cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blood flows and metabolic components of the cardiome.

This is a plan for the first stage of The Cardiome Project. The cardiome is the representation, in quantitative, testable form, of the functioning of the normal heart and its responses to intervention. The goal is to integrate the efforts of many years into a comprehensive understandable scheme. Past efforts have spanned the fields of transport within blood vessels, the distributions of regional coronary blood flows, permeation processes through capillary and cell walls, mediated cell membrane transport, extra- and intracellular diffusion, cardiac electrophysiology, the uptake and metabolism of the prime substrates (fatty acid and glucose), the metabolism of the purine nucleosides and nucleotides (mainly adenosine and ATP), the regulation of the ionic currents and of excitation–contraction coupling and finally the regulation of contraction. The central theme is to define the coronary flows and metabolic components of a computer model that will become a part of a three-dimensional heart with appropriate fibre shortening and volume ejection. The components are: (a) coronary flow distributions with appropriate heterogeneity, (b) metabolism of the substrates for energy production, (c) ATP, PCr and energy metabolism and (d) calcium metabolism as it relates to excitation–contraction coupling. The modeling should provide: (1) appropriate responses to regional ischemia induced by constriction of a coronary artery, including tissue contractility loss and aneurysmal dilation of the ischemic region; (2) physiological responses to rate changes such as treppe and changes in metabolic demand and (3) changes in local metabolic needs secondary to changes in the site of pacing stimulation and shortening inactivation or stretch activation of contraction.
Sedimentary diatom concentrations and accumulation rates as predictors of lake trophic state

Diatom concentrations in surface sediments are positively correlated with limnetic chlorophyll a concentrations in Florida (USA) lakes. Using this relationship, I examine models that provide quantitative inferences for trophic state in historical applications.
Site-Directed Mutagenesis of the Sodium Pump: Analysis of Mutations to Amino Acids in the Proposed Nucleotide Binding Site by Stable Oxygen Isotope Exchange†

A model for the active site of P type ATPases has been tested by site-directed mutagenesis of amino acids in two conserved sequences of Mg2+-dependent and Na+- and K+-stimulated ATPase. The mutants K501R, K501E, D586E, D586N, P587A, and P588A were expressed in yeast cells and compared with wild type. In addition to previously published assays of adenosine 5‘-triphosphate binding and hydrolysis, measurements of 18O exchange between Pi and water have been used to identify steps in the E2 half of the reaction cycle affected by the mutations. The study supports the prediction that K501 in the KGAP sequence interacts with adenosine 5‘-triphosphate. However, quantitative comparisons of the effect of mutation K501E on the activity with the effects of mutations to an enzyme of known structure that also catalyzes phosphoryl group transfer make a direct role for the positive charge on the side chain of K501 in catalysis by stabilizing the transition state unlikely. No evidence for the predicted interaction between ...
The ventilatory threshold: Method, protocol, and evaluator agreement

To evaluate the effects of different methods of detection, exercise modes, protocols, and reviewers on oxygen uptake (VO2) at the ventilatory threshold (ATge), 17 men with heart disease (mean age 59 +/- 6 years) and six healthy men (mean age 60 +/- 11 years) underwent six exercise tests on different days. Each subject performed three treadmill tests (Bruce, Balke, and ramp) and three bicycle ergometer tests (50 W/stage, 25 W/stage, and ramp) in random order. The ventilatory threshold was determined for each of the six exercise tests by three independent, blinded reviewers by means of graphic plots of three commonly used methods of determination: (1) changes in the ventilatory equivalents for VO2 and VCO2, (2) changes in end-tidal oxygen and carbon dioxide pressures, and (3) the intersection of the slope of VCO2 and VO2 (V slope). The largest variability in the ATge was observed with changes in the exercise protocol. The greatest absolute (ml/min) and percentage differences in oxygen uptake at the ATge as a result of changes in protocol, method of determination, and observers were 336 (36%), 125 (12%), and 70 (7%), respectively. The overall intraclass correlation coefficient for VO2 at the ATge among the three reviewers was 0.60 and among the three protocols was 0.85 (p less than 0.01). The V slope method of detection had consistently good agreement among reviewers and was least affected by the protocol. The variance in the ATge (excluding intersubject and error variance) accounted for by differences in protocol, method, and reviewer was 82%, 14%, and 4%, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Decreased early diastolic function after indomethacin administration in premature infants.

