cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sugarcane Internode Composition During Crop Development

Sugarcane sugar and bagasse can be utilized for the production of ethanol or other biofuels. A better understanding of the changes in composition with development along the stalk and with crop development will maximize the usage of sugarcane for this purpose. Two experiments were designed to elucidate internode composition changes during the growing season. In experiment 1, an internode of stalks of 5 modern cultivars were marked at the start of elongation, and then sampled every 1 to 2 weeks from July until October. Sugars were extracted and assayed, and a sequential detergent method was used to estimate hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin contents. In experiment 2, internodes 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 down the stalk were sampled in late July (grand growth) and late September (ripening). Internode length, fresh weight, dry weight, water content, and sugar contents were determined as well as cell wall composition. Both experiments were repeated in 2 years. As internodes elongated, total sugar increased, and hemicellulose decreased as a proportion of neutral detergent fiber, while cellulose and lignin increased. After elongation, sucrose and lignin increased, and cellulose content decreased with internode age. The variability in cell wall composition among the five cultivars suggests that selection for desirable composition may be possible. In Experiment 2, hemicellulose contents were lower, and lignin and ash contents were higher at ripening than during grand growth. Delaying sugarcane harvest to maximize sucrose content may decrease bagasse suitability for cellulosic ethanol production because of the increased lignin content.
The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990: A Policy Whose Time Has Come or Symbolic Legislation?

/ In 1990, the United States officially entered the era of pollution prevention with passage of the Pollution Prevention Act. This paper analyzes EPA's implementation of the Pollution Prevention Act from its passage in 1990 to the present. It examines the barriers EPA must overcome if it is to effectively integrate pollution prevention into its existing regulatory structure, including impediments created by statutory and organizational structure, the existing relationship between EPA and the groups it regulates, the fragmented implementation scheme of national environmental regulation, the balancing of conflicting demands advanced by powerful interests, industry's economic and technical concerns, and institutional inertia. It also examines issues such as industry commitment, the limits of prevention, and measurement concerns. The findings suggest that EPA's efforts at shifting to a pollution prevention regulatory ethic that holds primacy over pollution control are mixed. Its organizational structure, statutory authority, and incentives system still reflect a single-medium pollution control focus, appropriations for pollution prevention programs and activities are paltry compared to traditional pollution control programs, and participation in the program is voluntary. Yet, the findings also point to some promising programs that are working to institutionalize a pollution prevention regulatory ethic, and many states appear very committed to the concept.KEY WORDS: Pollution prevention; Source reduction; Pollution control; Alternative regulatory design; Barriers to implementation
Silk fibroin aerogels for drug delivery applications

Abstract Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural protein, derived from the Bombyx mori silkworm. Silk fibroin based porous materials are being extensively investigated for biomedical applications, due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. The results presented here demonstrate the potential of SF aerogels as drug delivery devices for the extended release of ibuprofen, a candidate drug. SF aerogels are loaded with of ibuprofen using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) at 40 °C and 100 bar. Differential scanning calorimetry of the ibuprofen-loaded SF aerogels indicates that the ibuprofen is amorphous. Scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis are used to investigate the morphology and textural properties. Phosphate buffer solution (PBS) soaking studies, at 37 °C and pH 7.4, reveal that SF aerogels do not swell nor exhibit any weight loss for up to 6 h, the lifetime of the release measurements performed in the present study. In vitro ibuprofen release in PBS, at 37 °C and pH 7.4, occurs over a 6-h period when the ibuprofen is loaded in SF aerogel discs that are 1.4 cm in diameter and 0.85 cm in height. In contrast, the dissolution of the same amount of pure ibuprofen occurs in 15 min. Furthermore, the release of ibuprofen from these SF aerogel discs are modeled using the Ritger–Peppas model which indicates that ibuprofen release follows Fickian diffusion.
The inheritance and association of resistance to rust, common bacterial blight, plant habit and foliar abnormalities in Phaseolus vulgaris L.

No antagonistic or synergistic interaction was found between isolates of Uromyces appendiculatus var. appendiculatus and Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli when inoculated to the same plant. A single dominant gene was suggested to control resistance to three isolates of rust in the crosses ‘Pompadour Checa’ × ‘Chichara’ and ‘Pompadour Checa’ × NE W-4. A two-gene model was confirmed for the reaction to the three rust isolates for the crosses ‘Pompadour Checa’ × ‘GN Tara’ and ‘Pompadour Checa’ × ‘San Cristobal’; a dominant (Urp) gene determined resistance and was epistastic to a dominant gene (Urt) for susceptibility. (Urt) was expressed only in the presence of recessive (urp) alleles. The reaction to common bacterial blight was quantitatively inherited and an association was detected with plant habit but not with rust reaction and leaf variegation. Plants with leaf variegation and crippled growth, were detected in the progeny of the cross ‘Pompadour Checa’ × ‘GN Tara’ and were controlled by duplicate recessive genes (mutatorunstable genes) and three genes, acting additively, respectively. The developmental expression of the latter trait varied considerably. Linkage was detected between genes controlling the variegated and the crippling traits.
Bandwidth extension for six-port reflectometers via a simple numerical method

