cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Newly Established Largemouth Blenny (Labrisomus xanti) Population off Santa Catalina Island, CA: Determining Densities, Habitat Preference, Size Ranges, and Year Classes

In 2015 the Pacific Ocean experienced a strong El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). With this change in water temperature, marine species were able to expand outside their previous ranges and settle in new habitats. The first sighting of the species Labrisomus xanti, or largemouth blenny, on Santa Catalina Island was October 2015 and since then the species has been seen regularly around the island. In October and November of 2018, we surveyed three sites along the leeward side of Catalina Island. Largemouth blennies were counted, measured, and sex determined along diver transects at multiple depth strata. Substrate type was also recorded. We observed multiple sizes of largemouth blennies among sites, depths and between sexes. Among the three sampled locations, Empire Landing had significantly more individuals than Big Fisherman Cove and Yellowtail Point. These differences were likely due to the greater abundance of small and medium-sized boulders and lack of sand patches within the rocky reef at Empire Landing. Male largemouth blennies were significantly larger than females. The largest largemouth blennies were found at a depth of 4.5 m with the smallest individuals found in the shallow (1.5 m) depths. Individuals were significantly larger at Empire Landing and Yellowtail Point than at Big Fisherman Cove. Finally, length frequency analysis identified at least four putative age classes corresponding to the years 2014–2017 supporting a well-established population. However, further study is necessary before we can determine whether the population at Catalina Island is a self-sustaining population.
The Impact of Harsh Parenting on the Development of Obesity in Adulthood: An Examination of Epigenetic/Gene Expression Mediators Among African American Youth.

Objective: We examined the association of prospectively assessed harsh parenting during adolescence with body mass index (BMI) in young adulthood among African American youth. We also assessed the role of methylation of obesity-related genes and gene expression markers of obesity as mediators of this association, providing a pathway for the biological embedding of early harsh parenting and its long-term impact on young adult health. Methods: Hypotheses were tested with a sample of 362 African American youth for whom harsh parenting was assessed at ages 10-15, BMI was assessed at age 10 and 29, and both DNA methylation (DNAm) and gene expression of obesity genes were assessed at age 29. Mediational analyses were conducted using bootstrap methods to generate confidence intervals. Results: Controlling for genetic risk for obesity and health-related covariates, harsh parenting across childhood and adolescence was associated with change in BMI (∆ BMI) from ages 10 to 29. In addition, we found that the indirect effect of harsh parenting on ∆ BMI was mediated through obesity-related DNAm and accounted for 45.3% of the total effect. Further, obesity-related DNAm mediated the effect of harsh parenting on gene expression of obesity-related genes (GEOG), and GEOG, in turn, mediated the impact of obesity-related DNAm on ∆BMI. This pathway accounted for 3.4% of the total effect. There were no gender differences in the magnitude of this indirect effect. Conclusions: The results suggest that alterations in methylation and gene expression mediate the impact of harsh parenting on change in obesity from childhood to young adulthood, illustrating plausible biological pathways from harsh parenting to obesity and bolstering the hypothesis that harsh parenting in childhood and adolescence can become biologically embedded and contribute to obesity.
Grape vs. Grain: A Historical, Technological, and Social Comparison of Wine and Beer

1. Beer and wine: some social commentary 2. A brief history of wine 3. A brief history of beer 4. How wine is made 5. How beer is made 6. The quality of wine 7. The quality of beer 8. Types of wine 9. Types of beer 10. The healthfulness of wine and beer 11. Conclusions about beer and wine - and the future.
A Bayesian approach to estimation of a statistical change-point in the mean parameter for high dimensional non-linear time series

We propose a semiparametric approach to infer the existence of and estimate the location of a statistical change-point to a nonlinear high dimensional time series contaminated with an additive noise component. In particular, we consider a p ―dimensional stochastic process of independent multivariate normal observations where the mean function varies smoothly except at a single change-point. Our approach first involves a dimension reduction of the original time series through a random matrix multiplication. Next, we conduct a Bayesian analysis on the empirical detail coefficients of this dimensionally reduced time series after a wavelet transform. We also present a means to associate confidence bounds to the conclusions of our results. Aside from being computationally efficient and straight forward to implement, the primary advantage of our methods is seen in how these methods apply to a much larger class of time series whose mean functions are subject to only general smoothness conditions.
MPC-based power management in the shipboard power system

This paper represents the development of an intelligent control by applying model predictive control to the power management of a DC-based ship system. In a shipboard power system, the control approach should ensure optimal load sharing among generators while maintaining the DC bus voltage stability. Model predictive control is a promising optimal control which has been proven to be efficient and robust for dynamic systems. Model predictive control is applied in order to meet the load centric energy/power demand. It will provide a predictive and adaptive approach to energy/power management routines. The algorithm and method are presented and validated through simulation in MATLAB/Simulink and PLECS.
Sampling of powders

There are many instances where estimates of population characteristics have to be made from an examination of a small fraction of that population and these instances are by no means confined to the field of powder technology. Regrettably, there are many powder technologists who still assume that sample selection procedure is unimportant. This results in the analyst being frequently presented with hastily taken, biased samples on which he devotes a great deal of attention to derive precise results which do not reflect the characteristics of the bulk powder. It is essential that the samples selected for measurement should be representative of the bulk in grain size distribution and the relative fractions of their various constituents, irrespective of whether a physical or chemical assay is to be carried out, since these characteristics are frequently interdependent. The magnitude of the problem may be realized when one considers that the characteristics of many tons of material are assumed on the basis of analyses carried out on grams or even milligrams.
A force balance can explain local and global cell movements during early zebrafish development.

