cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence nonradiative energy transfer analysis of crosslinker heterogeneity in core-shell hydrogel nanoparticles

Hybrid thermoresponsive core–shell nanoparticles composed of a non-responsive poly(butyl methacrylate) (pBMA) core and a thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm) shell have been synthesized by two-stage free radical polymerization. A polymerizable fluorescence donor (phenanthrene) and a polymerizable acceptor (anthracene) have been introduced during polymerizations and thus covalently localized in the core and shell, respectively. In comparison with photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), which probes the average particle hydrodynamic radius as a function of solution temperature, nonradiative energy transfer (NRET) probes the core/shell interfacial deswelling behavior, resulting in sharper phase transition curves at higher temperatures than the PCS-monitored response. Furthermore, PCS shows no dependence of phase transition behavior on the pNIPAm shell thickness, whereas the transition observed by NRET technique has been found to shift to higher temperatures as the pNIPAm shell thickness increases. NRET measurements also show a pronounced volume phase transition hysteresis between the heating and cooling cycles, which was found to increase with the thickness of the pNIPAm shell. This is in contrast to the lack of hysteresis observed when the phase transitions are probed by PCS. These results are ascribed to the internal/interfacial structure of pNIPAm shell, which is proposed to have a radial polymer density gradient associated with a decreasing crosslinking density progressing from the particle interior to the periphery.
The placebo effect

Abstract A placebo is an inert substance or a pseudo-therapeutic procedure believed to have no biological effect on health. Perplexed researchers and clinicians have observed powerful therapeutic effects experienced by patients receiving these inactive treatments. These desirable “placebo effects” are an outgrowth of the skilled application of the therapeutic arts and the mobilization of natural, intrinsic healing powers. This article reviews how healthcare professionals can modify the environment, treatments or professional practices to add therapeutic value to their interventions while tapping into the patients’ innate ability to help comfort and heal themselves.
Experimental Band Structure and Temperature-Dependent Magnetic Exchange Splitting of Nickel Using Angle-Resolved Photoemission

Using angle-resolved photoemission and synchrotron radiation, we have determined the energy-versus-momentum valence-band dispersion relations for a Ni(111) crystal. The temperature-dependent ferromagnetic exchange splitting has been directly observed. Both the $d$-band width (\ensuremath{\sim}3.4 eV at $L$) and exchange splitting (0.31 eV) are much smaller than theoretical estimates (\ensuremath{\sim}4.5 eV wide at $L$ with \ensuremath{\sim}0.7-eV splitting, respectively, at 293 K).
Shrinking states? Globalization and national autonomy in the oecd

Abstract This article refutes the conventional view that globalization, and most importantly the international integration of financial markets, has resulted in a policy race to the bottom among the OECD countries. I demonstrate that globalization has been associated with increasing divergence in national economic policy regimes that continue to be heavily influenced by domestic factors such as the partisan balance of political power and the strength of organized labor movements. Moreover, countries that have chosen to react to market integration by expanding their public economies have not suffered significant macroeconomic costs. Real economic performance has deteriorated substantially throughout the OECD since the 1960s, but this cannot be attributed to the costs of big government in the global economy. Governments have a critical role to play in promoting and maintaining an open international economy. By cushioning the short‐term dislocations of markets, governments can increase popular support for li...
Comparison of gene indexing databases

. ESTsare highly redundant and both EST andcDNA clones seldom encode the entiregene. The databases therefore contain alarge amount of data but identificationof complete genes is difficult. This diffi-culty is compounded because the datarepresenting these genes are from differ-ent sources, have inconsistent annotation,and are often of low sequence quality
Increased 24-hour ad libitum food intake is associated with lower plasma irisin concentrations the following morning in adult humans

Abstract Background: The relationship between food intake and irisin concentrations in humans is unclear. Objectives: To determine whether the previous day's intake impacts fasting plasma irisin concentrations, or whether fasting irisin concentrations associate with subsequent ad libitum food intake. Methods: Sixty-six nondiabetic adults (42 men) were admitted for a study of the determinants of energy intake. After 6 days of a weight maintaining diet, ad libitum energy intake over 3 days was assessed using a vending machine paradigm. Fasting plasma irisin concentrations were measured on the morning of the second day of the vending period. Results: There were no correlations between irisin and demographic or anthropometric parameters. On day 1, subjects consumed 144 ± 52% of weight maintaining energy needs. Every additional 500 kcal consumed on day 1 associated with a 3.4% lower irisin concentration the following morning (95% CI −6.2, −0.4%, p = 0.01; adjusted for age, sex and race). If energy intake was expressed as a percentage of weight maintaining energy needs, every 10% increase associated with a 1.9% lower irisin concentration (95% CI −3.7, −0.1%; adjusted p = 0.02). A 100 kcal increase in carbohydrate or fat consumption associated with a 1.3% (95% CI −2.5, −0.1%, p = 0.01) and a 0.6% (95% CI −1.1, −0.0%, p = 0.02) lower irisin concentration, respectively. There was no association between fasting irisin concentrations and subsequent energy intake on day 2 (r = 0.19, p = 0.1). Conclusions: Higher ad libitum 24 h energy intake was associated with lower fasting irisin concentrations the following morning, but fasting irisin concentrations did not predict subsequent energy intake. The decrease in irisin concentrations with increased energy intake is consistent with the detrimental metabolic effects of overeating.
Diverse, discrete, mantle-derived batches of basalt erupted along a short normal fault zone: The Poison Lake chain, southernmost Cascades

