cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal Modeling of Gaseous Helium as a Cryogen for High Temperature Superconducting Cable Components

A fluid mechanics and cryogenic thermal study of the termination system of a gaseous helium cooled second generation high temperature superconducting (HTS) cable is presented. This includes a discussion on the development of a 2-D turbulent model that uses finite element method within COMSOL to assess the temperature profiles in the terminations and the comparison of the model results with those obtained experimentally. Temperature gradients across the cable system were measured before an actual HTS cable was installed to ensure that they are within an acceptable range and to validate the cryogenic design of the cable terminations. The experiments were conducted at the gaseous helium cooled superconducting cable test facility at the Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS), Florida State University. The thermal model presented here confirms that temperature gradients across a 30-m-long HTS cable system operating at around 50 K can be maintained below 6 K with helium gas mass flow rates of <;10 g/s. The results of the thermal models agree with the experimental results. The modeling methods used and the resulting thermal model reported will be useful for future design studies in optimizing the cryogenic thermal and fluid flow designs of superconducting cables.
Nano-graphene/polyimide composites with extremely high rubbery plateau modulus

Abstract Nano-graphene sheets (NGS) were dispersed in a high performance polyimide (PI) matrix by in situ condensation polymerization. The viscoelastic behavior of PI and NGS/PI composite was investigated by using dynamic mechanical spectrometry (DMS) and extraordinary modulus enhancement was observed in the rubbery plateau region (>400 °C) compared to the glassy region ( o . Raman spectroscopy show the presence of amorphous carbon (D band) and graphitic carbon (G band), at 1360 and 1537 cm −1 , respectively.
Studies of metabolism of imidazole compounds in mouse brain

Abstract The distribution of imidazole derivatives was followed by thin-layer chromarography in suitably prepared extracts of brains of mice at various times after the parenteral administration of histidine, homocarnosine, carnosine, N-acetylhistamine and N-acetylhistidine. Under the conditions employed, evidence was obtained for the entry from blood of all of the above substances when 10 m-moles/kg was given intraperitoneally. The highest levels in whole brain of the substance administered were found for histidine, intermediate levels for homocarnosine and carnosine, and the lowest levels were found for N-acetylhistidine and N-acetylhistamine. In no instance were elevations of any imidazole substances other than those administered found in the brain extracts by the methods employed. Both mouse brain and kidney possessed much greater carnosinase than homocarnosinase activity. The rate of hydrolysis of glycylhistidine by brain was approximately nine times greater than of carnosine, while homocarnosine, anserine and homoanserine were hydrolyzed, at most, to a slight extent by the preparations employed. The above are part of a series of experiments designed eventually to determine whether or not extracerebrally formed derivatives of histamine or histidine can enter the brain and be metabolized therein to histamine.
Coping with chronic pain: A critical review of the literature.

A growing number of investigators have used models of stress and coping to help explain the differences in adjustment found among persons who experience chronic pain. This article reviews the empirical research which has examined the relationships among beliefs, coping, and adjustment to chronic pain. Although preliminary, some consistent findings are beginning to emerge. For example, patients who believe they can control their pain, who avoid catastrophizing about their condition, and who believe they are not severely disabled appear to function better than those who do not. Such beliefs may mediate some of the relationships between pain severity and adjustment. Although coping strategies appear to be associated with adjustment in chronic pain patients, methodological problems limit conclusions regarding the strength and nature of this association. Our recommendations for future research include the development of coping and belief measures which: (1) do not confound different dimensions (e.g., coping, beliefs, and adjustment) in the same measure; (2) assess specific (rather than composite) constructs; (3) are psychometrically sound; and (4) assess behavioral coping strategies more objectively. We also recommend a greater use of experimental research designs to examine causal relationships among appraisals, coping, and adjustment.
Addressing gender in leadership development program planning

Community leadership development programs are a popular means of identifying and training new leaders. The agenda of many of these programs is to not only develop the individual in terms of leaders...
Personal watercraft crash injuries: an emerging problem

Background The increased popularity of personal watercraft (PWC) has resulted in an increase in PWC-related injuries. In an effort to better understand the problem, a retrospective review of 37 victims of such injuries seen at a Level I trauma center and fatalities examined by the medical examiner were analyzed. Results Fourteen percent of the victims were passengers, two of whom were struck from behind, resulting in severe injuries. Twelve patients died of their injuries. For six victims, the cause of death was drowning; only one of these victims was wearing a personal flotation device. Two patients sustained transected aortas, 20% had brain injuries, 20% had spinal fractures, and 48% had skeletal and skull fractures. Abdominal organ injuries were present in only 13.5% of the victims, but they were significant, with liver, spleen, and kidney lacerations and aortic and renal artery injuries. Conclusion In this population of victims of PWC crashes meeting preestablished trauma criteria or on-scene deaths, injuries were significant. Many of the drowning deaths may have been prevented with the use of personal flotation devices. The potential for serious intra-abdominal injury must be recognized and dealt with appropriately.
Looking down from above: Measuring downward maintenance communication and exploring Theory X/Y assumptions as determinants of its expression

