cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gait Transitions Are Not Dependent on Changes in Intralimb Coordination Variability

The HKB model (H. Haken, J. A. S. Kelso, & H. Bunz, 1985) of coordination has been predominantly applied to upper extremity stationary movements. It predicts increased variability of relative phase before a transition and a decrease after a transition. The authors of the present study extended the intralimb lower extremity locomotive research of F. J. Diedrich and W. H. Warren (1995) by conducting continuous treadmill walk-to-run and run-to-walk trials with 10 participants. Standard deviation of knee-ankle and hip-ankle relative phase did not increase before walk-to-run and run-to-walk transitions, and there was no decrease in knee-ankle relative phase variability after either transition. The results of this study did not provide strong support for application of the variability predictions of the HKB model of coordination to lower extremity intralimb coordination during gait transitions.
TU-E-BRA-09: Evaluation of a Patient-Specific Respiratory Motion Model in Thoracic and Abdominal Phantom and Patient CT Images

Purpose: We have previously described a model of patient‐specific respiratory motion to predict organ deformations without assuming repeatable breath cycles. The model is derived from deformable image registration (DIR) between respiration‐correlated images (RCCT), followed by a principal component analysis (PCA) which relates the first two principal components of 3D deformations to the position and direction of motion of the diaphragm or implanted fiducials. This study examines model accuracy in phantom and patient images.Methods: We compare model and DIR accuracy using 3 types of image sets, each exhibiting different deformation patterns: (1) synthetic images in lung and abdomen from the 4D NURBS‐based cardiac torso (NCAT) phantom with known deformations; (2) CT scans of physical deformable phantom with implanted markers in liver; and (3) liver structures in patient RCCT images using rigid registration in a small VOI as approximate ground truth. The model is calibrated by applying fast free‐form DIR between a reference image set at end expiration and each of the other images at different motion states, defined by diaphragm or, in some patient cases, implanted fiducials as surrogate signals. Following PCA, the first two principal components are selected to yield a model‐predicted displacement field for the given surrogate signal. Results: Discrepancy between model prediction and ground truth (mean ± stand deviation) in 3D displacements is 3.3±2.0 mm in lung and 3.7±1.9 mm in abdomen in NCAT phantom, 3.8±2.7 mm in physical deformable phantom and 2.8±2.9 mm in patient data (N=7). Corresponding DIR discrepancies are 3.8±2.0 mm (NCAT lung), 3.7±1.8 mm (NCAT abdomen), 3.6±2.8 mm (physical phantom), and 2.0±2.2 mm (patient data). Conclusions: Motion model accuracy is found to be comparable to fast free‐form in all three types of images, indicating that the assumption of two principal components is sufficient to describe the fast free‐form DIR‐derived deformations. NIH/NCI award R01 CA126993
Tracing the tropics across land and sea: Permian to present

The continuity through the past 300 million years of key tropical sediment types, namely coals, evaporites, reefs and carbonates, is examined. Physical controls for their geographical distributions are related to the Hadley cell circulation, and its effects on rainfall and ocean circulation. Climate modelling studies are reviewed in this context, as are biogeographical studies of key fossil groups. Low-latitude peats and coals represent everwet climates related to the Intertropical Convergence Zone near the Equator, as well as coastal diurnal rainfall systems elsewhere in the tropics and subtropics. The incidence of tropical coals and rainforests through time is variable, being least common during the interval of Pangean monsoonal climates. Evaporites represent the descending limbs of the Hadley cells and are centred at 10° to 40° north and south in latitudes that today show an excess of evaporation over precipitation. These deposits coincide with the deserts as well as seasonally rainy climates, and their latitudinal ranges seem to have been relatively constant through time. Reefs also can be related to the Hadley circulation. They thrive within the regions of clear water associated with broad areas of downwelling which are displaced toward the western portions of tropical oceans. These dynamic features are ultimately driven by the subtropical high-pressure cells which are the surface signature of the subsiding branches of the Hadley circulation. Carbonates occupy the same areas, but extend into higher latitudes in regions where terrestrial surface gradients are low and clastic runoff from the land is minimal. We argue that the palaeo-latitudinal record of all these climate-sensitive sediment types is broadly similar to their environments and latitudes of formation today, implying that dynamic effects of atmospheric and oceanic circulation control their distribution, rather than temperature gradients that would expand or contract through time.
Changes in the Density of States of Germanium on Disordering as Observed by Photoemission

An optical density of states in amorphous Ge derived from photoemission measurements shows that the maximum in the valence-band density of states is shifted 1.5 eV to higher energy with respect to the crystalline density of states. No structure is observed in the conduction-band density of states for the amorphous material, whereas strong structure is present in the crysalline density of states. Changes observed in the optical properties of Ge on disordering can be explained using these results.
Implementation of heuristic search strategies for distribution feeder reconfiguration