Abstract Embryonic morphogenesis takes place via a series of dramatic collective cell movements. The mechanisms that coordinate these intricate structural transformations across an entire organism are not well understood. In this study, we used gentle mechanical deformation of developing zebrafish embryos to probe the role of physical forces in generating long-range intercellular coordination during epiboly, the process in which the blastoderm spreads over the yolk cell. Geometric distortion of the embryo resulted in nonuniform blastoderm migration and realignment of the anterior-posterior (AP) axis, as defined by the locations at which the head and tail form, toward the new long axis of the embryo and away from the initial animal-vegetal axis defined by the starting location of the blastoderm. We found that local alterations in the rate of blastoderm migration correlated with the local geometry of the embryo. Chemical disruption of the contractile ring of actin and myosin immediately vegetal to the blastoderm margin via Ca 2+ reduction or treatment with blebbistatin restored uniform migration and eliminated AP axis reorientation in mechanically deformed embryos; it also resulted in cellular disorganization at the blastoderm margin. Our results support a model in which tension generated by the contractile actomyosin ring coordinates epiboly on both the organismal and cellular scales. Our observations likewise suggest that the AP axis is distinct from the initial animal-vegetal axis in zebrafish.
Modification of cell population dynamics by pulsed electric fields

Pulsed electric fields (PEFs) may be used to control cancer cell population in vitro or to treat cancers in vivo. In both cases, understanding the impact of PEFs on the cell population is critical, particularly as a function of pulse parameters. Generally, cancer cell populations consist of proliferating (dividing) and quiescent (resting) cells. Mathematical models based on coupled differential equations that consider the transition of cells between the proliferating, quiescent, and dead states can predict the progression of cell population over time. Here, we examine the impact of pulse duration, field intensity, and pulse number on cell population growth. Ultimately, fitting the parameters of the mathematical models mentioned above to the measured cell population will provide insight into the long-term behavior of cell population and selectivity of PEFs with regards to proliferating or quiescent cells.
Development of technologies for placement of perineural catheters

Continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) success is largely dependent on placement of the catheter close enough to the nerve to allow effective and sustained analgesia following painful surgeries with a minimum volume of local anesthetic. One of the most common problems associated with CPNB involves accurate placement of the catheter tip, migration, and dislodgement of the catheter. This is of increasing importance now that catheters are left in place for prolonged periods of time to provide postoperative analgesia, and patients with peripheral nerve catheters are being discharged home with ambulatory pumps. In response to the challenges of providing safe, effective, and consistently reliable analgesia, research and development in this field is expanding rapidly. This review article presents results from recent publications addressing the subject of peripheral nerve catheter localization.
Cancer: Chromosome defects in the colon.

A tumour-suppressor protein known as adenomatous polyposis coli malfunctions in many colon cancers. So too does chromosome segregation during cell division. These features may somehow be connected.
Counter Regulatory Effects of PKCβII and PKCδ on Coronary Endothelial Permeability

Objective— The aim of this study was to examine the endothelial distribution and activity of selected PKC isoforms in coronary vessels with respect to their functional impact on endothelial permeability under the experimental conditions relevant to diabetes. Methods and Results— En face immunohistochemistry demonstrated a significant increase of PKC βΙΙ and decrease of PKCδ expression in coronary arterial endothelium of Zucker diabetic rats. To test whether changes in PKC expression alter endothelial barrier properties, we measured the transcellular electric resistance in human coronary microvascular endothelial monolayers and found that either PKC βΙΙ overexpression or PKCδ inhibition disrupted the cell–cell adhesive barrier. Three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy revealed that hyperpermeability was caused by altered PKC activity in association with distinct translocation of PKC βΙΙ to the cell–cell junction and PKCδ localization to the cytosol. Further analyses in fractionated endothelial lysates confirmed the differential redistribution of these isozymes. Additionally, FRET analysis of PKC subcellular dynamics demonstrated a high PKC βΙΙ activity at the cell surface and junction, whereas PKCδ activity is concentrated in intracellular membrane organelles. Conclusion— Taken together, these data suggest that PKC βΙΙ and PKCδ counter-regulate coronary endothelial barrier properties by targeting distinctive subcellular sites. Imbalanced PKC βΙΙ /PKCδ expression and activity may contribute to endothelial hyperpermeability and coronary dysfunction in diabetes.
Discovery, utilization, and analysis of credible threats for 2X2 incomplete information games in TOM

