cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transport properties of Freon-152a and Freon-142b in the temperature range of 280 510 K

The thermal conductivity of 1,1 difluoroethane (Freon-152a) and 1 chloro-1 difluoroethane (Freon-142b) are measured at several pressures in the range 29.7–75.8 kPa and as a function of temperature in the range 280–510 K. The thermal conductivity column instrument is employed, and the experimental values are estimated to be accurate within a maximum uncertainty of ±5.6% at the lowest temperature, which reduces to ±2.4% at the highest temperature. These conductivity values are compared with the predictions of Chapman-Enskog kinetic theory, with the correction factor for the internal energy transport estimated from Hirschfelder's theory, and the Lennard-Jones (12-6) potential. The experimental conductivity data are also utilized to generate the values for the two other transport properties in conjunction with the interrelations obtained between different properties on the basis of kinetic theory. The data on transport properties are employed to give the best possible estimates of Prandtl and Schmidt numbers as a function of temperature.
Dynamic changes in brain dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity during anterograde and retrograde reactions to injury of central noradrenergic axons

(1) Changes in the activity of the enzyme dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH), a specific marker of noradrenergic neurons, were measured in several brain areas following unilateral electrolytic lesions in the posterolateral hypothalamus in order to evaluate the dynamics of anterograde and retrograde responses to injury in noradrenergic neurons. (2) In the ipsilateral cerebral cortex, a site of degenerating axon terminals, DBH activity fell to 30% of control by 14 days after a lesion and remained at this low level for up to 45 days. (3) In the contralateral cerebral cortex, DBH activity fell transiently by day 7, recovered by day 14, and then overshot control values by day 21 to reach 12% of control. (4) In the ipsilateral brain stem, a site of noradrenergic cell bodies, DBH activity rose during the first 48 h to 135% of control, next fell to 50% of control by days 7–14, and finally recovered to control levels by day 21. The changes in DBH activity in the contralateral brain stem were similar in form and timing but were of diminished magnitude. (5) In the ipsilateral, but not contralateral, cerebellum, a site of collateral axons from ascending noradrenergic neurons from the locus coeruleus, DBH activity changed in parallel with that of the ipsilateral brain stem. (6) In the ipsilateral, but not contralateral, area of the locus coeruleus, a site of cell bodies of noradrenergic neurons, DBH activity was reduced to 52% of control by 12 days after a lesion and returned to normal by 28 days. (7) Unlike posterolateral lesions, lesions of the anterolateral hypothalamus, while also interrupting ascending noradrenergic axons, failed to alter the DBH activity in the brain stem. (8) We conclude: (a) The permanent fall of DBH activity in the ipsilateral cortex represents anterograde degeneration in noradrenergic axon terminals. (b) The reversible fall in DBH activity in brain stem and locus coeruleus reflects a retrograde reaction of cell bodies of noradrenergic neurons to injury. This fall is probably due to a reduction in amount of enzyme protein. (c) The reversible changes in DBH activity in cerebellum are a reflection in uninjured (‘sustaining’) collaterals of the retrograde response of noradrenergic neurons of locus coeruleus to lesions of axons ascending in the hypothalamus. (9) The results suggest: (a) During the retrograde (‘chromatolytic’) reaction, there may be a selective decrease in the production of proteins subserving neurotransmitter biosynthesis. (b) A neuron signals metabolic events induced by lesions of a single axon to intact, remotely situated collaterals. This mode of intraneuronal communication is a mechanism whereby information of nonsynaptic events in widely ramified neurons may be transferred between remote areas of brain.
Cationic doping of MgO surfaces to build corrosion protection in Mg alloys

Abstract Reactivity of MgO surfaces towards dissociative adsorption of water is crucial in determining the protective performance of oxide films formed on top of Mg alloy surfaces. Engineers and scientists have repeatedly reported that heavy metal contamination could significantly affect the oxide film stability towards water. We performed first-principles analysis on MgO surfaces adsorbed with water molecules in the presence of six different types of cationic impurities – Zn 2+ , Al 3+ , Y 3+ , Mn 4+ , Zr 4+ , and Ce 4+ – to assess the effect of commonly present metal impurities in MgO films on the dissociative adsorption of water. The trend in the adsorption energies with different metal impurities shows that water is less likely to dissociate when cationic impurities with high oxidation states such as Mn 4+ , Zr 4+ , and Ce 4+ are present. Charge transfer from the adsorbed species to the impurity atom is identified as the source of the trend. Increased dissociation barrier for water adsorbed on the same doped surfaces indicates that the incorporation of such impurities will effectively block the dissolution of oxide films and potentially enhance the film's resistivity to water.
Integration of the microcomputer into the changing accounting curriculum: an analysis of recent findings