A method for feeder reconfiguration with the potential for handling realistic operating constraints is presented. The approach taken is to set up a decision tree to represent the various switching operations available. A best-first tree searching strategy, based on heuristics, is used to evaluate the various alternatives. Switching options which could result in overloads, voltage problems, or other operating constraints, such as those associated with system protection, are quickly eliminated as possibilities. The development of a rule-based system aimed at the reduction of the search space is presented as a means of implementing the above strategy. An example is used to illustrate the concepts described. >
Observational Evidence of Changes in Water Vapor, Clouds, and Radiation at the ARM SGP Site

Characterizing water vapor and cloud effects on the surface radiation budget is critical for understanding the current climate because water vapor is the most important greenhouse gas in the atmosphere and clouds are one of the largest sources of uncertainty in predicting potential future climate change. Several studies have shown that insolation over land declined until 1990 then increased until the present. Using 8 years of data collected at the ARM Southern Great Plains (SGP) surface site, we found that the insolation increased from 1997 to 2000, but significantly decreased from 2001 to 2004, changes that exactly mirror the variation in the second-order fit of cloud fraction. Under clear-sky conditions, the rates of water vapor, insolation and downwelling longwave (LW) flux are -0.166 cm/yr, 0.48 Wm(exp -2)/yr, and -1.16 Wm(exp -2)/yr, respectively, indicating that water vapor changes are more important for LW flux than for insolation.
Epileptiform activity during induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane prior to elective carotid endarterectomy

The optimal anesthetic technique for carotid endarterectomy is still controversial. For general anesthesia, various induction agents have been used. We present two patients with asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis where induction with sevoflurane resulted in epileptiform discharges seen on perioperative electroencephalogram monitoring without adverse clinical sequelae. The occurrence of epileptogenic electroencephalogram during sevoflurane anesthesia has been widely described despite its popular use in pediatric anesthesia. This phenomenon, however, has not been previously described during electroencephalogram monitoring in carotid surgery. The authors suggest that induction anesthesia with sevoflurane should be avoided in this patient population especially where routine electroencephalogram monitoring is not performed.
Short- and Long-Term Effects of LRRK2 on Axon and Dendrite Growth

Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) underlie an autosomal-dominant form of Parkinson's disease (PD) that is clinically indistinguishable from idiopathic PD. The function of LRRK2 is not well understood, but it has become widely accepted that LRRK2 levels or its kinase activity, which is increased by the most commonly observed mutation (G2019S), regulate neurite growth. However, growth has not been measured; it is not known whether mean differences in length correspond to altered rates of growth or retraction, whether axons or dendrites are impacted differentially or whether effects observed are transient or sustained. To address these questions, we compared several developmental milestones in neurons cultured from mice expressing bacterial artificial chromosome transgenes encoding mouse wildtype-LRRK2 or mutant LRRK2-G2019S, Lrrk2 knockout mice and non-transgenic mice. Over the course of three weeks of development on laminin, the data show a sustained, negative effect of LRRK2-G2019S on dendritic growth and arborization, but counter to expectation, dendrites from Lrrk2 knockout mice do not elaborate more rapidly. In contrast, young neurons cultured on a slower growth substrate, poly-L-lysine, show significantly reduced axonal and dendritic motility in Lrrk2 transgenic neurons and significantly increased motility in Lrrk2 knockout neurons with no significant changes in length. Our findings support that LRRK2 can regulate patterns of axonal and dendritic growth, but they also show that effects vary depending on growth substrate and stage of development. Such predictable changes in motility can be exploited in LRRK2 bioassays and guide exploration of LRRK2 function in vivo.
Using Metaphors to Explore the Experiences of Powerlessness among Women in 12-Step Recovery

12-Step programs of substance abuse recovery are the most utilized mutual-help models in the United States. A pivotal aspect of 12-Step is the often-controversial idea of powerlessness. There is debate about the usefulness of the concept of powerlessness, especially for women in recovery. This study used a metaphor-elicitation interviewing technique to examine the experiences of powerlessness among 13 women of varied racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, ages 21 to 60, who had an average of 9.5 years of recovery. Interviews were conducted during a 6-month span between 2004 and 2005 in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Open and axial coding was used to determine emergent themes. Concepts of powerlessness were found to be process oriented and developmental. Some metaphors indicated positive emotions around powerlessness such as relief, whereas others indicated negative emotions such as fear. Implications for future research and study strengths and limitations are included.
Loads, capacities and safety factors of maltase and the glucose transporter SGLT1 in mouse intestinal brush border

