cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the impact of errors in the measurement of backfat depth on the prediction of fat-free lean mass

The development of regression equations to predict carcass composition typically assumes that the independent variables, such as backfat depth, are measured without error. However, technological and operator-specific types of measurement errors do exist. To evaluate the impact of measurement error for backfat depth, Monte Carlo simulation was used to model carcass fat-free lean mass (FFLM) in pigs. In the simulation, FFLM was a linear function of carcass weight and actual backfat depth (ABFD). Carcass weight was assumed to be measured without error, but measurement errors were generated such that the correlation (r(BF)) of the measured backfat depth (BFD) and ABFD ranged from 0.70 to 0.95. Two types of measurement errors were simulated: 1) constant variation that was additive to the variance of ABFD, and 2) variation proportional to the ABFD that was additive to the variance in ABFD. A total of 1,000 replications of 1,000 pigs were simulated. Within each type of measurement error, the absolute values of the regression coefficients and R2 values of the equations decreased as r(BF) decreased. The probability of the backfat depth squared (BFD2) being significant (P < 0.05) in the regression equation was increased when the measurement errors were proportional to ABFD. The occurrence of a significant BFD2 variable was 792 times out of 1,000 replications when r(BF) = 0.95 and increased to 996 times out of 1,000 when r(BF) = 0.85 for BFD with type 2 measurement errors. The inclusion of a CW x BFD variable in the regression equations (P < 0.05) increased (270 to 423 times out of 1,000) as r(BF) decreased from 0.85 to 0.70 for BFD with type 2 errors. Equations developed from BFD with measurement errors resulted in biased predictions of FFLM and changes in FFLM per unit change in BFD. The level and type of measurement errors that exist in the independent variables should be evaluated.
Phase variation of gonococcal protein II: regulation of gene expression by slipped-strand mispairing of a repetitive DNA sequence.

Abstract Expression of outer membrane protein II (P.II) of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is subject to reversible phase variation at a rate of 10 −3 –10 −4 /cell/generation. The signal peptide coding regions of P.II genes contain variable numbers of tandem repeats of the sequence CTCTT. Changes in the number of CTCTT units, leading to frameshifting within the gene, are responsible for changes in P.II expression. Phase variation mediated by the CTCTT repeat also occurred in E. coli, as assayed with a P.II-alkaline phosphatase ( pho A) gene fusion. Phase variation in both the gonococcus and E. coli was rec A-independent, occurred at similar rates, and involved insertions or deletions of one or more repeat units. The characteristics of the phase variation process were consistent with a model in which expression of P.II genes is regulated by slipped-strand mispairing of the DNA in the CTCTT repeat region.
Nonrelationship between plasma melatonin and background adaptation in the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri).

Adult female rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were maintained outdoors on black, white, and neutral colored backgrounds. Reflectometry readings were used to assess the color adaptation of the fish. Plasma samples were collected from the same individuals both before and after exposure to the backgrounds, as well as at both 1200 and 2400 hr. Using a sensitive radioimmunoassay, no significant differences in plasma melatonin levels could be detected for the fish kept on the three backgrounds. Since the fish did show significant color modification in response to 18–21.5 days on the backgrounds, it is concluded that melatonin may not participate in background adaptation in trout. A consistent nocturnal elevation in melatonin levels was noted on all backgrounds. The stress associated with taking multiple blood samples from the same fish may have caused a significant increase in post-treatment compared to pretreatment nocturnal melatonin titers.
Experience in distributed parameter modeling of the Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) structure

The Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) configuration is used to compare exact and approximate solutions of the partial differential equations which define its structural dynamics. The need for a proof model for evaluating competing control laws demands that solutions be generated which not only exhibit accurate modal characteristics, but precise static deflections as well. Because precise pointing is required, the motion of the end bodies of the Shuttle-attached antenna must be known with great accuracy. Modal models are attractive because of their stable solutions but require hundreds of modes to obtain a static deflection accuracy of only one percent. Although proportional damping in bending agrees well with experimental results using the SCOLE experimental apparatus, modes which involve both torsion and bending differ significantly from proportional damping. A lumped mass model is used to generate exact static deflections, but only approximate modal characteristics. Asymptotic solutions to the distributed parameter system approximate very accurately the modal characteristics at high mode numbers. Ways are examined for refining the approximate solutions by applying a first-order variation and by employing singular perturbation techniques which are usually limited to ordinary differential equations. The most accurate solutions of the distributed parameter model of SCOLE are obtained by combining exact and asymptotic solutions.
Dose confirmation of moxidectin 0.5% pour-on against adults and fourth-stage larvae of various Cooperia spp. and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in Louisiana

