cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Amaterasia amanoiwatoi nov. gen., nov. sp. (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida, Amaterasidae nov. fam.), with gall-forming juveniles parasitic on the fins of a balistid actinopterygian fish

A parasitic copepod, Amaterasia amanoiwatoi nov. gen., nov. sp. (Siphonostomatoida, Amaterasidae nov. fam.) is described together with its juveniles, including the copepodid stages, based on specimens recovered from galls formed on the fins of the fish, Xanthichthys lineopunctatus (Hollard, 1854), taken off Clarion Island, eastern Pacific, in 1957. This species resembles pandarid copepods, but is distinct in some characteristic features. It has gall-forming juveniles in its life cycle, which are referred to here as encysted copepodid stage. An advanced encysted copepodid 5 yielded an adult female developing inside it, on which the description of this new species is based. The encysted copepodid encysts and lodges inside a gall, with its caudal rami extending partly beyond the posterior orifice of the gall. All stages found probably are females. The encysted copepodid ingests exudates from the host through a ventral hole in the cyst wall. The encysted copepodid 1 is compared with caligid and pandarid copepodids. Some speculations are made on the possible life history of this species. Un copepode parasite, Amaterasia amanoiwatoi nov. gen., nov. sp. (Siphonostomatoida, Amaterasidae nov. fam.) est decrit ainsi que ses stades de developpement, incluant les stades copepoditiques, a partir de specimens obtenus de galles formees sur les nageoires du poisson Xanthichthys lineopunctatus (Hollard, 1854), pris en 1957 au large de l'ile Clarion, Pacifique oriental. Cette espece ressemble aux copepodes pandarides, mais s'en distingue par certains traits caracteristiques. Il presente, au cours de son cycle de vie, des stades juveniles formant des galles, qui sont designes ici comme stade copepoditique enkyste. Un copepodite 5 enkyste avait produit, a l'interieur du kyste, une femelle adulte a partir de laquelle est fondee la description de cette nouvelle espece. Le copepodite s'enkyste et loge a l'interieur de la galle, avec ses rames furcales depassant de l'orifice posterieur de la galle. Tous les stades trouves sont probablement femelles. Le copepodite enkyste ingere les exsudats de l'hote a travers un "trou" ventral de la paroi du kyste. Le copepodite enkyste 1 est compare aux copepodites de caligides et de pandarides. Des hypotheses sont proposees sur l'histoire possible de la vie de cette espece.
Multiple Event Detection and Recognition Through Sparse Unmixing for High-Resolution Situational Awareness in Power Grid

A situational awareness system is essential to provide accurate understanding of power system dynamics, such that proper actions can be taken in real time in response to system disturbances and to avoid cascading blackouts. Event analysis has been an important component in any situational awareness system. However, most state-of-the-art techniques can only handle single event analysis. This paper tackles the challenging problem of multiple event detection and recognition. We propose a new conceptual framework, referred to as event unmixing, where we consider real-world events mixtures of more than one constituent root event. This concept is a key enabler for analysis of events to go beyond what are immediately detectable in a system, providing high-resolution data understanding at a finer scale. We interpret the event formation process from a linear mixing perspective and propose an innovative nonnegative sparse event unmixing (NSEU) algorithm for multiple event separation and temporal localization. The proposed framework has been evaluated using both PSS/E simulated cases and real event cases collected from the frequency disturbance recorders (FDRs) of the Frequency Monitoring Network (FNET). The experimental results demonstrate that the framework is reliable to detect and recognize multiple cascading events as well as their time of occurrence with high accuracy.
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF BUD MINING SAWFLIES, PLERONEURA SPP. (HYMENOPTERA: XYELIDAE), ON WHITE FIR IN THE CENTRAL SIERRA NEVADA OF CALIFORNIA: I. LIFE CYCLES, NICHE UTILIZATION, AND INTERACTION BETWEEN LARVAL FEEDING AND TREE GROWTH

The previously unknown biologies of three species of bud mining sawflies occurring in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains are compared. All three species oviposit in the buds of white fir, Abies concolor , but in different parts of the bud. Each has a different ovipositional posture as well. The first instar of each species mines the bud in a characteristic manner; later instar larval behavior is not distinguishable. The larvae cannot be separated morphologically, but the adults are easily recognized by their genitalia. At moderate population levels competition does not appear to be a major limiting factor even though the three species occupy the same niche. The feeding of Pleroneura aldrichi , P . koebelei , and P . lutea appears to have little if any effect on the host tree.
Altered expression of cellular genes in neutrophils of periparturient dairy cows.