A simple numerical method for extension of the bandwidth of six-port reflectometers is proposed. The bandwidth extension is accomplished through calculations and not by six-port design improvements. The method is tested on a microstrip integrated six-port reflectometer and results for different loads are presented. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mechanism of nitrite inhibition of cellular respiration inPseudomonas aeruginosa

One of the principal mechanisms of nitrite inhibition of cellular respiration has been considered to be the interference with the action of iron-containing enzymes. In procaryotic systems, the effect of nitrite on cellular metabolism remains unclear. This study provides evidence which shows a direct inhibition by a low concentration of nitrite on a highly purified oxidase inPseudomonas aeruginosa. The inhibition pattern was observed and was consistent at cellular, electron-transport membranous, and enzymic (oxidase) levels. This implies that the mechanism of nitrite inhibition on bacterial respiration is due to a direct inhibition at the terminal site of oxygen reduction. The uncompetitive inhibition pattern shown by nitrite strongly suggested a mechanism quite different from those of classic cytochrome oxidase inhibitors such as cyanide, azide, and carbon monoxide.
Insider trading law enforcement and gross spreads of ADR IPOs

Abstract Using American Depositary Receipt (ADR) IPOs from 34 countries during 1980–2004, we find that, on average, the enforcement of insider trading laws reduces the underwriter gross spread by 49–61 basis points, which is about 10–12% of the average gross spread for ADR IPOs. This relation is present regardless of whether issuers have a prior listing or whether issuers are from developed or emerging markets. The association becomes stronger for ADRs underwritten by less prestigious underwriters and for issuers that are involved in privatization. The political institutions in the issuers’ home markets also affect gross spreads.
Sexually compulsive men and inhibited sexual desire

Sexually compulsive males report extremely high rates of desire involving paraphiliac activity. Desire and arousal in partner sex is usually low or unstable. Cognitive-behavioral strategies and techniques are presented based on four components in the assessment/intervention process: 1) eliminating or reducing paraphiliac arousal; 2) sex education, changing sexual attitudes, self-disclosure, sexual assertiveness, and reduction of guilt and shame; 3) confronting secrecy and cognitive distortions, increasing empathy for victims, awareness of harm to others, and commitment to abstain from compulsive, abusive behavior; and 4) developing a healthy sexual desire and arousal pattern that nurtures and maintains an intimate relationship. The motivated male (especially with a partner he is comfortable with, attracted to, and trusts) can develop a pleasurable, erotic sexual pattern that allows him to maintain desire during partner sex.
Conformity and Dissonance in Generalized Voter Models

We generalize the voter model to include social forces that produce conformity among voters and avoidance of cognitive dissonance of opinions within a voter. The time for both conformity and consistency (which we call the exit time) is, in general, much longer than for either process alone. We show that our generalized model can be applied quite widely: it is a form of Wright’s island model of population genetics, and is related to problems in the physical sciences. We give scaling arguments, numerical simulations, and analytic estimates for the exit time for a range of relative strengths in the tendency to conform and to avoid dissonance.
Exploring Nonoffending Caregiver Satisfaction with a Children's Advocacy Center.

This study is a case evaluation research report on one Children's Advocacy Center that provides a coordinated response to allegations of child maltreatment, particularly sexual abuse. The data come from a mailed survey of nonoffending caregivers measuring their satisfaction with services provided through the Children's Advocacy Center. The results indicate overall satisfaction with the Children's Advocacy Center; however, they also suggest that the forensic interview may be perceived or experienced as distinct from the ongoing investigative and legal processes. Recommendations are made to better assess nonoffending caregiver satisfaction with Children's Advocacy Center services and to encourage consumer driven service improvement.
Compulsive buying, compulsive hoarding, and obsessive-compulsive disorder

McElroy, Keck, and Phillips (1995) hypothesized that compulsive buying belongs to a compulsive-impulsive spectrum and should be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This study compared compulsive buyers to noncompulsive buyers on hoarding and OCD symptoms. Compulsive buyers scored higher on both types of symptoms, but the relationship between buying and OCD was mainly mediated by hoarding. A measure of buying that emphasized financial consequences correlated highly with measures emphasizing the psychological function of possessions and the acquisition of free things (e.g., handouts at a lecture, free newspapers, etc.). The latter 2 buying measures were more closely associated with hoarding and OCD than the buying measure emphasizing financial concerns. A reconceptualization of compulsive buying is proposed incorporating the broader construct of acquisition.
7.3.1 A Complexity Typology for Systems Engineering