Thirty-five castrate or intact Holstein male calves, ranging in weight from 122 to 210kg, were used in the study. On study Days -15 and -14, all study calves were treated with fenbendazole 10% paste at 10mg/kg to remove existing nematode infections. All cattle had zero egg counts on Day -1. Experimental infections of a mixed species inoculum were administered to all calves on Day 0. The inoculum consisted of Cooperia spp. (primarily C. punctata, but also C. pectinata, C. spatulata, C. oncophora and C. surnabada-total 40,961); Ostertagia ostertagi-1550; Trichostrongylus colubriformis-4996; and Oesophagostomum radiatum-38. Necropsy results from two of three monitor calves slaughtered on Day 6 after infection indicated that Day 6 was an appropriate time to evaluate efficacy of moxidectin against fourth larval stages (L(4)). The remaining 32 calves were randomly allotted to four groups of eight based on body weights. Eight calves (Group 1) were treated with moxidectin 0.5% pour-on at 0.5mg/kg on Day 6 to evaluate efficacy against nematode larval stages; eight control calves (Group 2) were matched with these principals. Eight calves (Group 3) were also treated with moxidectin pour-on at the same dosage on Day 23 in order to determine efficacy against adult nematodes; eight control calves (Group 4) were matched with these principals. In both cases, principals and controls of the Days 6 and 23 treatments were necropsied at 14-15 days after treatment. C. punctata was the only species found in a sufficient number of controls to evaluate moxidectin efficacy against the L(4). Moxidectin pour-on was not effective (P 99%) against the adult stages of C. oncophora, C. punctata, C. spatulata, C. surnabada, Cooperia spp. adult females and T. colubriformis adults.
Intrinsic defect properties in GaN calculated by ab initio and empirical potential methods

Density functional theory (DFT) has been used to investigate the formation, properties, and atomic configurations of vacancies, antisite defects and interstitials in GaN, and the DFT results are compared with those calculated by molecular dynamics simulations using two representative potentials. The DFT calculations reveal that the relaxation of vacancies is generally small, but the relaxation around antisite defects is large, especially for the Ga antisite that is not stable and converts to a ${\mathrm{N}}^{+}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{N}⟨0001⟩$ split interstitial plus a Ga vacancy at the original site. The N interstitials, starting from all possible sites, eventually relax into a ${\mathrm{N}}^{+}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{N}⟨11\overline{2}0⟩$ split interstitial. In the case of Ga interstitials, the most stable configuration is a Ga octahedral interstitial, but the energy difference among all the interstitials is small. The ${\mathrm{Ga}}^{+}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Ga}⟨11\overline{2}0⟩$ split interstitial can bridge the gap between nonbonded Ga atoms, thereby leading to a chain of four Ga atoms along the $⟨11\overline{2}0⟩$ direction in GaN. The formation energies of vacancies and antisite defects obtained using the Stillinger-Weber (SW) potential are in reasonable agreement with those obtained by DFT calculations, whereas the Tersoff-Brenner (TB) potential better describes the behavior of N interstitials. In the case of Ga interstitials, the most stable configuration predicted by the TB model is a ${\mathrm{Ga}}^{+}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{N}⟨11\overline{2}0⟩$ split interstitial; while for the SW model the Ga tetrahedral configuration is more stable, which is in contrast to DFT results.
High-flux hard X-ray microbeam using a single-bounce capillary with doubly focused undulator beam

A pre-focused X-ray beam at 12 keV and 9 keV has been used to illuminate a single-bounce capillary in order to generate a high-flux X-ray microbeam. The BioCAT undulator X-ray beamline 18ID at the Advanced Photon Source was used to generate the pre-focused beam containing 1.2 × 1013 photons s−1 using a sagittal-focusing double-crystal monochromator and a bimorph mirror. The capillary entrance was aligned with the focal point of the pre-focused beam in order to accept the full flux of the undulator beam. Two alignment configurations were tested: (i) where the center of the capillary was aligned with the pre-focused beam (‘in-line’) and (ii) where one side of the capillary was aligned with the beam (‘off-line’). The latter arrangement delivered more flux (3.3 × 1012 photons s−1) and smaller spot sizes (≤10 µm FWHM in both directions) for a photon flux density of 4.2 × 1010 photons s−1 µm−2. The combination of the beamline main optics with a large-working-distance (approximately 24 mm) capillary used in this experiment makes it suitable for many microprobe fluorescence applications that require a micrometer-size X-ray beam and high flux density. These features are advantageous for biological samples, where typical metal concentrations are in the range of a few ng cm−2. Micro-XANES experiments are also feasible using this combined optical arrangement.
Anion competition for a volume-regulated current

