cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pitch and Roll Motion Control of a Floating Wind Turbine With Hybrid Actuation

Platform stabilization and load reduction are of great importance for the successful development of floating offshore wind turbines. The increased degrees-of-freedom (DOF) for the relevant dynamics presents the challenge of underactuation. Recently, a tuned-mass damper (TMD) and active vane have been proposed to control the pitch and roll motions of a floating turbine platform. Simulations have indicated that TMD in the fore-aft (FA) direction cannot reduce the damage equivalent load (DEQL) for the side-to-side (SS) bending moment at the tower-base across all the loading conditions. In this study, the TMD in the FA direction is combined with an active vertical vane to reduce both the FA and SS platform motions and DEQLs. We refer to this combined system of actuation as the “hybrid actuation system”. The effectiveness of this hybrid scheme is demonstrated via simulations which are carried out in accordance with the IEC 61400-3 standard design load case 1.2–fatigue load testing.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Habitat-dependent fruiting behaviour of an understorey tree, Miconia centrodesma, and tropical treefall gaps as keystone habitats for frugivores in Costa Rica.

Fruit production by an understorey tree, Miconia centrodesma, was monitored in treefall gaps and under intact canopy in a Costa Rican lowland rain forest. Trees in gaps dis- played much less seasonality in fruit production than trees of intact forest sites. For example, ripe fruits were common on gap trees for a six month period (January-June) when few or no trees under intact canopy were in fruit. The frequent and aseasonal fruiting of gap trees demon- strates that they are not constrained by phenological cueing mechanisms; the influence of such cues is overridden by habitat. Trees in gaps also produced larger crops, had more extended fruiting episodes, and fruited more frequently than shaded conspecifics. This level of intra- specific variation in fruiting behaviour suggests that treefall gaps play an important role in deter- mining the reproductive success of M. centrodesma. A substantial proportion of an individual's lifetime seed output may be produced during the brief period it occupies a gap. In addition, the large and continuous supply of fruits produced in gaps by M. centrodesma and other under- storey plants, may mean that gaps function as 'keystone habitats' by providing resident frugi- vores with fruit during periods of general fruit scarcity.
Consistency of global MODIS aerosol optical depths over ocean on Terra and Aqua CERES SSF data sets

[1] Aerosol retrievals from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard Terra and Aqua platforms are available from the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) Single Scanner Footprint (SSF) data sets. Over ocean, two aerosol products are reported side by side. The primary M product is generated by subsetting and remapping the multispectral (from 0.47 to 2.1 μm) MOD04/MYD04 oceanic aerosol data onto CERES footprints. M*D04 processing uses cloud screening and aerosol algorithms developed by the MODIS science team. The secondary AVHRR-like A product is generated in only two MODIS bands. The A processing uses the CERES cloud-screening algorithm and NOAA/NESDIS glint identification and single-channel aerosol retrieval algorithms. The M and A products have been documented elsewhere and preliminarily compared using 2 weeks of global Terra CERES SSF edition 1A data, in which the M product was based on MOD04 collection 3. In this study, the comparisons between the M and A aerosol optical depths (AOD) in MODIS band 1 (0.64 μm), τ1M and τ1A, are reexamined using 9 days of global CERES SSF Terra edition 2A and Aqua edition 1B data from 13 to 21 October 2002 and extended to include cross-platform comparisons. The M and A products on the new CERES SSF release are generated using the same aerosol algorithms as before but with different preprocessing and sampling procedures, thus lending themselves to a simple sensitivity check to nonaerosol factors. Both τ1M and τ1A generally compare well across platforms. However, the M product shows larger differences, which increase with ambient cloud amount and toward the solar side of the orbit. The cross-platform, cross-product, and cross-release comparisons conducted in this study confirm an earlier observation that the major area for improvement in the current aerosol processing lies in a more formalized and standardized sampling (most importantly, cloud screening), whereas optimization of the aerosol algorithm is deemed to be an important yet less critical element.
The effect of pain on leukocyte cellular adhesion molecules.

The psychophysiological phenomenon of pain is of tremendous concern to nurses because of its potential to adversely affect the mental, emotional, and physical health of patients. Increasingly appre...
Regional critical infrastructure assessment: Kansas City

The National Infrastructure Protection Plan defines 18 critical infrastructure and key resources sectors assigned to nine various sector-specific agencies charged with the protection of that component of infrastructure (2009). This breakdown by the NIPP scratches the surface in terms of illustrating the high level of vulnerability existing in our country; however, there is still a lot of work needed to understand how these sectors interact with each other and more specifically at the regional level. The analysis in this paper begins with the selection of a region and investigation of sectors of infrastructure seemingly critical to that area. Narrowing the focus of assessing criticality to a single region, this paper applies a methodology to quantify the most critical aspect of a region's infrastructure. Lastly, the components investigated are arranged in a nodal diagram using organisational risk analyser software for analysis of their interdependencies.
GaN Nanowire Carrier Concentration Calculated from Light and Dark Resistance Measurements

