cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
White Light ac Interferometry For Multiple Laser Path Length Equalization

In the Omega laser fusion system, multiple laser beams are split from a single master oscillator. These beams are focused onto a reflective sphere which retroreflects the light back toward the beamsplitter. Any two of these beams can be operated as arms of an interferometer. With ac interferometry, the path lengths can be equalized to within one picosecond.
An expedient synthesis of 9-keto-2-methyl-5-(dimethoxyphenyl)morphans

An expedient synthesis of ortho-methoxy substituted 9-keto-5-phenylmorphans has been developed, featuring a Thorpe-Zieger cyclization to construct the substituted 2-phenylcyclohexanone intermediate.
Marginal ulcer after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: what have we really learned?

Background The definition of marginal ulcer after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is widely debated. This study reviewed findings of upper endoscopy in symptomatic patients at a quaternary bariatric referral center. Further investigation included symptom constellation, potential etiologies, and efficacy of treatment for patients found to have marginal ulcer.
Energy transfer efficiency based on one-and two-photon FRET microscopy differentiates between clustered and random distribution of membrane-bound receptor-ligand complexes

We are investigating membrane-based sorting processes in polarized epithelial MDCK cells, which most likely involves membrane microdomains. We have postulated that proteins contained in these microdomains, cluster, and to prove this, we have internalized differently fluorophore labeled pIgA-R ligands in MDCK cells, stably transfected with polymeric IgA receptors (pIgA-R), from opposite plasma membranes. Our previous work showed that these receptor-ligand complexes colocalize in the apical recycling endosome (ARE), underneath the apical plasma membrane. Quantitative one-photon confocal and 2-photon (2-P) FRET microscopy allowed us to calculate energy transfer efficiency (E%). Unquenched donor levels where established based on a novel algorithm, which corrects the FRET contamination of acceptor bleed-through and donor crosstalk. Using different emission filters also confirmed the veracity of the algorithm. 2-P FRET allows the selection of a specific donor wavelength, which does not precipitate acceptor bleed-through, a clear advantage over 1-P confocal microscopy. Results show that E% is independent of acceptor levels, an indication of a clustered distribution, as in random distribution E% rises with increasing acceptor levels. However, E% decreases with increasing donor and donor:acceptor ratio levels, which we have termed 'donor geometric exclusion', where some donors in a cluster block others from interacting with an acceptor. We submit that this is a second indicator for a clustered pattern, because in a random, dispersed situation donors are not likely to be in close proximity to have such an effect. We have developed a model explaining this phenomenon.
Allometry of shell and body weight in relation to shore level in the intertidal bivalve Geukensia demissa (Bivalvia: Mytilidae)

Abstract Absolute and allometric growth rates were determined for two shore-level populations of Geukensia demissa at a site within the Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NY). Growth rates of both shell and biomass decreased with increasing shore level, but annual growth increments as a proportion of size increased. Shell metrics (length, height, width, weight) did not differ between shore levels. However, shell weight was supported by a smaller biomass at the higher shore level than at the marsh edge. Dry body weight increases allometrically with shell length in Geukensia ( slope = 2.77). Gill height was greater at the higher site for mussels of equal length, and total gill area per gram of body weight was significantly greater at the higher site. Since gill area can be increased only by increasing shell length, mussels respond to shorter feeding periods at higher shore levels by maximizing shell growth at the expense of body growth (although both decrease).
Crystallization of solid-state materials via decomplexation of soluble complexes

A variety of compounds which are at best sparingly soluble in aqueous media may be readily brought into solution through the formation of soluble coordination complexes. Modification of experimental conditions through, e.g., dilution or slow removal of the complexing agent, leads to supersaturation and, consequently, crystallization of the original solid-state phase. This technique of decomplexation crystallization, both of simple inorganic coordination complexes and of complexes with macrocyclic organic chelating agents, offers the opportunity both to effect the recrystallization of sparingly soluble species and to modify their crystal morphology. Similarly, precursors for solid-state materials may be solubilized in nonaqueous solvents through the formation of soluble complexes and then allowed to undergo reaction crystallization, allowing the examination of both solvent effects and chelation effects on the morphology and phase of the resulting solid-state materials. These effects are often dramatic, and such complexation-mediated crystallization approaches offer promise for the facile preparation of metastable phases from simple precursors under ambient conditions.
Virtual imaging in sports broadcasting: an overview

Virtual imaging technology is being used to augment television broadcasts -- virtual objects are seamlessly inserted into the video stream to appear as real entities to TV audiences. Virtual advertisements, the main application of this technology, are providing opportunities to improve the commercial value of television programming while enhancing the contents and the entertainment aspect of these programs. State-of-the-art technologies, such as image recognition, motion tracking and chroma keying, are central to a virtual imaging system. This paper reviews the general framework, the key techniques, and the sports broadcasting applications of virtual imaging technology.
Stability of vitamin E in long-term stored serum