Safety factors are defined as ratios of biological capacities to prevailing natural loads. We measured the safety factor of the mouse intestinal brush-border hydrolase maltase in series with the glucose transporter SGLT1, for comparison with previous studies of sucrase and lactase. Dietary maltose loads increased 4-fold from virgin to lactating mice. As in previous studies of intestinal adaptive regulation, that increase in load without change in dietary composition resulted in an increase in maltase and SGLT1 capacities mediated non-specifically by an increase in intestinal mass, without change in maltase or SGLT1 activities per milligram of tissue. Maltase and SGLT1 capacities increased only sublinearly with load during lactation, such that safety factors decreased with load: from 6.5 to 2.4 for maltase, and from 1.1 to 0.5 for SGLT1. The apparently high safety factor for maltase may be related to the multiple natural substrates hydrolysed by the multiple sites of maltase activity. The apparently low safety factor for SGLT1 is made possible by the contribution of hindgut fermentation to carbohydrate digestion. SGLT1 activity is paradoxically higher for mice consuming sucrose than for mice consuming maltose, despite maltose hydrolysis yielding double the glucose load yielded by sucrose hydrolysis, and despite glucose constituting the load upon SGLT1.
Smoking Relapse Situations: A Preliminary Typology

This paper presents a preliminary attempt to develop a typology of smoking relapse episodes based on cluster analysis. Descriptions of relapse or near-relapse episodes were collected from 183 ex-smokers. Cluster analysis of 53 cases revealed five clusters in two groups distinguished by a positive (Type I) versus negative (Type II) affective tone. Type la situations involve drinking alcohol with others who are smoking. Type lb situations are associated with relaxation. Type Ic episodes are associated with withdrawal symptoms. Type Ha situations involve anxiety related to work stress. Type lib episodes occur when the ex-smoker is inactive and bored. Type la situations are associated with less behavioral coping and more relapse than the others.
Impact of Length Mismatch on the Fatigue Life of Parallel Shape Memory Alloy Wires

Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires promise substantial size, weight, and potential cost advantages over their solenoid and electric motor counterparts. Designing actuators which fully realize these advantages is hampered by a limited understanding of how interactions between wires and their environment affect cyclic lifetime. For example, many devices use two SMA wires mechanically in parallel but electrically in series. This has practical advantages in simplified electrical routing and thermal lag. However, it complicates modeling in that wires interact both electrically and mechanically.Here we study the effect of a mismatch in length between two SMA wires in parallel. We perform a series of fatigue experiments to show that mismatch of up to 0.75%, at the chosen set of conditions, has no measurable effect on cycle life. We also perform a series of simulations to show how the mechanical interaction between the two parallel wires tends to suppress, rather than amplify, any impact of length mismatch.Copyright © 2013 by ASME and General Motors
Response Elimination, Reinforcement Rate and Resurgence of Operant Behavior

The effects of reinforcement rate of alternative responding on resurgence were studied in six experiments with pigeons. In Experiment 1A, key pecking was maintained on a multiple variable-interval (VI) VI schedule in the Training phase. In the Response-Elimination phase, a variable differential-reinforcement-of-other-behavior (DRO) schedule was in effect in each component. Reinforcement rates were equal and then, higher in one (rich) component, and lower in the other (lean), than in the Training phase. More resurgence occurred in the lean component, but this could have resulted from response-rate differences between components in the Training-phase. Experiment 1B was a replication of Experiment 1A, but with experimentally-naive pigeons. Response-Elimination phase reinforcement rates were manipulated systematically in subsequent experiments: In Experiment 2, reinforcement rate was equal, in one component, and lower or higher in the other, than in the Training phase. In Experiment 3, reinforcers were discontinued before differential reinforcement rates were effected. In Experiment 4, reinforcement rates first were differential and, then, equal to those in the Training phase. In Experiments 5 and 6, differential reinforcement rates were arranged by using fixed-DROs and VIs for pecking a different key, respectively. Even though resurgence was not obtained with every pigeon, at least some small-magnitude resurgence occurred in each experiment and was not related systematically to reinforcement rates of alternative responding. Schedule differences, response topography, order of conditions and the length of each phase were not sufficient to account for these results.
UNTAC in Cambodia: A New Model for Humanitarian Aid in Failed States?

This article examines the impact of humanitarian aid on conflict, focusing especially on two main issues: the usefulness of a political economy approach in analysing the impact of international humanitarian aid on conflict dynamics; and the way that humanitarian aid organizations confront some of the major policy dilemmas inherent in working with failed states, such as military protection, aid conditionality, and neutrality. After a discussion of these issues, a case study is presented which compares the nature of humanitarian aid in Cambodia over two time periods, with the intention of illuminating alternative models that have been utilized by the international community in responding to state failure with humanitarian aid.
Toward perceptually driven image retrieval in mammography: a pilot observer study to assess visual similarity of masses