Abstract The periparturient dairy cow undergoes a plethora of physiological changes, including changes in the immune system that lead to profound effects on animal health. Of the immune cells affected at parturition, the neutrophil has been of particular interest due to its primary role in innate immune defense against mastitis. Immune functions of bovine neutrophils are known to be depressed around parturition, but it has not been discerned at what level these alterations occur, including the possibility that parturition induces changes in expression of key genes. The hypothesis of the present study was that blood neutrophils respond to the physiology of parturition by altering the expression of genes needed for normal cellular functions. The main objectives of the study were to detect and characterize parturition induced changes in neutrophil gene expression, to determine if altered gene expression was significantly associated with the main steroid hormones of bovine parturition, and to obtain putative identities of differentially expressed neutrophil genes. Differential gene expression was detected and characterized through mRNA abundance changes in neutrophils, and steroid hormone concentrations by RIA assay of periparturient serum samples. Preliminary assessment of differential gene expression was done using differential display reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (DDRT-PCR) followed by secondary screening using high throughput cDNA dot blot hybridization. Altered gene expression was confirmed using Northern blot hybridization and detailed expression patterns characterized using quantitative slot blot analysis. The identities of two fully characterized transcripts with clear parturition induced repression (P≤0.02) in neutrophils had high DNA sequence homology with genes that encode bovine mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) and rig/ribosomal protein S15 (rig/RPS15). These proteins are critical for normal respiratory metabolism and translation in cells, respectively. The gene expression profiles for cytb were significantly related to serum progesterone concentration (r=0.44) and for rig/RPS15 to progesterone and estradiol concentrations (r=0.35, 0.36, respectively). Eleven additional transcripts showed evidence of parturition induced repression in neutrophils and were putatively identified as representing genes of the citric acid cycle and various DNA binding proteins. Results of this study show for the first time that genes regulating basic life functions of bovine neutrophils may be repressed by parturition, possibly due to influences of steroid hormones.
Cardiac function of transplanted rat hearts using a working heart model assessed by magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract Background: A direct correlation between graft rejection and cardiac contractile function in small-animal models has been difficult to establish because (i) the conventional non-working heart model is greatly different from the orthotopic heart in terms of left ventricular work and (ii) it is difficult to obtain hemodynamic data in situ. We have used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to obtain non-invasive, in-situ quantitation of ventricular volume after heterotopic cardiac transplantation. Methods Infra-renal heterotopic cardiac transplantation was performed on rats using syngeneic and allogeneic untreated donors in both working and non-working left heart models. An occluding balloon catheter in the inferior vena cava was used to vary the pre-load to the graft. An arteriovenous fistula was created to raise inferior caval oxygen saturation. Magnetic resonance imaging measurements were carried out at day 3, 4, and 5 post-transplantation. Left ventricle end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were calculated using a biplanar ellipsoid model. Results Stroke volume was significantly increased in the working heart model as compared to the non-working model. At day 4 post-transplant, the diastolic pressure–volume relationship in the allograft group was significantly shifted, indicative of decreased myocardial distensibility, whereas the indices of systolic function were preserved. Conclusions We have developed a heterotopic transplant working rat heart model and have used it to assess in-situ cardiac function by MRI. Sensitive indices of diastolic contractile function can be obtained in this rodent transplant model that correlate well with histologic evidence of early rejection.
Practical Method of Crack Growth Analyses for Fighter Aircraft

The relationship between crack growth rate under variable amplitude spectrum da/dF and the stress intensity factor per unit stress a is found to be unique for similar loading spectra. Once this relationship, / (a), is established, the cycle-by-cycle integration is not needed and simple integration of /(a) can be applied to obtain the crack growth curve. An illustration of the da/dF vs a approach as recommended for the A-10A Damage Tolerance Reassessment is demonstrated. It includes two different stress spectra applied on coupon tests with various geometry and loading configurations. The function /(a) assumes the form used by the Forman equation for dfl/d/V, normalized about some reference stress. This function is shown to fit best the data points generated by the coupon test.
Continuous Versus Intermittent Bladder Irrigation of Amphotericin B for the Treatment of Candiduria

AbstractPurpose: The efficacy of continuous versus intermittent bladder irrigation with amphotericin B in the treatment of candiduria was compared.Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized and comparative pilot study was done on 20 patients. Continuous bladder irrigation with 50 mg./l. amphotericin B infused during 24 hours for 2 days was compared to 3 intermittent bladder irrigations of 10 mg./100 ml. amphotericin B in 1 day. Urine cultures were obtained 72 hours after treatment.Results: The organism was eradicated in 8 patients (80 percent) who received continuous irrigation and 3 (30 percent) who received intermittent irrigation (p = 0.035).Conclusions: Continuous amphotericin B bladder irrigation was superior in terms of efficacy, ease of administration and patient comfort.
Beyond leptin: Emerging candidates for the integration of metabolic and reproductive function during negative energy balance