We obtained the carrier concentration and mobility of silicon-doped gallium nitride nanowires at room temperature with light and dark resistance data. Current–voltage measurements were performed on single-nanowire devices in the dark and under 360 nm illumination. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy was used to measure the device dimensions. The nanowires were modeled with cylindrical geometry, and solutions were computed with a nonlinear fit algorithm. Simulations were also performed to verify the model. The carrier concentration was bounded by 6 × 1017 cm−3 and 1.3 × 1018 cm−3, and the mobility was between 300 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 600 cm2 V−1 s−1.
The Jesuits and Galileo: Fidelity to tradition and the adventure of discovery:

This paper investigates the tensions within the Society of Jesus, especially at the Roman College, at the time of Galileo and how they were resolved or not in a spirit of accommodation which was maturing at that time and which has entered into the Jesuit bloodstream. Jesuits at the Roman College confirmed Galileo’s earth-shaking observations, reported in his Sidereus Nuntius. Aristotle’s physics was crumbling. Would Aristotelian philosophy, which was at the service of theology, also collapse? Controversies over the nature of sunspots and of comets held implications for the very foundations of Christian belief. Some Jesuits saw the threat and faced it with an astute view into the future; others, though pioneers as scientists, could not face the larger implications of the scientific revolution to which they contributed with Galileo. Much of what occurred can be attributed to the strong personalities of the individual Jesuit antagonists, and Cardinal Robert Bellarmine will prove to be one of the most importa...
Ingroup Bias, Classic Ethnocentrism, and Non-Ethnocentrism Among American Whites

This study collapsed ingroup bias into two types: a classic Sumnerian type, in which favorable perceptions of the ingroup were linked to unfavorable perceptions of the outgroup, and a simple ingroup bias type that consisted of all other instances of ingroup superiority. Simple ingroup bias was the more common type among a General Social Survey (GSS) national probability sample of 1,119 non-Jewish whites who rated Jews, blacks, Asians, and Hispanics on five traits. The two types appear to represent different points on an ethnocentrism continuum; thus, researchers who do not distinguish between them may underestimate the possible impact of ethnocentrism. The generally low levels of classic ethnocentrism did increase for people low in education or high in authoritarianism or social distance. The research also tested an ethnocentrism typology. Many respondents fell into two nonclassic ethnocentrism categories: positivity (where own-group and other-group ratings are both favorable) and neutral matching.
Generation of Inhibitory NFκB Complexes and Phosphorylated cAMP Response Element-binding Protein Correlates with the Anti-inflammatory Activity of Complement Protein C1q in Human Monocytes

The interaction of C1q with specific cells of the immune system induces activities, such as enhancement of phagocytosis in monocytes and stimulation of superoxide production in neutrophils. In contrast to some other monocyte activators, C1q itself does not induce pro-inflammatory cytokine production, but rather inhibits the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated induction of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines and induces expression of interleukin-10. To investigate the molecular mechanism by which C1q exerts this effect on gene expression, the influence of C1q on the activation of transcription factors of the NFκB family and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was assessed. C1q treatment increased κB binding activity in freshly isolated human monocytes in a time-dependent fashion as assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. In antibody supershift experiments, anti-p50 antibody supershifted the C1q-induced NFκB complex, whereas anti-p65 antibody had little effect, suggesting that C1q induced the translocation of NFκB p50p50 homodimers. This is in contrast to the dominant induction of p65 containing complexes in parallel monocyte cultures stimulated with LPS. C1q treatment also induced cAMP response element (CRE)-binding activity as demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, increased phosphorylation of CREB, and induction of CRE driven gene expression. In contrast, CREB activation was not detected in LPS-treated monocytes. These results suggest that C1q may modulate the cytokine profile expressed in response to inflammatory stimuli (e.g. LPS), by triggering inhibitory and/or competing signals. Because C1q and other defense collagens have been shown to enhance clearance of apoptotic cells, this regulatory pathway may be beneficial in avoiding autoimmunity and/or resolving inflammation.
Elastic Properties of Open-Cell Foams with Tetrakaidecahedral Cells Using Finite Element Analysis

A finite-element-method-based micromechanics has been used for predicting the orthotropic properties of open-cell foams that have tetrakaidecahedral unit cells. Foams with equisided and Kelvin-elongated tetrakaidecahedron as unit cells are studied. The results for elastic constants from the finite element models agree well with those of available analytical models. The struts were modeled using both Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam elements. It is found that classical beam theory overpredicts the elastic moduli when the struts have smaller length-to-thickness ratios. The effect of varying strut cross section on the elastic constants is studied. The variation is assumed to be such that the strut cross section gradually decreases from maximum value at the support ends to minimum value at the beam midsection. It is found that for the same relative density, foams with varying cross sections have much lower elastic moduli than foams with uniform cross sections.
Sequential resource allocation in multiagent systems with uncertainties

