cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applying Power System Stabilizers Part I: General Concepts

The general concepts associated with applying power system stabilizers utilizing shaft speed, ac bus frequency, and electrical power inputs are developed in this first part of a three-part paper. This lays the foundation for discussion of the tuning concepts and practical aspects of stabilizer application in Parts II and III. The characteristics of the "plant" through which the power system stabilizer must operate are discussed and the implications upon stabilizer tuning and performance are noted. A general approach for analyzing stabilizers utilizing an arbitrary input signal is described and applied to the frequency and electrical power input signals.
Poly(9,9-dihexylfluorene) layers grown via surface-directed Ni(0) condensation polymerization.

Poly(9,9-dihexyl fluorene) (PF) layers have been grown from modified silicon and quartz surfaces using Ni(0)-mediated coupling polymerization reactions. The surfaces were functionalized using a sil...
Effects of chronic interpersonal stress exposure on depressive symptoms are moderated by genetic variation at IL6 and IL1β in youth.

Aims Close to one third of patients with major depression show increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are in turn associated with risk for inflammatory disease. Genetic variants that enhance immune reactivity may thus enhance inflammatory and depressive reactions to stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate a trio of functional SNPs in the promoter regions of IL6 (-174G>C, rs1800795), IL1β (-511C>T, rs16944), and TNF (-308G>A, rs1800629) as moderators of the relationship between chronic stress exposure and elevations in depressive symptoms.
Permeabilities of Precambrian Onverwacht cherts and other low permeability rocks

Permeability and porosity of Precambrian Onverwacht cherts and other low permeability rocks, discussing geological origin of rock-contained organic compounds
Three dimensional segmentation of fluorescence microscopy images using active surfaces

Three dimensional image volumes collected using optical microscopy exhibit many characteristics that cause difficulty in segmentation. These include decreasing image contrast with increasing tissue depth, poor edge detail with regard to cellular structures, and limited spatial resolution. This paper describes a three dimensional segmentation method utilizing active surfaces to segment microscopy image volumes. We demonstrate this method on a three dimensional sequence of images acquired from stationary/stabilized kidney tissue of a rat. Results from this method are compared against a prior pseudo-three dimensional segmentation method that analyzes slices on a single image-by-image basis, as well as against another native three dimensional segmentation method.
Supernova Remnants in the Magellanic Clouds. IX. Multiwavelength Analysis of the Physical Structure of N49

We present a multiwavelength analysis of the supernova remnant N49 in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Using high-resolution Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 images of Hα, [S II], and [O III] emission, we study the morphology of the remnant and calculate the rms electron densities in different regions. We detect an offset of [O III] and Hα emission peaks of about 0.5'' and discuss possible scenarios that could give rise to such high values. The kinematics of the remnant is analyzed by matching individual kinematic features in the echelle spectra obtained at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory with the morphological features revealed in the WFPC2 images. We detect a narrow Hα emission component and identify it as diffuse preshock recombination radiation, and discrete broad emission features that correspond to the shocked gas in filaments. The overall expansion of the remnant is about 250 km s-1. The dense clouds are shocked up to line-of-sight velocities of 250 km s-1, and the less dense gas up to 300 km s-1. A few cloudlets have even higher radial velocities, reaching up to 350 km s-1. We confirm the presence of the cavity in the remnant and identify the center of explosion. Using archival Chandra and XMM-Newton data, we observe the same trends in surface brightness distribution for the optical and X-ray images. We carry out a spectral analysis of three regions that represent the most significant optical features.
Rapid generation and improvement of salt tolerance in photoperiod sensitive mangrove swamp rice varieties and breeding lines

Abstract A breeding procedure that greatly improves salt tolerance and the handling and rapid generation of photoperiod sensitive rice varieties which can be tested once a year under field conditions was studied. By shortening day length for 2 weeks after 6 weeks of growth, the plants were induced to flower within 2–4 weeks. This allows up to four generations to be produced in a year. A new breeding procedure involving photoperiod sensitive mangrove swamp rice varieties was therefore proposed as follows: (1) growing F 2 to F 4 under short days and dense spacing in the screenhouse, (2) growing F 5 to F 7 under natural saline mangrove swamp conditions and selecting for nearly fixed suitable morphological types. Salt tolerant individuals were selected by exposing the plants to 60 mM NaCl solution for 2 weeks before subjecting them to short days during the F 2 to F 4 generations. Mean salt tolerance increased with generation.
Studies on the mechanism of action of thyroid stimulating hormone on glucose oxidation.