The present study examined the degree to which superiors’ downward maintenance communication could be predicted from their Theory X/Y assumptions. In the first phase of the study, a self-report measure of downward maintenance communication was developed. Principal components analysis yielded three categories of maintenance communication: Downward Confirmation, Downward Conflict Avoidance, and Downward Civility. Regression analysis was performed in phase two. As hypothesized, Theory X orientation was a significant negative predictor of Downward Confirmation, and Theory Y orientation was a significant positive predictor of both Downward Confirmation and Downward Civility.
Compensatory phospholipid digestion is required for cholesterol absorption in pancreatic phospholipase A2–Deficient mice

Abstract Background & Aims: Numerous studies have suggested phospholipid inhibition of dietary cholesterol absorption through the gastrointestinal tract. This study addressed the importance of luminal phospholipid hydrolysis in this process. Methods: The effect of phospholipase inhibition on cholesterol transport from intestinal lumen to the lymphatics was evaluated in lymph fistula rats. Cholesterol and phospholipid absorption efficiency in intact animals was evaluated in control and phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) gene–targeted mice. Results: The PLA 2 inhibitor FPL 67047XX retarded cholesterol absorption in a lymph fistula rat model. Under basal chow-fed dietary conditions, cholesterol absorption efficiency from a single bolus meal, and plasma lipid levels, were similar among PLA 2 (+/+), PLA 2 (+/−), and PLA 2 (−/−) mice. Interestingly, the nonhydrolyzable phospholipid dioleoyl ether phosphatidylcholine suppressed cholesterol absorption by 10% to 18% in mice without regard to their PLA 2 genotype. When 1-palmitoyl-2-[ 14 C]oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine was used as the substrate, the radiolabeled phospholipid was found to be hydrolyzed and absorbed with equal efficiency in PLA 2 (+/+), PLA 2 (+/−), and PLA 2 (−/−) mice. Conclusions: These results suggested that although phospholipid digestion in the intestinal lumen is a prerequisite for efficient cholesterol absorption, additional enzyme(s) can compensate for pancreatic PLA 2 in catalyzing phospholipid digestion and facilitating cholesterol absorption in PLA 2 knockout mice. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2001;120:1193-1202
Evanescent coupling in a waveguide fluoroimmunosensor

A key factor in the analysis of evanescently coupled optical sensors, such as the planar waveguide immunosensor analyzed here, is the efficiency of coupling between the optical waveguide modes and the fluorescent sources located on the surface of the waveguide. This is an important parameter in determining the sensor's sensitivity to the analyte. We calculate this efficiency for several different sensor configurations using the finite-difference time-domain numerical technique, and find that the efficiency of one-way coupling can vary widely depending upon the fluorescent source polarization, phase, and distance from the surface, as well as the waveguide mode number and thickness. In particular, we find that when the layer containing the fluorescent molecules is uniform in refractive index, the coupling efficiency is larger than when the local environment possesses an irregular index.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Running road races as transgressive event mobilities

Running is a unique form of mobility because while it involves traveling over distance, it is not usually done as a means of transportation. Although running can and does take place almost anywhere, bringing together hundreds or thousands of runners at a time via an event known as a road race enables a different, transgressive occupation of space that no one runner could accomplish on his or her own. In this paper, based on participant observation, I argue that the transgressive but sanctioned nature of the mobilities that road races allow, by temporarily taking over a space devoted to motorized vehicles and turning it into a space for pedestrians, defines these events as unique moments that are only possible through the collective nature of this usually solitary form of mobility and that allow for the pleasure of being transgressive without the risks that transgression normally entails. The paper further argues for considering ‘event mobilities’ as more than traveling in order to participate in an event,...
Simian blood groups. Another blood group system, C-E-F, in chimpanzees.

Of eight chimpanzees which completed the course of immunization with red cells of other chimpanzees, five responded by producing antibodies of two different specificities previously not encountered and designated anti-Ec and anti-Fc, respectively. Serological and statistical evidence is presented indicating that the blood factors Ec and Fc detected by these antisera, together with the blood factor Cc previously described, define a blood group system designated the C-E-F system. Th C-E-F system is thus the second blood group system, not counting the human-type A-B-O system, to be identified in chimpanzees.
Combustor Air Flow Prediction Capability Comparing Several Turbulence Models

A finite-difference computer program with reduced false diffusion was developed for use in an application-oriented study involving axisymmetric swirling flows. A prediction evaluation using four turbulence models was conducted via comparison of predictions with corresponding measurements. Measured inlet values were employed where possible to minimize approximations in specifying inlet boundary conditions. The k-e, algebraic Reynolds stress, and modified algebraic Reynolds stress are the turbulence models used in this investigation. A modified k-e model gave unrealistic results and was eliminated. Reasonable overall agreement with the measurements of mean flow quantities was generally obtained. However, the mean swirl velocity predictions were rather inaccurate. In addition, useful recommendations are given for a numerically stable implementation of an algebraic stress model into the widely used TEACH computing procedure. 28 references.
Cytokine involvement in dynorphin-induced allodynia.