Stability is a critical consideration in biochemical quantitative analysis, but there have been few comprehensive long-term stability studies for any analyte. Knowing whether an analyte is stable during storage is critical for large-scale epidemiological studies in which sample collection and analysis may be separated by a long interval of storage time (under a variety of possible conditions). Another situation in which knowledge of stability is important is in studies that use for analysis specimen collections established perhaps years ago for other unrelated studies in which the donors have been followed longitudinally. This type of ‘retrospective-prospective’ study has been especially useful in examining the relationship between micronutrient levels in serum and cancer incidence [1,2]. The micronutrients that are of most interest in current hypotheses of carcinogenesis or chemoprevention are those with antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity, which include vitamins A and E. Though both are fat-soluble vitamins and strong antioxidants, serum levels of vitamin E depend directly on the vitamin E content of the diet, and a well-defined nutritional syndrome for vitamin E deficiency has not been delineated. Much interest has been generated in recent years in studies linking the relationship of serum vitamin E levels and the incidence of cancer [2,6-lo], using prediagnostic stored serum. Studies in this laboratory established that vitamin A in serum is extremely stable during long-term storage, even at -20 “C and despite several freeze-thaw cycles [3,4]. There are several reports of long-term vitamin A instability [5,6], but these findings may be due to breakdown of vitamin A by lipid peroxides that build up during storage and are only released during extraction prior to analysis. This degradation of vitamin A may be eliminated by the addition of ascorbic acid to the extraction medium (not to the fresh serum before storage). Vitamin E is not as stable as vitamin A in serum during long-term storage, possibly because vitamin E does not have a specific binding protein like retinol binding protein. In this report we describe storage conditions in which vitamin E
Partial fluoridation of hydrogarnet

Remplacement des tetraedres (OH) 4 4− dans la structure hydrogrenat par des tetraedres (LiF 4 ) 3− dans la structure cryolithionite. Variation du parametre cristallin dans la serie Na 3 Al 2 (LiF 4 ) 3 −Ca 3 Al 2 (OH) 12
Is TrpM5 a reliable marker for chemosensory cells? Multiple types of microvillous cells in the main olfactory epithelium of mice

In the past, ciliated receptor neurons, basal cells, and supporting cells were considered the principal components of the main olfactory epithelium. Several studies reported the presence of microvillous cells but their function is unknown. A recent report showed cells in the main olfactory epithelium that express the transient receptor potential channel TrpM5 claiming that these cells are chemosensory and that TrpM5 is an intrinsic signaling component of mammalian chemosensory organs. We asked whether the TrpM5-positive cells in the olfactory epithelium are microvillous and whether they belong to a chemosensory system, i.e. are olfactory neurons or trigeminally-innervated solitary chemosensory cells. We investigated the main olfactory epithelium of mice at the light and electron microscopic level and describe several subpopulations of microvillous cells. The ultrastructure of the microvillous cells reveals at least three morphologically different types two of which express the TrpM5 channel. None of these cells have an axon that projects to the olfactory bulb. Tests with a large panel of cell markers indicate that the TrpM5-positive cells are not sensory since they express neither neuronal markers nor are contacted by trigeminal nerve fibers. We conclude that TrpM5 is not a reliable marker for chemosensory cells. The TrpM5-positive cells of the olfactory epithelium are microvillous and may be chemoresponsive albeit not part of the sensory apparatus. Activity of these microvillous cells may however influence functionality of local elements of the olfactory system.
Influence of a single quantum dot state on the characteristics of a microdisk laser.

We report a quantum dot microcavity laser with a cw sub- lasing threshold, where a significant reduction of the lasing threshold is observed when a single quantum dot (QD) state is aligned with a cavity mode. The quality factor exceeds 15 000 before the system lases. When no QD states are resonant, below threshold the cavity mode initially degrades with increasing pump power, after which saturation occurs and then the cavity mode recovers. We associate the initial cavity mode spoiling with QD state broadening that occurs with increasing pump power.
Conformational stability from variable temperature infrared spectra of rare gas solutions of 2-chloro-3-fluoropropene

Variable temperature (−55 to −155 °C) infrared spectra of rare gas solutions of 2-chloro-3-fluoropropene, H2C=C(Cl)CH2F, have been recorded from 3500 to 400 cm−1. The relative intensities of 16 conformer pairs at ten different temperatures of a krypton solution have been measured and from these data an enthalpy difference of 271±27 cm−1 (3.17±0.32 kJ mol−1) has been obtained with the cis conformer the more stable form. Similar studies were also carried out in xenon and an enthalpy difference of 334±33 cm−1 (4.00±0.39 kJ mol−1) was obtained again with the cis conformer the more stable form. It is estimated that there is 35±2% of the gauche conformer present at ambient temperature. However, in the crystalline solid the gauche conformer is the stable rotamer. Extensive ab initio calculations with full electron correlation by the perturbation method at the MP2 level with a variety of basis sets as well as density functional theory calculations (DFT) by the B3LYP method have been carried out. Several of these calculations predict an energy difference in the range of 400 cm−1 with the cis form the more stable conformer but most of the predicted energy differences are significantly larger than the experimentally determined value. The spectroscopic and theoretical results are discussed and compared with the corresponding quantities for some similar molecules.
Lagged social-ecological responses to climate and range shifts in fisheries