Steven Brams’s Theory of Moves (TOM) is an alternative to traditional game theoretic treatment of real-life interaction in which players choose strategies based on analysis of future moves and counter-moves that arise if game-play commences at a specified start state and either player can choose to move first. In repeated play, players using TOM rationality arrive at non-myopic equilibrium[2]. One advantage of TOM is its ability to model scenarios in which power asymmetries exist between players. In particular, threat power, i.e., the ability of an agent to threaten and sustain immediately disadvantageous outcomes to force a desirable result long term, can be utilized to induce Pareto optimal states in games such as Prisoner’s Dilemma which result in Pareto dominated outcomes using traditional methods. Unfortunately, prior work on TOM is limited by an assumption of complete information. This paper presents a mechanism that can be used by an agent to utilize threat power when playing a strict, ordinal 2 × 2 game under incomplete information. We also analyze the benefits of threat power and support this analysis with empirical evidence.
Radial Tunnel Syndrome, Diagnostic and Treatment Dilemma

Radial tunnel syndrome is a disease which we should consider it in elbow and forearm pains. It is diagnosed with lateral elbow and dorsal forearm pain may radiate to the wrist and dorsum of the fingers. The disease is more prevalent in women with the age of 30 to 50 years old. It occurs by intermittent compression on the radial nerve from the radial head to the inferior border of the supinator muscle, without obvious extensor muscle weakness. Compression could happen in five different sites but the arcade of Frose is the most common area that radial nerve is compressed. To diagnosis radial tunnel syndrome, clinical examination is more important than paraclinic tests such as electrodiagnsic test and imaging studies. The exact site of the pain which can more specified by rule of nine test and weakness of the third finger and wrist extension are valuable physical exams to diagnosis. MRI studies my show muscle edema or atrophy along the distribution of the posterior interosseous nerve. Although non-surgical treatments such as rest, NSAIDs, injections and physiotherapy do not believe to have permanent relief, but it is justify undergoing them before surgery. Surgery could diminish pain and symptoms in 67 to 93 percents of patients completely.
A passion for nursing. In memoriam of Dr. Sharron Smith Humenick.

As epidural and cesarean rates climb, a nurse leader provides a model for effective advocacy for normal birth and supportive care for women and their infants. Dr. Sharron Smith Humenick had a passion and devoted her life to providing women with adequate support for natural, empowering birth and successful breastfeeding. Lessons from her life’s work can inspire nurses in our specialty to be tireless and passionate advocates in practice, education, and public policy for supportive nursing care. Dr. Humenick died on September 9, 2006. JOGNN, 35, 681‐683; 2006. DOI: 10.1111/J.1552‐6909.2006.00101.x
Reversible NO Motion in Crystalline [Fe(Porph)(1-MeIm)(NO)] Derivatives

The synthesis, characterization, and X-ray structures of three low-spin (nitrosyl)iron(II) tetraarylporphyrinates, [Fe(TpXPP)(NO)(1-MeIm)], where X = F (in a triclinic and a monoclinic form) and OCH(3) are reported. All three molecules, at 100 K, have a single orientation of NO. These structures are the first examples of ordered NO's in [Fe(Porph)(NO)(1-MeIm)] complexes. The three new derivatives have similar structural features including a previously unnoted "bowing" of the N(NO)-Fe-N(Im) angle caused by a concerted tilting of the axial Fe-N(NO) and Fe-N(Im) bonds. Structural features such as the displacement of Fe out of the mean porphyrin plane toward NO, tilting of the Fe-N(NO) bond off the heme normal, and the asymmetry of the Fe-N(por) bonds further strengthen and confirm observations from earlier studies. The [Fe(TpXPP)(NO)(1-MeIm)] complexes were also studied at temperatures between 125 and 350 K to investigate temperature-dependent variations and trends in the coordination group geometry. At varying temperatures (above 150 K), all three derivatives display a second orientation of the NO ligand. The population and depopulation of this second orientation are thermally driven, with no apparent hysteresis. Crystal packing appears to be the significant feature in defining the order/disorder of the NO ligand. The length of the bond trans to NO, Fe-N(Im), was also found to be sensitive to temperature variation. The Fe-N(Im) bond length increases with increased temperature, whereas no other bonds change appreciably. The temperature-dependent Fe-N(Im) bond length change and cell volume changes are consistent with a "soft" Fe-N(Im) bond. Variable-temperature measurements show that the N-O stretching frequency changes with the Fe-N(Im) bond length. Temperature-dependent changes in the Fe-NIm bond length and N-O stretching frequency were also found to be completely reversible with no apparent hysteresis.
Perinatal regionalization and neonatal mortality in North Carolina, 1968-1994.

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to analyze trends across time in the regionalization of low-birth-weight births and time trends for the association between regionalization and decreased neonatal mortality. Study Design: Data on 69,452 neonates with birth weights of 500 to 2000 g were obtained from electronic files of birth certificates. Hospitals' perinatal services were classified as level 1, 2, or 3 (level 3 refers to tertiary referral centers). Results: The likelihood of birth outside level 3 hospitals decreased from 1968 to 1994, with an average annual decrease of 24% for infants weighing 500 to 1500 g and 20% for infants weighing 1501 to 2000 g. After 1974, birth in a hospital with level 3 services was associated with a lower risk of dying. The strength of this association increased in the 1990s. Conclusions: In North Carolina the proportion of infants weighing
Improvement in educational effectiveness of morbidity and mortality conferences with structured presentation and analysis of complications.