Reproductive status is tightly coupled to metabolic state in females, and ovarian cycling in mammals is halted when energy output exceeds energy input, a metabolic condition known as negative energy balance. This inhibition of reproductive function during negative energy balance occurs due to suppression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release in the hypothalamus. The GnRH secretagogue kisspeptin is also inhibited during negative energy balance, indicating that inhibition of reproductive neuroendocrine circuits may occur upstream of GnRH itself. Understanding the metabolic signals responsible for the inhibition of reproductive pathways has been a compelling research focus for many years. A predominant theory in the field is that the status of energy balance is conveyed to reproductive neuroendocrine circuits via the adipocyte hormone leptin. Leptin is stimulatory for GnRH release and lower levels of leptin during negative energy balance are believed to result in decreased stimulatory drive for GnRH cells. However, recent evidence found that restoring leptin to physiological levels did not restore GnRH function in three different models of negative energy balance. This suggests that although leptin may be an important permissive signal for reproductive function as indicated by many years of research, factors other than leptin must critically contribute to negative energy balance-induced reproductive inhibition. This review will focus on emerging candidates for the integration of metabolic status and reproductive function during negative energy balance.
Contraceptive choice: how do oral contraceptive users differ from condom users and women who use no contraception?

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether contraceptive choice is influenced by social and reproductive characteristics in a cohort of high-risk women. Study Design This is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a randomized clinical trial of 542 women who were recruited from an urban population in New England. Of these participants, 422 women met inclusion criteria and had contraceptive information available for analysis. We evaluated sociodemographic and sexual history characteristics that were associated with oral contraceptive (OC) use, male condom use, or the use of no contraceptive method. Results Women who reported OC use were more likely to have at least a high school education, to be white, and to have private insurance than were women who used no form of contraception. Women who used OCs were more likely to have private insurance than women who used male condoms. Finally, although having a new sexual partner in the past 6 months and having multiple sexual partners in the preceding month were associated with contraceptive choice, other reproductive characteristics were not. Conclusion Among this cohort of women at high-risk for sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy, sociodemographic characteristics that included education level, race, insurance status, and sexual history influenced contraceptive choice.
Adults' attitudes about attending classes on healthy eating

In several community intervention trials, research­ ers have focused on the importance of learning about what motivates adults to attend classes on healthy eat­ ing. The Minnesota Heart Health Program (1), the Bo­ galusa Heart Study (2), the Oregon Family Heart Proj­ ect (3), the San Diego Family Heart Project (4), the Pawtuckett Heart Health Program (5), and the Stan­ ford Five City Project (6) all seek to improve the health behavior of whole communities and use classes as one approach to initiate positive behavior changes. In these intervention trials, the purpose of classes is to train social role models who will endorse and demon­ strate favorable nutrition attitudes and behaviors in the community. Despite heightened interest in attracting adults to nutrition classes, educators know little about the fac­ tors that influence adults to attend classes on healthy eating. Therefore, I conducted this study to identify beliefs and motivations that influence adults to attend nutrition education classes and to determine how the beliefs of those who say they will attend differ from the beliefs of those who say they will not. In designing this study, I was guided by Fishbein and Ajzen's (7) theory of reasoned action. Their the­ ory, which is based on the assumption that human be­ ings are usually quite rational and make systematic use of the information available to them, attempts to explain volitional behavior and specifies that the best single predictor of a behavior is the behavioral inten­ tion regarding that behavior. The behavioral intention is viewed as a function of two factors: 1) a person's attitude toward the behavior, and 2) a person's subjec­ tive norm (the perceived social pressure) with respect to the behavior.
Loss of neurotrophin-3 from smooth muscle disrupts vagal gastrointestinal afferent signaling and satiation.

A large proportion of vagal afferents are dependent on neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) for survival. NT-3 is expressed in developing gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle, a tissue densely innervated by vagal ...
Polymer Chain Swelling Induced by Dispersed Nanoparticles

The dimensions of individual deuterated polystyrene (d-PS) chains in a well-dispersed mixture of protonated polystyrene and chemically identical nanoparticles was determined by neutron scattering. A 10%-20% increase in the radius of gyration of d-PS was found when the nanoparticles are homogeneously dispersed in the polymer, an effect that occurs only when the radius of gyration of the polymer is larger than the nanoparticle radius. These results are reconciled with the existing literature.
Effects of cold storage and shelf-life on sensory quality and consumer acceptance of ‘Abate Fetel’ pears