While previous research has documented marine fish and invertebrates shifting poleward in response to warming climates, less is known about the response of fisheries to these changes. By examining fisheries in the northeastern United States over the last four decades of warming temperatures, we show that northward shifts in species distributions were matched by corresponding northward shifts in fisheries. The proportion of warm-water species caught in most states also increased through time. Most importantly, however, fisheries shifted only 10–30 % as much as their target species, and evidence suggested that economic and regulatory constraints played important roles in creating these lags. These lags may lead to overfishing and population declines if not accounted for in fisheries management and climate adaptation. In coupled natural-human systems such as fisheries, human actions play important roles in determining the sustainability of the system and, therefore, future conservation and climate mitigation planning will need to consider not only biophysical changes, but also human responses to these changes and the feedbacks that these responses have on ecosystems.
Recognition and detection of oligonucleotides in the presence of chromosomal DNA based on entrapment within conducting-polymer networks

Abstract Overlapping voltammetric signals, accrued from redox processes of nucleobases, do not permit discrimination between short oligonucleotides and chromosomal DNA molecules when conventional electrochemical techniques are used. This article describes a new genoelectronic route for discriminating between short oligonucleotides and chromosomal DNA, based on the polypyrrole (PPy) doping process. Such a route relies on the profound effect of short nucleic acid dopants upon the redox activity of PPy, and hence on the square-wave voltammetric signal of the polymer-modified electrode in a blank electrolyte solution. The electropolymeric growth of PPy thus serves for preferential accumulation (by doping) of short oligonucleotides. High selectivity is demonstrated for voltammetric measurements of oligo(dG)20 and oligo(dT)20 in the presence of otherwise interfering ss- and ds-DNA. The signals for the oligonucleotides are also not affected by a large excess of chloride or phosphate ions. The response of the new preconcentration (doping)–medium-exchange–voltammetric protocol is proportional to the concentration of the oligonucleotide dopant. Such a new recognition process, based on the doping of conducting-polymer networks, enhances the scope of electroanalysis of nucleic acids.
Understanding the Psychosocial Knowledge and Attitudes of School-Based Occupational Therapists

School-based occupational therapists feel ill-equipped to intervene with children who have emotional disturbance. In order to understand school-based occupational therapists’ psychosocial knowledge and attitudes, this mixed-methods study employed a phenomenological interview approach (N = 11) and a quantitative survey instrument (N = 630). Findings suggest that therapists do have child psychosocial knowledge but struggle to integrate this knowledge into practice. Commitment to holistic, occupation-based, and client-centered practice enables therapists to deal with the challenges of working with children with emotional disturbance. A reevaluation of academic curriculums and continuing education opportunities to ensure inclusion of child psychosocial knowledge is needed.
Pumping Iron Alters DNA Methylation

Epigenetic modifications of DNA are thought to be a mechanism by which gene expression is altered, resulting in changes in phenotypic traits. One of the easiest ways to assay epigenetic markers is DNA methylation. This can be determined by bisulfite treatment of DNA, which converts cytosine residues to uracil but leaves methylated cytosine unaffected. In new work, Ronn and colleagues report changes in DNA methylation in adipose tissue in healthy, sedentary men after 6 months of exercise. They nominate ~7600 genes with altered methylation with a false discovery rate of 0.05. Concurrently, about one-third of these genes show mRNA expression differences in the same individuals. For genes with evidence of differential methylation and expression, 61% showed inverse relationships between these two properties, which is consistent with the concept that average decreases in methylation yield increases in gene expression. Over the course of 6 months, the authors also collected a range of phenotypic data and show nominal reductions in waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, pulse, diastolic blood pressure, and maximum oxygen intake. These results are consistent with the positive impact of exercise on a range of metabolic phenotypes. With respect to translation, this approach holds promise for detailing the biological changes that occur as a consequence of an effective intervention. By assessing the DNA methylation and gene expression changes that occur in adipose tissue after exercise, the authors have pinpointed a set of genes that can be further evaluated to identify biological processes that underlie the positive benefits of exercise. Furthermore, the authors highlight the overlap between previously identified genes from genome-wide association studies of obesity and type II diabetes including KCNQ1 and TCF7L2 , suggesting that the interpretation of identified genetic variants may be enhanced by studying epigenetic changes in genes. T. Ronn et al ., A six months exercise intervention influences the genome-wide DNA methylation pattern in human adipose tissue. PLoS Genet . 9 e1003572, (2013). [[Full Text]][1] [1]: http://www.plosgenetics.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pgen.1003572
Oesophageal obstruction by a hairball in a cat