The effect of indomethacin on systolic and diastolic cardiac function was assessed in 15 premature infants. Seven infants (group 1) recelved indomethacin to treat a clinically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and eight infants (group 2) received indomethacin prophylactically at 24 hours of age because of their high risk for PDA. Diastolic cardiac function was assessed using instantaneous rates of change of left ventricular (LV) cavity dimension, derived from M-mode echocardiography. The maximum velocity of lengthening of the LV cavity dimension, an index of early diastolic function, fell from 63±19 mm/sec before indomethacin to 48±16 mm/sec 1 hour after indomethacin in group 1 (P −1 and 12±1 sec −1 for groups 1 and 2, respectively, compared with values before indomethacin of 15±3 sec −1 and 15±2 sec −1 . There was no effect of indomethacin on the indices of systolic function. We conclude that indomethacin decreases early diastolic function in premature infants.
Identification of Papermaking Process From Closed Loop Data by Bivariate Time Series Analysis

Abstract : The data used by Tee and Wu for identification of the transfer function and the noise of a Fourdrinier paper machine is reanalysed taking into account the feedback of the skilled operator. The identification procedure consists of fitting a bivariate time series to the input and output observations. The transfer function and the noise of the paper machine as well as those of the skilled operator are obtained by simple manipulations of the fitted bivariate model. The resulting model is physically interpreted and an attempt is made to locate the primary source of disturbance.
Dual-Porosity Coarse-Scale Modeling and Simulation of Highly Heterogeneous Geomodels

Accurate upscaling of highly heterogeneous subsurface reservoirs remains a challenge in the context of modeling of flow and transport. In this work, we address this challenge with emphasis on the representation of the displacement efficiency in coarse-scale modeling. We propose a dual-porosity upscaling approach to handle displacement calculations in high resolution and highly heterogeneous formations. In this approach, the pore space is arranged into two levels of porosity based on flow contribution, and a dual-porosity dual-permeability flow model is adapted for coarse-scale flow simulation. The approach uses fine-scale streamline information to transform a heterogeneous geomodel into a coarse dual-continuum model that preserves the global flow pathways adequately. The performance of the proposed technique is demonstrated for two heterogeneous reservoirs using both black oil (waterflooding) and compositional (gas injection) modeling approaches. We demonstrate that the coarse dual-porosity models predict the breakthrough times accurately and reproduce the post-breakthrough responses adequately. This is in contrast to conventional single-porosity upscaling techniques that overestimate breakthrough times and displacement efficiencies (sweep). By preserving large-scale heterogeneities, coarse dual-porosity models are demonstrated to be significantly less sensitive to the level of upscaling, when compared to conventional single-porosity upscaling. Accordingly, the proposed upscaling approach is a relevant and suitable technique for upscaling of highly heterogeneous geomodels.
A template library to facilitate teaching message passing parallel computing

This paper discusses a template-based approach to aid in introducing the upper-division undergraduate (or first year graduate) to the rapidly emerging message passing parallel computing paradigm. Our template library facilitates an accelerated MPI programming learning environment that can realistically be included as one topic among many in an algorithms course. One template module is based on a backtracking solution to the satisfiablity problem (SAT), which the student first solves in the sequential setting. With the aid of a modified template, the student then develops a simple parallel SAT solver. The template includes such things as I/O functions, allowing the student to focus on the algorithm itself. The parallel part is partially provided by the template, with indicators given in places where the student needs to plug in missing MPI function calls. The students are excited about this hands-on-experience in the increasingly important world of message passing parallel computing, which might be missed if their curriculum does not include a course devoted to this topic.
Numerical flux formulas for the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. II - Progress in flux-vector splitting

The accuracy of various numerical flux functions for the inviscid fluxes when used for Navier-Stokes computations is studied. The flux functions are benchmarked for solutions of the viscous, hypersonic flow past a 10 degree cone at zero angle of attack using first order, upwind spatial differencing. The Harten-Lax/Roe flux is found to give a good boundary layer representation, although its robustness is an issue. Some hybrid flux formulas, where the concepts of flux-vector and flux-difference splitting are combined, are shown to give unsatisfactory pressure distributions; there is still room for improvement. Investigations of low diffusion, pure flux-vector splittings indicate that a pure flux-vector splitting can be developed that eliminates spurious diffusion across the boundary layer. The resulting first-order scheme is marginally stable and not monotone.
Response properties of higher level neurons in the central olfactory pathway of the crayfish

We have examined the electrical activity of interneurons within the higher levels of the crayfish olfactory system. In unstimulated isolated crayfish head preparations, local protocerebral interneurons (LPI) of the hemiellipsoid bodies generate periodic, low-frequency membrane depolarizations. The most reasonable explanation for these baseline fluctuations, which were exhibited by all of the LPIs examined and which were reversibly abolished by either tetrodotoxin or low-calcium saline solution, is that they reflect periodic synaptic drive from the axon terminals of olfactory projection neurons. One-third of tested LPIs generated impulses in response to the odor stimuli we applied to the antennules. Those cells that did respond exhibited a brief excitatory postsynaptic potential and one or two action potentials, even during prolonged odor pulses. Many of the responding neurons also exhibited a delayed impulse burst 1 or 2 s following the stimulus pulse. Most of the responding cells recovered their sensitivity to odors very slowly, exhibiting disadaptation periods of several minutes. The apparent refractory nature of individual LPIs to olfactory stimulation is attributed in part to a hypothesized selectivity of connections between projection neurons and protocerebral targets and in part to the electrical isolation of the recording electrode from many regions of the extensive LPI dendritic tree.
Cross-phase modulation between two intense orthogonally polarized laser beams copropagating through a Kerr-like medium