Exchanging scarce resources during execution among a group of agents is one way to improve the overall performance in multiagent systems with limited shared resources, but implementing optimal sequential resource allocation is often a nontrivial problem in complex systems with uncertainties. In this paper, we present an MILP-based algorithm that can automatically break a large mission into multiple phases and make optimal resource (re)allocations at the entry of each phase. We illustrate our algorithms through several increasingly complex classes of sequential resource allocation problems, and show through experiments that our techniques can increase agents' rewards for varying levels of constraints on resources and constraints on exchanging resources.
Comparing the Workplace Experiences of Male and Female Police Officers: Examining Workplace Problems, Stress, Jobc Satisfaction and Consideration of Career Change:

This study examines the interrelationships between four workplace problems, namely the need for mentoring programmes, stress, job satisfaction and consideration of making career changes, to determi...
Enhancing pharmacists’ role as oral health advisors

Abstract Objective To examine the expanded role of pharmacists as oral health advisors. Setting U.S. community pharmacies. Practice description Counseling patients on issues related to oral health. Practice innovation The traditional role of pharmacists (i.e., dispensing medications) has evolved to include a broader range of functions associated with primary health care. Pharmacists are important members of the health care team and have an important role in addressing oral health–related problems. The pharmacist role in addressing oral health issues in the United States should be expanded. Conclusion Studies are needed to examine the extent of pharmacist training in oral health, the degree to which pharmacists who receive oral health training incorporate it into their practices, and pharmacist interest in relevant continuing education. Data gathered from such studies will be invaluable in developing appropriate training standards, model curricula, and clinical best practices.
Asteatotic Eczema in Hypoesthetic Skin: A Case Series

Importance Asteatotic eczema (eczema craquele, xerotic eczema) occurs most frequently in areas of dehydrated skin, most often during the winter months when decreased humidity results in increased water loss from the stratum corneum. We present 5 cases in which asteatotic eczema was found outside of its normal distribution, within desensitized skin and scars. Observations Five patients with a history of trauma and scar formation presented with erythematous, dry plaques with fine crackling involving hypoesthetic skin. Each of the 5 patients had classic asteatotic eczema skin findings, the only commonality being hypoesthesia. Borders of the hypoesthetic skin were identified using light touch and compared with the regions affected by asteatotic eczema. In all cases, the skin affected by asteatotic eczema was within the hypoesthetic areas. Conclusions and Relevance Asteatotic eczema developing on skin with altered sensation is an underreported condition. Prompt recognition and treatment may lead to a more efficient patient encounter and alleviate unnecessary patient stress.
Walking in simulated Martian gravity: Influence of added weight on sagittal dynamic stability

With human exploration of the Moon and Mars on the horizon, research considerations for space suit redesign have surfaced. Review of Apollo mission videos revealed repeated instance of falling during extravehicular activities. A better understanding of how suit weight influences the sagittal dynamic stability of the gait pattern may provide insight for new suit design such that space missions may have more productive extravehicular activities and smaller risk of falls that may cause injuries and damage equipment. Participants walked for 4 min in simulated Martian gravity with additional loads of 0%, 15%, 30% and 45% of their body weight. Floquet and Lyapunov analysis techniques were used to quantify the dynamic stability of the sagittal plane gait pattern. Additionally, sagittal plane joint kinematics were evaluated to determine if any modification occurred. Results indicated that weight (i.e., added load) had little effect on the sagittal dynamic stability or joint kinematics while in simulated Martian gravity. Potentially, suit weight may not be a priority for space suit redesign.
Variation in nutrient intake of infants and its implications for collecting reliable dietary intake data

Sources of variance in dietary intake data for infants in the fourth to sixth months of life were examined. Twenty-eight mothers of infants in the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children gave 24-hr recall information on their infants' diets on 4 random days over approximately 1 month. ANOVA found no day of the week or sequence effects on nutrient variation. Variance was partitioned into between- and within-subject (residual) components. Interindividual variation exceeded intraindividual variation for all nutrients except vitamin C. Variance ratios ranged from 0.3 to 1.3. Calculations of 95% confidence limits for group and individual mean intakes indicated that, whereas a single recall would estimate the group mean within 20% for most nutrients, five recalls would be necessary for the same accuracy in individual means. Magnitude and patterning of variance components differ substantially from those found in studies of adults, suggesting that infant data collection strategies should be tailored to the unique nature of the infant diet.
Model systems for learning pediatric flexible bronchoscopy

Considerable practice is necessary to develop the skills essential to successful and safe performance of flexible bronchoscopy, especially in pediatric patients. We review a number of model systems, both mechanical and living, for learning and maturing bronchoscopic skills. For each of the animal models (canine, feline, leporine, and simian), the relevant anatomy and anesthetic techniques as well as the relative advantages and disadvantages of each model are discussed. Pediatr Pulmonol 1990; 8:168-171.
Postinfarction Use of β-Blockers in Elderly Patients