We have examined whether the anionic amino acids, glutamate and aspartate, permeate through the same volume-regulated conductance permeant to Cl- ions. Cell swelling was initiated in response to establishing a whole-cell configuration in the presence of a hyposmotic gradient. Volume-regulated anion currents carried by Cl-, glutamate, or aspartate developed with similar time courses and showed similar voltage-dependent inactivation. Permeability ratios (Paa/PCl) calculated from measured reversal potentials were dependent on the mole fraction ratio (MFR) of the permeant anions ([aa]/([aa] + [Cl-])). MFR was varied from 0.00 to 0.97. As the fraction of amino acid increased, Paa/PCl decreased. Current amplitude was similarly dependent on MFR. These results show that the permeation of anionic amino acids and that of Cl- ions are not independent of each other, indicating that the ion channel underlying the volume-regulated conductance can be occupied by more than one ion at a time. Application of Eyring rate theory indicated that the major barrier to Cl- ion permeation is at the intracellular side of the membrane, and that the major barrier to amino acid permeation is at the extracellular side of the membrane. The interactions between these permeant ions may have a physiological modulatory role in volume regulation through a volume-regulated anion conductance.
Excess wing in the dielectric loss of glass-forming ethanol: A relaxation process

A detailed dielectric investigation of liquid, supercooled liquid, and glassy ethanol was performed, extending the frequency and temperature range of previous investigations. The results reveal a third relaxation process, in addition to the two processes already known. In this respect the relaxational behavior of ethanol resembles that of other primary alcohols. The relaxation time of this process exhibits strong deviations from thermally activated behavior. Most important, this process is the cause of the apparent excess wing, which was claimed to be present in the dielectric loss spectra of glass-forming ethanol. In addition, marked deviations of the spectra of ethanol from the scaling proposed by Dixon and Nagel have been detected.
Making of men in the military: Perspectives from mothers

Abstract This paper, addressed to those of us who are concerned about both feminist issues and U.S. military build-up, is about the many tired, frustrated or otherwise overwhelmed mothers of sons who encourage these sons to join the military because they believe there is no place else for them to turn. The focus is on the awesome, for many almost impossible, responsibility for the welfare of their sons. There are two additional themes: our military recruiters are very much aware of these supporters and we feminists are not because we have not been listening to these mothers. From the four portraits of mothers based on edited oral history transcripts (part of the research for a larger study of the mother-son relationship from mothers' perspectives) the reader will come to understand that women who encourage their sons to sign-up must be listened to, not castigated. These women want their sons to have self-discipline, maturity, training and skills, an education, a job. It is their perception that there is no place else for them to turn but the military.
Adrenal cortical cell transplantation

Abstract Purpose The adrenal cortex is a critical component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal/gonadal axis that coordinates the stress response and maintains homeostasis. The authors hypothesize that adrenal cortical cells can be transplanted in adrenal insufficiency states to regenerate the adrenal cortex. Methods Murine adrenal glands were dissociated into adrenal cortical cells. Cells cultured in a collagen matrix were transplanted under the renal capsule. The implants were retrieved 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks later. Total RNA was extracted from the retrieved specimens and was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results All animals survived the surgical procedure. At implant retrieval, a distinct organoid could be visualized under the renal capsule. The expressions of adrenal-specific markers including Sf1, Dax1, Star, Cyp11a, Cyp11b1 , and Cyp21 were detectable in the retrieved specimens up to 8 weeks posttransplantation. Conclusion Primary adrenal cortical cells retained their gene expressions after heterotopic transplantation. Ex vivo gene transfer followed by adrenal cortical cell transplantation may lead to curative therapy for patients with adrenal insufficiency.
The effects of salinity on photosynthesis and growth of the single-cell C4 species Bienertia sinuspersici (Chenopodiaceae).

Recent research on the photosynthetic mechanisms of plant species in the Chenopodiaceae family revealed that three species, including Bienertia sinuspersici, can carry out C4 photosynthesis within individual photosynthetic cells, through the development of two cytoplasmic domains having dimorphic chloroplasts. These unusual single-cell C4 species grow in semi-arid saline conditions and have semi-terete succulent leaves. The effects of salinity on growth and photosynthesis of B. sinuspersici were studied. The results show that NaCl is not required for development of the single-cell C4 system. There is a large enhancement of growth in culture with 50–200 mM NaCl, while there is severe inhibition at 400 mM NaCl. With increasing salinity, the carbon isotope values (δ13C) of leaves increased from −17.3o/oo (C4-like) without NaCl to −14.6o/oo (C4) with 200 mM NaCl, possibly due to increased capture of CO2 from the C4 cycle by Rubisco and reduced leakiness. Compared to growth without NaCl, leaves of plants grown under saline conditions were much larger (~2 fold) and more succulent, and the leaf solute levels increased up to ~2000 mmol kg solvent−1. Photosynthesis on an incident leaf area basis (CO2 saturated rates, and carboxylation efficiency under limiting CO2) and stomatal conductance declined with increasing salinity. On a leaf area basis, there was some decline in Rubisco content with increasing salinity up to 200 mM NaCl, but there was a marked increase in the levels of pyruvate, Pi dikinase, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (possibly in response to sensitivity of these enzymes and C4 cycle function to increasing salinity). The decline in photosynthesis on a leaf area basis was compensated for on a per leaf basis, up to 200 mM NaCl, by the increase in leaf size. The influence of salinity on plant development and the C4 system in Bienertia is discussed.
Outcomes of hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in technically challenging cases

