cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of creatine and turmeric on muscle and non-muscle cells

Creatine is important for energy storage and is widely used as a supplement to improve muscle strength. Turmeric is a potential therapeutic agent, and used in the management of oxidative, and inflammatory conditions. There has been an immense interest in creatine and turmeric research over the years and they have been extensively studied. However, there have been no studies available on their combined effect at the cellular level. The purpose of this study was to investigate the individual and combined effects of creatine and turmeric on muscle and non-muscle (fibroblast) cells. The differential effect was observed on both cell line in the presence of creatine alone and turmeric alone treatment. When creatine and turmeric were tested separately, creatine increases the proliferation rate of muscle cells and decreases proliferation rate of non-muscle cells at tested concentrations (3.25µg/mL, 32.5µg/mL, and 325µg/mL). On the other hand, turmeric increases the proliferation rate of non-muscle cells compared to muscle cells at tested concentrations (4.62µg/mL, 23.1µg/mL, and 46.2µg/mL). Non-muscle cells showed a decreased proliferation with creatine (325µg/mL) and increased proliferation with turmeric (46.2µg/mL) at maximum tested concentrations. Hence, for testing their combined effect on both cell lines higher concentrations (650µg/mL and 925µg/mL) were used. The combined concentrations of creatine and turmeric at 650µg/mL and 925µg/mL did not show a significant effect on muscle cells. However, the same concentrations increased the proliferation of non-muscle (fibroblast) cells compared to muscle cells. Although creatine alone or turmeric by itself was found to be more effective on the proliferation of non-muscle cells than combining both of them together. The results of this study suggest that creatine and turmeric supplementation together may not be beneficial for post-workout recovery. However, both of them together may be used in skin cosmetics formulation to improve skin cells.
Cartilage tissue engineering

Osteoarthritis, the severe degeneration of articular surfaces, affects approximately 27 million people in the United States, causing pain and discomfort. Current treatments are inadequate and often result in long-term reinjury. This chapter discusses how tissue engineering aims to address these inadequacies in three categories: the induction of cartilage's biological properties, the choice of materials, and other considerations, including lateral integration and surface friction.
The effects of amiodarone on thyroid function in pediatric and adolescent patients.

Purpose of review Amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction is well established. The present review discusses recent literature related to the effects of amiodarone on the thyroid gland and thyroid function in pediatrics. Recent findings Current guidelines in adults treated with amiodarone recommend baseline thyroid function testing followed by initiation of thyroid hormone monitoring after 3 months on therapy. Two retrospective studies to evaluate amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction in children and young adults reveal thyroid dysfunction as soon as 2 weeks after amiodarone initiation with a greater percentage of pediatric patients developing amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism rather than thyrotoxicosis. Although additional studies are needed to determine if AIH is associated with negative impact on growth and neurocognitive development, what is clear is that in both adults and pediatrics, there is low compliance with recommended side effect-monitoring guidelines. Summary Pediatric patients are at similarly high risk to develop amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction as are adults. It is hoped that through improved education of providers and patients further research into the incidence, the potential risks of amiodarone therapy and the potential benefits of thyroid hormone replacement therapy in patients with AIH will be investigated and reported.
Behind-the-meter energy storage in China: Lessons from California's approach

Behind‐the‐meter (BTM) energy storage creates benefits for a large number of stakeholders, enhancing system operation, and mitigating the increase in peak demand, as well as offering potential income from arbitraging peak/off‐peak electricity tariff differentials, mitigating demand charges, and other ancillary service sources. The United States and China are among the leaders in development of energy storage, but these two countries are at different stages in terms of the storage policy landscape. The US system of federalism enables state‐level policy reform, and California has been leading the country for more than a decade with policy instruments addressing BTM storage. These policy instruments include procurement targets, financial incentive plans, as well as regulatory adaptations. Under China's centralized pattern of energy governance, the deployment of new technology largely relies on signals from the national level. The first standalone national‐level policy for energy storage was released in 2017, but major market barriers remain. This review draws insights from the experience of California, whose partially deregulated power market is relevant for China's ongoing market reform. In order to investigate whether the country's current market environment provides adequate opportunities for investors, this review outlines an investment analysis assessing the economics of BTM storage in China with different revenue sources. Results show that traditional revenue sources for BTM storage, namely price arbitrage and demand charge reduction, are inadequate to recover costs for investors in China. The review thus proposes policy recommendations for regulators in China aiming to further promote the deployment of BTM energy storage. This article is categorized under: Energy Infrastructure > Economics and Policy Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure Energy Systems Economics > Economics and Policy
Viral escape from antisense RNA