The Poison Lake chain consists of small, monogenetic, calc-alkaline basaltic volcanoes located east of the Cascade arc axis, 30 km ENE of Lassen Peak in northeastern California. This chain consists of 39 distinguishable units in a 14-km-long and 2-km-wide zone trending NNW, parallel to nearby Quaternary normal faults. The 39 units fall into nine coherent groups based on stratigraphy, field characteristics, petrography, and major-element compositions. Petrographic differences among groups are expressed by different amounts and proportions of phenocrysts. MgO-SiO 2 , K 2 O-SiO 2 , and TiO 2 -SiO 2 variation diagrams illustrate clear differences in compatible and incompatible elements among the groups. Variation of K 2 O/TiO 2 and K 2 O/P 2 O 5 with MgO indicates that most of the basalts of the Poison Lake chain cannot be related by crystal fractionation at different pressures and that compositions have not been affected significantly by incorporation of low-degree silicic crustal melt or interaction with sialic crust. Limited trace-element and whole-rock isotopic data also suggest little if any incorporation of upper-crustal material, and that compositional variation among groups primarily reflects source compositional differences. Precise 40 Ar/ 39 Ar determinations show that the lavas were erupted between 100 and 110 ka. The migration of paleomagnetic remanent directions over 30° suggests that the entire Poison Lake chain could represent three short-lived episodes of volcanism within a period as brief as 500 yr. The diverse geologic, petrographic, chemical, paleomagnetic, and age data indicate that each of the nine groups represents a small, discrete magma batch generated in the mantle and stored briefly in the lower crust. A NNW normal fault zone provided episodic conduits that allowed rapid ascent of these batches to the surface, where they erupted as distinct volcanic groups, each aligned along a segment of the Poison Lake chain. Compositional diversity of these primitive magmas argues against widespread, long-lived ponding of uniform basalt magma at the base of the crust in this region and against interaction with a zone of melting, assimilation, storage, and homogenization (MASH) in the lower crust.
Loneliness and the Metabolic Syndrome in a Population-Based Sample of Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Objective This study evaluated the association between loneliness and the metabolic syndrome, which refers to a clustering of factors that have been shown to increase risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and mortality. A secondary purpose was to evaluate whether age moderated the association between loneliness and the metabolic syndrome. Design Participants were 52 to 79 years old, and they were drawn from a population-based survey of people 50 years of age and older living in England (N = 3211). They completed a self-report measure of loneliness and a nurse visit that included collection of blood pressure, blood sample, and anthropometric measures. Main outcome measures Self-reported loneliness and the metabolic syndrome. Results After controlling for demographic variables and smoking status, loneliness was significantly associated with increasing likelihood of meeting criteria for the metabolic syndrome and with the individual criterion of central obesity. The association between loneliness and the metabolic syndrome was not moderated by age. Conclusion Results suggest that loneliness is associated with the metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the metabolic syndrome may be among the pathways by which loneliness increases risk of morbidity and mortality.
Identification of the esterase peptide and its interaction with the cheZ peptide in bacterial sensing

Summary Previous genetic evidence has indicated that the methylesterase activity of the chemotaxis system in Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium resides with the cheB gene product, and that this protein may interact with the cheZ protein. In this article we report biochemical evidence for association of the cheB protein with esterase activity. We also show that while the cheZ gene product is not needed for catalysis, certain mutations in it can eliminate esterase activity in vitro , suggesting association of cheZ and cheB in an oligomeric protein complex.
Cobalt (hydr)oxide/graphite oxide composites: importance of surface chemical heterogeneity for reactive adsorption of hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract Composites of cobalt (hydr)oxide and graphite oxide (GO) were obtained and evaluated as adsorbents of hydrogen sulfide at ambient conditions. The surface properties of the initial and exhausted samples were studied by FTIR, TEM, SEM/EDX, XRD, adsorption of nitrogen, potentiometric titration, and thermal analysis. The results obtained show a significant improvement in their adsorption capacities compared to parent compounds. The importance of the OH groups of cobalt (hydr)oxide/GO composites and new interface chemistry for the adsorption of hydrogen sulfide on these materials is revealed. The oxygen activation by the carbonaceous component resulted in formation of sulfites. Water enhanced the removal process. This is the result of the basic environment promoting dissociation of H2S and acid-base reactions. Finally, the differences in the performance of the materials with different mass ratios of GO were linked to the availability of active sites on the surface of the adsorbents, dispersion of these sites, their chemical heterogeneity, and location in the pore system.
Allosteric Activation Mechanism of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Receptor Ser/Thr Protein Kinase, PknB