Abstract Fruit products certified by quality labels should guarantee high levels of consumer acceptance, despite the unavoidable variability arising from growing conditions and postharvest responses. The quality of ‘Abate Fetel’ pear ( Pyrus communis L.) fruit was studied, after short or long cold storage, by analysis of physicochemical, texture and flavour traits, to investigate factors affecting consumer acceptance. Fruit from three orchards differing in location and design, monitored during 10 d of ripening at 20 °C, softened progressively to reach and exceed firmness adequate for consumption. Change in colour, in particular hue angle, paralleled softening. Sensory traits were investigated by evaluating fruit of three different firmness levels within the range of acceptable eating quality. Firmness differences were clearly perceived both by expert judges and by consumers, but did not influence the degree of liking. ‘Abate Fetel’ pear can maintain acceptable eating quality at 20 °C for 4–8 d after 13 weeks storage at −1 °C, or 2–6 d after 23 weeks storage at −1 °C. Changing texture parameters were perceived at eating, without compromising overall quality. Production system affected intrinsic quality parameters such as total soluble solids concentration, but did not influence consumer acceptance. In consumer tests conducted after 13 weeks of cold storage, high scores were recorded, with a 86% acceptance frequency and more than 40% of scores reflecting “like very much” or “like extremely”. After 23 weeks of cold storage a decrease in degree of liking was observed. The overall value of ‘Abate Fetel IGP Emilia-Romagna’ quality label was confirmed by consumer evaluations. However, the decrease in consumer acceptance after 23 weeks of cold storage indicates that caution should be used in using long storage durations.
CRIME, ARRESTS, AND PRETRIAL JAIL INCARCERATION: AN EXAMINATION OF THE DETERRENCE THESIS

Using longitudinal data calibrated in daily intervals and a vector ARMA (VARMA) study design, we investigate the causal relations among the number of crimes reported to the police, the frequency of arrest, and the number of defendants held in pretrial jail confinement. Results show a lagged negative effect of frequency of arrest on reported crime. As the number of wrests made by police increases, the number of index crimes reported to authorities decreases substantially the following day. Additionally the analysis reveals a significant positive contemporaneous relationship between criminal activity and arrest levels. No feedback effects among the three variables are noted. In sum, our findings add empirical support to the thesis that the instantaneous and lagged relationship between crime and clearances are of opposite sign. That is, criminal activity increases arrest levels instantaneously, or at least relatively so, while the negative effect of arrest levels on crime levels transpires more gradually.
Enantiomeric purity methods for three pharmaceutical compounds by electrokinetic capillary chromatography utilizing highly sulfated-γ-cyclodextrin as the chiral selector

Methods for enantiomeric purity by electrokinetic chromatography were developed and validated for three pharmaceutical compounds, each utilizing highly sulfated-gamma-cyclodextrin (HS-gamma-CD) as the chiral recognition agent. Two of the compounds are weak bases, hence charged at low pH, and the third is a quaternary nitrogen compound, charged at all pH. In each instance quantification was via an authentic reference standard with addition of an internal standard. Separation was on a 61 cm x 50 microm untreated capillary under reverse polarity with a background electrolyte of 5% HS-gamma-CD in pH 2.50 lithium phosphate buffer. Each method was validated with respect to the usual validation parameters, notably recovery and precision, yielding results, including limits of detection and quantitation, that allow reporting the minor enantiomer to 0.1% and less. In applying the methods, all batches of bulk drug tested were shown to be of enantiomeric purity > or =99.9%.
Experimental Study of Precast Bridge Columns with Built-In Elastomer

Two one-third-scale precast concrete segmental column models with energy-dissipating plastic hinges were designed and tested on a shake table at the University of Nevada, Reno. Conventional reinforced concrete was used in the plastic hinge of one column (SC-2). In the other model, a built-in elastomeric pad integrated with the footing and a concrete segment constituted the plastic hinge (SBR-1). The purpose of using the pad was to minimize damage while dissipating energy through yielding of the longitudinal bars and deformation of the pad. Both columns were subjected to the same ground motion as was recorded at the Sylmar station during the 1994 Northridge, California, earthquake with increasing amplitudes until failure. Compared with conventional precast concrete segmental columns, both SC-2 and SBR-1 showed superior performance, such as minimal residual displacement and larger energy dissipation. SBR-1 with the elastomeric bearing pad dissipated more energy and was free from damage in the plastic hinge ...
Stochastic spreading of intracellular Ca(2+) release.

We study the spreading of calcium-induced calcium release with the stochastic DeYoung-Keizer-model of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor channel. The model shows a transition from isolated release events to steadily propagating waves with increasing ${\mathrm{IP}}_{3}$ concentration. A state---stochastic backfiring---was found in the regime of steady propagation. The model can be reduced by an adiabatic elimination of the partial differential equation for the ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{2+}$ concentration to a lattice of stochastic channel clusters.
Recent advances in man-made fibers

Advances in man-made fiber technology are reviewed. The two main topics are second-generation fibers and specialty fibers. Chemical or physical modification of polymers or fibers through additives or alteration of polymer backbone has led to a variety of second-generation fibers. Incorporation of dye sites, antioxidants, antistatic and flameproof modifiers into fibers are discussed. Specialty fibers engineered to meet specific market needs are described. These include heat- and flame-resistant fibers, reinforcing fibers and low-density pneumatic-cellular fibers. Energy consumption in the preparation and use of polyester garments is compared to that of corresponding cotton garments. The outlook for continued growth and advances in man-made fibers continues to be highly promising.
Effects of time and point-of-use devices on arsenic levels in Southeastern Michigan drinking water, USA