This paper shows how the literature on complexity is related to complex systems and to systems engineering. A framework for types of complexity is proposed that includes three types of structural complexity (size, connectivity, and architecture), two types of dynamic complexity (short-term and long-term), and one additional type, socio-political complexity. These types cover most of the characteristics of complexity mentioned in the reviewed literature; omissions are noted. It would be advantageous to identify specific measures of complexity so that the complexity of systems or development programs could be compared and tracked, and risks could be identified and mitigated. To this end an overview of systems engineering measurement is provided, followed by a discussion of how complexity types might be able to be measured. At this point, however, a composite measurement of the six types of complexity is not recommended.
Workload and psychological strain: A test of the French, Rodgers, and Cobb hypothesis

This study of a random sample of self-employed and non-self-employed dentists tests the French, Rodgers, and Cobb (1974) hypothesis, which predicts a curvilinear relationship between psychological strain and person-environment fit. Self-employed dentists had lower strain scores (based on measures of job satisfaction and self-esteem) and greater congruency in P-E fit (based on comparisons of preferred and typical hours in practice) than dentists who were not self-employed. The relationship between strain and P-E fit among self-employed dentists was curvilinear. Both self-esteem and job satisfaction were higher for dentists with a congruent fit between typical and preferred workload and lower for dentists with incongruent fit.
MULTIPLE PREDICTION OF COLLEGE GRADUATION FROM PRE-ADMISSION DATA

THE PURPOSE of this study was to investigate the practicality of predicting graduation of college students on the basis of information available prior to acceptance and matriculation. The subjects in the study were 659 men entering the University of Geor gia in September, 1959, without previous college ex perience. The data used included SAT scores, high school average, third of high school graduating class, number in high school graduating class, and the num ber of high school units earned in English, m at he matics, science, social studies, and foreign lan guages. The criterion used was whether or not the subjects graduated within five calendar years, that is, by August, 1964. Also used in a supplementary phase of the study were three variables which would not be obtainable until some time after the student entered college. These variables were first quarter grade average, first year grade average, and pro bationary status. The fact that the University of Georgia bases freshman admissions upon a predicted average ob tained through a multiple regression equation utiliz ing as predictors SAT-Verbal score, SAT-Mathema tics score, and high school average suggested to the writer the desirability of investigating a similar ap proach using probability of graduation instead of pre dicted first quarter grade average. The writer is not aware of any published studies which utilize the mul tiple correlation technique to predict college gradu ation or non-graduation. Ikenberry (4), Prediger (8), and Vorreyer (10) have carried out discriminant analysis studies in college level prediction. The ma jority of the predictive studies reported in the liter ature, however, deal with: either the prediction of college grade averages (1, 3, 6, 11); or a compari son of means or proportions of persisters and non persisters in which the predictor variables are dealt with one at a time (1, 5, 7, 9). There would be strong arguments in favor of ad mitting students at least partly on the basis of like lihood of graduation, if such could be done with rea sonable accuracy. This is not to suggest that grad uation or non-graduation represents complete attain ment or failure of attainment of personal or institu tional goals; then on the other hand, grade average at any particular point often tells us much less than we would like to know about a student's educational development. Any dichotomous criterion has certain disadvan tages including the inevitability of large errors in prediction. However, college graduation is a factor which influences both educators and students in an either-or fashion. For example, the person who al most graduated may find that society ascribes to him roles and status more closely resembling those of the person not attending college than those of the col lege graduate. A degree serves as a "union card" for many positions.
Labor Supply in Response to Remittance Income: The Case of Mexico

The growth in the flow of international remittance income in many developing countries has increased attention towards remittances as a development mechanism. This study attempts to understand to what degree labor patterns are affected by the receipt of remittances. Using nationally representative household income and expenditure data for Mexico, I analyze the effect of remittance income on labor supply decisions. I find that household labor supply in response to remittance income is consistent with findings which measure labor supply behavior in the presence of other forms of unearned income in different settings. That is, remittance receipts are associated with fewer hours of work and income elasticities are estimated in the range of -.006 to -.03. This finding attenuates to some degree the measure of the impact of remittances in the receiving country's aggregate output.
Mixing virtual and actual

People often communicate with a mixture of virtual and actual elements. On the telephone, my sister and I and what we say are actual, even though our voices are virtual. In the London Underground, the warning expressed in the recording "Stand clear of the doors" is actual, even though the person making it is virtual. In the theater, Shakespeare, the actors, and I are actual, even though Romeo and Juliet and what they say are virtual. Mixtures like these cannot be accounted for in standard models of communication-for a variety of reasons. In this talk I introduce the notion of displaced actions (as on the telephone, in the London Underground, and in the theater) and characterize how they are used and interpreted in communication with a range of modern-day technologies.
Structural and evolutionary comparisons of four alleles of the mouse Igk-J locus which encodes immunoglobulin kappa light chain joining (J kappa) segments.