Summary The essential Mycobacterium tuberculosis Ser/Thr protein kinase (STPK), PknB, plays a key role in regulating growth and division, but the structural basis of activation has not been defined. Here, we provide biochemical and structural evidence that dimerization through the kinase-domain (KD) N-lobe activates PknB by an allosteric mechanism. Promoting KD pairing using a small-molecule dimerizer stimulates the unphosphorylated kinase, and substitutions that disrupt N-lobe pairing decrease phosphorylation activity in vitro and in vivo. Multiple crystal structures of two monomeric PknB KD mutants in complex with nucleotide reveal diverse inactive conformations that contain large active-site distortions that propagate >30 A from the mutation site. These results define flexible, inactive structures of a monomeric bacterial receptor KD and show how "back-to-back" N-lobe dimerization stabilizes the active KD conformation. This general mechanism of bacterial receptor STPK activation affords insights into the regulation of homologous eukaryotic kinases that form structurally similar dimers.
Developing simulations to reproduce in vivo fluoroscopy kinematics in total knee replacement patients

Abstract For clinically predictive testing and design-phase evaluation of prospective total knee replacement (TKR) implants, devices should ideally be evaluated under physiological loading conditions which incorporate population-level variability. A challenge exists for experimental and computational researchers in determining appropriate loading conditions for wear and kinematic knee simulators which reflect in vivo joint loading conditions. There is a great deal of kinematic data available from fluoroscopy studies. The purpose of this work was to develop computational methods to derive anterior–posterior (A–P) and internal–external (I–E) tibiofemoral (TF) joint loading conditions from in vivo kinematic data. Two computational models were developed, a simple TF model, and a more complex lower limb model. These models were driven through external loads applied to the tibia and femur in the TF model, and applied to the hip, ankle and muscles in the lower limb model. A custom feedback controller was integrated with the finite element environment and used to determine the external loads required to reproduce target kinematics at the TF joint. The computational platform was evaluated using in vivo kinematic data from four fluoroscopy patients, and reproduced in vivo A–P and I–E motions and compressive force with a root-mean-square (RMS) accuracy of less than 1 mm, 0.1°, and 40 N in the TF model and in vivo A–P and I–E motions, TF flexion, and compressive loads with a RMS accuracy of less than 1 mm, 0.1°, 1.4°, and 48 N in the lower limb model. The external loading conditions derived from these models can ultimately be used to establish population variability in loading conditions, for eventual use in computational as well as experimental activity simulations.
Topography of the former continent of Appalachia (from geologic evidence)

The topography of the Continent of Appalachia has varied greatly during the different geologic periods from the time of the beginning of this continent-like mass to the present. Figure 1 summarizes in graphic fashion the sequence of earth-movements which have affected Appalachia, and illustrates how westward tilting of the continent gave place to eastward tilting after the close of the Paleozoic.
Numerical study of perfect wetting in quenched QCD.

In the quenched approximation of QCD, the high-temperature phase (or gluon plasma phase) will be found in one of three degenerate vacua characterized by the average value of the Polyakov loop. Such vacua can coexist separated by a sharp interface. As $T\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{T}_{c}^{+}$ (the confinement temperature) confined or glueball matter may be able to grow as a layer along this interface. QCD is said to obey perfect wetting if these layers are planar, or imperfect wetting if they are shaped like lenses. Evidence for perfect wetting in quenched QCD is studied from a calculation of the surface tension $\frac{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{p,p}}{{T}^{3}}$ between two high-temperature plasma phases at ${T}_{c}$ on a ${16}^{2}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}32\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4 lattice. By comparison with the value of the surface tension of a hadron-plasma interface, the data suggest that planar slabs or at least very long lenses develop along the interface, implying that QCD obeys perfect wetting.
Menopausal bone changes and incident fractures in diabetic women: a cohort study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of bone loss and incident fractures in women with diabetes mellitus (DM) across menopause. During menopause, DM women experienced bone mineral density (BMD) loss that was faster at hip and slower at spine and had a higher risk of fractures, perhaps because of their earlier menopause. The increasing DM epidemic will contribute to higher fracture burden. Women with DM have a higher risk of fractures independent of age, body mass index (BMI), and BMD. Our objective is to evaluate if women with DM experience greater bone loss and more fractures across menopause. Two thousand one hundred seventy one women, aged 42 to 52 years at baseline (1996), enrolled in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a prospective study, with 8 years of annual follow up. One thousand three hundred forty six (62%) completed annual visit 7 (2004). Women with baseline fasting blood glucose level of ≥126 mg/dl and those being treated for diabetes were designated as DM. Annual assessment of menopausal stage, BMD, and urinary N-telopeptide (NTx) were carried out. Rate of change in BMD across menopause and annual self-report data for risk of incident fractures by DM status were determined. Despite higher baseline BMD at hip (p = <0.001), and lumbar spine (p = <0.001), rate of decline in BMD was faster at hip (β = −0.45 vs. −0.11 gm/cm2/year, p = <0.001) for DM women, compared to non-DM. However, lumbar spine bone loss was slower in women with DM as compared to non-DM women (β = 0.04 vs. −0.25 gm/cm2/year, p = 0.004). DM women experienced menopause 3 years earlier than non-DM women (p = 0.002), and age adjusted incident fractures were two fold higher in women with DM compared to non-DM (RR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.26–3.85, p = <0.006). BMD loss is greater in hip and slower at spine in DM women during menopausal transition. Women with DM have a higher risk of fractures, perhaps because of their earlier menopause.
On the Caltech Active Strand Cloudwater Collectors

