cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Depressive Symptoms, Disease State, and Cognition in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Cognitive impairment (CI) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may present a serious barrier to a patient’s wellbeing and significantly decrease quality of life. Although reports of cognitive impairment in ALS without frank dementia are becoming quite common, questions remain regarding the specific cognitive domains affected, as well as how other psychological and medical factors may impact cognitive functioning in these patients. Additionally, the influence of depressive symptoms on disease processes is not known. We aimed to address these questions by completing extensive neuropsychological tests with 22 patients with ALS and 17 healthy volunteers. A subgroup of these patients also completed questionnaires to measure depressive and vegetative symptoms. Analyses tested the overall cognitive differences between groups, the influence of physical (e.g. bulbar and limb), vegetative (e.g. fatigue) and depressive symptoms on cognitive performance, and the relationship between depressive symptoms and physical dysfunction in ALS. Overall the patients performed more poorly than healthy controls, most notably on tests of executive functioning and learning and memory. Results suggest that true cognitive performance differences exist between patients with ALS and healthy controls, as these differences were not changed by the presence of vegetative or depressive symptoms. There was no effect of limb or bulbar symptoms on cognitive functioning. Also, patients were not any more depressed than healthy controls, however increased depressive scores correlated with faster disease progression and decreased limb function. Collectively, it is suggested that translational advances in psychological intervention for those with CI and depression become emphasized in future research.
Efficacy and safety of monophasic and biphasic waveform shocks using a braided endocardial defibrillation lead system

Abstract Endocardial lead systems for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators utilize large (12F) rigid catheters with spring defibrillation electrodes, and lead system failure has been observed during long-term implant. We evaluated a novel flexible 8F braided electrode catheter for pacing and defibrillation in canine experiments. Active fixation and pacing were accomplished using a screw-in distal electrode, and defibrillation pulses were delivered through a braided electrode. Two braided electrode,catheters were positioned in the right ventricular apex (6 cm 2 ) and in the superior vena cava-right atrial junction (5 cm 2 ), respectively. An elliptical 13 cm 2 surface area pathch electrode was positioned along the left lateral cardiac border. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced and monophasic and asymmetric biphasic shocks (leading voltages 260 to 1000 V) were delivered via dual and triple electrode configurations in each animal using a prospective randomized crossover study design. Mean right ventricular pacing threshold was 0.5 ± 0.2 mA, with a mean electrogram amplitude of 11.1 ± 2.8 mV during sinus rhythm prior to fibrillation and defibrillation. Two hundred seven VF inductions (mean 30 ± 4 per animal) were analyzed. The mean defibrillation threshold could be reduced to 8.0 ± 3.2 joules with biphasic shocks from 12.9 ± 5.1 joules obtained for monophasic shocks using a dual electrode system ( p p p p p > 0.05). We conclude that successful pacing and defibrillation is feasible with a small-caliber braided electrode catheter. Percutaneous insertion of one or two catheters permits use with dual and triple electrode configurations. Asymmetric biphasic waveform pulses reduce endocardial defibrillation threshold with this catheter electrode system.
Novel features of hamster pinealocyte ultrastructure.

Abstract Pineal glands from young adult hamsters ( Mesocricetus auratus Water-house) kept on a 12 : 12 light : dark photoperiod were examined by electron microscopy. Ultrastructural features of nuclei, mitochondria, and centrioles that have not been reported previously are presented in this paper. Of particular interest is the presence of modified centrioles in normal hamster pinealocytes.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE PATHOGENESIS OF SPINA BIFIDA IN CHICK EMBRYOS: FORKING OF THE NEURAL TUBE

Observations on the pathogenesis of spina bifida in chick embryos: forking of the neural tube Forking is an early malformation in which the neural tube is split into 2–6 tubules, walled off by neuroepithelium. Occasionally the undivided tube proximal to forking of the neural tube (FNT) or some of the secondary tubules, may show marked cystic dilatation. FNT may occur at any level of the cord and hence its development is not related to the caudal cell mass (‘tail node’). It is important that FNT may be covered by intact ectoderm or may occur simultaneously with myeloschisis. Spina bifida (SB) probably develops in those cases of FNT in which marked increase in volume of the malformed tube, due either to cystic dilatation or to presence of multiple tubules, prevents the mesoderm from growing between the ectoderm and the neural tissue. FNT seems to result from primary damage to the neural tissue around the posterior neuropore, followed by formation of supernumerary tubules from fragmented neuroepithelium. This process does not interfere with normal growth of the ectoderm. The likely consequences of FNT are deduced tentatively from a comparison with cases of fully developed spontaneous human SB associated with diastematomyelia (DM). FNT is related to variable degree of myelodysplasia, diplomyelia, myelocystocele and meningocele. The hypothesis (Rokos, 1975) that meningocele is a manifestation of anteroposterior FNT (anteroposterior DM) is supported by the present findings.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid channels functioning in transduction of osmotic stimuli