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the outcomes of hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with significant complicating clinical factors. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 322 hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy cases that were completed at a single institution from 1998 to 2004. Patients with a history of extensive abdominal surgery or prior procedures on the affected kidney, evidence of perirenal inflammation, renal lesions 10 cm or more in diameter, or level I renal vein thrombus were included. Results A total of 42 patients were included in this series. Of these, 16 patients had a lesion 10 cm or larger, 10 had a renal vein thrombus, and 10 had undergone prior major abdominal surgery. Many patients had more than one complicating factor. Another 6 patients had a history of prior renal procedures or chronic inflammatory processes involving the affected kidney. One Stage T4 renal tumor with paraspinous muscle invasion was successfully managed without conversion. The overall mean operative time and estimated blood loss was 235 minutes and 439 mL, respectively, with a mean hospital stay of 4 days. Four patients (9.5%) required open conversion (one renal hilar injury, two failure to progress, and one persistent bleeding from the renal fossa). Postoperative complications included pulmonary embolism in 1, ileus in 1, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation in 1 patient. One patient developed an incarcerated port site hernia requiring reoperation. Conclusions Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy is an attractive minimally invasive option in the setting of significant complicating factors. This technique may facilitate the successful laparoscopic completion of these challenging cases with reasonable operative times, blood loss, and complication rates.
FinFET Logic Circuit Optimization with Different FinFET Styles: Lower Power Possible at Higher Supply Voltage

Recently, FinFETs have attracted a lot of attention as a promising alternative to planar transistors, owing to their superior performance, lower leakage, and better tolerance of process variations. FinFETs come in different styles, among which shorted-gate (SG) and asymmetric gate-work function shorted-gate (ASG) are two of the most important ones. SG FinFET based standard cells are the fastest among all styles. However, ASG FinFET based standard cells have two orders of magnitude lower leakage. For cells of the same size, they have the same layout and, hence, the same area. We present a delay-constrained power optimization methodology in which the negligible amount of leakage power consumed by ASG cells plays a pivotal role. We use a higher supply voltage (VDD) to reduce the delay of ASG logic circuits so that they become delay-competitive with SG logic circuits. This does increase the dynamic power consumption. However, the reduction in leakage power is so drastic that total power still goes down. The overall area may increase. Thus, a higher VDD enables a power- area tradeoff under a delay constraint. What is unusual about this scenario is that a higher VDD leads to lower total power under the same delay. We also evaluate hybrid FinFET logic circuits that contain a mix of SG and ASG cells operating at the same VDD. They yield other interesting points in the area- delay-power space. The advantage of our methodology is more pronounced at higher temperatures since leakage becomes a greater fraction of total power at higher temperatures (dynamic power barely increases with temperature in FinFET circuits whereas leakage power grows exponentially). For example, at 373K, when we compare SG FinFET circuits operating at 0.9V to ASG FinFET circuits operating at 1.0V, the latter consume, on an average, 47.0% less total power at the expense of a 6.9% area increase. When we compare SG FinFET circuits operating at 0.9V with hybrid circuits, which contain a mix of SG and ASG standard cells all operating at 0.9V, the latter consume, on an average, 31.7% less total power at the expense of a 10.8% area increase. Since the two approaches often complement each other, if the better of the two results is chosen, then at 373K, the power reduction is 50.0%, however, at the expense of a 9.9% area increase.
Sibling relationships and best friendships in young adulthood: Warmth, conflict, and well-being

Although much work addresses the importance of siblings and friendships in separate investigations, few studies simultaneously examine both relationships. Young adults (N= 102, M age = 18.7) were surveyed about their friendships, their sibling relationships, and their psychological well-being (assessed by self-esteem and loneliness). Participants with harmonious (high warmth, low conflict) sibling relations and same-gender friends had the highest well-being. Participants with affect-intense (high warmth, high conflict) sibling relationships had low well-being. However, participants who had low-involved (low warmth, low conflict) and affect-intense same-gender friendships did not differ in well-being. When examining joint effects, having a harmonious same-gender friendship compensated for having a low-involved sibling relationship, but having harmonious sibling relations did not compensate for having low-involved friendships. Overall, the results underscore the importance of positive and negative relationship properties and the joint effects of multiple relationships.
Future and non-future modal sentences

In this paper, I argue for two principles to determine the temporal interpretation of modal sentences in English, given a theory in which modals are interpreted against double conversational backgrounds and an ontology in which possible worlds branch towards the future, The Disparity Principle requires that a modal sentence makes distinctions between worlds in the modal base. The Non- disparity Principle requires that a modal sentence does not make distinctions on the basis of facts settled at speech time. Selection of the modal base will set these principles against each other, or allow for their cooperative interaction. For a root modal base, there is a conflict and disparity wins. The resulting interpretation is future. For a non-root modal base, the principles cooperate. Non-disparity determines a non-future interpretation and disparity requires the sentence to go beyond what is known by the speaker.
Non-monotonic dependence of electronic relaxation rate on solvent viscosity