Abstract A detailed analysis of several versions of the Caltech Active Strand Cloudwater Collector (CASCC) is conducted. Efficiency calculations, design considerations and procedures for cloud liquid water content estimation from the collection rates of these instruments are discussed. The size-fractionating CASCC is capable of simultaneous collection of samples representing two portions of the cloud drop size spectrum. Large drops are collected in an inlet stage while smaller drops are collected in a second stage. Theoretical calculations, which assume no aerodynamic interaction between adjacent rows of collection rods in the inlet, suggest the inlet should have a 50% size cut corresponding to a drop size of 23 μm diameter. However, field test results suggest that focusing of the flow passing through a row of cylinders may increase the efficiency of collection on the subsequent cylinder row, thereby decreasing the overall size cut for the inlet. The CASCC2, a compact version of the original CASCC, is designed to sample the entire cloud drop spectrum. Comparison of the cloudwater collection rates of the CASCC2 and the size-fractionating CASCC showed good agreement when normalized by the flow rate through each collector. The Caltech Heated Rod Cloudwater Collector (CHRCC), designed for use in supercooled clouds, features a theoretical 50% lower size cut corresponding to a drop diameter of 9 μm. Liquid water content values estimated from the CHRCC cloudwater collection rates correlated reasonably well with values measured with a Gerber Particle Volume Monitor (PVM-100) in both warm ( r 2 = 0.83) and supercooled ( r 2 = 0.71) cloud conditions.
Caudal Neurosecretory System: A Physiologist's View

Several active principles (urotensins) have been isolated from teleost caudal neurosecretory systems. The original classification of these substances has been recently modified: There are at least two mammalian hypotensive factors (with no effects yet known in fish), possibly two smooth muscle contractants, arginine vasotocin, and factors affecting Na+ movement. A factor affecting lymph heart frequency has not yet been compared with other peptides. Evidence for the hormonal nature of some of these substances includes subcellular localization in granules and calcium-dependent release by depolarization. The physiology of the system is still not clear. The best evidence for an osmoregulatory role includes effects of extracts on renal diuresis and Na+ movement and changes in firing rates of caudal neurosecretory neurons by altered ionic composition of the blood. Most other evidence is subject to alternative explanation. Several observations suggest a role for this system in reproduction.
Nitric oxide production in the perifornical-lateral hypothalamic area and its influences on the modulation of perifornical-lateral hypothalamic area neurons