Incubation of thyroid slices with added thyroid stimulating hormone results in an increase in the concentration of oxidized triphosphopyridine nucleotide. Since thyroid stimulating hormone also stimulates acetate and pyruvate oxidation, it is suggested that the previously reported increase in glucose oxidation is not a primary effect of thyroid stimulating hormone but results secondarily from the ability of this hormone to increase the TPN concentration in the thyroid. Attempts to demonstrate an effect of thyroid stimulating hormone on TPNH oxidase were unsuccessful, and it was not possible to stimulate glucose oxidation in thyroid homogenates fortified with TPN or TPNH. The amount of glucose oxidized by thyroid homogenates appeared to be a function of the concentration of TPN added. An effect of 3·4·1o−11M TSH was obtained when dog thyroid slices were used. This concentration is considered to be in the physiological range. Monoiodotyrosine and diiodotyrosine also stimulated glucose oxidation in thyroid slices. Acetylated thyroid stimulating hormone neither stimulated glucose oxidation in thyroid slices nor did it inhibit the action of one-tenth as much thyroid stimulating hormone. Thyroid glands obtained from guinea pigs injected with thyroid stimulating hormone for two days prior to sacrifice oxidized more glucose than did glands from control animals.
The relationship between force and focal complex development.

To adhere and migrate, cells must be capable of applying cytoskeletal force to the extracellular matrix (ECM) through integrin receptors. However, it is unclear if connections between integrins and the ECM are immediately capable of transducing cytoskeletal contraction into migration force, or whether engagement of force transmission requires maturation of the adhesion. Here, we show that initial integrin–ECM adhesions become capable of exerting migration force with the recruitment of vinculin, a marker for focal complexes, which are precursors of focal adhesions. We are able to induce the development of focal complexes by the application of mechanical force to fibronectin receptors from inside or outside the cell, and we are able to extend focal complex formation to vitronectin receptors by the removal of c-Src. These results indicate that cells use mechanical force as a signal to strengthen initial integrin–ECM adhesions into focal complexes and regulate the amount of migration force applied to individual adhesions at localized regions of the advancing lamella.
Determination of 6-benzyladenine in bean sprout by LC-ESI-IT-MS-MS

A rapid and sensitive method has been developed and validated to determine 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) residues in bean sprout using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometry. Liquid–liquid extraction, using acidified methanol, was used to isolate 6-BA from the sample matrix. The separation was carried out on a Zorbax SB C18 column (150 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm) with 0.1% acetic acid/methanol (25:75 v/v) as mobile phase in isocratic mode. The quantitation of 6-BA was based on fragmentation of the molecular ion at m/z 226.1 to a product ion at m/z 91.1. In addition, the recoveries of three extraction solvents by ultrasound extraction and conventional extraction method were compared, and it was found that acidified methanol as the extraction solvent was the best. The calibration curve was linear (r2 > 0.997) in the concentration range of 0.04–10.0 ng mL−1 with a lower limit of quantification of 0.5 ng g−1 for 6-BA in bean sprout. Intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 7.1 and 9.8%. Recoveries of 6-BA were between 85.0 and 88.5%. This assay has been successfully applied to the determination of trace 6-BA residues in bean sprout and monitoring the market in Ningbo, China.
Training for vigilance: repeated sessions with knowledge of results.

Abstract Two groups of subjects were run in a visual monitoring test, one with knowledge of results (KR) providing instant feedback of correct responses, commissive errors, and missed signals, and the other with no knowledge of results (NKR). The groups were run for five 48-minute sessions on consecutive days, with a follow-up transfer session five weeks later. Results showed significant differences in detection rates between the groups on all five training sessions, but not on the transfer session. Detection rates increased significantly during the five training sessions for both groups, and at approximately the same rate. Commissive errors were significantly different only in the first two training sessions, with the KR subjects showing more false alarms. Commissive errors did not increase or decrease over time within sessions, or over the five training sessions.
A novel role for the CBF3 kinetochore-scaffold complex in regulating septin dynamics and cytokinesis.

In budding yeast, the kinetochore scaffold complex centromere binding factor 3 (CBF3) is required to form kinetochores on centromere DNA and to allow proper chromosome segregation. We have previously shown that SKP1 and SGT1 balance the assembly and turnover of CBF3 complexes, a cycle that we suggest is independent of its role in chromosome segregation (Rodrigo-Brenni, M.C., S. Thomas, D.C. Bouck, and K.B. Kaplan. 2004. Mol. Biol. Cell. 15:3366–3378). We provide evidence that this cycle contributes to a second, kinetochore-independent function of CBF3. In this study, we show that inhibiting the assembly of CBF3 causes disorganized septins and defects in cell polarity that give rise to cytokinesis failures. Specifically, we show that septin ring separation and disassembly is delayed in anaphase, suggesting that CBF3 regulates septin dynamics. Only mutations that affect the CBF3 cycle, and not mutants in outer kinetochore subunits, cause defects in septins. These results demonstrate a novel role for CBF3 in regulating cytokinesis, a role that is reminiscent of passenger proteins. Consistent with this possibility, we find that CBF3 interacts with Bir1p, the homologue of the passenger protein Survivin. Mutants in Bir1p similarly affect septin organization, leading us to propose that CBF3 and Bir1p act as passenger proteins to coordinate chromosome segregation with cytokinesis.
The Effects of Exotic Grasses on Litter Decomposition in a Hawaiian Woodland: The Importance of Indirect Effects