Summary RNA coliphage SP was propagated for several generations on a host expressing an inhibitory antisense RNA complementary to bases 31‐270 of the positivestranded genome. Phages evolved that escaped inhibition. Typically, these escape mutants contained 3‐4 base substitutions, but different sequences were observed among different isolates. The mutations were located within three different types of structural features within the predicted secondary structure of SP genomic RNA: (i) hairpin loops; (ii) hairpin stems; and (iii) the 58 region of the phage genome complementary to the antisense molecule. Computer modelling of the mutant genomic RNAs showed that all of the substitutions within hairpin stems improved the Watson‐Crick pairing of the stem. No major structural rearrangements were predicted for any of the mutant genomes, and most substitutions in coding regions did not alter the amino acid sequence. Although the evolved phage populations were polymorphic for substitutions, many substitutions appeared independently in two selected lines. The creation of a new, perfect, antisense RNA against an escape mutant resulted in the inhibition of that mutant but not of other escape mutants nor of the ancestral, unevolved phage. Thus, at least in this system, a population of viruses that evolved to escape from a single antisense RNA would require a cocktail of several antisense RNAs for inhibition.
Bit-interleaved rectangular parity-check coded modulation with iterative demodulation in a two-node distributed array

In this paper, we propose a network-based distributed antenna array approach, in which a bit-interleaved rectangular parity-check coded modulation with an iterative demodulation scheme is used. Different from the conventional multiple-array systems, this distributed array employs a pair of physically separated identical receiving nodes. These nodes receive the transmitted signal through independent channels. The each node demodulates and decodes the received signal in an iterative manner. At each iteration, the pair of nodes exchange the reliability measure of a small portion of the symbols to obtain spatial diversity. Simulation results show that significant diversity gain can be achieved at much lower traffic cost than maximal ratio combining.
A Systematic Approach to Automatically Generate Multiple Semantically Equivalent Program Versions

Classic methods to overcome software faults include design diversity that involves creating multiple versions of an application. However, design diverse techniques typically require a staggering investment of time and manpower. There is also no guarantee that the multiple versions are correct or equivalent. This paper presents a novel approach that addresses the above problems, by automatically producing multiple, semantically equivalent copies for a given array/loop-based application. The copies, when used within the framework of common design diverse techniques, provide a high degree of software fault tolerance at practically no additional cost. In this paper, we also apply our automated version generation approach to detect the occurrence of soft errors during the execution of an application.
Cellulolytic activity of Thermomonospora curvata: optimal assay conditions, partial purification, and product of the cellulase.

Abstract Thermomonospora curvata produces cellulases active against both cotton fibers (designated C1 activity) and carboxymethylcellulose (Cx activity). In reaction systems employing optimal substrate concentration, pH, and temperature, hydrolysis rates (measured by the release of soluble reducing sugars) were initially linear and decreased on prolonged incubation, although only a small amount of substrate (1 to 2%) had been hydrolyzed. Persistence of this lower rate, even after addition of fresh enzyme (in the C1 assay system), indicated alteration of cellulose susceptibility to hydrolysis rather than enzyme inactivation. Partial purification by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation and exclusion chromatography resolved cellulase activity into two fractions. The sole product of purified cellulase activity on ground cotton fibers appears to be cellobiose.
Purification and characterization of nitrous oxide reductase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain P2.

Nitrous oxide reductase, which catalyzes the reduction of N2O to N2, was purified in a largely oxidized form from Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain P2 by a simple anaerobic procedure to yield an enzyme with a peptide purity of 95-98%. For the native (dimeric) enzyme, Mr = 120,000 and for the denatured subunit, Mr = 73,000. The enzyme contained four Cu atoms/subunit, was purple in color, and exhibited a broad absorption band at 550 nm with an extinction coefficient of about 11,000 M-1 x cm-1 referenced to the dimer. It was nearly inactive as prepared but could be activated by incubation with 2-(N-cyclohexylamino)ethane sulfonate buffer, pH 10, to specific activities as high as 27 mumol of N2O x min-1 x mg-1.Km for N2O and benzyl viologen radical cation was about 2 and 4 microM, respectively, both before and after enzyme activation. Activation increased the t1/2 for turnover-dependent inactivation from about 30 s to 5-10 min. Reduction of the enzyme by dithionite was kinetically biphasic and resulted in the loss of the 550-nm band and ultimate appearance of a 670-nm band. Isoelectric focusing revealed five components with pI values from 5.2 to 5.7. The pI values did not change following activation. The copper CD spectrum of the enzyme as prepared was different from that for the activated enzyme, whereas those for the enzyme after exposure to air and the activated enzyme were similar. Because the activated enzyme is a mixture of activated and inactive species, the specific activity of the activated species must be substantially greater than the observed value. Molecular heterogeneity may also explain the decreased optical absorbance and CD amplitude that resulted from the activation process. The data overall reinforce the view that the absorption spectrum of nitrous oxide reductase is not a good predictor of absolute activity.
SCADA for the Rest of Us: Unlicensed Bands Supporting Long-Range Communications

We are on the cusp of the next big wave in Internet and wireless technology for the mass market: the emergence of ubiquitous smart environments capable of automated sensing and interaction with the physical world around us. A critical ingredient for this future is the deployment and availability of wireless control network infrastructure and services. Most discussions of the future smart environment focus on large systems managed by large corporate or public entities: smart power grids, smart freshwater and wastewater management, and so on. The distributed communications and control mechanisms that automate these infrastructure systems are called SCADA (forsupervisory control and data acquisition). Most work on SCADA has correspondingly considered the focused networks that support a single large system or application.
Radiochemical purity and stability of generic Tc-99m Sestambi kits