Abstract This article reports the results of a longitudinal study concerning the utilization of microcomputers in accounting curricula. A comparative summary of three earlier studies by the authors on PC computer integration in accounting classes is also incorporated into the paper. Accounting departments are currently in a period of stabilization with respect to computer hardware and software. For the last 2 or 3 years, PC usage in accounting courses has leveled off at 62%. Although the amount of integration may be adequate, the type of integration remains questionable. The electronic spreadsheet is the most widely employed software package in the accounting curriculum, and knowledge of spreadsheet applications has become equated with PC computer literacy. This paper emphasizes that employment of micros in selected accounting courses must progress beyond spreadsheet applications to include more sophisticated, higher level applications. The authors predict that the evolution of information systems technologies will accelerate dramatically in the 1990s. Such changes will impact the way accounting is practiced, the way management services are provided, the types of internal controls installed in systems, the way accounting systems are developed, the way managers make decisions and so on. Yet, this study reveals stagnant classroom applications which are piecemeal and nonsystems (i.e. nonplanning) in orientation with spreadsheet applications predominating. Other more significant micro applications must be integrated into the classroom. About 31% of the accounting departments responding to the 1989 survey have the mechanism in place to bring about the needed changes in the 1990s. The recommended mechanism is a departmental PC Steering Committee. Such a committee should be formed by all accounting departments to bring about the orderly deployment of PC applications in a changing accounting curriculum. If the accounting PC Steering Committee takes its job seriously, the important information systems technologies affecting the development of accounting are more likely to be incorporated into the classroom, keeping accounting students abreast of the latest developments in the information age.
Arrhythmia and diet.

To the Editor.— I was very interested in the timely critique of low-carbohydrate diets recently published by the Council on Foods and Nutrition (224:1415, 1973) and wish to present a possible complication of such a diet. A 23-year-old white male ensign noted the onset of dyspnea on exertion and a rapid heart rate after a 9-kg weight loss in one month on the Atkins diet. These symptoms persisted for four weeks after discontinuation of the diet, and he sought medical attention. An electrocardiogram showed atrial flutter-fibrillation with a ventricular rate of about 140 beats per minute. There was no history of rheumatic heart disease, hyperthyroidism, drug or alcohol abuse, and no personal or family history of ischemic heart disease. The patient drank one to two cups of coffee and smoked one pack of cigarettes daily. Results of his physical examination were entirely normal except for tachycardia. A complete blood cell count,
Extracellular serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in hypothalamus of the unanesthetized rat measured by in vivo dialysis coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection: dialysate serotonin reflects neuronal release.

In vivo dialysis coupled to high-performance liquid chromotography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC) was used for measurement of extracellular serotonin (5-HT) in the hypothalamus of unanesthetized, unrestrained rats. A series of experiments was carried out to determine if 5-HT in the dialysis solution was released from nerve terminals. Fenfluramine, a 5-HT-releasing drug and fluoxetine, a 5-HT-reuptake inhibitor, both significantly increased extracellular 5-HT. Elevating potassium concentration in the dialysis solution also significantly increased 5-HT. Reciprocally, 5-HT was significantly reduced to about half of control levels with either local administration of tetrodotoxin, zero calcium dialysis solution, or systemic administration of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin, a 5-HT1A agonist that suppresses 5-HT neuronal activity via activation of the somatodendritic autoreceptor. In addition, 5-HT levels were elevated during the dark portion of the light-dark cycle, a period when rats are more active. Changes in extracellular 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) rarely followed changes in 5-HT. The results indicate that 5-HT in the dialysis solution, but not 5-HIAA, was a reliable measure of depolarization-induced release of 5-HT from nerve terminals. This is the first establishing the reliability of in vivo dialysis coupled to HPLC-EC for measurement of synaptically released 5-HT.
The new people of power: The backgrounds and careers of top labor leaders

In this profile of the personal backgrounds and careers of top labor leaders, data indicate that they have followed a long and steady climb from their working-class backgrounds through the ranks of the union hierarchy. Similarities between labor leaders’ backgrounds and careers and those of earlier leaders are provided.
A model of sustained activation of the symphatetic nervous system (SNS) using anterior hypothalamic cooling in the baboon

Abstract A model has been developed to simulate central activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in unanesthetized baboons. By continuously cooling the preoptic anterior hypothalamus with an implanted thermode, a chronic heat production response is generated. In the primate, SNS activation is a major feature of the response to cold stress. During central cooling, oxygen consumption and catecholamine excretion doubled. These responses have been sustained for 30 days. Metabolic and endocrine changes accompanying chronic SNS activation include (1) an early period of basal hyperinsulinemia followed by restoration of normal insulin sensitivity, (2) an unexpected maintenance of normal (or even increased) responsiveness to isoproterenol (heart rate, insulin secretion and lipolysis, (3) increased glucagon levels throughout, (4) a persistent and progressive fall in T3 without change in T4 which was not explained by decreased food intake since this did not diminish, and weight was maintained. The model may prove useful in characterizing the adaptations and maladaptations which accompany sustained increases in central SNS activity in primates.
Does Capsule Endoscopy Improve Outcomes in Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding? Randomized Trial Versus Dedicated Small Bowel Radiography

