountered in these cases suggest a cautious approach to ulnar lengthening. This is a long, arduous, painful process that requires a psychologically robust patient. If the ulna is very short preoperatively, lengthening can enhance the volume of space accessible to the hand and in that way improve function.
Demonstration of phosphor-free polarized white light emission from monolithically integrated semipolar InGaN quantum wells

We report a device design that monolithically integrates an electrically injected blue light-emitting diode grown on the (202¯1¯) face of a bulk GaN substrate and yellow emitting optically pumped InGaN quantum wells (QWs) grown on the (202¯1) face. Emission peaks are observed at 440 nm and 560 nm from the electrically injected and optically pumped QWs, respectively. The ratio of blue to yellow light can be optimized to result in polarized white light emission from this phosphor-free device. We demonstrate emission with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage x- and y-chromaticity coordinates of (0.28, 0.29) and an optical polarization ratio of 0.40.
Evidence for diurnal period Kelvin waves in the Martian atmosphere from Mars Global Surveyor TES data

Midlevel (∼25 km) atmospheric temperatures derived from Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) spectra indicate the presence of stationary waves and thermal tides. Stationary waves are prominent at middle to high latitudes where westerly zonal flow is indicated by the meridional temperature gradient. Longitudinal variability within 30°S to 30°N is dominated by topographically-forced nonmigrating thermal tides that have westward and eastward propagating components. The MGS mapping data are available at two fixed local times so that it is not possible to distinguish between these components or isolate the sun-synchronous tide. A comparison with Mars general circulation model (MGCM) simulations suggests that the observed wave patterns are consistent with the presence of eastward propagating, diurnal period Kelvin waves with zonal wavenumbers one and two. These waves can propagate to great heights and may account for observed zonal variations in thermospheric density.
Proof by synthesis of Tobacco mosaic virus

Background: Synthetic biology is a discipline that includes making life forms artificially from chemicals. Here, a DNA molecule was enzymatically synthesized in vitro from DNA templates made from oligonucleotides representing the text of the first Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) sequence elucidated in 1982. No infectious DNA molecule of that seminal reference sequence exists, so the goal was to synthesize it and then build viral chimeras. Results: RNA was transcribed from synthetic DNA and encapsidated with capsid protein in vitro to make synthetic virions. Plants inoculated with the virions did not develop symptoms. When two nucleotide mutations present in the original sequence, but not present in most other TMV sequences in GenBank, were altered to reflect the consensus, the derivative synthetic virions produced classic TMV symptoms. Chimeras were then made by exchanging TMV capsid protein DNA with Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) and Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) capsid protein DNA. Virus expressing ToMV capsid protein exhibited altered, ToMV-like symptoms in Nicotiana sylvestris. A hybrid ORF6 protein unknown to nature, created by substituting the capsid protein genes in the virus, was found to be a major symptom determinant in Nicotiana benthamiana. Virus expressing BSMV capsid protein did not have an extended host range to barley, but did produce novel symptoms in N. benthamiana. Conclusions: This first report of the chemical synthesis and artificial assembly of a plant virus corrects a long-standing error in the TMV reference genome sequence and reveals that unnatural hybrid virus proteins can alter symptoms unexpectedly.
Effects of Prior Infestation on Host Choice of Bat Flies (Diptera: Streblidae)

Experimental approaches provide insight into the dynamics of species competition and coexistence, but studies of ectoparasitic arthropods are rare. Host choice experiments were undertaken in Amazonian Peru, by using obligate bat fly parasites of Seba's short-tailed bat, Carollia perspicillata (L.). The fly species Trichobius joblingi Wenzel strongly preferred clean hosts to those previously infested with individuals of T. joblingi. Abundance thresholds may limit conspecific parasites on host individuals, and similar morphologies and habitat use may increase intraspecific competition among individuals of T. joblingi. T. joblingi did not distinguish between clean hosts and those previously infested with flies of another species, Speiseria ambigua Kessel. Results suggest that the presence of a morphologically dissimilar species does not preclude subsequent colonization. Differential microhabitat selection, aided by adaptive morphology, may facilitate species coexistence among ectoparasitic bat fly species.
Power, Character, and the Junior Officer