2235 Objectives Generic formulations of Tc99m Sestamibi have recently been introduced. Prior to patient use, our department evaluated radiochemical purity and stability of three new generic Sestamibi kits. Methods Sestamibi kits evaluated included Tc-99m Sestamibi (Covidien Imaging) Sestamibi 0.75mg (Anazao Health) and Sestamibi DS 2 mg (Anazao Health). Anazao kits included LDO saline for formulation. Three separate Sestamibi kits, 738 mCi to 774 mCi in 3.0 ml, were prepared according to instructions. Radiochemical purity and stability was evaluated using Whatman 31ET with ethyl acetate up to 8 hours and at 24 hours post formulation. At each time period, three replicate samples were evaluated and data statistically summarized. Effects of using normal saline for LDO saline in formulation of Anazao Sestamibi 0.75 mg were evaluated as described. Results Radiochemical purities greater than 90% were achieved in all kits. Radiochemical purity of Tc-99m Sestamibi (Covidien Imaging) was 94.9%, 93.9% and 92.0% at 0.5 hours, 8 hours and 24 hours post formulation, respectively. Radiochemical purity of Tc-99m Sestamibi 0.75 mg (Anazao Health) was 96.2%, 94.2% and 93.8% at 0.5 hours, 8 hours and 24 hours post formulation, respectively. Radiochemical purity of Tc-99m Sestamibi DS 2 mg (Anazao Health) was 95.7%, 95.2% and 94.1% at 0.5 hours, 8 hours and 24 hours post formulation, respectively. Radiochemical purity of Tc-99m Sestamibi 0.75mg was not significantly altered by use of normal saline. Conclusions Radiochemical purity and stability of three generic Sestamibi kits (738mCi to 774 mCi) were assessed. Labeling efficiencies of all kits evaluated were greater than 90% up to 24 hours after formulation and no significant deviation was observed when normal saline was substituted in the formulation process.
Larval exposure to Francisella tularensis LVS affects fitness of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus.

Francisella tularensis is an environmental bacterium capable of infecting a wide spectrum of species from mammals and birds to reptiles. It has been demonstrated that F. tularensis can invade and survive within protozoa, but an association with aquatic insects has not been thoroughly investigated. We examined the interaction of F. tularensisLVS biofilms and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae to determine the effects on larvae and adults. Our results demonstrate that F. tularensisLVS can form and persist as biofilms in natural water and that the mosquito larvae of C. quinquefasciatus readily feed on biofilm and planktonic forms of F. tularensisLVS. Larvae raised in both bacteria-only cultures suffered significant delays in pupation. Adults resulting from larvae continuously exposed to the bacteria had significantly reduced wing lengths in males and fecundity of both sexes. The bacteria may be exerting these effects through localization and persistence within the midgut and Malpighian tubule cells of the larvae. The study of oral acquisition of pathogens by insect larvae can significantly contribute to the study of environmental persistence of pathogens. We show that oral uptake of F. tularensisLVS by C. quinquefasciatus larvae results in not only larval effects but also has effects on adult mosquitoes. These effects are important in understanding both the ecology of tularemia as well as bacterial interactions with aquatic invertebrates.
FGF-10 and its receptor exhibit bidirectional paracrine targeting to urothelial and smooth muscle cells in the lower urinary tract

Control of the regenerative properties of urothelial tissue would greatly aid the clinician in the management of urinary tract disease and disorders. Fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF-10) is a mitogen which is particularly promising as a protein therapy for urothelial injury. The spatial synthesis, transport, targeting, and mechanistic pathway of FGF-10 and its receptor were studied in a human urothelial cell culture model and in fixed sections of lower urinary tract tissue. Synthesis of FGF-10 was restricted to mesenchymal fibroblasts, and secreted FGF-10 exhibited paracrine transport to two proximal sites, transitional epithelium and smooth muscle cell bundles, both of which were also the exclusive sites of FGF-10 receptor synthesis. The addition of recombinant FGF-10 to quiescent urothelial cells in vitro was sufficient to stimulate DNA synthesis. This stimulation was through a pathway independent of the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway. Deconvolution, light and transmission electron microscopic studies captured FGF-10 and its receptor in association with the urothelial cell surface, in cytoplasm, and within nuclei, observations that describe the mechanism that transduces the mitogenic signal in these tissues. Localization of the FGF-10 receptor to the superficial urothelial layer is clinically significant because intravesical administration of FGF-10 may provide the clinician a means to control the turnover of transitional epithelium in bladder disorders such as interstitial cystitis.
Computer Workstations of the Future

Most thinking about workstation design takes the Western configuration of chair-and-table for granted. However, Cranz (1998), Mandal (1984) and others have argued that the conventional right angle seated posture is detrimental to physical health. This paper describes the alternative postures, such as perching, lounging, standing, and most importantly, movement, which could be incorporated into the workplace. Changing the workstation requires changing the office as a whole, in turn requiring that we abandon the factory model of office management and design in favor of a new combination of den, club, meditation hall and gymnasium.
Quality of life in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: what is known about the effects of pharmacotherapy?

A diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), now estimated to affect one in 88 children, requires deficits in social communication and interactions, and restricted interests and/or repetitive behaviors. Almost all children with ASD have deficits in adaptive skills, many have intellectual disability, and others have co-occurring psychiatric disorders or symptoms. Thus, this complex disorder has shown to have a substantial impact on patients’ quality of life (QoL) and that of their families. Medication treatment is considered by clinicians and families to address problems with functioning due to psychiatric problems, and, as such, one-third of children and adolescents with ASD take at least one psychotropic medication and many use complementary and alternative medicine. This paper reviews what is known about the benefits and risks of psychotropic medications on the QoL of children with ASD. Although scarce, there are studies of psychiatric medications in autistic patients that include QoL measures, such as the pediatric studies of aripiprazole for irritability and one adult study of oxytocin. The aripiprazole study showed a positive effect on QoL in treated patients, as did the oxytocin study. Several other psychotropic medications are used in the treatment of children with ASD, and although information is available on the risks and benefits of each, we do not have specific data on the QoL impact of these medications. The aripiprazole and oxytocin studies exemplify how researchers can include QoL measures and use this information to guide clinicians. Additionally, we will recommend areas of further study in pharmacotherapy and QoL research in the context of treating children with ASD.
Redox properties of standard humic acids

Humic acid (HA) participates in a variety of electron transfer reactions, but its fundamental redox properties, such as formal electrode potential and oxidation capacity, are not well characterized. Specific functionalities in HA, such as semiquinone free radicals, have been hypothesized to participate in redox reactions; however, few supportive data exist. To address these issues, three standard humic acids (Suwannee River, soil, and peat) were titrated at pH 5 and 7 with I2 as an oxidant under an inert Ar atmosphere at 25°C. The formal electrode potential of the three HA samples at pH 5 was 0.778±0.017 V, decreasing with pH by −20.0±3.2 mV per pH unit. The oxidation capacity of HA (moles of HA charge per unit mass transferred to a strong oxidant) ranged from 1.09 to 6.5 molc kg−1 at pH 5 and from 3.3 to 11.5 molc kg−1 at pH 7. The increasing order of oxidation capacity for the humic acids was: soil HA<peat HA<Suwannee River HA. A positive correlation between oxidation capacity and the stable free radical content of HA was found, but the latter property could account for only a tiny fraction of the observed moles of electrons transferred between HA and the I2 oxidant. Based on these results and those of previous research, a hypothesis for abiotic electron transfer reactions of HA involving complexed Fe(III) as a mediator was proposed.
A «rationalized» arcsine transform

Arcsine or angular transformations have been used for many years to transform proportions to make them more suitable for statistical analysis. A problem with such transformations is that the arcsin...
Buffeting forces on rigid circular cylinders in cross flows

Experimentally measured steady and unsteady forces induced by a cross flow over a smooth circular cylinder are reported in this paper. The measurements were made in the 0·305 m research water tunnel of the Pennsylvania State University. The parameters examined include the Reynolds number, which was varied over a range of 2 × 104 to 2 × 106, free-stream turbulent intensity, integral length scale-to-diameter ratio and active span-to-diameter ratio; however, this paper includes only some of these results.Among the results reported are the complete mean drag data on all the cylinders tested and some fluctuating force data chosen to illustrate the effects of Reynolds number and active span-to-diameter ratio on the measured forces in uniform and turbulent cross flows. From these results, it can be concluded that the unsteady forces bear a functional relation to Reynolds number in the range tested which is very similar to the well-documented behaviour of the mean drag. Thus the effect of free-stream turbulence on both the steady drag forces and the unsteady forces is to shift the transitional region to a lower Reynolds number. Decreasing the active span-to-diameter ratio increases the buffeting lift coefficient at the same Reynolds number. Finally, it is observed that the Strouhal lift signal at transitional Reynolds numbers is no longer quasi-periodic but rather resembles a narrow-band random signal.
Detection of single fluorescent molecules

Abstract We report the first efficient detection of individual fluorescent molecules in solution. This constitutes a significant advance in ultrasensitive detection that should have a variety of applications in biological and chemical science. The observation technique, which involves excitation with a repetitively pulsed laser and time-gated discrimination of fluorescence photons, permits single molecules to be detected and counted as they transit the laser beam. Our observations are consistent with Monte Carlo modelling of the method. The development is an essential step in the realization of a proposed high-speed method for sequencing DNA.
Properties of the ultraviolet-light-mediated binding of bovine serum albumin to DNA.