Oesophageal obstruction caused by a hairball is described in a nine-year-old Persian cat. Diagnosis was based upon radiological and oesophagoscopic findings. The obstruction was managed conservatively by forceps delivery of part of the hair, repulsion of the remainder into the stomach, and oral laxative medication. The fur was clipped prophylactically. At follow up one month later, oesophageal function was normal.
Glatiramer acetate-reactive peripheral blood mononuclear cells respond to multiple myelin antigens with a Th2-biased phenotype

Abstract One favored mechanism of action of glatiramer acetate (GA) in multiple sclerosis (MS) involves the induction of GA-reactive Th2 cells that are believed to enter the central nervous system and mediate bystander suppression in response to cross-reactive myelin antigens. To test this hypothesis, we examined the proliferative response and cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 12 MS patients treated with GA, in response to 16 myelin peptides that were previously described as immunodominant or encephalitogenic and a tetanus peptide as a control antigen. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and IL-5 (markers of Th1 and Th2 responses, respectively) were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). GA-stimulated PBMCs from 9 of 12 patients (75%) proliferated to one or more myelin peptides. Among the 16 peptides tested, GA-stimulated PBMCs from the majority of the patients proliferated in response to MOG21–44. PBMCs from two thirds of the patients produced IL-5 in response to myelin peptides, while half of them produced IFN-γ. Th1/Th0/Th2 cytokine phenotypes demonstrated that responses from 10 of 12 patients were either Th0- or Th2-biased. Responses from two patients were Th1-biased. Conversely, some myelin-specific T-cell lines (TCLs) responded to GA by proliferation (3 of 21 TCLs), IL-5 release (11 of 21 TCLs), and IFN-γ release (3 of 21 TCLs). These results indicate that GA-reactive TCLs can respond to a spectrum of myelin peptides in a Th2-biased fashion, which is consistent with the concept of bystander suppression. Furthermore, some myelin-specific TCLs are able to recognize GA, with a tendency to produce more IL-5 than IFN-γ, which would suggest a systemic modulatory effect of the drug.
Response effects of equated values of event frequency, repetition, and alternation in one-and two-cue probability learning

An experiment using 50 college students equated cue values of frequency, repetition, and alternation in one- and two-cue partially random sequences in order to determine whether the cues were responded to independently or in combination and to test earlier results concerning cue saliency. Using improved methods of data analysis, previous findings that repetition is more salient than frequency and frequency more salient than alternation were replicated. In spite of the saliency differences, the design employed demonstrated that both cues in two-cue sequences were responded to and that responses to one-cue appeared to be independent of responses to the other. Now at New York University.
Ventilation for control of indoor air quality: A case study

Abstract Dilution of indoor air contaminants with less contaminated outdoor air is the most common strategy for control of indoor air quality. Unfortunately this strategy frequently imposes a substantial energy burden. If the contaminants are associated with occupants and their activities, a ventilation control system based on the carbon dioxide level in the controlled space is shown to relieve this energy burden. A test was carried out in the Fridley, MN, Junior High School Music Department to obtain air quality, energy, and subjective response data on an Automatic Variable Ventilation System. A control system with both CO 2 and temperature inputs was devised to control the use of outdoor air. Infiltration measurements lead to a quantitative measure of ventil3tion efficiency. This in turn led to recommendations for air circulation patterns in rooms. The measured ventilation efficiency enabled energy and CO 2 models to fit measured data. Energy savings of approximately 20% were found for this application. Subjective response of the occupants also was measured. A special questionnaire, subjected to statistical analysis, showed that the subjects felt warmer with increased CO 2 in the room air.
Designing a learning curriculum and technology’s role in it

This paper presents a case study of the design and implementation of a master’s level research course. Factors that defined the curriculum design problem included the subject matter, a view of learning as a change in identity, and the role of technology in curriculum design. Both the design process and results of research on the implementation of the course are described. The paper concludes with a retrospective discussion of lessons learned, including parallels of (a) user-centered technology design with our final approach to curriculum design and (b) socially constructed views of technology with socially constructed views of learning.
Quantification of α-Synuclein Binding to Lipid Vesicles Using Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy

a-Synuclein (aS) is a soluble synaptic protein that is the major proteinaceous component of insoluble fibrillar Lewy body deposits that are the hallmark of Parkinson's disease. The interaction of aS with synaptic vesicles is thought to be critical both to its normal function as well as to its pathological role in Parkinson's disease. We demonstrate the use of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy as a tool for rapid and quantitative analysis of the binding of aS to large unilamellar vesicles of various lipid compositions. We find that aS binds preferentially to vesicles containing acidic lipids, and that this interaction can be blocked by increasing the concentration of NaCl in solution. Negative charge is not the only factor determining binding, as we clearly observe binding to vesicles composed entirely of zwitterionic lipids. Additionally, we find enhanced binding to lipids with less bulky headgroups. Quantification of the protein-to-lipid ratio required for binding to different lipid compositions, combined with other data in the literature, yields an upper bound estimate for the number of lipid molecules required to bind each individual molecule of aS. Our results demonstrate that fluorescence correlation spectroscopy provides a powerful tool for the quantitative characterization of aS-lipid interactions.
Impact of intraoperative administration of local vancomycin on inguinal wound complications