Health effects associated with chronic, low-level exposures to arsenic in drinking water (<100 microg/L) remain unclear, in part due to uncertainties in assessing exposure. Drinking water concentrations have been used to assess past exposure to arsenic in epidemiological studies, under the assumption that a single measurement can be used to estimate historical exposure. This study aims to better understand (1) temporal variability in arsenic concentrations in drinking water and (2) the impact of point-of-use (POU) treatment devices on arsenic exposure measurements, and on reliability of the exposure measurement for population-level studies. Multiple drinking water samples were collected at two points in time (an average of fourteen months apart) for 261 individuals enrolled in a case-control study of arsenic exposure and bladder cancer in Michigan. Sources of drinking water included private wells (n = 221), public water supplies (n = 33), and bottled water (n = 7); mean arsenic concentration was highest in private wells (7.28 microg/L) and lowest in bottled water samples (0.28 microg/L). Arsenic concentrations in primary drinking water samples were highly correlated (r = 0.88, p < 0.0001, n = 196), with 3% of the water sources exceeding the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) in one sample but not in the other sample. Measurement reproducibility did not vary by type of POU device (e.g., softener, filter, reverse osmosis system). Arsenic concentrations did differ, however, between samples treated with POU devices and untreated samples taken on the same day. Substantial differences in arsenic concentrations were consistently observed for reverse osmosis systems; other POU devices had variable effects on arsenic concentrations. These results indicate that while a single residential arsenic measurement may be used to represent exposure in this region, researchers must obtain information on changes in water source and POU treatment devices to better characterize population exposures over time.
RECOGNITION OF ACCESSORY PROTEIN MOTIFS BY THE GAMMA-ADAPTIN EAR DOMAIN OF GGA3

Adaptor proteins load transmembrane protein cargo into transport vesicles and serve as nexuses for the formation of large multiprotein complexes on the nascent vesicles. The γ-adaptin ear (GAE) domains of the AP-1 adaptor protein complex and the GGA adaptor proteins recruit accessory proteins to these multiprotein complexes by binding to a hydrophobic motif. We determined the structure of the GAE domain of human GGA3 in complex with a peptide based on the DFGPLV sequence of the accessory protein Rabaptin-5 and refined it at a resolution of 2.2 A. The leucine and valine residues of the peptide are partly buried in two contiguous shallow, hydrophobic depressions. The anchoring phenylalanine is buried in a deep pocket formed by the aliphatic portions of two conserved arginine residues, along with an alanine and a proline, illustrating the unusual function of a cluster of basic residues in binding a hydrophobic motif.
Reachability by means of nice controls

We prove a stronger version of the Pontryagin Maximum Principle. Our version says that, if a point y can be reached from a point x by means of a control ? and corresponding trajectory ? of a control system x = f(x, u), and (?,?) is not a Pontryagin exiremal, then y belongs to the interior of the set. of points thai can be reached from x by means of piecewise constant controls. Under more restrictive conditions, the same conclusion also holds with "continuous", "smooth", or "polynomial" instead of "piecewise constant."
Asymmetric transcription of early adenovirus genes by the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase in vitro.

Abstract The DNA molecules of adenovirus types 2, 7 and 12, members of three families of oncogenic and transforming human adenoviruses, were transcribed in vitro by the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase. In vitro transcription is asymmetric, yielding mainly the viral gene sequences synthesized early after infection.
Peripheral Insertion of Umbilical Cord

Numerous studies have addressed the significance of marginal and membranous umbilical cord (UC) insertion. Recent reports suggest that an eccentrically inserted UC may also be important. This case-...
Comments on ‘an improved characteristic molecular volume parameter for linear solvation energy relationships of acyclic alkanes’

The characteristic molecular volume parameter suggested by Palatinus et al. [J. Phys. Org. Chem., DOI: 10.1002/poc.1065] is used in predicting the enthalpies of vaporization of 41 branched acyclic alkanes. Calculations provide one additional example illustrating where the use of the Palatinus et al. characteristic molecular volume parameter over the Abraham-McGowan molecular volume parameter led to a better mathematical description/description of thermodynamic and/or physical property data for branched acyclic alkanes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Total-energy full-potential linearized augmented-plane-wave method for bulk solids: Electronic and structural properties of tungsten

The development of the all-electron full-potential linearized augmented-plane-wave (FLAPW) method for bulk solids is reported. As in the thin-film FLAPW approach, the bulk FLAPW method solves the Kohn-Sham equations for a general charge density and potential. The formalism of Weinert, Wimmer, and Freeman for determining highly accurate total energies of solids within density-functional theory is implemented with all the necessary terms obtained from the FLAPW energy-band calculation. The resulting total-energy FLAPW approach is used to obtain highly accurate total-energy curves for bcc and fcc tungsten from which a number of structural properties (lattice parameters, bulk moduli, etc.) are derived. Calculated total energies have a relative precision of 0.1 mRy; a difference of 34 mRy is found between the (stable) bcc and fcc phases. The use of a simple quadratic form near the equilibrium value of the atomic volume is shown to lead to relatively large errors for the bulk modulus. Finally it is shown that in this all-electron method, all numerical approximations are controlled in that their effects can be minimized. One can therefore conclude that the FLAPW method is very well suited for testing the quality of various implementations of density-functional theory.
Ethical and human-rights issues in research on mental disorders that may affect decision-making capacity.