Dynorphin A is an endogenous opioid peptide, which has previously been shown to produce a long-lasting allodynia and hyperalgesia in mice, behavioral states consistent with signs of clinically observed neuropathic pain. This dynorphin-induced allodynia was used as a pharmacological, central model of neuropathic pain. In this study, we examined the involvement of the cytokine IL-1beta, the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), and de novo protein synthesis in the development of allodynia induced by intrathecal (i.t.) administration of dynorphin in male ICR mice. Pretreatment with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (0. 3-85nmol), the NF-kappaB inhibitor pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) (0.001-1000pmol), the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) protein (0. 01-100ng), the caspase-1 inhibitor (YVAD) (0.1-300pmol), and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (0.1-300ng) all dose-dependently reduced the induction of dynorphin-induced allodynia. Finally, IL-10 administered within the first 24h after the dynorphin insult prevented the development of chronic allodynia. These results demonstrate that the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-1ra impede the development of dynorphin-induced allodynia. These results also suggest that production of new proteins through NF-kappaB activation is required for the induction of allodynia. We speculate that IL-1ra, IL-10, PDTC and cycloheximide interfere with the central pro-inflammatory cascade. Modulation of cytokine activity in the spinal cord may therefore prove to be an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic pain.
Follow the liar: the effects of adult lies on children's honesty

Recent research shows that most adults admit they lie to children. We also know that children learn through modeling and imitation. To date there are no published studies that examine whether lying to children has an effect on children's honesty. We aimed to bridge the gap in this literature by examining the effects of adults' lies on elementary and preschool-aged children's behavior using a modified temptation resistance paradigm, in which children are tempted to peek at a toy they have been told not to look at, and later given a chance to either admit peeking, or try to conceal their transgression by lying. Prior to being tested, half of the children were told a lie and half were not. We then measured both cheating (peeking) and lie-telling behaviors. We hypothesized that lying to a child would increase the likelihood that they would both peek at the toy and lie about having done so. Results showed that school-age children were more likely to peek if they had been lied to, and were also more likely to lie about peeking. In contrast with the school-age children, there was no difference in peeking or lying for preschoolers who were and were not lied to. These results have important implications for parenting and educational settings.
Classification of radar imagery over boreal regions for methane exchange studies

Abstract Airborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data acquired over Alaska are used to investigate the ability of SAR to distinguish between land cover classes of differing methane exchange rates. Land cover within the study area is divided into four classes: forest, bog, water, and fen, with fen having the highest methane emission. Accurate classification is achieved using both statistical and neural network techniques applied to fully polarimetric L- and C-band data. Similar classification accuracies are also obtained using non-polarimetric subsets of the data, analogous to data that would be available by combining SAR observations from ERS-1/2, JERS-I (Fuyo-1), and RADARSAT. Accurate classification of fens, however, is possible only when the non-polarimetric subset includes L-band data
Incipient bitumen generation in Miocene siliceous sedimentary rocks from the Japan Sea

Abstract Samples of Quaternary through Miocene diatomaceous sediment and siliceous sedimentary rock from the Japan Sea (ODP Leg 128, Site 799) were examined to determine the origin of bitumen encountered during drilling, whether previously published studies using Rock-Eval pyrolysis have accurately assessed organic matter type and maturity, and if evidence exists to postulate the presence of a Kuroko-type massive sulfide deposit at depth or along depositional strike. Whole-rock total organic carbon:total nitrogen ratios have values ranging from 31 to 4. Elemental atomic H:C and O:C kerogen ratios decrease from ca 1.3 and 0.3, respectively, in Quaternary and Pliocene samples to 1.2 and 0.1, respectively, in samples obtained from the bottom of the hole. The bitumen ratio of these rocks increases from 50 mg bitumen/g OC at 700 mbsf to 150 mg bitumen/g at 1000 mbsf. The kerogen in these samples comprises a mixture of marine and terrigenous organic material that reaches the earliest stages of catagenesis in the bottom part of this hole. The bitumen is dominated by asphaltenes, resins and polar components. Because these compounds have very high boiling points, Rock-Eval pyrolysis does not assess the thermal maturity, or organic matter type accurately in the early stages of catagenesis. The bitumens have a very low thermal maturity and the observed degree of thermal alteration is consistent with the modern geothermal gradient in the Kita-Yamato trough.
Hygroscopic and optical properties of organic sea salt aerosol and consequences for climate forcing