— The binding of DNA to protein mediated by U V (254 nm) radiation has been investigated using binding of the complex to Millipore membrane filters as an assay technique. The reaction proceeds through an activated protein intermediate which then reacts with the DNA. The activated protein has a half-life of about 75 min at 0°C and about 18 min at 37°C. Short wavelengths are more efficient in forming the complex than wavelengths in the 250–280 nm range. N-ethyl maleimide treatment of protein before irradiation markedly inhibits the reaction.
Comparison of seizure related amino acid release in human epileptic hippocampus versus a chronic, kainate rat model of hippocampal epilepsy

Abstract Recent microdialysis studies of excitatory and inhibitory amino acid release associated with paroxysmal hippocampal activity have found significant increases in the hippocampus of epileptic patients, but minimal or variable increases in animal models. One possible reason for the differences is that the animal models employed in these studies have not adequately reflected the pathophysiology of human epilepsy. The present study sought to verify the amino acid release reported in human epileptic hippocampus and then employs animal studies using a chronic rat model of epilepsy, in which rats exhibit spontaneous seizure activity 3 to 4 months after injection of kainic acid into the hippocampus. In agreement with earlier reports, we found increases in glutamate, aspartate and GABA during seizures in human hippocampus. In addition we found increases in taurine which have not previously been reported. The chronic rat model shows increases in the same amino acids as in the human epileptic hippocampus, both during spontaneous seizures and stimulation evoked after-discharges (ADs). In contrast, minimal increases are elicited by hippocampal stimulation in control (non-kainate injected) animals. These results correlate with the degree of mossy fiber reorganization found in the dentate gyrus of kainate rats or epileptic humans.
Interiors and Interiorities: Architectural Understandings of the Mind in Hard Times

The Brain has Corridors—surpassing Material Place— –Emily Dickinson, poem 4071 In 1862, Dickinson wrote “One need not be a Chamber—to be Haunted—,” from which the epigraph to this paper is drawn. T...
Evolving the language-ready brain and the social mechanisms that support language.

Abstract We first review the mirror-system hypothesis on the evolution of the language-ready brain, stressing the important role of imitation and protosign in providing the scaffolding for protospeech. We then assess the role of social interaction and non-specific knowledge of language in the emergence of new sign languages in deaf communities (focusing on Nicaraguan Sign Language). Learning outcomes (1) Readers will understand the difference between mirror systems in humans and monkeys, and see how the evolution of imitation and protosign required the biological evolution of mirror systems with linkages to diverse regions beyond the mirror system. (2) Readers will see how social structure complements brain mechanisms in yielding language through cultural evolution supported by having language-ready brains, rather than through possession of an innate Universal Grammar. (3) Readers will understand that ontogeny does not recapitulate phylogeny, but will appreciate what mechanisms currently operative in modern children acquiring language may also have served early humans during the cumulative invention of the idea of language.
Effects of leachate from tree leaves and grass litter on tadpoles

Tree species composition can change as a result of succession, climate change, fire suppression, and invasive species. These changes clearly affect forests, but they can also affect aquatic ecosystems based on differences in the input quality of leaf litter, such as plant secondary compounds. These compounds vary in type and concentration depending on species and can be toxic to aquatic organisms. To examine toxic effects on Pseudacris maculata and Pseudacris crucifer tadpoles, we conducted 60-d laboratory experiments to compare leaf litter leachate from a dominant canopy species (red oak) and nonnative species (white pine) with an aquatic grass (prairie cordgrass) and plain water control. An additional experiment examined the effects of white pine on Bufo americanus, Hyla versicolor, and tannin concentrations in natural ponds. Compared with the control and grass, tree leaf extracts resulted in reduced tadpole survival. Leached compounds from pine reduced tadpole survival to 3 d or less. Tadpoles were able to metamorphose in significant numbers only from the two controls. The lowered survival with the red oak treatment might have been caused by lowered dissolved oxygen or high tannin concentrations. However, pine is known to have high concentrations of toxic monoterpenes, which should be investigated further. We found that tannin concentrations in natural ponds were much lower than the test concentrations, indicating that these results may represent worst-case scenarios or unrealistic concentrations.
Modeling historical trends in Lake Superior total nitrogen concentrations

ABSTRACT Nitrate concentrations in Lake Superior increased fivefold between 1900 and 1980, and have remained nearly constant since that time. Such rapid changes in concentration in a lake with a long hydraulic residence time (∼190 years) are surprising. We developed a model to better understand the causes of the historical changes and to predict future changes in nitrate concentrations. Historical loadings were reconstructed based on average national NOx emissions estimates, recent (past ∼30 years) atmospheric N deposition data, recent tributary concentration data, and basin-wide runoff estimates. Increases in atmospheric N deposition alone were insufficient to have resulted in the observed trends. However, model runs combining increased atmospheric deposition with increased tributary N loading and/or decreased burial + denitrification mid-century reproduced the observed accumulation of N. Because internal N fluxes are an order of magnitude greater than external fluxes, relatively small changes in the lak...
Military medical malpractice and "the right to sue"