For research with human subjects, the more things change, the more they remain the same. In the 50-odd years since the 10 principles of the Nuremberg Code were set forth by the U.S. judges who conv...
Catalyzing social interaction with ubiquitous computing: a needs assessment of elders coping with cognitive decline

This paper describes design directions for ubiquitous computing to facilitate social interaction. The study focuses on elders coping with cognitive decline and their caregivers, but it is expected that the concepts will have much broader applicability. Social needs and barriers were examined in a qualitative study of 45 households across the U.S. Directions for ubiquitous computing concepts are outlined to address these social needs and barriers. Two example concepts, an ambient display to facilitate joint activity and a social memory aid, are described in detail. An underlying principal of these design directions and concepts is the use of computing technologies as catalysts rather than substitutes for human relationships. These concepts are part of an integrated system of home health technologies under development in a multiyear "aging in place" study.
Racial differences in femoral dimensions and their relation to hip fracture

White women have a higher rate of age-specific hip fractures than black women. Recently, femoral dimensions have been implicated in osteoporotic fractures. To study racial differences in femoral dimensions, dual X-ray absorptiometry scans were obtained for two similar groups of 50 white women and 50 black women. We measured the hip axis length (the distance from below the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter to the inner pelvic brim), the neck width and the neck/shaft angle on the scan print-out. The observer was masked to the race of the subject. The results were analyzed using the independentt-test and showed that the hip axis length and the neck width were significantly longer in the white women than in the black women (p values <0.05 and <0.02 respectively) but that the neck/shaft angle was not statistically different in the two groups. We conclude that femoral geometry differs among races. Whether this contributes to the lower risk of hip fracture in black women will require prospectively based studies.
Numerical Characterization of the Background Noise Generated by the ARL/Penn State Garfield Thomas Water Tunnel Impeller

The Pennsylvania State University Applied Research Laboratory has a 1.22 meter (48 inches) diameter closed loop water tunnel. The flow is driven by an axial pump with three blade rows and powered by a 1.5 MW motor. The four blades of the impeller have the highest relative velocities of any lifting surface in the facility, and generate input acoustic power which acts as a background noise floor in tunnel measurements of turbomachinery and vehicle body performance. In this paper, we investigate the sound power radiated by the impeller and its propagation through the water tunnel. Trailing edge hydrodynamic forcing functions are computed for the impeller based on local relative velocities and turbulence properties. For lower frequencies, these forces are then applied to an experimentally validated structural finite element model (FEM) of the impeller. The input power to the water tunnel is determined using an acoustic boundary element model (BEM) of the impeller. A statistical energy (SEA) model of the water tunnel allows for an estimate of the rms pressure within the water tunnel test section to provide guidance on lowering background noise.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Chronology and chronicity of altered resting-state functional connectivity after traumatic brain injury.

Abstract Whereas traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in widespread disruption of neural networks, changes in regional resting-state functional connectivity patterns after insult remain unclear. Specifically, little is known about the chronology of emergent connectivity alterations and whether they persist after a critical recovery window. We used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and seed-voxel correlational analyses in both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs to probe intrinsic connectivity patterns involving the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and hippocampi, regions shown to be important in the default mode network (DMN) and vulnerable to neuropathology. A total of 22 participants in the chronic stage of moderate-to-severe TBI and 18 healthy controls were included for cross-sectional study. Longitudinal analyses included 13 individuals in the TBI group for whom data approximately 3 months after injury (subacute) were available. Overall, results indicated dissociable connectivit...
Low x(B) news for experts

This is a status report on the recent theoretical developments in the region of small xB in deep-inelastic scattering.
The influence of the K gradient and Kcmax level on fatigue response during the Kcmax threshold testing of Van 80 steel and Astroloy

Abstract Owing to the increased popularity of the Kmaxc threshold test procedure, work has been undertaken to investigate more closely two important variables of that test: the K gradient and the Kmax level. Both Van 80 steel and Astroloy were tested with various K gradients (−0.08 to −1.2 mm−1 and under a range of Kmax levels (25–55 MPa m 1 2 for the steel and 35–65 MPa mT for the nickel-based superalloy). Even at 15 times the ASTM recommended gradient, there was no influence of testing speed on the fatigue response of either material. However, the Kmaxc level greatly influenced Astroloy's stage II fatigue response. This influence was also reflected in the micromechanisms present on the fracture surface. A similar effect was seen to a lesser degree in Van 80. This effect was clearly linked to the amount of closure present during stage II fatigue crack propagation. However, owing to the lack of closure present at high R-ratio levels, there was virtually no influence of Kmaxc level on ΔKTh in either of these materials.
Attitudes toward the corporation and the evaluation of social data