Development of a fully automated system retrieving visually similar images is a task that could be helpful as the basis of a computer-assisted diagnostic (CADx) tool in mammography. Our study aims at a better understanding of the concept of visual similarity as it pertains to mammographic masses. Such understanding is a necessary step for building effective perceptually-driven image retrieval systems. In our study we deconstruct the concept of visual mass similarity into three components: similarity of size, similarity of shape, and similarity of margin. We present the results of a pilot observer study to determine the importance of each component when human observers assess the overall similarity of two masses. Seven observers of various expertise participated in the study: 1 highly experienced mammographer, 1 expert in visual perception, 3 CAD researchers, and 2 novices. Each observer assessed the similarity between 100 pairs of mammographic regions of interest (ROIs) depicting benign and malignant masses. Visual similarity was assessed in four categories (shape, size, margin, overall) using a web-based interface and a 10-point rating scale. Preliminary analysis of the results suggests the following. First, there is a moderate agreement between observers in similarity assessment for all mentioned categories. Second, all components substantially affect the overall similarity rating, with mass margin having the highest significance and mass size having the lowest significance relatively to the other factors. These findings varied somewhat based on the observer's expertise. Third, some low-level morphological features extracted from the masses can be used to mimic the overall visual similarity ratings and its specific components.
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT AGING PROCEDURES ON THE PALATABILITY OF BEEF

Ten pairs of beef strip loins were obtained 48 h postmortem from ten good grade beef carcasses. Three steaks (2.5 cm thick) were cut from the loin end of each strip loin and the remaining portion retained as the subprimal. Steaks and subprimals were aged for 7 days at 2°C in the following treatments: polyvinyl chloride overwrapped steaks (PVC-ST), vacuum packaged steaks (VP-ST), vacuum packaged subprimals (VP-SP), and subprimals held in air (Air-SP). After aging of the subprimal, 3 additional steaks were cut for evaluation. The steaks from all treatments were evaluated for palatability and chemical characteristics. Palatability characteristics did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between treatments with the exception of the off-flavor intensity of PVC-ST which was higher (P 0.05) were observed between treatments for percent moisture, percent lipid, pH or TBA number. The results of this study indicate that aging method (air or vacuum) or type of cut (steaks or subprimals) had little effect on the palatability attributes or chemical characteristics of the beef strip loins.
Polemic and Paradox in Robert Southwell's Lyric Poems

In 1591 Elizabeth I issued a proclamation that targeted Jesuits and seminary priests. It was "A declaration ol great troubles pretended against the Realme by a number ol Seminarie Priests and Jesuits sent, and very secretly dispersed to the same, to worke great Treasons under a false pretence of Religion, with a provision very necessary for remedy thereof."1 Although the title paid lip ser vice to a separation between the religious practice of the Catholics and the ac tivity of seminary priests and Jesuits, portions of the text made explicit the longtime Elizabethan equation of Catholicism with treason. The proclamation linked the presence of the Jesuits and seminary priests in England with Spain's expansionist aims. The men were called "Dissolute," "unnatural subjects," "Fugitives, Rebelles, and Traitors." They were accused of trying to "mooue, stirre up, and perswade as many of [Elizabeth's] subjects, as they dare deale withall, to renounce their naturall allegeance due to [the Queen and her] Crowne, and upon hope by a Spanish Invasion to be enriched and endowed." The priests were said to use the sacraments to make the Queen's subjects switch their allegiance to the King of Spain. Papal bulls and indulgences were also identified as tools of this treacherous persuasion.2 The proclamation went on to insist that no Catholic had to fear death for practicing his or her religion. Catholics only had to pay fines for not attending the British church. But by equating attendance at church with fealty to the state, the government had already made loyalty to any church other than its own treason. The rest of the proclamation made this clearer. Ecclesiastical members of the Church of England were asked to be diligent in teaching peo ple to stay steadfast in their "profession of the Gospells, and in their duties to almightie God and us."3 The state was declared to be prepared for a sea battle with greater strength at sea than it had ever had. To aid in a confrontation on land, the realm had
Fine structure of the surface and infraciliature of Gastrostyla steinii.

SYNOPSIS. In many hypotrich ciliate protozoa there are at least 6 possible categories of ciliary structures: right marginal cirri, left marginal cirri, fronto-ventral-transverse cirri, membranelles, and 2 oral membranes. This report describes the kinetosomes, fibrils and microtubules which make up the cytoplasmic portion of these structures in Gastrostyla steinii. Altho light microscope studies have revealed significantly different infraciliature for the 3 classes of cirri, the fine structure of these locomotor organelles indicates that they have a remarkable number of homologous structures. There is also a number of apparent homologies between the cirri of this organism and ciliary structures of both more primitive and more highly evolved ciliates. The oral ciliature of G. steinii is analyzed and compared to that of other spirotrichs for clues to the phylogeny of the hypotrichs. Function of the infraciliature is considered briefly.
Investigating Animal Abuse: Some Theoretical and Methodological Issues