The perifornical-lateral hypothalamic area (PF-LHA) is a major wake-promoting structure. It predominantly contains neurons that are active during behavioral and cortical activation. PF-LHA stimulation produces arousal and PF-LHA lesions produce somnolence. Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous neurotransmitter that has been implicated in the regulation of multiple pathological and physiological processes including the regulation of sleep. NO levels are higher in the cortex and in the basal forebrain (BF) during arousal. In this study we determined whether NO levels increase in the PF-LHA during prolonged arousal and whether increased NO modulates the discharge activity of PF-LHA neurons. Experiments were conducted during lights-on phase between 8.00 and 20.00 h (lights-on at 8.00 h). First, we quantified levels of NO metabolites, NO2- and NO3- (collectively called NOx-) in the microdialysis dialysates collected from the PF-LHA during baseline (undisturbed rats), 6 h of sleep deprivation (SD), and recovery after SD. We further determined the effects of a NO donor, NOC-18, on the discharge activity of PF-LHA neurons in urethane-anesthetized rats. Overall, SD significantly affected NOx- production in the PF-LHA (one way repeated measures ANOVA, F=7.827, P=0.004). The levels of NOx- increased progressively in animals that were subjected to prolonged arousal as compared to the undisturbed predominantly sleeping animals and decreased during the recovery period. Local application of NOC-18 significantly suppressed the discharge of PF-LHA neurons including a majority of stimulus-on neurons or neurons exhibiting activation during electroencephalogram (EEG) desynchronization. The findings of this study suggest that in the PF-LHA, NO production is elevated during prolonged waking and that NO exerts predominantly inhibitory effects on PF-LHA neurons, especially on those neurons that are active during cortical activation. These findings are consistent with a hypothesis that NO in the PF-LHA plays a role in sleep regulation by inhibiting its neurons.
Differential effects of inhaled nitric oxide on normoxic and hypoxic isolated in situ neonatal pig lungs perfused by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) is effective as a selective pulmonary vasodilator, but its effects on uninjured lungs subjected to normoxia and hypoxia have not been fully studied. The authors sought the response of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) to inhaled NO in piglet lungs devoid of ischemic injury in a model of reversible pulmonary hypertension. If the changes were dose-responsive, the authors asked whether the PVR changes were related to normoxia or hypoxia, and hypothesized that the change would be more pronounced for hypoxia than normoxia. In situ isolated piglet lungs were prepared by occlusive tracheostomy and ligation of the ductus arteriosus and aorta. Cannulae positioned in the left atrium and pulmonary artery were connected to a standard extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit, and flow was increased to approximate cardiac output. After stabilization, piglets (aged 5 to 14 days, weighing 3.2 to 6.4 kg) were divided into two groups of four each: normoxic (Fio 2 0.30, normal PVR) and hypoxic (Fio 2 0.07, increased PVR). NO was administered at 10 to 80 parts per million (ppm) in increments of 10 ppm, for 5 minutes at each concentration, with a return to baseline before each new dose. Flow, pulmonary arterial (PA) and left atrial (LA) pressures were continuously monitored, from which PVR was calculated (PVR = [P PA − P LA ]/flow) and expressed as logΔPVR. Data were analyzed statistically by repeated measures of analysis of variance, comparing logΔPVR to baseline at each dose of NO, and comparing logΔPVR for normoxic and hypoxic lungs at each dose of NO. The authors found: (1) NO significantly decreased PVR at all doses in both normoxic and hypoxic piglet lungs ( P P
Adsorption of Protective Antigen of Hemophilus Pertussis on Human Red Cell Stromata.

SummaryThe protective antigen of Hemophilus pertussis has been adsorbed quantitatively, very selectively, and without loss of potency on human red cell stromata. The protective antigen and the hemagglutinin of Hemophilus pertussis are not identical. Clinical application of the stromata-protective antigen complex is discussed.
Temporal Spaces in García Márquez's, Salih's, and Rushdie's Novels

In her article "Temporal Spaces in Garcia Marquez's, Salih's, and Rushdie's Novels" Adrienne D. Vivian discusses the significance of time in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude, Tayeb Salih's Season of Migration to the North, and Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children. While culturally distinct to one another, in each novel temporal space is narrated as a means to express and explore postcolonial identity. Vivian examines the connections between time and memory, history, and nation in each of the novels and the ways postcolonial authors use time as a device to mark the crossroads of precolonial past and colonization. The three novelists' treatments of temporal spaces resist Western culture while they reveal disruption and fragmentation. Adrienne D. Vivian, "Temporal Spaces in Garcia Marquez's, Salih's, and Rushdie's Novels" page 2 of 9 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 16.3 (2014):
A note on the budgets of young Soviet families

(1981). A note on the budgets of young Soviet families. Soviet Studies: Vol. 33, No. 3, pp. 433-443.
Influence of alternating L-/D-amino acid chiralities and disulfide bond geometry on the capacity of cysteine-containing reversible cyclic peptides to disperse carbon nanotubes.

Although single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have exciting properties and potential applications, their hydrophobic nature makes them difficult to purify and manipulate. To fully realize the potential of SWNTs, strategies for the effective dispersion, separation, and organization of these materials must be devised. In this article, work involving the recent design and characterization of reversible cyclic peptides (RCPs) and RCP/SWNT composites will be described. The peptides in this work contain alternating L- and D-amino acid sequences, as well as N- and C-terminal cysteine residues (RCP-Cys) that allow for their covalent closure around the circumference of individual SWNTs. When RCPs are oxidized in the presence of SWNTs, dispersions are produced that are stable against dilution by dialysis without the formation of aggregates. The reported studies using Raman spectroscopy and UV/Vis/NIR were focused on answering the questions (1) does the chirality of the disulfide bond impact the capacity of the RCP-Cys to disperse SWNTs, and (2) is the alternating chirality of the amino acids in the RCP-Cys peptides important for SWNT dispersion. It was found that though Cys-containing RCPs are indeed able to disperse SWNTs, the chirality of the Cys residues on the N- and C- termini does not have a significant influence on the dispersed SWNT population. However, there is a large decrease in the dispersability by RCP-Cys when the alternating L/D-chiral pattern of amino acids is replaced with all L-amino acids. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 92: 212–221, 2009. This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Home ranges of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida: environmental correlates and implications for management strategies.