Background & Aims Capsule endoscopy improves the diagnostic yield in patients with obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, but whether it improves outcomes is uncertain. Methods Patients with obscure GI bleeding and negative upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and push enteroscopy were randomly assigned to capsule endoscopy or dedicated small bowel contrast radiography. Patients returned at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months for follow-up visits and to check hemoglobin level. The primary endpoint was further bleeding. Results The predefined sample size of 136 patients (54 overt bleeding, 82 occult bleeding) was enrolled. Diagnostic yield was 20 (30%) with capsule vs 5 (7%) with radiography (difference = 23%; 95% CI: 11%–36%). Further bleeding with capsule versus radiography occurred in 20 (30%) versus 17 (24%) (difference, 6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −9% to 21%), subsequent diagnostic or therapeutic interventions for bleeding were performed in 17 (26%) versus 15 (21%) (difference, 4%; 95% CI, −10% to 19%), subsequent hospitalizations for bleeding were required in 8 (12%) versus 4 (6%) (difference, 6%; 95% CI, −3% to 16%), and subsequent blood transfusions were given in 5 (8%) versus 4 (6%) (difference, 2%; 95% CI, −7% to 10%). Further bleeding was more common in patients presenting with overt bleeding than in those with occult bleeding (21/54 [39%] vs 16/82 [20%]; difference, 19%; 95% CI, 4% to 35%). Conclusions The significant improvement in diagnostic yield with capsule endoscopy may not translate into improved outcomes in a population with obscure GI bleeding. Most patients do well whether or not abnormalities are identified, and additional diagnostic or therapeutic interventions may be required whether or not capsule endoscopy identifies a source of bleeding.
Gonadotropin responses to luteinizing releasing factor in boys treated with cyclophosphamide for nephrotic syndrome.

Cyclophosphamide therapy of the nephrotic syndrome has been associated with oligo- and azoospermia and with abnormalities of testicular histology in adults and pubertal boys. In 15 prepubertal boys, no abnormalities of basal serum levels of LH, FSH, or T were found when they were studied 8 months to 7 years after cyclophosphamide therapy. Five boys who were pubertal during therapy were found to have elevated mean basal values of gonadotropins with normal testosterone levels and elevated LH responses to LRF; the FSH responses to LRF were elevated in four patients. One of four boys who were prepubertal during therapy but pubertal at the time of testing had an elevated basal LH and LH response to LRF. Three boys who were prepubertal at the times of therapy and testing had normal LH responses to LRF. The LRF test may provide a means of identifying the patient who has sustained testicular injury and who may require testicular biopsy.
Homoleptic phenyl isocyanide complexes of molybdenum and tungsten: zerovalent six-coordinate versus divalent seven-coordinate

Abstract Electrochemical and chemical oxidations of Mo(CNPh)6 and W(CNPh)6 have been shown to yield seven-coordinate [M(CNPh)7]2+. These catons, stabilized as their PF6− salts, can be obtained in yields of 80%. The redox and substitution chemistry of these new complexes have been explored. A convenient synthesis of W(CNPh)6 has been devised starting from W2(dmhp)4 (dmhp is the anion of 2,4-dimethyl-6-hydroxypyrimidine).
Substance P Induces Rapid and Transient Membrane Blebbing in U373MG Cells in a p21-Activated Kinase-Dependent Manner

U373MG astrocytoma cells endogenously express the full-length neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R). Substance P (SP), the natural ligand for NK1R, triggers rapid and transient membrane blebbing and we report that these morphological changes have different dynamics and intracellular signaling as compared to the changes that we have previously described in HEK293-NK1R cells. In both cell lines, the SP-induced morphological changes are Gq-independent, and they require the Rho, Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway. Using confocal microscopy we have demonstrated that tubulin is phosphorylated subsequent to cell stimulation with SP and that tubulin accumulates inside the blebs. Colchicine, a tubulin polymerization inhibitor, blocked SP-induced blebbing in U373MG but not in HEK293-NK1R cells. Although p21-activated kinase (PAK) is expressed in both cell lines, SP induced rapid phosphorylation of PAK in U373MG, but failed to phosphorylate PAK in HEK293-NK1R cells. The cell-permeable Rho inhibitor C3 transferase inhibited SP-induced PAK phosphorylation, but the ROCK inhibitor Y27632 had no effect on PAK phosphorylation, suggesting that Rho activates PAK in a ROCK-independent manner. Our study demonstrates that SP triggers rapid changes in cell morphology mediated by distinct intracellular signaling mechanisms in U373MG versus HEK293-NK1R cells.
The Reaction of Stannous Fluoride and Hydroxyapatite