Purpose Although morbidity and mortality (M & M) conferences are cornerstones of surgical teaching, they are not consistent in their educational quality. The current study examines the content and process of M & M presentations by surgical residents and hypothesizes that a structured format for these presentations can improve teaching and learning. Methods The educational effectiveness of M & M conferences was assessed through the observation of case presentations, questionnaires to residents measuring learning from presentations, and an anonymous survey of residents regarding perceptions of the effectiveness of conferences. A structured presentation format was devised to address the deficits noted from these assessments and subsequently introduced to all residents and faculty. M & M conferences were then reassessed using the 3 methods. Results Forty M & M presentations by surgical residents were observed before the implementation of the standardized format, and 35 presentations were observed after the changes. Observation of presentations noted significant changes in residents clearly presenting causes of complications and proposing strategies for practice change. Questionnaires of residents demonstrated improved ability to specify the causes of complications after implementation of the new format (mean rating, 4.56 vs 3.11, p Conclusions A structured format for M & M presentations is a practical tool to help residents analyze complications systematically and identify steps for potential changes consistently in clinical practice. Such a format also leads to improved learning for other residents participating in these conferences. Without structured presentations, M & M conferences fail to deliver clear educational messages regarding surgical complications.
THE ROUTE OF INSULIN ADMINISTRATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS.

By utilizing I 131 -labeled lente insulin, data from the study presented here suggest that the rates of clearance of insulin which may be expected when insulin is injected in the thigh differ from those which may be expected when it is injected into the upper arm. Such variability was not observed in relation to the tissue of injection. Similar rates of clearance were found following injections in both subcutaneous and intramuscular tissues. The interest of precise diabetic control would appear to be best served by consistently injecting insulin into the same anatomic region (e.g., the thigh), but by varying the sites within the region. Utilization of intramuscular tissue sites for injection provides a reasonable alternative to subcutaneous injections and could have application in the treatment and prevention of lipodystrophic complications.
Cyclization by a Specific Lactam Increases the Ability of Human Parathyroid Hormone (hPTH)-(1–31)NH2 to Stimulate Bone Growth in Ovariectomized Rats

Human parathyroid hormone (hPTH)-(1-31)NH2 (Ostabolin), which only stimulates adenylyl cyclase (AC) instead of AC and phospholipase-C as do hPTH(1-84) and hPTH(1-34), strongly stimulates femoral cortical and trabecular bone growth in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Two side-chain lactams have been introduced in the hydrophilic face of the receptor-binding region of the fragment's Ser17-Val31 amphiphilic alpha-helix in an attempt to develop improved analogs for the treatment of osteoporosis. Replacing the polar Lys27 with an apolar Leu on the hydrophobic face of this alpha-helix and stabilizing the helix with a lactam between Glu22 and Lys26 produced a fragment, [Leu27]-cyclo(Glu22-Lys26)-hPTH(1-31)NH2, which had six times the AC-stimulating ability of hPTH(1-31)NH2 in ROS 17/2 rat osteosarcoma cells, but the other helix-stabilizing lactam derivative [Leu27]-cyclo(Lys26-Arg30)-hPTH(1-31)NH2 did not have a greater AC-stimulating ability than hPTH(1-31)NH2, to stimulate AC in ROS 17/2 rat osteosarcoma cells. As expected from AC stimulation being responsible for PTH's anabolic action, [Leu27]-cyclo(Glu22-Lys26)-hPTH(1-31)NH2 was, depending on the experimental design, a 1.4 to 2 times better stimulator of trabecular bone growth in the OVX rat model than either hPTH(1-31)NH2 or [Leu27]-cyclo(Lys26-Arg30)-hPTH(1-31)NH2. Thus, there is now a more potently anabolic derivative of hPTH(1-31)NH2, [Leu27]-cyclo(Glu22-Lys26)-hPTH(1-31)NH2, which might ultimately prove to be one of the more effective therapeutics for osteoporosis.
Cytoarchitectonic sexual dimorphisms of the medial preoptic and anterior hypothalamic areas in guinea pig, rat, hamster, and mouse.