[1] Scattering of incoming solar radiation by sea salt aerosol is strongly dependent on relative humidity (RH) since hygroscopic particles take up water at high RH. Organic compounds may constitute up to 50% of marine aerosol mass in internal mixtures. We used a detailed thermodynamic and optical model to calculate hygroscopic growth and extinction of sea salt aerosol internally mixed with a soluble organic compound. Increasing organic content from 10 to 50% suppresses growth at high RH compared to a pure NaCl particle by 4 to 20%. For a mildly absorbing organic, the scattering increase with RH is reduced by up to 32% for these mixtures, consistent with observations. Internal mixtures of 90% NaCl and 10% non-absorbing organics cause 3% less cooling than 100% NaCl particles in the visible spectrum over the clear-sky oceans. For a mildly absorbing organic compound, 10% organic content reduces radiative cooling substantially compared to 100% NaCl aerosol.
The Origin of Mount St. Helens Andesites

Abstract Mount St. Helens volcano has intermittently produced mainly dacitic products but occasionally erupted a more diverse suite of lavas including basalts and andesites. Petrogenetic relations between these magmas provide insight into the dynamics of the subjacent magma system. Mineralogical and geochemical features of representative lavas erupted during the past 2200 years can distinguish three basaltic and three andesitic variants. The mafic lavas include: (a) transitional, olivine+plagioclase basalts with low K 2 O and incompatible trace-element abundances; (b) calc-alkaline, olivine+plagioclase + clinopyroxene basalts enriched in K 2 O, TiO 2 , and incompatible trace elements; and (c) calc-alkaline. olivine+plagioclase basaltic andesites with incompatible trace-element contents transitional between the two basalt types. Intermediate lavas include (a) tholeiitic, two-pyroxene andesites, (b) calc-alkaline, plagioclase+two-pyroxenes±olivine±amphibole mafic andesites (56–59% wt.% SiO 2 ), and (c) calc-alkaline, plagioclase+two-pyroxenes+amphibole high-silica andesites (61–62 wt.% SiO 2 ). Eruption of these magmatic variants within the same eruptive phase implies the existence of different petrogenetic lineages, and that the plumbing system is sufficiently complex to simultaneously isolate and preserve numerous magma batches. It is unlikely that any of the andesites (or dacites) are derived by fractional crystallization of the recognized basaltic variants. Formation of the andesites simply by contamination (or assimilation-fractional crystallization) of basaltic magma is also improbable. More plausibly, the andesites represent mixing between basaltic and dacitic end-member magmas, each of which may be somewhat heterogeneous or vary in composition with time. In this model, efficient mixing must occur in some parts of the magma plumbing system, while some conduits or storage reservoirs must be effectively isolated.
Remote sensing techniques for monitoring the Rio Grande Valley cotton stalk destruction program

Abstract Post harvest cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) stalk destruction is a cultural practice used in the Rio Grande Valley to suppress over wintering populations of boll weevils (Anthonomus grandis Boheman) without using chemicals. Consistent application of this practice could substantially reduce insecticide usage, thereby minimizing environmental hazards and increasing cotton production profits. Satellite imagery registered within a geographic information system was used to monitor the cotton stalk destruction program in the Rio Grande Valley. We found that cotton stalk screening procedures based on standard multispectral classification techniques could not reliably distinquish cotton from sorghum. Greenness screening for cotton plant stalks after the stalk destruction deadline was possible only where ground observations locating cotton fields were available. These findings indicate that a successful cotton stalk destruction monitoring program will require satellite images and earth referenced data bas...
DNA damage checkpoints update: getting molecular

Eukaryotic checkpoint controls impose delays in the cell cycle in response to DNA damage or defects in DNA replication. Genetic and physiological studies in budding yeast have identified key genes and defined genetic pathways involved in checkpoint-mediated responses. Recent studies now lead to biochemical models that explain at least in part the arrest in G1 and delays during DNA replication after damage. Though progress in checkpoint controls has indeed been rapid, several observations identify puzzling aspects of checkpoint controls with few plausible explanations.
A second generation of physical anthropomorphic 3D breast phantoms based on human subject data

Previous fabrication of anthropomorphic breast phantoms has demonstrated their viability as a model for 2D (mammography) and 3D (tomosynthesis) breast imaging systems. Further development of these models will be essential for the evaluation of breast x-ray systems. There is also the potential to use them as the ground truth in virtual clinical trials. The first generation of phantoms was segmented from human subject dedicated breast computed tomography data and fabricated into physical models using highresolution 3D printing. Two variations were made. The first was a multi-material model (doublet) printed with two photopolymers to represent glandular and adipose tissues with the greatest physical contrast available, mimicking 75% and 35% glandular tissue. The second model was printed with a single 75% glandular equivalent photopolymer (singlet) to represent glandular tissue, which can be filled independently with an adipose-equivalent material such as oil. For this study, we have focused on improving the latter, the singlet phantom. First, the temporary oil filler has been replaced with a permanent adipose-equivalent urethane-based polymer. This offers more realistic contrast as compared to the multi-material approach at the expense of air bubbles and pockets that form during the filling process. Second, microcalcification clusters have been included in the singlet model via crushed eggshells, which have very similar chemical composition to calcifications in vivo. The results from these new prototypes demonstrate significant improvement over the first generation of anthropomorphic physical phantoms.
Endoscopic treatment of pediatric urolithiasis