In signal transduction of metazoan cells, ion channels of the family of transient receptor potential (TRP) have been identified to respond to diverse external and internal stimuli, amongst them osmotic stimuli. This review will highlight findings on the TRPV subfamily, both vertebrate and invertebrate members. Out of the six mammalian TRP vanilloid (TRPV) channels, TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV4 were demonstrated to function in transduction of osmotic stimuli. TRPV channels have been found to function in cellular as well as systemic osmotic homeostasis in vertebrates. Invertebrate TRPV channels, five in Caenorhabditis elegans and two in Drosophila, have been shown to play a role in mechanosensation, such as hearing and proprioception in Drosophila and nose touch in C. elegans ,a nd in the response to osmotic stimuli in C. elegans .I n as triking example of evolutionary conservation of function, mammalian TRPV4 has been found to rescue osmoand mechanosensory deficits of the TRPV mutant strain osm-9 in C. elegans, despite not more than 26% orthology of the respective proteins.
Visualization of electron correlation in a series of helium S states

Abstract Electron correlation has been studied for a series of helium S states represented by a variety of wavefunctions, the best of which are accurate Hylleraas—Kinoshita functions. The states studied are the ground state, the lowest excited 1 S and 3 S states, and the (2s) 2 and (2p) 2 doubly-excited 1 S states. Primary data is obtained from graphs of the conditional probability density as a function of the radial distance r 2 and the interelectronic angle θ 12 , given that r 1 is fixed at various distances. Such graphs make clear the extent to which characteristics such as angular and radial correlations, and Fermi and Coulomb holes, are consequences of the relative motion of electrons in two-electron atoms.
Radicals in coals during pyrolysis in relation to liquefaction conversion

Abstract The increase in radical concentration as measured by e.s.r. on pyrolysis of nine lignites, two subbituminous coals and one bituminous coal was studied. No correlation was found between the net quantity of radicals produced on thermolysis and the percentage conversion to THF-soluble material using either a hydrogen donor solvent or a non-hydrogen donor solvent. Decker lignite produced a high steady state radical concentration at all temperatures used (150–450 °C). Wyodak subbituminous coal and Martin Lake lignite gave large steady state radical concentrations at lower reaction temperatures and low to modest levels at the higher temperatures. Zap, San Mighel and Gascoyne lignites exhibited reduced levels of steady state radical concentrations at the lower temperatures and increasing levels at the higher temperatures.
Partial dehydration of laumontite: thermodynamic constraints and petrogenetic implications

Laumontite is a common zeolite mineral indicative of low-grade metamorphism of lavas and volcaniclastic sediments. Stoichiometric laumontite (CaAl 2 Si 4 O 12 ·4.5H 2 O) dehydrates in air at 298.15 K, 1 bar to leonhardite (CaAl 2 Si 4 O 12 ·3.5H 2 O) via loss of water from the W1 crystallographic site. Consideration of reported X-ray diffraction and calorimetric data indicates that the standard molal volume and entropy for dehydration of laumontite to leonhardite + liquid water are ~13 cc/mol and ~8 cal/molK, respectively, at 298.15 K, 1 bar. Equilibrium between laumontite and leonhardite occurs at 70 to 80% relative humidity at 298.15 K, 1 bar, corresponding to a standard molal Gibbs energy and enthalpy of reaction of ~170±40 and ~2630±100 cal/mol, respectively. Calculated univariant equilibrium for this reaction is nearly linear from 46±3°C at 1 bar to 235±3°C at 5000 bar. Comparison of geological observations with these results suggests that laumontite forms as ‘leonhardite’ during metamorphism and diagenesis. Consideration of ‘leonhardite’, instead of laumontite, in low-grade metamorphic phase relations facilitates prediction of the relative stabilities of zeolites in natural and geologic systems, where calculated entropies of reaction incorrectly predict that assemblages bearing fully hydrated laumontite are stable at lower temperatures than the zeolites heulandite and stilbite.
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING IN THE EVALUATION OF VASCULAR BIRTHMARKS

This article reviews the role of modern diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of patients with vascular birthmarks. There are two main categories of vascular anomalies: hemangiomas and vascular malformations. The findings on plain radiography, sonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography, and the appropriate sequence of investigation for the different vascular anomalies are discussed.
Effect of Feed on the Composition of Milk Fat