Exotic grasses and grass-fueled fires have altered plant species composition in the seasonal submontane woodlands of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. These changes have altered both structural and functional aspects of the plant community, which could, in turn, have consequences for litter decomposition and nitrogen (N) dynamics. In grass-invaded unburned woodland, grass removal plots within the woodland, and woodland converted to grassland by fire, we compared whole-system fluxes and the contributions of individual species to annual aboveground fine litterfall and litterfall N, and litter mass and net N loss. We assessed the direct contribution of grass biomass to decomposition and N dynamics, and we determined how grasses affected decomposition processes indirectly via effects on native species and alteration of the litter layer microenvironment. Grasses contributed 35% of the total annual aboveground fine litterfall in the invaded woodland. However, total litterfall mass and N were not different between the invaded woodland and the grass removal treatment because of compensation by the native tree Metrosideros polymorpha, which increased litter production by 37% ± 5% when grasses were removed. The 0.3 g N m−2/y−1 contained in this production increase was equal to the N contained in grass litter. Litter production and litterfall N was lowest in the grassland due to the loss of native litter inputs. Decomposition of litterfall on an area basis was highest in the grass-invaded woodland. We attributed this effect to increased inherent decomposability of native litter in the presence of grasses because (a) the microenvironment of the three vegetation treatments had little effect on decomposition of common litter types and (b) M. polymorpha litter produced in the invaded woodland decomposed faster than that produced in the grass removal plots due to higher lignin concentrations in the latter than in the former. Area-weighted decomposition was lowest in the grassland due to the absence of native litter inputs. Across all treatments, most litter types immobilized N throughout the incubation, and litter net N loss on an area basis was not different among treatments. Our results support the idea that the effects of a plant species or growth form on decomposition cannot be determined in isolation from the rest of the community or from the direct effects of litter quality and quantity alone. In this dry woodland, exotic grasses significantly altered decomposition processes through indirect effects on the quantity and quality of litter produced by native species.
Comparative aspects of the apparent Michaelis constant for neutral amino acid transport in several animal tissues

Abstract 1. 1. The apparent Michaelis constant, K m , for transport of a number of neutral amino acids has been compared between intestine, heart, brain and erythrocytes among a variety of animals using values available in the literature. 2. 2. Neutral amino acids with side chains containing 3, 4, 7 and 9 carbon atoms had approximately equal mean K m values when tested for intestinal transport among a variety of species; alanine appeared to have a mean K m value that was larger than those found for the first group, and glycine had a significantly greater mean K m than all of the other compounds tested. 3. 3. K m values for phenylalanine and tryptophan measured in rat heart were found to be close to the means measured for these substrates in intestine. 4. 4. The mean K m values measured in mammalian brain for each of the neutral amino acid substrates were found not to be significantly different from each other. 5. 5. When the means of K m values for the neutral amino acids tested were compared between intestine and brain, only the glycine means were shown to differ significantly between the organs. Based on data for several mammalian species, brain appears to have a greater average apparent affinity for glycine than does intestine. 6. 6. In the human erythrocytes and in a few other mammalian species, K m values for all neutral amino acids tested with exception of glycine were found to be similar in magnitude to each other and to the K m averages of neutral amino acids found in intestine for the series containing 3–9 carbon atoms. 7. 7. The K m value for glycine in the human erythrocyte was noted to be substantially lower in value than the averages for glycine in brain or intestine. 8. 8. Avian red blood cells appear to have high apparent affinity for neutral amino acid transport when compared with red cells of several mammalian species.
The psychological and socio-historical antecedents of violence: An africentric analysis

Violence as a construct is reviewed using an Africentric paradigm. Black male pathological models of violence are debunked while an alternative psychological and sociohistorical framework is presented. Nobles’s (1989) comparative world view schematic and Akbar’s (1989) conceptualization of Black/African identity are discussed while the definition of violence is broadened using Wilson’s (1991) analysis. Violence is thus explained as a vicious cycle that is a result of American values and social inequities.
HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF CYPROTERONE ACETATE IN MICE; MINIMAL ROLE OF METALLOTHIONEIN

Previously, we reported that the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate (CA) modifies cadmium (Cd) distribution and metallothionein (MT) induction in mice given a non-toxic dose of Cd (10 w mol Cd/kg, sc). We have also observed that CA pretreatment will reduce Cd toxicity in in vitro systems. Thus, since the liver is a primary target of acute Cd toxicity, the effects of CA pretreatment on the acute hepatotoxicity of Cd in vivo were studied in male C57 mice. Mice were pretreated with CA (10 mg/kg, sc, at - 48, - 24, and 0 h) prior to Cd (35 or 45 w mol Cd/kg, at 0 h). Cd alone (35 or 45 w mol Cd/kg) induced significant increases in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, indicative of hepatotoxicity, 24 h after injection. However, CA pretreatment either prevented (at 35 w mol Cd/kg) or significantly reduced (at 45 w mol Cd/kg) Cd-induced increases in serum ALT. Based on serum creatinine levels, Cd alone was not acutely nephrotoxic. Thus, CA pretreatment substantially reduced the hepatotoxic effects of Cd....
On double zeros ofx−tanh (a x+b)

The theory of complex variables is used to develop an exact closed-form expression, in terms of elementary quadratures, for that value ofa, for a given value ofb, for which the functionF(x)=x−tanh(ax+b) has a real double zero.
The potential of linked scanning at constant B/E for the rapid identification of cell culture products