Children have been slow to benefit from the improvements in stone therapy. Despite the success of less invasive techniques, open surgery for pediatric urolithiasis is still commonly practiced. The authors' goal was to evaluate the indications, efficacy, and complications of endourologic surgery in the treatment of pediatric urolithiasis. They reviewed the treatment of 53 children who had upper tract calculi. Open nephro- and ureterolithotomy were avoided in all cases. The management of 25 children whose stones were not amenable to extracorporeal shock wave lithotriopsy is presented. Seventeen children (19 stones) were treated with miniature ureteroscopes and lasertripsy. Only one (6%) of the patients required ureteral dilation, and only five (29%) needed a postoperative internal stent. Eight children with large renal calculi were treated percutaneously, without transfusion, complication, or evidence of persistent renal damage. All 25 patients were rendered stone-free. The hospital stay was shorter and secondary procedures were less common in comparison to other series of endoscopic lithotripsy. With significant experience in adult endourology and proper instrumentation, one can apply the same techniques to children and achieve equal if not greater benefit. Nephrolithiasis in children is uncommon and should be managed in an institution where endourologists and multiple treatment modalities are available.
Repeatability of quantitative parameters derived from diffusion tensor imaging in patients with glioblastoma multiforme.

Purpose To quantify the repeatability of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) in patients with glioblastoma multiforme. Materials and Methods IRB approval and informed consent were obtained for this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study. Sixteen patients with glioblastoma multiforme underwent MR imaging at two time points without interval intervention. ADC and FA maps were registered to the contrast-enhanced and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) image volumes. Volumes of tumor-related enhancement (TRE) and FLAIR signal abnormality (FSA) were defined using a semiautomated segmentation technique. Results Repeated observations of mean ADC and mean FA were highly consistent within both TRE (ADC: r = 0.947,P < 0.0001; FA: r = 0.947, P < 0.0001) and FSA (ADC: r = 0.979, P < 0.0001; FA: r = 0.972, P < 0.0001). Within TRE, repeatability coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for change measured 0.104 × 10−3 mm2S−1 and 7.4% (ADC) and 0.0196 and 13.9% (FA), respectively. Within FSA, repeatability coefficients and 95% CI for change measured 0.071 × 10−3 mm2S−1 and 5.2% (ADC) and 0.0159 and 8.7% (FA), respectively. To detect 10% changes in mean ADC, sample sizes of nine (TRE) and six (FSA) patients would be required. The same change in mean FA would require sample sizes of 21 (TRE) and 10 (FSA) patients, respectively. Conclusion Changes after therapy greater than the repeatability coefficient or 95% CI for change are unlikely to be related to variability in the measurement of ADC and FA. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:1199–1205. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Computational design of protein therapeutics

Computation is increasingly used to guide protein therapeutic designs. Some of the potential applications for computational, structure-based protein design include antibody affinity maturation, modulation of protein–protein interaction, stability improvement and minimization of protein aggregation. The versatility of a computational approach is that different biophysical properties can be analyzed on a common framework. Developing a coherent strategy to address various protein engineering objectives will promote synergy and exploration. Advances in computational structural analysis will thus have a transformative impact on how protein therapeutics are engineered in the future.
FractalNet: a biologically inspired neural network approach to fractal geometry

We present a multiply connected neural network to estimate the fractal dimension (Df) using the Box-counting method. Traditional methods used to estimate Df are sequential. A neural network implementation would be computationally efficient and suggests a possible biological realization.
Transforming Student Perspectives Through Summer Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research is a commonly accepted method for increasing student interest in graduate study. An important outcome of this process is the transformation of student perspectives, such that students view themselves as potential graduate students. The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site studied here seeks to accomplish this transformation through multidisciplinary research projects, community-building activities, and workshops, which expose students to graduate study, while increasing self-confidence and promoting exploration and risk taking. Based on direct student feedback, this paper describes the attributes of a successful program, and examines qualitative and quantitative assessments of the influence of summer residential undergraduate research experiences on the decision to pursue graduate study. Results indicate that students’ confidence in succeeding at graduate study and in conducting independent research increased significantly when provided with a well-advised research project, set in a learning based research environment, with a strong social community, and supplemented with seminars and workshops. The likelihood of a student pursuing a graduate degree increased slightly for an MS and significantly for a PhD. Students state that their REU experience was pivotal in their decision to attend graduate school.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Examination Questions Based on Historical Apparatus

In my sophomore-level electricity and magnetism course, I have been using questions based on historical apparatus. This note presents three examples.
Pre-diabetic blood pressure predicts urinary albumin excretion after the onset of type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus in Pima Indians.