French and Raven’s venerable taxonomy of power (French & Raven, 1959; Raven, 1992, 2008), and in particular their construct of referent power, are presented here as useful tools for building the character of the junior Air Force officer. Referent power has theoretical links to major leadership theories, but also contains distinctions from this literature that bear further investigation. Definitions of power and character are offered, and a strong relationship between the two is proposed, in which referent power appears to be the power construct from French and Raven’s taxonomy most uniquely tied to character. Links between leadership theories and referent power are addressed; referent power is acknowledged as conceptually tied to transformational leadership, but also different because it is situated in a taxonomy of alternative power sources. Referent power is recommended as a parsimonious and productive tool for investigating and building character in the junior officer, who is identified as belonging to a somewhat vulnerable population.THE JUNIOR OFFICER“The foundation of leadership is character.”-Major General Aleander Patch
The prognostic value of pretreatment FDG-PET parameters in HPV-associated oropharynx cancer

18Fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (FDG-PET) has shown prognostic value in oropharynx cancer but data regarding patients with known human papillomavirus (HPV) status is limited. If prognostic, FDG-PET may play a role in the identification of patients suitable for treatment de-intensification. Patients with stage III-IVB squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx treated with definitive chemoradiation with known HPV status were identified. Clinical and PET parameters were compared between HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients and evaluated for prognostic value via Cox proportional hazards univariate and multivariate regression. Seventy patients were identified (58 HPV-positive, 12 HPV-negative) with a median follow-up of 41.5 months. HPV-negative tumors were associated with increased metabolic activity at the primary site but smaller cervical lymph nodes compared to HPV-positive tumors. Univariate and multivariate analysis identified the nodal maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) as a predictor of disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) among HPV-positive patients independent of other commonly used prognostic factors such as smoking and nodal stage. Pretreatment SUVmax in the nodal volume is a simple parameter that retains prognostic value in the HPV-era. Increased PET activity portends inferior DFS and OS and may be used in conjunction with other known prognostic factors, to identify patients inappropriate for treatment de-intensification strategies in the future.
Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop Correlations for Square Channels With 45 Deg Ribs at High Reynolds Numbers

Systematic experiments are conducted to measure heat transfer enhancement and pressure loss characteristics on a square channel (simulating a gas turbine blade cooling passage) with two opposite surfaces roughened by 45 deg parallel ribs. Copper plates fitted with a silicone heater and instrumented with thermocouples are used to measure regionally averaged local heat transfer coefficients. Reynolds numbers studied in the channel range from 30,000 to 400,000. The rib height (e) to hydraulic diameter (D) ratio ranges from 0.1 to 0.18. The rib spacing (p) to height ratio (p/e) ranges from 5 to 10. Results show higher heat transfer coefficients at smaller values of p/e e and larger values of e/D, though at the cost of higher friction losses. Results also indicate that the thermal performance of the ribbed channel falls with increasing Reynolds numbers. Correlations predicting Nusselt number (Nu) and friction factor (f) as a function of p/e, e/D, and Re are developed. Also developed are correlations for R and G (friction and heat transfer roughness functions, respectively) as a function of the roughness Reynolds number (e + ), ple, and elD.
Attitudes towards Minorities in Post-communist and Democratic Poland

The political transformation of Eastern European countries heralded many fundamental economic, social, and cultural changes. One aspect of democracy – cultural democracy – focuses on the situation of minority groups. The treatment of minorities, while largely determined by law and actions of the government, is also influenced by the attitudes and opinions held by the citizens. This article analyses opinion polls conducted between 1994 and 2014 on attitudes towards ethnic and national minorities in Poland. The data comes from the Public Opinion Research Center (Centrum Badania Opinii Spolecznej – CBOS) and was published solely in the Polish language. This analysis is situated within Poland's shifting political, social, and cultural contexts, and emphasizes current legislation concerning minorities in Poland.
Embracing the Usage of Cellular Telephone in the 21st Century: Its Impact to Business