The Laboratory for Laser Energetics plans to install KDP wedges on each beam line of the OMEGA laser system in order to split each beam into two orthogonally polarized beams propagating gin slightly different directions. The wedges improve the on-target laser uniformity by decreasing the instantaneous speckle through spatial averaging of the two orthogonal beams. The proposed wedge-finishing method - diamond turning - procedures small residual scratch marks, causing each beam to acquire a pseudorandom phase perturbation. In addition, the orthogonally polarized beams interfere such that their combined polarization state continuously cycles through all elliptical states along any transverse plane. Since the nonlinear refractive index depends on the polarization state, intense beams accumulate a periodic phase perturbation that is greatest for linear polarization. Propagation of both types of phase perturbation yields an intensity modulation that tens to be larger in the neighborhood of linear polarization, through a combination of diffraction and self- and cross-phase modulation. However, 1D and 2D calculations demonstrate that diamond-turned KDP wedges are not a significant source of intensity modulation under OMEGA laser conditions. Installation of diamond-turned rather than polished wedges will reduce costs without adversely impacting the system performance.
An Important Role for the Retinoblastoma Protein in Staurosporine-induced G1 Arrest in Murine Embryonic Fibroblasts

In this study, we investigated the molecular basis of the ability of staurosporine to induce G1arrest in murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). We used MEFs from transgenic mice lacking several negative regulators of the G1/S phase transition including cells from mice lacking p53, p21, retinoblastoma (Rb), or p16 genes. We found that p53 function was not essential for staurosporine-induced G1 arrest. In contrast, MEFs from mice lacking Rb genes showed approximately a 70% reduced capacity to arrest in the G1 phase following staurosporine treatment. In support of a role for Rb in staurosporine-induced G1 arrest, rat embryonic fibroblasts stably overexpressing cyclin D1/Cdk4R24C exhibited approximately a 50% reduced G1 arrest response to staurosporine. The role of Rb in determining the degree of staurosporine-induced G1 arrest did not depend on the function of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p16 or p21 because MEFs lacking either of these genes were still capable of undergoing G1 arrest following staurosporine exposure. Our studies provide evidence of an important role for the Rb protein in determining the degree of staurosporine-induced G1 arrest in the first cell cycle.
Assessing Student Perceptions of Real Estate Careers

In selecting a career, students seek to maximize expected satisfaction. Expected satisfaction is a function of perceptions of the relative level of critical attributes possessed by a career area. This paper uses multidimensional scaling to produce a perceptual space to analyze the perceived similarities and dissimilarities of eight business career areas for a group of students and identify the attributes critical to these perceptions. With respect to those attributes most critical to perceptions, real estate careers were perceived as providing relatively high economic potential, low prestige, low entry difficulty and little career predictability. Information such as in this study provides a baseline for career counseling as well as eliminating possible distortions in perceptions of real estate careers.
Inflammatory bowel disease part I: Nature and pathogenesis

Once regarded as medical curiosities, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have achieved a remarkable change in status recently and today are among the more compelling of all human illnesses. The cause(s) of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not known. Genetic, environmental, microbial, and immunologic factors are involved, but the precise mechanisms are obscure. The incidence of ulcerative colitis is relatively stable, while Crohn's disease continues to increase in frequency. In 10% to 15% of patients, it is hard to differentiate between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's colitis; however, problems with diagnosis usually resolve with time and repeated examinations. In part I of his two-part monograph on IBD, Dr. Kirsner addresses the nature and pathogenesis of the disease. Increased study of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in recent years has generated new knowledge regarding their etiology. Part I focuses on microbial, immunologic, and genetic mechanisms and the inflammatory processes involved in the disease. In part II, which will be presented in next month's issue of Disease-a-Month, Dr. Kirsner deals with the clinical features, course, and management of IBD, based on the author's 55 years of experience with these problems and supplemented by critical examination of the recent (1988-1990) literature. Particular attention is directed to the symptoms and physical findings of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, the laboratory, radiologic, endoscopic, and pathologic features, and the many systemic complications. The IBDs are mimicked by several enterocolonic infections and other conditions, making differential diagnosis necessary. Inflammatory bowel disease in children and the elderly conforms to conventional clinical patterns modified by the health circumstances of the respective age groups. Because the cause of IBD has not been established, current medical therapy is facilitative and supportive rather than curative. The principles of medical treatment are approximately the same for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Treatment emphasizes a program rather than a drug and also considers the individuality of the therapeutic response. A clearer understanding of dietary and nutritional needs, including hyperalimentation and electrolyte and fluid balance, aids treatment. Antidiarrheal and antispasmodic preparations and sedatives are prescribed for symptom relief. The bowel inflammation is controlled with sulfasalazine or the newer 5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA) compounds, antibacterial drugs for complications of Crohn's disease and IBD, adrenocortical steroids, and the immunosuppressive compounds 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), azathioprine, and cyclosporine, as determined in each patient. The surgical procedures available for treatment of ulcerative colitis include total proctocolectomy and ileostomy or ileoanal anastomosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The association of maternal food intake and infants' and toddlers' food intake.