Photo-identification surveys conducted between 2002 and 2005 were used to determine dolphin home ranges and site fidelity within the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida. The IRL was divided into six segments based on hydrodynamics and geographic features for purposes of characterization. Among the 615 dolphins with identifiable dorsal fins, 339 had ≥6 sightings and were used in segment and linear range analyses. The majority (98%) of dolphins were seen in ≤3 consecutive segments (331/339); of these, 44% (144/331) occurred in two segments, and 33% (109/331) in one segment. No dolphins were observed in all six segments. The largest number of dolphins was sighted in segment 1C (North Indian River). However, the highest density of dolphins was found in segment 2 (North-Central Indian River). Re-sighting rates for dolphins with ≥6 sightings ranged from 2.8 to 8.7 times observed. The mean linear home range varied from 22 to 54 km. Distributional analyses indicated that at least three different dolphin communities exist within the IRL: Mosquito Lagoon, and the North and South Indian River. No statistically significant correlations were found between the total number or density per km2 of dolphins and surface water area, salinity, or contaminant loads within segments of the lagoon. These results suggest that dolphins do not selectively avoid areas with relatively unfavorable water quality. IRL dolphins should be studied on smaller spatial scales than currently practiced, and potential anthropogenic impacts should be evaluated based on geographic partitioning.
An enhanced impedance-based damage identification method using adaptive piezoelectric circuitry

The piezoelectric impedance-based method for damage detection is a promising approach in structural health monitoring by virtue of its potential to detect small-sized damages with a low-cost measurement circuit that enables remote monitoring. The amount of available impedance data, however, is generally far less than the number of required system parameters, which results in a highly underdetermined inverse problem for identifying the location and severity of the damage. This numerical ill-conditioning undermines the accuracy and reliability of damage prediction, particularly in practical implementations in which measurement noise and baseline modeling error are unavoidable. In this research paper, we propose a new concept to enrich the impedance measurement by incorporating an adaptive piezoelectric circuitry in the structure. This circuitry alters the dynamics of the integrated system, and by systematically tuning the inductance value, one can significantly increase the number of measurement sets. Thus, the previous seriously underdetermined inverse problem can be notably improved. As a result, the new method yields significantly more accurate damage location and severity identification. A numerical example of the damage prediction of a fixed-fixed beam using the spectral element method demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The concept is also verified via experimental investigations.
Nannobacteria: size limits and evidence.

The term “nannobacteria” has recently been applied to objects found in geological specimens from Mars and Earth. In their report “Search for past life on Mars: Possible relic biogenic activity in martian meteorite ALH84001” ([16 Aug. 1996, p. 924][1]), David S. McKay et al . describe “[n]
Conditioning of simultaneous and successive common elements in a discrimination and pseudodiscrimination

In an autoshaping procedure, pigeons received concurrent exposure to both a discrimination and a pseudodiscrimination treatment with color-line orientation compounds. One color was presented with the orientations when they were differentially reinforced; the other color was presented when the same orientations were given in a pseudodiscrimination procedure. Subsequently, responding was assessed to the separately presented colors. When the elements of the color-orientation compounds had been presented simultaneously, the color from the discrimination received less conditioning than did that from the pseudodiscrimination. However, when the color preceded the orientations during training, the color from the discrimination treatment became more conditioned than did that from the pseudodiscrimination. Although reconciling some apparent discrepancies from previous studies, these results also point to an incompleteness in current theories of discrimination learning.
Thermal characterization of a bis‐maleimide/bis‐cyanate/epoxy thermosetting resin for composites

The thermosetting resin investigated here was a mixture of bis-maleimide and bis-cyanate, frequently referred to as BT (bis-maleimide triazine). Triazine is the reaction product of the cyclotrimerization of bis-cyanate during curing. For circuit board applications, a brominated epoxy resin was blended with BT to impact flame resistance. Resin cure was extensively investigated using a combination of thermoanalytical techniques (thermal analysis, heated cell infrared spectroscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis). The ultimate glass transition temperature was found to be 240°C, which could only be obtained using cure temperatures above 225°C. At lower temperatures, the reaction does not reach full conversion, since the glass transition temperature of the curing network equals or slightly exceeds the cure temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicates a minimum of two separate reactions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy provided more detailed information on the crosslinking reactions during cure. The onset of cyclotrimerization was found to start at 150°C, correlating with one of the peaks in the DSC. At higher temperatures, the epoxide reacts with the cyanate functionality forming oxazoline ring structures. It was not possible to unambiguously assign the origins of the high temperature peaks in the DSC. These high temperature peaks may be attributed to several reactions, including epoxy homopolymerization and polymerization of bis-maleimide. The high temperature reaction mechanisms warrant further investigation.
Temporal changes in eddy energy of the oceans