A cytoarchitectonic analysis is presented of a configuration of cells which extends through the medial preoptic and rostral part of the anterior hypothalamus of the guinea pig, rat, hamster, and mouse. Within that configuration, called here the sexually dimorphic nuclear complex of the medial preoptic-anterior hypothalamic area (SDNC-MPAH), there is nearly continuous variation in cellular distribution or packing density as one pro-ceeds rostrocaudally, as well as variations between females and males at corresponding levels. The major cell groups comprising SDNC-MPAH are the medial preoptic nucleus (MP) and the preventricular portion of the periventricular nucleus (Pep) rostrally, and the anterior hypothalamic nucleus (AH), anterior portion of periventricular nucleus, (Pea), and bed nucleus of stria terminalis (ST) caudally. The most striking cytoarchitectonic dimorphisms usually involve MP and AH. In all four species examined, MP is larger and, except for the mouse, appears to be more densely cellular in the female than in the male. Most prominently in the rat and guinea pig, AH is densely cellular throughout in the female, including the subependymal zone, whereas in the male AH lies at a distance from the third ventricle, separated from the ependyma by a cell poor zone. The significance of these findings may lie in the fact that the region exhibiting the sexual dimorphisms has been shown to be involved in the regulation of reproductive Functions which are sexually differentiated and developmentally influenced by the fetal or perinatal hormonal milieu in some species.
Antibiotic Use in Home Health: A Primer

Cost containment measures within hospital systems push for earlier discharges on stable patients. Due to patient placement difficulties and costs associated with skilled facilities, antibiotic use ...
Amino acids in lacustrine ostracodes, part III: Effects of pH and taxonomy on racemization and leaching

Abstract Amino acids in ostracode valves are abundant and well preserved in Quaternary sediments. Ostracode valves are increasingly useful targets for amino acid geochronologic investigations yet little is known about the influence of taxonomy or environmental variables on ostracode protein diagenesis. This paper documents the effects of taxonomy and elevated environmental pH on the amino acid composition of ostracode valves. In one experiment, modern ostracode valves from the genus Candona (Cypridoidea) and Limnocythere (Cytheroidea) were submerged in pH 7 and pH 10 buffers and heated at 120 °C for up to 32 d. The buffer solutions and a subset of the ostracode valves were analyzed for their total hydrolysable amino acid (THAA) d / l values and concentrations. The remaining valves were analyzed for their free amino acid (FAA) d / l values and concentrations. In a second experiment, modern valves from four species of ostracodes within the Cypridoidea were heated at 110 °C for up to 160 d. THAA aspartic acid (Asp) and glutamic acid (Glu) d / l values were monitored. Finally, the amino acid compositions in a suite of fossil Candona valves from outcrops in the western United States, including the problematic Ana River section, are compared across a broader spectrum of amino acid data. A total of 586 samples were analyzed. The results show that both THAA and FAA d / l values and concentrations were higher in ostracode valves heated in pH 10 buffer than in valves heated in pH 7 buffer. THAA d / l values in the buffers were consistently higher than in the associated ostracode valves. Amino acids were readily leached from modern Limnocythere valves but minimal leaching was observed from young fossil Candona valves. The extent of leaching was not pH dependent. The rates and extent of racemization for Asp and Glu were similar in Candona spp. and Limnocythere valves heated in either pH 7 or 10 buffers. The rates and extent of amino acid racemization for alanine, valine, and epimerization of isoleucine were consistently lower in Limnocythere valves, regardless of pH environment. Asp racemized significantly faster in Heterocypris valves than in Candona or Ilyocypris valves. There were no substantial differences in the rate of Glu racemization in Heterocypris , Candona , or Ilyocypris valves, nor in the rate of racemization of Asp or Glu in valves from three species of Candona . The heating experiments demonstrate that environmental pH can have significant impact on the amino acid composition of ostracode valves. Differences in the rates of amino acid racemization were detected at both the family and superfamily level. The Ana River Candona valves are strongly enriched in Asp, Glu, and glycine when compared with other fossil Candona valves. These results are not explained by taxonomic differences or by diagenesis under basic (alkaline) environmental conditions. Instead, they suggest that other environmental variables during valve calcification may be responsible for the unique amino acid signature of the Ana River material.
From Bomba to Hip-Hop: Puerto Rican Culture and Latino Identity

Prelude: From Bomba to Hip-HopIntroduction1. "pueblo pueblo": Popular Culture in Time2. The Lite Colonial: Diversions of Puerto Rican Discourse3. Broken English Memories: Languages in the Trans-Colony4. "Salvacion Casita": Space, Performance, and Community5. "Cha-Cha with a Backbeat": Songs and Stories of Latin Boogaloo6. Puerto Rocks: Rap, Roots, and Amnesia7. Pan-Latino/Trans-Latino: Puerto Ricans in the "New Nueva York"8. Life Off the Hyphen: Latino Literature and Nuyorican Traditions9. The Latino Imaginary: Meanings of Community and Identity10. Latino Studies: New Contexts, New ConceptsPostscript 1998: "None of the Above"
Magnetoelastic sensors for remote query environmental monitoring

Magnetoelastic thin film sensors can be considered the magnetic analog of surface acoustic wave sensors, with the characteristic resonant frequency of the magnetoelastic sensor changing in response to different environmental parameters. We report on the application of magnetoelastic sensors for remote query measurement of pressure, temperature, liquid viscosity and, in combination with a glucose-responding mass-changing polymer, glucose concentrations. The advantage of using magnetoelastic sensors is that no direct physical connections, such as wires or cables, are required to obtain sensor information allowing the sensor to be monitored from inside sealed containers. Furthermore since it is the frequency response of the sensor that is monitored, rather than the amplitude, the relative orientation of the sensor with respect to the query field is unimportant.
Panel exploring pro and con arguments as to whether EMFs cause childhood brain cancer.