Background Young children's first experiences with food may influence development of food preferences and lifelong eating habits. However, little is known about what factors are associated with the development of eating behaviours in infants and toddlers. Studies with older children and adolescents suggest that parental food intake is associated with children's food intake. The purpose of the present paper is to determine whether this association starts even earlier during infancy and toddlerhood. Methods A convenience sample of n= 98 primarily African American mothers of children 6–18 months old completed questionnaires, including questions on their own and their young child's food intake. Mothers completed questions while waiting to be seen by their child's primary care provider. Results Per maternal report, children consumed fruit 2.45 (1.79) times, vegetables 1.63 (1.51) times and snack foods 2.22 (2.49) times each day. Infants' and toddlers' fruit (r= 0.54, P < 0.001), vegetable (r= 0.42, P < 0.001) and snack food (r= 0.37, P < 0.001) intake were significantly associated with maternal intake of each of these foods, respectively. These significant associations remained even after controlling for additional study variables. Conclusion Even at very young ages, maternal food intake is an important correlate of children's food intake. Taken together with findings documenting significant snack food consumption in this age group, findings suggest that development of prevention and intervention programmes to enhance healthy eating behaviours need to start very early, perhaps just prior to children being introduced to complementary foods.
Effectiveness of manufacturing planning and controlsystems on manufacturing competitiveness: evidence from global manufacturing data

Previous studies have empirically verified the operational benefits of manufacturing planning and control systems (MPCS). The literature, however, offers rather sparse and incomplete discussions regarding the effects of MPCS on manufacturing competitiveness. There are no specific descriptions and/or prescriptions of ‘how’ and ‘what’ aspects of MPCS are related to various competitiveness goals. This study considers the multidimensionality of MPCS and manufacturing competitiveness. Using data collected from 768 manufacturing firms in the machine tool and non-fashion textile industries from 16 countries, the relative importance of various MPCS elements to manufacturing competitiveness is investigated. The statistical results indicate that MPCS is very effective in achieving delivery competitiveness. Moreover, not all MPCS elements are equally important for enhancing manufacturing competitiveness. The most crucial elements of MPCS for manufacturing competitiveness are material and capacity planning and produc...
Syntheses and carbon monoxide substitution reactions of η5-N-heterocycle manganese tricarbonyls

Abstract A new method of synthesis of η 5 -pyrrolyltricarbonylmanganese(I) is reported, along with the first syntheses of η 5 -indolyltricarbonylmanganese(I) and of η 5 -1- pyrindinyltricarbonylmanganese(I). Kinetic studies on CO substitution reactions of these η 5 - N -heterocyclic manganese carbonyls show that the reactions take place by a second-order process, first-order in metal complex and first-order in nucleophile. The most significant observation is that the N -heterocyclic compounds react faster than do their carbocyclic counterparts. This anticipated result is consistent with the greater electron-withdrawing ability of the N systems in the transition state for reaction, because N is more electronegative than is C.
Dissolution kinetics and the weathering of mafic minerals

Abstract Fayalite, hypersthene, basalt, and obsidian were dissolved in buffered solutions (25°C; pH 4.5 and 5.5) under air, N2 or O2 atmospheres, in order to follow the kinetics of dissolution. Each dissolved more rapidly at lower pH values, dissolving most rapidly in the initial few days, followed by slower dissolution for periods up to six months. Dissolution was more rapid when air was excluded. In oxygen atmospheres an Fe(OH)3 precipitate armors mineral surfaces, thus inhibiting further dissolution, and further affects the solution by scavenging dissolved silica and cations. Dissolution reactions include initial exchange between cations and H+, incongruent dissolution of silicate structures, oxidation of Fe2+ in solution, precipitation of Fe(OH)3, and scavenging of dissolved silica and cations by Fe(OH)3. Dissolution kinetics may explain weathering of mafic rocks and minerals at the Earth's surface, the formation of Fe-oxide coatings on mineral grains, weathering of submarine mafic rocks and intrastratal solution of mafic minerals in buried sandstones. Early Precambrian weathering would have been more rapid before the appearance of large amounts of oxygen in the atmosphere, and continental denudation rates may have been higher than at present because of this effect and the predominance of mafic igneous rocks at an early stage of continent formation and growth.
Petroleum for U. S. Agriculture