The Feres doctrine bars tort claims against the government by military service members for injuries incident to their service. This prohibition extends to medical malpractice claims arising out of military health care. The latest legislative effort to overturn the Feres doctrine and allow military medical malpractice claims by service members was inspired by, and named for, a Marine whose death from melanoma may have been preventable through earlier diagnosis and referral. This article explores the genesis of the Feres rule, its 60-year history, and the arguments for and against its continued application. The article then assesses the military's experience under Feres in the context of the larger ethical debate over the social utility of malpractice liability as a tool for accountability and deterrence.
The stability of vinylidene chloride copolymers in the presence of selected multifunctional amines

Abstract Vinylidene chloride copolymers, particularly acrylate copolymers, occupy a position of position of prominence in the barrier plastic packaging industry. They display excellent barrier to the transport of oxygen (to prevent spoilage of packaged food items) and flavor and aroma agents (to prevent ‘scalping’ during transport and storage). However, these polymers undergo thermally-induced degradative dehydrochlorination at process temperatures, 150–170°C. To scavenge evolved hydrogen chloride and thus prevent the formation of metal halides (Lewis acids) by interaction with the extruder walls, these materials are usually blended with a small amount of passive base prior to processing. To determine the suitability of selected commercially available multifunctional amines for this purpose, blends containing 1–10% of various amines with a standard vinylidene chloride/methyl acrylate (5 mol%) copolymer have been examined by thermogravimetry. In general, the amines studied are sufficiently basic so as to promote dehydrochlorination.
Outcome-based practice: Disclosure rates of child sexual abuse comparing allegation blind and allegation informed structured interviews

The way in which children are interviewed can make the difference between prosecution, or continued abuse. There is a clear need for the development of an interview style that is acceptable in the legal system without compromising disclosure rate. This study was conducted to compare the disclosure rate of alleged child sexual abuse victims interviewed in a formal forensic setting with a structured "allegation informed" technique versus a structured "allegation blind" technique. The only difference between techniques was that the interviewer did not know the allegation for condition "allegation blind." Of the 1,535 interviews, 1,330 or 86.64% were conducted "allegation blind," 196 or 12.76% were conducted "allegation informed" and for 9 or .6% the interview type was unknown. The "allegation blind" interview technique yielded a statistically higher disclosure rate (chi 2 p = 0.378). Further research is warranted.
Regime III crystallization in melt-crystallized polymers: The variable cluster model of chain folding

The kinetic nucleation theory of chain folding, including the effects of reptation, is extended to predict the increase in crystal growth rate G that is implied by measurements on PE and POM at moderately large undercoolings. The increased growth rate denotes the rather abrupt transition from Regime II where G∝i12 to Regime III where G∝ i (i = surface nucleation rate). The distance between the niches on the growth front in Regime II diminishes rapidly with falling crystallization temperature Tx, and approaches the molecular width at a specified undercooling where Regime III begins. In PE, the Regime I → Regime II transition occurs at ΔT ⋍ 16°C, and the Regime II → Regime III transition is predicted to occur at ΔT ∼ 23°C (ΔT based on T°m(∞) = 145°C). Growth rate data on PE and POM crystallized from the melt suggest conformity with the theoretical predictions. The implications of Regime III crystallization to chain morphology are discussed. The kinetic theory, which predicts narrowly spaced niches on the growth front, taken together with the restrictions on the degree of non-adjacent re-entry imposed by the ‘Gambler's Ruin’ treatment, leads directly to the ‘variable cluster’ model as the relevant morphology in Regime III. Here runs of adjacently chain-folded stems of varying size (averaging about three or so stems) are laid down interspersed with non-adjacent re-entries, leading to a lamellar surface that is about two-thirds ‘regular’ or ‘tight’ folds, most or all of these representing strictly adjacent re-entries. The steady-state reptation process operative in Regimes I and II in PE is impaired at temperatures just below the inception of Regime III, and it is suggested that at lower temperatures the ‘slack’ portions of the chains engage in forming the small clusters of adjacent stems. The variable cluster model leads in a natural way to the amorphous component found in quench-crystallized polymers, and is consistent with neutron scattering data on quench-crystallized PEH-PED.
Cholinergic projections to the substantia nigra from the pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei

Abstract The cholinergic innervation of the compact and reticular parts of the substantia nigra in the rat was investigated by use of highly sensitive retrograde and anterograde tract-tracing methods in combination with choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry. The fluorescent tracers True Blue, propidium iodide, or fluorogold were infused preferentially into either nigral subnucleus. Cells positive for choline acetyltransferase and retrograde tracer were found in both the pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei, although considerably more double-labeled somata were observed in the former than in the latter component of the pontomesencephalotegmental cholinergic complex. Approximately 2–3 times more cholinergic cells were labeled in the peduculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei when tracer injections were centered in the compact nigral subdivision than when infusions of about the same size were confined totally to the reticular part. Infusions of the anterogradely transported tracerPhaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin into the pontomesencephalotegmental cholinergic complex resulted in uptake and transport of that label to both nigral subnuclei, and some of thePhaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin-accumulating somata and proximal processes also demonstrated choline acetyltransferase-like immunoreactivity. ThePhaseolus vulgaris agglutinin-labeled entities in the substantia nigra exhibited terminal-like profiles that were reminiscent of the pattern of nigral choline acetyltransferase-positive puncta demonstrated immunohistochemically by use of nickel ammonium sulfate enhancement of the final reaction product in the avidin-biotin procedure. These observations strongly support the contention that the pontomesencephalotegmental cholinergic complex is the major source of cholinergic projections to both the compact and reticular portions of the rat substantia nigra.
The early universe