Systematic investigation of the chemical reaction of a slurry of SnF2, Ca10(OH)2(PO4)6, and H2O shows that products other than CaF2 are determined by the relative concentrations of the reactants. In addition to Sn2OHPO4, and Sn3F3PO4, a previously unreported compound, Ca(SnF3)2, has been observed as a product of the reaction.
Estimation of rainfall variables from leaf characters in tropical Africa

Abstract Regression models are defined for leaf physiognomic and climate variables from 30 modern equatorial African plant communities. Herbarium specimens provide physiognomic data for published species lists for the 30 sites; climate data are from a variety of published sources. By limiting the sampled region to equatorial Africa, where annual amount and seasonality of rainfall are critical determinants of vegetation, leaf physiognomy is found to be related linearly to moisture variables. Principal components analysis demonstrates that the pattern of variation among leaf variables is primarily a function of mean annual and wet months (total of all months with ≥50 mm) rainfall. Multiple regression models are derived for mean annual rainfall, wet months rainfall and the number of dry months. Accuracy of each model is tested by comparing the adjusted predicted values (the value for a case when it is not included in calculation of the regression line) to the actual climate values at the 30 sites. Leaf size is the strongest correlate of moisture; the mesophyll size class has the most significant positive relationship with annual and wet months rainfall. Entire-margined species increase with wet months rainfall and temperature. Acuminate tip and length/width ratio are also positively related to mean annual and wet months rainfall. Rounded base, emarginate tip, and acute tip are inversely related to rainfall variables. Regression models derived from modern plants and climate can be used to reconstruct seasonal and annual rainfall from Cenozoic African leaf fossils.
MapReduce based parallel suffix tree construction for human genome

Genome indexing is the basis for many bioinformatics applications. Read mapping(sequence alignment) is one such application where the goal is to align millions of short reads against reference genome. Several tools are available for read mapping which rely on different indexing techniques to expedite the alignment process. However, many of these contemporary alignment programs are sequential, memory intensive and cannot be easily scaled for larger genomes. Suffix tree is one of the most widely used data structures for indexing strings (genomes). Building a scalable suffix-tree based tool is particularly challenging due to the difficulties involved in parallel construction of the suffix tree. Several suffix tree construction techniques have been proposed till date with focus on space-time tradeoff. Most of these existing works address the construction issue for uniprocessor and cannot be easily extended to utilize modern multi-processor systems. In this paper we investigate and propose a MapReduce based parallel construction of suffix tree. We demonstrate the performance of the algorithm over commodity cluster using up to 32 nodes each having 8GB of primary memory.
Galileo spacecraft pointing accuracy analysis

This paper describes the analysis required to evaluate the pointing performance of the Galileo spacecraft science instruments and antenna. The main contribution lies in the development of the models needed for pointing analysis. Pointing control mechanisms of the science instruments, as well as the spacecraft autonomous attitude determination process and the pointing control mechanisms for the high gain antenna, are provided in order to identify the various error sources involved. A covariance analysis method is then used to obtain the pointing capabilities of the instruments and the antenna. The results are depicted in tabular form to compare the capabilities against the levied requirements.
Challenges and Possibilities for World Literature, Global Literature, and Translation

In her article "Challenges and Possibilities for World Literature, Global Literature, and Translation" Kathleen Shields argues that Goethe's concept of Weltliteratur was grounded in translation practice: in creating a canon representing the best of each nation, translation occupied centre stage. Nation-building in Europe in the nineteenth century was combined with the idea of transnational literature where translation was an important tool of transmission and exchange, as well as a way of decentering from a strong monolingual base. There are four challenges for comparative literature now. Firstly, the nation state is weakening. Secondly, despite the growing interest in world literature since the 1990s, Goethe's idea of Weltliteratur is in decline, replaced by the rise of English as a lingua franca and pivot language for translations. Thirdly, asymmetries in relations between languages, and the very small number of translation languages, are becoming more marked. Finally, digital reading means that literary products are simply "there," fluidly absorbed into ever-changing canons with no visible means of mediation. What then are the opportunities offered by the European tradition of translation studies? Could polysystem theory help to re-examine the filters and asymmetric relations that exist between producers and consumers of literary texts? Can translation studies map relations of prestige to arrive at not only an ethics but also a geopolitics of literature?
P3P privacy enhancing agent

Protecting personal privacy information is an inherently difficult problem. Privacy enhancing agents are software agents that help web users to protect their private information by collecting web site P3P [1] information and exchanging knowledge of web site privacy practices with other agents. Based on the information collected, the software agents begin the decision-making and negotiation process. A suggestion or warning is presented to the user if any discrepancy is detected [4]. In this paper, we outline our design for a P3P privacy enhancing agent (PEA).
Effect of Expectation and Level of Adjustment on Treatment Outcome