Objective Local vancomycin treatment has been shown to decrease sternal wound complication rates. Whether a similar effect can be achieved at other surgical sites is unknown. This study investigates the effect of local vancomycin on inguinal wound complication rates after vascular procedures. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on 454 patients who underwent open aortofemoral or infrainguinal vascular procedures between 2006 and 2011. Patients received preoperative systemic antibiotics either alone (group A) or in conjunction with intraoperative wound application of vancomycin powder and irrigation (group B). Inguinal wound infection and dehiscence over a 30-day period were recorded. Fisher exact test and multivariate regression analyses were performed. Results There were 211 patients in group A and 243 patients in group B. Both groups had similar demographics and operative characteristics. There was a small but statistically significant decrease in the 30-day incidence of overall wound infections (25.1% vs 17.2%; P = .049) for group B patients. This was primarily due to a decreased rate in superficial infections (18.9% vs 11.5%; P = .033). No significant difference in the incidence of deep wound infections (6.1% vs 5.7%; P = .692) or overall dehiscence rates (22.2% vs 17.7%; P = .239) was detected. On multivariate analysis, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and increased body mass index significantly increased risk of both infection and dehiscence. Medically optimized coronary artery disease was associated with less risk for dehiscence. Conclusions Addition of intraoperative local vancomycin did not improve the rates of inguinal wound dehiscence or deep infections but had a positive impact on superficial wound infections.
Scalable and robust image compression using quadtrees

We introduce a new scalable image encoding technique which is geared to support image communication over unreliable channels. Our image encoding technique is based on the quadtree representation of images and vector quantization. We use a mean-removal technique to separate the means image and the difference image. The difference image is then encoded as a breadth-first traversal of the quadtree corresponding to the image. Vector quantization is then used to compress the quadtree nodes based on the spatial locality of the quadtree data. The number of bits allocated to each node varies in each level according to its priority. We show that this encoding is time-efficient to generate. In addition, we demonstrate its ability to tolerate and conceal error. Moreover, we illustrate the ability of our encoding technique to react to changing network traffic patterns. The new encoding technique proved to perform well in all aspects. We plan to use this image encoding technique as the basis for deriving a new family of scalable and robust video encoding techniques.
Isolation and characterization of AS-1, a phycovirus infecting the blue-green algae, Anacystis nidulans and Synechococcus cedrorum.

A blue-green algal (BGA) virus (AS-1) which infects the unicellular algae, Anacystis nidulans and Synechococcus cedrorum, has been isolated from a waste stabilization pond. We propose the AS-1 virus as the prototype of a new BGA viral class. The AS-1 particle contains double-stranded DNA and appears polyhedral in structure with a contractile tail. It has a head edge-to-edge diameter of 900 A, a tail length of 2435 A, and a tail width of 225 A. Magnesium ions are not required for stabilization of the virus, while NaCl increases its adsorption rate by 34%. AS-1 has a latent period of 8.5 hr, a rise period of an additional 7.5 hr and an average burst size of 50 PFU/infected cell.
Computer-based methods for measuring joint space and estimating erosion volume in the finger and wrist joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective This study was conducted 1) to determine the feasibility of using computer programs to measure radiographic joint space width and estimate erosion volume in the hands of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 2) to compare the new computer-based methods with established scoring methods. Methods To measure the joint space width in the finger and wrist joints of RA patients, hand and wrist radiographic films were scanned using a tabletop scanner and analyzed with programs written using the “macro” capabilities of NIH Image software. Estimation of erosion volume was determined by utilizing gray-scale intensity to calibrate bone density units per mm3, which made possible comparisons between the erosions and noneroded, anatomically similar sites. Results In 3 sets of duplicate measurements of joint space width on 79, 48, and 48 finger and wrist joints, the mean absolute deviation from the mean of the 2 measurements was 0.036 mm (SD 0.034), 0.032 mm (SD 0.049), and 0.021 mm (SD 0.016), respectively. Joint space measurements and scoring of joint space narrowing both demonstrated a difference between active treatment and placebo in an old trial set on gold therapy (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively). Two repeated measurements of bone density units in the bones of 3 different hands differed from the mean of the measurement by 2.29–4.04%. In 2 experiments, estimates of erosion volume showed a greater difference between gold therapy and placebo than did erosion scores in the trial set (P = 0.049 and P = 0.016 versus P = 0.27). Conclusion Computer-based methods for measuring finger and wrist joint spaces and estimating erosion volume in patients with RA agree with the results of radiographic scoring of erosions and joint space narrowing.
Novel Chirp and Compensate Scheme to Enhance Fast Light in a Semiconductor Optical Amplifier