Researchers attending the Wisconsin Milk Board 1988 Milk Fat Roundtable indicated that the ideal nutritional milk fat would contain 10% polyunsaturated fatty acids, 8% saturated fatty acids, and 82% monounsaturated fatty acids. This cannot be accomplished by modifying diets of lactating cows. Monounsaturated fatty acid (C18:1) content can be increased by 50 to 80% and may approach 50% of milk fatty acids by feeding lipids rich in 18-carbon fatty acids. Because of ruminal hydrogenation and intestinal and mammary desaturase activity, degree of unsaturation of dietary 18-carbon fatty acids is not critical in influencing milk fat C18:1. Feeding low roughage diets increases the proportion of C18:1 in milk fat, and effects of feeding low roughage diets and lipid may be additive. Palmitic acid (C16:0) content of milk fat can be reduced by 20 to 40% unless the supplemented lipid is rich in C16:0. Milk fat alteration is dependent on the level of lipid supplementation. Limited evidence indicates frequency of lipid feeding and physical form of oil (free oil vs. oilseed), and heat treatment of oilseeds has relatively little influence on modification of milk fat. Significant changes in milk fat composition can be achieved on farm via nutritional modifications.
A 400-MILLION-YEAR RECORD OF ATMOSPHERIC CARBON DIOXIDE DEDUCED FROM PEDOGENIC CARBONATES

Calcium carbonate commonly accumulates in soils where mean annual precipitation is <100 cm, a condition met by a large fraction of the Earth's terrestrial surface. Pedogenic carbonates are a common component of fossil soils (paleosols). The carbon isotope composition of pedogenic carbonates meeting specific criteria can be related to ecological conditions and the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. We have collected and analyzed pedogenic carbonates from hundreds of paleosols. These data have been combined with a large number of analyses from the literature. The combined data include paleosols from five continents and formed throughout the last 400 million years. Application of Cerling's CO2 paleobarometer to these data has significantly constrained the history of atmospheric CO2 through this time period. Results indicate that atmospheric pCO2 has significantly fluctuated throughout the Phanerozoic. High concentrations of atmospheric CO2 levels in the Late Silurian and Devonian dropped to low concentrations in the Late Paleozoic. CO2 levels increased dramatically in the Triassic and subsequently dropped throughout the rest of the Mesozoic, reaching levels comparable with the modern condition prior to the Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary. Levels remained relatively low throughout the Cenozoic.
On the redesign of a shear pin under cyclic bending loads

Abstract An integrated motor and gearbox package drives a 3.9 kN flocculator train at a water filtration plant. The 4–20 rpm output shaft turns the flocculators at 1–5 rpm. Mounted on this shaft is a torque limiting coupling, utilizing a SAE 1040 steel shear pin. Analogous to a fuse in an electrical circuit, this shear pin fails if the flocculator paddles jam, thus protecting the equipment from overload. With the current design, a shear pin only last about one week. Analysis suggests that cyclic fatigue, caused by misalignment between driving and driven coupling elements, causes premature pin failure. A redesigned shear pin made from PH 13-8 Mo stainless steel, processed to improve fatigue resistance, is described.
A compositional approach for designing protocols

The complexity of designing distributed protocols has led to compositional techniques for designing and verifying protocols. The author proposes a technique based on the notion of parallel composition of protocols. It allows the component protocols to share messages and variables. The composite protocol is an interleaved execution of the component protocols with the constraint that they be synchronized at events updating shared variables or sending/receiving shared messages. All invariants of the component protocols are preserved in the composite protocol. The technique allows modular design and verification of protocols. It can be viewed as an inverse of the projection method for verifying protocols. >
Simvastatin Decreases Invasiveness of Human Endometrial Stromal Cells

Recently we reported that statins, the competitive inhibitors of the key enzyme regulating the mevalonate pathway, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), decrease proliferation of human endometrial stromal (HES) cells. Furthermore, we found that simvastatin treatment reduces the number and the size of endometrial implants in a nude mouse model of endometriosis. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of simvastatin on HES cell invasiveness and on expression of selected genes relevant to invasiveness: matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP3, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2), and CD44. Because statin-induced inhibition of HMGCR reduces the production of substrates for isoprenylation—geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) and farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP)—the effects of GGPP and FPP were also evaluated. Simvastatin induced a concentration-dependent reduction of invasiveness of HES cells. This effect of simvastatin was abrogated by GGPP but not by FPP. Simvastatin also reduced the mRNA levels of MMP2, MMP3, and CD44, but increased TIMP2 mRNA; all these effects of simvastatin were partly or entirely reversed in the presence of GGPP. The present findings provide a novel mechanism of action of simvastatin on endometrial stroma that may explain reduction of endometriosis in animal models of this disease. Furthermore, the presently described effects of simvastatin are likely mediated, at least in part, by inhibition of geranylgeranylation.
Diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of coccidioidomycosis in allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Background Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) recipients have multiple risk factors for coccidioidomycosis, and previous reports of coccidioidomycosis in this patient population describe severe infections with poor outcomes. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of allo-HSCT recipients with active coccidioidomycosis to characterize the utility of diagnostic tests for coccidioidomycosis and to determine treatment outcomes. Results Eleven of 426 (2.6%) allo-HSCT recipients experienced active coccidioidomycosis after transplantation. Of these 11 patients, 1 (9%) had extrapulmonary infection, 9 (82%) patients were hospitalized, and 5 (45%) died. Culture or histology was positive in 33% (3/9) of the patients tested. Most (64% [7/11]) had at least 1 positive serologic test result, and the enzyme immunoassay immunoglobulin G test was positive most often (overall 55% [6/11]). Chest radiographs and chest computed tomography scans showed miliary or multifocal nodular infiltrates or consolidations, consistent with coccidioidomycosis, in 80% (8/10) and 100% (9/9), respectively, of patients tested throughout the course of active illness. Rapid polymerase chain reaction testing was positive in 71% (5/7) of the patients tested. Peripheral eosinophilia was present in 18% (2/11) of patients. Conclusion Coccidioidomycosis is associated with high morbidity and mortality in allo-HSCT recipients in an area endemic for Coccidioides. Diagnosis of this infection can be difficult and often requires multiple and frequently invasive tests. Antifungal prophylaxis should be considered for patients at highest risk.
Multiple valued input generalised Reed-Muller forms