This analysis assessed the hypothesis that a relation between adjustment prior to treatment and client outcome, based on documented theoretical observations about similar relationships between clie...
BiMOS and SMOSC structures for MOS parameter measurement

Abstract Measurements of gate oxide stability in MOS VLSI development and manufacturing using substrate injection on two test structures are reviewed: the d.c. substrate injection via bipolar injector-MOS transistor (BiMOS) and the pulsed a.c. substrate injection via sourced-MOS capacitors (SMOSC). These techniques overcome the limitations of the MOS capacitor (MOSC) technique in measuring the fundamental dependencies of oxide trap charging and generation on the oxide electric field. They allow independent control of the oxide electric field, gate injection current, and electron energy. Application examples are described.
A review and quantitative comparison of methods for kinect calibration

To utilize the full potential of RGB-D devices, calibration must be performed to determine the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the color and depth sensors and to reduce lens and depth distortion. After doing so, the depth pixels can be mapped to color pixels and both data streams can be simultaneously utilized. This work presents an overview and quantitative comparison of RGB-D calibration techniques and examines how the resolution and number of images affects calibration.
An analysis of the determinants of the feeling of knowing

Research has demonstrated that feeling-of-knowing (FOK) judgments are affected by the amount of accessible information related to an inaccessible target. Further, studies have demonstrated that, in some situations, FOK judgment magnitude is not only related to the amount (quantity) of accessed features, but also the correctness of those features (Thomas, Bulevich, & Dubois, 2011). The present study examined the conditions under which the correctness of features would influence FOK judgment magnitude. We hypothesized that accuracy of retrieved features would influence FOK judgments, but only in situations where semantically meaningful information was accessible. In three experiments, we manipulated accessibility of semantic information. In all experiments, the quantity, or amount of retrieved partial information had a greater impact on FOK judgments than the accuracy of that information. However, in situations where semantic information was accessible, accuracy of retrieved semantic features also influenced FOK judgment magnitude, and later recognition.
An Early Gap in Black-White Mathematics Achievement: Holding School and Home Accountable in an Affluent City School District

This article uses descriptive statistics and regression modeling to test effects of ethnicity and socioeconomic status on third-graders. Results implicate ethnicity and socioeconomic status as a significant influence on third-graders' mathematics scores. Findings suggest that strong social forces sustain the Black-White mathematics achievement gap even when affluent school resources are available. Results also suggest a need for the observed affluent districts and Black families in them to: (a) examine and improve their roles in closing Black-White achievement gaps in third-grade mathematics and (b) use available resources to implement specific interventions and pedagogy at school and home that address weaknesses and build upon strengths of students' ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
The aldimine effect in bis(imino)pyridine complexes: non-planar nickel(I) complexes of a bis(aldimino)pyridine ligand

Reduction of bis(aldimino)pyridine nickel(II) dihalide forms a non-planar bis(aldimino)pyridine nickel(I) halide. Unlike the previously reported square-planar bis(ketimino)pyridine nickel chloride, for which the spin density was localized on the ligand, the present species demonstrate N(py)-Ni-X angles of 156°-162° and significant spin density at the metal inferred from EPR measurements and DFT calculations.
Enhancing gradient-based parameter estimation with an evolutionary approach

Abstract Traditionally, the calibration of groundwater models has depended on gradient-based local optimization methods. These methods provide a reasonable degree of success only when the objective function is smooth, second-order differentiable, and satisfies the Lipschitz's condition. For complicated and highly nonlinear objective functions it is almost impractical to satisfy these conditions simultaneously. Research in the calibration of conceptual rainfall-runoff models, has shown that global optimization methods are more successful in locating the global optimum in the region of multiple local optima. In this study, a global optimization technique, known as shuffle complex evolution (SCE), is coupled to the gradient-based Lavenberg–Marquardt algorithm (GBLM). The resultant hybrid global optimization algorithm (SCEGB) is then deployed in parallel testing with SCE and GBLM to solve several inverse problems where parameters of a nonlinear numerical groundwater flow model are estimated. Using perfect (i.e. noise-free) observation data, it is shown SCEGB and SCE are successful at identifying the global optimum and predicting all model parameters; whereas, the commonly applied GBLM fails to identify the optimum. In subsequent inverse simulations using observation data corrupted with noise, SCEGB and SCE again outperform GBLM by consistently producing more accurate parameter estimates. Finally, in all simulations the hybrid SCEGB is seen to be equally effective as SCE but computationally more efficient.
Basic design elements of binary joint transform correlation and selected optimization techniques