Linked scanning mass spectrometry at constant B/E under unimolecular decomposition conditions has been used to confirm the presence of cinchonine as one of the major metabolites of a plant cell culture of Cinchona ledgeriana, demonstrating the potential of this technique as a general method for the analysis of metabolic products from cell and tissue cultures.
Endodermal sinus tumor originating in the region of the pineal gland. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study

This is a case report of an endodermal sinus tumor (EST) arising in the pineal region of a 19-year-old girl (first case studied by electron microscopy). The ultrastructure of the tumor was similar to that of the previously reported cases of EST of ovaries, mediastinum, and sacrococcygeal area. A characteristic basement membrane-like material has been identified within endoplasmic reticulum of tumor cells and in intercellular spaces. Alphafetoprotein has been detected in the spinal fluid of the patient by radioimmunoassays and within tumor tissue by immunohistochemical techniques. Combination therapy consisting of radiation, surgical decompression, chemotherapy (BCNU), and prednisone has been employed in the treatment of this patient without significant benefit. The patient expired three months after the surgery, no autopsy was obtained.
Zinc Deficiency, Malnutrition and the Gastrointestinal Tract

Recent clinical and experimental findings have reinforced the link among zinc deficiency, malnutrition and diarrheal disease. Because there is a strong association between protein and zinc content in virtually all types of foods, insufficient protein intake may often be the cause of zinc deficiency. Compensatory mechanisms operating in monogastric species during malnutrition are less effective for the absorption of transition divalent elements such as zinc, which remain bound to ligands of dietary or endogenous origin. Both protein and zinc deficiencies are strong negative determinants for normal cellular immunity. In zinc deficiency, the organism is more susceptible to toxin-producing bacteria or enteroviral pathogens that activate guanylate and adenylate cyclases, stimulating chloride secretion, producing diarrhea and diminishing absorption of nutrients, thus exacerbating an already compromised mineral status. In addition, zinc deficiency may impair the absorption of water and electrolytes, delaying the termination of normally self-limiting gastrointestinal disease episodes. The gastrointestinal tract may be one of the first target areas where zinc insufficiency may be manifested. A prolonged low zinc intake deprives the organism of the local potential beneficial effects of zinc, including interactions with oxidative free radicals and nitric oxide metabolism. Nitric oxide is a second messenger that plays an important part in the triggering of diarrheal disease. The possible interrelationship among infection, inflammation, free radical damage and its quenching by potential scavengers, such as zinc, in the intestinal lumen or within the enterocyte should be more extensively studied.
Ore's conjecture for k=4 and Grötzsch's Theorem

A graph G is k-critical if it has chromatic number k, but every proper subgraph of G is (k−1)-colorable. Let f k (n) denote the minimum number of edges in an n-vertex k-critical graph. In a very recent paper, we gave a lower bound, f k (n)≥(k, n), that is sharp for every n≡1 (mod k−1). It is also sharp for k=4 and every n≥6. In this note, we present a simple proof of the bound for k=4. It implies the case k=4 of two conjectures: Gallai in 1963 conjectured that if n≡1 (mod k−1) then $f_k (n)\tfrac{{(k + 1)(k - 2)n - k(k - 3)}} {{2(k - 1)}}$ , and Ore in 1967 conjectured that for every k≥4 and $n \geqslant k + 2,f_k (n + k - 1) = f(n) + \tfrac{{k - 1}} {2}(k - \tfrac{2} {{k - 1}})$ . We also show that our result implies a simple short proof of Grotzsch's Theorem that every triangle-free planar graph is 3-colorable.
Landscape trends in Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States ecoregions.

Landscape pattern and composition metrics are potential indicators for broad-scale monitoring of change and for relating change to human and ecological processes. We used a probability sample of 20-km × 20-km sampling blocks to characterize landscape composition and pattern in five US ecoregions: the Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain, Southeastern Plains, Northern Piedmont, Piedmont, and Blue Ridge Mountains. Land use/land cover (LULC) data for five dates between 1972 and 2000 were obtained for each sample block. Analyses focused on quantifying trends in selected landscape pattern metrics by ecoregion and comparing trends in land cover proportions and pattern metrics among ecoregions. Repeated measures analysis of the landscape pattern documented a statistically significant trend in all five ecoregions towards a more fine-grained landscape from the early 1970s through 2000. The ecologically important forest cover class also became more fine-grained with time (i.e., more numerous and smaller forest patches). Trends in LULC, forest edge, and forest percent like adjacencies differed among ecoregions. These results suggest that ecoregions provide a geographically coherent way to regionalize the story of national land use and land cover change in the United States. This study provides new information on LULC change in the southeast United States. Previous studies of the region from the 1930s to the 1980s showed a decrease in landscape fragmentation and an increase in percent forest, while this study showed an increase in forest fragmentation and a loss of forest cover.
PIPIDA scan diagnosis of traumatic rupture of the gallbladder.