β-Adrenoceptor antagonists (β-blockers) reduce mortality and recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) in older patients after both Q-wave MI and non—Q-wave ML The effects of β-blockers are to: (i) reduce complex ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia; (ii) increase the ventricular fibrillation threshold; (iii) reduce myocardial ischaemia; (iv) decrease sympathetic tone; (v) markedly attenuate the circadian variation of complex ventricular arrhythmias; (vi) abolish the circadian variation of myocardial ischaemia; and (vii) abolish the circadian variation of sudden cardiac death or MI.
Mechanism and prevention of neurotoxicity caused by β-amyloid peptides: relation to Alzheimer's disease

In Alzheimer's disease, neurotoxic beta-amyloid peptides cause a deleterious influx of calcium ions into neurons. This increase in [Ca2+]int is expected to trigger intracellular events that eventually cause cell dysfunction and cell death. We find that the aggregated beta-amyloid peptide beta AP25-35 opens irreversibly a Ca(2+)-carrying channel, as does aggregated beta AP1-42. The opening of this channel is unaffected by DL-AP5, but it is blocked by Mg2+, CNQX and DNQX, suggesting a non-NMDA channel. External calcium enters and cytosolic calcium levels rise several-fold, as measured by fura-2 ratiometric analysis. Our findings illustrate a very early molecular event in the neurotoxicity of Alzheimer's disease. To combat the neurotoxic effect of aggregated beta-amyloid peptides, we have devised a series of very short antagonistic peptides. Using a combinatorial library of hexapeptides made from D-amino acids, we have selected peptides by their ability to complex with the tagged beta-amyloid peptide beta AP25-35. Certain of these so-called 'decoy peptides', as well as some modified decoy peptides, are able to abolish the calcium influx caused by aggregated, probably fibrillar, beta-amyloid peptides beta AP25-35 and beta AP1-42.
Temperature variations of nasal endoscopes

Objectives: Advances in light sources and endoscopes have improved illumination during endoscopic sinus surgery. However, these advances have also increased the temperatures the equipment reaches during the course of procedures. Limited data exist on temperature variations of nasal endoscopes and the potential risks of burns to drapes and patients. We attempt to quantify temperature variations of nasal endoscopes and light cords. Methods: Various endoscopes, light cords, and xenon light sources were used to measure temperature increases over time. Temperatures were measured with noncontact thermometers using different combinations of endoscopes, light cords, and light sources at multiple intervals up to 30 minutes over 30 trials. Variables assessed included endoscope age, light cord age, light source type, and light source age. Also, extended time trials were repeated up to 180 minutes. Results: Endoscope tip temperatures peaked at 62.5°C. Additional studies performed with the cord and light source alone reached a maximum temperature of nearly 200°C. The ages of light cords and scopes do lead to statistically significant changes in heat production. Higher wattage light sources may increase potential temperatures. Conclusions: Patient safety is a preeminent concern for all procedures. Although the endoscope temperatures appear low risk for patient injury, the light cord itself creates extreme temperatures. It is important to monitor the endoscope and light cords for extreme temperatures to avoid patient injury.
Identification of deep-gap states in a-Si:H by photo- depopulation-induced electron-spin resonance.

A new technique is described for the microscopic identification of electronic deep levels in semiconductors. Photodepopulation of deep levels is monitored simultaneously with electrical and electron-spin-resonance (ESR) techniques to obtain the distribution of deep levels corresponding to a preselected paramagnetic defect. The technique is demonstrated with combined photodepopulation-induced ESR and photocapacitance measurements on hydrogenated amorphous silicon. The results identify the characteristic Gaussian distribution of midgap states with the distribtuion of the transition between double and single occupancy of the silicon dangling-bond defect.
American Pikas Inhabit Low-Elevation Sites Outside the Species' Previously Described Bioclimatic Envelope

ABSTRACT. It has been suggested that Nearctic pikas (Ochotona spp.) are good biogeographic indicators of regions containing rocky, mesic, and cool habitat characterized by long winters and short summers. I examined whether populations of pikas inhabiting distinct low-elevation locales (121–255 m) are faithfully restricted to long-winter and short-summer conditions by monitoring the climate associated with American pikas (Ochotona princeps) in the southern part of the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon. Ambient air temperatures and weather conditions in the vicinity of 4 pika-occupied rockslides were monitored with remote temperature loggers and weather stations from June 2000 to June 2001. Temperatures were compared to long-term averages recorded within the area. I detected pikas inhabiting locales where some temperatures lie outside of the limiting climatic values previously calculated for regions containing pikas. Mild winter temperatures at these pika locations show that long-winter temperatures and snow acc...
Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa. Report of two new cases and a review of the literature

Hypertrichosis lanuginosa is a pathologic state characterized by an excessive, new growth of fine, fetal hair. Two cases of hypertrichosis languinosa with malignancy (lymphoma and uterine cancer) are presented and added to the 9 in the literature. Lymphoma and uterine cancer are previously unreported as associated with hypertrichosis osis lanuginosa. Review of the 11 cases of hypertrichosis lanuginosa revealed the following characteristics: females were predominant; none was below the 4th decade; all had advanced neoplastic disease; all malignancies except one were of epithelial origin; and there were no demonstrable endocrine abnormalities. Despite an attempt to find etiologic factors in our patients and in the literature, none could be elicited.
Periodicity of food intake in the rat as measured by an operant response.