commodity crises. The quixotics, of course, also tilt among themselves whenever windmills are scarce. Many feel that public and private investments in technology have not kept pace with the need while others feel that seeking the bonanza in advanced technology may result in just another dry hole. During the past year critical shortages and/or substantial fluctuations in prices have occurred in tin, pig iron, lead, zinc, mercury, antimony, tungsten, silver, magnesium, bismuth, palladium, gold, phosphate, coal, petroleum, and petroleum products. Each of these commodities has experienced a price change of more than 50 percent during the past 12 months [22]. Serious shortages of natural gas are expected to occur again this year, and a scheduled national coal strike could have a more substantial impact on energy supplies this fall and winter than the Arab oil embargo of the previous year. During the last eighteen months fossil fuels have experienced at least a doubling in price. The average prices of petroleum products have more. than doubled. During the past winter, spot prices ozf oil reached levels of more than four times their magnitudes of 18 to 24 months ago. Imports of these critical commodities constitute a significant component of U. S. consumption, and most may be subject to actions of international cartels seeking political or monetary gains. The recent Arab oil embargo is sometimes recognized to be an international cartel action to achieve both political and monetary concessions.
Induced bacterial electrode for the potentiometric measurement of tyrosine

A bacterial tyrosine-selective potentiometric electrode is proposed in which the desired biocatalytic activity is biochemically induced during growth of the bacterial cells. As the result of this induction, a normally ineffective biocatalyst, Aeromonas phenologenes ATCC 29063 can be coupled with an ammonia gas-sensing electrode in order to produce a useful tyrosine-selective electrode. The sensor shows excellent response characteristics, having a slope of 50–58 mV/decade, a range of logarithmic response from 8.3 × 10-5 M to 1.0 × 10-3 M tyrosine, a lower limit of detection of 3.3 × 10-5 M tyrosine, response times of 4–6 min, and a useful lifetime in excess of one week. Specific enzyme inhibitors are employed to enhance the selectivity of the electrode while maintaining high biocatalytic activity with respect to tyrosine.
U.S. policy and the Arab economic boycott: Understanding the origins and dealing with its consequences

Abstract The media, special interest groups, and other players have had a major effect on presidential decisions in regard to American foreign policy toward Israel, specifically on former President Gerald R. Ford's management of the Arab Boycott; these forces continue to have an important influence on the issues President Bill Clinton faces as a consequence of the recent PLO/Israeli agreements. This paper will analyze former President Gerald R. Ford's handling of that boycott and compare it to President Bill Clinton's handling of the issues he faces as a consequence of those recent agreements. The paper will address the issue of Presidential decision-making in the context of the foreign policy of the period. Much of the material for this article has come from documents found at the Gerald R. Ford Library located at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Network oscillations modulate interictal epileptiform spike rate during human memory

Eleven patients being evaluated with intracranial electroencephalography for medically resistant temporal lobe epilepsy participated in a visual recognition memory task. Interictal epileptiform spikes were manually marked and their rate of occurrence compared between baseline and three 2 s periods spanning a 6 s viewing period. During successful, but not unsuccessful, encoding of the images there was a significant reduction in interictal epileptiform spike rate in the amygdala, hippocampus, and temporal cortex. During the earliest encoding period (0–2000 ms after image presentation) in these trials there was a widespread decrease in the power of theta, alpha and beta band local field potential oscillations that coincided with emergent focal gamma frequency activity. Interictal epileptiform spike rate correlated with spectral band power changes and broadband (4–150 Hz) desynchronization, which predicted significant reduction in interictal epileptiform spike rate. Spike-triggered averaging of the field potential power spectrum detected a burst of low frequency synchronization 200 ms before the interictal epileptiform spikes that arose during this period of encoding. We conclude that interictal epileptiform spikes are modulated by the patterns of network oscillatory activity that accompany human memory offering a new mechanistic insight into the interplay of cognitive processing, local field potential dynamics and interictal epileptiform spike generation.
Cushing's Syndrome without Adenomatous or Hyperplastic Changes in the Pituitary Body or Adrenal Cortices and Complicated by Alkalosis: Report of Case with Necropsy

THOMPSON and Eisenhardt's1 recent review of Cushing's syndrome3 clearly indicates the advisability of recording further examples of this condition in which detailed clinical and pathologic studies have been conducted. We are therefore reporting data on the following case. The absence of adenomas, neoplastic, or hyperplastic changes in the pituitary body, thymus or adrenal cortices and the associated alkalosis that was present during the life of the patient are elements of additional interest. A similar case was described by Ulrich (2) and in this instance detailed chemical studies were made by McQuarrie and his associates (3). REPORT OF CASE The patient was a white woman, aged twentyseven years, who came to the Mayo Clinic August 25, 1941. She gave as her chief complaints “weakness and high blood pressure.” The patient stated that in 1938 her menstrual periods, which previously had been normal, suddenly ceased for a period of seven months, after which time they spontaneously recurred. There were no hot fl...
Prototype trailer‐loading robot