Abstract A scale is presented to measure attitudes about the social role of corporations, and to test for any association between attitudes and perceptions of the relevance of social data. Attitudes are found to be associated with perceptions of the relevance of social data. The relationship between attitudes and perceptions is also conditioned by the source of the social data.
Effects of diatomite on soil physical properties

Abstract Organic and inorganic soil amendments are commonly added to soil for improving its physical and chemical characteristics which promote plant growth. Although many inorganic amendments are extensively used for this purpose, diatomite (DE) is not commonly used. This study was conducted to determine effects of diatomite applications (10, 20, and 30% v/v) on physical characteristics of soils with different textures (Sandy Loam, Loam, and Clay), under laboratory conditions. The results indicated that diatomite application protects large aggregate (> 6.4 mm) formation in clay-textured soils, however it reduced the mean weight diameter in sand-textured soil. 30% diatomite reduced mean weight diameter in sand-textured soils from 1.74 to 1.49 mm. Diatomite applications significantly increased aggregate stability of all the experimental soils in all aggregate size fractions. In overall, aggregate stability increased from 28.04% to 45.70% with the application rate of 30%. Diatomite application also significantly increased soil moisture content at field capacity in SL textured soil. 30% diatomite increased field capacity in sand-textured soil in the percent of 43.78 as compared with control. Therefore it is suggested that diatomite may be considered as a soil amendment agent for improving soil physical characteristics. However, its effectiveness in enhancing soil properties depends on initial soil factors and texture. Moreover, since its protective effect against large aggregate (> 6.4 mm) formation and reducing effect on soil penetration resistance in clay textured soils, diatomite might be an alternative soil amendment agent in soil tillage practices and seedling.
Node Security in Hierarchical Sensor Networks: Distribution of Functions versus Keys

Secure communication involving cluster heads in a sensor network is vital as they are responsible for data aggregation and for taking important decisions in their groups. In this article, we propos...
Comparison of cardiolipins from Drosophila strains with mutations in putative remodeling enzymes

Abstract Cardiolipin is a dimeric phospholipid with a characteristic acyl composition that is generated by fatty acid remodeling after de novo synthesis. Several enzymes have been proposed to participate in acyl remodeling of cardiolipin. In order to compare the effect of these enzymes, we determined the pattern of cardiolipin molecular species in Drosophila strains with specific enzyme deletions, using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry with internal standards. We established the linear range of the method for cardiolipin quantification, determined the relative signal intensities of several cardiolipin standards, and demonstrated satisfying signal-to-noise ratios in cardiolipin spectra from a single fly. Our data demonstrate changes in the cardiolipin composition during the Drosophila life cycle. Comparison of cardiolipin spectra, using vector algebra, showed that inactivation of tafazzin had a large effect on the molecular composition of cardiolipin, inactivation of calcium-independent phospholipase A2 had a small effect, whereas inactivation of acyl-CoA:lysocardiolipin-acyltransferase and of the trifunctional enzyme did not affect the cardiolipin composition.
Recent applications of polyimide to micromachining technology

In this paper, applications of polyimide materials to micromachining technology are reviewed. First, the use of polyimide-based materials as sensor materials are discussed. In this case, the polyimide material is used as an integral part of the micromachined devices. Emphasis is given to the development and characterization of a piezoresistive composite of polyimide and graphite particles. The composite material is characterized for the mechanical properties (Young's modulus, residual stress) and the electromechanical property (piezoresistive coefficient). Second, the use of both photosensitive and nonphotosensitive polyimides as electroplating molds for the fabrication of thick and high aspect ratio metallic microstructures is presented. Extensions of the basic micromolding process, which enable the fabrication of controlled gaps between metallic microstructural components and higher aspect ratio microstructures, are presented. Electroplated metallic microstructures realized using these technologies are shown. In addition, various applications of the polyimide micromolding technologies are discussed. >
Uric acid: A new look at an old risk marker for cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus: The urate redox shuttle

Background The topical role of uric acid and its relation to cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and hypertension is rapidly evolving. Its important role both historically and currently in the clinical clustering phenomenon of the metabolic syndrome (MS), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), atheroscleropathy, and non-diabetic atherosclerosis is of great importance.
Characterization of low-temperature wafer bonding using thin-film parylene