Summary Eighteen days after injury, a patient was evaluated for bilious ascites with a 99m Tc-PIPIDA (paraisopropyliminodiacetic acid) scan. A ruptured gallbladder was shown, and this finding was confirmed at exploration. Radionuclide scanning offers a sensitive, non-invasive approach for delineating disruption of the biliary tract, and should be considered when such a defect is suspected.
Erosion of the healthy soldier effect in veterans of US military service in Iraq and Afghanistan

This research explores the healthy soldier effect (HSE) – a lower mortality risk among veterans relative to the general population—in United States (US) veterans deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan (OEF/OIF/OND). While a HSE has been affirmed in other OEF/OIF/OND populations, US veterans of OEF/OIF/OND have not been systematically studied. Using US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative data, we identified veterans who (1) had been deployed in support of OEF/OIF/OND between 2002 and 2011 and (2) were enrolled in the VA health care system. We divided the VA population into VA health care utilizers and non-utilizers. We obtained Department of Defense (DOD) administrative data on the OEF/OIF/OND population and obtained VA and DOD mortality data excluding combat deaths from the analyses. Indirect standardization was used to compare VA and DOD cohorts to the US population using total population at risk to compute the Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR). A directly standardized relative risk (DSRR) was calculated to enable comparisons between cohorts. To compare VA enrollee mortality on military specific characteristics, we used a DOD population standard. The overall VA SMR of 2.8 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.8-2.9), VA utilizer SMR of 3.2 (95% CI 3.1-3.3), VA non-utilizer SMR of 0.9 (95% CI 0.8-1.1), and DOD SMR of 1.5 (95% CI 1.4-1.5) provide no evidence of a HSE in any cohort relative to the US standard population. Relative to DOD, both the total VA population SMR of 2.1 (95% CI 2.0-2.2) and the SMR for VA utilizers of 2.3 (95% CI 2.3-2.4) indicate mortality twice what would be expected given DOD mortality rates. In contrast, the VA enrollees who had not used clinical services had 40% lower than expected mortality relative to DOD. No support was found for the HSE among US veterans of OEF/OIF/OND. These findings may be attributable to a number of factors including post-deployment risk-taking behavior, an abbreviated follow up period, and the nature of the OEF/OIF/OND conflict.
Stage-Level and Individual-Level distinction in morphological variation

This work examines the role of the stage-level (SL)/individual-level (IL) distinction applied to nouns in a case of morphosyntactic regularization in Spanish: variable reanalysis of the NP argument as subject in the presentational haber construction ( habia/habian perros ). We conduct variationist, quantitative analyses on all instances of existential haber with a plural NP in corpora of spoken Puerto Rican Spanish (>500,000 words) to determine the linguistic factor groups that promote reanalysis and, hence, pluralized forms. Results of variable rule analyses reveal that the SL-IL distinction constrains the regularization. IL predicates significantly favor haber regularization (e.g., habian muchas personas de las Antillas ‘there were a lot of people from the Antillas’) whereas SL predicates significantly disfavor pluralized forms ( este ano hubo menos tiros que en anos pasados ‘this year there were fewer shots fired than previous years’). These results are interpreted from within a usage-based framework in which the status of the noun introduced in the [ haber + NP] construction, as either a likely or unlikely subject for haber , influences the analogical leveling. IL predicates are more prototypical nouns than SL predicates because the former are temporally persistent. IL predicates promote nouns’ candidacy as subjects over direct objects because prototypical subjects present two temporally-persistent characteristics: independence existence and referentiality. As a result, IL predicates increase the likelihood of reanalyzing the direct object as subject, thus triggering agreement of the verbal form with plural NPs. SL predicates, on the other hand, because they display low temporal stability, inhibit regularization.
The parent-nurse relationship from the perspective of parents of children with cancer

Abstract This commentary reflects the views of Mrs N. Howlett, a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner, and Mrs Linda Casey, mother of 16-year-old Jeremy Casey who died from alveolar soft part sarcoma in 1992. Howlett and Casey had a parent-nurse relationship throughout the 13 months that Jeremy received treatment before his death. A brief history of Jeremy's care is followed by reflections from Howlett and Casey about their parent-nurse relationship. The kind of care they describe corresponds to what Romaniuk and Kristjanson have labeled “Caring Completely” and “Working Together.” Howlett agreed to initiate the interviews after she was identified by Casey in a separate study as a “From the Heart Caregiver.” The telephone interviews occurred 2 years after Jeremy died. The quoted segments describe key moments which took place throughout the treatment period from the parent perspective. Interpretive comments by Howlett (NH) introduce or follow the parent's (LC) comments.
Some comments to Cicero, De Natura Deorum II 37, 95-96: a fragment of Aristotle’s On Philosophy

A reconstruction of a likely theme in Aristotle’s On Philosophy with the help of its echo in Seneca, Dio Chrysostomus, Synesius and Psellus. Cicero’s, De Natura Deorum II 37, 95-96, might well be considered an authentic fragment of the Aristotelian On Philosophy .
Prevalence of Lymphedema in Women With Breast Cancer 5 Years After Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy or Axillary Dissection: Objective Measurements