Insight into the sources of eddy energy in the ocean can be obtained by studying the degree and nature of its temporal changes. As a preliminary to a dynamical and modeling discussion, we provide a description of the changes in variability on the annual and interannual time scales as seen in the TOPEX/POSEIDON altimeter data and in current meter records with a focus on the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. The patterns of change and corresponding ones in the wind stress are globally very variable and intricate, with few easy generalizations possible. Over most of the subtropical oceans and along major mean fronts, seasonal variations of the eddy energy are negligible. There are, however, regions that show a pronounced annual cycle in eddy energy, notably the northeastern Pacific, the northern and eastern North Atlantic, as well as the tropical oceans. In those locations a strong correlation of a time-varying altimetric eddy kinetic energy on annual and longer periods with wind stress forcing is found, and trends present in near-surface eddy kinetic energy can be related to drifts in meteorological wind stress fields (mean and storm tracks) over the four-year TOPEX/POSEIDON record. While the seasonal cycles in mooring data are found generally to agree with altimetry, the only statistically significant evidence for interannual trends in current meter data appears in the long duration eastern Atlantic site mooring near 33°N, 22°W.
Characterization of OH radical 306.4 nm emission in argon and helium reduced-pressure ICPs

The A → X emission of OH at 306.4 nm has been studied in reduced-pressure inductively coupled argon and helium plasmas. Under a variety of conditions of power and flow rate, a comparison of the A state rotational level distributions shows significant differences in the two plasmas. The rotational level distributions are generally nonlinear but can be quantitatively described as the sum of two separate Boltzmann distributions.
Directional site resonances and the influence of near‐surface geology on ground motion

The authors examine the horizontal motions at close stations from earthquakes in the Loma Prieta and Whittier Narrows sequences to study the shear wave polarizations. They use a dense, six station array recording 10 aftershocks for the former, and use two events and 11 stations across the Los Angeles area for the latter. They compute the average azimuth of strongest shaking in the shear wave as a function of frequency from 1 to 18 Hz for each record of each earthquake. The direction of shaking at a given frequency often correlates much better with an empirical site resonance direction than with the direction of shaking expected from the focal mechanism of the earthquake. The effect tends to be greatest at the frequencies that are the most amplified. This phenomenon can complicate determination of the earthquake source at frequencies higher than 1 Hz. Further, since sites only 25 meters apart show different preferred directions, very near-surface geology is probably responsible. Estimation of directional site resonances may prove useful for seismic design.
Sub-word parallelism in digital signal processing

We deal with parallelism at the data level. We describe an implementation of the architectural technique called sub-word parallelism (SWP), which increases parallelism at the data-element-level by means of partitioning a processor's data path. The specific implementation we focus on is based on the TigerSHARC DSP architecture, developed at Analog Devices, Inc. As a result of SWP, the same data path and computation units perform more than one computation on an N-element composite word. This composite word consists of more than one adjacent sub-words. SWP is quite common and exists in production versions of most major general-purpose microprocessors. We also present an implementation of an FIR filter in the TigerSHARC using data-level SWP as an example.
The electrical conductivity of hydrated phospholipids.

Abstract The electrical conductivity of egg phosphatidylcholine, egg phosphatidylethanolamine, and bovine phosphatidylserine has been studied for these lipids, in both their lyso and diacyl forms, as a function of hydration of the lipids. Both the “dry” conductivity and “hydrated” conductivity depend on the nature of the phospholipid. Increasing the unsaturation in the hydrocarbon chains increases the dry and hydrated conductivities and lowers the Arrhenius activity energy for the conductivity process in phosphatidylcholine. Cholesterol complexes to egg phosphatidylcholine lowers the activation energy for the conduction process. It is suggested that the conductivity process is dependent on the nature of the head-group configuration which, in turn, is a function of the hydrocarbon region fluidity. The electrical measurements also provide support for adsorption isotherm results which indicate that different “types” of bound water exist in the lipid-water systems.
Role of Angioscopy in Reoperation for the Failing or Failed Infrainguinal Vein Bypass Graft

The purpose of this retrospective study is to review our ongoing experience with the use of angioscopy during reoperation for failed or failing infrainguinal vein bypass grafts and define the role of angioscopy in the management of this clinically demanding patient group. All hospital records, arteriograms, and intraoperative angioscopic video recordings of 79 consecutive failed or failing grafts (76 patients) examined with angioscopy during reoperation between 1987 and 1993 were reviewed. Clinical and intraoperative data, comparison of the preoperative arteriogram and intraoperative angioscopic findings, and surgical decisions or interventions resulting from the additional angioscopic findings were collated and analyzed according to a predetermined protocol. Sixty-six additional angioscopic findings were noted during the 79 reoperations and resulted in 61 additional interventions and surgical decisions with salvage of all or part of the graft in 90.9% in the early ( 30 day) failed (group 2), and 90.3% in the late (>30 day) failing grafts (group 3). The amount of residual thrombus within the graft, as assessed by angioscopy after all interventions, was the critical determinant for overall early graft patency (p<0.001) and long-term patency for all the subgroups after reoperation (group 1,p<0.001; group 2,p=0.0016; and group 3,p=0.0194). Intraoperative angioscopy has an important role in these challenging procedures. It provides additional and useful information that not only influences the conduct and extent of the reoperative surgery but may provide insights into the pathogenesis of graft failure.
Mendelian Inheritance of 18- and llβ-Steroid Hydroxylase Activities in the Adrenals of Rats Genetically Susceptible or Resistant to Hypertension