This paper presents detailed experimental data on wafer bonding using a thin Parylene layer, and reports results on: 1) bond strength and its dependence on bonding temperature, bonding force, ambient pressure (vacuum), and time, 2) bond strength variation and stability up to two years post bond, and 3) bond strength variation after exposure to process chemicals. Wafer bonding using thin (<381 nm) Parylene intermediate layers on each wafer in a standard commercial bonder and aligner has been successfully developed. The Parylene bond strength is optimized at 230/spl deg/C, although Parylene bonding is possible at as low as 130/spl deg/C. The optimized bonding conditions are a low-temperature of /spl sim/230/spl deg/C, a vacuum of /spl sim/ 0.153 mbar, and 800 N force on a 100 mm wafer. The resultant Parylene bond strength is 3.60 MPa, and the strength for wafers bonded at or above 210/spl deg/C is maintained within 93% of its original value after two years. The bond strength is also measured after exposure to several process chemicals. The bond strength was reduced most in undiluted AZ400K (base) by 69% after one week, then in BHF (acid), MF319 (base), Acetone (solvent), and IPA (solvent) by 56%, 33%, 20%, and 8%, respectively, although less than one hour exposure to these chemicals did not cause a significant bond strength change (less than 11%). [1487].
Insulin utilizes the PI 3-kinase pathway to inhibit SP-A gene expression in lung epithelial cells

Background It has been proposed that high insulin levels may cause delayed lung development in the fetuses of diabetic mothers. A key event in lung development is the production of adequate amounts of pulmonary surfactant. Insulin inhibits the expression of surfactant protein A (SP-A), the major surfactant-associated protein, in lung epithelial cells. In the present study, we investigated the signal transduction pathways involved in insulin inhibition of SP-A gene expression.
Effects of season on kidney morphology in house sparrows.

Seasonal variability in kidney morphology of the house sparrow Passer domesticus was examined using light microscopy. Sparrows were captured from the wild in winter, spring, summer and autumn. The kidneys were perfused with half-strength Karnovsky’s fixative and processed for light microscopy by embedding in either paraffin wax or JB4 acrylic resin. Absolute volumes of the kidneys, their components (cortex, medulla and blood vessels), components of the nephron (renal corpuscles, proximal tubules, loops of Henle, distal tubules and collecting ducts) and the capillaries surrounding the nephron were quantified using stereology. Tissue processed in paraffin wax had a mean shrinkage of 17.7 % compared with 10.1 % in JB4 resin. Absolute volumes of the kidneys and nephrons were compared statistically between tissue processing methods and among seasons. Absolute volumes of the structures within the kidneys were not significantly different between treatments or among seasons. Within the nephron, the only measured variables to show significant differences were the absolute volumes of the distal tubules and cortical collecting ducts between tissue processing treatments. Thus, kidney morphology was relatively unaffected by changes in season. In addition, the results show that embedding tissue using acrylic resin causes less shrinkage, and it should therefore be the preferred embedding medium for quantitative morphologists. Summary
Evaluating sediment transport capacity relationships for use in ephemeral gully erosion models

Abstract. On cropland, ephemeral gully erosion in the USA may contribute up to 40% of the sediment delivered to the edge of the field. Well-tested, physically- and process-based tools for field and watershed scale prediction of gully erosion are lacking due to the fact that the complex nature of migrating headcuts is poorly understood. Understanding sediment transport capacity downstream of migrating headcuts is essential, as sediment deposition often leads to temporary storage that controls downstream water elevation, which in turn affects the rate of headcut migration. Current process-based gully erosion prediction technology used by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is based on characterizing the headcut migration rate, which requires the deposition depth as input to the model. Alternatively, the deposition depth can be calculated if downstream sediment transport capacity can be predicted. Data collected at the ARS-National Sedimentation Laboratory were used to test existing sediment transport relationships for the five sediment size classes (clay, silt, sand, small aggregates, large aggregates) typically used in ARS soil erosion models. The results show that the transport rate can be satisfactorily predicted for sand and large aggregate size fractions using common transport relationships based on unit stream power theory. The fractional content of the sand and large aggregate size classes can be computed using standard relationships, which are based on soil texture, previously developed by ARS. The transport of clays, silts and small aggregates is detachment limited and must therefore be computed using improved soil detachment relationships for ephemeral gullies.
The Archaeology of Animal Bones

The Archaeology of Animal Bones. Terry O'Connor. College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 2000.206 pp.
THE IMPACT OF EVERYDAY EXPERIENCES ON PLANNED ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE: APPLYING SCHEMATIC CHANGE THEORY TO THE STUDY OF NARRATIVES IN COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

This case study examines change experiences of two community-based organizations participating in a planned organizational change (POC) project. Research on POC in community psychology has emphasized teleological change processes (e.g., strategic planning). This paper aims to broaden the discourse through a qualitative study focused on the role of cognition and sensemaking in organizational change. A schematic change process model is proposed and used to explore how members' narratives related to everyday change shape the way they make sense of and engage in a formalized, change process. Analysis revealed two types of change narratives: romantic and tragic. The findings suggest that romantic narratives reinforce existing paradigms of practice, but can also serve as positive resources for members during POC. In contrast, tragic narratives may serve as an impetus for POC, however, when related to negative internal organizational dynamics can undermine and impede the POC process. Implications for change readiness are discussed.