The concept of canonical multiple valued input generalised Reed-Muller (MIGRM) forms is introduced. The MIGRM is a direct extension of the well known generalised Reed-Muller (GRM) forms to the logic with multiple valued inputs. The concept of the polarity of a GRM form is generalised to the polarity matrix of a MIGRM form. A tabular pattern-matching method is presented for the calculation of a MIGRM form. The MIGRM transform has been implemented for further investigations of such forms and their comparison with other circuit realisations.
8.3.2 Generated Risk Event Effect Neutralization: Identifying and Evaluating Risk Mitigation Strategies During Conceptual Design

In the design of new products and systems, the mitigation of potential failures is very important. The sooner potential mitigation strategies can be employed, the lower the cost of those changes will be. Still, there needs to be a means to generate and evaluate mitigation strategies to supplement the existing expertise of the designer. By combining a mitigation strategy taxonomy with various rating strategies, a means to quickly select strategies and demonstrate their effect on the risk of failure can be obtained. This paper explains the risk mitigation selection and evaluation methods, including the mapping calculations used to evaluate strategies and their use in a method to move from a functional model of a new product to a selection of mitigation strategies that can be compared, and select the best strategy for the product.
Computation of the efficiency of the Mosely-Humblet contention resolution algorithm: A simple method

Mosely and Humblet have obtained an efficient Contention Resolution Algorithm for transmission scheduling in a multi-user collision channel with ternary feedback (idle, success, collision). In this letter, a recursion for the expected value of the algorithm cycle delay is shown to reduce the computation of the efficiency and optimum partition functions to a simple optimization problem.
Rethinking the Structural Architecture of the College Classroom

This chapter provides a structural architecture for reducing ego-based conflict in the college classroom.
Topoisomerase Action on Short DNA Duplexes Reveals Requirements for Gate and Transfer DNA Segments

Type II topoisomerases change DNA topology by passage of one DNA duplex (the transfer, T-segment) through a transient double-stranded break in another (the gate, G-segment). Here we monitor the passage between short double-stranded DNA segments within long single-stranded DNA circles that leads to catenation of the circles. To facilitate catenation, the circles were brought into close proximity using a tethering oligonucleotide, which was removed after the reaction was complete. We varied the length and the composition of the reacting DNA segments. The minimal DNA duplex length at which we detected catenation was 50–60 bp for DNA gyrase and 40 bp for topoisomerase IV (Topo IV). For Topo IV, catenation was observed when one, but not both, of the DNA-DNA duplexes was replaced by a DNA-RNA duplex. Topo IV cleaved the DNA-DNA duplex, but not the DNA-RNA duplex implying that the DNA-RNA duplex can be a T-segment but not a G-segment.
The differential voltage pen for plasma panels&#8212;A light pen substitute

A new hand-held interactive pen for ac plasma panels is described. The pen uses multiple metal plates to detect positional information generated by the regular write/erase voltages in the panel. No optical detector is used. Closed-form field potential equations of a panel line outside the panel are derived. These equations enable the resolution of the pen to be optimized; they are also helpful in pointing out some avoidable troublesome secondary effects. It is shown that a multiple plated probe's resolution is seven times better than that of a single-plate probe. This new pen can achieve resolutions to within 1 cell on panel artworks as dense as 50 lines/cm. Worst case detect time is 100 ms for a one million cell panel. Difficulties and special panel requirement when applied to a panel display product are discussed.
Heart rate dynamics during three forms of meditation.