The Pallet Handling Device (PHD) is a five degree‐of‐freedom (dof) robot system under development by Stewart‐Glapat Corporation for autonomous loading of pallets into semi‐truck trailers at loading docks. The fully‐autonomous control is achieved using a programmable logic controller (PLC) and sensors. Ohio University has developed a one‐eighth‐scale prototype hardware system for PHD controls implementation and evaluation. This article describes the design and construction of this system, including the control architecture and PLC programming. The main objective of the scale hardware prototype is to demonstrate the autonomous control feasibility of the proposed full‐scale PHD system; this cannot be adequately performed in simulation.
Distributed microbending sensor

This paper describes a distributed microbending sensor using an external periodic structure (cable) around a fiber to optimize microbending loss sensitivity and other important operating parameters. Construction and measured performance of different designs are given. Other approaches to distributed microbending sensors, such as reduced N.A. fibers1 or modal filtering, are sensitive to curvature loss and require special fibers. The technique developed here uses existing fibers, is insensitive to curvature loss, and provides excellent performance.
Promoting spiritual well-being: a quasi-experimental test of an element of Hay and Nye’s theory of children’s spirituality

This study is one of the first tests of key implicit claims of Hay and Nye’s theory of children’s spirituality and spiritual development. Two quasi-experimental studies tested two claims: that exposure to six conditions posited as fostering relational consciousness in a programme of spiritual formation promotes spiritual well-being; that the effect of the conditions continues after exposure ends. The results for Study One revealed that length of exposure to any of the six conditions was not a significant predictor of spiritual well-being, F(3, 179) = 1.49, p = 0.22. Study Two results indicated that as the length of time since exposure increased so did spiritual well-being, r(38) = 0.39, p = 0.01 at the bivariate level, and F(4, 35) = 2.4, p = 0.06 in the regression. These results reveal a possible relationship between exposure to the six conditions and spiritual well-being.
An Empirical Study of the Potential for Geography in University Living–learning Communities in the United States

Living-learning communities (LLCs) have become an important part of the educational experience for many first-year university students. As academic units seek new ways to reach undergraduate students, partnering with an LLC is often an effective solution. This article explores a largely untapped link between LLCs and geography. An inventory of LLCs at USA universities with PhD-granting geography departments and a series of case studies collectively suggest that many existing LLCs focus on geographic or cognate themes, including globalization, international studies, diversity, sustainability, foreign language and natural sciences. Improved partnerships between geographers and LLCs could mutually benefit our students and the discipline.
An Argument that Internalism Requires Infallibility

Most contemporary internalists are fallibilists, denying that there need be anything about which we are infallible for us to have knowledge or justified beliefs. At the same time, internalists standardly appeal to ‘internal twins’ in arguing against externalism and motivating internalism—a Cartesian demon can ruin the ‘external’ relations we have to the world, but one is equally well justified in one's beliefs whether or not one is subject to such deception. Even if one doesn't motivate one's internalism by appeal to internal twins, any internalist must agree that internal twins are equally well justified in their beliefs. I argue that the internal twins argument for. or commitment of internalism. commits one to the claim that the conditions in virtue of which one is justified must be ones about which a believer is infallible. The basic argument is that for anything about which one can be mistaken, one has an internal twin who is mistaken, but is equally well justified—and so, not in virtue of that about which one can be mistaken. If the argument can be resisted, this should tell us something useful about how to properly understand both internalism in general, and the idea of internal twins in particular.
Maintaining perceptual constancy while remaining vigilant: Left hemisphere change blindness and right hemisphere vigilance

A considerable literature suggests that the right hemisphere is dominant in vigilance for novel and survival-related stimuli, such as predators, across a wide range of species. In contrast to vigilance for change, change blindness is a failure to detect obvious changes in a visual scene when they are obscured by a disruption in scene presentation. We studied lateralised change detection using a series of scenes with salient changes in either the left or right visual fields. In Study 1 left visual field changes were detected more rapidly than right visual field changes, confirming a right hemisphere advantage for change detection. Increasing stimulus difficulty resulted in greater right visual field detections and left hemisphere detection was more likely when change occurred in the right visual field on a prior trial. In Study 2 an intervening distractor task disrupted the influence of prior trials. Again, faster detection speeds were observed for the left visual field changes with a shift to a right visual field advantage with increasing time-to-detection. This suggests that a right hemisphere role for vigilance, or catching attention, and a left hemisphere role for target evaluation, or maintaining attention, is present at the earliest stage of change detection.
Spectral methods for the Navier-Stokes equations with one infinite and two periodic directions