ABSTRACTThis paper focuses on some basic issues that have been an object of debate in the last few years in the field of human–animal studies, namely the meaning and definition of animal abuse, the methods used to investigate it, and the relation between animal abuse and interpersonal violence. The interconnections among these issues are discussed within a theoretical framework that underlines the role of cultures in affecting people's attitudes and behaviors toward animals. Some of our assumptions are: a) in the study of animal abuse experiences it is necessary to understand participants' conceptualizations of animal abuse; b) it is important to use qualitative, in addition to quantitative, data, especially if we want to gain a deeper insight into animal abuse experiences, in particular into perpetrators' motivations; c) it is imperative that the field of animal abuse research is considered an integral and important component not only of psychiatry and clinical psychology but also of sociology and social...
DETECTION OF NINE M8.0-L0.5 BINARIES: THE VERY LOW MASS BINARY POPULATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR BROWN DWARF AND VERY LOW MASS STAR FORMATION

Use of the highly sensitive Hokupa’a/Gemini curvature wave front sensor has allowed direct adaptive optics (AO) guiding on very low mass (VLM) stars with SpT = M8.0–L0.5. A survey of 39 such objects detected nine VLM binaries (seven of which were discovered for the first time to be binaries). Most of these systems are tight (separation 2:4 mag and consist of a VLM star orbited by a much cooler L7–L8 brown dwarf companion. On the basis of this flux-limited (Ks 20 AU) VLM/brown dwarf binaries may be explained if the binary components were given a significant differential velocity kick. Such a velocity kick is predicted by current ‘‘ ejection ’’ theories, where brown dwarfs are formed because they are ejected from their embryonic minicluster and therefore starved of accretion material. We find that a kick from a close triple or quadruple encounter (imparting a differential kick of � 3k m s � 1 between the members of an escaping binary) could reproduce the observed cutoff in the semimajor axis distribution at � 20 AU. However, the estimated binarity (d5%) produced by such ejection scenarios is below the 15% � 7% observed. Similarly, VLM binaries could be the final hardened binaries produced when a minicluster decays. However, the models of Sterzik & Durisen and Durisen, Sterzik, & Pickett also could not produce a VLM binary fraction of 15% and a G star binary fraction of 57%. The observed VLM binary frequency could possibly be produced by cloud core fragmentation. However, our estimate of a fragmentation-produced VLM binary semimajor axis distribution contains a significant fraction of ‘‘ wide ’’ VLM binaries with a > 20 AU in contrast to observation. In summary, more detailed theoretical work will be needed to explain these interesting results that show VLM binaries to be a significantly different population from more massive M & G dwarf binaries. Subject headings: binaries: general — instrumentation: adaptive optics — stars: evolution — stars: formation — stars: low-mass, brown dwarfs
Optimism and Traumatic Stress: The Importance of Social Support and Coping1

This study examined the effects of optimism following traumatic stress and pathways through which optimism may act. Rescue and recovery workers at the crash site of US Air Flight 427 (n= 159) were studied 2, 6, 9, and 12 months after the crash to examine optimistic outlook, social support, coping, and stress. As predicted, a more optimistic disposition was associated with less self-reported distress, less use of avoidant and wishful-thinking coping strategies, greater use of problem-focused and seeking-social-support coping, and greater availability of social support. Contrary to expectations, coping did not account for the relationships observed between optimism and stress responding. Social support explained some of the effects of optimism on coping and stress, but these mediational effects varied over time. Findings suggest that optimism affects stress and coping directly and indirectly by affecting how much social support is available.
Understanding the Antecedents of Role Stressors in the Safety Professional

The purpose of this study was to identify significant sources and predictor variables of role conflict and role ambiguity in the safety professional specific to the manufacturing sector. The study resulted in 442 returned surveys that measured the following variables: role conflict, role ambiguity, perceived organizational ethics, perceived organizational support, formalization, reporting structure, autonomy, number of roles, experience, and gender. Results indicated that average role conflict and role ambiguity scores were significantly higher for respondents from decentralized organizations. In addition, average role conflict and role ambiguity scores were significantly higher from respondents in nonformalized roles. Role ambiguity significantly decreased as years of experience increased, whereas role conflict scores did not significantly differ with years of experience. The prediction equations accounted for 25% of the variability in role conflict and 54% of the variability in role ambiguity. Organizat...
Autodirective audio capturing through a synchronized smartphone array

High-quality, speaker-location-aware audio capturing has traditionally been realized using dedicated microphone arrays. But high cost and lack of portability prevents such systems from being widely adopted. Today's smartphones are relatively more convenient for audio recording, but the audio quality is much lower in noisy environment and speaker location cannot be readily obtained. In this paper, we design and implement Dia, which leverages smartphone cooperation to overcome the above limitations. Dia supports spontaneous setup, by allowing a group of users to rapidly assemble an array of smartphones to emulate a dedicated microphone array. It employs a novel framework to accurately synchronize the audio I/O clocks of the smartphones. The synchronized smartphone array further enables autodirective audio capturing, i.e., tracking the speaker's location, and beamforming the audio capturing towards the speaker to improve audio quality. We implement Dia on a testbed consisting of 8 Android phones. Our experiments demonstrate that Dia can synchronize the microphones of different smartphones with sample-level accuracy. It achieves high localization accuracy, and similar beamforming performance compared with a microphone array with perfect synchronization.
Spatial organization of ubiquitin ligase pathways orchestrates neuronal connectivity