Objective: This study was designed to quantify and compare the instantaneous heart rate dynamics and cardiopulmonary interactions during sequential performance of three meditation protocols with different breathing patterns. Background: We analyzed beat-to-beat heart rate and continuous breathing signals from 10 experienced meditators (4 females; 6 males; mean age 42 years; range 29–55 years) during three traditional interventions: relaxation response, breath of fire, and segmented breathing. Results: Heart rate and respiratory dynamics were generally similar during the relaxation response and segmented breathing. We observed high amplitude, low frequency (f0.05–0.1 Hz) oscillations due to respiratory sinus arrhythmia during both the relaxation response and segmented breathing, along with a significantly (p<0.05) increased coherence between heart rate and breathing during these two maneuvers when compared to baseline. The third technique, breath of fire, was associated with a different pattern of response, marked by a significant increase in mean heart rate with respect to baseline (p<0.01), and a significant decrease in coherence between heart rate and breathing (p<0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that different meditative/breathing protocols may evoke common heart rate effects, as well as specific responses. The results support the concept of a ‘‘meditation paradox,’’ since a variety of relaxation and meditative techniques may produce active rather than quiescent cardiac dynamics, associated with prominent low frequency heart rate oscillations or increases in mean resting heart rate. These findings also underscore the need to critically assess traditional frequency domain heart rate variability parameters in making inferences about autonomic alterations during meditation with slow breathing. D 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Comparing In-Person and Online Survey Respondents in the U.S. National Transgender Discrimination Survey: Implications for Transgender Health Research.

Abstract Purpose: In the absence of probability sample studies of transgender people, new methods are needed to yield study samples that reflect the demographic diversity of the transgender population. Methods: The National Transgender Discrimination Survey is a large, convenience sample of 6,456 transgender adults between the ages of 18 and 89. We examined characteristics of purposively sampled respondents who, in 2008, completed a one-time survey either in-person (435 respondents) or online (6,021respondents). Missing data were multiply imputed, and multivariable logistic regression models were used to test for differences in sociodemographic and health indicators by data collection method. Results: A higher proportion of in-person respondents were young, male-to-female, people of color, publicly insured, with lower incomes and lower educational attainment than online respondents (all p<0.05). In-person respondents also were more likely than online respondents to be current daily smokers, to endorse sub...
Dystroglycan expression in human placenta: basement membrane localization and subunit distribution change between the first and third trimester.

Objectives: This study describes the distribution of dystroglycan (DG) in human placenta, membranes, and uterine decidua. Study design: Dystroglycan expression was characterized by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence microscopy using human tissues and cultured cells. Results: Both α-DG and β-DG are expressed in the term syncytiotrophoblast, and α-DG is localized to the basement membrane. In first-trimester chorionic villi, α-DG and β-DG are localized to the periphery of the cytotrophoblast. Expression varies in term fetal membranes. α-Dystroglycan is not detectable in choriocarcinoma cells or HTR cells, but β-DG is present in both normal and cleaved forms. Conclusion: Dystroglycan is expressed at high levels in human trophoblasts, and localization of the α- and β-subunits varies with gestational age and trophoblast differentiation. Because DG expression inversely correlates with invasiveness in many cancers, its pattern of expression in trophoblasts suggests a possible function ...
Ward-Takahashi identity with an external field in ladder QED

We derive the Ward-Takahashi identity obeyed by the fermion-antifermion-gauge boson vertex in ladder QED in the presence of a constant magnetic field. The general structure in momentum space of the fermion mass operator with an external electromagnetic field is discussed. Using it we find solutions of the ladder WT identity with a magnetic field. The consistency of our results with the solutions of the corresponding Schwinger-Dyson equation ensures the gauge invariance of the magnetic-field-induced chiral symmetry breaking recently found in ladder QED.
Lateral Ordering of Cylindrical Microdomains Under Solvent Vapor

The development of the morphology in asymmetric polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) thin films in tetrahydrofuran (THF) vapor, a selective solvent for majority PS block, as a function of time was investigated by scanning force microscopy (SFM) and grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS). When the PS-b-P4VP films were spin-coated from a toluene/THF mixture onto a silicon substrate, cylindrical microdomains were found to be oriented normal to the surface. By annealing under the THF solvent vapor, the distribution of the size and center-to-center distance between the cylindrical microdomains were significantly narrowed. The orientation and grain size of the cylindrical microdomains in the annealed films were characterized using Moire analysis obtained from SFM scan. GISAXS was used to characterize the morphology of the entire film.
Family planning and the politics of population in Tanzania: international to local discourse