Abstract Seven rats were employed to study the periodicity of food intake as measured by a simple bar press response. After 14 days of habituation to a CRF schedule in a 12-hr dark, 12-hr light environment, animals' responses were recorded during four subsequent days. Mean number of meals, bar presses/meal, and total number of bar presses were greater during the dark period, whereas intervals between successive meals were significantly shorter than those during comparable light periods. No differences were found between the ratio of meal length to bar presses or the rate of responding per meal during the dark and the light periods. Results were compared with recent reports of feeding patterns in rats allowed free access to food.
Schedule flexibility in hourly jobs: unanticipated consequences and promising directions

This article considers the challenge of extending conventional models of flexibility to hourly jobs that are often structured quite differently than the salaried, professional positions for which flexibility options were originally designed. We argue that the assumptions of job rigidity and overwork motivating existing flexibility options may not be broadly applicable across jobs in the US labor market. We focus specifically on two types of flexibility: (1) working reduced hours and (2) varying work timing. We first review central aspects of the US business and policy contexts that inspire our concerns, and then draw on original analyses from US census data and several examples from our comparative case-study research to explain how conventional flexibility options do not always map well onto hourly jobs, and in certain instances may disadvantage workers by undermining their ability to earn an adequate living. We conclude with a discussion of alternative approaches to implementing flexibility in hourly jo...
Clinical skills and self-efficacy after a curriculum on care for the underserved.

Background Despite calls for medical school curricula that address care for the underserved, published evaluations of such curricula are few and often do not assess clinical skills. This study assesses the changes in self-efficacy and clinical skills resulting from faculty-led or web-based curricula on care for the underserved. Methods Third-year students on 6-week 2003–2004 pediatric clerkships were block-randomized to a curriculum on caring for the underserved in one of three formats: established (readings only), faculty-led, or web-based. Primary outcomes were pre- and post-curriculum changes in self-efficacy and clinical skills. ANCOVA was used to test differences among curriculum groups, adjusting for prior experiences with the underserved. Analyses were performed in 2007. Results A total of 138 students participated, with 121 (88%) completing both pre- and post-tests. Compared to the established-curriculum students, both faculty-led and web-based students improved their self-efficacy in establishing achievable goals with underserved families, while web-based students improved their self-efficacy around knowledge of community resources. Significantly more new skills were performed by both faculty-led (mean [SD]=3.3[1.8]) and web-based curriculum students (2.9[1.5]), compared to established-curriculum students (1.5[1.4]). Compared to established-curriculum students, more faculty-led and web-based students also reported new skills in locating resources to meet the needs of underserved patients and in following up on referrals to ensure that families accessed needed care. Conclusions Web-based and faculty-led curricula improve medical student self-efficacy and clinical skills. Results from specific self-efficacy and skill items facilitate targeted curricular improvement.
Assessing the mechanical, phase inversion, and rheological properties of poly-[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyvalerate] (PHBV) blended with poly-(l-lactic acid) (PLA)

Abstract Poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate- co -3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly-( l -lactic acid) (PLA) have attracted much interest in recent years since they are biodegradable, thus can replace synthetic non-degradable materials. In this study, improvements of PHBV, mechanical, phase inversions, and rheological properties were investigated after blending with PLA in varying ratio’s. Three different blends of commercially available PLAs with 92–98% l -lactide units and one grade of PHB with 5% valerate content were blended using a micro-compounder at 175 °C. The composition of PHBV in blends ranged from 50% to 80%. With the addition of PLA, increases in the flexural strength and elastic modulus were observed for several blends, while minor to no changes were detected in the elongation at break and tensile strength as compared to pure PHBV material. Like many conventional plastics, the complex viscosity decreased with increasing rotational frequency due to decreasing entanglements and molecular weight. The complex viscosity with respect to time was very stable for the blends, but no improvements in the PHBV viscosity were observed with the addition of PLA at 170 °C. Three phase inversion models were used to predict the continuity of the blends, and the results showed both dual- and PLA-continuity phase for the blends. In summary, the mechanical results showed improvements in the tensile and flexural properties, while the rheological observation showed minor improvements in the complex viscosity for numerous concentrations.
Weibull growth modeling of laser‐sintered nylon 12