A chirp-and-compensate scheme is employed to increase the advance-bandwidth product of 400 fs pulses in a semiconductor optical amplifier as well as to realize tunable delay, producing a record temporal shift of 10.7 pulses.
Market prospects, design features, and performance of a fuel cell-powered scooter

Abstract This study investigates the market opportunities, the design features, and the technical performance of a scooter powered by Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Market research was conducted in Bangkok, Thailand. A low-power scooter was designed and tested for the analysis. It is based on more extensive research at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University [W. Colella, Fuel Cell Powered Scooters, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 1997].
Parenting Attitudes and the Self-Esteem of Young Children

In the present study, the association between adults' parenting attitudes and the self-esteem of their male and female first- and second-grade children was explored with careful attention paid to the measurement instruments selected for use
Survival and Growth of Subyearling Steelhead Homozygous for Alternative Alleles at the Dipeptidase Locus

Abstract Juvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss (formerly Salmo gairdneri) that were homozygous for two alternative alleles at the dipeptidase locus were released into stream sections of the Palouse River drainage, Idaho, to test the neutrality of the alleles with respect to survival or growth. After 4 months in the stream sections, juveniles homozygous for either of the two major alleles did not differ in mortality, length, or weight.
Multiple left ventricular diverticuli in an asymptomatic adult: case report and review of the literature.

Left ventricular (LV) diverticulum is a rare congenital abnormality for which the etiology, management, and natural history are very poorly understood. Although most often observed as a single diverticulum, we report a case of multiple LV diverticuli in an asymptomatic adult referred for coronary evaluation due to an abnormal electrocardiogram. LV diverticuli are often associated with other congenital malformations, but can also be found in isolation. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging provides enhanced ability to determine size, location, and morphological characteristics, which may improve lesion assessment and management. A review of the condition and reported complications is discussed. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Secondary electron emission from lunar soil: Yields, energy distributions, and charging effects

We report the electron emission and charging of sub-mature lunar highland soil 61241 by electron impact under ultra-high vacuum for 40–2000 eV electrons. The energy distribution of emitted secondary electrons was measured as a function of primary electron energy under neutral charging conditions, and electron energy loss spectroscopy was used to determine the ∼8 eV band gap. Total electron yields were obtained with low electron fluxes. Imaging the soil with a Scanning Auger Microprobe using 10 keV electrons revealed differential grain motion induced by charging in ultra-high vacuum.
Software complexity and Ada rendezvous: metrics based on nondeterminism

Abstract It is recognized that concurrent and distributed software systems characterized by intertask communication present significant difficulties for development and maintenance. Yet research in the area of software complexity is almost nonexistent for this type of software. In this article, nondeterminism is identified as a key contributing factor to concurrent-software complexity. Using Ada as a model language allowing for intertask communication, we discuss language constructs contributing to nondeterminism and derive some complexity measures based on these programming constructs. A discussion of both theoretical and empirical evaluations of the measures are presented.
The phytochromes: A biochemical mechanism of signaling in sight?

The biochemical mechanism by which the phytochrome family of plant sensory photoreceptors transmit perceived informational light signals downstream to transduction pathway components is undertermined. The recent sequencing of the entire genome of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis, however, has revealed a protein that has an NH2-terminal domain with striking sequence similarity to the photosensory NH2-terminal domain of the phytochromes, and a COOH-terminal domain strongly related to the transmitter histidine kinase module of bacterial two-component sensors. The Synechocystis protein is capable of autocatalytic chromophore ligation and exhibits photoreversible light-absorption changes analogous to the phytochromes, indicating its capacity to function as an informational photoreceptor. Together with earlier observations that the COOH-terminal domains of the plant phytochromes also have sequence similarity to the histidine kinases, these data suggest that the cyanobacteria utilize photoregulated histidine kinases as a sensory system and that the plant phytochromes may be evolutionary descendants of these photoreceptors.
High incidence of catheter-associated venous thromboembolic events in patients with long gap esophageal atresia treated with the Foker process.