Recent studies have revealed that E3 ubiquitin ligases have essential functions in the establishment of neuronal circuits. Strikingly, a common emerging theme in these studies is that spatial organization of E3 ubiquitin ligases plays a critical role in the control of neuronal morphology and connectivity. E3 ubiquitin ligases localize to the nucleus, centrosome, Golgi apparatus, axon and dendrite cytoskeleton, and synapses in neurons. Localization of ubiquitin ligases within distinct subcellular compartments may facilitate neuronal responses to extrinsic cues and the ubiquitination of local substrates. Here, we review the functions of neuronal E3 ubiquitin ligases at distinct subcellular locales and explore how they regulate neuronal morphology and function in the nervous system.
Studies on circulatory response to hypoxia in the denervated transplanted human heart

Abstract The relative importance of centrally mediated reflex responses versus the release of circulating humoral substances in the heart's response to acute hypoxia was studied in the transplanted human heart with its residual innervated recipient atrium and denervated donor atrium. The sinus node rates of both the donor and recipient atria were compared by monitoring P wave activity on the standard electrocardiogram in six patients during control and hypoxic conditions. Breathing 13 per cent oxygen for 10 minutes resulted in an average oxygen saturation of 75 per cent and an oxygen tension (pO 2 ) of 40 mm Hg, and was associated with a 16 per cent (p 0.05) increase in the recipient sinus node rate, but with no change in the donor sinus node rate. Pretreatment with atropine abolishes this increase in the innervated recipient sinus node. Breathing 10 per cent oxygen resulted in an oxygen saturation of 55 per cent and a pO 2 of 25 mm Hg, with an associated 10 per cent increase in both donor and recipient sinus node rate. These studies indicate that changes in heart rate during mild degrees of hypoxemia are mediated by a central reflex mechanism which leads to the release of normal vagal parasympathetic tone. The increase in heart rate that occurs in both the innervated and denervated sinus node rates during more severe degrees of hypoxia is probably due to the release of circulating humoral substances, since reinnervation has not been documented in the human cardiac allograft.
Multichannel Densitometry of Gas Electron Diffraction Patterns

The use of a multichannel linear photodioide array in obtaining diffraction intensities from photographic gas electron diffraction (GED) records is described. A commercially available RETICON 1024-channel linear array together with its programmable controller (EG & G models 1412 & 1218) combined with a MINC DECLAB-23 have been tested in this novel procedure of GED plate densitometry. One complete radial intensity distribution (plate image) is obtained every 16 ms from either a spinning or manually adjusted plate and can be dynamically viewed on an oscilloscope or digitally graphed on the DEC system monitor. This rapid data acquisition presents powerful and efficient means whereby plate centering, curve averaging, parametric refinement, and other data management can be conveniently conducted. Test analyses document that results obtained by this method are accurate and reproducible. The success of this new approach suggests the use of photodiode arrays in dynamic data acquisition systems of GED requiring no photographic intermediary, either by direct exposure of the diode array to scattered electrons, or by immediate acquisition of optical intensities from a fluorescent screen illuminated by electron impact.
Irradiation of ready-to-eat foods at USDA’S Eastern Regional Reasearch Center-2003 update

Abstract Ionizing radiation is a safe and effective method for eliminating bacterial pathogens from food products and disinfestation of fruits and vegetables. Since 1980 research has been conducted at USDA's Eastern Regional Research Center pertaining to the elimination of food-borne pathogens from meat, poultry, fruit and vegetable products. Recent work has focused on elimination of pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 , Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes from ready-to-eat (RTE) food products including hot dogs, bologna, lettuce, cilantro, sprouts and seeds, and frozen vegetables. The ionizing radiation dose required to eliminate those pathogens from RTE foods has been found to be commodity, formulation and temperature dependent. The need to eliminate bacterial pathogens from RTE food products must always be balanced with the maintenance of product quality. In addition to determining the effective ionizing radiation doses required for pathogen elimination the effects of irradiation on product chemistry, nutritional value and organoleptic quality have also been determined. A review of the studies conducted at USDA's Eastern Regional Research Center in 2002 and 2003 is presented in this article.
Experimental study of a simplified 3 × 3 rod bundle using DPTV

Abstract Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has evolved over the last years as an important tool for the simulation and prediction of rod bundles in plant components under various scenarios, contributing to the continuing improvement of performance and safety of nuclear power plants. However, these tools must be validated and verified in order to assure, with enough confidence, the reliability and quality of CFD predictions. The present work focuses in the basic study and a benchmark case of rod bundles using a top-bench experimental set up. The experimental set-up provides complete optical access to the test section by using a matching refractive index between the liquid flow, rods and flow envelope. Dynamic particle tracking velocimetry (DPTV) was used to measure the time resolved velocity fields in the rod bundle. Experimental turbulence parameters and main flow characteristics are presented in this work. This study seeks to provide a basic yet enough comprehensive benchmark case for CFD under single-phase conditions. The geometry associated with the bundle problem has been simplified in order to provide high quality data (high temporal and spatial resolution) in order to directly compare with CFD results. The measurement uncertainties in these experiments are discussed and evaluated yielding an uncertainty of 11% in the axial and lateral velocity components of the measured velocity vectors. This work is a collaborative effort between Texas A&M University and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) Institute in Germany.
Epicuticular lipids of the desert tenebrionid beetle, Eleodes armata: Seasonal and acclimatory effects on composition