Cellular telephone is one of the telecommunication technologies that changes the face of business and the behavior patterns of societies. The study sought to recognize the impact of cellular telephones in business. Explicitly, it directed to identify its impact to its utilization in business and correlates them to thesocio-economic profile. To gather the necessary data, a modified researcher-madequestionnaire was utilized. Further, the study utilized a descriptive-correlationalresearch design. In deriving the results, frequency and percentage, mean or rank,weighted mean, Spearman rank correlation, and likelihood chi-square test werealso employed. Major findings revealed that the gadget was perceived useful inbusiness in the aspect of utilization in communication, business cost or expenses,record filing or keeping, and profiting. The study concludes that the utilizationof cellular telephones in terms of business cost and record filing have reciprocalrelationship with the perceived impact. Keywords: Social Science, cellular telephone, business, descriptive design, Philippines
Review of Forensic reports and testimony: A guide to effective communication for psychologists and psychiatrists

Many psycholegal reference materials are limited in their scope: They might focus solely on effective forensic report writing, or alternatively, best practices in testifying. As a result, forensic ...
Traces of the World: Cel Animation and Photography

The animated cartoon has traditionally been excluded from photographic theories of cinema on the grounds that the animation camera is only incidental to the cartoon’s production, an assumption this...
Adaptive Control Metrics via the Windowed Laplace Transform

In this paper, we introduce and describe a new type of Joint Time-Frequency Analysis (JTFA), which we call the Windowed Laplace Transform (WLT) method. In addition to general signal processing applications, this new method can be used to extend Nyquists’s classical stability analysis criteria and stability metrics, from LTI to LTV (Linear, TimeVarying) systems a step towards analyzing the more general case of NLTV (Non-Linear, Time Varying) systems. We apply WLT to two LTV models: A simple, exactly solvable 1D toy model, and an MRAC (Model Reference Adaptive Control) innerloop aerodynamic model. The latter is linearized about its reference plant trajectory and ideal neural-network weights. In either model, we assume no physical-layer delays in the system (plant or plantplus-controller), but allow the mathematical (virtual) injection of time delays in order to formulate stability margin metrics. We identify two such metrics: the Extended Phase Margin (EPM), which extends Nyquist’s Phase Margin metric to the LTV case; and the more physically meaningful Time-Delay Margin (TDM), which is defined as the maximal virtually-injected time delay before the EPM metric is driven down to zero. These new ‘quasi-LTI’ stability metrics can be visualized by viewing frames of a time-dependent Nyquist contour as befits a JTFA approach. What is more, it is possible to derive systematically-improvable analytical approximants for our novel EPM and TDM stability margin metrics. In this paper, we analyze a numerical example for each of the two aforementioned LTV models. In subsequent publications, we will present analytical and semi-analytical approximants, proofs of several theorems guaranteeing asymptotic exponential stability, and an extension of our analysis to fully NLTV MRAC schemes all based upon the WLT method and the new EPM and TDM metrics.
Extended Subspace Method for Attenuation of Crosstalk in Multi-Parameter Full Wavefield Inversion

We propose an extended subspace method for reducing crosstalk when inverting geophysical data to infer models for two or more subsurface physical properties. Our algorithm uses gradients of an objective function as basis vectors for forming model updates. The extended set of basis vectors provides explicit de-mixing of gradient components corresponding to different medium parameters, for example P-wave velocity and anisotropy. Coefficients of the basis vector expansion are determined in a way that explicitly accounts for leakage (or crosstalk) between different physical parameters. Performance of the method is illustrated with a synthetic data example.
Predictions of Static and Dynamic Properties of Liquid Crystalline and Polymeric Systems in Electric Fields

Predictions of static and dynamic properties from a unified molecular statistical mechanics theory for complex fluids in static electric fields are summarized. Included are thermodynamic, molecular ordering, and transport properties. In this new theory, the effects of an electric field E e on the dipole moments and bond polarizabilities of tile molecules have been added to an eaxlier successful theory for complex organic molecules in condensed phases. Included are liquid crystalline (LC) and polymeric systems (including the first interlocking polymers).