Purpose Sentinel lymph node biopsy was adopted for the staging of the axilla with the assumption that it would reduce the risk of lymphedema in women with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term prevalence of lymphedema after SLN biopsy (SLNB) alone and after SLNB followed by axillary lymph node dissection (SLNB/ALND). Patients and Methods At median follow-up of 5 years, lymphedema was assessed in 936 women with clinically node-negative breast cancer who underwent SLNB alone or SLNB/ALND. Standardized ipsilateral and contralateral measurements at baseline and follow-up were used to determine change in ipsilateral upper extremity circumference and to control for baseline asymmetry and weight change. Associations between lymphedema and potential risk factors were examined. Results Of the 936 women, 600 women (64%) underwent SLNB alone and 336 women (36%) underwent SLNB/ALND. Patients having SLNB alone were older than those having SLNB/ALND (56 v 52 years; P < .0001). Baseline bod...
Origin of the northwestern Bahama Platform; review and reinterpretation

The origin of the Bahama Platform has been the subject of debate for more than a century. The major points of disagreement are (1) whether the Bahamian basement is continental or oceanic, and (2) the age and origin of the deep Bahama channels. Geophysical data indicate only that the Bahamian basement is of intermediate density, seismic velocity, and thickness. We propose that this basement was originally pre-Triassic continental material that was pervasively intruded by mafic and ultramafic material during the rifting of North America from Africa and South America in Late Triassic time. To alleviate the Bahama overlap in reconstructions of the North Atlantic we suggest that the Bahama Platform has been rotated approximately 25° to the northeast by the relative impinging motion of the Caribbean plate during Cretaceous and early Tertiary time. By accounting for this postulated rotation, the Bahama Platform forms an excellent fit between Africa and South America. We propose the following model for the origin of the northwestern Bahama Platform: (1) The platform is continental and was originally part of Africa. (2) Rifting of North America from Africa and South America began in the vicinity of the northwestern Bahamas during the Late Triassic, preceded by a large domal uplift of the continents that initiated the deep Bahama Channels as grabens. (3) The Bahama Platform rifted from Africa principally along a large right-lateral shear and thus evolved as a transcurrent-type continental margin. (4) During the incipient development of the deep Bahama channels, Late Triassic continental arkosic rudites and arenites were deposited at the base of these grabens; (5) Initial marine conditions in Early to Middle Jurassic time may have resulted in the deposition of salt and organic-rich shales in the channels due to restricted circulation. (6) With the onset of more open marine conditions 3 to 6 km of Jurassic to Holocene deep-water carbonate and bioclastic turbidite sediments were deposited in the channels. (7) Most of the intraplatform relief of the northwestern Bahamas appears to be the result of the build-up of the banks relative to the channels during regional subsidence.
Novel broadband multilayer microstrip directional couplers

Design method of novel multilayer, broadband six port microstrip directional coupler at VHF- UHF range for high power applications is given. Directional coupler is modeled and simulated with the method of moments based planar electromagnetic simulator on a two-layer Alumina substrate. It is shown that the high directivity and desired coupling level of the directional coupler are maintained within 300MHz of bandwidth using the proposed design method in this paper. Results of this work can be used in the design of broadband directional couplers for high power RF/Microwave applications.
Unusually high body mass in Virginia meadow voles

We used monthly capture–mark–recapture information to determine growth rates and life spans for 2 populations of meadow voles studied for 28 and 29 months in eastern Virginia in order to learn whether the exceptionally large body masses of some voles were due to rapid growth, long lives, or both. On 1 study grid, 64 males (19%) and 43 nonpregnant females (11%) were 70 g, with the largest male being 89 g. Mostly positive growth rates (averaging 1.1–3.9 g/month) were recorded, even in autumn and winter months, times when meadow voles are losing mass in northern populations, where most studies of body growth have been conducted. Periods of low mean body mass were associated with low population density more than high body mass was associated with high population density. Patterns of body mass dynamics were related more to season than to density in our populations. We concluded that the large body masses we observed in some voles were due more to long field lives than to unusually high rates of body growth.
Femtosecond-laser writing of photonic structures in zinc phosphate glasses

Good quality waveguides can be fabricated in zinc phosphate glasses with O/P ratios of 3.25 using the femtosecond-laser writing technique. Compositional effects, including the addition of Al 2 O 3 and rare-earth doping, are discussed as well as results on the fabrication of active devices.
Isobolographic assessment of the effects of combinations of phenylpropanolamine and fenfluramine on food intake in rats.