The Igk-J locus of the mouse encodes the immunoglobulin kappa light chain joining (J) segments. Four Igk-J alleles have been described on the basis of restriction enzyme length polymorphisms. The nucleotide sequences of the Igk-Ja allele (type strain, C.C58), Igk-Jc allele (type strain, SJL/J), and Igk-Jd allele (type strain, SK/CamRk) have been determined and are compared with the previously reported Igk-Jb allele sequence (type strain, BALB/c). The mouse sequences are also compared with published sequences for rat and human J kappa sequences. Far more differences were found between the Igk-Ja allele and the other mouse alleles than between any two of the latter. These result in two amino acid substitutions which distinguish the J2 and J3' segments of the Igk-Ja allele from the other three alleles. Use of the Phylogenetic Analysis Using Parsimony program to generate a phylogenetic tree strongly indicates that after divergence from the rat ancestor, there appears to have been an early split between the Igk-Ja allele and the evolutionary precursor of the other mouse alleles. There also appears to have been far less divergence from the ancestral condition in the Igk-Ja allele than in the other alleles. Also, the presence of only one convergent mutation among the four mouse alleles provides strong evidence against any crossing over within the Igk-J locus during the history of these alleles. Finally, the differences in rates of evolution of the Igk-J alleles are in marked contrast to the relatively uniform rates of divergence of four alleles of a mouse V kappa gene, Igk-VSer.
Chronic Starvation Secondary to Anorexia Nervosa Is Associated With an Adaptive Suppression of Resting Energy Expenditure

Background: Chronic starvation is accompanied by a reduction in resting energy expenditure (REE). It is not clear whether this is due mainly to a reduction in body mass or also involves a significant reduction in the cellular metabolic rate of the fat-free mass (FFM). Objectives: The main goal was to compare measured REE (REEm) with REE predicted by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry modeling of organ-tissue mass (REEp) in malnourished patients with severe anorexia nervosa (AN) and in healthy lean control subjects. REE adjusted for FFM and fat mass was also compared between the groups. Design: This was a cross-sectional study of 30 patients with AN and 25 lean control subjects. REE was measured by indirect calorimetry. Body composition was modeled using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and REE was predicted for each group based on organ-tissue mass. Results: REEm was significantly lower than REEp in subjects with AN (854 ± 41 vs 1080 ± 25 kcal/d, P < .001), but not in control subjects. In addition, REE adj...
Experimental and ecological implications of evening bird surveys in stream-riparian ecosystems.

Stream-riparian ecosystems are dynamic and complex entities that can support high levels of bird assemblage abundance and diversity. The myriad patches (e.g., aquatic, floodplain, riparian) found in the riverscape habitat mosaic attract a unique mixture of aquatic, semiaquatic, riparian, and upland birds, each uniquely utilizing the river corridor. Whereas standard morning bird surveys are widely used across ecosystems, the variety of bird guilds and the temporal habitat partitioning that likely occur in stream-riparian ecosystems argue for the inclusion of evening surveys. At 41 stream reaches in Vermont and Idaho, USA, we surveyed bird assemblages using a combination of morning and evening fixed-width transect counts. Student’s paired t-tests showed that while bird abundance was not significantly different between morning and evening surveys, bird assemblage diversity (as measured by species richness, Shannon-Weiner’s index, and Simpson’s index) was significantly higher in the morning than in the evening. NMS ordinations of bird species and time (i.e., morning, evening) indicated that the structure of morning bird assemblages was different from that of evening assemblages. NMS further showed that a set of species was only found in evening surveys. The inclusion of evening counts in surveying bird assemblages in stream-riparian ecosystems has important experimental and ecological implications. Experimentally, the sole use of morning bird surveys may significantly underestimate the diversity and misrepresent the community composition of bird assemblages in these ecosystems. Ecologically, many of the birds detected in evening surveys were water-associated species that occupy high trophic levels and aerial insectivores that represent unique aquatic-terrestrial energy transfers.
Effect of selenium deficiency on the thermoelectric properties of n -type In 4 Se 3 − x compounds

Thermoelectric properties of dense bulk polycrystalline In4Se3-x (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.65, and 0.8) compounds are investigated. A peak dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of about 1 is achieved for x = 0.65 and 0.8. The peak ZT is about 50% higher than the previously reported highest value for polycrystalline In4Se3-x} compounds. Our In4Se3-x samples were prepared by ball milling and hot pressing. We show that it is possible to effectively control the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity by controlling selenium (Se) deficiency x. The ZT enhancement is mainly attributed to the thermal conductivity reduction due to the increased phonon scattering by Se deficiency, defects, and nanoscale inclusions in the ball-milled and hot-pressed dense bulk In4Se3-x samples.
Field emission from nanodiamond grown with 'ridge' type geometrically enhanced features