Blood pressure was measured in 490 non-proteinuric Pima Indians from the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona at least 1 year before the diagnosis of Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. Urine albumin concentration was measured in the same subjects 0–24 years (mean 5 years) after diabetes was diagnosed. Prevalence rates of abnormal albumin excretion (albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥100 mg/g) after the onset of Type 2 diabetes were 9%, 16%, and 23%, respectively, for the lowest to highest tertiles of pre-diabetic mean blood pressure. When controlled for age, sex, duration of diabetes and pre-diabetic 2-h post-load plasma glucose concentration, higher pre-diabetic mean blood pressure predicted abnormal urinary excretion of albumin after the onset of diabetes. This finding suggests that the higher blood pressure seen in diabetic nephropathy is not entirely a result of the renal disease, but may precede and contribute to it.
Photoperiod regulation of neuron death in the adult canary.

The avian brain undergoes naturally occurring cell death and neuronal replacement in adulthood. Little is known about how neuron survival in adult birds is regulated. However, previous work suggests that this process is open to environmental control. We now report that a reduction in day length from springlike to fall-like conditions can dramatically increase cell death in adult male canaries. Many of the dying cells are projection neurons in the motor pathway controlling song learning and production. Circulating levels of gonadal steroids were not correlated with photoperiod-induced changes in the magnitude of cell death. Our results suggest that neuronal death in adult male canaries is regulated by seasonal changes in photoperiod, and that this occurs independent of chronic changes in gonadal steroid hormone levels. Day length may serve as a predictive environmental cue to time cell death in accordance with seasonal reproduction. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 33: 223–231, 1997
A comparison of EEG signal dynamics in waking, after anesthesia induction and during electroconvulsive therapy seizures

Abstract Evidence suggests that quantitative dynamical measures of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are more appropriate for characterizing the differences between states in an individual rather than as absolute indices. One such measure, the largest Lyapunov exponent ( λ 1 ), appears to have potential for identifying seizure activity and for being of clinical utility for characterizing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) seizures. As a result, we compared λ 1 for the EEG recorded in 8 depressed subjects in 3 states: (1) during right unilateral ECT seizures, (2) during the pre-ECT waking state, and (3) following anesthesia administration but prior to ECT. Spectral amplitude and autocorrelation were also calculated in these states, allowing a comparison of these measures with λ 1 . We hypothesized that λ 1 would be lowest during the ECT seizures, suggestive of greater EEG signal predictability over time during the seizures. We found that during the seizures λ 1 was smaller, while spectral amplitude was larger. Significant inter-state differences were not found for the left temporal and occipital regions suggesting that these measures might serve as markers of the degree of seizures involvement of specific brain regions. Spectral amplitude and λ 1 were uncorrelated and varied independently in some cases. The autocorrelation time was shortest in the waking EEG, and longest for the post-anesthesia EEG, and did not account for the differences seen in λ 1 . In contrast, the persistence of oscillations in the autocorrelation functions was greater for the ictal EEG than the other two states and may relate to λ 1 .
The Kotz-type distribution with applications

The Kotz-type distribution was introduced by Kotz (1975) as a generalization of the multivariate normal distribution. Since 1990 there has been a surge of activity relating to this distribution. We have identified some 25 papers on the Kotz-type distribution over the period from 1990 to 2002 - compared to just 5 over the period from 1980 to 1989. The aim of this paper is to review the developments in the following areas: marginal distributions; moments; characteristic functions; characterizations; asymptotics; quadratic forms; estimation; hypothesis testing; generalizations; Bayesian inference; and, applications in other areas such as ecology, discriminant analysis, mathematical finance, repeated measurements, shape theory and signal processing. We feel that this review could be important as a source of reference and for unlocking further research on the distribution.
Polonium in Florida groundwater and its possible relationship to the sulfur cycle and bacteria

The last radioactive member of the {sup 238}U natural decay-series, {sup 210}Po is normally considered a very particle-reactive isotope. Analysis of most natural waters shows that {sup 210}Po is present at very low activities, usually even lower than its insoluble precursor, {sup 210}Pb. The authors have recently discovered, however, that {sup 210}Po exists at very high concentrations in groundwaters of some shallow aquifers in west central Florida. These waters tend to be fairly acidic (pH < 5), sulfide-bearing, and relatively high in {sup 222}Rn. Detailed study of one well with extraordinary levels of {sup 210}Po ({approximately} 1000 dpm/l) indicates that: (1) {sup 210}Po in this water is in great excess of radioactive equilibrium with its predecessors {sup 210}Pb and {sup 210}Bi; (2) most Po in this water exists in a form which does not coprecipitate with an iron hydroxide scavenge; and (3) the conversion of soluble (0.2 {mu}m filter) to particulate Po occurs over a time scale of a few days during sulfide oxidation. The authors suspect that Po cycling in this environment is related to the sulfur cycle and may, therefore, be influenced by sulfur bacteria.
Evolution of the Sensory Integration Frame of Reference