The performance of binary joint-transform correlation using realistic input scenes has been studied by simulations addressing the effects of variations in threshold level, low-frequency blocks, and spurious signals due to regularly spaced groups of multiple (identical) input targets. A design tradeoff between better correlation performance and easier implementation (higher thresholding levels) was observed for constant thresholding. A new adaptive thresholding technique is introduced which alleviates the problems encountered using constant thresholds and significantly improves performance. Results are given for input scenes consisting of challenging backgrounds with multiple targets.
Sum Rule for Molecular Frequencies

It is shown that the sum of the squares of the fundamental frequencies of a molecule does not depend explicitly upon molecular geometry. Using this sum it is demonstrated that a set of effective Cartesian force constants which are measures of the potential environment of atoms in a molecule can be calculated with little difficulty.
A Framework for Systematic Characterization of the Mitral Valve by Real-Time Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography

Because of the complex anatomy of the mitral valve, detailed imaging is a challenge. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) using two-dimensional echocardiography provides the backbone for the structural evaluation of the mitral valve. Interventional and surgical procedures on the mitral valve demand precise and sophisticated imaging for guidance and support. Three-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography and 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are now being used with increasing frequency to provide more comprehensive evaluations of the structure and function of the mitral valve complex. In this review, the authors present a framework for the application of 3D TEE in the evaluation of patients with structural or functional mitral valve disease, outline an examination protocol, and address the advantages and limitations of the current platform for 3D TEE. Real-time 3D TEE has the real potential to become the main imaging tool for the guidance of surgical and interventional procedures on the mitral valve. Although 3D TEE provides impressive images of the mitral valve, it now must be demonstrated, through scientific studies, that these beautiful images add clinical value to the management of patients with mitral valve disease.
FAST, EASY AND EFFICIENT DNA EXTRACTION AND ONE-STEP POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION FOR THE DETECTION OF XYLELLA FASTIDIOSA IN POTENTIAL INSECT VECTORS

A quick, simple and efficient procedure for detecting Xylella fastidiosa in potential insect vectors is described. The procedure employs a commercially available DNeasy tissue kit for the extraction of high-quality DNA from the insect, followed by one-step polymerase chain reaction amplification using previously published oligonucleotide primers specific to X. fastidiosa. The procedure does not require the use of phenol, chloroform or alcohol for the precipitation of nucleic acids. Also it does not need additional purification or enrichment steps, and can be completed in less than a day. The procedure was used successfully in detecting X. fastidiosa in two potentially important leafhopper species, Graphocephala versuta and G. coccinea, and in a treehopper species Entilia concisa, collected from a nursery where bacterial leaf scorch disease caused by X. fastidiosa occurs.
Exceptional avian herbivores: multiple transitions toward herbivory in the bird order Anseriformes and its correlation with body mass

Herbivory is rare among birds and is usually thought to have evolved predominately among large, flightless birds due to energetic constraints or an association with increased body mass. Nearly all members of the bird order Anseriformes, which includes ducks, geese, and swans, are flighted and many are predominately herbivorous. However, it is unknown whether herbivory represents a derived state for the order and how many times a predominately herbivorous diet may have evolved. Compiling data from over 200 published diet studies to create a continuous character for herbivory, models of trait evolution support at least five independent transitions toward a predominately herbivorous diet in Anseriformes. Although a nonphylogenetic correlation test recovers a significant positive correlation between herbivory and body mass, this correlation is not significant when accounting for phylogeny. These results indicate a lack of support for the hypothesis that a larger body mass confers an advantage in the digestion of low-quality diets but does not exclude the possibility that shifts to a more abundant food source have driven shifts toward herbivory in other bird lineages. The exceptional number of transitions toward a more herbivorous diet in Anseriformes and lack of correlation with body mass prompts a reinterpretation of the relatively infrequent origination of herbivory among flighted birds.
Metabolite‐mediated catalyst conversion of PFK and PFP: a mechanism of enyme regulation in green plants

Metabolites known to occur in the cytosol of photosynthetic leaf cells were found to mediate the reversible conversion of pyrophosphate—D-fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase (PFP) to phosphofructokinase (PFK) in partially purified preparations from spinach leaves. Preincubation of PFP with fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, ATP or fructose 6-phosphate converted PFP to PFK. The reverse reaction (PFK → PFP) was promoted by UDP-glucose plus pyrophosphate. These conversions in catalytic capability were accompanied by changes in molecular mass and charge. The results are in accord with the view that the alterations in PFP and PFK activity, provisionally called ‘metabolite-mediated catalyst conversion’, represent a regulatory mechanism to direct left cytosolic carbon flux in either the biosynthetic or degradatory direction.
SU‐FF‐J‐78: Assessment of An Interpolated Ray Trace Algorithm for Deriving Motion From CBCT Scans