The current status of theoretical cosmology is surveyed, with a focus on the areas of overlap between astrophysics and particle physics. Topics addressed include the nature of the big bang, the production and survival of particles in the early universe, relic nucleons, dark matter and weakly interacting massive particles from the early universe, and primordial nucleosynthesis. It is argued that the theoretically inferred nucleon density can account for the luminous (baryonic) matter observed in galaxies and part of the observed dark matter, but that the universe cannot be closed by nucleons alone. 41 refs.
The Effect of Reynolds Number on the Ventilation Efficiency in a Wind Tunnel

The present work is concerned with the effect of the ventilation intensity on the worker exposure in a tunnel when the worker is facing the downstream direction and a gaseous contaminant is released in an arm length of his reach. A three-dimensional model of a manikin which was used in the experiments was created in order to study the effect of the mean inlet velocity which can be characterized by the Reynolds number based on the equivalent diameter of the head of the manikin. For this study, turbulent flow was assumed to enter the ventilation tunnel and exit at the other end from an exhaust duct. The scalar transport method was employed to determine the ethanol vapor concentration field. The results with the low_Re RNG turbulence model are compared to the ones with the RNG turbulence model. The results with the RNG k-e turbulence model seem to agree better with the experimental data at higher Reynolds numbers. At lower Reynolds numbers there are significant differences between experiments and predictions.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Acoustic cavitation inception

Abstract This article presents a selective review of the subject of acoustic cavitation inception. Topics covered include cavitation threshold measurements, the role of dirt or pre-existing bubble nuclei in cavitation inception, radiation-induced acoustic cavitation, and a discussion of some unsolved problems such as cavitation thresholds in liquid helium and the effects of electric fields on thresholds.
Synthetic Utility of [(C5Me5)2Ln][(μ-Ph)2BPh2] in Accessing [(C5Me5)2LnR]x Unsolvated Alkyl Lanthanide Metallocenes, Complexes with High C−H Activation Reactivity

The loosely ligated [BPh4]1- ion in [(C5Me5)2Ln][(mu-Ph)2BPh2] can be readily displaced by alkyllithium or potassium reagents to provide access to unsolvated alkyl lanthanide metallocenes, [(C5Me5)2LnR]x, which display high C-H activation reactivity. [(C5Me5)2SmMe]3, [(C5Me5)2LuMe]2, [(C5Me5)2LaMe]x, (C5Me5)2Sm(CH2Ph), [(C5Me5)2Sm(CH2SiMe3)]x, and [(C5Me5)2SmPh]2 were prepared in this way. [(C5Me5)2SmMe]3 metalates toluene, benzene, SiMe4, and (C5Me5)1- ligands to make (C5Me5)2Sm(CH2Ph), [(C5Me5)2SmPh]2, [(C5Me5)2Sm(CH2SiMe3)]x, and (C5Me5)6Sm4[C5Me3(CH2)2]2, respectively. These C-H activation reactions can be done using an in situ synthesis of [(C5Me5)2LnMe]x such that the [(C5Me5)2Ln][(mu-Ph)2BPh2]/LiMe/RH combination provides a facile route to a variety of unsolvated [(C5Me5)2LnR]x products.
Reducing the Noise Generated During Air-Arc Gouging Can Be as Simple as Flipping a Switch

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has been evaluating the job/task of air-arc gouging performed by mine shop welders. Air-arc gouging is the process of melting an old weld with a carbon based electrode (rod) and blowing the molten metal away with compressed air. Noise levels of 115 dBA or higher can be generated in this process. Three acoustical field evaluations were conducted at mine shops comparing both Constant Current (CC) and Constant Voltage (CV) techniques for air-arc gouging. The results indicate that by using the CV technique, the average overall A-Weighted Sound Pressure Level (SPLA ) was reduced by as much as 8 dBA from an average of 117.6 dBA to 109.3 dBA. As might be expected, dosimeter results indicated that the rate of noise accumulation was also reduced utilizing the CV technique. The average accumulation rate decreased from 4.5 percent Dose per minute for CC at varying air pressures to 2.0 percent Dose per minute for CV at 80 psig.
The Question of Ocular Tolerance to Intravitreal Liquid Silicone:A Long-term Analysis

The authors report a retrospective review of 407 eyes that received intravitreal liquid silicone between 1961 and 1984. Initial anatomical success was noted in 270 eyes (66.3%), while initial functional success was achieved in 103 eyes (25.3%). Ten years postoperatively, approximately half of the eyes with initial functional success still had functional vision (49.2%). These eyes had less advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy and fewer inferior breaks than others. Recurrent retinal detachment rather than late complications was the predominant cause of functional failure in those eyes losing functional vision in less than ten years postoperatively. Late complications were common and frequently required therapeutic intervention. Intravitreal liquid silicone was of great benefit to many monocular patients, but of little benefit to the binocular patients in our series.
Proton and deuteron position preferences in water clusters: an ab initio study.