Patricia L. Davies, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, is Associate Professor, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. Sometimes a normal problem . . . resists [solving,] revealing anomalies (problems). . . then begins the extraordinary investigations that lead the profession at last to a new set of commitments, a new basis for the practice of science: a scientific revolution . . . tradition-shattering compliments to the tradition-bound activity of normal science. (Kuhn, 1970, p. 6)
From Nicotine to Breast Cancer, Implications of Cholinergic Receptor Pathway

Nicotine is the most important pharmacologically active compound in all forms of tobacco smoke because of its interaction with cholinergic receptors. In the current issue of the Journal, a research article by Lee et al. (1) and a brief communication by Falvella et al. (2) use different approaches to contribute to a better understanding of the roles of nicotine receptors and the biological basis that underlies the environmental and genetic components of smoking-related cancer risk. Two types of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) exist: the nicotinic AChRs (nAChRs) and muscarinic AChRs (mAChRs). The nAChRs are ligand-gated ion channels and form pentameric complexes that consist of four related but genetically and immunologically distinct subunits: a, b, g, and d (3). The a9-nAChR, a known homopentamer that plays a central role in coordinating keratinocyte adhesion and motility during wound healing (4), is encoded by a gene (CHRNA9) on human chromosome 4p (5). Lee et al. (1) showed that a9-nAChRs were ubiquitously expressed in many epithelial and cancer cell lines from lung and breast and that most of the same cell lines also expressed a5- and a10-nAChRs. The a9-nAChRs were also present in primary tumors and nonmalignant breast tissue obtained from patients; however, cancers had increased a9-nAChR expression compared with the surrounding
Analysis of wavelength-dependent DGD in optical components

Wavelength-dependent DGD in optical components, including fiber Bragg gratings, is investigated for both NRZ and RZ modulation formats. The worst-case penalty caused by a periodic DGD has been quantified as a function of the period
STORM RELATED DILUTION OF CONDUCTANCE IN THREE HYDROLOGICALLY DIFFERENT WATER BODIES

: Three hydrologically different water bodies located at the urban fringe of Metropolitan Syracuse, New York, were monitored using field equipment to determine the effect of dilution on water quality in response to precipitation events during Summer 1980. Conductivity was the primary parameter since the portable meter used to obtain readings provided an immediate indication of dilution of the dissolved solids content of base flow. Results show that water quality is a complex function of hydrologic, precipitation, and watershed characteristics. In the ground water pond, dilutions ranged from 50 to 150 micromhos/cm as a result of direct precipitation and overland flow. These dilutions along with increasing conductance as evaporation losses increased were indicative of the role of the pond as a “sink,” as opposed to being a part of a flow through steady state system. Watershed orientation governed dilution of base flow in Butternut Creek. The westerly summer storm track moves across the narrow Butternut Creek. The watershed, the orientation of which is northerly, so that the drainage area exposed to precipitation was minimal. Dilution ranged from 50 to 200 micromhos/cm. In the Butternut Feeder Canal (created by withdrawal from Butternut Creek), extreme fluctuations reflected the localized land use, in particular the imperviousnes of adjacent urbanized hillsides. This investigation suggests guidelines to further assess the impact of Meadow Brook and storm sewer input on the Feeder Canal. The water level in a section of Old Erie Canal State Park is maintained by the Feeder Canal. Therefore, it is imperative that jurisdictional agencies complete this assessment. On a broader scale, this study demonstrated the value of field equipment as a viable alternative to expensive instrumentation if the data to be generated are of general, descriptive use.
Fed-batch enhancement of jenseniin G, a bacteriocin produced by Propionibacterium thoenii (jensenii) P126

Abstract Jenseniin G is an antibotulinal bacteriocin (antimicrobial peptide) produced by the dairy culture, Propionibacterium thoenii (jensenii) P126. Activity from crude jenseniin G preparations isolated from static cultures was not detected in unconcentrated cultures before day 7. Activity was not detectable until the spent culture medium was concentrated 50–100 fold. Maximum activity (21 AU/ml) was observed in concentrated supernates at day 9. The production of bacteriocin jenseniin G was increased in fed-batch fermentations for 14 d at 32 °C in sodium lactate broth (NLB) containing 1.2% sodium lactate. Viable cell numbers in static and fed-batch cultures reached 1.2 and 5.4×10 9 , respectively, during late exponential/early stationary phase (3 d). Concentrations of viable cells in fed-batch fermentations remained constant throughout the incubation period; those in static fermentations dropped after day 6 to a final concentration of 1.5×10 7 . During fed-batch fermentations, jenseniin G was directly detected at day 5. In fed-batch fermentations, maximum activity in concentrated supernates (384 AU/ml) on day 12 provided an 18 fold increase over yields in static cultures and in fermenter without pH control, and 2.4 fold increase over yields in fermenter at controlled pH at 6.4. Fed-batch fermentation shows promise as a method to obtain high concentrations of industrially significant bacteriocins from dairy propionibacteria.
Erratum: Contribution to the study of metal contacts on semiconductor real surfaces