Purpose: To asses the accuracy of an interpolated ray‐trace algorithm for deriving respiratory motion from megavoltage cone beam computed tomography (MVCBCT) scans. Method and Materials: 21 Siemens Oncor MVCBCT scans were taken of a tungsten pin attached to a motion phantom positioned with various orientations and table shifts to create motion with variable amplitudes of up to 1 cm along posterior‐anterior and right‐left axes and 3 cm in the cranio‐caudal axis. Edge detection found the pin in all 200 CBCT raw data projections. The intersection of ray‐traces, from the pin's image to the source, for two full exhale projections defined the exhale bounding point, while using two full inhale projections yields the inhale bounding point. These bounding points were ray‐traced into all projections. The position of the pin's image, relative to the projected bounding points, was used to interpolate between bounding points to find the pin's room coordinates for all projections. A plot of pin position versus projection time stamp was compared to the expected motion. Results: A bounding box, whose opposite corners are the projected bounding points, will contain the tungsten pin only if angular separations between projections used for bounding point determination are between 15 and 163 degrees, and differences in full inhale amplitudes are accounted for. Under these conditions, deviations between expected and calculated cranio‐caudal motion are primarily due to flat panel geometry error. The errors are worst at the edges of the CBCT reconstruction volume, with maximum and mean errors of 1.06 and 0.34 mm, respectively. When flat panel errors are corrected, the worst case mean error is 0.16 mm. Conclusion: For bounded motion of up to 3 cm, the interpolated ray‐trace algorithm will contribute little to the overall error for applications that determine diaphragm motion from patient CBCT scans.
Historical changes in phosphorus accumulation in a small lake

Isotopes like 210Pb and 137Cs are effectivetools for determining chronology in lake sediments. Once the chronology is established, environmentalchanges in lakes can be investigated, and the causesfor those changes can often be inferred. 210Pband 137Cs profiles were constructed for thesediments of Crystal Lake, Connecticut, USA. Thegeochronology was used to determine the historicalchanges in organic matter and P accumulationin the sediment. Those profiles showed twosignificant periods of sedimentation which correlatewith major precipitation events. DecreasingP accumulation in the sediments of the lakein the last decade was also correlated with increasingeutrophication as documented by increases inepilimnetic P and decreases intransparency.
Polarimetric radar detection of point targets in a forest environment

The use of polarimetric radar to detect point targets in a forest clutter environment was evaluated using a truck-mounted L-band polarimetric scatterometer. The polarimetric propagation characteristics of a dense canopy of red pines were measured. A simple polarimetric model was then used to simulate the polarimetric response of other point targets in the same forest environment. The simulation makes it possible to obtain the polarimetric response for a variety of point targets in the same forest environment without the need for detailed polarimetric measurements of each target. Several polarimetric and traditional (amplitude-only) detection schemes were used with the simulated data to evaluate the enhancement in target detection attained with polarimetric techniques as opposed to traditional techniques. >
Chemistry and decomposition of litter from Populus tremuloides Michaux grown at elevated atmospheric CO2 and varying N availability

It has been hypothesized that greater production of total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) in foliage grown under elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) will result in higher concentrations of defensive compounds in tree leaf litter, possibly leading to reduced rates of decomposition and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems of the future. To evaluate the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on litter chemistry and decomposition, we performed a 111 day laboratory incubation with leaf litter of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michaux) produced at 30Pa and 56 Pa CO2 and two levels of soil nitrogen (N) avalibility. Decomposition was quantified as microbially respired CO2 and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in soil solution, and concentrations of nonstructural carbohydrates, N, carbon (C), and condensed tannins were monitored throughout the incubation. Growth under elevated atmospheric CO2 did not significantly affect initial litter concentration of TNC, N, or condensed tannins. Rates of decomposition, measured as both microbially respired CO2 and DOC did not differ between litter produced under ambient and elevated CO2. Total C lost from the samples was 38mg g-1 litter as DOC, suggesting short-term pulses of dissolved C in soil solution are important components of the terestrial C cycle. We conclude that litter chemistry and decomposition in trembling aspen are minimally affected by grwoth under higher concentrations of CO2.
Respiratory illness and hypophosphatemia.

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 308 admissions to a pulmonary disease ward and 100 admissions to the general medical service over one year to find the prevalence, sequelae, and etiology of hypophosphatemia. The overall prevalence of low serum phosphate levels (
A modular, interdisciplinary approach to undergraduate robotics education

The authors describe three modular, half-semester courses that constitute the emerging undergraduate robotics curriculum at the University of Illinois. They also present two software systems that are currently being tested in these courses. These systems allow students to make progress, unrestrained by occasional hardware inaccessibility and undaunted by implementation details which have been an issue in the past. Students are also able to run their own solutions in parallel with actual solutions. For example, a student could run a forward kinematics solver while simultaneously observing the isomorphic operation of the physical robot. Furthermore, use of these systems provides an opportunity for students to design and implement solutions to real-world problems within the course of a semester. >
Construction of Green's Functions for the Two-dimensional Static Klein-Gordon Equation