Population politics in Tanzania reflect multiple understandings of the "problem" of population. While Tanzania has a long history of family planning service provision through its child spacing programs a national population policy was not adopted until 1992. This work explores the ambiguity and ambivalence reflected in the discourse surrounding the Tanzanian National Population Policy. Although an international consensus on questions of population and family planning may have been reached at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo when the authors look at actual cases of policy formulation and implementation the discourse reflects ambiguity and conflict rather than consensus. The Tanzanian case suggests that this ambiguity may be strategic. Competing "positive" and "negative" approaches have been articulated from the level of national policy negotiations to that of local implementation. This enables the Tanzanian government promoting a "positive" view of population to ally itself with proponents of an expanded reproductive health agenda without alienating the elements of the population establishment that pushed for a population policy and fund its implementation. (authors)
Frequency visualization in large electric power systems

Frequency is an important parameter in the operation of power systems. Dynamic visualization provides a quick and direct way to view the state of the system. Tools are being developed to help to observe frequency behavior from both simulations and field real-time measurements. Frequency replay from simulation data provides some insights of how the frequency electromechanical waves propagate when major events occur. Several examples are given to show some characteristics of the wave propagation. Visualization from frequency disturbance recorder (FDR) measurement provides a real-time view of the system's status.
FISH ASSEMBLAGES AT ENGINEERED AND NATURAL CHANNEL STRUCTURES IN THE LOWER MISSOURI RIVER: IMPLICATIONS FOR MODIFIED DIKE STRUCTURES

Large rivers throughout the world have been modified by using dike structures to divert water flows to deepwater habitats to maintain navigation channels. These modifications have been implicated in the decline in habitat diversity and native fishes. However, dike structures have been modified in the Missouri River USA to increase habitat diversity to aid in the recovery of native fishes. We compared species occupancy and fish community composition at natural sandbars and at notched and un-notched rock dikes along the lower Missouri River to determine if notching dikes increases species diversity or occupancy of native fishes. Fish were collected using gill nets, trammel nets, otter trawls, and mini fyke nets throughout the lower 1212 river km of the Missouri River USA from 2003 to 2006. Few differences in species richness and diversity were evident among engineered dike structures and natural sandbars. Notching a dike structure had no effect on proportional abundance of fluvial dependents, fluvial specialists, and macrohabitat generalists. Occupancy at notched dikes increased for two species but did not differ for 17 other species (81%). Our results suggest that dike structures may provide suitable habitats for fluvial species compared with channel sand bars, but dike notching did not increase abundance or occupancy of most Missouri River fishes. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Broccoli sprouts as inducers of carcinogen-detoxifying enzyme systems: Clinical, dietary, and policy implications

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States; it accounts for nearly one-fourth of annual deaths (1). Although the rates of some cancers have been declining, rates of others have increased. Thus, despite advances in early detection and treatment, overall death rates from cancer have remained largely unchanged since the early 1970s, suggesting the need for a stronger research focus on prevention (2). Approaches to prevention necessarily include smoking cessation and dietary changes, because each is believed to contribute to about one-third of annual cancer deaths (3). For two decades, dietary advice to prevent cancer has emphasized fruit and vegetable consumption (4), and recent recommendations, such as those listed in Table 1, give highest priority to consuming plant-based diets (5, 6). Such advice is entirely consistent with recommendations for prevention of heart disease and other diet-related chronic diseases (4). It is supported by substantial, increasing, and extensively reviewed evidence linking intake of plant foods to impressive reductions in cancer risk at several major sites (6–11). On the basis of this evidence, researchers recently have estimated that plant-based diets prevent 20% (6) to 50% (11) of all cases of cancer. View this table: Table 1 American Cancer Society guidelines for diet and cancer prevention (5) Epidemiologic and animal studies have associated certain food plants with pronounced reductions in cancer risk. Among such plants are cruciferous (mustard family) vegetables of the genus Brassica : broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, among others. National committees have recommended consumption of these vegetables for cancer prevention since the early 1980s (12). What characteristics of these vegetables might protect against carcinogenesis? Fahey et al. (13) directly address this important question. Brassica vegetables contain little fat, are low in energy, and are sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber—all aspects linked to cancer protection. They …
Metal nanocrystal memories-part II: electrical characteristics

This paper describes the electrical characteristics of the metal nanocrystal memory devices continued from the previous paper [see ibid., vol. 49, p. 1606-13, Sept. 2002]. Devices with Au, Ag, and Pt nanocrystals working in the F-N tunneling regime have been investigated and compared with Si nanocrystal memory devices. With hot-carrier injection such as the programming mechanism, retention time up to 10/sup 6/ s has been observed and 2-bit-per-cell storage capability has been demonstrated and analyzed. The concern of the possible metal contamination is also addressed by current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) characterizations. The extracted inversion layer mobility and minority carrier lifetime suggest that the substrate is free from metal contamination with continuous operations.
Far-infrared spectroelectrochemistry: a study of linear molybdenum/iron/sulfur clusters