Two groups of epidemiologists were assigned to develop pro and con arguments with regard to a causal explanation for statistical associations sometimes seen between surrogates for occupational and residential electric and magnetic field exposure and brain cancer. The arguments developed were meant to help the Department of Health Services when it prepared its final risk evaluation by a respectful and illuminating review of the possible reasons for concluding either that magnetic fields were or were not likely to be a cause of brain cancer.
Boundary layer moisture retrieval from Indian Ocean METOC Imaging (IOMI) mission for geostationary imaging Fourier transform spectrometer (GIFTS)

The Navy Indian Ocean METOC Imaging (IOMI) mission for the Geostationary Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS) will begin in early 2006 for a period of five years. The IOMI-GIFTS will measure Earth's outgoing infrared radiation with spatial (~4 km), temporal (~half hour), and spectral (~0.625 cm-1) resolutions and spectral coverages from longwave (LW, 685 - 1150 cm-1) for temperature profiles and short midwave (SMW, 1650 - 2250 cm-1) for moisture profiles. Retrieval of boundary layer moisture from IOMI-GIFTS with high vertical resolution and accuracy, is a special interest of the Navy, can provide water vapor wind information over the ocean. The characteristics of boundary layer moisture retrievals from IOMI-GIFTS are demonstrated. Both theoretical analysis and a simulation study with a GIFTS forward model developed at UW-Madison show that the contrast between surface air temperature and surface skin temperature has significant impact on the accuracy of boundary layer moisture retrievals. A large contrast (> 5 K) will result in noticeable boundary layer moisture improvement over that with less contrast.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Moving the goal posts: a reply to Dawson and Piercey

Berkeley [Minds Machines 10 (2000) 1] described a methodology that showed the subsymbolic nature of an artificial neural network system that had been trained on a logic problem, originally described by Bechtel and Abrahamsen [Connectionism and the mind. Blackwells, Cambridge, MA, 1991]. It was also claimed in the conclusion of this paper that the evidence was suggestive that the network might, in fact, count as a symbolic system. Dawson and Piercey [Minds Machines 11 (2001) 197] took issue with this latter claim. They described some lesioning studies that they argued showed that Berkeley's (2000) conclusions were premature. In this paper, these lesioning studies are replicated and it is shown that the effects that Dawson and Piercey rely upon for their argument are merely an artifact of a threshold function they chose to employ. When a threshold function much closer to that deployed in the original studies is used, the significant effects disappear.
IRRADIATION EFFECTS ON SPERMATOGENESIS IN THE GYPSY MOTH, PORTHETRIA DISPAR (L.).

Abstract In connexion with a detailed study of the effects of gamma irradiation on the gypsy moth, histological examination was made of normal larvae in instars I to V and pupae to determine the timing and sequence of spermatogenesis. Similar examination was made of pupae that had been irradiated as instar IV and V larvae with dosages ranging from 500 to 20,000 roentgens. Spermatogenesis occurred in the larval period, and meiotic activity began in instar IV. Fully formed spermatozoa were first observed in instar V. The appearance of gonadal tissues of treated and untreated specimens in the pupal stage is described. All irradiation dosages caused some cytological damage; instar IV larvae exposed to 20,000 r died in 7–10 days. The major gross effects of irradiation were: degeneration of germinal cysts, shattering of sperm bundles within the follicles, plugging of the entrance to the vas deferens by interstitial and other tissue (this occurred with higher dosages only), thickening of testes walls and septa and of the vas deferens, and clumping of fat body cells around the testes. One or more of these morphological changes might be related to the sterile condition.
Nocturnal penile tumescence monitoring with stamps

A stamp technique was developed to detect complete nocturnal erections for the evaluation of impotence. The test correctly detected complete nocturnal erections in 22 potent men and absence of complete nocturnal erections in 11 impotent men (P value under 0.001). This is a simple, useful screening test for organic impotence.
The preparation of optically active 3-fluoro-β-lactam derivatives

Abstract Optically active 3-fluoro-β-lactam (1) was stereoselectively synthesized by the ketene-imine condensation method. Use of (1) in alkylation and aldol reactions resulted in the stereoselective formation of (2) and (3) respectively, but the control of the hydroxylated stereocenter was not possible in the aldol reaction. The selective reduction and alkylation of the ketone (4) prepared from the aldol products (3) will also be discussed. Additionally, the syntheses of other optically active 3-fluorinated β-Iactams and s-fluorinated β-amino acids will be reported.
Molecular dynamics studies of fluctuation behavior

Abstract Computer experiments of linear, nonlinear, equilibrium, and far from equilibrium reactions are described. Fluctuations in particle numbers are recorded in an effort to determine the correct description of far from equilibrium fluctuations. For the cases studied, it is concluded that the fluctuations obey the Poisson distribution.
Above cutoff frequency circuit principles for microwave tunnel diode oscillators