The time-dependent, 3D incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in (1) boundary layers, the semiinfinite domain, and (2) mixing layers or wakes, the fully infinite domain, are respectively solved by two numerical methods which employ rapidly decaying spectral basis functions to approximate the vertical dependence of the solutions. These functions are then combined with one, for method (1), and two, for method (2), slowly decaying 'extra functions' for each wave vector. Each extra function can exactly represent the solution's irrotational component at large distances. The two methods have been applied to extensive direct-numerical simulation of transition and turbulence.
Protein synthesis in trifluralin-treated corn root tips

The effect of trifluralin (α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine) on protein synthesis in corn (Zea mays) root tips was determined. 14C-leucine uptake and subsequent incorporation into protein in intact and excised root tips was measured. Root tips were treated with and without 15 µM trifluralin for 2 hr; incorporation of 14C-leucine was observed during a 20-min interval. Total amino acid content in the soluble pool and protein hydrolysate was reduced in the excised tissue by the herbicide. Kinetic analysis showed trifluralin had no effect on endogenous leucine pool size nor on the rate of protein synthesis in intact tissue. Uptake was unaffected; however, in excised tissue uptake increased 100% over the control. While 14C-leucine content was greater in both the soluble pool and protein in treated, excised root tips, analysis showed the apparent increase in protein synthesis was in response to increased pool size.
Optoelectronically implemented neural network with a wavelet preprocessor

An optoelectronic neural network based upon the Neocognitron paradigm has been implemented at JPL and successfully demonstrated for automatic target recognition for both focal plane array imageries and range-Doppler radar signatures. A novel feature of this neural network architectural design is the use of a shift-invariant multichannel Fourier optical correlation as a building block for iterative multilayer processing. An innovative bipolar neural weights holographic synthesis technique was utilized to implement both the excitatory and inhibitory neural functions and dramatically increase its discrimination capability. In order to further increase the optoelectronic Neocognitron's self-organization processing ability, a wavelet preprocessor has been developed for feature extraction preprocessing (orientation, size, location, etc.). The addition of this wavelet processor would enable the neocognitron to dynamically focus on the incoming targets based on their known features and result in higher discrimination and lower false alarm rate. The theoretical analysis of an orientation and scale selective wavelet is provided. A multichannel optoelectronic wavelet processor using an e- beam complex-valued wavelet filter is also presented. Experimental demonstrations of wavelet preprocessing for feature extraction are also provided.
Attack distribution modeling and its applications in sensor network security

Defending against attack is the key successful factor for sensor network security. There are many approaches that can be used to detect and defend against attacks, yet few are focused on modeling attack distribution. Knowing the distribution models of attacks can help system estimate the attack probability and thus defend against them effectively and efficiently. In this paper, we use probability theory to develop a basic uniform model, a basic gradient model, an intelligent uniform model and an intelligent gradient model of attack distribution in order to adapt to different application environments. These models allow systems to estimate the attack probability of each node under a given position and time. Applying these models in system security designs can improve system security performance and decrease the overheads in nearly every security area. Based on these models, we describe a novel probability secure routing algorithm that is effective to defend against attacks whether they are detected or not. Besides this application, we also introduce some other applications, such as secure routing that can save systems available energy and resources while still providing enough security, detecting attack, and key management.
Expanding the Hygiene Hypothesis: Early Exposure to Infectious Agents Predicts Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity to Candida among Children in Kilimanjaro

Background Multiple lines of evidence suggest that infections in early life prevent the development of pathological immune responses to allergens and autoantigens (the hygiene hypothesis). Early infections may also affect later immune responses to pathogen antigen.
Longitudinal relations between observed parenting behaviors and dietary quality of meals from ages 2 to 5.

Abstract Objectives: Parents influence a child's diet by modeling food choices, selecting the food they make available, and controlling the child's intake. Few studies have examined the covariation between parent's behavior management practices and their guidance and support for a young child's nutritional environment in early childhood. We hypothesized that parents' positive behavior support (PBS), characterized as skillful behavior management and proactive structuring of children's activities, would predict dietary quality over the course of early childhood (age 2 to 5 years), a critical period for the development of a dietary lifestyle. Methods: Participants included 731 culturally diverse, low-income families in a randomized, controlled trial of the Family Check-Up. Families participated in a yearly home visit videotaped assessment PBS and dietary quality of meals parents served to their children were assessed by coding videotapes of structured parent–child interactions. A cross-lagged panel model was used to evaluate the longitudinal relation between PBS and the dietary quality of meals served during a meal preparation task. Results: Analyses revealed that PBS repeatedly predicted meals' dietary quality the following year: age 2–3 (β = .30), age 3–4 (β = 0.14), age 4–5 (β = 0.37). Dietary quality significantly predicted PBS 1 year later: age 3–4 (β = 0.16), age 4–5 (β = 0.14). As expected, the relative strength of the relationship from PBS to dietary quality was significantly stronger than the reverse, from dietary quality to PBS. Conclusions: Positive behavior management and proactive parenting practices are an important foundation for establishing a healthy nutritional environment for young children. These findings suggest that family-centered prevention interventions for pediatric obesity may benefit from targeting PBS in service of promoting better dietary quality.
A classification of backcountry campsites in Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA.