Abstract Cold cathodes for vacuum field emission have many interesting applications including display devices. Chemical vapor deposited (CVD) diamond has long been considered such a candidate. A nanodiamond film with ridge features was grown on a highly doped (resistivity = 0.0035 Ω-cm) n-type silicon substrate by plasma enhanced CVD process using a H2/CH4/N2 gas mixture. The overall planar nanodiamond film was characterized for vacuum field emission in diode configuration. A low turn on field of ~ 2.3 V/µm at 1 µA was observed. The cathode was able to produce 150 µA at a field of 6.6 V/µm. This field emission behavior can be attributed to a combination of high sp2 content, higher electrical conductivity by nitrogen incorporation in the nanodiamond film and a high geometrical field enhancement factor because of the sharp ‘ridge’ like features on the surface.
Nonhydrostatic Hindcasts of High Amplitude Internal Waves in the Mid-Atlantic Bight

From late July to early September 2006 an intense field program, Shallow Water 2006 (SW06), was conducted in the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) off of the New Jersey coast. The goal of the program is to the determine the environmental processes that affect shallow water acoustic propagation and scattering and to understand the dynamics of the generation and evolution of those processes. A phenomena that dominates much of the hydrodynamics in the coastal ocean are the internal waves. The waves interact with each other, with the topography and with the ambient currents and stratification to form a complex field of baroclinic internal waves of varying frequencies and wavelengths. Many of these waves are nonlinear and have very high amplitudes (exceeding 50 m) hence large energy. The generation, interactions and transformations of these waves is studied with a very high resolution, nonhydrostatic (NRL-MIT) model system of the ocean hydrodynamics. This model is imbedded in a nested hydrodynamic nowcast/forecast system comprised of the global Navy Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM) and a series of higher resolution NCOM domains.
Will subsidies drive electric vehicle adoption? Measuring consumer preferences in the U.S. and China

We model consumer preferences for conventional, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), and battery electric (BEV) vehicle technologies in China and the U.S. using data from choice-based conjoint surveys fielded in 2012–2013 in both countries. We find that with the combined bundle of attributes offered by vehicles available today, gasoline vehicles continue in both countries to be most attractive to consumers, and American respondents have significantly lower relative willingness-to-pay for BEV technology than Chinese respondents. While U.S. and Chinese subsidies are similar, favoring vehicles with larger battery packs, differences in consumer preferences lead to different outcomes. Our results suggest that with or without each country’s 2012–2013 subsidies, Chinese consumers are willing to adopt today’s BEVs and mid-range PHEVs at similar rates relative to their respective gasoline counterparts, whereas American consumers prefer low-range PHEVs despite subsidies. This implies potential for earlier BEV adoption in China, given adequate supply. While there are clear national security benefits for adoption of BEVs in China, the local and global social impact is unclear: With higher electricity generation emissions in China, a transition to BEVs may reduce oil consumption at the expense of increased air pollution and/or greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, demand from China could increase global incentives for electric vehicle technology development with the potential to reduce emissions in countries where electricity generation is associated with lower emissions.
Unifying Principles for Sudden Transitions in All Systems

Abstract All physical, natural, biological and socio-economic systems – also referred to as complex systems - have system-level properties that result from the interactions between their components. In most cases it is not possible to determine the complete system-level properties with the current state of our knowledge. Where there are system-level properties, the uncoupled form of those properties is the eigen-system consisting of system eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, even though at the present we are not able to determine them through modelling or observation. All systems operate in equilibrium states; small perturbations cause small changes. While these systems normally undergo gradual changes in their system-level properties, they can also undergo sudden transitions to new equilibrium states. New insights into these important transitions are proposed in this paper. In some mechanical systems transition occur when the smallest system eigenvalue goes to zero. It is proposed that the same principles apply to all systems. Transitions in all systems occur when at least one system eigenvalue goes to zero. Generalization of these principles to all systems will encourage new ways of thinking about systems and will suggest new research directions in studying these important major transitions, potentially leading to reliable methods for predicting their onset.
Intrinsic leakage in deep submicron CMOS ICs-measurement-based test solutions

The high leakage current in deep submicron, short-channel transistors can increase the stand-by power dissipation of future IC products and threaten well established quiescent current (I/sub DDQ/)-based testing techniques. This paper reviews transistor intrinsic leakage mechanisms. Then, these well-known device properties are applied to a test application that combines I/sub DDQ/ and ICs maximum operating frequency (F/sub max/) to establish a novel two-parameter test technique for distinguishing intrinsic and extrinsic (defect) leakages in ICs with high background leakage. Results show that I/sub DDQ/ along with F/sub max/ can be effectively used to screen defects in high performance, low V/sub T/ (transistor threshold voltage) CMOS ICs.
Quasi-free scattering in proton-induced deuteron breakup at 585 and 800 MeV

Abstract Quasi-free scattering (QFS) has been observed in a kinematically complete p-d breakup experiment at 585 and 800 MeV. The reactions 2 H(p, 2p)n and 2 H(p, pn)p were investigated simultaneously for both symmetric and non-symmetric reaction kinematics. By employing a broad-range magnetic spectrometer, QFS was observed over a spectator momentum range from 0 to 350 MeV/ c . The spectator model with the Gartenhaus wave function describes the data well out to spectator momenta of ≈ 200 MeV/ c , above which point a significant discrepancy is observed.
PMRSB: Parallel Multilevel Recursive Spectral Bisection