Abstract Electronic relaxation processes in solution in which intramolecular potential barriers to reactive motion are absent are modelled by brownian motion of a solute particle on a harmonic surface with a position-dependent sink. The resulting Fokker—Planck equation with the sink term is solved by generating stochastic trajectories. We find that the rate constant for population decay is a non-monotonic , function of solvent friction. The Smoluchowski equation is found to overestimate the rate significantly in the low-friction regime.
Physicochemical and kinetic properties of unique isozymes of UDP-Glc pyrophosphorylase that are associated with resistance to sweetening in cold-stored potato tubers

Summary Isozymes of UGPase with unique catalytic properties were purified from the cold-induced-sweetening (CIS) resistant cultivar Snowden (Solanum tuberosum). Two distinct peaks of UGPase activity were obtained when protein extracts were subjected to anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel. Polypeptides in the first eluted fraction (A-I) were ionically similar to the UGPase isozyme UGP3 previously purified and characterized from the cold-sweetening sensitive cultivar Norchip (Sowokinos et al. 1993, Plant Physiol 101: 1073-1080). Seventy-two percent of the total endogenous UGPase activity in Snowden (cv.) tubers, however, was found in a more basic protein fraction (A-II) that is not found in the Norchip cultivar. This study reports on the physicochemical and kinetic properties of these new polypeptides that demonstrate UGPase activity. The reaction in the direction of UDP-Glc synthesis was specific for the substrates Glc-1-P and UTP and there was an absolute requirement for Mg2+ ions. The catalytic properties of UGP5 were markedly different from UGPase isozymes previously described in terms of (1) affinity for the substrate Glc-1-P, (2) pH optimum, (3) maximum reaction velocity and (4) sensitivity to product inhibition with UDP-Glc. Chi-square analysis of fifty-four genetically diverse potato lines revealed that resistance to CIS was highly correlated with the presence of the A-II isozymes of UGPase. The kinetic properties of these unique forms of UGPase may underlie, in part, a tuber's ability to resist sweetening in the cold.
A convenient route to α,β-unsaturated methyl ketones application to retinal analogue synthesis

Abstract Deprotonated ketimines 1a , b add to aldehydes and ketones to provide tri- and tetra-substituted α,β-unsaturated methyl ketones 2a , b with substantial percentage of Z -geometry which are not readily accessible by other methods.
How the Circadian Rhythm Affects Sleep, Wakefulness, and Overall Health: Background for Understanding Shift Work Disorder

It is estimated that 15 to 25% of the U.S. labor force works night, evening, or rotating shifts. These non-traditional schedules can affect the circadian rhythm, a self-sustained rhythm of biological processes that plays an important role in modulating sleep/wake function, resulting in circadian rhythm sleep disorder, shift work type, usually referred to as shift work disorder. The disorder consists of a constant or recurrent pattern of sleep interruption that results in insomnia when sleep is needed and excessive sleepiness during waking hours. Clinicians need more information about the role of the circadian rhythm in human functioning as well as the pathophysiology, prevalence, and consequences of shift work disorder, so that they can recognize and diagnose this problem in clinical practice.
The impact of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and the metabolic syndrome on progression of fibrosis in patients with recurrent HCV after liver transplantation.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the metabolic syndrome (MS) have been shown to play a role in disease progression and response to therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of coexisting NAFLD and MS on the progression of fibrosis in patients with recurrent HCV treated with interferon (IFN)/ribavirin after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). From 1998 to 2004, a total of 418 patients underwent OLT in our center for HCV-related cirrhosis. Thirty-five patients with recurrent HCV on IFN/ribavirin treatment, who had at least 2 posttransplant liver biopsies at least 6 months apart, were included in the study. Patients who had MS at the time of their first posttransplant biopsy were identified. The first and last posttransplant biopsies were assessed for the presence and severity of NAFLD, grade of inflammation, and stage of fibrosis. The fibrosis progression rate (FPR) was calculated and expressed in fibrosis units per month (FU/mo). Among 35 patients, 34% were diagnosed with NAFLD in the first posttransplant biopsy. The mean FPR was 0.05+/-0.16 FU/mo in the presence of NAFLD compared to 0.07+/-0.10 FU/mo in its absence (P=.68) and 0.03+/-0.06 FU/mo in the presence of MS versus 0.10+/-0.15 FU/mo in its absence (P=.06). When FPR values were divided into two categories of or=0.16 FU/mo (below/above the 25% upper quartile) or or=0.08 FU/mo (below/above the 50% upper quartile), there was no correlation between FPR categories and the presence of NAFLD with or without MS, only MS, or the absence of both in the first liver transplant biopsy (P=.13). Coexisting NAFLD or MS had no significant effect on the progression of fibrosis after OLT in patients with treated hepatitis C after OLT.
Raccoon Mountain Pumped-Storage Plant - Ten Years Operating Experience