In order to explore the effect of H-to-D substitution on the zero-point energy (ZPE) of water clusters, Hessians were computed for a database of 53 optimized (H2O)n clusters, 5⩽n⩽21, at the B3LYP∕6−311++G** level. The 53 clusters contained 1524 protons, which were sorted into 18 categories according to the type of their donor O and (if not free) acceptor O. Letting ΔZPE{H*} denote the change in ZPE when the proton H* is replaced by D, mean values for ΔZPE{H*} for the H-bonded categories ranged from −2172calmol−1 for H* in a DDAA–DDAA bond to −2118 for H* in a DAA–DDA bond. Mean value for H* free on DAA (respectively, DA) was −2018 (respectively, −1969). For DAA–DDA bonds, and for short H bonds in general, there was a strong inverse correlation between ∣ΔZPE{H*}∣ and the O–H* distance. ΔZPE for multiple H-to-D substitutions was additive, except for a cooperativity effect of −13.7 to −19.7calmol−1 when two substituted protons were in the same H2O unit and a much smaller cooperativity when one proton’s donor...
A Highly Oriented Thin Film of Zeolite A

Secondary growth of an oriented precursor film of zeolite A results in an intergrown, continuous, thin (500 nm), and highly oriented film consisting of zeolite grains with the (h00) planes parallel and perpendicular to the substrate.
Modularity and design principles in the sea urchin embryo gene regulatory network

The gene regulatory network (GRN) established experimentally for the pre-gastrular sea urchin embryo provides causal explanations of the biological functions required for spatial specification of embryonic regulatory states. Here we focus on the structure of the GRN which controls the progressive increase in complexity of territorial regulatory states during embryogenesis; and on the types of modular subcircuits of which the GRN is composed. Each of these subcircuit topologies executes a particular operation of spatial information processing. The GRN architecture reflects the particular mode of embryogenesis represented by sea urchin development. Network structure not only specifies the linkages constituting the genomic regulatory code for development, but also indicates the various regulatory requirements of regional developmental processes.
Optimal control of freeway networks based on the Link Node Cell transmission model

We present an optimal control approach to freeway traffic congestion control. A Link-Node Cell transmission model (LN-CTM) is used to represent the freeway traffic dynamics. The approach searches for solutions represented by a combination of ramp metering and variable speed control. The optimization problem corresponding to the optimal control problem based on the LN-CTM is non-convex and nonlinear. We relax the problem to a linear optimization problem, and propose an approach to map the solution of the linear optimization algorithm to the solution of the original optimal control problem. We prove that the solution derived from this approach is optimal for the original optimal control algorithm. Finally, we use a model predictive framework to demonstrate the optimal control formulation presented in this paper and discuss its potential use.
Ecology of Symbiotes of Larval Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae): Distribution, Diversity, and Scale

Symbioses are major drivers in ecology and evolution. Although nearly omnipresent in flowing waters, they remain poorly studied in these systems. To examine fundamental aspects of the ecology of symbioses in flowing-water systems, we use larval black flies as hosts and various fungi, nematodes, and protists as symbiotes, focusing on aspects of distribution, diversity, and scale. Most symbiotes of larval black flies are considered parasitic, although the dynamic nature of the relationship is becoming apparent for some systems in which it shifts along a continuum involving commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism. Perspective also is moving from a pairwise view of symbiotic associations to a multispecies network of interactions. Distributions of symbiotes are related to scale-dependent processes that influence the hosts and the stream habitats of the hosts; thus, characteristics of streams, as well as hosts, can be useful in predicting spatial patterns of symbiotes. As the taxonomy of symbiotes improves, so too does the understanding of ecological relationships of symbiosis, such as host specificity and patterns of diversity along spatial and temporal scales.
Acceleration of particles into stable orbits in an isochronous three-sector cyclotron

The results of digital computer studies are presented on the properties of accelerated orbits in the central region of a three-sector, isochronous cyclotron. In these computations an idealized electric gap of zero width has been used and two acceleration rates, 280 and 140 keV/turn, have been considered. With 280 keV/turn a relatively large phase space area (orbit center distribution) is transmitted through the v r = 3/3 resonance with only a modicum of distortion; with 140 keV/turn the transmitted area is still ample, but the distortion is markedly greater. In both cases axial focusing is achieved; v z ⋍ 0.05 (280 keV/turn) and v z ⋍ 0.035 (140 keV/turn) are the effective, initial focusing frequencies observed.