The design of a parallel implementation of multilevel recursive spectral bisection on the Cray T3D is described. The code is intended to be fast enough to enable dynamic repartitioning of adaptive meshes and to partition meshes that are too large for workstations. Two innovations in the implementation are recursive asynchronous task teams and a parallel version of the multilevel accelerator. A performance improvement of a factor of 140 over the best available serial implementation is demonstrated.
New Host Plant Records for Selected Cryptocephaline Leaf Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Kentucky

ABSTRACT Host plant data is provided for 23 species of cryptocephaline leaf beetles in Kentucky. The degree of beetle - plant association is quantified from field observations to laboratory feeding, mating and oviposition. New beetle - plant associations are reported at the following levels: 16 at the plant species level, eight at the plant genus level, and six at the plant family level. The most cryptocephaline species - plant family associations were with Fabaceae, Salicaceae, Anacardiaceae, Clusiaceae, and Fagaceae.
Newsletter: Rhetoric society of America

Rhetorical criticism Criticism of Oral Rhetoric. Carroll C. Arnold. Columbus, Ohio: Charles E. Merrill, 1974. Pp. 401.
Effects of lubricants and wash solutions on semen evaluation in a fertility clinic laboratory.

Objective: The complex nature of semen components and the various collection procedures make standardization of semen analysis (SA) challenging. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to optimize and improve the quality and utility of the SA report. Methods: Semen samples (n=20) were split into 2 aliquots to compare 2 isolation gradients. Samples incubated in the different wash medium were evaluated for motility, forward progression, morphology, and suitability for intrauterine insemination (IUI). Another group (n=20) was evaluated for IUI utility without and with a lubricant to compare motility and sperm count. Results: There were no significant differences in motility, forward progression, or morphology with or without a lubricant. With respect to gradient types, PureSperm 40/80 isolated significantly higher yields of motile sperm than the isolate. In comparing wash media, at 2 hours PureSperm was significantly higher in both motility and count compared to Irvine culture media. Conclusion: This study represents a significant advance toward improved applications and methods for SA testing. Continued standardization and improvements in SA will require additional evaluation of lab testing methods. * sp : sperm IUI : intrauterine insemination WHO : World Health Organization SA : semen analysis CASA : computer assisted semen analysis
Life History of Campostoma oligolepis (Largescale Stoneroller) in Urban and Rural Streams

We conducted a year-long investigation of the effect of watershed urbanization on the life history of Campostoma oligolepis Hubbs and Greene (Largescale Stoneroller). Lifehistory characteristics of separate populations of Largescale Stoneroller were compared by sampling two stream systems differing in urbanization in their upstream catchments. Both streams are located in the Etowah River drainage basin within the Piedmont ecoregion. We determined degree of urbanization by estimating the percent area of impervious catchment surfaces using ArcGIS, and we recorded stream temperatures with continuous-monitor probes. We sampled each stream system once a month during the spawning period and two additional months during the remainder of the year and recorded standard lengths, tuberculation, total weight, and gonadal weight for all retained specimens. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) values showed reproductively active individuals present in January in the urbanized system, one month before we found similar individuals in the non-urbanized system. Comparison of GSI values between systems suggested that reproductive maturity occurs at a larger size for females in the urbanized system. Comparison of standard lengths of reproductively active females indicated that growth rates are higher in the urban system.
A Novel Beam Squint Compensation Technique for Circularly Polarized Conic-Section Reflector Antennas

Beam squint generally exists in offset reflector antennas with circularly polarized feeds. It is manifested by a small beam shift of the radiation pattern in the plane perpendicular to the principal offset plane, which can significantly affect the beam pointing accuracy. In this paper a practical and widely applicable compensation technique for the beam squint is proposed. Simulation results show that a small lateral feed displacement in the perpendicular plane can effectively minimize or eliminate the linear phase shift caused by the depolarization effect, thus compensating for the beam squint effect. This is in practice very useful for offset reflector antennas where the previously suggested method based on feed tilting may not be proper. A simple formula is derived to quickly estimate the optimal feed displacement for both right- and left-hand circularly polarized feeds. Three representative examples: a single offset parabolic reflector, a suboptimal offset Cassegrain reflector, and an axially symmetric Cassegrain reflector with an off-focus feed, are presented to validate the proposed method. Satisfactory results are achieved for all three examples.
On-line identification of series capacitive reactance compensator in a multimachine power system using a radial basis function neural network