Operational experience at the 1 530 MW Raccoon Mountain underground pumped-storage plant can be relevent to other large hydro facilities. A number of unusual features were incorporated and individual unit size was only recently overtaken elsewhere. Direct water cooling of rotor and stator windings has been successfully applied to salient pole machines. A number of problems, including difficulties with oil-filled 161 kV current transformers, and some mechanical aspects, are reported. Designed for remote supervisory control, the plant has required closer attention. Operating statistics are included.
An Electric Field Meter And Temperature Measurement Techniques For The Power Industry

Three types of sensors are discussed which take advantage of the dielectric properties of optical fibers to measure electric field and temperature in electric power systems. An electrically isolated de electric field sensor is described, and analytical and experimental results related to free space field measurement in the presence of space charge currents are presented. Accurate measurements can be made over a dynamic range of 105, and errors less than 10% are observed in space charge environment. A simple, all dielectric fiber electroscope for measurement of high intensity ac fields is briefly described. Concepts for distributed temperature sensing along the length of a power conductor are proposed and constraints due to optical power limitations in an OTDR readout are presented.© (1987) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Quantifying the diffused benefit from water fluoridation in the United States.

Abstract –Objective: To estimate the total contribution of water fluoridation to caries reduction by including the benefit from the diffusion of fluoride from fluoridated communities to surrounding nonfluoridated communities via the export of bottled beverages and processed foods. Methods: We analyzed data from the 1986–87 NIDR Children's Survey for 18 507 school children aged 6–17 years who had at least one permanent tooth and for whom a complete fluoride exposure history could be created. To measure water fluoridation exposure, we generated continuous and categorical exposure variables. Years of fluoridation exposure (YFE-continuous) measured the number of years the child lived at residences receiving fluoridated water. Lifetime fluoridation exposure (LFE-categorical) was high if the child lived at residences receiving fluoridated water more than 50% of his life and low, otherwise. We summed the proportion of state population receiving fluoridated water times the number of years the child had lived in each state and then divided this value by the child's age to measure diffusion exposure (DE). We grouped DE into three levels: low (DE =0.55). For each level of DE, we compared the age-adjusted mean DMFS for high and low LFE. In addition we used linear regression to measure the association between DMFS and YFE while controlling for DE, age, exposures to other fluoride sources, and sociodemographic variables. Reported results are significant at P<0.05. Results: Comparison of mean DMFS scores found that the direct benefit of water fluoridation (DMFSLFE=low– DMFSLFE=high) was 1.44 surfaces among low DE children and 0 among high DE children. The diffused benefit (DMFSLFE=low, DE=low– DMFSLFE=low, DE=high) was 1.23 surfaces. The regression results were similar and indicated that the direct benefit would be 1.44 fewer DMFS for low DE children and the indirect benefit would be 1.09 fewer DMFS for high DE children. Conclusion: Failure to account for the diffusion effect may result in an underestimation of the total benefit of water fluoridation, especially in high diffusion exposure regions.
Dynamical Tropical Cyclone Track Forecast Errors. Part II: Midlatitude Circulation Influences

Abstract All highly erroneous (>300 n mi or 555 km at 72 h) Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS) and U.S. Navy version of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory model (GFDN) tropical cyclone track forecasts in the western North Pacific during 1997 are examined. Error mechanisms that are more related to midlatitude circulations are described in this paper and those errors that predominantly occur while the tropical cyclone (TC) is still in the Tropics are addressed in a companion paper. Responsible error mechanisms are described by conceptual models that are all related to known tropical cyclone motion processes that are being misrepresented in the dynamical models. As in the companion paper, characteristics and symptoms in the forecast tracks and model fields that accompany these frequently recurring error mechanisms are documented and illustrative case studies are presented. Whereas 21 GFDN forecasts were degraded by an improper prediction of a midlatitude system evolution, o...
Exact Solution for Dynamic Oscillations of Re-Entry Bodies

Equations of Momentum, Heat and Mass Transfer in Laminar Boundary Layer Flow," Bulletin, No. 40,1967, Engineering Experiment Station, Oregon State Univ., Corvallis, Ore. 5 Ives, D, C, "An Approximate Solution of the Boundary Layer Equations Using the Method of Parametric Differentiation," AFOSR 67-1512,1967, MIT, Fluid Dynamics Research Lab., Cambridge, Mass. 6 Rubbert, P. E. and Landahl, M. T., "Solution of Nonlinear Flow Problems through Parametric Differentiation," The Physics of Fluids, Vol. 10, No. 4, 1967, pp. 831-835. 7 Piercy, N. A. V. and Preston, G. H., "A Simple Solution of the Flat Plate Problem of Skin Friction and Heat Transfer," Philosophical Magazine, Vol. 21, No. 143, May 1936, pp. 995-1005.
Fast concurrent object localization and recognition

Object localization and recognition are important problems in computer vision. However, in many applications, exhaustive search over all object models and image locations is computationally prohibitive. While several methods have been proposed to make either recognition or localization more efficient, few have dealt with both tasks simultaneously. This paper proposes an efficient method for concurrent object localization and recognition based on a data-dependent multi-class branch-and-bound formalism. Existing bag-of-features recognition techniques which can be expressed as weighted combinations of feature counts can be readily adapted to our method. We present experimental results that demonstrate the merit of our algorithm in terms of recognition accuracy, localization accuracy, and speed, compared to baseline approaches including exhaustive search, implicit-shape model (ISM), and efficient sub-window search (ESS). Moreover, we develop two extensions to consider non-rectangular bounding regions-composite boxes and polygons-and demonstrate their ability to achieve higher recognition scores compared to traditional rectangular bounding boxes.
Restoration of the cortical mantle in severe feline hydrocephalus: a new laboratory model.