Abstract Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) suppresses appetite in rats via activation of α 1 -adrenergic receptors within the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVN). The serotonergic (5-HT) agonist fenfluramine (FEN) is thought to suppress appetite via stimulation of 5-HT release within the PVN rather than activation of adrenergic receptors. Whether a mixture of these neurochemically distinct anorexic drugs will serve as an effective appetite suppressant is unknown. In the present experiment, drug-drug interactions between PPA and FEN were explored using an isobologram technique. Fixed doses of PPA (0 vs. 5 mg/kg) were combined with various doses of FEN (1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/kg) and fixed doses of FEN (0 vs. 2.5 mg/kg) were combined with various doses of PPA (0, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg). Drug combinations were injected IP 30 min before a 1-h feeding trial in 16-h food-deprived rats. PPA and FEN were dose-additive in this paradigm, an outcome that supports the feasibility of a new appetite suppressant composed of a mixture of PPA and FEN.
Performance Analysis of Large Cylindrical Arrays Comprised of Subarray Panels

Using classical array theory this paper presents directivity, sidelobe, and bandwidth performance analysis over narrow and wide bandwidths in the microwave frequency region for several large cylindrical array configurations comprised of panel subarrays. The degree of main beam spreading, grating lobe levels, and directivity loss is presented for several designs involving trade-offs between true time delay beam scanning and phase shifter beam scanning. It is also shown that the grating lobes may be reduced with an amplitude taper across the array.
Diagnostic angiography skill acquisition with a secondary curve catheter: phase 2 of a curriculum-based endovascular simulation program

Background We have previously reported the efficacy of a simulator-based training paradigm for residents in neurosurgery with little or no prior experience in diagnostic cerebral angiography with straightfoward arch anatomy. This study investigates the utility of a simulation-based training curriculum for the acquisition of skills employing a secondary curve catheter to navigate more complex arch anatomy. Methods Residents at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) with moderate exposure to diagnostic angiography enrolled into a standardized Institutional Review Board-approved training protocol using SimSuite Compass and Simbionix simulators. The task involved (in order) forming the Simmons catheter in the left subclavian artery and then selecting the brachiocephalic, left common carotid and left vertebral arteries. Results All participants improved their total time to complete the task over the course from the first to last trial. Each milestone within the overall task also demonstrated an improvement across trials for each participant. Following the hands-on experience, participants’ rating of their knowledge of arch anatomy and vessel selection technique improved to that between competence and high competence (values of 3.3±0.49 (p Conclusions Residents became more proficient at vessel selection in a type II and bovine arch over a relatively compressed time period, with both objective and subjective data demonstrating acquisition of skill sets and increased confidence.
Power Equalization, Participative Decision-Making, and Individual Differences

This study examines the hypotheses that (a) subordinates' perceptions of participation in decision-making (PDM) is positively related to their perceived and desired power equalization (PE), in terms of hierarchical power differentials (HPD) between subordinates and superiors; (b) low-level participants' perceptions of the distribution of power within the organizational hierarchy reflect a zero-sum notion of power; and (c) subordinates' desire for participation and ability (in terms of education) moderate the relationship between PE and PDM. A sample of three hierarchical groups was selected from 40 stores of a large, retail drug company in the midwest: 40 store managers, 59 assistant managers, and 153 nonmanagerial employees. The results provide support for all three hypotheses. Implications of the findings for the exercise of power and effective management styles are discussed.
Gluconeogenic enzymes are differentially regulated by fatty acid cocktails in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells1

Abstract Expression of mRNA for pyruvate carboxylase (PC) is elevated at calving and during other physiological states when plasma NEFA concentrations are increased. The objective of this study was to determine the direct effects of fatty acids on expression of PC, cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C), mitochondrial PEPCK (PEPCK-M), and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) mRNA in Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells. Combinations of C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n-6 cis , C18:2n-6 cis , and C18:3n-3 cis were created to mimic the profiles and concentrations in serum from far-off dry cows and late postcalving intervals (PRPT), the profile at calving (CALV), and the profile observed in cows induced to express fatty liver at calving (IFL). The MDBK cells were exposed to fatty acid mixtures for 24h at the following concentrations: 0.25 and 0.5m M for PRPT; 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0m M for CALV; and 0.5 and 1.0m M for IFL. Cells exposed to PRPT had greater PEPCK-C and tended to have greater G6Pase mRNA than control cells. Exposure of cells to 0.25m M PRPT increased expression of PEPCK-C compared with cells exposed to 0.5m M PRPT. Expression of PC and PEPCK-M did not differ with exposure to PRPT. Expression of PEPCK-C was decreased and that of PEPCK-M and G6Pase mRNA increased linearly in response to CALV. The ratio of PC:PEPCK-C mRNA was increased by the IFL mixture and in response to increasing amounts of the CALV fatty acid mixture. Treatment of cells with CALV or IFL increased the sum of PC 5′ untranslated region (UTR) variants A, B, C, and F but did not alter PC 5′ UTR D and E expression. The changes in PEPCK-C, G6Pase, and PC mRNA and the ratio of PC:PEPCK-C observed in MDBK cells in response to fatty acids suggests a role for fatty acid concentration and profile in mediating the expression of key gluconeogenic enzymes.
Effects on Sport Fish Growth of Spatial and Temporal Variation in Age-0 Gizzard Shad Availability