With a properly designed external controller, the series capacitive reactance compensator (SCRC) can be used to damp low frequency power oscillations in a power network. Conventionally, linear control techniques are used to design the external controller for a SCRC around a specific operating point where the nonlinear system equations are linearized. However, at other operating points its performance degrades. The indirect adaptive neuro-control scheme offers an attractive approach to overcome this SCRC control problem. As an essential part of this control scheme, an adaptive neuro-identifier has to be firstly designed in order to provide an accurate dynamic plant model for the design of the external neuro-controller. In this paper, an adaptive neuro-identifier using a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is proposed for on-line identification of an SCRC connected to a multi-machine power system. Results are included to show that this RBF neuro-identifier continuously tracks the plant dynamics with good precision
Combined cranionasal surgery for spheno-orbital meningiomas invading the paranasal sinuses, pterygopalatine, and infratemporal fossa.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of combining an endonasal endoscopic skull-base approach and repair with a transcranial orbitozygomatic approach for spheno-orbital meningiomas (SOMs). Methods Three patients with recurrent SOMs underwent combined orbitozygomatic and endonasal endoscopic surgery. In 2 patients both procedures were done in 1 operation and in 1 patient the endonasal surgery was done 2.5 months after the craniotomy. Extent of resection, complications, morbidity, and mortality were evaluated. Results Gross total resection was achieved in 1 patient and near total resection in the other 2 patients with tumor left in the cavernous sinus and parapharyngeal space. Two patients suffered cranial neuropathy from the transcranial surgery and the other developed a pseudomeningocele. There were no complications from the endonasal surgery. Patients having combined single setting cranionasal surgery were discharged on day 6 and 8, whereas the patient having only the endonasal component on a later date was discharged on day 2. Conclusions A combined cranionasal approach involving transcranial orbitozygomatic and endonasal endoscopic approaches is an effective 2-stage surgery for resecting SOMs invading into the sinuses and paranasal compartments. The ability to perform a multilayer closure involving a vascularized nasoseptal flap additionally decreases the risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak.
Growth kinetics of an athermal martensitic transformation by time-resolved optical diffraction from a Ni$_{63}$AI$_{37}$ (001) surface

The vertical and lateral growth process of single martensitic bands on the (001) surface of a Ni 63 Al 37 single crystal was investigated using time-resolved diffraction of He-Ne laser light. Our extended kinephotometric setup provided spatial information through an analysis of the Fraunhofer pattern created by diffraction from the surface relief, while temporal resolution was achieved with a fast-response photodiode. On continuous cooling through the martensitic phase transition at a rate of 10 K/min, discontinuous changes in the diffraction pattern occurred on time scales ranging from 100 microseconds up to some tens of milliseconds. Each change in the pattern corresponded to a burst-like upheaval of the relief by a few hundred nanometers. The bands were fully developed within 150 - 250 ms and reached final heights of about 1.5 μm.
Measurement of the D0, D+ and Ds+ meson lifetimes at √s = 10.58 GeV

Abstract We have measured the lifetimes of the D0, D+ and Ds+ mesons with data from the CLEO detector. We find τD0 = (5.0 ± 0.7 ± 0.4) × 10−13s, τD+ = (11.4 ± 1.6 ± 0.7) × 10−13s and τDs+ = (4.7 ± 2.2 ± 0.5) × 10−13s, giving lifetime ratios τD+/τD0 = 2.3 ± 0.5 and τDs+/τD0 = 0.9 ± 0.5.
Delayed Intraoperative Hydration Limits Blood Loss During Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effects of limiting hydration during prostate mobilization on intraoperative blood loss. Methods The patient records of 519 consecutive men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy by a single surgeon from January 2000 through April 2003 were reviewed. In the initial 328 cases, intravenous fluids were not limited throughout the case (constant hydration group). In the next 189 cases, intravenous fluids were limited to a target of 1500 mL during prostate dissection (delayed hydration group). After the prostate was removed, hydration was brisk for an additional target of 3500 mL. The patient characteristics, perioperative events, and postoperative recovery were evaluated. Results Delayed hydration resulted in a statistically significant reduction in estimated blood loss compared with the constant hydration group, averaging 700 mL versus 965 mL, respectively. The immediate postoperative hematocrit values were also significantly greater in the delayed hydration group (31.5%) than in the constant hydration group (30.2%). Furthermore, the delayed hydration group had significantly fewer cases of blood loss greater than 1500 mL and fewer patients needed intraoperative transfusions. No statistically significant difference was found in total intravenous fluids given and no increased morbidity occurred with delayed hydration. Conclusions Delayed hydration appears to reduce blood loss during radical retropubic prostatectomy. In the hemodynamically stable patient, limiting intravenous fluids before complete dissection of the prostate is feasible without increasing morbidity.
The fructosamine 3-kinase knockout mouse: a tool for testing the glycation hypothesis of intracellular protein damage in diabetes and aging

Protein glycation and the formation of AGEs (advanced glycation end-products) and cross-links have been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of age- and diabetes-related complications. The discovery that FN3K (fructosamine 3-kinase) results in protein deglycation upon phosphorylation of glucose-derived Amadori products suggests that intracellular glycation could be deleterious under certain circumstances. In order to approach the question of the biological relevance of intracellular glycation, in this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Veiga-da-Cunha and colleagues generated an FN3K-knockout mouse. The mice grow normally and are apparently healthy, and levels of protein-bound and free fructoselysine are elevated in several tissues of importance to diabetic complications. This commentary discusses the clinical and evolutionary significance of FN3K, and proposes experimental approaches for revealing the existence of a biological phenotype.
ClC-3 and IClswell are Required for Normal Neutrophil Chemotaxis and Shape Change