Purpose – This paper seeks to present the results of an experiment to investigate the effect of six part orientation (XY, XZ, YX, YZ, ZY, ZX) and a wide range of energy densities on ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation of laser‐sintered nylon 12 (PA‐12) test specimens.Design/methodology/approach – ASTM Type 1 specimens were built on a DTM Sinterstation 2500+ and tensile tested on an Instron 5569 A. The resulting data were fit to non‐linear regression models based on the well‐known Weibull growth model to predict each response based on the total energy density used in each trial.Findings – The resulting regression models provide excellent fits with low sum of squared errors and normally distributed residuals. The resulting material properties are highly affected by the energy density and the build orientation. However, once sufficient energy density is applied, properties tend to converge to consistent values. To achieve maximum UTS of approximately 52 MPa, it is recommended that values of energy...
Accounting for Multilevel Data Structures in Fisheries Data using Mixed Models

Abstract Multilevel data structures are those that have a hierarchical structure, in which response variables are measured at the lowest level of the hierarchy and modeled as a function of predictor variables measured at that level and higher levels of the hierarchy. For example, a multilevel data structure may consist of measurements taken on individual fish (lower level) that are nested within lakes or streams (higher level). Multilevel data structures are a common feature in fisheries research. We provide simulated fisheries data examples, similar in structure to other published studies, to illustrate the application of multilevel models and discuss how hypothesis testing and inferences can be incorrect if multilevel data structures are ignored. Ignoring multilevel data structures has implications for the use of commonly-used ordinary least squares (OLS) approaches to test hypotheses and to make inferences. Multilevel models are an alternate approach that circumvents problems associated with traditiona...
Distribution of volcanic ash reflectors in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean

Abstract Volcanic ash erupted from vents in Central America, southern Mexico and northern South America has accumulated as discrete layers in sediment of the surrounding ocean basins. Many of these ash layers form acoustic reflectors which are observed on 3.5 kHz seismic records from the eastern equatorial Pacific. Twelve discrete reflectors within 40 m of the seafloor may be traced in the region. Shallow ( 20 m) can be correlated with ash layers in two DSDP cores and used to indirectly establish that all seismic reflectors in this study are ash layers. Based on areal distribution patterns, most seismic reflectors indicate the direction of possible volcanic sources. Moreover, using an assumed constant sedimentation rate of 3 cm × 10 3 yr −1 , the average estimated age of each reflector can be calculated. All ash reflectors are Quaternary in age. Reflectors 1 to 3 are correlated to marine ash layers “D”, “I”, and “L”, and the assigned ages correlate well with the previously established ages of 83,000, 133,000 and 230,000 yrs B.P., respectively, for these layers.
Calcium signalling: Sphingosine kinase versus phospholipase C?

A recent study shows that sphingosine kinase and its lipid product have an essential signalling function; they act in the mobilization of calcium ions in antigen-stimulated mast cells. This finding may have relevance to signalling in other cells of the immune system.
Iterating conditionals and symmetric Stone algebras

Abstract In the spirit of constructing conditional events from events, there have been several proposals for constructing conditional conditional events from conditional events. There are many procedures for this that are analogous to the construction of conditional events from events, and many possible choices of operations to impose on the resulting sets. It is observed here that the Stone algebra of conditional events is actually a symmetric Stone algebra and that there is a natural construction of iterated conditionals extending the symmetric Stone algebra structure of conditional events. This new symmetric Stone algebra of iterated conditionals has a representation in which its operations are extremely simple, affording an easy mathematical analysis of its structure.
Bariatric surgery improves cardiac function in morbidly obese patients with severe cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Background Longstanding morbid obesity can be associated with severe cardiomyopathy. However, the safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in patients with severe cardiomyopathy has not been studied, and the effect of surgical weight loss on postoperative cardiac function is also unknown. In addition, morbidly obese patients have significantly increased mortality associated with cardiac transplantation, often precluding them from becoming recipients. Methods A retrospective study of patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% who underwent bariatric surgery (1998–2005) was performed. Short-term morbidity/mortality, length of stay, excess weight loss, pre- and postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class were assessed. Results A total of 14 patients (10 men and 4 women) with a mean preoperative body mass index of 50.8 ± 2.04 kg/m 2 underwent bariatric surgery (10 underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, 1 open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, 2 sleeve gastrectomy, and 1 laparoscopic gastric banding). The complications were pulmonary edema in 1, hypotension in 1, and transient renal insufficiency in 2. The median length of stay was 3.0 days (range 2–9). The mean excess weight loss at 6 months was 50.4%, with a decrease in the mean body mass index from 50.8 ± 2.04 kg/m 2 to 36.8 ± 1.72 kg/m 2 . The mean left ventricular ejection fraction at 6 months had significantly improved from 23% ± 2% to 32% ± 4% ( P = .04), correlating with improved functional capacity, as measured by the NYHA classification. Preoperatively, 2 patients (14%) had an NYHA classification of IV, 6 (43%) a classification of III, and 6 (43%) a classification of II. At 6 months postoperatively, no patient had an NYHA classification of IV, 2 (14%) had a classification of III, and 12 (86%) an NYHA classification of II. Two patients had undergone cardiac transplant evaluations preoperatively and underwent successful transplantation after weight loss. Conclusion The results of our study have shown that bariatric surgery for patients with cardiomyopathy is feasible and effective. Surgically induced weight loss results in both subjective and objective improvement in cardiac function. In addition, surgical weight loss can provide a bridge to transplantation in patients who were prohibited secondary to their morbid obesity.
Membrane-associated STAT3 and PY-STAT3 in the cytoplasm.