Abstract Availability of age-0 gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum and length increments of piscivorous sport fishes (black crappies Pomoxis nigromaculatus, white crappies P. annularis, largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, and white bass Morone chrysops) were measured in five large Missouri reservoirs over several years to determine the effect of prey availability on sport fish growth. Two measures of prey availability were used: mean available age-0 gizzard shad biomass (GB), estimated from predator–prey size relationships, and mean fall total length of age-0 gizzard shad (GTL). These two measures were only correlated for age-1, -2, and -3 black crappies and age-1 white crappies. Annual length increments of age-classes of crappies and largemouth bass tended to increase asymptotically with GB; length increments increased linearly for age-2 white bass. Relationships between GB and sport fish length increments were relatively strong for crappies and weak for largemouth bass and white bass. The second measure...
Estrogen Control of Progesterone Receptor in Human Breast Cancer: Role of Estradiol and Antiestrogen*

Estrogen antagonists are widely used in the treatment of breast cancer, and studies of their mechanism of action may provide clues to an understanding of tumor growth regulation and mechanisms ofnormal estrogen action. We have used human breastcancer cells in long term culture as an in vitro model tostudy the roles of estradiol and the antiestrogens, tamoxifenand nafoxidine, on cell growth and progesteronereceptor (PgR) induction.
Crafting the observation model for regularized image up-sampling

The moving average is often used as an observation model for image interpolation, but is it a correct and accurate model for most circumstances? Are there other options? We present a novel theoretical analysis of the regularized image up-sampling problem focusing on the data fidelity term. We start with formulation of the physical acquisition processes the image has undergone and develop a generalized design for the correct and accurate data fidelity term for regularized image up-sampling.
Mapping fuels in the Chihuahuan Desert borderlands using remote sensing, geographic information systems, and biophysical modeling

This study integrated field, geographic information systems, and remotely sensed data to generate spatially explicit fuel maps for Big Bend National Park in Texas and the Maderas del Carmen Protected Area in Coahuila, Mexico. We used hierarchical cluster analysis, and classification and regression trees to (i) identify the dominant fuel types in each of the study areas and (ii) build spatially explicit predictive fuels maps. Four fuel types were identified that differed significantly in their live and dead fuel characteristics. Spectral characteristics, topographic position, soil moisture, and solar radiation were the major influences on fuel distribution patterns. Fine-fuel loads were highest in open woodlands on lower topographic positions that had high grass cover. The highest shrub loadings were found on exposed, upper topographic positions. Timber-type fuel loads with high 1, 10, 100, and 1000 hour fuels loads dominated high-elevation valley bottoms. The error rates of the maps were approximately 16%...
Effects of neonatal gonadal steroids on adult CA3 pyramidal neuron dendritic morphology and spatial memory in rats

The hippocampus is implicated in spatial cognition, which is sexually dimorphic and de- velopmentally sensitive to gonadal steroids. Previously we have shown a sex difference in CA3 pyramidal cell layer volume and neuronal soma size that was reversible with neonatal castration in males or prenatal treatment of females with either testosterone propionate (TP) or a nonaromatizable androgen, dihydrotestosterone propi- onate, but not estradiol benzoate, all of which correlated with adult water maze navigation. The present study further investigates developmental androgen sensitivity of CA3 pyramidal neurons by measuring dendritic mor- phology and its relation to adult spatial ability. Female rats were injected with TP on postnatal day (P) 3 and P5 or ovariectomized (OVX) on P2, and male rats were castrated on P2, with or without testosterone replace- ment (CasT). Sham surgery controls were also in- cluded. Animals were tested on a water maze in adult- hood, sacrificed, and CA3 pyramidal neurons were Golgi-stained and reconstructed in three dimensions us- ing a computer-interfaced morphometry system. High- androgen groups (control males, CasT, TP females) performed better in spatial navigation and exhibited CA3 neurons with longer dendrites, a larger number of dendritic branches, and volumes of influence compared to low-androgen groups (control females, castrated males, OVX). Collectively, these findings indicate that the critical time period for organizational effects of an- drogens on the CA3 pyramidal neurons includes both prenatal and postnatal life, during which time andro- gens regulate developmental events such as somal growth and neuronal differentiation, all of which signif- icantly contribute to establishing the sex difference in adult spatial navigation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neu-
Chemo- and baroresponses differ in African-Americans and Caucasians in sleep.

To determine sleep effects on baro- and ventilatory responses to transient chemo- and barostimulation in African-Americans and Caucasians, 26 nonobese normotensive young subjects (13 African-Americ...
Crowdsourcing A Real-World On-Line Query By Humming System

Systems able to find a song based on a sung, hummed, or whistled melody are called Query-By-Humming (QBH) systems. Tunebot is an online QBH web service and iPhone app that connects users to the desired recording on Amazon.com or iTunes. Tunebot’s searchable database is composed of thousands of usercontributed melodies. Melodies are collected from user queries, sung contributions and through contributions from on-line play of an associated iPhone Karaoke game: Karaoke Callout. In this paper we describe the architecture and workings of the paired systems, as well as issues involved in building a real-world, working music search engine from user-contributed data.
Despite Increasingly Formal Financial Management, Relatively Few Michigan Local Governments Have Adopted Recommended Policies

This report presents findings on the presence and use of formal financial planning and management policies in Michigan local jurisdictions, based on statewide surveys of local government leaders in the Spring 2014 wave of the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS). The survey asked a series of questions about policies that are recommended in order to foster best practices in financial management according to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), a leading non-profit organization that promotes professional management of governments.