Abstract This study examined resource conditions on backcountry campsites in Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA. In order to further the understanding of campsite impacts and to improve monitoring and assessment methods, we employed a multivariate analysis procedure, suggested in one study, but heretofore untested on data from other campsite assessments. Factor analysis of ten impact indicator variables from 146 campsites produced three dimensions of campsite impact—tree and vegetation disturbance, areal disturbance and visitor behavior-related disturbance. Three types of campsites, which differed substantially in the types of impact exhibited, were then derived from a cluster analysis of the factor scores. Further analysis revealed a significant relationship between the types of substrates where campsites were located and the types of campsites derived from the analysis. This work illustrates the utility of multi-indicator monitoring approaches and the use of multivariate methods for classifying campsites, as the campsite types identified would likely require different management strategies for limiting the proliferation and expansion of impacts.
Contralateral brachial plexus palsy and Horner syndrome following vestibular schwannoma resection: A complication of patient positioning☆

Abstract Background Skull based neurosurgical cases often require some degree of head rotation during patient positioning to facilitate operative exposure. Extreme head rotation may lead to occlusion of submandibular gland secretions and impaired venous return from the neck, rarely leading to submandibular gland inflammation. Methods An uncomplicated translabyrinthine resection of a vestibular schwannoma was undertaken. Results Severe submandibular gland inflammation and impaired venous return opposite the site of translabyrinthine vestibular schwannoma resection occurred in the post-operative period. This led to upper brachial plexopathy and Horner syndrome. Conclusions We present the first known cases of submandibular gland inflammation and hemorrhage resulting in brachial plexopathy and Horner syndrome opposite the site of tumor resection. This case underscores the importance of adequate and safe patient positioning in skull based neurosurgical procedures.
Physician Education Intervention Influenced Prescribing for Otitis Media

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a continuing medical education (CME) program on frequency of diagnosis of acute otitis media (AOM) versus otitis media with effusion (OME) and adherence to national guideline recommendations for antibiotic management. STUDY DESIGN: Intervention study comparing CME participants to nonparticipants for frequency of AOM versus OME diagnoses and associated costs of care for a Rochester-based health maintenance organization (HMO). METHODS: Frequency of use of ICD-9 codes in the OM group and associated costs of care were compared. Designed to influence physician prescribing, a 3.5 hour CME course was taught that utilized video, interactive instruction, and an audience response system, obliging providers to commit to decisions about diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: After the CME, intervention physicians (n=9) more frequently diagnosed otitis media with effusion (OME) (28% of all OM diagnoses) compared to nonintervention physicians (n=90) (11.1% OME diagnoses) (p =0.003). Analys...
Risk reduction assessment of waterborne Salmonella and Vibrio by a chlorine contact disinfectant point-of-use device.

Abstract Unsafe drinking water continues to burden developing countries despite improvements in clean water delivery and sanitation, in response to Millennium Development Goal 7. Salmonella serotype Typhi and Vibrio cholerae bacteria can contaminate drinking water, causing waterborne typhoid fever and cholera, respectively. Household water treatment (HWT) systems are widely promoted to consumers in developing countries but it is difficult to establish their benefits to the population for specific disease reduction. This research uses a laboratory assessment of halogenated chlorine beads treating contaminated water to inform a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) of S. Typhi and V. cholerae disease in a developing country community of 1000 people. Laboratory challenges using seeded well water resulted in log10 reductions of 5.44 (±0.98 standard error (SE)) and 6.07 (±0.09 SE) for Salmonella serotype Typhimurium and V. cholerae, respectively. In well water with 10% sewage and seeded bacteria, the log10 reductions were 6.06 (±0.62 SE) and 7.78 (±0.11 SE) for S. Typhimurium and V. cholerae, respectively. When one infected individual was contributing to the water contamination through fecal material leaking into the water source, the risk of disease associated with drinking untreated water was high according to a Monte Carlo analysis: a median of 0.20 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.017–0.54) for typhoid fever and a median of 0.11 (IQR 0.039–0.20) for cholera. If water was treated, risk greatly decreased, to a median of 4.1 × 10−7 (IQR 1.6 × 10−8 to 1.1 × 10−5) for typhoid fever and a median of 3.5 × 10−9 (IQR 8.0 × 10−10 to 1.3 × 10−8) for cholera. Insights on risk management policies and strategies for public health workers were gained using a simple QMRA scenario informed by laboratory assessment of HWT.