Genetic control of the 18- and 11β-steroid hydroxylase pathways was studied in the adrenals of rats that had been selectively bred for susceptibility (S strain) or resistance (R strain) to the hypertensive effect of salt (NaCl). S rat adrenals have a higher 18-hydroxylase activity than R rat adrenals, but the reverse is true for llβ-hydroxylase activity. This gives rise to the production of relative quantities of 18-hydroxy-deoxycorticosterone (180H-D0C) and corticosterone (B) which are highly characteristic for the S and R strains. Using an adrenal homogenate system and deoxycorticosterone-4-14C as precursor, the ratio of production of 180H-D0C/(180H-D0C + B) was shown to be an efficient parameter for removing effects of sex and blocks. Use of this parameter permitted classification of rats into discrete, non-overlapping phenotypes. F1 animals from an R × S cross had an 18OHD0C/(180H-D0C + B) ratio which was intermediate between R and S strains. Backcross and F2 populations segregated into phenotypes, (S...
A survey on shop floor control techniques in Polish make‐to‐order companies

This paper focuses on production activity control (PAC) techniques used in Polish manufacturing companies. Investment in Polish plants by Western European, Japanese, Korean, and US companies raises the question of how ready Polish manufacturing companies are to implement various managerial techniques that have been used for many years in industrialized countries. A survey was sent to over 300 Polish companies. It asked the managers how they deal with typical shop floor control problems such as authorization to start work on an order, determining the sequence at work centers, deciding when to make the schedule and who can make changes in the schedule, adherence to due dates and determining lot sizes. Most of the managers received education from Polish schools and were not taught the principles of modern PAC techniques. The study shows that in many cases the managers learn fast and are in the process of understanding modern shop floor control principles. The research results should help many potential foreign investors to better understand the readiness of Polish manufacturing management to implement modern production planning and control techniques such as MRP, MRPII, or JIT.
Welfare effects and unintended consequences of ethanol subsidies

Ethanol production has long been supported in the United States through subsidies, federally funded research, and quantity mandates. Motivations cited for these legislative initiatives include energy security concerns, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and rural economic development. Proponents of ethanol policy have argued that by adding to U.S. gasoline supplies, ethanol has the potential to lower gas prices and reduce dependence on foreign oil while also reducing greenhouse gases from vehicle emissions. Economists typically support government intervention in the market when there are market failures such as those caused by environmental externalities. Several analysts have questioned whether the environmental benefits of corn-based ethanol, in the form of reduced air pollution and carbon emissions, are large enough to justify the federal subsidy given to ethanol (e.g., Hill et al.). Moreover, there are also many ways in which ethanol subsidies can generate negative environmental externalities.
Feasibility of robotic radical nephrectomy—initial results of single-institution pilot study

Abstract Objectives To report our initial experience and the utility of the da Vinci surgical robotic system (DSRS) for performing robotic radical nephrectomy (RRN). The DSRS has been increasingly evaluated to determine its feasibility for assisting surgeons in major urologic procedures. Methods The perioperative outcomes of the first five RRNs performed at our institution were analyzed to establish the safety and utility of the DSRS in performing RRN. Results Five male patients with a median age of 72 years (range 45 to 78) underwent RRN. The median body mass index, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative decrease in hemoglobin, postoperative rise in serum creatinine, postoperative morphine use, hospital stay, kidney size, and tumor size was 28 (range 20.9 to 32.9), 321 minutes (range 246 to 437), 150 mL (range 25 to 1500), 1.4 g/dL (range 0.2 to 3.5), 0.6 mg/dL (range 0.5 to 0.7), 28 mg (range 10 to 212), 3 days (range 1 to 5), 430 cm3 (range 158 to 1387), and 66 cm3 (range 29 to 120), respectively. One RRN was converted to hand-assisted laparoscopy because of bleeding from the left renal vein. No perioperative morbidities or mortalities occurred. The final pathologic examination revealed conventional clear cell carcinoma in 4 patients (1 with pT1a, 2 with pT1b, and 1 with T3a) and a benign cyst in 1 patient. Conclusions The results of our study have confirmed that RRN is a feasible and viable alternative for performing radical nephrectomy. A larger randomized study incorporating cost and outcome comparisons with laparoscopic and open radical nephrectomy is needed before wider application of RRN.