Abstract The chemical composition of the epicuticular lipids of the desert tenebrionid beetle, Eleodes armata , was analyzed by thin layer and gas chromatography. Total lipid extracted from beetles sampled throughout the year ranged from 0.10 to 0.28% of their fresh wt. Hydrocarbons were most abundant (70 to 90+ %); alcohols, sterols, free fatty acids, and triglycerides were also detected. Hydrocarbons were comprised of over 25 components, all saturated, containing 26 to 44 carbon atoms. Branched alkanes accounted for 92.3% of the total hydrocarbons and were responsible for all components having chain lengths greater than 34 carbon atoms. Fractional equivalent chain lengths indicated the presence of internally branched monomethylalkanes and 3-methylalkanes. n- Alkanes accounted for only 7.7% of the total hydrocarbon fraction; they consisted of even- and odd-numbered chains containing 27 to 34 carbon atoms. Summer beetles, and winter beetles acclimated to 35°C for periods of 5 and 10 weeks exhibited higher quantities of hydrocarbons and a higher percentage of long chain components than did winter beetles or appropriate controls. Dietary (lettuce) n- alkanes had little effect on beetle epicuticular hydrocarbon composition. The quantity, chain length, and degree of branching of the hydrocarbons are discussed relative to measured cuticular permeability of E. armata as well as compared to compositional/permeability relationships established for plasma and artificial membranes.
Effects of Cuff Deflation and One-Way Tracheostomy Speaking Valve Placement on Swallow Physiology

This study examined the effects of tracheostomy cuff deflation and one-way speaking valve placement on swallow physiology. Fourteen nonventilator-dependent patients completed videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) under three conditions: (1) cuff inflated, (2) cuff deflated, and (3) one-way valve in place. Four additional patients with cuffless tracheostomy tubes completed VFSS with and without the one-way valve in place. All swallows were analyzed for the severity of penetration/aspiration using an 8-point penetration-aspiration scale. Seven preselected swallow duration measures, extent of hyolaryngeal elevation and anterior excursion, and oropharyngeal residue were also determined. Scores on the penetration-aspiration scale were not significantly affected by cuff status, i.e., inflation or deflation. However, one-way valve placement significantly reduced scores on the penetration-aspiration scale for the liquid bolus. Patients who are unable to tolerate thin liquids may be able to safely take thin liquids when the valve is in place. However, one-way valve placement may not be beneficial for all patients. Clinicians who complete VFSS with tracheostomized patients should include several bolus presentations with a one-way speaking valve in place before making any decisions regarding the use of the valve as a means to reduce aspiration.
Cryogenic isolating torque tubes for a superconducting generator-detailed model and performance analysis

Because of a suspected cryogenic insufficiency in the rotor of the 10 MVA superconducting generator a detailed analysis of the torque tubes was carried out and, to the extent possible with limited instrumentation, verified by actual experiment. The method used was a one-dimensional finite-element analysis with fixed end conditions. Nonlinear heat transfer was considered. The prediction of this analysis was that heat leak into the cold space would be small, confirming the initial design analyses. It also demonstrated that the initial analyses were robust to the major uncertainties, including steel-to-gas heat transfer. A brief description of the torque-tube system and a somewhat more detailed description of the thermal model developed for that system are given. A comparison with experimental data is shown. >
Relationship between body composition and the components of somatotype

In a sample of 422 adults (200 females and 222 males) aged 18-73 years, the relationship was determined between somatotype estimated by the Health-Carter (Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 27:57-74, 1967) method and body composition variables determined by using hydrodensitometry (HD) and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). The anthropometric (ANC) dimensions used to estimate somatotype were positively correlated with the endomorphic and mesmorphic components and negatively correlated with the ectomorphic component. For the BIA measurements, resistance (R) was negatively correlated with the mesomorphic component; and reactance (XC) was negatively correlated with the endomorphic component; both measurements were positively correlated with the ectomorphic component. The HD-negative correlations were observed between mass in water and the endomorphic and mesomorphic components, and positive correlations were observed with the ectomorphic component. Body volume and surface area were positively correlated with the endomorphic and mesomorphic components and negatively correlated with the ectomorphic component. Percent fat and fat weight were related to each of the three components of somatotype for males and females. Fat-free weight for males was also related to the mesomorphic and the ectomorphic components.
Modeling of Ti:LiNbO/sub 3/ waveguide devices. I. Directional couplers