Abstract The principle of possible operation of a tunnel diode above its classically accepted resistive cutoff frequency is presented. This principle requires a new interpretation of the tunnel diode mounting and equivalent circuit. The theoretical analysis indicates that, if the tunnel diode is operated in the series circuit mode, the diode cannot be operated above its classical resistive cutoff frequency; but, if the same diode is operated in the parallel circuit mode, the diode can be operated far above its classical resistive cutoff frequency. Millimeter-wave operation of a microwave tunnel diode is given as an example. When the tunnel diode is operated in the parallel circuit mode, a new cutoff frequency appears. This is the conductive lower cutoff frequency. Below the conductive lower cutoff frequency and within certain forbidden frequency bands, the tunnel diode is in-operative in the parallel circuit mode. A method of operating the tunnel diode in the parallel circuit mode is given. Equations for the new cutoff frequency and the forbidden frequency bands are derived. The tunnel diode can be operated in the parallel circuit mode at an extremely high frequency and can be operated in the series circuit mode at a relatively low frequency.
Atomic and electronic structure of germanium clusters at finite temperature using finite difference methods

Determining the electronic and structural properties of semiconductor clusters is one of the outstanding problems in materials science. The existence of numerous structures with nearly identical energies makes it very difficult to determine a realistic ground state structure. Moreover, even if an effective procedure can be devised to predict the ground state structure, questions can arise about the relevancy of the structure at finite temperatures. Kinetic effects and non-equilibrium structures may dominate the structural configurations present in clusters created under laboratory conditions. The authors illustrate theoretical techniques for predicting the structure and electronic properties of small germanium clusters. Specifically, they illustrate that the detailed agreement between theoretical and experimental features can be exploited to identify the relevant isomers present under experimental conditions.
Δ5-3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Δ4-5-Isomerase Activity and Metabolism of Dehydroepiandrosterone in Rat Preputial Gland

After intracardial injection of [1,2- 3 H] dehydroepiandrosterone ([ 3 H]DHA) into female rats, [ 3 H]DHA was found to accumulate and was metabolized in the preputial gland, but not in the diaphragm. The identified metabolites of [ 3 H]DHA in the preputial gland were δ 4 -androstenedione-3α,17β-diol. Cells were isolated from the preputial gland after treatment with trypsin and collagenase III, and centrifugation in Ficoll gradients. Activity of the enzyme complex δ 5 -3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase δ 4–5 -isomerase (3β-HSD) responsible for transforming DHA into δ 4 -androstenedione was found mainly in the 105,000 g pellet (microsomal fraction) of homogenates of the isolated cells. It used preferentially NAD over NADP as a coenzyme, with a pH optimum at 8.5. The apparent K m for DHA was 5.5 × 10 -5 M, and the V max was 1.72 nmol/min/mg microsomal protein. These findings indicate that DHA is preferentially taken up by the preputial gland where it undergoes metabolism to form more potent androgens, and suggest that DHA may have important androgenic influence on the preputial gland.
Separation of sets of mono- and diphosphorylated peptides by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography

Abstract The effect of phosphorylation on the behavior of synthetic peptides in reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was re-examined using sets of peptides that included four unphosphorylated, 10 monophosphorylated and 11 diphosphorylated analogs. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and heptafluorobutyric acid (HFBA) were compared as anionic ion-pairing reagents in water/acetonitrile gradient runs on a standard C 18 analytical column. The separation of the unphosphorylated and monophosphorylated peptides appeared to be dependent upon multiple factors: oncolumn time, and hydrophilicity of the phosphate group when TFA was used, and general hydrophobicity and partial negative charge when HFBA was used. Among the chromatograms developed in the TFA system, increased on-column times resulted in better separation. The retention times of some phosphopeptides in which the phosphoamino acids were located proximal to basic residues were reduced compared with other phosphopeptide isomers in the TFA system, indicating that local in-peptide ion bridges retain more hydrophilic character of the phosphate side-chain group at pH 1.9. In identical gradients HFBA generally separated the monophosphorylated peptides from the unphosphorylated parent analogs better than TFA. Nevertheless, most phosphopeptide isomers of the same sequences coeluted in both systems. In identical Chromatographic conditions, TFA produced sharper peaks with a considerably smoother baseline. Remarkably, diphosphorylated peptides frequently eluted as broad or very broad peaks in both systems, and their retention times were sometimes increased compared to the unphosphorylated and monophosphorylated analogs suggesting that the predictive methods for phosphopeptide retention times are not fully applicable for multiphosphorylated sequences. Our data indicate that the RP-HPLC of multiphosphorylated peptides and protein fragments need to be further investigated or expanded with unconventional mobile phases.
Ruthenium-Catalyzed Homo and Cross Metathesis Reactions of Alkenylpolyboranes: New Routes to Functional o-Carborane and Decaborane Derivatives

Both 1-(CH2CHCH2)-1,2-C2B10H11 (1) and 6-[CH2CH(CH2)4]-B10H13 (2) undergo homometathesis and cross metathesis reactions in the presence of the Cl2Ru(CHPh)(PCy3)L, L = PCy3 (I) or H2IMes (II), Grubb...
Raman Spectrum of Crystalline Sodium Nitrate