Abstract Purpose To determine the incidence of catheter-associated venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in long gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) patients treated at Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) and to identify possible risk factors associated with their development. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of LGEA patients from 2005 to 2012. Symptomatic VTEs with radiographic confirmation were defined as events. Potential risk factors were assessed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Covariates included age, weight, initial gap length, cumulative days of pharmacologic paralysis and paralytic episodes, number and type of central venous catheters (CVCs), and number of operations. Results Forty-four LGEA patients were identified. The incidence of CVC associated VTE was 34%. Univariate analysis identified age at Foker 1 ( P =.03), paralysis duration ( P =.01), episodes of paralysis ( P =.001), cumulative number of CVC ( P =.007) and length of stay ( P =.03) as significant. Multivariate logistic regression identified the number of paralytic episodes as the only significant independent risk factor for VTE ( P Conclusions The incidence of symptomatic VTE was 34%, significantly higher than the VTE incidence of 4.5% reported for our other hospitalized children. These data have led to multidisciplinary discussions regarding thromboprophylaxis and development of a consensus-driven protocol. Since the initiation of this protocol, no VTEs have been identified.
A theory of patterns

Abstract We develop a theory for the analysis of a class of patterns generated on planar isotropic systems. It is developed in the envelope function formalism and applies to patterns that are locally striped. While parameters of the theoretical model depend on the microscopic details of each physical system, its general form depends only on the symmetries of the system. This is suggested to be the reason for the (qualitative) universality of patterns seen in disparate systems.
Effects of microstructure on mixed-mode, high-cycle fatigue crack-growth thresholds in Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Effect of microstructure on mixed-mode (mode I + II), high-cycle fatigue thresholds in a Ti-6Al-4V alloy is reported over a range of crack sizes from tens of micrometers to in excess of several millimeters. Specifically, two microstructural conditions were examined-a fine-grained equiaxed bimodal structure (grain size ∼20 μm) and a coarser lamellar structure (colony size ∼500 μm). Studies were conducted over a range of mode-mixities, from pure mode I (ΔK II /ΔK I = 0) to nearly pure mode II (ΔK II / ΔK I ∼7.1), at load ratios (minimum load/maximum load) between 0.1 and 0.8, with thresholds characterized in terms of the strain-energy release rate (ΔG) incorporating both tensile and shear-loading components. In the presence of through-thickness cracks-large (> 4 mm) compared to microstructural dimensions-significant effects of mode-mixity and load ratio were observed for both microstructures, with the lamellar alloy generally displaying the better resistance. However, these effects were substantially reduced if allowance was made for crack-tip shielding. Additionally, when thresholds were measured in the presence of cracks comparable to microstructural dimensions, specifically short (∼200 μm) through-thickness cracks and microstructurally small (< 50 μm) surface cracks, where the influence of crack-tip shielding would be minimal, such effects were similarly markedly reduced. Moreover, small-crack ΔG TH thresholds were some 50-90 times smaller than corresponding large crack values. Such effects are discussed in terms of the dominant role of mode I behaviour and the effects of microstructure (in relation to crack size) in promoting crack-tip shielding that arises from significant changes in the crack path in the two structures.
Gastrostomy tube placement by endoscopy versus radiologic methods in patients with ALS: A retrospective study of complications and outcome

Gastrostomy tube placement for malnutrition and weight loss stabilization occurs in many patients with ALS. We sought to compare the outcome and complications of gastrostomy tube placement by endoscopic (PEG) and multiple radiologic (RIG) methods in ALS patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on all ALS patients evaluated at Northwestern University who received gastrostomy tubes between January 2009 and March 2012. One hundred and eight gastrostomy tube attempts were made on a total of 100 different patients. Failed gastrostomy tube placement occurred in 15.7% of PEGs and 1.9% of RIGs. Post-procedure aspiration was recognized after 10.5% PEG and 0 RIG attempts. Multivariate analysis revealed a linear increase in risk of post-procedure aspiration for every increase in ALSFRS swallow score. No statistically significant differences in failure or complications were observed when comparing two different methods of RIG (push-type vs. pull-type). Our findings support gastrostomy tube placement by radiographic methods in ALS patients. Gastrostomy tube placement by RIG was more often successful and less often associated with aspiration. Our findings add to the growing body of literature that argues for early gastrostomy tube placement in young patients with prominent bulbar involvement.
Widening the spectrum of human genetic variation

SNP genotyping platforms have been used to discover ∼1,000 deletion structural variants within the human genome, with median lengths ranging from 500 bp to 10.5 kb. Analyses of a subset of these provide compelling evidence of linkage disequilibrium with flanking SNPs.
Incorporating friction and collective shear moves into a lattice gas.

Here we examine a lattice-gas model that has been extended to include collective shear moves and friction interactions between particles. A shearlike field is applied by periodically translating entire subsections of the lattice with respect to one another, as opposed to biasing the individual movements of particles. Friction is introduced by forming a network of temporary bonds between particles that prevent particles from moving along with the flow. The extent of the network is controlled by the sticking parameter, P stk . We find that there are two distinct phases in the model: an isotropic phase that exhibits only small fluctuations in local density, and a striped phase that features one or more large clusters of particles that span the system. We examine the transition between these two phases using the radial distribution function. By introducing a measure of viscosity, we examine the relationship between the viscosity and shear rate for many different densities and values of P stk , and pursue an analogy to colloidal shear-thickening systems.
Basilar artery stenosis: clinical and neuroradiographic features.