SUMMARY A new laboratory model for studying alterations of brain volume in treated feline hydrocephalus is described, and analogous alterations are documented in human neonatal hydrocephalus. It is hoped that these research techniques will open up new areas for future study. RESUME Un nouveau modele de laboratoire pour l'etude des alterations du volume cerebral de l'hydrocephalie traitee du chat est decrit ainsi que des alterations analogues dans l'hydrocephalie humaine neonatale. Les auteurs souhaitent que ces techniques de recherches ouvrent des voies pour des etudes futures. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Ein neues Labormodell zur Untersuchung von Veranderungen des Hirnvolumens bei behandeltem Hydrocephalus der Katze wird beschrieben und es werden analoge Veranderungen beim menschlichen Neugeboren-Hydrocephalus dargestellt. Man hofft, das diese Untersuchungstechniken neue Gebiete fur weitere Studien offnen werden. RESUMEN Se describe un nuevo modelo para estudiar las alteraciones en el volumen cerebral en hidrocefalos tratados en felinos, y se documentan alteraciones analogas en la hidrocefalia neonatal humana. Se espera que esta tecnica de investigacion abra nuevos campos para futuros estudios.
Depolarized Rayleigh scattering of dilute polymer solutions

Abstract We have studied the time-correlation function associated with depolarized Rayleigh scattering in dilute polymer solution starting from a general expression, we have reduced the time-correlation function of polarizability to two parts: one involving the overall rotation of the whole molecule and the other the local segmental motion modulated by overall rotation. The time-correlation function for segmental motion is expressed in terms of reorientation of chain segments through angles of arbitrary size.
Evaluation of two sources of soluble HL-A antigens: platelets and serum.

Platelets and human serum have been evaluated as sources for extraction of soluble HL-A antigens. 3 M KCl was found to efficiently solubilize HL-A antigens from platelets with a recovery ranging between 50 and 100 %. However, because of the low density of HL-A determinants on platelets, the yield of soluble antigens is low, as only 1 mg of protein can be recovered from 1 × 109 platelets. Thus, while it is difficult to solubilize sufficient antigens from platelets for chemical characterization, it is possible to use these materials for biological applications such as pretreatment of kidney recipients. Soluble HL-A antigen is present in human serum, since following extensive ultracentrifugation, it can still effectively inhibit the cytotoxic activity of HL-A alloantisera. The same HL-A specificities were found to be present in varying amounts among different donors. Partial purification of such antigens can be achieved by ion-exchange chromatography of serum on QAE-Sephadex.
Model of Spatial Market Areas and Transportation Demand

A model of transportation demand and the interrelated supply decisions of agricultural shippers is derived over a geographic space. These shippers use prices to procure grain and to make output, mode, and market decisions. Each decision is affected by the characteristics of the region and the level of spatial competition between the shipper and its rivals. All of these factors are integrated into the model of derived demand and spatial competition. The model is applied to data that represent barge elevators on the upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to estimate transportation demands and gathering areas. The results provide demand elasticity estimates for annual volumes between -1.4 and -1.9, which are sizably larger than previous estimates of similar traffic. The results also indicate that inbound transportation rates to the barge shipper as well as distance to the nearest competitor have a significant influence on annual volumes. A second model, explaining the size of the market areas of elevators, is also estimated. The rates of alternative modes that compete for barge traffic as well as distance to the nearest competitor influence market areas. The results provide for a strong argument that transportation demands are elastic and that spatial market areas vary substantially with transportation rates.
The diagnostic utility of Sudoscan for distal symmetric peripheral neuropathy

Abstract Aims Diagnosis of early distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) is challenging. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are often normal. Skin biopsy for intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) has better sensitivity, but is invasive. Sudoscan is a novel technology that measures electrochemical skin conductance (ESC; microSiemens, μS), which is thought to be proportionate to the number of functional sweat glands. This study evaluated Sudoscan's diagnostic utility for DSP. Methods 55 patients with suspected DSP (22 with diabetes, 2 prediabetes, 31 idiopathic) and 42 controls underwent the Utah Early Neuropathy Scale (UENS) and Sudoscan. Each was offered skin biopsy. DSP participants underwent quantitative sudomotor axon reflex testing (QSART) and NCS. Results Feet and hands ESCs were reduced among DSP participants compared to controls (64±22 vs. 76±14 μS p Conclusions Sudoscan is a promising diagnostic test for diabetic and idiopathic DSP, with diagnostic performance similar to IENFD.
Religion and Sex Among College Freshmen: A Longitudinal Study Using Facebook