The forward characteristics of Au-n type epitaxial Si contacts, measured at different temperatures, are interpreted in terms of a nonsilicon layer between metal and semiconductor, with a contribution of surface states. The proposed model is verified by correlating the I/V characteristics, with the potential barrier height at null bias.
Sequential circuit testability enhancement using a nonscan approach

Recent studies show that a stuck-at test applied at the operational speed of the circuit identifies more defective chips than a test having the same fault coverage but applied at a lower speed. Design-for-testability approaches based on full scan, partial scan, or silicon-based solutions such as CrossCheck achieve very high stuck-at fault coverage. However, in all these cases, the tests have to be applied at speeds lower than the operation speed. In this work, we investigate various design-for-testability (DFT) techniques for sequential circuits that permit at-speed application of tests while providing for very high fault coverage. The method involves parallel loading of flip-flops in test mode for enhanced controllability combined with probe point insertion for enhanced observability. Fault coverage and ATG effectiveness improved to greater than 96% and 99.7%, respectively, for the ISCAS89 sequential benchmark circuits studied when these nonscan DFT techniques were used. The average area overhead for the nonscan DFT enhancements was 9.9% for standard cell implementations of three circuits synthesized from high-level descriptions, compared to 20.2% for full scan. ATG effectiveness improved to greater than 99.3% for all three circuits with the nonscan DFT enhancements. >
Spatial light modulator with output-sign control and self-protective diffraction limiting

The characteristics of spatial light modulation (SLM) based on a biphoton holographic grating with azobenzene films are studied theoretically and experimentally. The mechanism of SLM originates from trans↔cis isomerization of the azobenzene molecules induced by two-colored lights. Theoretical results indicate that the SLM output replica can change its sign by varying the intensity of the incoherent light or blocking it. An interesting feature of this SLM model is that it provides a method to limit diffraction efficiencies at high input intensities, which protects photosensors from damage. When an azobenzene-doped polymer film is used, incoherent-to-coherent image conversion and a sign change of a replica of the output image are observed in the experiment.
MINI: a heuristic approach for logic minimization

MINI is a heuristic logic minimization technique for many-variable problems. It accepts as input a Boolean logic specification expressed as an input-output table, thus avoiding a long list of minterms. It seeks a minimal implicant solution, without generating all prime implicants, which can be converted to prime implicants if desired. New and effective subprocesses, such as expanding, reshaping, and removing redundancy from cubes, are iterated until there is no further reduction in the solution. The process is general in that it can minimize both conventional logic and logic functions of multi-valued variables.
Efficient Resource Discovery in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

The highly dynamic nature of infrastructureless adhoc networks poses new challenges during resource discovery. In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm for resource discovery in mobile ad hoc networks called Efficient Resource-Discovery (ERD). When proposing this novel algorithm, our primary goal is to spread the most relevant resources and queries to the nodes in the network. The proposed algorithm ERD is very efficient in dynamically ranking resources and queries based on their priority, selecting the transmission time, and determining how many resources and queries are to be transmitted. ERD utilizes the network bandwidth in an optimal manner avoiding the spread of redundant data in the network, which otherwise can significantly overload the network with duplicate copies. We compare ERD with periodic flooding and rank based broadcast (RBB) algorithms for mobile ad hoc networks. Results show that ERD outperforms both these algorithms significantly.
Op amp relocation and the complementary transformation

It is shown that the problem of synthesizing RC oscillators and notch filters can be reduced to a group theoretic problem of finding isomorphisms. The required group is identified as the Klein group. From this it is also shown that there is a sharp upper bound on the number of new circuits that can be generated from the knowledge of a parent circuit. This bound is independent of the number of branches and internal nodes
Exergames for Physical Education Courses: Physical, Social, and Cognitive Benefits

Digital games combining exercise with game play, known as exergames, can improve youths' health status and provide social and academic benefits. Exergame play increases caloric expenditure, heart rate, and coordination. Psychosocial and cognitive impacts of exergame play may include increased self-esteem, social interaction, motivation, attention, and visual-spatial skills. This article summarizes the literature on exergames, with a special emphasis on physical education courses and the potential of exergames to improve students' physical health, as well as transfer effects that may benefit related physical, social, and academic outcomes.