Introduction: Although basilar artery stenosis (BAS) is an important cause of posterior circulation stroke, few reports detail the clinical and neuroradiological features of patients with BAS. Methods : A retrospective review of symptomatic BAS patients who were evaluated by our Stroke Center. Results : Twenty-eight patients were followed-up for a median of 16 months. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) specific for posterior circulation involvement were common (12/19 patients with TIA), were often multiple, and frequently preceded a posterior circulation stroke. The proximal (13/28) and mid (10/28) basilar arteries were the most common sites of stenosis. Brain infarction most often affected the pons, but also frequently involved the cerebellum and thalamus. Concomitant vertebral artery disease was prevalent (12/18 patients who underwent conventional cerebral angiography). Stroke mechanisms included artery to artery embolus, basilar branch disease, and hypoperfusion. The same-territory recurrent stroke rate was 8.2% per year. Most patients in the series were treated with warfarin. No patients suffered a recurrent stroke while on a therapeutic dose of warfarin (international normalized ratio [INR], 2.0 to 3.0). Angioplasty was performed in 6 patients. Conclusions : The same-territory stroke recurrence rate was 8.2% per year. Warfarin (INR, 2.0 to 3.0) appeared to be effective in preventing recurrent strokes. Angioplasty of the basilar artery was technically feasible. Symptomatic BAS typically affected the proximal and mid-basilar artery and most often caused infarction in the pons. The mechanisms for stroke were heterogeneous. TIAs frequently preceded a posterior circulation stroke.
Inhibition of Canalization in Rat Seminiferous Cords by Medroxyprogesterone Acetate

Due to interest in progestins as male contraceptives, Provera was used to study lumen formation in seminiferous cords. Seven day old rats received daily subcutaneous Depo Provera injections (500 μg/100 g b. w.). At 23 and 28 days of age testes from treated and control animals were prepared for 1 μ plastic sections. At least 100 cross sections of seminiferous cords and tubules were studied in each animal and the per cent of tubules with lumens was calculated. Lumen formation was significantly retarded in the experimental animals. At 23 days tubules in the treated and control animals comprise 7.5 ± 4.1 and 33.3 ± 13.6 % respectively, and at 28 days 15.8 ± 8.3 and 47.5 ± 16.0%. Another series of animals received daily doses of FSH (12.5 μg/100 g b. w.) and LH (50 μg/100 g b. w.) with Depo Provera. Lumen formation in this series was similar to that in animals receiving Depo Provera alone.
Automated routing protocol selection in mobile ad hoc networks

Many protocols exist for supporting routing in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). Selecting a particular protocol for an application or deployment environment involves evaluating many complex inter-dependent tradeoffs and can be an overwhelming task for an application designer. However, this decision can have a significant impact on the success of a system in terms of performance, cost, and responsiveness. This paper introduces a design tool that automates this evaluation process by controlling for environmental and usage properties of an intended deployment. This provides the foundation for a highly adaptive protocol suite that lever-ages the relative benefits of competing communication paradigms.
From creating virtual gestures to "writing" in sign languages

Sign languages have been proven to be natural languages, as capable of expressing human thoughts and emotions as traditional languages are. The distinct visual and spatial nature of sign languages seems to be an insurmountable barrier for developing a sign language "word processor". However, we argue that with the advancement of computer graphics technology and graphical implementations of linguistic results obtained from the study of sign languages, "writing" in a sign language should not be difficult. We have pursued exploratory work in constructing virtual gestures, applying hand constraints to facilitate the creation of natural gestures, and combining these gestures into meaningful American Sign Language (ASL) parts that follow the ASL Movement-Hold model. The results, although preliminary, are encouraging. We believe that space effective sign language composition is possible space with the implementation of easy-to-use graphical user interfaces and the development of specialized data management methods.
Modeling of Multiband Transmission in Long Silicon Coupled-Resonator Optical Waveguides

Large-scale multiresonator photonic devices and circuits cannot be efficiently modeled using finite-difference or finite-element methods alone. An improved transfer-matrix simulation method is used to show excellent agreement with measurements of multiband transmission and group delay characteristics in long silicon coupled-resonator optical waveguides.
Study of Hilar Masses by Angiocardiography

Reports of four patients demonstrate the value of angiocardiography in the diagnosis of hilar masses. Two patients had large pulmonary arteries after initial diagnoses of carcinoma; hilar tumors were erroneously called large pulmonary arteries in the other two patients. Pulmonary angiocardiography is more valuable than routine x-ray films and laminography in the definition of hilar masses.