The purpose of this study was to use the social networking site Facebook to explore the relationship between religion and sex in emerging adults. Public profiles were examined at four Time points during freshman year. One hundred fifty profiles were analyzed for self-displayed religious affiliation, references to religiosity, and references to sexual behavior. Analyses included mixed-effects logistic regression, mixed-effects Poisson regression, and nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Displayed religious affiliation and references to sexual behavior decreased over the year. References to religiosity slightly increased. Across all Time points, displayers of religiosity had 65% fewer sexual references compared with non-displayers. Facebook is a venue to evaluate how emerging adults are displaying the relationship between religion and sex over time.
Advocating for Science Writing Cooperatives in Graduate Programs

Pressure to publish “early and often” and secure grant money for research is an immediate and urgent goal upon entering a graduate program. How we respond to these pressures and our ability to meet such expectations determines our future success as scientists. As graduate students we feel that the pressure to produce high-quality science writing is not matched with the training necessary to succeed as a professional writer. Acknowledging this discrepancy between training and expectations, we formed a peer writing group for developing science writing skills. This experience so profoundly altered our approach to writing that we feel similar groups would be beneficial for every graduate student. Here, we suggest a solution for fostering superior student writing in graduate programs with minimal time investment by establishing science writing cooperatives.
Next Generation Intel¯ Core™ Micro-Architecture (Nehalem) Clocking

This paper describes the core and I/O clocking architecture of the next generation Intelreg Coretrade micro-architecture processor (Nehalem), designed on a 45 nm process technology. Local PLL placement provides modularity and power-efficient scalability by allowing independent frequency and voltage domains. Fast-locking, low-skew PLLs are used to achieve 56% lock time reduction and 30% long-tem jitter improvement. Adaptive frequency, supply, and duty cycle mechanisms combine for up to 5% core frequency gain at iso-voltage. Jitter attenuating DLLs with enhanced linearity and plusmn15% duty cycle correction drive a differential, low-swing I/O receiver clock distribution, reducing jitter by 25% and enabling 25.6 GB/s Intelreg QuickPath Interconnect bandwidth and three-channel DDR3 traffic up to 32 GB/s.
The Detection of Anti-D in Rho (D)-negative Infants Born of Rho (D)-positive Mothers

It has not been determined whether Rho (D)-negative infants born of Rho (D)-positive mothers are sensitized during gestation or during parturition. Sensitization before use precludes the efficacious use of human Rho immune globulin as a prophylactic. The purpose of the present study is to identify the time of sensitization. Cord blood was collected from the placentas of 68 Rho (D)-negative infants whose mothers were Rho (D)-positive. Sixty-three of the 68 infants had one blood sample obtained between 1 and 9 months later. The paired samples were analyzed for anti-D by standard Coombs test and by automated antibody detection techniques. With the technique of automated antibody detection, we have been unable to demonstrate antibody in cord blood of the Rho (D)-negative infants of whom at least 7 of 63 (11%) had detectable anti-D between 1 and 9 months of age. These data show that Rho (D)-negaitve infants do not have detectable antibody at birth but may develop detectable anti-D in the first months of life. This observation suggests that the sensitizing dose of Rho (D) antigen occurs at parturition rather than during gestation.
Combinatorial interpretations of congruences for the spt-function

Let spt(n) denote the total number of appearances of the smallest parts in all the partitions of n. In 1988, the second author gave new combinatorial interpretations of Ramanujan’s partition congruences mod 5, 7 and 11 in terms of a crank for weighted vector partitions. In 2008, the first author found Ramanujan-type congruences for the spt-function mod 5, 7 and 13. We give new combinatorial interpretations of the spt-congruences mod 5 and 7. These are in terms of the same crank but for a restricted set of vector partitions. The proof depends on relating the spt-crank with the crank of vector partitions and the Dyson rank of ordinary partitions. We derive a number of identities for spt-crank modulo 5 and 7. We prove the surprising result that all the spt-crank coefficients are nonnegative.
Nucleation and Growth of Lead Titanate from a Glass

The temperature dependence of the rate of growth of PbTiO2 crystals from a PbO-B2O3-TiO2 glass was experimentally determined. The Brown-Ginell equation describing the temperature dependence of the growth rate provided an excellent fit for the data. The activation energy for the growth of PbTiO3 crystals was 34 kcal per mole. Within the same temperature range the activation energy for viscous flow was 75 kcal per mole. Differential thermal analyses of both powdered and solid samples of glass showed that the exotherm associated with crystal growth occurred at 100° to 150°C below that of the maximum rate of crystal growth and corresponded to a temperature at which the rate of surface nucleation was relatively high although the rate of crystal growth was low.