Abstract The far-infrared spectroelectrochemistry of linear M/Fe/S (M=Mo, W) complexes was investigated in methylene chloride and dichloroethane. With CsI as spectral windows, bands above 200 cm−1 can be observed in methylene chloride, except for a weak methylene chloride band at 450 cm−1. Substitution of dichloroethane for methylene chloride, solvents of nearly identical electrochemical properties, allows one to observe solute bands in the 450-cm−1 region. The far-infrared spectroelectrochemistry of [MoFe2S4Cl4]2− and its tungsten analogue was investigated. The disappearance of the oxidation bands and the appearance of bands due to the reduced product could be clearly observed. The origin of the vibrational bands could be clearly identified using 34S-substituted complexes. In addition to the far-infrared bands, the resonance Raman spectroelectrochemistry of the oxidized and reduced complex, along with the 34S-substituted complexes was obtained. Far-infrared and resonance Raman spectroelectrochemistry can be combined to understand the electrochemical mechanism of transition metal complexes.
Dimming Cellular Networks

We propose a novel technique called dimming to improve the energy efficiency of cellular networks by reducing the capacity, services, and energy consumption of cells without turning off the cells. We define three basic methods to dim the network: coverage, frequency, and service dimming. We construct a multi-time period optimization problem to implement frequency dimming and extend it to implement both frequency and service dimming together. We illustrate the ability of dimming techniques to adapt the capacity and network services in proportion to the dynamic spatial and temporal load resulting in significant energy savings through numerical results for a sample network.
Cold Adaptation of a Mesophilic Subtilisin-like Protease by Laboratory Evolution

Enzymes isolated from organisms native to cold environments generally exhibit higher catalytic efficiency at low temperatures and greater thermosensitivity than their mesophilic counterparts. In an effort to understand the evolutionary process and the molecular basis of cold adaptation, we have used directed evolution to convert a mesophilic subtilisin-like protease from Bacillus sphaericus, SSII, into its psychrophilic counterpart. A single round of random mutagenesis followed by recombination of improved variants yielded a mutant, P3C9, with a catalytic rate constant (k cat) at 10 °C 6.6 times and a catalytic efficiency (k cat/K M) 9.6 times that of wild type. Its half-life at 70 °C is 3.3 times less than wild type. Although there is a trend toward decreasing stability during the progression from mesophile to psychrophile, there is not a strict correlation between decreasing stability and increasing low temperature activity. A first generation mutant with a >2-fold increase in k cat is actually more stable than wild type. This suggests that the ultimate decrease in stability may be due to random drift rather than a physical incompatibility between low temperature activity and high temperature stability. SSII shares 77.4% identity with the naturally psychrophilic protease subtilisin S41. Although SSII and S41 differ at 85 positions, four amino acid substitutions were sufficient to generate an SSII whose low temperature activity is greater than that of S41. That none of the four are found in S41 indicates that there are multiple routes to cold adaptation.
The zeta function of a quasi-ordinary singularity

We prove that the zeta function of an irreducible hypersurface quasi-ordinary singularity f equals the zeta function of a plane curve singularity g .I f the local coordinates (x1 ,...,x d+1 )o ff are ‘nice’, then g = f (x1, 0 ,..., 0 ,x d+1). Moreover, the Puiseux pairs of g can also be recovered from (any set of) distinguished tuples of f .
A Simple Model for Coastal Sea Level Prediction

Abstract Reliable forecasting of wind-forced coastal sea level on the synoptic scale is available for most of the coastal areas of the United States through the National Weather Service Extratropical Storm Surge Model (ESSM). However, in many coastal areas around the world, especially in underdeveloped countries, little if any sea level forecasting is available, despite the often acute need. Here a simple linear-regression model based on modest wind forecast capability and records of local coastal sea level, wind, and pressure is developed and tested. Despite its simplicity, the model is based on robust ocean dynamics, in particular coastal Ekman circulation principles. The empirical model is tested using sea level observations at Atlantic City, New Jersey. The performance of the model is comparable to that of ESSM. For the 2-yr time period 1997–98, ESSM explains 79% of the total observed subtidal frequency sea level while the model presented here explains 74%. The root-mean-square errors in sea level for...
An Alternative Multivariate One- and Two-Sample Post Hoc Procedure

Abstract This paper illustrates the use of a Scheffe-like multivariate post hoc procedure known as the Roy-Bose or simultaneous confidence interval procedure. This method is contrasted with the use of Bonferroni or planned linear combinations for the one- and two-sample cases. The Roy-Bose procedure also is compared to the more frequently employed univariate F tests for post hoc analysis.
A General Framework for Linear Partial Differential Equations

Before pressing on to the higher-dimensional manifestations of the heat, wave, and Laplace/ Poisson equations, it is worth pausing to develop a general, abstract, linear-algebraic framework that underlies many of the linear partial differential equations arising throughout the subject and its applications.
Coping with Interpersonal Stressors in Schizophrenia