Raman scattering from crystalline NaNO3 has been observed in all polarization orientations. Except for small intensity contributions in some orientations which are probably due to depolarization effects in the birefringent crystal, the polarizability activities of both internal and external modes follow the expected symmetry selection rules. From relative intensity considerations, the bands at 185 and 98 cm− 1 have been designated as the Raman‐active librational and translational lattice modes, respectively. This assignment has been confirmed by the comparison of the lattice spectra of Na14NO3 and Na15NO3 at 35°K, where an isotope shift is observed only on the lower frequency band. No evidence of mixing between these Eg lattice modes has been observed.
Filtration and diffusion across the immature placenta of the anaesthetized rat embryo.

Abstract Transplacental clearances of Cl − , Na + , SO 4 2− , mannitol, raffinose and inulin were measured in anaesthetized rats of 14–19 days gestational age. Water flow across the placenta was calculated from embryonic (74 per cent/day) and extra-embryonic fluid (94 mg/day) growth. Before 16 days, more than half of the tracer contents of the conceptuses were located in the extra-embryonic fluids. Clearances were not demonstrably affected by the presence or polarity of an electrical charge on the tracer. Clearances fell off with increasing molecular weights but faster than the corresponding decreases in the coefficients of free diffusion. The dimensions of the paracellular transplacental passages were calculated with the Patlak equation and equivalent pore theory. Pore radii were not significantly different from 3.3 nm at any gestational age but in the last 2 days, the geometric constant (number of pores per gram×pore area/pore length) increased threefold, to 31 cm/gram placental weight. The calculated parameters were insensitive to deletion of Na + and Cl − from the data set. In haemochorial placentae, steric restriction does not prevent the entry into the embryo of solutes circulating in maternal blood, except for macromolecules.
High frequency magnetoconductivity of disordered copper films

Abstract We have measured the magnetoconductivity (MC) of a series of thin copper films (sandwiched between thin germanium layers) at 100 Hz (dc) and at 16.5 GHz over the temperature range from T = 2.5 Kto 20 K. We compare the dc MC and the real part of the ac MC using frequency-dependent weak localization theory including superconducting fluctuations. Our analysis indicates that the conductivity becomes frequency dependent as the electron dephasing rate becomes less than our fixed microwave frequency for temperatures below 6 K. Measurements of the imaginary part of the ac MC support this analysis.
Approximation of electron capture response factors for highly electrophilic compounds

Abstract A theoretical upper limit of electron attachment rate constants is derived, based on collision-limited electron interaction with polarizable molecules. This limit is shown to give upper limits for electron capture response factors. Evidence is presented showing that this limit is approached to within a factor of two for a wide variety of highly electrophilic compounds. It is suggested that this limit can be used as an approximation for electron capture response factors for suitable compounds, and that properly chosen derivatizing reagents may allow detection of derivatives with fairly accurate prediction of response factors.
Performance limits imposed by semi-active damping constraints

Semi-active damping control represents a class of parametric control problems in which control decisions affect the value of positively-constrained damping parameters. Transfer functions from control to performance can not be written in closed form and performance is typically assessed in terms of the peak values of transient responses. In this study optimal control trajectories are designed to satisfy the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman conditions. The performance associated with such control trajectories may be viewed as the performance limit of a vibrating system controlled by adjusting one or more damping parameters.
Linear Time-Varying Dynamic Systems Optimization via Higher-Order Method Using Shifted Chebyshev’s Polynomials

For optimization of classes of linear time-varying dynamic systems with n states and m control inputs, a new higher-order procedure was presented by the authors that does not use Lagrange multipliers. In this new procedure, the optimal solution was shown to satisfy m 2p-order differential equations with tunevarying coefficients. These differential equations were solved using weighted residual methods. Even though solution of the optimization problem using this procedure was demonstrated to be quite computationally efficient, the shifted Chebyshev's polynomials are used in this paper in a novel way to solve the higher-order differential equations. This further reduces the computations and makes this algorithm more appropriate for real-time implementation. The procedure is illustrated by an example.
Entropy Time Evolution In A Twin-flight Single-screw Extruder And Its Relationship To Chaos

Abstract The flow fields in polymer processing exhibit complex behavior with chaotic characteristics, due in part to the nonlinearity of the field equations describing them. In chaotic flows fluid elements are highly sensitive to their initial positions and velocities. A fundamental understanding of such characteristics is essential for optimization and design of equipment used for distributive mixing. In this work we analyze the flow in a twin-flight single-screw extruder, obtained through 3-D FEM numerical simulations. We study particle motion and, implicitly, mixing in the extruder. Here, particles are massless points whose presence does not affect the flow field or other particle motion. We visualize chaos through Poincare sections and calculate Lyapunov exponents as a measure of divergence of initial conditions, signaling chaotic features of flow. We use entropic measures to probe disorder or system homogeneity. The time evolution of the Renyi entropy of β = 1 for the 3-D spatial distribution of part...