An efficient modelling method to simulate Ti-indiffused LiNbO/sub 3/ channel waveguide devices from their design and fabrication parameters is discussed. Procedures are: (1) derivation of the two-dimensional (2-D) refractive index profile; (2) transformation of the 2-D transverse refractive index profile to its one-dimensional (1-D) effective index profile; and (3) use of the 2-D beam propagation method to analyze the device performance. With slight consistent adjustments on Ti-induced refractive index changes, it is possible to calculate the performance of directional couplers in good agreement with experimental measurements. This modeling method can be used to predict performance of future devices. >
On packed column hydraulics

Packed columns are normally operated countercurrently in the vapor-continuous regime. At specific combinations of liquid and vapor loads these columns flood. This article proposes that flooding is a form of second order (or “continuous”) phase transition from vapor-continuous to liquid-continuous operation. Thus, flooding is unambiguously defined to be the set of those vapor/liquid flow combinations, {CL, CSf}, that cause a liquid cluster to form that spans the diameter of column. These statements imply that a law of corresponding hydraulic states exists for packed columns. By this, we mean that sets of {CL, CS, (Δp/Z)2ϕ} data taken with a specific packing and a specific vapor/liquid system exhibit a significant collapse when they are renormalized to {fL, (Δp/ρLgZ)2ϕ} (where fL is the fractional approach to flood at constant liquid load). The renormalized dataset then applies to any vapor/liquid system using that particular packing. Renormalization thus forms the basis of a method for predicting column pressure drops and flood points for any column using the particular packing being studied. We demonstrate how the renormalization procedure is carried out by analyzing readily available air/water data for a number of different packings. We then show that a version of the Wallis equation can be used to correlate packed column flooding data successfully. Further, we demonstrate that the variation of the Wallis parameters with the equivalent diameters of packings in a geometrically similar family leads to a complete characterization of the effects of the physical properties of liquid on the flooding locus for these packings through the Bond number. This last result is a direct result of generalized homogeneity considerations. Finally, we show that there exists an even more general formulation of the law of corresponding hydraulic states that applies to all packings regardless of type, size, or material of construction. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 1671–1682, 2012
Noncanonical Wnt11 Signaling Is Sufficient to Induce Cardiomyogenic Differentiation in Unfractionated Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells

Background— Despite the frequent clinical use of adult unfractionated bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) for cardiac repair, whether these cells are capable of undergoing cardiomyogenic differentiation in vitro remains uncertain. In addition, the role of Wnt signaling in cardiomyogenic differentiation of adult cells is unclear. Methods and Results— Unfractionated BMMNCs were isolated from adult mice via Ficoll-Paque density-gradient centrifugation and cultured in the presence of Wnt3a or Wnt11. In control BMMNCs, Wnt11 was not expressed, whereas the expression of markers of pluripotency (Oct-4 and Nanog), as well as that of Wnt3a and β-catenin, decreased progressively during culture. Exposure to Wnt3a rescued β-catenin expression and markedly increased the expression of Oct-4 and Nanog, concomitant with increased cell proliferation and CD45 expression. In contrast, exposure to ectopically expressed noncanonical Wnt11 markedly decreased the expression of Oct-4 and Nanog and induced mRNA expression (qua...
pH-induced folding of an apoptotic coiled coil

Par-4 is a 38-kD protein pivotal to the apoptotic pathways of various cell types, most notably prostate cells and neurons, where it has been linked to prostate cancer and various neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases and HIV encephalitis. The C-terminal region of Par-4 is responsible for homodimerization and the ability of Par-4 to interact with proposed effector molecules. In this study, we show that the C-terminal 47 residues of Par-4 are natively unfolded at physiological pH and temperature. Evidence is rapidly accumulating that natively unfolded proteins play an important role in various cellular functions and signaling pathways, and that folding can often be induced on complexation with effector molecules or alteration of environment. Here we use primarily CD studies to show that changes in the environment, particularly pH and temperature, can induce the Par-4 C terminus to form a self-associated coiled coil.
Improving quality of care through systems research: a guide for managers and practitioners.

Nursing systems research is a dynamic blend of analyzing workplace conditions, organizational culture, and quality outcomes. Concepts such as leadership, front-line worker decision making, empowerment, and communication are now more effectively measured, setting the stage for more detailed organizational analysis in nursing homes. The advent of large data sets such as the Minimum Data Set has advanced the abilities of managers, practitioners, and clinicians to better evaluate quality outcomes for residents. Combining research on organizational characteristics with the quality outcomes measured in large data sets, provides exciting new ways to understand factors that drive resident health outcomes. Managers working in long-term care must often take a systems approach to problem solving. Nursing systems research can help inform leaders about aspects of the organization that most affect quality. Increased knowledge about systems issues will assist administrators, directors of nursing, and other leaders in nursing homes with their tactical problem solving on a day-to-day basis.