Signal transduction from the plasma membrane to the nucleus by STAT proteins is widely represented as exclusively a soluble cytosolic process. Using cell-fractionation methods, we observed that ∼5% of cytoplasmic STAT3 was constitutively associated with the purified early endosome (EE) fraction in human Hep3B liver cells. By 15-30 min after interleukin-6 (IL-6) treatment, up to two-thirds of cytoplasmic Tyr-phosphorylated STAT3 can be associated with the purified early endosome fraction (Rab-5-, EEA1-, transferrin receptor-, and clathrin-positive fraction). Electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and detergent dissection approaches confirmed the association of STAT3 and PY-STAT3 with early endosomes. STAT3 was constitutively associated with clathrin heavy chain in membrane and in the 1- to 2-MDa cytosolic complexes. The membrane association was dynamic in that, within 15 min of treatment with the vicinal-thiol cross-linker phenylarsine oxide, there was a dramatic increase in bulk STAT3 association with sedimentable membranes. The functional contribution of PY-STAT3 association with the endocytic pathway was evaluated in transient transfection assays using IL-6-inducible STAT3-reporter-luciferase constructs and selective regulators of this pathway. STAT3-transcriptional activation was inhibited by expression constructs for dominant negative dynamin K44A, epsin 2a, amphiphysin A1, and clathrin light chain but enhanced by that for the active dynamin species MxA. Taken together, these studies emphasize the contribution of the endocytic pathway to productive IL-6/STAT3 signaling.
Factors influencing changes in mercury concentrations in lake water and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in Adirondack lakes

Over the past 20+ years, fish with elevated concentrations of mercury (Hg) have been observed in remote lake districts, including the Adirondack region of New York. Across eastern North America studies have also reported a negative correlation between fish Hg concentration and lake pH. Recent controls in emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) have resulted in some improvement in the acid–base status of acid-impacted surface waters including Adirondack lakes. In addition, there has been an apparent decrease in atmospheric Hg deposition. A synoptic survey of 25 lakes in the Adirondacks was conducted in 1992–1993 to analyze spatial patterns of Hg in the water column and yellow perch (Perca flavescens). The same cluster of 25 lakes was resurveyed in 2005–2006 to evaluate if changes in lake concentrations of Hg species or fish Hg have occurred. We observed a varied response of changes in water chemistry and fish Hg concentrations. In twelve of the resurveyed lakes the yellow perch had lower Hg concentrations, six lakes had yellow perch with higher Hg concentrations, and in seven lakes yellow perch Hg concentrations did not change significantly (α = 0.05). Four variables appear to influence the change in yellow perch Hg concentrations in the Adirondacks: watershed area, elevation, change in pH, and change in fish body condition. We hypothesize that as the acidity in lakes is attenuated, the lakes may become more productive and/or water quality conditions less stressful to fish leading to increasing fish body condition. As fish body condition improves, fish exhibit “growth dilution” of tissue contaminants leading to lower fish Hg concentrations.
Prevention and Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy after Bariatric Surgery

Given the ever-increasing problem of obesity, it is not surprising that the number of patients who undergo bariatric surgery continues to rise. For patients who have gastric banding, the amount of food they can consume is limited, and nausea and vomiting may further limit nutritional intake early on. More extensive procedures, such as the Roux-en-Y or biliopancreatic diversion with or without a duodenal switch, not only restrict intake but also limit absorption in the small intestine. As a result, deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and trace elements may develop, leading to a variety of neurologic complications. The peripheral neuropathies best described with a clear-cut cause are an acute, frequently painful neuropathy or polyradiculoneuropathy associated with thiamine deficiency, and an isolated neuropathy or myeloneuropathy associated with deficiencies of either vitamin B12 or copper. Thiamine deficiency tends to occur in the first weeks or months after surgery, vitamin B12 deficiency may develop at any time from a few years to many years after surgery, and copper deficiency tends to be a fairly late complication, developing several years to many years following surgery. Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery may also have an increased risk of developing focal neuropathies, though these are less clearly related to specific nutritional deficiencies.Ideally, one would like to prevent these neuropathies, but there is no consensus of opinion as to what vitamins and micronutrients need to be taken following bariatric surgery. In addition, many patients who take supplements early on fail to maintain the regimen even though some of the neuropathies can occur fairly late. Supplements frequently recommended include a multivitamin, iron, vitamin D, folic acid, calcium citrate, and vitamin B12. Although thiamine is typically included in a multivitamin, the amount is fairly small, so I recommend adding 100 mg daily for at least the first year. Some have suggested zinc supplementation, but this is potentially problematic because exogenous zinc may interfere with copper absorption. Obtaining blood work every 6 months after surgery will help to identify and treat nutritional deficiencies early.For those patients who have had a bariatric procedure and then develop a neuropathy, evaluating levels of thiamine, copper, vitamin B12, methylmalonic acid, and homocystine is indicated. In addition, since one deficiency is frequently associated with others, obtaining levels of vitamin A, C, D, K, and E, as well as iron, zinc, selenium, and magnesium is worthwhile. Checking total protein, albumin, and cholesterol also gives a sense of general nutritional status. Occasionally, no clear-cut deficiency of a vitamin, mineral, or trace element can be identified in patients with various peripheral nervous system manifestations. Nevertheless, these patients may have at least some recovery with improving nutritional intake and vitamin supplementation, suggesting that we still do not fully understand how nutritional status affects the peripheral nervous system.
Endotoxin-mediated synthesis of nitric oxide is dependent on Gq protein signal transduction.