Although stressful life events can trigger psychotic and depressive symptom exacerbation in schizophrenia, many patients who experience stress do not subsequently relapse. Recent versions of the vulnerability-stress-protective factors model of schizophrenia suggest that coping responses may serve as critical mediating variables. Most of the research on coping behavior in schizophrenia has focused on strategies for dealing with symptoms of the illness rather than with interpersonal stressors. Using the Coping Responses Inventory developed by Moos, we examined how 13 chronic, but clinically stable, schizophrenia outpatients and 11 demographically matched normal subjects responded to a negative interpersonal life event. Cognitively oriented problem-focused approaches (“Think of different ways to deal with the problem”) and behaviorally oriented problem-solving strategies (“Make a plan of action and follow it”) were used significantly more often by normal controls than by schizophrenic patients (p < 0.01). However, the use of cognitive or behavioral avoidance coping did not differ significantly between groups. Whereas normal controls use a wide range of coping behaviors that involves both approach and avoidance responses, the repertoire of coping responses of chronic schizophrenia patients appears, on average, to be relatively more focused on avoidance.
Emotional robot to examine different play patterns and affective responses of children with and without ASD

Robots are often employed to proactively engage children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in well-defined physical or social activities to promote specific educational or therapeutic outcomes. However, much can also be learned by leveraging a robot's unique ability to objectively deliver stimuli in a consistent, repeatable way and record child-robot interactions that may be indicative of developmental ability and autism severity in this population. In this study, we elicited affective responses with an emotion-simulating robot and recorded child-robot interactions and child-other interactions during robot emotion states. This research makes two key contributions. First, we analyzed child-robot interactions and affective responses to an emotion-simulating robot to explore differences between the responses of typically developing children and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Next, we characterized play and affective responsivity and its connection to severity of autism symptoms using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) calibrated severity scores. This preliminary work delivers a novel and robust robot-enabled technique for (1) differentiating child-robot interactions of a group of very young children with ASD (n=12) from a group of typically developing children (n=15) and, (2) characterizing within-group differences in play and affective response that may be associated with symptoms of autism severity.
Amphotericin B: stimulation of bone resorption in organ culture.

AbstractOrgan culture studies of 5-day-old mouse calvaria show that amphotericin B, a polyene antibiotic, is a potent bone resorption-stimulating agent, as measured by calcium release into the medium, residual calcium, and hydroxyproline in the calvaria at the end of the 7-day culture period, and by histological examination. Nystatin and filipin, two other polyene antibiotics, also induce bone resorption in the same system. Amphotericin B and nystatin are thought to act on natural and artificial membrane systems by binding to cholesterol or other steroids thereby forming aqueous pores that permit the passage of ions and some other solutes. Such alteration of cell membrane permeability may be a crucial initial step in the chain of events leading to bone resorption by these two agents. Inhibition of polyene antibiotic-stimulated bone resorption by indomethacin and dexamethasone suggest that polyene antibiotic-stimulated resorption is mediated by prostaglandin biosynthesis.
Avian nest success in relation to past grazing regimes in a montane riparian system

One possible link between livestock grazing and bird population declines is variation in nest predation rates. To explore this possibility we documented vegetational differences in a montane riparian community subdivided by a fence, one side of which traditionally has been summer-grazed, and the other side rested from grazing for 30 years. We found that ground vegetation was more abundant, willows (Salix spp.) less abundant, and vertical vegetational diversity was lower on the grazed relative to the rested side. Predation rates on real nests were higher on the grazed side compared to the rested side. Artificial nests were placed (I) in mixed conifer vegetation to mimic the most common nest types currently present in the riparian zone, (2) in streamside willows that differed in abundance across the fence, and (3) in old-willow remnants distant from the stream, which were equally abundant on both sides of the fence. All artificial above-ground nests, and ground nests in the old-willow experiment, suffered greater predation rates on the grazed compared to the rested side. Thus, livestock grazing may not only affect availability of nesting substrates for riparian birds by reducing streamside vegetation, but could influence bird populations by facilitating nest predation, possibly by increasing detectability of nests or through changes in predator assemblage.
Microstructure Investigation of Non-equilibrium Synthesized Filled Skutterudite CeFe4Sb12

We have prepared a variety of filled skutterudites through non-equilibrium synthesis by converting melt-spun ribbons into single phase polycrystalline bulk under pressure. In general, better thermoelectric properties are found in these samples. In this work, we performed microstructure characterization of non-equilibrium synthesized p-type filled skutterudite CeFe 4 Sb 12 by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy in order to understand the structural origin of the improved thermoelectric properties. It is found that the non-equilibrium synthesized samples have smaller grain size and cleaner grain boundaries when compared to the samples prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction plus long term annealing. While smaller grain size can help reduce the lattice thermal conductivity, cleaner grain boundaries ensure higher carrier mobility and subsequently, higher electrical conductivity at the application temperatures.