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes undergo directed movement to sites of infection, a complex process known as chemotaxis. Extension of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) leading edge toward a chemoattractant in association with uropod retraction must involve a coordinated increase/decrease in membrane, redistribution of cell volume, or both. Deficits in PMN phagocytosis and trans-endothelial migration, both highly motile PMN functions, suggested that the anion transporters, ClC-3 and IClswell, are involved in cell motility and shape change (Moreland, J. G., Davis, A. P., Bailey, G., Nauseef, W. M., and Lamb, F. S. (2006) J. Biol. Chem. 281, 12277-12288). We hypothesized that ClC-3 and IClswell are required for normal PMN chemotaxis through regulation of cell volume and shape change. Using complementary chemotaxis assays, EZ-TAXIScan™ and dynamic imaging analysis software, we analyzed the directed cell movement and morphology of PMNs lacking normal anion transporter function. Murine Clcn3-/- PMNs and human PMNs treated with anion transporter inhibitors demonstrated impaired chemotaxis in response to formyl peptide. This included decreased cell velocity and failure to undergo normal cycles of elongation and retraction. Impaired chemotaxis was not due to a diminished number of formyl peptide receptors in either murine or human PMNs, as measured by flow cytometry. Murine Clcn3-/- and Clcn3+/+ PMNs demonstrated a similar regulatory volume decrease, indicating that the IClswell response to hypotonic challenge was intact in these cells. We further demonstrated that IClswell is essential for shape change during human PMN chemotaxis. We speculate that ClC-3 and IClswell have unique roles in regulation of PMN chemotaxis; IClswell through direct effects on PMN volume and ClC-3 through regulation of IClswell.
Heat Survivor Curves of Food-Borne Bacteria Suspended in Commercially Sterilized Whole Milk. II. Bacteria Other than Salmonellae

Abstract Heat survivor curves at 55, 60, and 62.5C of a number of food-borne bacteria of significance to the milk industry, suspended in commercially sterilized whole milk, were generally nonlogarithmic. The inability of heated Escherichia coli to grow on violet red bile agar and of heated Staphylococcus aureus to grow on staphylococcus agar 110 was confirmed. Enterococci counts as indices of post-heat contamination were not applicable. The effect of recovery test on maximum survival times and the need for recovery test in the enumeration and detection of bacteria in heat treated milk were emphasized.
Mental health screening of preschool children: validity and reliability of ABLE.

Children with behavioral, emotional or language problems struggle to do well at school often with limited success. ABLE (Attention, Behavior, Language, and Emotions) a new screening tool was used to estimate the prevalence and the severity of concerns parents and teachers have about children's school adjustment and evaluate their need for services. Data obtained from the parents and teachers of children randomly selected from public Pre-K classrooms in 6 states (N = 415) and from a mental health screening of rural and urban children (N = 5,577) support the validity and reliablity of ABLE. Parents identified severe problems in 18.4% of children and Pre-K teachers identified 10.5%. By kindergarten, the proportion of children identified by their teachers with serious problems more than doubled to 23%. Inattention/overactivity and behavior problems were identified most often. These children were 3.4 times more likely to be certified later for special education services by kindergarten than children not identified with problems by ABLE. However, fewer than 14% of children in public Pre-K identified with serious problems in Pre-K had received mental health services by the end of Kindergarten.
Multiresolution stochastic processing of Topex/Poseidon oceanographic altimetry

Remarkable advances in remote sensing are producing measurements on increasingly finer grids, offering the possibility of a far better understanding and characterization of the ocean surface. The sheer quantity of measurements has rendered traditional data smoothing/assimilation algorithms obsolete however, even on high performance workstations; the basis of this paper is the application of an extremely fast multiresolution smoothing framework to ocean altimetry data. Using the previously developed multiresolution framework, a simple multiscale model is developed which captures the characteristic power-law spectrum of the ocean surface. Smoothing altimetric data and computing error variances on a grid of 512 by 512 points is accomplished in about 10 seconds on a SUN Sparc-10. Finally, further applications of this framework within the oceanographic context are discussed, including model identification and anomaly detection. >
The Critical Period Hypothesis for Second Language Acquisition: Tailoring the Coat of Many Colors

The present contribution represents an extension of David Singleton’s (2005) IRAL chapter, “The Critical Period Hypothesis: A coat of many colours”. I suggest that the CPH in its application to L2 acquisition could benefit from methodological and theoretical tailoring with respect to: the shape of the function that relates age of acquisition to proficiency, the use of nativelikeness for falsification of the CPH, and the framing of predictors of L2 attainment.