In contrast to the cognate Laplace equation, for which a vast number of Green's functions is available,thefieldis not that developedforthe static Klein-Gordon equation. The latter represents, nonetheless, a natural area for application of some of the methods that are proven productive for the Laplace equation. The perspective looks especially attractive for the methods of images and eigenfunction expansion. This study is based on our experience recently gained on the construction of Green's functions for elliptic partial differential equations. An extensive list of boundary-value problems formulated for the static Klein-Gordon equation is considered. Computer- friendly representations of their Green's functions are obtained, most of which have never been published before.
On the existence of multiphase thermal detonations

The classical Board‐Hall model is re-examined and shown to imply that, contrary to the model’s intention and widely-held interpretation, multiphase thermal detonations are not physically possible. A new key physical concept is introduced, and the results show the existence of supercritical detonations, even in lean (melt content) premixtures, in agreement with recent experimental evidence. This opens the way for a rational approach to predicting the energetics of such explosions, and indicates the kind of constitutive laws needed for this purpose. # 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Sudden Cardiac Death Better Understanding of Risks, Mechanisms, and Treatment

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is generally defined as unexpected death as the result of cardiovascular causes in a person with or without preexisting heart disease, within 1 hour of onset of change in clinical status.1 Most instances of SCD are thought to involve ventricular tachycardia degenerating to ventricular fibrillation (VF) and subsequent asystole, although the percent of ventricular tachyarrhythmias found as the first rhythm at the time of collapse appears to be decreasing.2 In 60% to 80% of cases, SCD occurs in the setting of coronary artery disease. Nonischemic cardiomyopathy and infiltrative, inflammatory, and acquired valvular diseases account for most other SCD events.3 A small percentage of SCDs occur in the setting of ion channel mutations responsible for inherited abnormalities such as the long/short QT syndromes, Brugada syndrome, and catecholaminergic ventricular tachycardia. Although accounting for a small number of SCDs overall, these fascinating syndromes provide mechanistic insights never before available. In addition, other genetic abnormalities such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congenital heart defects such as anomalous coronary arteries are responsible for SCD. Articles p 1140 and 1146 Despite widespread advances in the treatment of ischemic heart disease with early recognition and revascularization therapies and the growing use of automated external defibrillators and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators to detect and treat ventricular arrhythmias, SCD remains a major cause of death in industrialized countries, exceeding 300 000 events per year in the United States, or about 20% of all deaths annually.3 The only pharmacological advances have been achieved with drugs that affect “upstream” regulatory events, such as statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, fish oil, aspirin, β-blockers, and aldosterone inhibitors, rather than with “traditional” ion channel–blocking antiarrhythmic agents.4 A frequently observed and notable aspect of SCD is its unpredictable and seemingly random nature of onset. Accordingly, one of the most vexing …
A 10mW 9.7ENOB 80MSPS pipeline ADC in 65nm CMOS process without any special mask requirement and with single 1.3V supply

This paper describes a power and area efficient pipeline ADC design. This ADC was designed in 65nm process without any special mask requirement and can work with supply voltage of 1.3V consuming 10mW providing 9.7 ENOB at 80MSPS while occupying less than 0.2 square millimeters.
Global atmospheric circulation statistics, 1000-1 mb

The atlas presents atmospheric general circulation statistics derived from twelve years (1979-90) of daily National Meteorological Center (NMC) operational geopotential height analyses; it is an update of a prior atlas using data over 1979-1986. These global analyses are available on pressure levels covering 1000-1 mb (approximately 0-50 km). The geopotential grids are a combined product of the Climate Analysis Center (which produces analyses over 70-1 mb) and operational NMC analyses (over 1000-100 mb). Balance horizontal winds and hydrostatic temperatures are derived from the geopotential fields.
ON NITROGEN DEFICIENCY IN TROPICAL PACIFIC OCEANIC PHYTOPLANKTON. II. PHOTOSYNTHETIC AND CELLULAR CHARACTERISTICS OF A CHEMOSTAT-GROWN DIATOM1

R-BSTRACT Cells of the tropical Pacific diatom, Chaetoceros gracilis, were grown in a nitrogenlimited chemostat at varying percentages of the maximum growth rate, harvested, and photosynthetic and cellular parameters measured. Assimilation ratio (photosynthesis at light saturation per unit chlorophyll) increased with increasing growth rate. Cellular C : chlorophyll ratios also decreased with increasing growth rate, but carotenoid : chlorophyll ratios showed no obvious trend. The C : N ratio decreased and chlorophyll: cell increased with increasing growth rate. Steady-state cell numbers were not constant at different growth rates but decreased as the growth rates increased. Growth rates secmcd to be controlled by internal supplies of nitrogen and the apparent half saturation constant, K’, , decreased with increasing-growth rate.