Abstract Background . Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous multifunctional free radical produced during sepsis, shock, reperfusion injury, and allograft rejection. Many studies are presently evaluating the functional roles of NO production in these settings. However, the signal transduction mechanisms underlying initiation of NO production are largely unknown. This study defines the cell surface receptor proteins that mediate endotoxin-induced NO synthesis in ANA-1 murine macrophages. Methods . Endotoxin (LPS, 10 μg/ml) was added to ANA-1 macrophages to induce NO synthesis. In selected instances guanosine 5′-O-(2-thiodiphosphate)-trilithium salt (GOTP), pertussis toxin, cholera toxin, or suramin were added as inhibitors of specific subclasses of heterotrimeric G proteins. Calphostin was added as a protein kinase C inhibitor, and ET-OCH 3 was added as a phospholipase C-β inhibitor. NO release was quantified by measurement of the NO metabolite, nitrite. Membrane guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activity was also analyzed. Steady-state levels of inducibk nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA were determined by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Results . Inhibition of G protein function by suramin or GOTP significantly decreased synthesis of NO and expression of iNOS mRNA. Pertussis and cholera toxin did not alter NO synthesis, suggesting that the G i and G s classes are not involved. Inhibition of protein kinase C or upstream phospholipase C-β activity decreased NO synthesis, implicating the G q class of heterotrimeric G proteins. Conclusions . In ANA-1 macrophages, endotoxin-mediated NO synthesis is dependent on heterotrimeric G q protein-phospholipase C-β-protein kinase C signal transduction.
The concept of ecotechnologies and ecocommunities

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the concept of ecotechnologies and ecocommunities. Despite the tendency of so many new technologists and communitarians to slight science as spiritually desiccating, they retain closer affinities to the western scientific outlook than they are likely to admit. A considerable amount of research is currently underway in nonnuclear alternate sources of energy such as solar, wind, and methane installations, in food cultivation, and in energy-saving dwellings and communities. The objectives of the environmentalist presuppose no uniquely beneficent relationships between man and nature that is implicit in so many statements of an ecological ethic, notably a respect for the biosphere, a conscious effort to function within its parameters, and an attempt to achieve harmony between society and the natural world.
Low frequency wireless powering of microsystems using piezoelectric–magnetostrictive laminate composites

Abstract This paper presents a new wireless powering technique for microsystems based on low frequency ( −3 at 2–3 kG). Comparing with other remote powering techniques, this method possesses much higher voltage generation efficiency per generator volume.
Isotopic Oxygen Incorporation in Xanthophylls of Spinacea Olercea Quantasomes

The incorporation of O/sup 18/ in xanthophylls of quartasome aggregate fractions of Spinacea oleracea was investigated. These fractions can evolve oxygen in the presence of a suitable eiectron acceptor, but lack the ability to fix carbon dioxide. Results showed that very little O/sup 18/ is appeared in either lutein or violaxanthin, the two xanthophylls examined. The technique was tested by the use of the carotenoid spheroidenone of the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas spheroides in an O/sup 18/ atmosphere. The label was incorpornted into the compound in substantial amounts. The role of carotenoids in general, and xanthophylls in particuiar, in photosynthetic organisms is discussed. (C.H.)
Near-field magnetic communication

Even as cell phones have shrunk in size while boasting an ever-increasing array of features, two things about them haven't changed much: they still sprout a stubby antenna and, if you want a headset, you have to put up with an unwieldy wire connecting the headset and the phone. Thanks to a patented technology called near-field magnetic communication (NFMC), from Aura Communications, one can also cut the cord between the phone and the headset. While the concepts behind magnetic induction communication have been around for decades, Aura's engineers are the first to develop and implement practical solutions capturing the benefits of this technology. NFMC communicates wirelessly by coupling a very-low-power quasistatic magnetic field at 13.56 MHz. This paper discusses further the benefits of this technology.